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The Quill Collective #5

Yuletide: A Jane Austen-inspired Collection Of Stories

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“I went up to the Great House between three and four, and dawdled away an hour very comfortably...” –Jane Austen

A holiday short story anthology with some favorite Austenesque authors, YULETIDE is inspired by Jane Austen, PRIDE & PREJUDICE, and the spirit of the season. Regency and contemporary alike, each romance was dreamt to spark love, humor, and wonder while you dawdle over a hot cup of tea this Christmas.

Stories by: Elizabeth Adams * J. Marie Croft * Amy D’Orazio * Lona Manning * Anngela Schroeder * Joana Starnes * Caitlin Williams
Edited by: Christina Boyd

All proceeds to benefit Chawton Great House in Hampshire, former manor of Jane Austen’s brother Edward Austen Knight and now the Centre for the Study of Early Women’s Writing, 1600-1830.

190 pages, Paperback

First published November 25, 2018

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About the author

Christina Boyd

14 books326 followers
Christina Boyd wears many hats as she is a writer, reader, editor, and artist. Since 2013, Christina has worked with forty authors, self-published five anthologies, and edited over fifty books. A life member of Jane Austen Society of North America and Pacific Northwest Writers Association, Christina lives quietly in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her dear Mr. B and a silver Labrador—now that the Boydlings have gone off on adventures. Her own whirlwind English fantasy came true thanks to actor Henry Cavill when they sipped champagne together atop the London Eye. True story. You can Google it.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,680 reviews79 followers
November 28, 2018
Christina Boyd gathered a bunch of willing authors to donate their talents, with $2 from the sale of each book to benefit Chawton House. The result is a wonderful collection of Christmas stories, all of which are variations of Pride and Prejudice.

Caitlin Williams imagines Darcy's carriage getting stuck near Longbourn a few days before Christmas (AFTER the Netherfield group had abandoned the area). Elizabeth comes across him and, with a winter storm getting worse, she reluctantly offers Longbourn's hospitality.

Joana Starnes takes Georgiana's point of view to describe the way Pemberley celebrates Christmas after Darcy and Elizabeth have been married several years.

Amy D'Orazio's modern P&P conjures up some Christmas magic, giving Darcy some unexplainable additions to his Facebook page and causing him to participate in social events more agreeably during the following months.

Lona Manning brings the Darcys to Rosings for Christmas. Elizabeth is determined to cut through Anne deBough's reserve and forge a friendship, hoping to find common ground through books.

J. Marie Croft wrote the other modern story of this group wherein Darcy has some definite Scrooge-like qualities. Georgiana has requested a very specific gift that can only be purchased at "Homespun," which is a clothing and quilt store run by the Bennet family, and it's Christmas Eve.

Anngela Schroeder's tale has Jane suffering the disappointment of Mr. Bingley's sudden departure from Netherfield. She and Elizabeth accompany Mrs. Long and her nieces to a Christmas ball in Yorkshire, where they make the acquaintance of Colonel Fitzwilliam.

Elizabeth Adams has the newlywed Darcys hosting the Fitzwilliam relatives for a Christmas house party at Pemberley. Even without Lady Catherine in attendance, it turns into quite a challenge for the host and hostess.
Profile Image for Anna.
473 reviews33 followers
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November 19, 2019
When I heard that Christina Boyd was releasing another Jane Austen-inspired short story collection, that it was Christmas themed, and that the proceeds would benefit the Chawton Great House, I knew I had to get my hands on the book. When I saw that they were all Pride and Prejudice-inspired stories, a mix of Regency and modern (a huge plus because I love the modern variations), and that the stories were written by some of the best authors of Austen-inspired fiction, I knew I had to read it right away. With all that is going on in my life right now, I haven't had much time or energy for reading, but I didn't want to miss out on my annual December month of holiday books, so I turned on my Kindle, started Yuletide, and the next thing I knew, I'd finished the book! It was the right mix of stories, and they were just the right length to get me back in my reading groove.

