When Georgiana Darcy runs away from home to search for George Wickham, her brother sets off in hot pursuit. Finding her in the company of Elizabeth Bennet confounds Darcy completely; surely Elizabeth could not be in league with Wickham? Trapped at Longbourn when Georgiana falls ill, Elizabeth and Darcy must resolve their differences and get to the truth. But forcing them to set aside their pride and prejudices might just take a miracle...
I've been writing since I was 5 years old. I've always had to set it aside and try to concentrate on so-called 'real life' though. I've had a number of interesting careers - engineer, real estate sales agent, owner of an electrical goods store, silversmith - but finally the time has come for me to return to my first love. Writing.
I've always loved the works of Jane Austen, so perhaps it's fitting that my first published work should be a variation on the much beloved Pride And Prejudice.
Visit my website, www.catherinebilson.com, to read several free short fics in the Pride and Prejudice fandom, and to leave me comments on my work!
I also write not-for-profit fanfiction set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and if you'd like to read those free works please go to the Archive Of Our Own and search for the user handle ozhawk.
The miracle is that: 1.) If Georgiana Darcy had not decided to run away in the first place and 2.) If the Bennets had not been the family who decided to rescue a girl looking for her "fiancé" and then 3.) If Georgiana had not fallen sick due to being soaked while on the run...Darcy would probably have never had the chance to be in close proximity to Elizabeth and her family and for such a period of days during which he learns first hand all the excellent traits of that lady and even of her family. And thus Elizabeth also learns more about her erroneous first impressions of the man.
One has to wonder at the stress on Mrs. Bennet's hostess skills as Georgiana and Darcy and then others, i.e., his valet, her maid, Mrs. Annesley, etc. descend upon the household and Mrs. B. must provide rooms and meals. The Colonel has joined Darcy in the chase as he shares guardianship of G. and Bingley make an appearance. George Wickham's true nature and behaviors are shared and more than one young lady is spared being imposed upon by that man.
This was a lovely variation and timed for the holiday season. Darcy's great height is put to use decorating high places at Longbourn.
I just love the humorous bend in Catherine Bilson's book, always a delight to read... She also manages to add little twists to some of the secondary characters that gives rationality to their silliness without making them out of character, very cleverly done.
Georgiana ran away from home in pursuit of the perfidious Mr Wickham. When Darcy caught up with her, she was in company with the bewitching miss Elizabeth and Darcy misunderstood the situation entirely. A magnificent fight ensued and a hurdle of insults exchanged. I absolutely loved it! Georgiana took ill and ODC are forced to live in the same house, very much at odds... Loved the tender moments that eventually took place.
This is the first book in the "Darcy and Elizabeth miracles" series. Highly recommended it, 4.5*
What ifs are a fun way to explore all the roads not traveled by the original story and a little exciting to see where the new path will carry the characters. In this instance, new-to-me author Catherine Bilson diverts her story from Jane Austen's original P&P right about the time Darcy and the Bingleys depart from Netherfield. I was looking for a lovely, snug holiday Austenesque romance and was well pleased to find it with A Christmas Miracle at Longbourn.
The what if happens when Darcy's young sister, Georgiana still has a young crush on the wicked charmer, George Wickham so she overhears her brother and cousin talking about Wickham. She hies it off to this Hertfordshire neighborhood of Meryton to grasp her chance at ONE TRUE LOVE (young girls are so dramatic, right?). Fortunately, Georgie encounters Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth, and Mary first. The ladies are out doing some holiday shopping and it comes on a cold rainy day so their kind hearts take in the bedraggled young girl.
Naturally, Darcy must return and is forced to reassess his earlier opinions as does Elizabeth when they are in forced proximity at Longbourn during Georgie's illness and the holiday season.
The holidays are a lovely backdrop and I enjoyed seeing Darcy have to swallow all that pride when the maternal heart of Mrs. Bennet toward his sister and him and Mr. Bennet's cold view of Darcy's haughty words sets him down a notch or two. However, equally prejudiced Lizzy has to learn just how her judgment was swayed by the lies and charm of another so it was a time of growing for both of them.
A Christmas Miracle at Longbourn was a low-angst piece that hit the right notes for an easy read holiday romance. I am glad to have tried a new author and wouldn't mind reading more of her works.
