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Sweethearts and Snowflakes: A Christmas Pride and Prejudice Variation
A sparkling, lighthearted holiday sequel to Jane Austen’s
Pride and Prejudice
The first Christmas after Mr Darcy weds Elizabeth Bennet will be one to remember. While Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine de Bourgh do their best to cause mischief, Elizabeth plans to enjoy her first Christmas as the lady of Pemberley with beloved family and friends around her. Though Mary Bennet is glad to be one of them, she never expected that love was waiting for her at Pemberley, or indeed anywhere at all…
Sweethearts and Snowflakes is a sweet standalone Pride and Prejudice Variation. It takes place after the events of Pride and Prejudice and is almost a true sequel, having been inspired by Elizabeth’s letter to Mrs Gardiner and taking only minor liberties with the epilogue. It is best enjoyed by readers in search of a clean and wholesome holiday tale that is low-angst and low-conflict.
Join Mary Bennet as she discovers the joy of Christmas at Pemberley…and the astonishing power of love.
The first Christmas after Mr Darcy weds Elizabeth Bennet will be one to remember. While Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine de Bourgh do their best to cause mischief, Elizabeth plans to enjoy her first Christmas as the lady of Pemberley with beloved family and friends around her. Though Mary Bennet is glad to be one of them, she never expected that love was waiting for her at Pemberley, or indeed anywhere at all…
Sweethearts and Snowflakes is a sweet standalone Pride and Prejudice Variation. It takes place after the events of Pride and Prejudice and is almost a true sequel, having been inspired by Elizabeth’s letter to Mrs Gardiner and taking only minor liberties with the epilogue. It is best enjoyed by readers in search of a clean and wholesome holiday tale that is low-angst and low-conflict.
Join Mary Bennet as she discovers the joy of Christmas at Pemberley…and the astonishing power of love.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2023
86 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Amelia Westerly
8 books10 followersAmelia Westerly lives in the Pacific Northwest with her two lordly cats, Edmond and Wentworth. She likes walking on rocky beaches and thinking about times gone by. Her other passions include tea, music of all kinds, and Jane Austen’s wonderful novels.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 16, 2024
This is a lovely little Christmas story wherein Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy are hosting a house party comprised of various family members and friends in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Jane and Charles Bingley, Caroline Bingley, and Colonel Fitzwilliam are coming, as is the Gardiner family, who will bring Mary Bennet with them. There is a new parson at Kympton, Mr. Lewis, and he is invited to join the gathering, as well. Georgiana, of course, lives at Pemberley, and is part of the group.
Although the ongoing love between the Darcys is a significant part of the story, its primary focus is actually Mary Bennet. She is delighted to be coming to Derbyshire, even if it's only to be for two weeks. At Longbourn, her mother disparages her looks and her father dismisses her attempts to discuss books with him. When she is about to arrive at Pemberley, she becomes anxious, certain that she'll embarrass herself--if she garners any notice at all. Instead, she's greeted with warmth, is listened to attentively with respect, and quickly bonds with Georgiana over their shared love of music. Mr. Lewis arrives and she feels an instant attraction to him but can't believe such a desirable man would look twice at her.
Although she doesn't realize it, the attraction is mutual. Mr. Lewis becomes increasingly impressed by Mary's insight into Scripture and enjoys discussing books and philosophy with her. As his parents had married in haste and were woefully mismatched, he has a very deliberate approach to marriage, determined not to make the same mistake. Miss Bennet is an appealing prospect and he would like to spend enough time with her to be certain that they suit. However, considering how well her two older sisters married, he isn't sure how to proceed; perhaps the attentions of a mere parson would not be welcome.
There's lots of bright holiday cheer in the story with much interplay among all the attendees. Miss Bingley is the only irritant in the group. She may be resigned to Mr. Darcy's marriage to Elizabeth, but she still has a sharp tongue, sliding little digs in whenever she finds the opportunity. Colonel Fitzwilliam is her new marital target, and he's just as resistant to her charms as Darcy had been.
The novella is nicely written, and I found it to be a quick read. Content is clean.
Although the ongoing love between the Darcys is a significant part of the story, its primary focus is actually Mary Bennet. She is delighted to be coming to Derbyshire, even if it's only to be for two weeks. At Longbourn, her mother disparages her looks and her father dismisses her attempts to discuss books with him. When she is about to arrive at Pemberley, she becomes anxious, certain that she'll embarrass herself--if she garners any notice at all. Instead, she's greeted with warmth, is listened to attentively with respect, and quickly bonds with Georgiana over their shared love of music. Mr. Lewis arrives and she feels an instant attraction to him but can't believe such a desirable man would look twice at her.
Although she doesn't realize it, the attraction is mutual. Mr. Lewis becomes increasingly impressed by Mary's insight into Scripture and enjoys discussing books and philosophy with her. As his parents had married in haste and were woefully mismatched, he has a very deliberate approach to marriage, determined not to make the same mistake. Miss Bennet is an appealing prospect and he would like to spend enough time with her to be certain that they suit. However, considering how well her two older sisters married, he isn't sure how to proceed; perhaps the attentions of a mere parson would not be welcome.
There's lots of bright holiday cheer in the story with much interplay among all the attendees. Miss Bingley is the only irritant in the group. She may be resigned to Mr. Darcy's marriage to Elizabeth, but she still has a sharp tongue, sliding little digs in whenever she finds the opportunity. Colonel Fitzwilliam is her new marital target, and he's just as resistant to her charms as Darcy had been.
The novella is nicely written, and I found it to be a quick read. Content is clean.
December 27, 2023
It's Christmas season at Pemberley and joining the Darcys are Mary Bennet, the Colonel, Caroline, Jane & Bingley and the Kympton Vicar, Mr. Lewis.
This story is mainly Mary's as she expands her interests: learning to play the harp with Georgiana's instruction and finding romance, even giving the Vicar advice about his one sermon.
As Mary and Lewis find much to admire and an attraction, they find they are not ready to commit to an engagement as they have known each other only 2 weeks.
Elizabeth makes some changes in her relationship with Mary as she realizes that her father is at fault for many of her opinions.
We find Mary repeating to herself all the negative opinions stated by her mother, true or not.
Mary is a neglected character in most of JAFF so this was a refreshing change.
This story is mainly Mary's as she expands her interests: learning to play the harp with Georgiana's instruction and finding romance, even giving the Vicar advice about his one sermon.
As Mary and Lewis find much to admire and an attraction, they find they are not ready to commit to an engagement as they have known each other only 2 weeks.
Elizabeth makes some changes in her relationship with Mary as she realizes that her father is at fault for many of her opinions.
We find Mary repeating to herself all the negative opinions stated by her mother, true or not.
Mary is a neglected character in most of JAFF so this was a refreshing change.
December 28, 2023
A Very Merry Holiday Season For Mary!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Sequel, Secondary Character
THE PREMISE: Alongside the Gardiners and the Bingleys, Mary Bennet is invited to Pemberley for Christmas. In between merry-making and festive fun, Mary makes some important discoveries about herself, what she values, and what she wants. And amongst the guests at Pemberley is someone who already finds Mary admirable and worthy just as she is…
MY THOUGHTS:
Christmas at Pemberley ✅ A sequel featuring Mary Bennet ✅ A charming holiday novella complete with merriment and romance ✅ What a perfect book to pick up during the busy hustle and bustle of December. Mary is one of my favorite secondary characters to read about, and I love the idea of her finding romance and happiness amidst festive celebrations at Pemberley.
The two weeks Mary spends at Pemberley have a great impact on her life. She is not belittled or ignored, she forms closer attachments to both Elizabeth and Georgiana, and she does a lot of introspective reflection about herself. I loved seeing Mary’s growth. Her period of self-discovery and improvement is so inspiring to witness. I appreciated how she became self-aware of her need for praise and recognition, and how she realized that outward praises shouldn’t be her prime motivation for anything. That she should instead pursue accomplishments or skills for the joy they can bring to herself and to others. I loved seeing Mary grow and develop like this – I admired how clear-sighted she became and how she developed natural modesty and learned to value sincere attachments.
Mr. Lewis – the newly appointed parson in Kympton is a new character introduced in this story. He is thoughtful, sensitive, and kind. He finds a lot to admire in our dear Mary, and I appreciated his cautious perception when it comes to marriage. Like Mary, he has witnessed the evils of a marriage without respect, esteem, or affection and is taking careful measures to ensure he finds conjugal felicity. I enjoyed Mr. Lewis’s steady and gentle manner. I love how observed so much about Mary and was quick to perceive her experiences and emotions. I will say his feelings did develop very quickly though- almost instantly. And while that is wonderful for Mary and fits very neatly into a novella time-frame – I tend to prefer stories where feelings and relationships develop more gradually.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
📖 ‘Tis the season for happy, light-hearted holiday reads!
🎄 Sleigh rides, snow, and singing carols – I loved witnessing these characters celebrate the simple joys of the festive season.
⭐️ A more mature and mindful Mary shines like the brightest star as she gains new perspectives about life, others, and herself.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Sequel, Secondary Character
THE PREMISE: Alongside the Gardiners and the Bingleys, Mary Bennet is invited to Pemberley for Christmas. In between merry-making and festive fun, Mary makes some important discoveries about herself, what she values, and what she wants. And amongst the guests at Pemberley is someone who already finds Mary admirable and worthy just as she is…
MY THOUGHTS:
Christmas at Pemberley ✅ A sequel featuring Mary Bennet ✅ A charming holiday novella complete with merriment and romance ✅ What a perfect book to pick up during the busy hustle and bustle of December. Mary is one of my favorite secondary characters to read about, and I love the idea of her finding romance and happiness amidst festive celebrations at Pemberley.
The two weeks Mary spends at Pemberley have a great impact on her life. She is not belittled or ignored, she forms closer attachments to both Elizabeth and Georgiana, and she does a lot of introspective reflection about herself. I loved seeing Mary’s growth. Her period of self-discovery and improvement is so inspiring to witness. I appreciated how she became self-aware of her need for praise and recognition, and how she realized that outward praises shouldn’t be her prime motivation for anything. That she should instead pursue accomplishments or skills for the joy they can bring to herself and to others. I loved seeing Mary grow and develop like this – I admired how clear-sighted she became and how she developed natural modesty and learned to value sincere attachments.
Mr. Lewis – the newly appointed parson in Kympton is a new character introduced in this story. He is thoughtful, sensitive, and kind. He finds a lot to admire in our dear Mary, and I appreciated his cautious perception when it comes to marriage. Like Mary, he has witnessed the evils of a marriage without respect, esteem, or affection and is taking careful measures to ensure he finds conjugal felicity. I enjoyed Mr. Lewis’s steady and gentle manner. I love how observed so much about Mary and was quick to perceive her experiences and emotions. I will say his feelings did develop very quickly though- almost instantly. And while that is wonderful for Mary and fits very neatly into a novella time-frame – I tend to prefer stories where feelings and relationships develop more gradually.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
📖 ‘Tis the season for happy, light-hearted holiday reads!
🎄 Sleigh rides, snow, and singing carols – I loved witnessing these characters celebrate the simple joys of the festive season.
⭐️ A more mature and mindful Mary shines like the brightest star as she gains new perspectives about life, others, and herself.
November 13, 2023
Avid Reader
Such a sweet novella, where Mary Bennet does find love with a man who admires her for who she already is. Georgina teaches her how to play the harp. Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins add a dose of humor to the story, but that is about all. Miss Bingley learns that she is winning nothing in her attitude towards life and others. Mary learns a great deal about herself as she converses with Mr. Lewis, Georgina, and Elizabeth. Excellent book!