My favorite passage of the book was from the very first story, "The Forfeit" by Caitlin Williams, in which Mr. Darcy finds himself stranded at Longbourn for the holiday during a snowstorm, and he and Elizabeth make a friendly wager. "It was usually her favourite time of year, when everyone was predisposed to laughter, love was limitless, and much joy was to be had from simple pleasures." That line is the essence of Christmas for me, and I pretty much knew right then that I would love this collection.

"And Evermore Be Merry" by Joana Starnes shows readers a Christmas at Pemberley through Georgiana's eyes some years after her brother and Elizabeth's wedding. "The Wishing Ball" by Amy D'Orazio is a modern story in which Darcy finds some Christmas magic via Facebook and yearns for what his life could be. "By a Lady" by Lona Manning depicts an Elizabeth determined to become a friend to Anne de Bourgh. "Homespun for the Holidays" by J. Marie Croft is another modern tale that finds Darcy stranded on Christmas Eve while attempting to find a unique present for his sister, and he must depend on the generosity of the family he insulted in his pursuit of said gift. "The Season for Friendly Meetings" by Anngela Schroeder puts Elizabeth and Jane in Yorkshire for a Christmas ball, where Colonel Fitzwilliam gets Elizabeth thinking that her first impressions of a certain someone may have been based on falsehoods. And "Mistletoe Mismanagement" by Elizabeth Adams depicts a Christmas house party hosted by the newlywed Darcys at which his Fitzwilliam relatives (not the dear colonel, of course) prove to be anything but proper.

This was a fantastic lineup of stories, and I was especially pleased to find a couple of moderns thrown in. There was some magic and mischief, stories where Darcy and Elizabeth are falling love, and stories set during their marriage. Manning's portrayal of Anne de Bourgh was a pleasant surprise, and I enjoyed the colonel's sly maneuvering in Schroeder's story. It's rare to find a short story collection in which I enjoy all of the stories, but given how much I love these authors, I'm not surprised that Yuletide was an exception. This is a must-read if you love Pride and Prejudice-inspired stories, and it would make a perfect Christmas gift for the JAFF fan in your life.

Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric
Profile Image for Christina.
Author 14 books326 followers
December 17, 2022
Nine months after its inception, Rational Creatures was born. It had been a long journey, corralling sixteen authors, working with a new proofer, and implementing lots of DIY promotion ideas. I think it’s the best anthology I have ever been a part of—and I am so grateful of all who helped make it a work to be proud of. I loved that collection of stories written by strong women about some of Austen’s strongest female characters and had been reflecting much on the research library at Chawton Great House, the Centre for the Study of Early Women’s Writing. In the spring of 2017, I had the good fortune to visit Chawton House (the manor of Jane Austen’s brother Edward Austen Knight), as well as the Cottage, along with author Joana Starnes, blogger Mira Magdo, and my dear Mr B. That magical day left a lasting impression on me and I dream of one day returning. Never one to idle long—I was waiting on the manuscript from another author to do a full edit (I suppose we can blame/thank Leigh Dreyer’s manuscript delay for this project!) —and about a week before the #RationalCreatures two-month blog tour was to end, I decided I needed to publish a holiday anthology. In an inspired moment, I thought “How about a Christmas-themed anthology and give all the proceeds to Chawton Great House.” Easy as that, I asked my anthology authors and explained we would have less than a month to make it to holiday market and was anyone interested? Further, unlike previous anthologies, I could not pay them for their stories and asked them to donate their work to this project. After a day, I started doubting myself and thinking this was too ambitious a turn-around time when I woke up to an email from Caitlin Williams, offering a delicious Regency story. After reading it, I decided I had to go forward with this impossible venture. Her story had all the elements that I loved in a holiday romance. Within two days, six more dauntless authors joined this endeavor and we have published YULETIDE in less than a month!

