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An Unexpected Joy: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Variation
As her twenty-second birthday approaches, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself preoccupied with the notion that perhaps she was never meant to find a husband who would be the object of the ‘very deepest love’ that she wishes for. While her friends and even her younger sisters begin to find their matches, Hertfordshire beings to feel stifling and small.
When an early spring holiday with her aunt and uncle turns unexpectedly wintery, Elizabeth is presented with a choice. A practical one, to be sure, but a choice. But would such a marriage to a young man from a ‘good family’ be enough to make her happy?
But after a daring rescue on an ice-covered lake, Elizabeth’s thoughts stray ever more often toward a stoic widower with a young daughter—a Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy—who lives alone with his child in an estate not far from where Elizabeth is staying.
Can Elizabeth put her feelings aside and make a decision that would leave her wondering what could have been? Or will she bend to the wishes of her parents and the practical choice presented to her…
“An Unexpected Joy” is a sweet and clean Pride and Prejudice holiday variation that is suitable for all lovers of Jane Austen’s classic.
When an early spring holiday with her aunt and uncle turns unexpectedly wintery, Elizabeth is presented with a choice. A practical one, to be sure, but a choice. But would such a marriage to a young man from a ‘good family’ be enough to make her happy?
But after a daring rescue on an ice-covered lake, Elizabeth’s thoughts stray ever more often toward a stoic widower with a young daughter—a Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy—who lives alone with his child in an estate not far from where Elizabeth is staying.
Can Elizabeth put her feelings aside and make a decision that would leave her wondering what could have been? Or will she bend to the wishes of her parents and the practical choice presented to her…
“An Unexpected Joy” is a sweet and clean Pride and Prejudice holiday variation that is suitable for all lovers of Jane Austen’s classic.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 14, 2020
It's a premise that does have potential. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are both older when they meet, which doesn't happen until almost halfway through this book. The pride and prejudice is more an issue for other characters than it is for either of them.
She's 22 years old. None of the Bennet sisters are married, and Mrs. Bennet is desperate. Elizabeth goes with her aunt and uncle Gardiner to Lambston, where they stay with the Elliotts. Mrs. Elliott is a childhood friend of Mrs. Gardiner. Elizabeth finds Mrs. Elliott a bit...much.
The two old friends clearly hope for a match between Elizabeth and George Elliott, heir to the estate. He's been away for two years but is expected back shortly. Unfortunately, by the time he does, Mrs. E. has decided Elizabeth isn't good enough for her perfect son.
Elizabeth hears about the Elliotts' neighbor, Mr. Darcy, who is a widower with a five-year-old daughter, Sophie. He has been decidedly anti-social since his beloved wife died. (It wasn't Anne de Bourgh.) Elizabeth becomes especially intrigued when Mr. Darcy, to whom she has yet to be introduced, makes a dramatic rescue.
The plot is very off-canon and, while Darcy isn't different from what we might expect under these sad circumstances, I found Elizabeth's attitude and behavior very out of character, and sometimes it's contradictory. Before leaving Longbourn, she decides that perhaps she's making a mistake by holding out for true love and instead she should settle for a suitable husband. However, even before Mrs. Elliott starts getting pushy, Elizabeth chafes against every suggestion that she and George might do well together. The same happens later back in Hertfordshire when there's a new gentleman in the neighborhood - she's happy to encourage Jane in Mr. Bingley's direction. And there's another man, Mr. Caulfield, she doesn't want to meet. How is she supposed to fall in love or find anyone "suitable" when she never wants to meet them? Also, she SAYS winter is her favorite season, but she doesn't want to go outdoors when it's cold; she enjoys sitting by a warm fire. Mrs. Elliot may be obnoxiously peppy, but Elizabeth doesn't have her usual liveliness and spirit. She's more negative than any Lizzy Bennet I've read about.
Mrs. Gardiner is also different. Mrs. Elliott doesn't seem like someone the very sensible and sensitive Aunt Gardiner would have as a bestie. She's more subtle but appears just as determined as Mrs. Bennet to get Elizabeth married off. She thinks George is as wonderful as his mother does. Elizabeth never confides in her as she probably would have to Jane Austen's Mrs. Gardiner. Apparently, this Mrs. Gardiner's personality doesn't inspire sharing confidences.
