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Elizabeth's Christmas Wish: A Festive Pride and Prejudice Variation

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What if Mr Bingley made an earlier return to Netherfield? Read all about it in this festive novella suitable for all ages.At once, a silver ball of light streaked through the sky. She gasped in delight; a shooting star! A wish, asked for upon a shooting star, was sure to come true.

“I wish for Mr Bingley to return for Jane. I wish for Charlotte to have everything she wants most.”

Lizzy was unsure if two wishes made on the same shooting star counted. She hoped so; these wishes were not selfish, but for the good of others. Besides, it was all pretend; wishes made on stars did not come true, for that was not the way of the world.

She lay there for several minutes, her mind drifting elsewhere. As the cold seeped into her very bones, she began to rise. Just then, another star streaked gloriously through the sky.

“Another wish, just to be extra greedy,” she whispered. She squeezed her eyes shut. “I wish for a love of my own.”

On the eve of the Winter Solstice, Elizabeth Bennet, caught between the quiet of winter and the restless stirrings of her heart, makes a wish upon a shooting star. The next day, as if by some enchantment, Mr. Bingley and his party return to Netherfield, filling the village with the promise of renewed connections. As the days leading up to Christmas unfold, Elizabeth finds herself drawn into the circle of Georgiana Darcy, whose kindness and depth reveal surprising new sides to the proud and enigmatic Mr. Darcy. Between festive gatherings and intimate conversations, Elizabeth begins to see Mr. Darcy in a new light, her heart warming to him just as the year’s coldest days draw near. Will Christmas work its magic and unite these destined souls?

Elizabeth’s Christmas Wish is written in the style of a historical romance, with alternating third person POVs between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy. This sweet and cosy novella is suitable for all readers. The author uses British English - so expect u’s and s’ in abundance!

191 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2024

41 people are currently reading
22 people want to read

About the author

Claudia Lomond

9 books16 followers

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5 stars
65 (36%)
4 stars
71 (39%)
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31 (17%)
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11 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Gill M.
375 reviews27 followers
December 10, 2024
Review also posted on my blog

https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...

Venturing outside on a cold, clear winter's night, Elizabeth Bennet sees a shooting star.
She makes two wishes, seeking happiness for her friend Charlotte and the return of Charles Bingley for her sister Jane.

On seeing a second shooting star, she wishes for a love of her own.
All lovely thoughts, but Elizabeth is a rational creature.

She is therefore, stunned when the following day the Netherfield Party returns, with the addition of Georgiana Darcy.

Dinners and parties ensue and bring the Bennets to Netherfield. Jane and Bingley are inseparable.

Elizabeth is delighted with Georgiana's company and starts to think better of Fitzwilliam Darcy.

Into the mix is poured an overly strong punch, leading to confession and indiscretion.

The smarmy George Wickham threatens the equanimity of several, but is shocked to be met with resistance.

Both Darcy and Elizabeth are well written and this novella has a satisfying resolution.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jen B.
593 reviews8 followers
December 1, 2024
This was a charming Christmas story. A drunk Georgiana was quite loose lipped that sped the story along for ODC. I just wished that (as I usually do) that Lizzy was a little more self aware and had just as high standards for herself as she does for others when she dumps on them (very harshly I might add) for their faults.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melanie.
206 reviews16 followers
December 8, 2024
One winter evening Elizabeth is fortunate to see a shooting star. Her wishes are easily expressed, she wished for Bingley to return to her sister Jane and for her friend Charlotte to have everything she wants most. When unexpectedly a second shooting star descends she quickly expresses the wish to find her own love.
Some days later, as Bingley and his party return to Netherfield to flee influenza in town, her first wish seems to come true. With Christmas fast approaching Elizabeth finds herself often in the company of the Netherfield party and therefore also Mr Darcy and his sister Georgiana. Elizabeth becomes fast friends with the shy girl but the brother still puzzles her exceedingly, even when being in his company and that of his sister reveals totally unknown aspects of him. Between gatherings and the Christmas festivities they get to know each other better and Elizabeth mysteriously finds herself drawn to him. But does Darcy feel the same way? Or may the past stand in their way? And will Elizabeth's wish to find true love ever come true?

The story was very well written by the author Claudia Lomond. With this variation she has created a sweet Christmas story which gets you in a festive mood.

I really like that Bingley has a backbone in this variation. He finally fights for his heart's desire and lets no one else dictate what he has to do. And it's about time that he behaves like a man and not like a boy who needs to be guided by his relations and friends. With this new strength the others are forced to stay at Netherfield even when they would love to depart like Darcy.
The new strong Bingley is also able to give Darcy the much needed set down to remind the latter to stop mingling in his, Bingley's, affairs. Due to the return to Netherfield and the need to stay there Darcy needs to confront his feelings and finally realizes his love for Elizabeth. The stronger Bingley is also able to advise Darcy (you may guess - in matters of the heart). I like that very much.

Bingley is not the only help for Darcy. Darcy's sister Georgiana is also of great help. With her becoming friends with Elizabeth Darcy is forced to be in Elizabeth's company and talk with her and about her very often. Georgiana also promotes Elizabeth to her brother because she is of the opinion that they are a perfect match (I love it when Georgiana is right 😉).

I like that Darcy and Elizabeth, due to Bingley's interest in Jane and the requirements in the festive season, are constantly forced in each other's company and that they therefore come to know each other better. They both discover unknown sides of the other and also show each other their vulnerabilities. Because of this they get a quite complete picture of one another.

There are no real villains in this variation. Wickham tries to interfere but is handled quite effectively by Darcy and Elizabeth. Caroline has, thanks to the new Bingley, not much to say and Lady Catherine stays at Rosings 😉. Therefore everything is prepared for a peaceful Christmas.

If you like to know how Darcy's and Elizabeth's relationship progresses with the Netherfield party returning for Christmas and if Elizabeth's wish to find love comes true you should definitely read this book.

I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
981 reviews4 followers
December 5, 2024
When Elizabeth sees two shooting stars and makes three wishes, she never expected them to come true in the way they do. Beautiful and endearing this Christmas variation is a heartwarming tale of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy and the realisations that there is more to each other than they thought possible. If you love Pride and Prejudice variations then you will love this story.
Profile Image for Allison Ripley-Duggan.
1,807 reviews14 followers
December 15, 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 story is written in the style of a historical romance, with alternating third person POVs between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy. This sweet and cosy novella is suitable for all readers. The author uses British English, so expect u’s and s’ in abundance. What if Mr Bingley made an earlier return to Netherfield? Read all about it in this festive novella suitable for all ages. On the eve of the Winter Solstice, Elizabeth Bennet, caught between the quiet of winter and the restless stirrings of her heart, makes a wish upon a shooting star. The next day, as if by some enchantment, Mr. Bingley and his party return to Netherfield, filling the village with the promise of renewed connections. As the days leading up to Christmas unfold, Elizabeth finds herself drawn into the circle of Georgiana Darcy, whose kindness and depth reveal surprising new sides to the proud and enigmatic Mr. Darcy. Between festive gatherings and intimate conversations, Elizabeth begins to see Mr. Darcy in a new light, her heart warming to him just as the year’s coldest days draw near. Will Christmas work its magic and unite these destined souls? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
Profile Image for Diane.
557 reviews
January 22, 2025
Before Christmas, Elizabeth is outside looking at the night sky and sees two shooting stars, making several wishes - first two wishes for Jane and Charlotte, then another for herself at the second shooting star.

Mr. Bingley decides to go back to Netherfield and takes his family plus Darcy and Georgiana also. His excuse is that there is a lot of influenza in London (true) but mainly he wants to go back to Jane. This Mr. Bingley is a little bit more outgoing happy-go-lucky than we usually see. But, he has been suffering with his separation from Jane and finally grows a backbone with his sisters and Mr. Darcy. I did like some of the conversations that were had between him and Mr. Darcy, and how he felt at being away from Jane, his love for Jane, etc. His sisters were insufferable and I wish they had not returned with the rest. What unpleasant witches! Georgiana is sweet, despite some difficulties due to the existence of Mr. Wickham. Mr. Darcy is resisting and denying his feelings for Elizabeth, and she is her usual stubborn self, misunderstanding everything he does. But then Mr. Darcy manages to shove his boots firmly in his mouth, and when he gets one out, merely replaces it with another - yeeks, what a jerk he can be. Eventually with enough pushing and encouragement from Bingley, Darcy realizes that he is indeed in love with Elizabeth.

Overall, a nice read.
Profile Image for PH.
125 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2024
‘Perhaps I am a fool. But if I am, I would rather be a fool in love than a man who never dared.’

There is no mistake that this is a story at the time of holiday season. All the Bennets do when not partying is sitting around the hearth, or napping on the settee, or lying in their bedchamber. How relaxing and wonderfully unoccupied!!

Georgiana’s slip of tongue is perfect!! Punch is all we need during the festive season. Yet Darcy can just erase everything by insulting Elizabeth again with accusation of mercenary, all the while proving himself right separating Bingley and Jane by mocking the Bennets. What a mess you make, Darcy!

It is a miracle that Elizabeth talk to him again, but forgive him and marry him!!

Parties and gatherings and dinners between Netherfield and Longbourn everday. Loud and merry and noisy and chaotic.