In a mad flurry, the authors wrote quality Pride and Prejudice stories on-demand and others have donated their time and creativity to produce this Christmas collection of five Regency and two contemporary stories, in hopes that ALL the proceeds might help in the continuation of good work at the Great House, ensuring the work of women writers will continue to be discovered and treasured long into the future. I hope you enjoy this collection in the same affectionate spirit it was created. Thank you for supporting this effort and Chawton Great House.
Profile Image for wosedwew.
1,337 reviews125 followers
November 28, 2018
Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles. ~ Author Unknown

These short Christmas stories brought a smile for me. I won’t recap any of them and I won’t disclose a favorite. They are all good.

Thanks to the editors and authors who donated their time and talents to create this collection which will benefit Chawton House.

One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly. ~ Andy Rooney
Profile Image for Amy D'Orazio.
Author 52 books293 followers
November 26, 2018
Am super proud to be a part of this collection of Austenesque tales for the holiday! ALL PROCEEDS go to benefit Chawton House ❤️
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books399 followers
October 30, 2019
Update for Audiobook Edition

What could be more deliciously, heartwarming than a collection of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice-inspired stories set around the Christmas holiday? Seven authors give us an engaging variety of stories from historical to modern, variation to sequel, and a bit of holiday magic to bring a cozy feeling and smile to reader's faces. And, it was sheer delight to have the fabulous Harry Frost doing the narration work.

The first story asks 'What if Darcy returns to Netherfield, the weather keeps him stranded, and he spends that fateful Christmas with the Bennets instead of in London? A snowed in setting is just the thing to get an out of tune pair a chance to right their misunderstandings.

Then, we fast forward a decade to visit Pemberley at Christmas for a reunion as witnessed from sweet Georgiana's point of view. Georgie has her own special surprise to share with her husband against the backdrop of heartwarming tradition and extended family antics.

A modern story with a magical wishing ornament shows Darcy a future happiness that he never knew to wish for and wants beyond anything now. It aids him getting past that unsuccessful first meet and the inevitable misunderstandings.

A sequel story has Darcy and Elizabeth visiting Rosings over the holidays and Elizabeth determinedly sets out to make Anne De Bourgh a friend to surprising results.

A romantic comedy for a modern Darcy and Elizabeth during a New England snow storm involving a Homespun gift, a quirky family, and much laughter.

Jane and Lizzy have a Yorkshire Christmas visit they will not soon forget when they encounter a certain Colonel Fitzwilliam who gives Lizzy perspective on her perceived wrongs from Mr. Darcy.

Oh my, the hijinks ensue when the relatives come for a Pemberley Christmas and Elizabeth discovers that Darcy might have one or two family embarrassments of his own. Christmas comedies can be such fun romps.

This was not my first encounter with Harry Frost's work. He has great versatility with historical and modern time, gender, age, class, and accents. He caught the tone so well of each story whether humor or drama.

Generally, I enjoy some over others when it comes to anthology collections, but that was not the case here. Each story was fabulous in its own unique way. I smiled, laughed, and felt my heart flutter and felt the spirit of Christmas through and through. I do believe there will be a little something for everyone who enjoys holiday romance inspired by a classic.

My thanks to the editor for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,688 reviews201 followers
December 30, 2019
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars

All these short stories are about Elizabeth and Darcy: some modern and some Regency, some after they are married and others before such.

The Forfeit by Caitlin Williams: Darcy ends up staying at Longbourn when the weather conditions strand his coach…Netherfield having already been shut up. He makes a wager with Elizabeth as to whom Wickham’s attentions will turn…or not when Mary King gains her inheritance.

And Evermore Be Merry by Joana Starnes: Darcy, with four daughters and one son, shows he is a family man with no cold hauteur at all. Outdoor and indoor games make for a lovely fun time with friends and relations. This was a heart warming tale as we read of married life.

The Wishing Ball by Amy D’Orazio: (modern day) Is it a dream or a wish fulfilled when a Christmas ornament seem to mysteriously foretell future desires coming true? Lovely thoughts and expectations! This one just might have been my favorite.

By A Lady by Lona Manning: Elizabeth is determined to get to know Anne de Bourgh better when she and her family spend a Christmas at Rosings. Anne has a secret and Elizabeth is in on it…even keeping it from her husband? How nice that Anne has a talent to share with others.