Are you looking for a P&P Christmas book with just he teeniest bit of angst and a slight bit of testiness. Well look no further for this is your book. This is a unique P&P what if that imagines Miss Darcy chasing off after Wickham; her one true love, her romeo that her evil brother kept her from, to Meryton. Well technically close to Meryton where in the days before Christmas she encounters Mrs. Bennet. Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary who offer to take her to Col. Forrester.
I have to jump in right here and give the author kudos for showing a Mrs. Bennet with hidden depths and subtle understanding. Well done Ms. Billson. Darcy shows up quickly and really bollocks things up with Lizzy but soon he and his now ailing sister are guests of the Bennets. And if you thought Darcy was bad on his first trip to Meryton he takes it to 11 in this story earning a well deserved slap.
Darcy begins to recognize what a complete horse's arse he has been and makes immediate steps to correct his behavior and his attitudes. And Lizzy gets to see the man behind the mask. And lots of good Christmasy things happen.
My only complaint, and it is really minor, is that Lady Catherine's appearance just to briefly harangue Lizzy and then get back into her carriage on Christmas eve is bit too much. It really didn't add much to the story.
More kudos to the author for leaving some plot threads dangling and sparing me a dreaded epilogue.
Good, but felt unfinished I enjoyed this story very much, but the reader is left wondering about Wickham’s fate. Colonel Fitzwilliam is supposedly tasked with finding him, but we’re left with nothing. There was a glaring editorial error as well. It seems a reference to the burning of Wickham’s note to Darcy is mentioned in two different places. How could it burn twice? I did enjoy the lesson Darcy was faced with concerning the Bennet family as a whole. I also enjoyed the good portrayals of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. It seems there are too many variations that make them so evil.
This is a holiday themed story, obviously! Darcy was really annoying in the beginning and after a well deserved slap, thank you Elizabeth, he changes his tune real fast, as fast as Elizabeth changes her heart. (Sorry!, it felt too fast for me). But what really displeased me was the way the author just dropped the story line of Wickham and the Colonel. Wickham commits worse crimes and escapes Hertfordshire but the author preferred to stay back to pursue the romance happening there, which I agree she should keeping with the title but I would've liked at least an epilogue about Wickham getting what he deserves. Darcy and Elizabeth were not even engaged by the end of the story, it really deserves an epilogue to tie up loose ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I enjoyed this storyline. It really has a unique twist, but I didn't like all of the grammatical errors. Thus, it is more 3.5 stars for me.
Here we have Georgiana sneaking off to go after her love, Wickham. She falls ill and ends up in the care of the Bennetts. Darcy also ends up staying with them and learns that he was a prig and begins to loosen up and truly care for the family. It's a sweet story and I enjoyed the development of D & E's relationship. But the errors were distracting. I will share in my notes.
I could have read much more of this story. I found myself wondering about Wickham's end, and how Kitty and Georgiana's friendship would develop, etc. Write a sequel!
2.5 - Darcy’s change is a bit too extreme - I think his rudeness is worse than in the original. And Lizzy’s change of sentiment is a bit too quick to be believable. It also ends a little abruptly. Some editing mistakes.
I liked Mrs Bennet in this version. She was kind, understanding, sympathetic, sensitive and wholly unbelievable. If only she was more like that, but then we wouldn’t have the story we all know and love.
But what happened to Wickham? It’s left open for a sequel.
Definitely diverting. Darcy starts out really putting his foot in his mouth. But he does redeem himself. Cute Xmas story. Oh and I loved Mrs B. she wasn’t so ditzy.
I'm normally a huge fan of Darcy and Elizabeth coming to an early understanding- the sooner the better. In this story it comes a bit later, but too soon for my taste based on Darcy's temper and ungentlemanly behavior on full display. The accusations and insults he threw in Elizabeth's face... as well as putting his hands on her in anger confirms his short fuse. This was definitely worse than anything canon Hunsford offered. Fortunately, Darcy realizes that he can't continue to go around insulting people and then claim 'the devil (Wickham) made me do it' and expect to be pitied and excused because Wickham is a bad man. Yes, their is some romance between Darcy and Elizabeth, but I was a bit turned off by how easily Darcy went from wanting to leave Meryton with a vengeance, being verbally abusive towards Elizabeth/family- twice, offering an apology, then pursue Elizabeth all in 24 hours or so time span.
Georgiana and Bingley got off easy.
This isn't my favorite from this author, but I do look forward to her next variation.
I hated this Darcy. I know in earlier times, women had to rights but for him to want to spank Georgiana THEN grasping Elizabeth and shaking her violently in the space of a few minutes his character was sunk in my esteem.
