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Mr. Darcy's Christmas Letters: A Pride and Prejudice Novella
He loves her. She might love him back. All they need is a second chance.
Fitzwilliam Darcy doesn’t want to think about how he has failed Elizabeth Bennet. He just wants to do his duty—stand up for Charles Bingley at his wedding—and leave for Pemberley. But one mishap after another delays his departure, and sharing Netherfield with the newlyweds sends him into hiding.
With Longbourn so close and so much time to think, Darcy realizes that he has never truly apologized to Elizabeth. So he does what he always does when his emotions run high.
He writes a letter.
Elizabeth Bennet hasn’t been able to stop thinking about Mr. Darcy since he last left Hertfordshire. All she has left of him is a letter she has read nearly to pieces, the memory of three promising summer days in Derbyshire, and many unresolved feelings. So she takes a page out of Mr. Darcy’s book.
She writes a letter.
‘Tis the season for second chances as Elizabeth and Darcy must contend with meddlesome family, an unwelcome guest, and an approaching snowstorm before they can hope to rewrite their love story.
Fitzwilliam Darcy doesn’t want to think about how he has failed Elizabeth Bennet. He just wants to do his duty—stand up for Charles Bingley at his wedding—and leave for Pemberley. But one mishap after another delays his departure, and sharing Netherfield with the newlyweds sends him into hiding.
With Longbourn so close and so much time to think, Darcy realizes that he has never truly apologized to Elizabeth. So he does what he always does when his emotions run high.
He writes a letter.
Elizabeth Bennet hasn’t been able to stop thinking about Mr. Darcy since he last left Hertfordshire. All she has left of him is a letter she has read nearly to pieces, the memory of three promising summer days in Derbyshire, and many unresolved feelings. So she takes a page out of Mr. Darcy’s book.
She writes a letter.
‘Tis the season for second chances as Elizabeth and Darcy must contend with meddlesome family, an unwelcome guest, and an approaching snowstorm before they can hope to rewrite their love story.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2023
104 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 16, 2023
Sigh... Delicious till the very end.
While the story started out fairly melancholy, with Elizabeth seriously regretting the loss of Mr. Darcy, it moves on to mmis understanding and miscommunication.
Finally, after subtle hints of affectionate assistance from a couple of surprising sources, our lovely couple get to have their say.
Although Miss Bingley does try to get the last word in, she is shut down in a spectacular manner!
I always enjoy the sparks and dialogue offered by Melanie Rachel for Darcy and Elizabeth. The beginning may have started slow, but once the story revved up, I couldn't put it down!
While the story started out fairly melancholy, with Elizabeth seriously regretting the loss of Mr. Darcy, it moves on to mmis understanding and miscommunication.
Finally, after subtle hints of affectionate assistance from a couple of surprising sources, our lovely couple get to have their say.
Although Miss Bingley does try to get the last word in, she is shut down in a spectacular manner!
I always enjoy the sparks and dialogue offered by Melanie Rachel for Darcy and Elizabeth. The beginning may have started slow, but once the story revved up, I couldn't put it down!
November 17, 2023
Very cute Christmassy story!
ODC are unaware that they're both in Netherfield at the same time so there's not a lot of face to face interaction in the first part of the story. Jane takes an active part in Caroline's takedown.
Steam level: tame
ODC are unaware that they're both in Netherfield at the same time so there's not a lot of face to face interaction in the first part of the story. Jane takes an active part in Caroline's takedown.
Steam level: tame
November 16, 2023
When Bingley and the servants plot!
It’s after Lydia and Wickham’s elopement and marriage, and Jane and Bingley’s wedding is about to take place. Elizabeth feels embarrassed by her younger sister’s folly, and Darcy believes she wants nothing to do with him. A little plotting on the part of friends and servants cause some delays in Darcy’s leaving Netherfield again for Pemberley. When he sees Miss Bingley arrive, he hides himself away in his room and asks Charles to keep his presence hidden. Little does he know Elizabeth is also in the house! While taking refuge in his room, he decides to write Elizabeth another letter—and she, feeling all is lost, writes him one she plans to never deliver.
This is a lovely, well-written seasonal novella, with a clever plot to keep Darcy around long enough to discover Elizabeth’s true feelings. We also get to experience a wiser and more forthright Bingley and a strong Jane, especially when it comes to dealing with Miss Bingley. Oh, that was so good!
The letters are wonderful!
Highly recommend this latest novella from a favourite author.
Kisses only.
It’s after Lydia and Wickham’s elopement and marriage, and Jane and Bingley’s wedding is about to take place. Elizabeth feels embarrassed by her younger sister’s folly, and Darcy believes she wants nothing to do with him. A little plotting on the part of friends and servants cause some delays in Darcy’s leaving Netherfield again for Pemberley. When he sees Miss Bingley arrive, he hides himself away in his room and asks Charles to keep his presence hidden. Little does he know Elizabeth is also in the house! While taking refuge in his room, he decides to write Elizabeth another letter—and she, feeling all is lost, writes him one she plans to never deliver.