Homespun For The Holidays by J. Marie Croft: (modern day) William is last minute shopping for a “one-of-a-kind” jumper/sweater which lands him at the Bennet’s store, Homespun. However, the gift has been sold out from under his nose. His temper erupts and then when a winter storm cancels all flights he knows he is not going home to England for Christmas. Furthermore, as the State Police have ordered drivers to stay off the roads he can go nowhere and even though he has threatened the Bennet family with demands for that jumper’s retrieval he is offered a place to stay on Christmas Eve and Day. The Bennets' traditions soon have him wanting the same and as the night progresses he realizes with whom he wants it. A power outage gave this tale some added tension. Darcy was lucky the Christmas spirit ruled for the Bennets.

The Season for Friendly Meetings by Anngela Schroeder: Elizabeth is spending the Christmas holiday with Mrs. Long and her nieces in Yorkshire. Colonel Fitzwilliam shows up. (Elizabeth has never met him before and does not know of his relationship with Darcy.) When she makes a comment about gossip harming innocent people he draws her out and soon is turning the tables on her as to how she handles information given by “charming men”.

Mistletoe Mismanagement by Elizabeth Adams: This story has so much match-making and mismatch-making going on I thought Mrs. Bennet might be in on the scheme of things. Elizabeth is trying to help the Colonel out but learns about affairs going on under her nose which others seem to have already known of and accepted. She hadn’t planned for her home to be the setting for such her first Christmas as Mistress at Pemberley.

December 21, 2019: I began listening to this book on Audible narrated by Harry Frost while on my daily walks. I finished listening to this on 12/30/19: enjoyed it just as much as there was quite a long interval between "readings". Highly recommend. Harry Frost was the narrator and very pleasant to listen to.
Profile Image for Meredith (Austenesque Reviews).
997 reviews345 followers
April 21, 2019
Seven Splendid Stories Stocked with Seasonal Celebrations, Surprises, and Christmas Spirit!

It truly is difficult to decide what I love most about Yuletide: A Jane Austen Inspired Collection of Stories. Is it the fact that it’s a 7-in-1 Jane Austen/Christmas inspired collection? Is it the diverse slants of each story that are written in both the Regency period and modern times? Is it the continued collaboration of favorite authors and a most talented editor? Is it knowing that the proceeds from this anthology are being generously donated to Chawton Great House. Or is it for all these reasons combined together?!? Yep, going with that last one!

Since there were only 7 stories, I thought I’d give a little breakdown. I hope you find it helpful:

THE FORFEIT – Caitlin Williams (variation)

- The Premise: Mr. Darcy is snowbound in Meryton and Elizabeth begrudgingly invites him to stay at Longbourn until the snow clears.

- What I Loved: Seeing Mr. Darcy interact with the Bennets in close quarters for long periods of time! LOL! And also: the wager made between Elizabeth and Darcy, their new understandings, and Mrs. Bennet’s erroneous assumptions! One of my faves!

AND EVERMORE BE MERRY – Joana Starnes (sequel)

- The Premise: From Georgiana’s prospective we witness the Christmas celebrations at Pemberley several years after the close of Pride and Prejudice.

- What I Loved: Seeing such festive joy at Pemberley – snowball fights, bullet pudding, snap dragon, and singing. Such warmth and merriment! But also brilliantly tempered with some past reflections on a period of discord and how it resolved.

THE WISHING BALL – Amy D’Orzaio (modern)

- The Premise: Through some inexplicable Christmas magic Will Darcy sees various scenes of a possible future.

- What I Loved: Christmas magic!!! The scenes and “memories” Will sees are so moving and beautifully described. I loved seeing his reaction when he meets Elizabeth, how the Wishing Ball knew all, and how the Wishing Ball continued to play an important role in their lives. One of my faves!

BY A LADY – Lona Manning (sequel)

- The Premise: The Darcys visit Rosings for Christmastide and Elizabeth is determined to befriend Anne de Bourgh.