He then hopes Colonel Forster can muzzle his wife! Elizabeth’s slap was not enough. Their understanding seemed too easy and rushed.
Then Wickham just gets away with all his crimes by changing his name.
The author uses some words like despite in odd ways.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. A cute light read with low angst. Mr. Darcy was a bit too rude and vocal at first and I didn’t like his initial and immediate (though very short lived) blaming of Elizabeth with regards to Georgiana running away to meet Mr. Wickham. It could have been more acceptable or believable if a bit more background was given to make the reader feel it could have been plausible for him to mistake that such a scenario could have occurred? It showed he had less respect and trust in Elizabeth with that accusation (in my opinion). And Elizabeth never gave him a set down for it either.
I liked the story overall, but rated lower due to: (1) some things left unresolved at the end with regards to Wickham, (2) Lizzy’s change in feelings to Mr.Darcy (for more than friendship) were too quick, (3) some improprieties were taken that I felt were not in line with D&E’s characters without a better understanding of each others feelings and a more solid foundation of where they stood with each other, and (4) the grammar/spelling mistakes (although they weren’t too terrible, too many occurrences).
This was so cute. A book where Darcy is a little more hesitant in sharing Wickham's character with her sister, leading to her ending up travelling alone and stumbling across the Bennet sisters and getting ill from being out in the rain. This was a very sweet book where Darcy has to confront his pride, Lizzie has to confront her prejudice, but in very different circumstances than the original book.
I did find both of them quite frustrating here but in a mostly good way as they had to reconcile that they were wrong and I felt a lot of sympathy for Jane as she has to help her sister see that she isn't the best judgement of people as she always thought she was. Mrs Bennet comes off very well here, in a very sympathetic showing of her character, as someone who has five daughters and knows how to deal with young girls running around in the rain.
This is a very sweet, Christmassy read that I would recommend. 4 stars!
This was an interesting and cute read. I like how Georgiana is the reason that everything happens, though I find it strange that she still intends to marry Wickham after Ramsgate. Regardless, the beginning of the book was such fun! However, I felt like everything seemed to be resolved way too easily.
This was a really good book but I have it 4 stars rather than 5 because the author left us hanging concerning Wickham's fate after he fled Meryton and stole a horse. Will there be a sequel to this story?
Un milagro de Navidad en Longbourn es una variación encantadora de Orgullo y Prejuicio que toma a los personajes clásicos de Jane Austen y los coloca en una situación completamente nueva, manteniendo su esencia pero dándoles giros inesperados.
La historia parte de un punto clave: Georgiana Darcy huye impulsada por un malentendido, creyendo que está destinada a casarse con el teniente Wickham. Desde ese momento, Catherine Bilson construye un relato lleno de tensión, humor y calidez navideña, donde los Bennet y los Darcy se ven obligados a interactuar mucho más de lo que ocurrió en la obra original.
A diferencia del libro de Austen, donde el orgullo de Darcy y los prejuicios de Elizabeth tardan meses en quebrarse, aquí las circunstancias los obligan a convivir bajo el mismo techo antes de tiempo. Esto produce escenas más íntimas, conversaciones directas y un desarrollo más rápido de su relación, sin perder la chispa ni la ironía típica de Lizzy.
Bilson respeta la personalidad de cada personaje, pero les da matices nuevos. Darcy sigue siendo reservado y protector, aunque más emocional que en la historia original. Elizabeth mantiene su inteligencia y humor, pero muestra un lado más compasivo al cuidar de Georgiana. Incluso la señora Bennet, aunque continúa siendo nerviosa y exagerada, se convierte en un apoyo inesperado.
La novela juega con elementos reconocibles del original —Wickham como amenaza, Jane con el corazón roto, la tensión social entre familias—, pero los presenta de una forma más ligera y festiva. El resultado es una historia que combina romance, familia y espíritu navideño con un toque dramático, sin llegar nunca a ser pesada.
En conjunto, Un milagro de Navidad en Longbourn ofrece una lectura cálida, entretenida y nostálgica. Para quienes aman Orgullo y Prejuicio, es un placer ver a estos personajes en una versión alternativa donde los malentendidos se resuelven de manera diferente y el amor tiene una segunda oportunidad bajo la luz de la Navidad. Es una historia sencilla de disfrutar, con el encanto justo y sin pretender ser una copia del clásico, sino un homenaje que invita a sonreír.
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 nice gentle read. This book starts with a Darcy much worse than the original. I totally disliked him, but he slowly redeemed himself as the book progressed. Georgina featured more prominently in this version and Mrs Bennett was a much likeable character.
When the naïve Georgiana Darcy decides to run away to find her one true love, George Wickham, her protective brother Fitzwilliam Darcy races to stop her before it's too late. Imagine Darcy's shock when he finds his young sister in the company of Elizabeth Bennet, the woman who has captured his heart despite his best efforts.
Trapped together at Longbourn after Georgiana falls gravely ill, Darcy and Elizabeth are forced to overcome their misconceptions about each other. As they peel back layers of pride and prejudice, they discover an attraction that cannot be denied, but can they untangle the web of lies woven by Wickham before he succeeds in ruining them all? With Georgiana's future at risk, Elizabeth's beloved sister Jane heartbroken, and a houseful of company arriving for Christmas, it will indeed take a miracle to set things right. Fortunately, the season of miracles is at hand, bringing Darcy and Elizabeth an unexpected chance at love.
So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. The only real disappointment was not knowing Wickhams fate by the end of the book. I highly recommend to everyone.
After the Netherfield ball, and after Darcy and the Bingleys have abandoned Netherfield, Jane Bennett is despondent with a broken heart, Elizabeth has no very good opinion of Darcy but thinks Wickham is a fine man, and Darcy is still struggling with his strong attraction to Elizabeth. In London, Georgiana overhears Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam discussing Wickham, and she learns that he's currently in Meryton. She still loves him, so she steals away to take a post coach to Hatfield, near Meryton. Mrs Bennett, Elizabeth and Mary are Christmas shopping in Hatfield, and overhear Georgiana trying to find a ride to Meryton, and they offer her a ride, only then learning that she's Darcy's sister. They immediately suspect that something strange is going on, but when Georgiana tells them that she's trying to get to Wickham, her fiance, they take her directly to Colonel Forster's home, where Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam show up shortly after their arrival. Events ensue that make it necessary for the Darcy's and the Colonel to stay at Longbourn.
I have to say that Darcy was pretty rough around the edges in this version. A lot of swearing, some really nasty speeches to Elizabeth, and some otherwise poor behavior on his part was a little shocking and not at all like our usual stoic Darcy. I wondered how in the world he was going to get himself out of the deep hole he was digging. However, somehow this author pulled it off, and there was a nice gradual process of courtship and improving opinions, culminating,of course, at Christmas.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for a pleasant way to pass some time.
This was a pretty good what-if idea. What if Georgianna ran away to find Wickham, without him even knowing she was coming, and ends up with the Bennett family. There are points of the story that are left open for future books. Darcy and Elizabeth are only officially courting at the end of this. Not engaged. All sorts of things could happen with that in future books. Wickham got away. Endless possibilities with that one. But even though things are not fully resolved at the end of this book it still had a happily ever after feel regardless of what the future holds for them.
Having read canon and knowing that Darcy and Elizabeth overcome their pride and prejudice I kind of thought calling this a miracle might be a little overkill? But I'll go with it.
I liked Mrs. Bennett in this story. She still has her annoying habits but she also showed common sense when needed and could keep her mouth shut when called for. That was a refreshing change. Mr. Bennett seemed more engaged with what was going on in his household. I liked that. The three youngest sisters play lesser roles in this book but I rather liked Kitty though we didn't see much of her. We only heard about the annoying Mr. Collins and didn't have to deal with him directly. And only a brief appearance from Lady Catherine. I think that part could have been left out of the book without missing anything key. Just my opinion. I also liked getting the point of view of both Lizzy and Darcy.
Sex: No. Some kisses. Language: Some. Violence: No.
This is a commendable variation as it propels more forward and passionate natures in Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, not only in words but also deeds.
The family Bennet is thrust into a situation where they give aid and support to the Darcys in what may have been disastrous for the reputation and image of the latter family. It is through this experience that Fitzwilliam Darcy realized what he had lost and what he could gain if he were to say and do the right things in relation to particular members of the Bennet family. It is through this personal discovery in the face of the kindness and honesty of the Bennets that Darcy comes to terms of the fact the without the love of a lady of quality such as Elizabeth Bennet, life would surely be empty and pointless. Without her guidance and patience, he would not become the better man to his sister, his cousin and his friends.
While in close quarters and after learning the truth about the gentleman who only appeared honorable, Elizabeth Bennet also realizes there is more to admire, honor, and respect about the reticent and seemingly arrogant and proud Master of Pemberley. His willingness to own up to his mistakes, admit wrongdoing and make amends softens her and eventually leads her to realize her dreams of marrying only for affection and love.
