Snow Falls at Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

A Very Darcy Holiday Hug #3

by Harriet Knowles

Snow blankets Pemberley as Elizabeth Darcy prepares to endure her first Christmas unwillingly bound in a marriage forged by duty — and silence — to a man she once swore to despise.

Bound by honour and deep regret, Fitzwilliam Darcy never wished his marriage to be marked by distance. Yet two months after their hurried vows, he lives with the ache of a wife he scarcely knows — and cannot reach. He hopes that time and the quiet peace of Pemberley might finally heal the wounds his pride has caused.

Pride holds his tongue, guilt binds his heart. Every passing day reminds him of what he’s lost. But when relentless snow traps them together at Pemberley, even Darcy’s reserve begins to crack. If he can only find the courage to speak, he might earn her forgiveness — and his own peace.

Lonely amid the grandeur, Elizabeth feels more guest than mistress in her new home. Her husband’s kindness is hidden by distance, his warmth buried deep. Yet as Christmas approaches, small gestures and shared laughter begin to melt the frost between them. Trapped together by the storm, she starts to glimpse what home — and love — might truly mean.

Snow Falls at Pemberley is a sweet romantic novella of almost 25,000 words blending a forced marriage, snowed-in togetherness, and the slow-burn magic of Christmas at Pemberley. Perfect for readers who long to see Darcy and Elizabeth’s path to love awakened, warmed by hope, and blessed with the promise of new life.

116 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2025

Reviews

[J.C. Plummer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pleasant story, but there’s not much to it. The initial compromise that led to their hasty marriage wasn’t believable.

Very little happens, except that Elizabeth freaks out over a letter from Richard to Darcy (that she should not have read – it was not addressed to her!). The problem is that I saw nothing in the letter that would justify her over-reaction. Because of this, her reaction was very annoying.

I liked this well enough, so 3-stars.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a story in which a questionable compromise at the assembly leads to a forced marriage and resentment. After a couple of positive interactions they are in love, just in time for the holidays. Recommended for when you want something cute you can finish in one sitting.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Lydia's foolishness at the Meryton assembly, Darcy and Elizabeth have been forced to marry and have been at Pemberley for two months. It's quite cold, with heavy snow impeding travel. It's unlikely that Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam will make it to Pemberley for Christmas. Elizabeth is resentful, and Darcy's tongue seems to be frozen. Communication between them is frosty, although Darcy wishes it would thaw. Elizabeth feels lonely and isolated, in spite of an army of servants to do her every bidding. She tries to do her duty as mistress of Pemberley and develops a good relationship with Mrs. Reynolds, who notices that all is not right with the marriage and determines to help solve the problem. It doesn't take long before the two are head over heels. A quick Christmas read. 4 stars

Cover: The model's face looks frozen.

[Debra McMaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a bad beginning

From a bad beginning, both must make an effort if they are to become anything but distant. Christmas provides the opportunity they need for their relationship to begin to grow. Loved the descriptions of Derbyshire winter weather that made a fine backdrop to the story.

[Diana Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very sweet

It is a long road..but so worth the journey! Darcy and Dizzy forever! Seriouously..seven more word? so disappointed with writing a review. I love P&P variations
...even sober!

[RTD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and Light

I love stories that focus on Darcy and Elizabeth creating their happily ever after. Darcy and Elizabeth are the main characters, with Mrs. Reynolds as the supporting cast.

* 3.5 Stars

[Lisa Bjornson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dearest Darcys

A compromise of a different sort. Some angst and many misunderstandings of each other motives. Thoughtful story focusing on Darcy and Elizabeth.

[Terri Conley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this very much one of my favoured authors . I would have liked just bit more but I rarely find a book too long.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this tale of misunderstandings. Darcy and Elizabeth are forced to marry after a stupid compromise at the Assembly. They each think the other hates them, but long to become closer to the other, though they have trouble figuring out how.