- What I Loved: That Elizabeth reflected on her past behavior towards Anne de Bourgh and wished to rectify it. I also loved that Anne has a secret – and such an interesting one too! This story ended with a promise of something more, and I like to imagine the new possibilities for Anne!

HOMESPUN FOR THE HOLIDAYS – J. Marie Croft (modern)

- The Premise: F. William Darcy has some difficulties with the locals of Meryton as he tries to buy a one-of-a-kind homemade item his sister desperately wants.

- What I Loved: Homespun and Meryton! I want to visit/live there! Ms. Croft created such an endearing yet authentic atmosphere with this tale. I loved all the descriptions of the characters, décor, and various homespun items. Not to mention the simmering attraction between Darcy and Elizabeth and the puns!! So clever! One of my faves!

THE SEASON OF FRIENDLY MEETINGS – Anngela Schroeder (variation)

- The Premise: Elizabeth makes the acquaintance of Colonel Fitzwilliam while spending Christmastide with Mrs. Long and her nieces in Yorkshire.

- What I Loved: The frank conversations between Elizabeth and Colonel Fitzwilliam, and how very adept he is at steering their conversation and strategically forcing Elizabeth to analyze her previous judgments! Clever, smooth, and sympathetic Colonel Fitzwilliam is the hero of this story for sure!

MISTLETOE MANAGEMENT – Elizabeth Adams (sequel)

- The Premise: Married just one month, the Darcys host some of Mr. Darcy’s family (no Lady C) for the holidays where some matchmaking and mischief ensue!

- What I Loved: Seeing Elizabeth employ some matchmaking manipulations like her mother…lol! And speaking of manipulations…it was hilarious to see Darcy and Elizabeth with their hands full of misbehaving guests! Also, I loved how, even though this story is brief in page count, so much happens and it never felt underdeveloped or rushed.

CONCLUSION:

With seven short stories inspired by the same novel, involving many of the same characters, and featuring the same holiday season, you may expect these stories to blend together or feel a tad similar. But they do just the opposite – like snowflakes, each story of this collection is wonderfully unique and distinctly beautiful! And the whole collection together is an enchanting and exquisite Christmas scene that truly is a generous gift to all!

*All proceeds to benefit Chawton Great House in Hampshire, former manor of Jane Austen’s brother Edward Austen Knight and now the Centre for the Study of Early Women’s Writing, 1600-1830.
189 reviews10 followers
December 2, 2018
What a lovely collection of Pride and Prejudice Christmas short stories. Perfect for the holiday season. Proceeds from this book go to benefit the Chawton House. I loved all of the stories.
Profile Image for Charlene.
474 reviews
December 7, 2018
Excellent collection of short stories. Loved them all.
Profile Image for Dung.
477 reviews
December 21, 2018
Great anthology of Modern & Regency P&P stories with a holiday theme. Debbie Brown provides a great summary of the each story.

Thanks you Christina, authors, and everyone who contributed to make this collection possible and gifting the proceeds to such a great cause.
Profile Image for James S.
1,432 reviews
August 26, 2019
All P&P short stories about Christmas

A truly wonderful book. Not a bad story in the bunch. My favorite 3 were....

‘By A Lady’ by Lona Manning
Lizzy, Darcy, and their 2 children are visiting Rosings. Lizzy decides to get to know Anne better. Anne begins to trust Lizzy a little and shows her some children’s books she has written and Lizzy finds them to be special. She talks Anne into letting her try to find a publisher for them. Anne agrees and speaks of hoping her stories will be a piece of her when she passes on and when someone reads one to a child, she will be there also, a little bit. Brought me to tears. There was so much kindness and love in the story. A gem

‘The Forfeit’ by Caitlin Williams
Lizzy and Darcy make a little bet about Wickham

‘And Evermore Be Merry’ by Joana Starnes
A family get together at Pemberley. Lots of love, fun, kindness.

