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Christmas with Jane #1

Once Upon a December: Holiday Tales of Pride & Prejudice

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Indulge in sweet romance that brings holiday cheer.

Re-imagine Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice. The well-known story changes seven times when snowfalls and the Christmas messages of goodwill and love to all warms and transforms hearts. Discover the magic and wonder of true love, first kisses, and forgiveness with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth, Jane, and Mr. Bingley in Once Upon a December.

Featuring
A Sleigh Ride for Two: Darcy returns to Hertfordshire armed with a sleigh and a plan to clear his good name.

Thawed Hearts: Inspired by In the Bleak Midwinter by Christina Rossetti, Darcy seeks happiness in a world of cold memories.

Fitzy the Snowman: The Gardiners’ youngest daughter witnesses love spark between Darcy and Elizabeth during a day of snow games.

The Force of Love: Relatives present logical reasons for Darcy and Elizabeth to reconsider their understanding of themselves, but true change is born of love.

Home with You: Jane knows her heart belongs with Mr. Bingley, but despairs of ever feeling at home again.

Fortune Favours the Bold: Regency era propriety dictates letters between unwed ladies and men taboo. Sometimes, breaking the rules is worth the risk.

Winter Walks: A walk in the snow covered lanes near Longbourn adds romance and magic to Darcy and Elizabeth’s engagement.

Including a sample of Mr. Darcy's Christmas Wish by Penelope Swan

**All stories are set in Regency England.

60 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 14, 2015

58 people are currently reading
59 people want to read

About the author

Rose Fairbanks

61 books113 followers
Rose Fairbanks believes in grace, redemption, and the enduring power of love rooted in faith. Drawn to the elegance and charm of the Regency era, she writes stories where ballroom whispers and country walks are just the beginning. After a deep renewal of her walk with God, she felt called to infuse her historical romances with the truth of the Gospel. Each novel shares the timeless message of God’s love, set against the backdrop of a world filled with duty, honor, and second chances. Through every page, she invites readers to discover the greatest love story ever told.

Join her newsletter:

https://bit.ly/rosefpenpal

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5 stars
41 (23%)
4 stars
55 (30%)
3 stars
61 (34%)
2 stars
16 (8%)
1 star
5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,687 reviews201 followers
December 9, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. The author gives us short scenes featuring our favorite couple.

Page 6: A Sleigh Ride for Two: Bingley and Darcy order sleighs as Bingley contemplates buying an estate north of Pemberley. Then they take Jane and Elizabeth for a ride and both couples come to an understanding.
Page 19: Thawed Hearts: Bingley has things to say about his feelings for Jane and Darcy has a change of heart.
Page 23: Fitzy the Snowman: Kathleen Gardiner, age 8, tells of visiting Longbourn and how her cousin, Elizabeth, began a snowball fight by surprising Mr. Darcy with an arsenal of snowballs flung at him. Soon Elizabeth began singing while a snow-covered Darcy marched around.
Page 28: The Force of Love: With the birth of a son to his cousin Joseph, Viscount Arlington, and his wife, Mary, there is a discussion about how parents don’t know what the future holds for their offspring...referencing Mary, Joseph and the Christ child. Darcy gains new insights as to his thoughts about others, particularly his attitude while at Netherfield towards the residents of the area. And added to that is the thought that despite one’s upbringing one is at some point responsible for one’s own behavior and decisions. And so Darcy realizes he has some changes to make along with some apologies.
Page 43: Home with You: Jane is bemoaning the loss of Bingley when he shows up and they have their happy ending with promises to always spend Christmas together.
Page 46: Fortune Favours the Bold: Georgiana decides to write Elizabeth although they have never met due to what she has heard from her brother about E. And Bingley sends an anonymous note to Jane.
Page 52: Winter Walks: Encountering a snowman while walking Elizabeth sees him as a parson and asks about performing a certain ceremony.
Page 54: We are given excerpts from another of this author’s books, Mr. Darcy’s Miracle at Longbourn.
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews133 followers
December 18, 2016
Short, clean and a quick read

1) A Sleigh Ride for Two
Bingley and Darcy come to an understanding about the Bennet women and both order a sleigh for two and have them delivered to Netherfield. They then take their ladies on a drive in the snow. Darcy finally get to tell Elizabeth how he feels and she shuts him down due to his behavior toward Jane and Bingley and of course Wickham. Darcy has the opportunity to defend himself and expose Wickham for the rake that he is. Everything has not changed.

2) Thawed Hearts
Change one little thing and everything changes. Darcy tells Bingley that Miss Bennet is in London. It made all the difference.