There are backstories that are never explained. Who was Mr. Darcy's first wife? We learn her name was Rosemary and that he loved her, but not much else. George obviously dislikes Darcy intensely, and Darcy just tolerates George. What's the problem between these two? No explanation. Is this George supposed to be a George Wickham-type character? He may not be the prize his mother thinks he is, but we don't learn that he's a gambler or womanizer.
I enjoyed parts of the story. The circumstances under which Darcy and Elizabeth meet are unusual, and it's interesting that they're a little bit older. Little Sophia is a delightful character. The details around the basic storyline here just don't seem well thought out. There's a juvenile quality to the writing.
Not a book I can recommend.
She's 22 years old. None of the Bennet sisters are married, and Mrs. Bennet is desperate. Elizabeth goes with her aunt and uncle Gardiner to Lambston, where they stay with the Elliotts. Mrs. Elliott is a childhood friend of Mrs. Gardiner. Elizabeth finds Mrs. Elliott a bit...much.
The two old friends clearly hope for a match between Elizabeth and George Elliott, heir to the estate. He's been away for two years but is expected back shortly. Unfortunately, by the time he does, Mrs. E. has decided Elizabeth isn't good enough for her perfect son.
Elizabeth hears about the Elliotts' neighbor, Mr. Darcy, who is a widower with a five-year-old daughter, Sophie. He has been decidedly anti-social since his beloved wife died. (It wasn't Anne de Bourgh.) Elizabeth becomes especially intrigued when Mr. Darcy, to whom she has yet to be introduced, makes a dramatic rescue.
The plot is very off-canon and, while Darcy isn't different from what we might expect under these sad circumstances, I found Elizabeth's attitude and behavior very out of character, and sometimes it's contradictory. Before leaving Longbourn, she decides that perhaps she's making a mistake by holding out for true love and instead she should settle for a suitable husband. However, even before Mrs. Elliott starts getting pushy, Elizabeth chafes against every suggestion that she and George might do well together. The same happens later back in Hertfordshire when there's a new gentleman in the neighborhood - she's happy to encourage Jane in Mr. Bingley's direction. And there's another man, Mr. Caulfield, she doesn't want to meet. How is she supposed to fall in love or find anyone "suitable" when she never wants to meet them? Also, she SAYS winter is her favorite season, but she doesn't want to go outdoors when it's cold; she enjoys sitting by a warm fire. Mrs. Elliot may be obnoxiously peppy, but Elizabeth doesn't have her usual liveliness and spirit. She's more negative than any Lizzy Bennet I've read about.
Mrs. Gardiner is also different. Mrs. Elliott doesn't seem like someone the very sensible and sensitive Aunt Gardiner would have as a bestie. She's more subtle but appears just as determined as Mrs. Bennet to get Elizabeth married off. She thinks George is as wonderful as his mother does. Elizabeth never confides in her as she probably would have to Jane Austen's Mrs. Gardiner. Apparently, this Mrs. Gardiner's personality doesn't inspire sharing confidences.
There are backstories that are never explained. Who was Mr. Darcy's first wife? We learn her name was Rosemary and that he loved her, but not much else. George obviously dislikes Darcy intensely, and Darcy just tolerates George. What's the problem between these two? No explanation. Is this George supposed to be a George Wickham-type character? He may not be the prize his mother thinks he is, but we don't learn that he's a gambler or womanizer.
I enjoyed parts of the story. The circumstances under which Darcy and Elizabeth meet are unusual, and it's interesting that they're a little bit older. Little Sophia is a delightful character. The details around the basic storyline here just don't seem well thought out. There's a juvenile quality to the writing.
Not a book I can recommend.
July 26, 2020
Short story that covers lots of plot
Toward the end of the book a good story loses its way. I don’t recommend the story.
SPOILERS
Darcy acts in a reprehensible way in away which made no sense and wasn’t believable and if it had happened there is no way Lizzy should have accepted the apology so soon or quickly.
Toward the end of the book a good story loses its way. I don’t recommend the story.
SPOILERS
Darcy acts in a reprehensible way in away which made no sense and wasn’t believable and if it had happened there is no way Lizzy should have accepted the apology so soon or quickly.
