Elizabeth and Darcy enjoy the Christmas Season, while Miss Bingley’s machinations are in tatters, Mr. Bingley’s courtship of Jane blooms, and Wickham is dealt with once and for all.
When Miss Bingley suffers an injury – and a serious affront to her dignity – the Netherfield party is prevented from leaving, and Bingley must rush back from London.
For Elizabeth, every new day brings more evidence that Mr. Darcy is not only handsome, but a kind and responsible gentleman. She finds her heart drawn toward him. Is there any chance that he could love the daughter of a country gentleman?
Darcy intends to flee his attraction to Elizabeth as soon as he can do so honorably, but he realizes he is not simply smitten with Elizabeth’s fine eyes and quick wit. Will he allow his pride to stop him from marrying her?
This novel is a sweet and clean, low angst Pride and Prejudice variation where all the Bennet sisters have happy endings.
I am a scientist by training, but a writer at heart. I have always loved reading with a passion and turned my hand to fanfiction a few years ago. I write stories similar to the ones I enjoy reading. They are interesting but light, romantic but not steamy. I am a super fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and have been having a wonderful time writing P&P variations, exploring how new circumstances affect the beloved characters. So far I have published two novel-length Pride and Prejudice variations plus one short story via Amazon. My books include ‘I am Jael’ and ‘The Blind Will See’.
Thankful for a pig! The beginning of this book is a hoot, or should I say snort, as a runaway passel of hogs surrounds Miss Bingley as she heads towards the carriage that will return the Netherfield party back to London following the ball. The result? A broken ankle, and they aren’t going anywhere.
This is a delightful, clean and sweet Pride and Prejudice variation with touches of the Christmas season.
Low angst story that begins with a pig accidentally causing Miss Bingley to break an ankle. A fun Christmas story which shows there are many philosophical doors open for your life, not just 1.
The story begins after the Netherfield ball. Bingley is already in London, and Darcy and Caroline Bingley are plotting a removal themselves in the hopes of persuading Bingley away from Jane Bennett. As they're all boarding the carriage to leave, Caroline is accosted by a runaway herd of pigs, causing her to fall and severely injure herself, resulting in the abandonment of their plans, and requiring them all to remain at Netherfield. Bingley returns immediately when he hears of Caroline's accident. Therefore, he's able to resume his courtship of Jane, although Jane has already received the infamous and malicious farewell letter that Caroline sent, so Jane and Elizabeth are able to confront Bingley with it.
I appreciated the ridiculousness of the herd of pigs as the pivotal variation of this story. It's so deliciously wicked to have the snobbish Caroline Bingley brought low in this way. Very amusing! I also appreciated that Bingley is given a backbone here, and that Jane is given irrefutable evidence of Caroline's deceptions so that she can finally remove her rose colored glasses. Georgiana Darcy is given an important role, and is allowed to shine a little, which is nice. Darcy takes a bit too long, in my opinion, to finally make up his mind, but when he does, he's swoon worthy.
This author never disappoints. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
A stronger Bingley leads an uncertain Darcy to re-examine his relationship with Elizabeth after the Bingleys are required to stay on at Netherfield following the ball. Humorous situations with Caroline Bingley, sweetly romantic moments, and a nostalgic Christmas story.
This P&P variation is a "what if". What if Caroline Bingley, the Hursts, and Mr. Darcy do not go to London after the Netherfield Ball? Mr. Bingley does travel to London on business, totally unaware of the machinations of his family and friend. As they are about to leave Caroline has quite the spectacular accident and breaks her ankle. Oh well, there is nothing left to do but to remain at Netherfield and Christmas is coming. Once Mr. Bingley returns things take their natural course and he and Jane Bennet become engaged. Without interference from Caroline (due to her injury) Charles and Jane are able to enjoy their engagement. Jane starts to take over as Mistress of Netherfield and she and her family begin the process of ensuring that the servants and tenants of Netherfield have a wonderful holiday! During this time Mr. Darcy is forced to come to terms with his feelings for Elizabeth Bennet. I found it pleasing how the author wrote a note of where each scene was taking place, so you could dive straight in, without having to puzzle it out. I adored the descriptive beginnings to each scene change, it felt as though I was right there observing the room and it's occupants, I wish more authors of p&p variations did so, as the splendor of that era and it's surroundings is what keeps drawing us back to that period. Loved Kitty's character, as well as her standing up to Lydia and expressing her true feelings, which led to her sister contemplating home truths and the resulting betterment of her own character. This led to a delightful and natural change to Mr. Darcys opinion of the families behaviour, in addition to being more likely to spend time in their company and seeing them in a new light (and thus Elizabeth's potential as a prospective wife). The usual characters were all true to their original depictions (always good), but I really enjoyed that the ladies were more forthright in expressing their opinions (e.g Georgiana explaining to her brother that the Bingley sisters had been pressuring her to form an alliance with Mr Bingley which had made her want to avoid their company). I liked the conversation around this and that the siblings were able to come to a better, more open understanding of each other, with Darcy being honest about Wickham's presence and his intention to deal with him, which meant she could accompany him back to Netherfield, adding to the plot. Really enjoyed the additional story of the boxing day gifts and the resulting reactions to them, revealing more of each person's character and Jane's determination and confidence coming through as she assumed her future role of Mistress of Netherfield. Liked how Mrs Hurst began to see the truth of this situation and her explaining the reality to Miss Bingley (who as per could not grasp it). Additionally, I enjoyed Mr. Hurst having more about his character and his defence of Bingley and Jane's engagement and her character. I loved the internal dialogue of the prominent characters and thoroughly enjoyed the inclusion of more than just E&D. This is definetly become one my top favourite P&P variation (and I've read over 200)! It is not an angst ridden narrative, but a leisurely progress of time, with people you come to care about, beautifully descriptive and thoughtfully engaging book, where the characters personalities are delved into and we are witness to their progression, the unwrapping of their lives and the changing relationships between these long beloved individuals. It also happened to conclude in my personal favourite way, but I won't spoil it. There is so much more to this story. You will enjoy it immensely. There is lots of fun to be had as you read this festive Christmas tale. I highly recommend it to everyone!