The story is told in modern language, but the background in regency era, together with the scenes jumping from one to another, which sometimes could be a bit confusing. Characters mention things not really happened in the previous chapters but only popped up in someone’s’ dialogue makes the development somehow complicated to trace. Thankfully it’s rather a simple plot.
Profile Image for Mustang.
323 reviews
December 12, 2024
Nice quick read Christmas story

3 1/2 stars rounded up
On the winter solstice, Elizabeth wishes for three things on two falling stars. This is a variation where Bingley and party plus Georgiana return to Netherfield due to a flu outbreak in town. Within no time, Bingley has people over for an impromptu party - now add in Christmas cheer, games, very spiked punch, confessions, and awareness causes people, especially Darcy and Elizabeth to start to look at things differently.

This is a quick timeline story that could benefit from a few things being tightened up. I look forward to what this author brings us in the future.
Profile Image for  Sophie.
2,017 reviews
December 9, 2024
I liked this story. I enjoyed the Christmas feeling of this story line. I liked the characters. There were points I really felt for Jane and Elizabeth. The author made her characters come to life with her words.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
98 reviews
December 19, 2024
Three wishes granted

This story was quite different from other P&P Variations. For one, Bingley is not your usual dossol character. Mr. Darcy is approached with a few choice words from Bingley. The vicious Caroline is not a main subject in this story and Georgianna also has a voice. Wickham is the usual villain, and Mr Darcy and Elizabeth are a confused mess. Good Read.
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,194 reviews18 followers
December 23, 2024
This uses the Pride and Prejudice element perfectly and enjoyed the overall feel of what was happening. I enjoyed that it had the original spirit and worked with what I was hoping for. Claudia Lomond has a strong writing style and enjoyed the way the characters were written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for bookmarkedbusy.
475 reviews
March 20, 2025
I have liked other books by this author, but here Darcy felt like one character for the first half of the book and another for the second half. It almost felt like the middle of the story was missing. I picked up the book partially because it mentioned a Georgiana-Elizabeth friendship, but this was barely explored
Profile Image for Lyn D Rose .
1,170 reviews17 followers
December 8, 2024
This is a beautifully written Pride and Prejudice variation. It's a delightful and charming Christmas story that told of Lizzies wishes came true not only for herself but also for Jane was very entertaining. The ending was wonderful. I recommend reading!
268 reviews6 followers
December 23, 2024
Wishes

A nice addition to the Christmas P&P stories. I especially like this Jane and this Georgianna. Favorite scenes include the extra strong punch, Bingley having his say to Darcy, and Bingley getting a good set down.
297 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2025
Elizabeth's Christmas Wish by Claudia Lomond is a sweet and a very romantic P&P variation. I found it captivating and charming. The changes Darcy and Elizabeth were going through in learning themselves and their true feelings is very moving. It is a short sweet read with some emotional and lovely moments between Elizabeth and Darcy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for kim hanley.
36 reviews
December 8, 2024
If you want to lose the modern stresses leading to Christmas. This is the book it's a beautifully written cosy warm hug of a Christmas fairytale.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lesley Barklay.
Author 9 books17 followers
Read
December 19, 2024
A sweet Christmas novella in which Elizabeth's wish on a shooting star brings Bingley back to Netherfield before Christmas, and gives her a love both deep and true.
Profile Image for Yas.
151 reviews2 followers
Read
January 14, 2025
A charming tale, made even more charming by the insignificance of Miss CB, her sister and Wickham.
Profile Image for Charlene S. Robinson.
338 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2025
Excellent read

Loved this book! The only thing that would have made it better would have been for Wickham sins to have caught up with him.
74 reviews
January 15, 2026
Charming story, I really love how the author sketches every character
Profile Image for Craftyhj.
1,223 reviews
January 18, 2025
An easy read

I liked the idea of this book - a gentle Christmas story with a reduced timeframe and minimal angst. The switching between Darcy's and Elizabeth's viewpoint was also generally well done.

I did however find the writing too jerky in style without a real sense of flow. This also included rather too much repetition of phrases. The language was also rather too modern in places.

My biggest disappointment however was the character of Darcy. Frankly he was really quite foul and Elizabeth would have been wise to walk away.

Minor editing blip - Bingley quotes his age as being both 22 and 25. As this ws an ARC this might be corrected in the final version.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
343 reviews
September 21, 2025
Very festive as promised!

A thoroughly enjoyable Christmas story. There were several characters and incidents from canon omitted due to needed brevity or incompatibility with the storyline. They were not missed! The additional personality traits of Elizabeth, Jane, Darcy, and Bingley demonstrated both their strengths and ability to change.

Recommended as a satisfying story for a lazy afternoon.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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