This is a lovely, well-written seasonal novella, with a clever plot to keep Darcy around long enough to discover Elizabeth’s true feelings. We also get to experience a wiser and more forthright Bingley and a strong Jane, especially when it comes to dealing with Miss Bingley. Oh, that was so good!
The letters are wonderful!
Highly recommend this latest novella from a favourite author.
Kisses only.
August 20, 2025
Reread August 19, 2025: Increased my rating to 4.5 stars rounded up, on this second reading. Although it has Christmas in the title, one certainly need not consider it a story specific to that holiday. Besides, I enjoyed reading about snowball fights in summer.
Review November 20, 2023: 4 stars
An entertaining novella-length variation on Pride and Prejudice that begins toward the end of the original story, when Bingley has returned to Longbourn and become engaged to Jane Bennet, but Mr. Darcy returned to London, thinking that Elizabeth no longer wants to know him. He finds his copy of the letter he wrote her at Rosings, and feeling that it was too harsh, he writes her a new one, but doesn't send it. He does carry it in his pocket.
Elizabeth thinks Mr. Darcy can't consider her now that Wickham is married to her youngest sister. She has kept his letter and realizes that she never mentioned it to him while in Lambton. She writes her own response, and locks it away in a drawer.
Darcy is reluctant even to stand up for Bingley at his wedding. But he agrees to, and shows up the evening before, early in December, planning to leave as soon as he can for London from the wedding breakfast. Then he and Elizabeth speak, and it seems too soon when his carriage is ready for him. However, one of his horses goes lame only a few miles into his journey, and he must return to Netherfield.
This is an entertaining and romantic variation with just enough humor to make it fun.
Review November 20, 2023: 4 stars
An entertaining novella-length variation on Pride and Prejudice that begins toward the end of the original story, when Bingley has returned to Longbourn and become engaged to Jane Bennet, but Mr. Darcy returned to London, thinking that Elizabeth no longer wants to know him. He finds his copy of the letter he wrote her at Rosings, and feeling that it was too harsh, he writes her a new one, but doesn't send it. He does carry it in his pocket.
Elizabeth thinks Mr. Darcy can't consider her now that Wickham is married to her youngest sister. She has kept his letter and realizes that she never mentioned it to him while in Lambton. She writes her own response, and locks it away in a drawer.
Darcy is reluctant even to stand up for Bingley at his wedding. But he agrees to, and shows up the evening before, early in December, planning to leave as soon as he can for London from the wedding breakfast. Then he and Elizabeth speak, and it seems too soon when his carriage is ready for him. However, one of his horses goes lame only a few miles into his journey, and he must return to Netherfield.
This is an entertaining and romantic variation with just enough humor to make it fun.
August 19, 2024
pleasant Xmas story
It takes a village to bring Lizzy and Darcy together. Great novella. Author can string together a grand story better than most.
It takes a village to bring Lizzy and Darcy together. Great novella. Author can string together a grand story better than most.
November 11, 2025
Melanie Rachel's books = a warm hug. Another new fav for me!
November 17, 2023
I couldn’t put this one down! I loved it. A sweet story with lots of emotion and laughs in between.
I don’t do spoilers but I recommend this book to everyone who loves this couple as much as I do.
I don’t do spoilers but I recommend this book to everyone who loves this couple as much as I do.
December 23, 2024
4.5 stars
What a lovely Christmas story by Melanie Rachel, one of a few favorite JAFF authors.
Bingley and a few carefully chosen members of Darcy’s household attempt to keep Darcy in Hertfordshire and in Elizabeth’s company.
Meanwhile, letters are reread, written, lost, found and made public. Caroline, you were delectably terrible and it was so satisfying to see your set down and comeuppance.
To paraphrase, all’s well and ends well and just in time for Christmas.
What a lovely Christmas story by Melanie Rachel, one of a few favorite JAFF authors.
Bingley and a few carefully chosen members of Darcy’s household attempt to keep Darcy in Hertfordshire and in Elizabeth’s company.
Meanwhile, letters are reread, written, lost, found and made public. Caroline, you were delectably terrible and it was so satisfying to see your set down and comeuppance.
To paraphrase, all’s well and ends well and just in time for Christmas.
February 4, 2024
Funny
After Mr Bingley's wedding, he tries to leave Longbourn the same day to be thwarted by one thing after another. A diverting intrigue and a romantic story! Wonderful letters!
After Mr Bingley's wedding, he tries to leave Longbourn the same day to be thwarted by one thing after another. A diverting intrigue and a romantic story! Wonderful letters!
November 26, 2023
of greatcoats and garden pails
4.5 stars
The only blemish on this tale is the full caricature of Caroline against the staid sanity of everyone else. Even Mrs Bennet was rational. A writer of Rachel’s abilities could easily have created a Caroline who could push everyone’s buttons without having her bark like a fishwife at the staff of her former house.