March 6, 2020
The first half of the story features a young lady whose family is desperate for one of their daughters to get married. She takes a trip with her aunt and uncle to visit old friends of theirs who just happen to have a son. Imagine that! Unfortunately for the young lady, she is not really impressed by the young man. An unlucky event at an outing requires the lady to be rescued. None of that 56% of the story is close to Pride and Prejudice except some names.
After our young lady arrives at home, she meets her rescuer again at an assembly as he is in town visiting his friend. There is a bit of pride stuck in there but mostly perceived competition from another. A happily ever after is found, of course.
This story was challenging to read. There was a lot of things I would have edited out that made no impact on the story - i.e. how many layers of woolen stockings.
After our young lady arrives at home, she meets her rescuer again at an assembly as he is in town visiting his friend. There is a bit of pride stuck in there but mostly perceived competition from another. A happily ever after is found, of course.
This story was challenging to read. There was a lot of things I would have edited out that made no impact on the story - i.e. how many layers of woolen stockings.
February 17, 2020
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.
Debbie gives us an excellent review. I have to agree that many things are not explained or are contradictory. Frankly the romance between Elizabeth and Darcy is short on romance. When Elizabeth meets him while staying with her Aunt Gardiner's childhood friend in Derbyshire it is because he saves her when she falls through the ice while skating. He is invited to dinner as a way of thanks. As a widower with a 5 year old daughter he seems to have retreated from society after his wife's death. (We learn nothing more about this wife.)
None of the Bennet girls are married or even have beaus. Mrs. Bennet pushes them at any man throughout the story. Bingley does show up and, ironically, has Darcy & his daughter with him. Rumors abound that Darcy is engaged to his cousin while Mrs. Bennet is pushing two different men at Elizabeth and, indeed, she does get an offer from one. When Darcy acts to protect his heart he also persuades Bingley (as in canon) to abandon his pursuit of Jane and leave for London. Strangely Elizabeth doesn't accept the fact that Netherfield is empty and walks over to investigate.
The premise here could use a lot of padding and some background needs to be added for some characters. Who was this first wife that Darcy married? Why is Elizabeth so wishy-washy about accepting a good man vs. holding out for love?
This is one you might want to skip or go in knowing that a lot of questions are not answered. Yes, Darcy and Elizabeth have their happy ending.
Debbie gives us an excellent review. I have to agree that many things are not explained or are contradictory. Frankly the romance between Elizabeth and Darcy is short on romance. When Elizabeth meets him while staying with her Aunt Gardiner's childhood friend in Derbyshire it is because he saves her when she falls through the ice while skating. He is invited to dinner as a way of thanks. As a widower with a 5 year old daughter he seems to have retreated from society after his wife's death. (We learn nothing more about this wife.)
None of the Bennet girls are married or even have beaus. Mrs. Bennet pushes them at any man throughout the story. Bingley does show up and, ironically, has Darcy & his daughter with him. Rumors abound that Darcy is engaged to his cousin while Mrs. Bennet is pushing two different men at Elizabeth and, indeed, she does get an offer from one. When Darcy acts to protect his heart he also persuades Bingley (as in canon) to abandon his pursuit of Jane and leave for London. Strangely Elizabeth doesn't accept the fact that Netherfield is empty and walks over to investigate.
The premise here could use a lot of padding and some background needs to be added for some characters. Who was this first wife that Darcy married? Why is Elizabeth so wishy-washy about accepting a good man vs. holding out for love?
This is one you might want to skip or go in knowing that a lot of questions are not answered. Yes, Darcy and Elizabeth have their happy ending.
January 3, 2020
Good Variation
I really enjoyed this story. It has some elements of the original, but they are woven into a new plot and some new characters. Elizabeth is a bit older and I really like her character. It is a fairly fast read. There is no epilog. The book ends but you know what will happen next. Recommend.
I really enjoyed this story. It has some elements of the original, but they are woven into a new plot and some new characters. Elizabeth is a bit older and I really like her character. It is a fairly fast read. There is no epilog. The book ends but you know what will happen next. Recommend.