3) Fitzy the Snowman
This was so cute and adorable as it was from the POV of one of the Gardiner children. This is a new side of Mr. Darcy that we have never seen before… and nor has Elizabeth.

4) The Force of Love
Bingley and Darcy return to Hertfordshire and Darcy tries to warn Elizabeth regarding Wickham. She doesn’t want to believe him until she sees Wickham paying attention to Miss King and later learns she had inherited ten thousand pounds.

5) Home with You
We actually have Jane’s POV for a bit as we listen to her thoughts regarding her feelings regarding Mr. Bingley. There is a most delightful phrase from one lady to her gentleman, “You came home for Christmas.” It was simply delightful.

6) Fortune Favors the Bold
Bingley and Georgiana make bold and write letters to the Bennet ladies. Darcy is taken aback when he finds out. But even more so when he finds out they have responded. It is cute.

7) Winter Walks
There is a cute scene with a snowman dressed as a parson.

Our stories end at 86% with an excerpt from Penelope Swan titled Darcy’s Christmas Wish.
Profile Image for Les.
2,911 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2016
This is a sweet holiday collection of P&P short stories which has the ladies of Longbourne reunited with Bingley and Darcy quickly following the Ball at Netherfield.

They are all romantic and lovely. Fitzy the Snowman is cute.
899 reviews70 followers
December 22, 2016
This is a collection of short tales about our favourite couples from Pride & Prejudice. I found them to be little snippets of scenes providing a glimpse into 'what if' scenarios. It was as if each time you shook a snow globe the story was over! They are cute and sweet but just too short! If you have little time during this holiday season, these would provide a little taste to tide you over!
Profile Image for Susan.
7,244 reviews69 followers
March 13, 2017
Seven short stories of Darcy,Elizabeth, Bingley and Jane, based around the winter months. A quick enjoyable read, though some could have been expanded.
Profile Image for Erika.
397 reviews23 followers
November 17, 2015
Sweet P&P Christmas stories

Another short work by Rose Fairbanks, getting us prepared for the Christmas season. This was a well written anthology of morsels of our favorite P&P characters at the Christmas time. I enjoy anthologies, though they tend to leave me wanting more!! I would recommend this book to all JAFFers!!
Profile Image for Teresita.
1,221 reviews12 followers
Read
October 31, 2023
Lovely collection

Though short, the tales are sweet and romantic. There are several, like the one with out of season kissing boughs and Christmas roses, or the one from Elizabeth's niece point of view, that are enchanting.
Profile Image for Angela Withrow TheArdentReader.
242 reviews15 followers
November 24, 2015
This is a book of different scenarios. Each one is a short chapter or 2 of what if. I love the different ideas as to how things come to a decision between the characters.
And having Jane And Bingley involved also!
Each different story tells the HEA a different way. I would have loved them to be longer because Rose Fairbanks os one of my favorites
and her imagination is a beautiful thing!
However, this anthology of shorts is the perfect thing to welcome Christmas and the joy of the holidays in! I'm ready to put up my tree now!

I highly recommend this book! It is full of fun and favorite characters with the stories just long enough that you can still
get something done between each one. And then go back to the next one as a reward for getting something accomplished today other than reading! LOL
I believe the Sleigh Ride was my favorite!

5 stars for me!
*Courtesy copy*
Profile Image for Tina.
429 reviews46 followers
November 17, 2015
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reading this novella of short stories right after reading Then Comes Winter was a delight. I finally got my regency Lizzy and Darcy fix plus we get some Jane and Bingley thrown in too. I would have liked to see most of the stories be just a bit longer. If you are craving a collection of holiday stories to read during the holiday season this is the book.

Rating: 4½ stars out of 5
Profile Image for Toni NB.
303 reviews12 followers
December 29, 2023
Several short stories involving the cast of P&P.
Nice but none I would consider rereading.

Sheila wrote a great review. No more to add.
Profile Image for TaNeshia Washington.
29 reviews3 followers
November 25, 2015
In exchange for an honest review I received a free advanced copy of Once Upon A December. Anything you read hear is solely my opinion after reading said book. This book consists of seven short stories and and excerpt from Penelope Swan's book Mr. Darcy's Christmas Wish. All of these stories are Pride and Prejudice Variations and they all also takes place in the regency era. The seven short stories are centered around our favorite character's from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice( Jane, Bingley, Darcy and Lizzy). These stories are short but very sweet. I found these stories to be perfect for the holiday season, especially since all of the stories were Christmas/Winter themed. I only wished it was longer, because I couldn't get enough. I can't wait to read what's next from both authors. 5 stars Mrs. Fairbanks, job well done. Give these stories a chance and I know you will love them as much as I do.
Profile Image for Allison Ripley-Duggan.
1,807 reviews12 followers
January 20, 2024
I loved it!

Re-imagine Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice. The well-known story changes seven times when snowfalls and the Christmas messages of goodwill and love to all warms and transforms hearts. Discover the magic and wonder of true love, first kisses, and forgiveness with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth, Jane, and Mr. Bingley in Once Upon a December.

Featuring
A Sleigh Ride for Two: Darcy returns to Hertfordshire armed with a sleigh and a plan to clear his good name.

Thawed Hearts: Inspired by In the Bleak Midwinter by Christina Rossetti, Darcy seeks happiness in a world of cold memories.

Fitzy the Snowman: The Gardiners’ youngest daughter witnesses love spark between Darcy and Elizabeth during a day of snow games.

The Force of Love: Relatives present logical reasons for Darcy and Elizabeth to reconsider their understanding of themselves, but true change is born of love.

Home with You: Jane knows her heart belongs with Mr. Bingley, but despairs of ever feeling at home again.

Fortune Favours the Bold: Regency era propriety dictates letters between unwed ladies and men taboo. Sometimes, breaking the rules is worth the risk.

Winter Walks: A walk in the snow covered lanes near Longbourn adds romance and magic to Darcy and Elizabeth’s engagement.


**All stories are set in Regency England.


Nice mix of little Christmas short stories. Very quick reads, and all Pride and Prejudice fan fiction devotees will enjoy reading the happy ever after in each story. It was as if each time you shook a snow globe the story was over, they are cute and sweet. If you have little time during the holiday season or anytime, these would provide a little taste to tide you over. Highly recommend!
652 reviews13 followers
December 24, 2017
This is a collection of short stories, some so short they are more snippets than stories. It was ok, probably wouldn't read it again but I'm not a particular fan of the short story so accept others may enjoy this more than me!
Profile Image for Reid Michaels.
10 reviews
April 19, 2018
Nice Mix of Xmas Short Stories

Nice mix of Xmas short stories. Very quick reads that all Pride and Prejudice fan fiction devotees will enjoy reading the happy ever after in each short.
137 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2022
Holiday short stories

Short stories surrounding the Christmas holidays. Some blatant borrowing of words and themes from modern carols. Some are more quick views as they lack much of an arc.
761 reviews8 followers
December 17, 2017
Avid Reader

These were cute stories, especially Fits the Snowman. It's obvious that Darcy can be a child at heart. Fortunately, his family moves him away from being a misanthrope.
Profile Image for Michelle David.
2,547 reviews13 followers
April 16, 2019
Okay

A collection of variations inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. The stories aren’t bad but they are all very short
180 reviews2 followers
March 23, 2017
A delightful short story collection

An adorable collection of short stories! I love the holidays and winter so reading these novellas have been a treat.
Profile Image for Carol Perrin.
607 reviews28 followers
November 23, 2015
Once Upon a December: Holiday Tales of Pride and Prejudice

Neat collection of seasonal stories in this books. Especially enjoyed the interaction between our besotted couples. The interactions between Elizabeth and Darcy were filled with her prejudice and his pride, but these interactions and misconceptions were solved much quicker than Austen's original story. In one short story, Georgiana takes lead role in bringing the wayward men back to Netherfield, hence to Longbourn. She knows Darcy is in love with Elizabeth and is playing matchmaker to meet the young woman who has been written about in Darcy's letters. Especially enjoyed the short story about Bingley's return to Netherfield having a horse drawn sled delivered. Best part, Darcy orders on also to take Elizabeth around and change her feelings about him. Caroline and Wickham were briefly in the stories, but didn't cause the problems they usually cause for Darcy. Good reading.
260 reviews
January 6, 2016
Delightful variations and true to spirit of Pride and Prejudice

I enjoyed the different short stories in this book. The conversations flowed in the manner of Pride and Prejudice. It was fun to consider the variations and to peek into the characters inner thoughts.
Profile Image for Christi.
248 reviews
December 31, 2015
I enjoyed the stories, but I wish that they had been joined together in some fashion rather than seven disjointed holiday stories. I really would have liked several of them to continue.
Profile Image for Elin Eriksen.
Author 24 books158 followers
January 24, 2018
Sweet and romantic fast read that are perfect lunchbreak material. A collection of what if's set to the holiday season after the Netherfield ball.
I wavered between giving this 3 or 4 stars but ended on 3 because of the rushed feeling of some and the naivety in the writing style.

Enjoyable read though, going sleigh - riding in the snow, snowball fighting or aided by Georgiana. There are Kisses under the mistletoe or kissing bow and quarrelling about Wickham...

A worthwhile read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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