Highly recommended variation especially with affecting banter and romantic exchanges between Darcy and Elizabeth.
When Georgiana Darcy Overhears some juicy gossip, she sets off to find Mr. Wickham Which places are squarely in the path of the Bennett family. Her brother and cousin hurry after her but not before poor Georgiana is soaked to the bone in a blistering winter rain. Unable to travel due to Georgiana’s health, Mr. Darcy is forced to stay at Longbourn and during that stay a miracle of understanding occurs.
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I will fully admit this is not my usual cup of tea. However since Jane Austen variations are popular I wanted to see what the fuss is about. And the author is someone whose other works I read and who’s ability I trust.
So what have I learned? I’ve learned that this is a very sweet gentle slow burn of a story much in the vein of the original Austen. I’ve learned that this is a perfect thing for people who are Jane Austen fans and who want more. I’ve also learned that Jane Austen variations are not my thing.
I can tell this is one of the authors earlier works because there isn’t the level of editing that I’ve come to expect from her. And there’s a few dangling threads that aren’t addressed. Additionally there are too many events that require an in-depth understanding of The book that fans of the Keira Knightley movies or even the BBC miniseries might not get.
And all this is an enjoyable sweet read for those who are fans of pride and prejudice.
This is my first read of this author and my first of a "what if" Pride and Prejudice. I'm a huge Austen fan, so approached this with equal parts eagerness and nerves. I'm thrilled to say it was a wholly enjoyable experience!
The author is probably a little kinder to Darcy's capacity for self-awareness and polite social engagement than the original iteration, but I was completely willing to accept his actions and motives, so not particularly jarring. It certainly helps that the author gives us far more insight into his (and a number of other character's) thoughts than the original works ;) Lizzy is a dream. But the real surprise was in the appearance of Mr Bennett's spine (who knew!? Hahaha), and Mrs Bennett's sense and management of a young girl in a difficult situation. I found I very much enjoyed this variation in particular!
The story spends very little time on the youngest daughters, and Lydia barely makes an appearance, which suits me very well as I've yet to see a presentation of her that doesn't make me grind my teeth lol! But in their moments of involvement in the story, they felt familiar and well realised.
All in all, I really believe fans of the original will find much to enjoy in this delightful and pleasing story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
. Georgiana traveled to Meryton alone to meet Wickham. He is unaware though, and Georgiana ends up staying with the Bennets. Darcy and the colonel come seeking for her and everyone has a jolly, golly good time for Christmas. Nah, just kidding. Georgiana falls ill, and Darcy deals some further insults to the Bennet family, in an uncharacteristic outburst of plain speaking. He is immediately sorry for his tantrum and finds himself exceedingly motivated to grovel, because his happiness depends on it. I enjoyed this story a great deal. The writing style flows well, there are many sweet or witty exchanges and I liked the way emotion was communicated by gestures. Elizabeth's change of heart felt rather fast and easy but perhaps that was the miracle part.
If I have a complaint it's that the Wickham storyline ended disappointingly. He has earned himself load of trouble by being a complete and utter scumbag, but when we leave him to his fate he's just made a lot of money by criminal means and is about to live it up in the Partytown. Dear author, how could you do this to me? I need my Wickhams to get their comeuppance. Also, there are some hints that the colonel might grow to like Jane but nothing ever came out of this.
It was rather luck for Georgiana that she happened on the Bennets on her mad dash to Meryton to meet up with George Wickham. Even Mrs. Bennet knew that something was wrong with Miss Darcy looking for Wickham. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam are quickly on her trail, and when Darcy finds her in Miss Elizabeth’s home, makes another error in judgment against Elizabeth to which he has to apologize for. Georgiana gets ill rapidly after her being soaked by the rain and is nursed back to health by Elizabeth and Jane. Darcy is set down many times by Elizabeth ad as a guest in her childhood home he is subjected to constant reminders of his own behaviors as he is called on the carpet. As Georgiana recovers, Darcy realizes that he has misjudged the Bennets and has fallen in love with Elizabeth. Bingley is reunited with Jane, Lady Catherine is finally handled and put in her place, and Georgiana learns the truth about Wickham. Wickham escapes his guards, commits more than one theft, is absent without leave from his militia post, and when caught will face hanging. Caroline was left stewing in London her brother finally finding his backbone. HEA for ODCs.