I appreciate any author who can give me insights into Austen’s characters. As I’ve now read over a thousand fan fictions, such revelations happen less. Ms Rachel made me see similarities between Mr Bennet and Mary, and between Caroline and Mr Collins. Nicely done.
Buying for my permanent collection.
4.5 stars
The only blemish on this tale is the full caricature of Caroline against the staid sanity of everyone else. Even Mrs Bennet was rational. A writer of Rachel’s abilities could easily have created a Caroline who could push everyone’s buttons without having her bark like a fishwife at the staff of her former house.
I appreciate any author who can give me insights into Austen’s characters. As I’ve now read over a thousand fan fictions, such revelations happen less. Ms Rachel made me see similarities between Mr Bennet and Mary, and between Caroline and Mr Collins. Nicely done.
Buying for my permanent collection.
November 24, 2023
If Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy liked each other less, they could talk about it more. This sweet holiday story features an emotional journey to a happily ever after.
December 5, 2023
I enjoyed this a great deal.
January 31, 2024
I’m a JAFF heaux 🤷🏾♀️
December 10, 2025
After three promising days in summer Darcy returns with Bingley to Hertfordshire. But Elizabeth seems not to welcome his presence and he goes back to London to return only for Bingley's wedding. Darcy plans to immediately leave for Pemberley afterwards but his departure is delayed. His only chance is now to stay with the newly weds at Netherfield. To not disturb them he hides in his chambers. When further mishap delays his departure again he thinks about his time with Elizabeth and writes her a letter, finally apologizing for his insult at the Meryton Assembly.
Elizabeth on her part has not stopped thinking about Darcy after her return from Pemberley. She would welcome a renewal of his proposal but he seems to not love her any more. To finally come to terms with her feelings she decides to write a letter to Darcy to explain her feelings.
Will they send their letters to each other? Will Darcy and Elizabeth be able to show the other their true feelings? Will the Christmas spirit help them to finally be happy together?
This Christmas story by the author Melanie Rachel is a lovely, well written story that leaves me a cheery Christmas mood.
I liked the way the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth develops. First both think the other hates him/her, than a shy friendship develops to finally become love when everything is revealed. I suffered with them and felt all the loss they felt for their unshared love. And I was overjoyed with them when they had finally sorted all out. I like that the reader knows all the time that both are in love and the only need a chance to open up to each other. And it is, as funny as it is, finally Caroline who creates this chance unwillingly (and she is definitely rewarded therefore).
Between Darcy and Elizabeth there were so many lovely moments. I especially liked their snowball fight and the moment they sort everything out. There were also quite funny moments in the book. They were several times nearly at the same time in the same room but they managed to escape one another each time. This was funny but on the other hand it was a little tragic because, had they met, they would have probably sorted out everything earlier.
I really like Jane and Bingley in this story. They finally put Caroline in her place. I got the feeling that Bingley and Jane are together at their best. I love that Jane is not the sweet nice girl but that she claims her position as mistress of Netherfield and is able to stand up against Caroline. Bingley is finally able to scold Caroline for her behaviour and implement consequences. It is so deserved.
And I definitely love Jane and Bingley's part in Darcy and Elizabeth's romance (but you need to discover on your own for what they are to 'blame' for 😉 )
If you like for Darcy and Elizabeth to have a second chance for love right before Christmas you should definitely read this lovely book.
I highly recommend it.
Elizabeth on her part has not stopped thinking about Darcy after her return from Pemberley. She would welcome a renewal of his proposal but he seems to not love her any more. To finally come to terms with her feelings she decides to write a letter to Darcy to explain her feelings.
Will they send their letters to each other? Will Darcy and Elizabeth be able to show the other their true feelings? Will the Christmas spirit help them to finally be happy together?
This Christmas story by the author Melanie Rachel is a lovely, well written story that leaves me a cheery Christmas mood.
I liked the way the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth develops. First both think the other hates him/her, than a shy friendship develops to finally become love when everything is revealed. I suffered with them and felt all the loss they felt for their unshared love. And I was overjoyed with them when they had finally sorted all out. I like that the reader knows all the time that both are in love and the only need a chance to open up to each other. And it is, as funny as it is, finally Caroline who creates this chance unwillingly (and she is definitely rewarded therefore).
Between Darcy and Elizabeth there were so many lovely moments. I especially liked their snowball fight and the moment they sort everything out. There were also quite funny moments in the book. They were several times nearly at the same time in the same room but they managed to escape one another each time. This was funny but on the other hand it was a little tragic because, had they met, they would have probably sorted out everything earlier.
I really like Jane and Bingley in this story. They finally put Caroline in her place. I got the feeling that Bingley and Jane are together at their best. I love that Jane is not the sweet nice girl but that she claims her position as mistress of Netherfield and is able to stand up against Caroline. Bingley is finally able to scold Caroline for her behaviour and implement consequences. It is so deserved.