Such a sweet novella, where Mary Bennet does find love with a man who admires her for who she already is. Georgina teaches her how to play the harp. Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins add a dose of humor to the story, but that is about all. Miss Bingley learns that she is winning nothing in her attitude towards life and others. Mary learns a great deal about herself as she converses with Mr. Lewis, Georgina, and Elizabeth. Excellent book!
dnf-skimmed-or-free-samples
November 13, 2023I left off reading at the end of the free sample but it is not to be taken as criticism. I am not saying it was bad, just that I didn't buy and finish it. It seems to be shaping up to be a sweet Christmas story.
This reader is hopeful that Mary Bennet will find love with the man who holds the living at Kympton. The author's previous book had a very confusing timeline but this seemed more straightforward, being a post-canon sequel. The writing is pretty polished.
My pointless history nitpick:
Somebody's playing Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming.
While this is an old German song that has been documented in print for the first time in 1599, this English translation was written in 1894 and assuming the story is set in the Regency, wouldn't have been out yet. (I know, I know, nobody cares....)
This reader is hopeful that Mary Bennet will find love with the man who holds the living at Kympton. The author's previous book had a very confusing timeline but this seemed more straightforward, being a post-canon sequel. The writing is pretty polished.
My pointless history nitpick:
Somebody's playing Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming.
While this is an old German song that has been documented in print for the first time in 1599, this English translation was written in 1894 and assuming the story is set in the Regency, wouldn't have been out yet. (I know, I know, nobody cares....)
December 13, 2023
A very Mary Christmas Tale
A charming story that delves into Mary's perspective of her sisters after the events of the original novel. We get to know Mary better as she does so herself. Mary's sense of self improves as her relationship with Elizabeth grows over the first Christmas at Pemberley. I would increase my rating to 4* from its current 3.5* if scattered errors in proofreading were remedied. I enjoyed this author's writing and tone of the story.
A charming story that delves into Mary's perspective of her sisters after the events of the original novel. We get to know Mary better as she does so herself. Mary's sense of self improves as her relationship with Elizabeth grows over the first Christmas at Pemberley. I would increase my rating to 4* from its current 3.5* if scattered errors in proofreading were remedied. I enjoyed this author's writing and tone of the story.
December 12, 2023
Adorable
This was such a sweet and refreshing read and just a perfect dose of adorable in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the end of the year. I started reading this on my lunch break and then had to take an extra long break to finish it. I find it so hard to believe story lines where Caroline takes a turn towards redemption, and sighed during her conversation with Elizabeth but then her being so Caroline without intending to was just so fabulous and rang so true. This was a great read.
This was such a sweet and refreshing read and just a perfect dose of adorable in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the end of the year. I started reading this on my lunch break and then had to take an extra long break to finish it. I find it so hard to believe story lines where Caroline takes a turn towards redemption, and sighed during her conversation with Elizabeth but then her being so Caroline without intending to was just so fabulous and rang so true. This was a great read.
December 10, 2023
A joyful book where we see Mary come into her own, Elizabeth grow in understanding, and even Miss Bingley starts to reform her character. I enjoyed reading the affectionate discussions of the family gathered at Pemberley.
February 20, 2024
Wonderful
A highly predictable, but poignant and heartwarming tale by an author I'm reading for the first time. I'm impressed, and look forward to more from her. The December after Elizabeth and Darcy are married, they have a house party leading up to Christmas. The Gardiners, Mary Bennett, Jane, Bingley, Caroline, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Mr Lewis, the parson at Kympton, all join Darcy, Elizabeth, and Georgiana at Pemberly.
There's a small side story involving the snooty and caustic Caroline Bingley trying too hard to get the attention of our beloved Colonel. However, this book is about Mary. She's immediately attracted to Mr Lewis, and the feeling is mutual. We start off with Mary as we know her, a young woman with low self esteem, and who isn't at all sure of her place or her importance in the family. With the help of her relations and Mr Lewis, Mary goes on a quick journey of self discovery, and begins to awaken to certain truths and possibilities. Removed from those at Longbourn who were so dismissive of her, Mary has a unique opportunity to blossom and come to understand her value. The input from Elizabeth, Jane, Mrs Gardiner, Darcy, and Mr Lewis was superb and touching.
This is an introspective type of story with just a small amount of angst. It's clear from the start what the outcome will be, but the road to resolution of wonderful, and the romance is lovely. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for a pleasant way to pass some time. Just keep the tissues handy!
A highly predictable, but poignant and heartwarming tale by an author I'm reading for the first time. I'm impressed, and look forward to more from her. The December after Elizabeth and Darcy are married, they have a house party leading up to Christmas. The Gardiners, Mary Bennett, Jane, Bingley, Caroline, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Mr Lewis, the parson at Kympton, all join Darcy, Elizabeth, and Georgiana at Pemberly.
There's a small side story involving the snooty and caustic Caroline Bingley trying too hard to get the attention of our beloved Colonel. However, this book is about Mary. She's immediately attracted to Mr Lewis, and the feeling is mutual. We start off with Mary as we know her, a young woman with low self esteem, and who isn't at all sure of her place or her importance in the family. With the help of her relations and Mr Lewis, Mary goes on a quick journey of self discovery, and begins to awaken to certain truths and possibilities. Removed from those at Longbourn who were so dismissive of her, Mary has a unique opportunity to blossom and come to understand her value. The input from Elizabeth, Jane, Mrs Gardiner, Darcy, and Mr Lewis was superb and touching.
This is an introspective type of story with just a small amount of angst. It's clear from the start what the outcome will be, but the road to resolution of wonderful, and the romance is lovely. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for a pleasant way to pass some time. Just keep the tissues handy!
June 4, 2024
I loved it! It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. A sparkling, lighthearted holiday sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. It takes place after the events of Pride and Prejudice and is almost a true sequel, having been inspired by Elizabeth’s letter to Mrs Gardiner and taking only minor liberties with the epilogue. The first Christmas after Mr. Darcy weds Elizabeth Bennet will be one to remember. While Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine de Bourgh do their best to cause mischief, Elizabeth plans to enjoy her first Christmas as the lady of Pemberley with beloved family and friends around her. Though Mary Bennet is glad to be one of them, she never expected that love was waiting for her at Pemberley, or indeed anywhere at all. It is best enjoyed by readers in search of a clean and wholesome holiday tale that is low-angst and low-conflict. Join Mary Bennet as she discovers the joy of Christmas at Pemberley, and the astonishing power of love. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
November 26, 2023
Short and sweet sequel mostly involving Mary Bennet
This is a 3 1/2 stars for this reader. A well-written variation, it focuses on Mary Bennet and her burgeoning romance with Krympton’s vicar. It makes for remarkable reading as there are touches of realizations never before dwelt upon in other variations.
Despite the emphasis other than Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, this lighthearted and delightful fare would be an enjoyable read for the holidays, especially for those pressed for time.
This is a 3 1/2 stars for this reader. A well-written variation, it focuses on Mary Bennet and her burgeoning romance with Krympton’s vicar. It makes for remarkable reading as there are touches of realizations never before dwelt upon in other variations.
Despite the emphasis other than Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, this lighthearted and delightful fare would be an enjoyable read for the holidays, especially for those pressed for time.
January 14, 2024
This story paints a beautifully sweet picture of sisterly affection.
We are used to the closeness of Elizabeth and Jane, yet we have never actually had a clear picture of any relationship with, the often overlooked, Mary Bennet. Mary is both thoughtful and talented . Elizabeth comes to better understand her sister and appreciate her as she observes her interactions with others. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I'm sure you will too.
We are used to the closeness of Elizabeth and Jane, yet we have never actually had a clear picture of any relationship with, the often overlooked, Mary Bennet. Mary is both thoughtful and talented . Elizabeth comes to better understand her sister and appreciate her as she observes her interactions with others. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I'm sure you will too.