I recommend the book highly.
Profile Image for Christine Baglow.
50 reviews14 followers
December 18, 2018
Superb

I loved every moment I spent reading these short stories. I was genuinely disappointed when I came to the end of the collection. I want MORE!
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,680 reviews79 followers
November 24, 2019
Harry Frost is an extraordinarily gifted voice actor. I loved the written edition of this delightful collection, but it was a pleasure hearing it come to life. Darcy's frostiness, Elizabeth's liveliness, Lady Catherine's haughtiness, Jane's sweetness -- Mr. Frost's alters the pitch, cadence, and accent of his voice to match every character perfectly.

I previously read this anthology a year ago. This is a GoodReads link to my comments about the authors and stories themselves: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

If you like audiobooks, this is a wonderful choice for the holidays!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,439 reviews98 followers
December 19, 2018
I really enjoyed these Christmas stories and if you love JAFF, then you’ll love these! ❤️❤️❤️
899 reviews70 followers
December 14, 2018

"Good tidings we bring to you and your kin."

Good tidings and a worthy cause was the impetus for this heartwarming, poignant, sweet and funny Pride and Prejudice anthology of short stories which I absolutely loved! The line-up of talented authors and the accomplished editor, Christina Boyd, have created a delightful mix of Regency and modern stories that hit just the right chord at this time of year. Each story is lovingly written so grab your favourite cuppa, put your feet up and unwind with a story or two or three to help you re-charge your batteries at this busy time of year and know you are helping to contribute to the Chawton Great House which is now the Centre for the Study of Early Women's Writing, 1600-1830, the former manor of Jane Austen's brother Edward Austen Knight.

1. The Forfeit - Caitlin Williams (Regency)

"The stars knew nothing." (quote from the story)

Snowballs, treasure hunt, a sleigh ride and dancing...this is one short story I was thrilled to see included in this anthology.

2. And Evermore Be Merry - Joana Starnes (Regency)

"But all of us should be permitted to grasp love with both hands if we are fortunate enough to find it." (quote from the story)

A view of the Darcy's family life through the eyes of Georgiana. Ms. Starnes has captured it perfectly.

3. The Wishing Ball - Amy d'Orazio (Modern)

"Fate is coming after you." (quote from the story)

Now this fantastical story was pure modern magic!

4. By A Lady - Lona Manning (Regency)

"We are speaking of happiness." (quote from the story)

This is a poignant tale that had me in tears. I was so deeply moved, that I did not want it to end...I wanted more.

5. Homespun for the Holidays - J. Marie Croft (Modern)

"Too late. I'm already falling for you." (quote from the story)

Oh, yes, the falling was hard and there was plenty of humble pie! This one had me laughing out loud.

6. The Season for Friendly Meetings - Anngela Schroeder (Regency)

"You must never judge the character of others without first looking at your own faults." (quote from the story)

I just loved Colonel Fitzwilliam in this one and his approach to solving gossip in a ballroom. This one was short but sweet!

7. Mistletoe Mismanagement - Elizabeth Adams (Regency)

"Everything was in place and she was fully prepared for any eventuality." (quote from the story)

I just don't think Elizabeth realized what that eventuality would be...nor did Darcy. It's all in a name and who your neighbours are!

I highly recommend each and every one of these stories. They will wrap around your heart and linger like a cozy blanket.
Profile Image for Elin Eriksen.
Author 24 books158 followers
December 5, 2018
Christmas themed anthology, created to support Chawton house.
I absolutely loved it!

The Forfeit by Caitlin Williams:
It is yuletide at Longbourn when Elizabeth, on her way home from Lucas Lodge, came across Mr Darcy. The carriage stuck in the snow with a blizzard howling around their ears, she had little option but to invite him to take shelter at Longbourn...
Thrilling and romantic.

And Evermore be Merry by Joanna Starnes:
A very merry Mr and Mrs Darcy with offspring, welcomed us to celebrate a joyous Christmas at Pemberley. Told through the eyes of Georgiana.
Heart-warming.

The Wishing Ball by Amy D'Orazio:
Hilarious modern variation with a touch of magic.
I absolutely loved it!

By A Lady by Lona Manning:
The Darcys are visiting Rosings for Christmas which made Elizabeth stock up on her books. The purchase was because of entirely selfless reasons though...

Homespun For The Holidays by J. Marie Croft:
Modern variation, funny and edgy road to their HEA. Darcy got stuck in the back and beyond during a blizzard while trying to buy the latest must have jumper for Georgiana. Loved the banter and the language in this story.

The Season For Friendly Meetings by Anngela Schroeder:
A chance encounter between Elizabeth and the Colonel at a Christmas ball. The Colonel's cousin was not far behind... Entertaining and engaging, loved it!

Mistletoe Mismanagement by Elizabeth Adams:
Pemberley and the Darcys was ready for the onslaught of Darcy's maternal relations. Mr Darcy was a little jealous of his cousin which he had absolutely no reason to but none the less was...
Unfortunately, a flirtatious Colonel was the least of their problems. The ending had me laughing out loud.


Heartily recommend this book!
Profile Image for Christina Morland.
Author 9 books117 followers
November 13, 2019
I had the pleasure of reading this e-book last year, but oh, what a delight to hear these stories read aloud! Narrator Henry Frost is a talented voice actor, particularly when it comes to giving life to a character like Darcy.

Yuletide is a collection of Austenesque tales, some based in Regency England, others set in contemporary America, all focused on how the spirit of the season impacts our beloved Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Penned by some of the strongest writers in the Austenesque community, these stories each present a slightly different take on Jane Austen's characters. Henry Frost skillfully accentuates these differences with subtle changes in his voice. I especially loved hearing his variations on Darcy: sometimes rude and arrogant, other times joyfully in love, always compelling, thanks to Frost's deep, sonorous voice.

I had so much fun listening to these stories! They were the perfect way of getting into the holiday spirit--that is to say, the spirit I wish I could claim all year round, for really, these are stories about friends, family, and the kind of love that transcends time and place. Be it December or July, take a listen--especially if you're an Austenesque reader looking for a reason to hope and to smile.
Profile Image for Nicole Clarkston.
Author 29 books213 followers
November 14, 2019
Delicious collection of heartwarming stories to enjoy around the fire! These are a real treat to be enjoyed every year. Harry Frost’s narration is perfectly delectable, and wonderfully brings the stories to life—just in time to play them along on your Christmas travels!

I’m looking forward to reading these and listening to them again.
Profile Image for victoria_tonks.
314 reviews
December 2, 2018
4.5 stars rounded up to 5

We are being spoiled again by our wonderful group of JA authors, this time with this adorable, heartwarming, and incredibly Christmas-y collection of amazing P&P-inspired stories. It took me all of two days to finish it, and only because those had been the busiest days of the week for me and I could not just enjoy the book all the way through in one sitting.

The stories are very different - s0me period pieces, some modern retellings but all true in spirit to the original. We see ODC in different stages of their love and their life together but all of them are equally delightful to watch. I do not think I can pick a favourite story in this collection but I will definitely be going back to some of them. Oh, and this is a detail but it mattered to me - I did like the fact that Col. Fitzwilliam was always presented as a true friend to the Darcys. There are some P&P retellings which choose to make him a villain and this is definitely not something I enjoy. And a minor quibble - I am not giving the book full five stars because a couple of stories requires that I suspend my disbelief a little too much for my liking - but as I said, this is really minor.

All in a all, an awesome collection for all JA (and especially P&P) fans which will definitely make you feel the Christmas cheer and might also help to alleviated the inevitable (at least for me) pre-holiday stress.
Profile Image for Les.
2,911 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2018
If you are on the fence about this collection of P&P Xmas what ifs don't be, just buy it. Not only will $2 go to Chawton Great House but you will get perhaps the greatest, consistent, excellent P&P collection EVER!!

There are traditional stories, modern stories, P&P sequel stories and all are delightful and charming and wonderful and clean and Christmas-y.