And I definitely love Jane and Bingley's part in Darcy and Elizabeth's romance (but you need to discover on your own for what they are to 'blame' for 😉 )
If you like for Darcy and Elizabeth to have a second chance for love right before Christmas you should definitely read this lovely book.
I highly recommend it.
December 14, 2023
This would have been five stars but I couldn’t access the ‘bonus’ epilogue which should not require a separate app.
I may read this again if the epilogue is ever included.
I may read this again if the epilogue is ever included.
December 22, 2025
Content:
Profanity: None I recall.
Violence: None.
Sexual: High mild-low moderate. There is talk of the 'marriage bed' and one instance where a character is wondering what a wedding night actually entails, but thinks she'd be alright since the person she's imagining a wedding night with is handsome. In wedding ceremonies it says 'worship you with my body' and there is blushing and daydreaming there. There are also mentions of making oneself scarce in a house of newlyweds. And a scene where the man rolls over in bed and is on top of the woman, and it's quite obvious that he wants to be intimate, and it's stated that they will be any minute. Then it skips past after talking about kissing cheeks/neck/temples, etc.
more like 2 1/2 stars, but rounded up.
While there are some incredibly cute scenes that had me smiling from ear to ear (the snowball fight), for the most part this one was a 'meh' read, with a dash of 'that's irritating' for me.
This one starts with the 'what if' Darcy didn't stay when Bingley returns to Netherfield and proposes to Jane. So, there is a lot of angst between Elizabeth, who is certain Darcy won't offer for her again since he'd be brothers with Wickham after Lydia's stupidity, and Darcy is still sure that Elizabeth thinks poorly of him, but has hope that he might change her mind.
The problem with this was that it dragged too much, for at least the first half of the book Darcy and Lizzy don't even know they're in the same house as each other. Then it takes forever for them to speak because Caroline is being overly insane in keeping them apart. Caroline was so annoying in this, to the point of me almost putting the book down because it was over-the-top. Definitely not the worst or most ridiculous version of Caroline I've read by far, but I'm sick of the JAFF that make her and Wickham into super-intense tension devices to keep Lizzy and Darcy from each other, or drive them together.
And the other thing that I didn't like, and this is all just my preference and opinion, was the sexual content. It's clean, don't get me wrong. But I like my romances to be incredibly squeaky clean. This one had enough sort of 'wiggly eyebrow' moments that it really made me uncomfortable at moments, worrying that the author was going to go too far for my comfort. So, all the prevaricating and unnecessary drama surrounding the actual talk of loving each other, killed the parts I liked. Namely the snowball fight scene, and the letters.
Profanity: None I recall.
Violence: None.
Sexual: High mild-low moderate. There is talk of the 'marriage bed' and one instance where a character is wondering what a wedding night actually entails, but thinks she'd be alright since the person she's imagining a wedding night with is handsome. In wedding ceremonies it says 'worship you with my body' and there is blushing and daydreaming there. There are also mentions of making oneself scarce in a house of newlyweds. And a scene where the man rolls over in bed and is on top of the woman, and it's quite obvious that he wants to be intimate, and it's stated that they will be any minute. Then it skips past after talking about kissing cheeks/neck/temples, etc.
more like 2 1/2 stars, but rounded up.
While there are some incredibly cute scenes that had me smiling from ear to ear (the snowball fight), for the most part this one was a 'meh' read, with a dash of 'that's irritating' for me.
This one starts with the 'what if' Darcy didn't stay when Bingley returns to Netherfield and proposes to Jane. So, there is a lot of angst between Elizabeth, who is certain Darcy won't offer for her again since he'd be brothers with Wickham after Lydia's stupidity, and Darcy is still sure that Elizabeth thinks poorly of him, but has hope that he might change her mind.
The problem with this was that it dragged too much, for at least the first half of the book Darcy and Lizzy don't even know they're in the same house as each other. Then it takes forever for them to speak because Caroline is being overly insane in keeping them apart. Caroline was so annoying in this, to the point of me almost putting the book down because it was over-the-top. Definitely not the worst or most ridiculous version of Caroline I've read by far, but I'm sick of the JAFF that make her and Wickham into super-intense tension devices to keep Lizzy and Darcy from each other, or drive them together.
And the other thing that I didn't like, and this is all just my preference and opinion, was the sexual content. It's clean, don't get me wrong. But I like my romances to be incredibly squeaky clean. This one had enough sort of 'wiggly eyebrow' moments that it really made me uncomfortable at moments, worrying that the author was going to go too far for my comfort. So, all the prevaricating and unnecessary drama surrounding the actual talk of loving each other, killed the parts I liked. Namely the snowball fight scene, and the letters.
November 20, 2023
This has been the season to spend the holidays in Hertfordshire with many of my favorite Austeneseque authors releasing seasonal Pride and Prejudice novellas. Among them is a very entertaining story from Melanie Rachel that will leave you laughing, smiling and cheering Darcy and Elizabeth on to admit to each other that which which is so evident to those around them.
In Mr. Darcy's Christmas Letters, Rachel opens her story with both Darcy and Elizabeth struggling with what they each perceive as the loss of their chance at happiness after Lydia's elopement with Wickham. With the December wedding of Jane to Bingley, Darcy knowns he will need to interact with Elizabeth and he dares to hope that perhaps he will be able convince her to give him another chance to win her heart and her hand.
In true Austen fashion, our favorite couple muddles their way through this reunion with many a misunderstanding and each mistakenly thinks that the other has moved on. Luckily for Elizabeth and Darcy, their loved ones refuse to let the couple miss their second chance at love and conspire, sometimes not subtly, to make sure that Darcy and Elizabeth remain in each other's company until they can sort things out. I loved how Rachel showed us a side of Mrs. Jane Bingley that we don't always get to see--the mistress of Netherfield who will support her husband, fiercely protect her family and not allow anyone to usurp her role in her own house. Brava Jane!
I particularly loved some of the moments of levity that Rachel wove throughout this seasonal tale--is it truly a holiday story if there is not a good snowball fight??!! I was laughing and smiling right alongside Darcy and Elizabeth. I also thought it was very touching to see how Rachel was able to transform Darcy's initial letter to Elizabeth from something that was painful and shameful for our hero to something that came to mean so much to Elizabeth and that ultimately would be an unexpected source of truth to finally free Elizabeth and Darcy to pursue their lives together.
If you are looking for some Pride and Prejudice holiday fun that has a wonderful mix of poignant moments and lighthearted laughs, then definitely give Rachel's new novella a read
In Mr. Darcy's Christmas Letters, Rachel opens her story with both Darcy and Elizabeth struggling with what they each perceive as the loss of their chance at happiness after Lydia's elopement with Wickham. With the December wedding of Jane to Bingley, Darcy knowns he will need to interact with Elizabeth and he dares to hope that perhaps he will be able convince her to give him another chance to win her heart and her hand.
In true Austen fashion, our favorite couple muddles their way through this reunion with many a misunderstanding and each mistakenly thinks that the other has moved on. Luckily for Elizabeth and Darcy, their loved ones refuse to let the couple miss their second chance at love and conspire, sometimes not subtly, to make sure that Darcy and Elizabeth remain in each other's company until they can sort things out. I loved how Rachel showed us a side of Mrs. Jane Bingley that we don't always get to see--the mistress of Netherfield who will support her husband, fiercely protect her family and not allow anyone to usurp her role in her own house. Brava Jane!
I particularly loved some of the moments of levity that Rachel wove throughout this seasonal tale--is it truly a holiday story if there is not a good snowball fight??!! I was laughing and smiling right alongside Darcy and Elizabeth. I also thought it was very touching to see how Rachel was able to transform Darcy's initial letter to Elizabeth from something that was painful and shameful for our hero to something that came to mean so much to Elizabeth and that ultimately would be an unexpected source of truth to finally free Elizabeth and Darcy to pursue their lives together.
If you are looking for some Pride and Prejudice holiday fun that has a wonderful mix of poignant moments and lighthearted laughs, then definitely give Rachel's new novella a read
September 13, 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. This is book six of seven in the Darcy and Elizabeth’s Happily Ever Afters series. Darcy loves Elizabeth, and she might love him back; all they need is a second chance. Fitzwilliam Darcy doesn’t want to think about how he has failed Elizabeth Bennet. He just wants to do his duty, stand up for Charles Bingley at his wedding, and leave for Pemberley; but one mishap after another delays his departure, and sharing Netherfield with the newlyweds sends him into hiding. With Longbourn so close and so much time to think, Darcy realizes that he has never truly apologized to Elizabeth, so he does what he always does when his emotions run high, he writes a letter. Elizabeth Bennet hasn’t been able to stop thinking about Mr. Darcy since he last left Hertfordshire. All she has left of him is a letter she has read nearly to pieces, the memory of three promising summer days in Derbyshire, and many unresolved feelings; so she takes a page out of Mr. Darcy’s book and she writes a letter. ‘Tis the season for second chances as Elizabeth and Darcy must contend with meddlesome family, an unwelcome guest, and an approaching snowstorm before they can hope to rewrite their love story. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
*Don’t forget to download the extra content at the end*
*Don’t forget to download the extra content at the end*
November 27, 2023
Entertaining
This author is an automatic purchase for me. She never disappoints. After the Lydia debacle, Elizabeth is discouraged by Darcy's stoic behavior during his return to Netherfield and Longbourn, convinced that it means Darcy is unwilling to renew his addresses to the sister-in-law to Wickham. Darcy is discouraged by Elizabeth's quiet demeanor at Longbourn, convinced that it means that she blames him for Lydia's unfortunate marriage.
Darcy and Elizabeth are reunited at Jane and Bingley's wedding, but are too afraid to approach each other. It isn't until Elizabeth confesses to Jane that she's in love with Darcy that there are some strange and fortuitous occurrences that conspire to keep Elizabeth and Darcy together at Netherfield. Rather than talk to each other, they each write a letter spelling out their broken hearts and steadfast love for each other, letters that they have no intention of sending. Unfortunately, Caroline Bingley shows up at Netherfield believing still that she will be the next mistress of Pemberly.
I deducted a star because it took about half of the book before something interesting happened. The first half is just the usual angst and drama surrounding Elizabeth and Darcy as they tiptoe around each other. The second half is lovely and sweet, with lots of superb romance, qualities that I always associate with this author's writing. The subtle humor is wonderful, and I like Jane in this version.
The book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for an entertaining and pleasant way to pass some time.
This author is an automatic purchase for me. She never disappoints. After the Lydia debacle, Elizabeth is discouraged by Darcy's stoic behavior during his return to Netherfield and Longbourn, convinced that it means Darcy is unwilling to renew his addresses to the sister-in-law to Wickham. Darcy is discouraged by Elizabeth's quiet demeanor at Longbourn, convinced that it means that she blames him for Lydia's unfortunate marriage.
Darcy and Elizabeth are reunited at Jane and Bingley's wedding, but are too afraid to approach each other. It isn't until Elizabeth confesses to Jane that she's in love with Darcy that there are some strange and fortuitous occurrences that conspire to keep Elizabeth and Darcy together at Netherfield. Rather than talk to each other, they each write a letter spelling out their broken hearts and steadfast love for each other, letters that they have no intention of sending. Unfortunately, Caroline Bingley shows up at Netherfield believing still that she will be the next mistress of Pemberly.
I deducted a star because it took about half of the book before something interesting happened. The first half is just the usual angst and drama surrounding Elizabeth and Darcy as they tiptoe around each other. The second half is lovely and sweet, with lots of superb romance, qualities that I always associate with this author's writing. The subtle humor is wonderful, and I like Jane in this version.
The book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for an entertaining and pleasant way to pass some time.
November 19, 2023
I am not going to say much about this story as there is a surprise at the end and talking about the story might prove to be a spoiler.
Just know this. Jane and Bingley have married. Darcy was there to stand up with Charles. Caroline did not attend. They decide to delay their wedding trip and so stay at Netherfield following the ceremony. Jane does invite Elizabeth to come and stay with them so that she has company while Charles takes care of some business.
Darcy's plans to leave a.s.a.p. go astray...enough said about that. Then Caroline shows up uninvited. I did enjoy how both Jane and Charles responded to her trying to step into her old role as "mistress" of Netherfield.
We do spend some time in Darcy's and Elizabeth's heads. Elizabeth has saved his letter which was in response to her refusal of his proposal in Hunsford. She decides to write her own response to that as so much has change in her feelings about him. BUT she does not give the letter to Darcy.
Darcy also decides to write a letter with hopes that she has noticed his attentions to her reproofs and made changes in his behavior. However, he also does not give her his letter.
Although there are few people residing at Netherfield the couple finds it difficult to find even five minutes alone.
I enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
Just know this. Jane and Bingley have married. Darcy was there to stand up with Charles. Caroline did not attend. They decide to delay their wedding trip and so stay at Netherfield following the ceremony. Jane does invite Elizabeth to come and stay with them so that she has company while Charles takes care of some business.
Darcy's plans to leave a.s.a.p. go astray...enough said about that. Then Caroline shows up uninvited. I did enjoy how both Jane and Charles responded to her trying to step into her old role as "mistress" of Netherfield.
We do spend some time in Darcy's and Elizabeth's heads. Elizabeth has saved his letter which was in response to her refusal of his proposal in Hunsford. She decides to write her own response to that as so much has change in her feelings about him. BUT she does not give the letter to Darcy.
Darcy also decides to write a letter with hopes that she has noticed his attentions to her reproofs and made changes in his behavior. However, he also does not give her his letter.
Although there are few people residing at Netherfield the couple finds it difficult to find even five minutes alone.
I enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
December 10, 2023
This was an interesting take on rewriting the ending of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. While I understand the thought behind the idea of making it a stand-alone, let's be honest that most people who pick this up are going to have read P&P and don't need the recap of everything that happened in that story to set up this alternate ending. For a story titled "Mr. Darcy's Christmas Letters" (plural) there's actually only one letter, and it doesn't make an appearance until more than 1/3 of the way through the story. But there are long (LONG) passages about things like farming, flooding fields, and, again, backstory from the original novel.
Some of the characterization and actions of Lizzy and Darcy made me side-eye this a bit, as they were out of character with Austen's originals, but at least those scenes were more interesting than the backstory and tangents. I think if this were tightened up, with all of the extraneous narrative edited down/out, this would be a more fun story to read.
Some of the characterization and actions of Lizzy and Darcy made me side-eye this a bit, as they were out of character with Austen's originals, but at least those scenes were more interesting than the backstory and tangents. I think if this were tightened up, with all of the extraneous narrative edited down/out, this would be a more fun story to read.
November 29, 2023
A sweet book with our favorite couple of literature!
In this variation, Darcy and Elizabeth didn't talk with each other about their feelings and after Jane and Bingley's wedding Darcy tries to flee back to Pemberley only to be detained at Netherfield by a series of strange ocurrences. Elizabeth, who came to the house as her sister's guest, eventually find him there but also the awful Miss Bingley.
This novella is well written but the characters aren't entirely believable. Even lovesick, Darcy wouldn't lose completely his wit to be so fooled around as he was by Bingley, who isn't the clever of the two. Elizabeth is more in character and Jane with a backbone was a welcome addition but Miss Bingley's actions are rather of a k-drama antagonist than of a XIX century conniving lady. Aside trom that, the book is entertaining and the Christmas wedding was lovely, it's a good story but not an unforgettable one.
In this variation, Darcy and Elizabeth didn't talk with each other about their feelings and after Jane and Bingley's wedding Darcy tries to flee back to Pemberley only to be detained at Netherfield by a series of strange ocurrences. Elizabeth, who came to the house as her sister's guest, eventually find him there but also the awful Miss Bingley.
This novella is well written but the characters aren't entirely believable. Even lovesick, Darcy wouldn't lose completely his wit to be so fooled around as he was by Bingley, who isn't the clever of the two. Elizabeth is more in character and Jane with a backbone was a welcome addition but Miss Bingley's actions are rather of a k-drama antagonist than of a XIX century conniving lady. Aside trom that, the book is entertaining and the Christmas wedding was lovely, it's a good story but not an unforgettable one.
November 19, 2023
2 stars, and I am being generous. This was a dragging, tedious, frustrating read. How many times can the author stage mis-encounters, failed meetings and botched conversations before you consideri it boring and irritating?
The plot device of the letters seems forced, only olaying a part at the very end, in a very deus-ex-machina manner, and not in an organic manner at all. This is contrary to the blurb, which kick-starts the story description mentioning the letters. A totally puzzling decision by the editos.
I am surprised by the nothing hamburguer of this story. Not well executed enough to be called a “comedy of errors”, and not in any way near a heartwarming christmas tale !
A failed attempt in my opinion, I would not recommend it. I am disappointed and I feel like the author made me squander my time and attention of low effort filler pages and chapter after chapter going NOWHERE.
The plot device of the letters seems forced, only olaying a part at the very end, in a very deus-ex-machina manner, and not in an organic manner at all. This is contrary to the blurb, which kick-starts the story description mentioning the letters. A totally puzzling decision by the editos.
I am surprised by the nothing hamburguer of this story. Not well executed enough to be called a “comedy of errors”, and not in any way near a heartwarming christmas tale !
A failed attempt in my opinion, I would not recommend it. I am disappointed and I feel like the author made me squander my time and attention of low effort filler pages and chapter after chapter going NOWHERE.
November 21, 2023
Wonderful story
Darcy returns to Hertfordshire for Charles and Jane's wedding and barely speaks to Elizabeth ( continuing the miscommunication between them). Due to trouble with his horses he's forced to stay at Netherfield until they are better. Darcy hides in his rooms to give the newly weds privacy. Both Caroline and Elizabeth show up to stay and the games begin again. Elizabeth doesn't guard her tongue as she did before her sister married and its fun listening to her retorts when Caroline is nasty. Add Darcy to the mix and its an enjoyable experience! Caroline steals a letter that Darcy wrote Elizabeth and attempted to prove they are engaged because unmarried women only get letters from their betrothed! Fortunately Elizabeth managed to stop this and we all get a HEA except for Caroline who gets a paid vacation to her Scarborough relative in trade!
Darcy returns to Hertfordshire for Charles and Jane's wedding and barely speaks to Elizabeth ( continuing the miscommunication between them). Due to trouble with his horses he's forced to stay at Netherfield until they are better. Darcy hides in his rooms to give the newly weds privacy. Both Caroline and Elizabeth show up to stay and the games begin again. Elizabeth doesn't guard her tongue as she did before her sister married and its fun listening to her retorts when Caroline is nasty. Add Darcy to the mix and its an enjoyable experience! Caroline steals a letter that Darcy wrote Elizabeth and attempted to prove they are engaged because unmarried women only get letters from their betrothed! Fortunately Elizabeth managed to stop this and we all get a HEA except for Caroline who gets a paid vacation to her Scarborough relative in trade!
February 22, 2024
Ok, real talk. Mr. Darcy only has two letter he writes, which he sent in the original (and in the backstory of this book) and the other he writes and does NOT send, which then causes much mayhem when it gets lost. But the first isn't on Christmas!! Elizabeth has one letter she writes and does not send, which only comes out at the end. Maybe that's just me?
Miss Bingley is even worse, and Jane is better.
Light and fluffy, good if you need a quick hit of Darcy & Elizabeth and you're devastated you cannot read P&P again for the first time.
Miss Bingley is even worse, and Jane is better.
Light and fluffy, good if you need a quick hit of Darcy & Elizabeth and you're devastated you cannot read P&P again for the first time.
November 25, 2023
Jane Bennet, now Mrs. Bingley has found her voice. She and her husband join forces for good deeds.
Darcy stands up with his friend Charles Bingley. Of course, Miss Elizabeth Bennet stands up with her beloved older sister. There's an awkwardness between Darcy and Elizabeth. They each have come to believe they should make peace and start again, when in fact they actually love one another. The only problem is Darcy wants to flee from a possible second rejection. What they can't seem to say to each other can be written in a letter. Sit back and enjoy the fits and starts between the couple and the manipulations of an unexpected and unwanted Caroline Bingley. I couldn't put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Darcy stands up with his friend Charles Bingley. Of course, Miss Elizabeth Bennet stands up with her beloved older sister. There's an awkwardness between Darcy and Elizabeth. They each have come to believe they should make peace and start again, when in fact they actually love one another. The only problem is Darcy wants to flee from a possible second rejection. What they can't seem to say to each other can be written in a letter. Sit back and enjoy the fits and starts between the couple and the manipulations of an unexpected and unwanted Caroline Bingley. I couldn't put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
November 16, 2023
A lovely holiday gift for readers
Darcy and Elizabeth are still misunderstanding each other after Darcy has found Lydia and married her off to Wickham. As Darcy is trapped at Netherfield following Jane and Bingley's wedding, while Lizzy comes to visit, we have a very entertaining situation where our dear couple pine for each other for several days while just missing sight of each other. As they move in and out of rooms and gardens without seeing their loved one, we follow some witty conversations and read some unsent letters. Great Caroline setdown scenes and always sweetly romantic moments. Very good!
Darcy and Elizabeth are still misunderstanding each other after Darcy has found Lydia and married her off to Wickham. As Darcy is trapped at Netherfield following Jane and Bingley's wedding, while Lizzy comes to visit, we have a very entertaining situation where our dear couple pine for each other for several days while just missing sight of each other. As they move in and out of rooms and gardens without seeing their loved one, we follow some witty conversations and read some unsent letters. Great Caroline setdown scenes and always sweetly romantic moments. Very good!
December 1, 2023
This was a quick, fun, short read. It's kind of the opposite of Accidental Scandal. Instead of accidentally running into each other all over the place, Darcy and Elizabeth keep just barely missing each other for a good chunk of the story, which was a lot of fun. She made a quick reference to A Gentleman's Honor, which was a nice Easter egg. I also loved that, spoiler but very guessable, Charles, Jane, Anders, and the staff were conspiring to keep Darcy at Netherfield long enough to talk about his feelings. It's like a Hallmark Christmas movie--too neat and tidy for the real world, but a fun and sweet story nonetheless.
December 18, 2023
A wonderful read for the Christmas holiday
This is a most appropriate and enjoyable read given the Christmas season. Humorous (many lines made this reader chuckle, which is a rarity), short and sweet, the author manages to weave a delightful tale where the Bingleys are not as clueless, where Darcy gives in to his impulses, and where Elizabeth Bennet could do nothing less than reveal herself to fight for the love of her life. Caroline Bingley is extra cunning here but to no avail.
The beloved couple get their happily ever after at Christmas Day no less. But the road towards that was rather irritatingly alluring and thrilling. Highly recommended!
This is a most appropriate and enjoyable read given the Christmas season. Humorous (many lines made this reader chuckle, which is a rarity), short and sweet, the author manages to weave a delightful tale where the Bingleys are not as clueless, where Darcy gives in to his impulses, and where Elizabeth Bennet could do nothing less than reveal herself to fight for the love of her life. Caroline Bingley is extra cunning here but to no avail.
The beloved couple get their happily ever after at Christmas Day no less. But the road towards that was rather irritatingly alluring and thrilling. Highly recommended!
November 17, 2023
This novella has a distinct difference from canon. When Bingley returns, Darcy does not stay, and Elizabeth does not speak. So how will our beloved couple get their happily ever after? They have help from others who are completely out of character.
I am loving these versions of Charles Bingley and Jane Bennet. They have their say. I do not want to type more because I do not like to give spoilers. In order for you to find out, you will have to read this novella. You will not be disappointed!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am loving these versions of Charles Bingley and Jane Bennet. They have their say. I do not want to type more because I do not like to give spoilers. In order for you to find out, you will have to read this novella. You will not be disappointed!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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