This was a pleasant story with few great differences from canon.
The greatest of those differences is the fact that Caroline Bingley breaks her ankle when a number of pigs surround her as she, her sister, and Mr. Hurst are leaving Netherfield to join her brother, Charles, in London, after the ball. So the party remains at Netherfield and Charles returns from London.
I did like the way Charles has more of a backbone in refusing to be led by his sisters or Darcy when they speak of doubts that Jane truly loves him but say that she is after him for his money, etc. Throughout the story we read of Darcy fighting his attraction for Elizabeth. He worries more about what his own family would say. Georgiana joins him and makes friends with the youngest Bennet sisters.
One of the biggest factors turning Darcy's opinion about Elizabeth's suitability to be the Mistress of Pemberley is that fact that she and her sisters work hark to put together boxes for the servants and tenants both at Longbourn and at Netherfield for Boxing Day.
A favorite part is that Lydia and Kitty change their ways when it is pointed out to them that men in red coats may be handsome but have nothing to support a wife with...so no new dresses, etc. would be theirs if they married one of the militia.
Lady Catherine and Wickham make appearances and are dealt with. Although Wickham's fate is not as in canon.
There is little angst but there is a very nice surprise as we read the epilogue provided for us.
This book is absolutely lovely! I seriously laughed out loud when the despicable Miss Bingley has her ankle broken by a herd of pigs as she is preparing to go to London to prevent her brother from returning. Meanwhile she already wrote the poison-pen letter to Jane, so when Bingley comes back, she and Elizabeth confront him with the letter and Jane knows that Caroline is not her friend.
This Bingley has more of a spine, and doesn't let his sisters or Darcy dissuade him from Jane. After their engagement, since Miss Bingley cannot be hostess, Jane takes over holiday hosting.
Wickham is dealt with, Georgiana comes to visit, and Darcy finally gets his head together and there is some swoonworthy romance.
it is of relatively low angst which is nice to read after previous variations has you in knots..! Lydia was a delightful surprise as was Kitty.. Georgiana is sweet.. and our favorite couple… well, Darcy got on my nerves, he was Caroline in breeches and a cravat.. high and mighty that I was hoping Elizabeth gave him a set-down of all set-downs.. this story’s Elizabeth was a good, solid character.. one of my favorite renditions. How Caroline can get away with being so snide with no one actually correcting her always amazes me.. and Collins is the usual boor. all in all, a good read.
2.5⭐️ the characterization just felt a bit off. i know you encounter different lizzys and darcys depending on what happens in the variation, but i feel that they usually maintain the essence and core of themselves. this one just didn’t feel like either of them, and many of the supporting cast felt off, as well.
BUT, i really enjoyed the little glimpses into kitty and lydia. i think the way they grew and changed was spot on for what i might have liked to see as canon if we didn’t have the real iteration, and their conversation with lady catherine gave me a good chuckle.
overall, it was cute and sweet and wickham got what he deserved, and that’s really all anybody needs
As Caroline Bingley, Fitzwilliam Darcy and the Hursts rush to escape to London after the Netherfield Ball, a chance hilarious accident causes Caroline to break her ankle. Charles Bingley rushes back to Herefordshire and the rest are forced to stay in town. This variation forces all the characters to remain in close quarters with happy Christmas results.
My favorite part of the story is Lydia and Kitty figuring out by themselves that the wife a soldier is not what they want for themselves. Their efforts and behaviors as a result were a wonderful addition to the story.
Love this Christmas book. It was well written. Loved seeing the younger girls portrayed in a better light. It was such a joy to read a different story for a change with the same results. So many of these books sound like cookie cutter books with just a different author name on them. But not yours definitely original. Thank you so much for being original. I have been reading all your books. I love the fact you have put some on audio. Those I listen to over and over again. Wish this was on audio. Definitely recommend this book.
Mr. Bingley has some backbone, Wickham is finally dealt with, Lady Catherine is twarted.
In coming to support his determined friend, Bingley, Mr. Darcy finally comes to terms with his feelings for Miss Elizabeth Bennet . Bringing his sister, Georgiana, to Netherfield not only brings her out of her shell but provides her with insight into her brother's true feelings for Miss Elizabeth. This revelation prompts Darcy to adjust his view of love versus duty and status. It does the same for the younger Bennet sisters. I enjoyed this story very much.
Not sure if I should’ve read the description more thoroughly, but I was taken aback by the suddenly religious turn, especially the moment Mr. Darcy suddenly changed his mind about marrying Elizabeth. I did laugh at a pig of all things playing such a pivotal character. I enjoyed the characterizing of Jane and Bingley in this one, but as others have pointed out, I just wasn’t sold on the romance of ODC. The religious references just took me out of the story as well.
This was a pleasure to read, just when Caroline thought she had everything settled - Charles had gone to London, she had issued the order to close the house and was ready to settle in the carriage taking them all to London. Unfortunately for her the escaped pigs had other ideas and charged around her whereupon she fell and broke her ankle. I won't say more but just say it's well worth a read and a pleasure to read the younger Bennets with more sense than usual.
This is the second book of Ms. Kendig I have read. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite P&P authors. Her storylines are quite simple and unaffected. The main characters behave as close to what Austin imagined as possible, but what I’ve enjoyed immensely in this authors novels is that she infuses life and personality into the subsequent cast. You get to know more of Mary, Lydia, Kitty and the rest of the gang. It feels like a completely encompassing story.
Jane has met Mr. Bingley who has gone to London on business. He said he would return in a few days, but Caroline is determined to stop this engagement from happening. She is tripped up by a bunch of pigs and falls hurting her ankle. She can’t walk and so Charles is called back to,Netherfield. They soon become engaged and marry, deeply in love. Darcy realizes that he loves Elizabeth and would be foolish to resist her charms on the basis of her relations and money.. Of course, a happy ending follows.
This is the first Christmas story by this author I’ve read, and I plan to read her others in somewhat the order of publication. The scene with the pig is hilarious; I can just Miss B. being overly dramatic throughout the book. The villains were successfully dispatched, ignored, manipulated or thwarted in mostly off-stage events recounted to the reader.
A delightful way to spend a cold afternoon on a holiday weekend. Definitely recommended to those who enjoy a feel-good story with excellent HEA and Epilogue.
A sweet, angst free story, in which the variation flows from Caroline Bingley’s injuries just as she is leaving for London after the ball. The interactions between the Bennets and the Netherfield party, (augmented by Georgiania) Darcy, allow spaces for changes to occur, affections to grow, and friendships to develop. I was quite engaged with the characters and the spurs to change and development. A heartwarming story.
On the way to the carriage, intending to leave Netherfield, Caroline Bingley manages to break her ankle, ensuring the Netherfield party remains and her brother returns quickly from London. Now confined to her room, she is out of the way of her brother's romance and cannot inconvenience Darcy. Since he is remaining, Darcy works on improving his relationship with Elizabeth. Kitty makes a stand against Lydia about chasing after officers, leading to a change in the younger Bennet sisters' behavior. Overall an enjoyable read
Owe it all to a pig! This story made me smile. For all the things Caroline did to promote herself to Darcy, everything seems to backfire. I enjoyed seeing this story unfold between Netherfield and Longbourn with so much focus on character interaction. I am even quite impressed and how differently Kitty and Lydia are showcased! Coming to terms with what is in your heart partnered with the meaning of Christmas made for a wonderful story and overall message. As well, the extended epilogue was the HEA icing on the cake!
*Some small spoilers* Because of one wonderful Carolyn Bingley's desire to abandon Netherfield, the story of Elizabeth and Darcy's, and all the other beloved characters is changed!
Laraba Kendig has given us another wonderful variation to Pride and Prejudice. A must-read for any lover of P&P variations.
Having Caroline Bingley suffer an ankle injury made for a very satisfying story line. Her interference was limited, and there was no separation between her brother and Jane Bennet. Wickham was disposed of before he could bring misery to Meryton, and Lady Catherine was nicely foiled. I highly recommend this less angst ridden version.
It is a wonderful story on a different retelling of pride and prejudice. When Caroline Bennett breaks her ankle, this story that we are all familiar with goes into a different direction that I thoroughly enjoyed. I admit that, in a way, I enjoyed this more peaceful variation.
This book was my favorite of all. I Love the ending with all the weddings done and the cousins of the future generation gathering back at their mothers birth home. It was so exciting to read of each couple finding their mates and actually happily growing their family.
I usually live Laraba Kendig books, but this one fell short of the mark for me. There needed to be more discourse and less scenery description for my taste. I dont even know how Darcy and Elizabeth fell in love as there was no conversation. Other than that it was an ok story.
I truly enjoyed this story plot. Lydia turned out to be one of my favorite characters and Kitty showing she had some wisdom. Bingley surprised me with his backbone of steel. Overall a great book and highly recommend.
Sweetly funny, with wonderful character growth and zero angst. I love that it's Kitty who inspires Lydia to become a wiser version of herself. This is a perfect 5 star story that will keep a reader smiling.