I truly can't pick a favorite and I don't intend to summarize the plots just give yourself and Chawton Great House and Holiday gift and buy it!!
527 reviews4 followers
December 6, 2018
Great Storied

Really like reading Christmas stories. These were certainly a wonderful collection. Mainly bought it as I am a follower of author Anngela Schroeder. But also got to read other great authors. Modern set as well as regency set.
Profile Image for Anji.
86 reviews
January 1, 2020
Christmas is a time when magic and miracles seem to happen and Christina Boyd worked some magic and not a few miracles to bring this anthology of Pride and Prejudice-inspired seasonal stories together in a matter of a few weeks. All involved, both writing and editing, donated their time and talent free of charge so that all of the proceeds from sales of this fantastic collection can go to Chawton House Library, a charity that houses a remarkable collection of early women's writing. It's a place Jane Austen, the inspiration at the root of these stories, knew well as it was owned by her brother.

The seven authors are all well known and highly thought of in the genre of Austenesque fiction. Two are set in modern times, the rest are Regency-set. Some are sequels, some take an alternative path for one of our favourite romantic couples. There is even a sprinkling of Christmas magic in one of them. All, without fail, are absolutely wonderful!

I won't say any more, as others who are far more eloquent than myself, have already done so. If you need an extra Christmas treat that'll leave you feeling warm and fuzzy all over, then why are you still reading my waffle? Go and get a copy for yourself!
Profile Image for Christine Jensen.
316 reviews39 followers
December 16, 2018
A fabulous mix of Pride and Prejudice inspired shorts!

I love the mix of modern and Regency spin offs of Austen's classic tale. All take place at Christmas time and take the story in different directions, but all have the happily ever after we all hope for (or at least a hint that it is forth coming).
Profile Image for Sam H..
1,224 reviews60 followers
June 29, 2021
Chapter 2: “The Forfeit” by Caitlin Williams - Darcy is stuck at Longbourn for Chrsmas. Elizabeth finds herself falling for him

Chapter 3: “And Evermore Be Merry” by Joana Starnes - Chrsmas at Pemberley with the whole family and 5 children in for the Darcy's. Cute

Chapter 4: “The Wishing Ball” by Amy D’Orazio - A modern story, William wishes over an ornament. A little reminiscent of A chrsmas carol and then they meet.

Chapter 5: “By a Lady” by Lona Manning – The Darcy’s spend chrsmas at Rosings. Anne is still ill and single living with Lady C. Elizabeth gets to know Anne better.

Chapter 6: “Homespun for the Holidays” by J. Marie Croft – Another modern tale. Darcy is having a bad day trying to purchase a gift for his sister, then he meets Elizabeth…

Chapter 7: “The Season for Friendly Meetings” by Anngela Schroeder – Elizabeth meets Col. Fitzwilliam at a ball. The opportunity for important clarifications arises.

Chapter 8: “Mistletoe Management” by Elizabeth Adams – The Darcy’s first chrsmas one month in to their marriage. Darcy's jealousy makes a visit, amongst various other guests visiting for the festivities.
"Next year, let's do chrsmas with your family...!"

Narrator Harry Frost was amazing! A lovely collection of stories by some of my favorite authors.
205 reviews8 followers
December 25, 2018
A Lovely Group of Christmas Stories

This collection of Christmas stories is a wonderful read. Their length is just right for a sweet little break from the sometimes overwhelming activities of Christmas time. I enjoyed each and every story.
Profile Image for Louise Sparrow.
68 reviews40 followers
January 1, 2019
This was a fun, sweet Christmas read if you like Pride and Prejudice fan fiction, and I like that it's for a relevant cause.

I must admit though, the second modern story -- whilst mostly a good story -- grated for the sheer number of googled English phrases shoe-horned into Darcy's speech. In theory they were all used correctly but no one person thinks or talks like that, several people from different walks of life over several decades, maybe.... and after all that proving how very English he is? He says jello, I mean, jello!

On the whole it made me smile so if you're looking for something to curl up with on a long winter evening, you could do a lot worse.
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