January 8, 2020
Great story
Loved it could not put it down needed a better ending I would have liked to have seen Bingley and Jane get to get her and Darcy and Elizabeth get married.
Loved it could not put it down needed a better ending I would have liked to have seen Bingley and Jane get to get her and Darcy and Elizabeth get married.
March 3, 2020
I'm a fan of Pride and Prejudice and I'm obsessed with sequels and spin offs. This one was a cute and short one. I did enjoyed although not as much as I think I would, specially Elizabeth. The writing was good too and I did like the pace of it, many of the short ones seem to rush to the end or to force things to have a HEA kinda ending but not this one.
February 10, 2020
Just okay
A sweet but confusing story. Elizabeth accompanies her aunt and uncle Gardiner on a spring trip to Derbyshire. She suspects a conspiracy with her mother to find Elizabeth a husband while she's away. The family they stay with in Derbyshire do have a young and dashing son, and Elizabeth is not pleased that she'll be pushed towards him as a possible suitor, especially after getting to know him and not being too impressed with his character.
The family are neighbors to Mr. Darcy of Pemberly, who is a widower with a small daughter, and somewhat of a recluse since his wife's tragic death five years earlier. While skating on a frozen pond, the ice breaks under Elizabeth and she falls in. She is rescued by Mr. Darcy, who happens to be close by on his horse. He takes an interest in her, and Elizabeth comes to know his young daughter.
Months later, back in Hertfordshire, Bingley leases Netherfield Park and brings his sisters, Hurst, and Mr. Darcy to stay. The Meryton assembly happens, but since Elizabeth now has a prior acquaintance with Mr. Darcy, the outcome is different.
Although the story is sweet and simple, I found the behaviors of almost everyone confusing. Elizabeth seems wimpy and peevish on first arriving in Derbyshire. Mrs. Elliott seems almost sinister sometimes, though I don't know why. Mrs. Gardiner is a disappointment, as she seems unapologetic in her conspiracy to push Elizabeth towards a man she doesn't even know. We're not supposed to like George Elliott, but I'm not sure why. And then what Mr. Darcy does to Bingley and Jane is just plain awful.
The story has the resolution we all want, but the whole story has a negative feel for me, given the annoying and confusing actions of so many, including Mrs. Bennett, who is always portrayed as flighty, but here is almost too much to bear. I just want to slap her sometimes.
The writing is good, and there were not too many editing errors. I don't think I can recommend it very strongly.
A sweet but confusing story. Elizabeth accompanies her aunt and uncle Gardiner on a spring trip to Derbyshire. She suspects a conspiracy with her mother to find Elizabeth a husband while she's away. The family they stay with in Derbyshire do have a young and dashing son, and Elizabeth is not pleased that she'll be pushed towards him as a possible suitor, especially after getting to know him and not being too impressed with his character.
The family are neighbors to Mr. Darcy of Pemberly, who is a widower with a small daughter, and somewhat of a recluse since his wife's tragic death five years earlier. While skating on a frozen pond, the ice breaks under Elizabeth and she falls in. She is rescued by Mr. Darcy, who happens to be close by on his horse. He takes an interest in her, and Elizabeth comes to know his young daughter.
Months later, back in Hertfordshire, Bingley leases Netherfield Park and brings his sisters, Hurst, and Mr. Darcy to stay. The Meryton assembly happens, but since Elizabeth now has a prior acquaintance with Mr. Darcy, the outcome is different.
Although the story is sweet and simple, I found the behaviors of almost everyone confusing. Elizabeth seems wimpy and peevish on first arriving in Derbyshire. Mrs. Elliott seems almost sinister sometimes, though I don't know why. Mrs. Gardiner is a disappointment, as she seems unapologetic in her conspiracy to push Elizabeth towards a man she doesn't even know. We're not supposed to like George Elliott, but I'm not sure why. And then what Mr. Darcy does to Bingley and Jane is just plain awful.
The story has the resolution we all want, but the whole story has a negative feel for me, given the annoying and confusing actions of so many, including Mrs. Bennett, who is always portrayed as flighty, but here is almost too much to bear. I just want to slap her sometimes.
The writing is good, and there were not too many editing errors. I don't think I can recommend it very strongly.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews