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A Gift for Elizabeth

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Sundered from her parents and sisters, a depressed Elizabeth Bennet lives with the Gardiners in London, attempting to find anything which will bring purpose to her life. When times seem most desperate, she makes a new acquaintance in Mr. Darcy, and the encounter changes her perspective entirely. With the spirit of Christmas burning within her, Elizabeth begins to recover from the hardships which have beset her life. Through service and the love of a good man, Elizabeth finds herself walking a path leading to future happiness and contentment. Join Elizabeth in her journey to receive a special gift which will change everything. A Gift for Elizabeth is a short Christmas-themed adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved Pride and Prejudice and is about 60,000 words long.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2018

125 people are currently reading
47 people want to read

About the author

Jann Rowland

87 books192 followers
Jann Rowland is a Canadian, born and bred. Other than a two-year span in which he lived in Japan, he has been a resident of the Great White North his entire life, though he professes to still hate the winters.

Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.

When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.

Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.

Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
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5 stars
117 (33%)
4 stars
131 (37%)
3 stars
81 (23%)
2 stars
13 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for wosedwew.
1,337 reviews125 followers
December 13, 2022
A wise lover values not so much the gift of the lover as the love of the giver. ~ Thomas á Kempis

Separated from her family, Elizabeth Bennet feels lost in London – without purpose or direction in her life. Most of the angst in this story has occurred before the story begins. We know Elizabeth has suffered but her sadness is revealed slowly.

She is comfortable living with the Gardiners but needs occupation. She believes she must pursue a life as a companion or governess. Her relatives suggest that she volunteer at a children’s home where she meets the Darcy siblings.

She is quickly friends with Georgiana and notices the interest from the girl’s older brother.

You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. ~ Author Unknown

Darcy does nothing to hide his admiration. But can Elizabeth share the details of her family’s trials? Will her scandal affect his intentions?

"A Gift for Elizabeth" is a heartwarming Christmas story with a quick route to HEA. The usual villains are included and one of them makes a surprising adjustment. It is well-written and proofread. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF.

Pleasure is spread through the earth
In stray gifts to be claimed by whoever shall find.
~ William Wordsworth, 1806
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews137 followers
January 10, 2023
“A friend is a gift you give yourself.” –Robert Louis Stevenson

>>SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

>>Rating: clean
>>Angst Level: slight
>>Source: Borrowed KU [1-1-23] with no expectations of a review. The opinions and thoughts are my own.
>>Trope: [1] AU: Alternate Universe where things had changed dramatically [2] A Bennet dies along with another character
>>Season: Christmas

“Forgiveness is the one gift you don’t give to others. Rather, it is the gift you give yourself, so you can finally be free.” –Shannon Alder

The sequence of events had been altered thus changing the course of our P&P story. An earlier situation had caused a schism in the relationship between Bingley and Darcy. That meant that Mr. Darcy never arrived in Hertfordshire to assist his friend with estate management.

So, what the heck happened while Mr. Darcy was not there to direct the course of our story? We open in London with Lizzy staying with her Gardiner relatives. Rowland does not reveal, until much later, what brought her there or her sadness when her thoughts turn to her family. Bits and pieces of information are revealed until the day she tells her family tragedy. OMG! I never saw this coming. It was hinted at in canon but Rowland picked up the what-if and put it on the page. Wow!

“Unconditional love is the greatest gift we can ever give.” –Amy Leigh Mercree

I enjoyed this love story. I get so tired of the insult at their first meeting. This was so refreshing. There was no pride or prejudice to get in the way of their becoming friends and then lovers. Heavy sigh. Georgiana was so cute. I always enjoy a good Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. They were so much fun.

Caroline Bingley was a nightmare. Someone needs to call SECURITY!
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,694 reviews205 followers
December 26, 2018
This was lovely...heartwarming and well written.

The beginning is rather suspenseful although we JAFF readers can guess who the young lady sitting in a snowfall while waiting for the long-overdue carriage ride to return home is, we are not given her history. That comes out as she meets both Mr. Darcy and his sister as they, also, have committed time to the Foundling Hospital as volunteers or, for him, as a patron. OCD is quick to see the good qualities in each other. But that history which is hidden comes into play as Elizabeth is sure Mr. Darcy will disdain her company not only for himself but also for his sister if/when he learns of such.

Elizabeth is living with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. Her family is no longer in Hertfordshire and as to why that is you will have to read for yourself. The circumstances are not exactly as in canon. No, they are much worse.

Darcy pays frequent and close attention to Elizabeth and we read of times spent at the orphanage and attention given to the residents there. Each learns about the other's character observing the interaction with denizens much below their level in society.

We are kept in suspense as to what the gift for Elizabeth might be but well read JAFF readers may guess as to that. I was touched. This story doesn't have angst affecting ODC's relationship. Darcy never wavers...even with his aunt's coming to town. (And here we have a Lady C. who shows just a little more insight then in canon.) This story was a very pleasant read and kept my attention. I recommend it. I enjoy this author's books.
Profile Image for James S.
1,437 reviews
June 23, 2019
Bennets in the hedgerows

A wonderful Xmas story. A well written P&P variation.

Mr. Bennet is gone. Lydia has runaway with a soldier. Jane is married to Bingley. Charles move Mrs. Bennet, Mary and Kitty to Essex leave the scandal behind. Bingley and Jane head north to leave scandal behind. Lizzy goes to the Gardiners to leave scandal behind.

So is the beginning of the story. The rest is a classic Xmas novella. I loved the story, probably because it’s two days before Xmas.

I recommend the book highly.
205 reviews8 followers
December 24, 2018
A Delightful Story

This is a lovely story set just before Christmas. This book tells the story of Elizabeth in London after a disgrace in her family. She sets out to do something for others which leads her to meeting Mr. Darcy and Georgianna. This progress happily from there. The gift to Elizabeth is a wonderful surprise and leaves you feeling happy. A lovely Christmas story.
Profile Image for Madenna U.
2,149 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2018
This very sweet Christmas story features a kind young lady who has been forced to live with her relatives upon the death of her father. She meets a benevolent handsome man while volunteering at the local orphanage. They develop a friendship, and she shares her deep rooted secrets which don't seem to scare him away. He defends her to others and proves his love to find their happily ever after.

The characters are all based on those in Pride & Prejudice. Other than their names, relationships and personality, the plot is completely separate from the classic tale. That being said it was an enjoyable easy read.
Profile Image for Sam H..
1,225 reviews60 followers
May 4, 2020
I enjoyed this so much more than I thought I would. I expected a little ditty about christmas, but this was a bonafide P&P variation, is a little shorter than I am used to from JR. The title was definitely misleading
Profile Image for Julianne Bellardo.
103 reviews23 followers
June 15, 2019
I simply loved it!

This was a very sweet, angst free story, one I couldn't quite put down – even when the clock denounced it to be way past 1 a.m.

We lack much of canon elements, as ODC meets under quite different circunstantes, and much altered by their past experiences. Here, some circumstances leave Mr Darcy and Bingley stranged (even if only in name, as their relationship seems intact otherwise). So, Mr. Darcy does not goes to Hertfordshire when his friend leases Netherfield.

This does not mean all other characters from Canon didn't make an appearance – like the infamous Mr. Wickham. It is interesting to listen to Lizzy's memories as we see how events played out when Mr. Darcy was not present, and how altered the Bennet family was for his absence.

As I said, though, the road to happiness is mostly smooth – even our Dear Lady Catherine De Bourgh makes quite an amusing (and refreshing) appearance near the end.

Most of all though, this was a story about family, about finding home and forgiving each other. From the orphaned children to Elizabeth, and even the Darcy's, the importance and need of family's love was written all over the book, intertwining on how circumstances played out.

This was not, of course, without a few OOC behaviors that made my eyebrows lift here and there, but as a P&P lover and a friend to poetic freedom, I can't say I mind all that much (also, it is always heartwarming seeing ODC being openly affectionate towards each other).

I think this is the first P&P variation I've read from Mr. Rowland, but I find myself hooked with his style and steady pace! I'll definitely look into more of his works in the future!
148 reviews2 followers
December 25, 2018

Delightful Love Story at Christmas Time
December 24, 2018
Verified Purchase
A well written novel with a delightful plot. It showed Elizabeth at her lowest level due to the loss of her father, loss of her childhood home, and the disgrace of her sister Lydia. The love of her Aunt and Uncle in Cheapside who took her in and loved her and got her involved in charity work at a foundling home for orphans.
While Elizabeth worked with the children in the foundling home, she meets Darcy and Georgiana and with their help, moves from her depressed state to a more amiable self. The children's nearness in the foundling home and her love of helping others, gives her a better view on life and less self pity.
Mr. Rowland's writing puts the reader right into the story and you feel Elizabeth's love of those children and their way of seeking love from her as their link to a family.
The true meaning of Christmas is shown by Darcy to the children as well as to Elizabeth and her family.
There wasn't any ill humor from anyone other than Caroline Bingley in the plot towards Elizabeth. The only trouble that bothered Elizabeth was that she was separated from her family especially her beloved sister, Jane.
Love grows not only with Georgiana and Elizabeth but also with Darcy and Elizabeth and he shows his devotion through her and helps her through her difficult times. Love shown by Darcy, Elizabeth and Georgiana to the children with their time, effect, gifts and the reading of the Christmas story. The highlight for the children was when Father Christmas came with gifts for them.
This story shows the true love of the Christmas spirit with love, devotion and gifts to others as the love that was shown the night of Christ's Birth!
A wonderful novel that will brighten your Christmas time when everyone is so busy to take the time for some reading pleasure.
Profile Image for Gail Frisby.
471 reviews13 followers
January 11, 2019
Good Book

Loved it I like a book with few villans. Liked the fact that Wickham was already disposed of before the story began. I would have liked an epilogue.
Profile Image for Jessica.
326 reviews
February 19, 2019
While there were several instances of continuity issues, I for the most part liked this story. It was a quick, sweet, mild drama, happily-ever-after type story. Just what I needed to read today.
1,200 reviews30 followers
January 29, 2019
Wonderful surprise from Mr. Rowland

I read everything this author puts out because he is a talented wordsmith with some clever and very original ideas for P&P variations. His stories are usually filled with drama, emotion, heartache, villains and adventure. This story is a charming departure from his more serious works, being much shorter and light hearted. The romance of Elizabeth and Darcy is arrived at without all the usual misunderstandings and conflicts, and their connection begins in a charitable foundling hospital of all places. What can be more endearing than meeting while interacting with cute little orphan children?

The story is sweet without being too sweet. The worst obstacles are in the persons of Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine, and they are both overcome most efficiently. Mr. Rowland gives us another gem in a bite size story you can enjoy in an afternoon. I highly recommend it.
762 reviews8 followers
January 2, 2019
Avid Reader

This was a delightful Christmas story centering on Darcy improving Elizabeth 's outlook on life. Sadly, Mr.Bennett lost his life because of Lydia. She left the family with Mr. Denny, which was the best thing for the family. Bingley had already married Jane, but he separated the family to avoid scandal and moved away making everyone miserable. Thanks to Caroline and her behavior at Pemberly, Darcy and Bingley were estranged. When she saw Darcy and Georgina with Elizabeth, she tried to interfere, but Darcy gave her a public as well as private sit down and banished her from his life. Darcy proposed at the end.
Profile Image for Lisana Gabriel.
14 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2019
Is this the same author?

I’ve read many of Jann Rowland’s books, and was excited to see that he’d published another one. This one, however, was not nearly as well written as the others. There were typos everywhere (he instead of her, etc., references to incorrect people (Mr. Darcy instead of Mr. Gardiner where the two are speaking). I would presume this was a first attempt at writing if I hadn’t already read several by this author. Sadly, I read it to get through as opposed to really enjoying it. It’s almost as if it were written by a different author. I hope his next work is up to the usual standard.
387 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2019
Goodstory

Love Mr Rowland's stories Clean, with some lessons and nice romance. There were very few grammatical errors- wrong word or words were in terms wrong place . There was one part that I think it should be Mr "Gardiner" but " Darxy" was used(it couldn't be Darcy coz he is The one speaking) I couldn't rate this 5 stars because I didn't think it was to my liking having FD and EB acting betrothed though there was no actual proposal. Added note: Like other variaions I have read, I like it when Mrs B- becomes happy because of is child's future/ fortune to the extent he wants to bra about it to Mrs Lucas...( isn't that what mothers want? A secure future for her children)
336 reviews
July 20, 2024
Christmas

This is an Elizabeth meets Darcy in town variation. I enjoyed there being no insult and no arguments. The family is not living in Loungborne. Georgianna and The Gardiner’s (Uncle & Aunt). There are a few villains. Wickham is the worst but that is dealt with as a memory.
I feel sorry for Lydia because she just a child - selfish yes but was raised that way. Jane is separated
This is for almost all ages.
Profile Image for Bethany.
39 reviews
January 5, 2019
As a stand alone story, this was fine but not my cup of tea.

As a Pride and Prejudice variation, I was let down. The characters were not truly themselves. I was simply not convinced that this was our beloved Elizabeth and Darcy. I've read a few others by Rowland and enjoyed them, but this one really missed the mark for scratching the E&D itch.
529 reviews4 followers
January 19, 2019
This is a delightful tale

I love reading tales about Christmas with Jane Austen characters. Have not read Jann Rowland's work before but found it wonderful. Look forward to reading more in the future. Had a few twists in the novel that kept my interest and stayed consistent with the original intent. Lizzy was as wonderful as usual.
25 reviews
April 3, 2019
A Pleasure to Read

This novel is so well written that it includes just about everything one hopes will be in a clean romance novel of this period. It has exciting, well fleshed out characters and a plot that has some unexpected twists and turns. It deals in a sensitive way with both pathos and joy.
27 reviews
January 4, 2019
Predictable

Well-written P&P variation, with sweet, innocent characters, and not much action. No villains worth naming. Not a bad read, but somewhat forgettable. Proposal is decidedly de trop.
269 reviews4 followers
January 8, 2019
I really liked this!

A well-written, entertaining story. One minor quibble: Darcy's surprise for Elizabeth was telegraphed pretty heavily, so it certainly was no surprise for the reader!
15 reviews
January 14, 2019
Very entertaining

I liked this novel very much because it is very different from the other Pride and Prejudice variations.
It has romance but other parallel situations that enrich t he narrative.
1,391 reviews4 followers
March 27, 2020
Emotionally sound

Sadness, angst, love and some other emotions are tightly written into this story. It truly was an emotional read from beginning to end. Well written and highly recommended
Profile Image for Judi.
159 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2021
The most touching Christmas story in the P&P world.

I geared up many times reading this story, as it is so heartfelt and tender. No pride or prejudice needed. The change of the backstory is heart rendering, but all the more sweet with the ending.
Profile Image for Charlene.
474 reviews
December 28, 2018
Another excellent story from Mr Rowland. Though there is very little angst. Throughly enjoyed the story.
622 reviews
February 12, 2019
Good writer

Evidently it is possible to enjoy a book in spite of a few typos and missing words when the author actually knows how to write an enjoyable story.
Profile Image for Jean Stillman.
1,028 reviews13 followers
February 16, 2019
Clean, sweet, and a different spin on a favorite book.
An enjoyable read.
Profile Image for M.
1,134 reviews
November 29, 2019
Writing needs a good edit and tightening up. That Darcy was so out of touch with everyone and missed all these events didn’t feel that believable.
91 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2022
An entertaining story. A little saccharine at the end, but it is a holiday D&E!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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