December 1, 2023
A short and sweet story about Mary finding love at Pemberley. Invited for the Christmas holidays, she joins Bingley and Jane, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Caroline Bingley, the Gardiner family, and Mr. Lewis, the Kympton vicar. For the first time in her life, Mary is listened to and appreciated, which slowly gives her confidence and brings her out of her shell.
May 30, 2024
Does the author know anything of the period?
While a good story with a well moving pace I was often thrown off by wording choices that took me out of the time period and the story.
If that is something you can ignore or get past (even with some mild irritation like myself) I do suggest this book as a quick light hearted story of Mary's HEA.
While a good story with a well moving pace I was often thrown off by wording choices that took me out of the time period and the story.
If that is something you can ignore or get past (even with some mild irritation like myself) I do suggest this book as a quick light hearted story of Mary's HEA.
November 23, 2023
Joyful and romantic
Most of our favorite characters from canon show themselves, some briefly, but the focus is on Mary Bennet and her journey of self-discovery. Sweet, romantic, witty, and loving, the story abounds in reminders of the greatest gifts of life and love.
Most of our favorite characters from canon show themselves, some briefly, but the focus is on Mary Bennet and her journey of self-discovery. Sweet, romantic, witty, and loving, the story abounds in reminders of the greatest gifts of life and love.
December 11, 2023
Very Sweet
I thoroughly enjoyed a romance for Mary. It covered the feelings she has for herself (and her married sisters), as well as those she engendered in her love interest.
It isn't long but Mary grows up in these pages. Nicely done.
I thoroughly enjoyed a romance for Mary. It covered the feelings she has for herself (and her married sisters), as well as those she engendered in her love interest.
It isn't long but Mary grows up in these pages. Nicely done.
December 28, 2023
It's Mary's Turn
- A short and sweet romance for Mary.
- Darcy and Elizabeth remain true to form.
* I am curious to know why Mary was said to be a spinster. I believe she was 18 or 19 when she married.
- A short and sweet romance for Mary.
- Darcy and Elizabeth remain true to form.
* I am curious to know why Mary was said to be a spinster. I believe she was 18 or 19 when she married.
November 25, 2023
Enjoyable
I enjoyed this P&P variation. I prefer any variation that gives Mary Bennet a happily ever after with her prince charming. I just wish it had been longer.
I enjoyed this P&P variation. I prefer any variation that gives Mary Bennet a happily ever after with her prince charming. I just wish it had been longer.
December 6, 2023
Very cute
December 16, 2023
Loved that it carries the story on after they wed. Enjoyed.
February 15, 2024
delightful
I think I would give 5 stars just for the Christmas morning scene, but, truly, this is a,lovely book, start to finish.
I think I would give 5 stars just for the Christmas morning scene, but, truly, this is a,lovely book, start to finish.
February 28, 2024
Sweet
Sweet short story of Christmas time and a wonderful Christmas present for Mary.
Mary deserves to have some joy. HEA for Mary!!!
Sweet short story of Christmas time and a wonderful Christmas present for Mary.
Mary deserves to have some joy. HEA for Mary!!!
December 27, 2024
new eyes
Very sweet story. Just after the Darcy’s marry and celebrating their first Christmas at Pemberly. We get to witness Mary fall in love.
Very sweet story. Just after the Darcy’s marry and celebrating their first Christmas at Pemberly. We get to witness Mary fall in love.
February 1, 2025
If you are a Marry Bennet fan, this is for you! Loved it...
February 14, 2024
A Pride and Prejudice sequel where Mary Bennet is visiting Pemberley, when she meets the Kympton parson, Martin Lewis. Such a disappointment that Mary is once again paired with a parson.
January 19, 2025
Back revieing books, read in 2023. Around this time I was reading as many P&P variations as I could find. This one struck my interest as it was 1) a true sequel type and 2) it was primarily focused on Mary. The fleshed-out character of Mary I think is true to the character we do see in the og P&P.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews