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'Tis the Season Collection
'Tis the Season
'Tis the Season is a collection of stories inspired by the beloved characters of Jane Austen in Pride and Prejudice.
HEART ENOUGH by Amy D’Orazio
WHEN ELIZABETH BENNET REASSURES Lady Catherine de Bourgh that she is not trying to ensnare her nephew, Darcy loses all hope of romance with her, and proposes to his cousin. Two years later, they meet again, both unmarried and both still cherishing tender feelings for one another, but will they have heart enough to love this time?
A YULETIDE DREAM by Julie Cooper
FOLLOWING THE UNTIMELY DEATH of his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Fitzwilliam Darcy decides that his interests in Rosings Park should be inducement enough to marry his cousin Anne. However, his resolution is challenged by a series of Yuletide apparitions who will open his eyes and change his determination to undoing his past wrongs with a certain lady in Hertfordshire.
IN THE SPIRIT INTENDED by Jan Ashton
A YEAR AFTER THEY LAST MET, Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are reunited for Christmas at the Bingleys’ London home. In that year, he has travelled, while she has refused another offer of marriage, but as they gather with family, including two unexpected visitors, they will celebrate the holiday and unwrap old wounds.
STRANDED AT PEMBERLEY by Jenetta James
AFTER A DEVASTING CARRIAGE ACCIDENT IN DERBYSHIRE, at in Christmas 1810, Elizabeth Bennet and the Gardiners are stranded at Pemberley while Mrs Gardiner recovers. She soon finds that the halls of the great house are filled with secret and sorrows but Christmas cheer will prevail, and perhaps romance along with it.
CHRISTMAS AT BLACKTHORN MANOR by Lucy Marin
ELIZABETH AND MR DARCY FIND THEMSELVES brought together at a house party at Blackthorn Manor following a sixteen month separation. Will they learn the truth about what has kept them apart before the festive celebrations end, or will they go their separate ways once again?
CALL IT HOPE by Susan Adriani
CHRISTMAS APPROACHES AND DARCY is doomed to spend it under lock and key at Rosings Park. Will his relations and their antics drive him to Bedlam, or will he be rewarded with the one gift he always hoped to receive, but doubted he would ever attain?
WELCOME HOME by Mary Smythe
DARCY IS AMAZED when he discovers Elizabeth Bennet at Pemberley, living contentedly as his wife and mistress of the house. He will be forced to consider what is real and what is not, and what this Christmas miracle means for his life thereafter.
THE PINK DAFFODIL by Elizabeth Rasche
CHRISTMAS MIGHT MEAN FESTIVITY AND FUN for some, but for Mary Bennet it is just another occasion for displaying her piety and promoting her new charity, the Meryton Widows and Orphans Society. Then she finds herself drawn to a new gentleman who has arrived to stay at Netherfield Park, and soon finds his attractions threaten to mar more than just her Christmas charity.
MISGIVINGS & MISTLETOE by KaraLynne Mackrory
FORCED TOGETHER BY SNOW and the well intentions of their friends and family, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet must hide agonizing lost hopes. Even with mistletoe abounding around them, the two must find their way through misgivings and snow storms to rediscover love.
HEART ENOUGH by Amy D’Orazio
WHEN ELIZABETH BENNET REASSURES Lady Catherine de Bourgh that she is not trying to ensnare her nephew, Darcy loses all hope of romance with her, and proposes to his cousin. Two years later, they meet again, both unmarried and both still cherishing tender feelings for one another, but will they have heart enough to love this time?
A YULETIDE DREAM by Julie Cooper
FOLLOWING THE UNTIMELY DEATH of his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Fitzwilliam Darcy decides that his interests in Rosings Park should be inducement enough to marry his cousin Anne. However, his resolution is challenged by a series of Yuletide apparitions who will open his eyes and change his determination to undoing his past wrongs with a certain lady in Hertfordshire.
IN THE SPIRIT INTENDED by Jan Ashton
A YEAR AFTER THEY LAST MET, Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are reunited for Christmas at the Bingleys’ London home. In that year, he has travelled, while she has refused another offer of marriage, but as they gather with family, including two unexpected visitors, they will celebrate the holiday and unwrap old wounds.
STRANDED AT PEMBERLEY by Jenetta James
AFTER A DEVASTING CARRIAGE ACCIDENT IN DERBYSHIRE, at in Christmas 1810, Elizabeth Bennet and the Gardiners are stranded at Pemberley while Mrs Gardiner recovers. She soon finds that the halls of the great house are filled with secret and sorrows but Christmas cheer will prevail, and perhaps romance along with it.
CHRISTMAS AT BLACKTHORN MANOR by Lucy Marin
ELIZABETH AND MR DARCY FIND THEMSELVES brought together at a house party at Blackthorn Manor following a sixteen month separation. Will they learn the truth about what has kept them apart before the festive celebrations end, or will they go their separate ways once again?
CALL IT HOPE by Susan Adriani
CHRISTMAS APPROACHES AND DARCY is doomed to spend it under lock and key at Rosings Park. Will his relations and their antics drive him to Bedlam, or will he be rewarded with the one gift he always hoped to receive, but doubted he would ever attain?
WELCOME HOME by Mary Smythe
DARCY IS AMAZED when he discovers Elizabeth Bennet at Pemberley, living contentedly as his wife and mistress of the house. He will be forced to consider what is real and what is not, and what this Christmas miracle means for his life thereafter.
THE PINK DAFFODIL by Elizabeth Rasche
CHRISTMAS MIGHT MEAN FESTIVITY AND FUN for some, but for Mary Bennet it is just another occasion for displaying her piety and promoting her new charity, the Meryton Widows and Orphans Society. Then she finds herself drawn to a new gentleman who has arrived to stay at Netherfield Park, and soon finds his attractions threaten to mar more than just her Christmas charity.
MISGIVINGS & MISTLETOE by KaraLynne Mackrory
FORCED TOGETHER BY SNOW and the well intentions of their friends and family, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet must hide agonizing lost hopes. Even with mistletoe abounding around them, the two must find their way through misgivings and snow storms to rediscover love.
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First published October 21, 2021
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About the author
Susan Adriani
16 books92 followersSusan Adriani has been a fan of Jane Austen and her beloved characters for as long as she can remember. Originally from New England, she attended a small art college close to her home, where she majored in illustration. In 2007, after contemplating the unexplored possibilities in one of Miss Austen’s most celebrated novels, Pride and Prejudice, she began to write her first novel-length story, The Truth About Mr. Darcy (previously self-published as Affinity and Affection). With encouragement from fellow Austen enthusiasts she continued, and is currently at work on her second book. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, young daughter, and a very impertinent cat.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 2, 2022
“All I Want for Christmas is… Mr. Darcy!”
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Holiday Novella Anthology
‘Tis the Sesaon is a stunning collection of nine festive themed novellas inspired Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice written by nine exquisitely talented Quills and Quartos authors. The stories range from fifty-eight and ninety pages in length and feature new scenarios where beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice find their happily ever afters during the Christmas season. These novellas are available under their own individual titles (in ebook format) and as anthology (in paperback and audiobook format).
I hope you find this breakdown of each story helpful:
HEART ENOUGH – Amy D’Orazio
- The Premise: What if Elizabeth Bennet acted with civility and indifference when Lady Catherine came to Longbourn?
- What I Loved: The angst-filled encounters that lance your heart and pierce your soul (Ms. D’Orazio has a special talent for them!) But also the supremely joyful moments of understanding and clarity. In addition, I appreciated the lessons Elizabeth learned about bravery and being true to herself.
A YULETIDE DREAM – Julie Cooper
- The Premise: Mr. Darcy receives some nightly visits from ghostly visions upon the death of Lady Catherine.
-What I Loved: The subtle nods to A Christmas Carol and later on It’s A Wonderful Life. I especially enjoyed the analyzation of Mr. Darcy’s relationship with his parents and how his youthful experiences shaped him into the man he has become.
IN THE SPIRIT INTENDED – Jan Ashton
- The Premise: A year later, Mr. Darcy is invited to spend Christmas in London with the Bingleys when he cannot travel north.
-What I Loved: The gentle friendship that blossomed between Darcy and Elizabeth and how they treated each other with comfort and camaraderie. I also loved Mr. Bingey’s light-heartedness, his aunts’ bold teasing, and Lydia’s merrymaking schemes.
STRANDED AT PEMBERLEY – Jenetta James
- The Premise: What if Lizzy and the Gardiners experienced a terrible carriage accident just before Christmas and seek help from the inhabitants of Pemberley?
-What I Loved: Seeing Darcy and Elizabeth first encounter each other under a new circumstance. Elizabeth’s excellent qualities on full display – her bravery, her nursing skills, her playfulness, and her ability to put others at ease. In addition, I also loved the contrast of the darker tone and more morose mood at Pemberley with Lizzy’s and the Gardiners’ cheerful conviviality.
CHRISTMAS AT BLACKTHORNE MANOR – Lucy Marin
- The Premise: Lizzy, Jane, Bingley, and the Darcys encounter each other at a Christmas house party after not seeing each other for over sixteen months.
-What I Loved: The turmoil! I appreciated seeing all the challenges Darcy and Elizabeth faced – individually and together – their feelings of regret and awkwardness, their misapprehensions about each other, their competing possible love interests, and their combined efforts to prevent a scandal between Mr. Bingley and Jane (who is a married woman!) I also enjoyed the new original characters in this tale and the interesting dynamics their personalities and relationships brought to the story.
CALL IT HOPE – Susan Adriani
- The Premise: Due to inclement weather, Elizabeth becomes a guest at Rosings at Christmastime and the Darcys and Fitzwilliams are also there.
- What I Loved: The Fitzwilliam family! Colonel Fitzwilliam is the hero of this tale and I loved how he took charge to help both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I also loved the antics and ribbing between all the Fitzwilliam brothers – they are a hoot and Lady Carlisle’s kind interest and assistance in Darcy’s affairs. I also appreciated all the realistic feelings of doubt and mistaken assumptions both Darcy and Elizabeth felt during their unexpected encounters.
WELCOME HOME – Mary Smythe
- The Premise: While battling with his impossible affection for Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy injures his head in a carriage accident and enjoys a dream sequence where he is happily married to her.
- What I Loved: Darcy’s disbelief and extreme delight in his dream! It tugged at my heart strings to see how much he yearned for the solicitous love and care that Elizabeth could give him. I loved Darcy’s thoughtful and determined actions to make his dream come true and spotting some diverting allusions to Christmas sayings peppered throughout the tale.
THE PINK DAFFODIL – Eizabeth Rasche
- The Premise: Mary Bennet is determined to fund a new charity this holiday season but is distracted by one of Mr. Bingley’s friendly and enigmatic guests.
- What I Loved: Arthur! I love his interest in Mary, how he pushes her buttons a little, and that he sees her flaws and loves her for them. I admired Mary’s discoveries in this story – how she assessed her prideful martyrdom, her uncharitable superiority, and her lack of real unaffected enjoyment in her life. I also loved how the romances with the other Bennet sisters and their beaus was shown in the periphery in this tale.
MISGIVINGS AND MISTLETOE – KaraLynne Mackrory
- The Premise: What if Mr. Darcy purposefully tried to stay away from Elizabeth Bennet but ended up spending the holiday season with her?
- What I Loved: Everything! How Darcy thinks and plans for Elizabeth’s comfort, yet also realizes his own selfish actions, how Mr. Bingley lends a sympathetic ear to his distraught friend and spurs him into action, how Georgiana and the Gardiners quietly nurture their own hopes, how Elizabeth is enchanting and irrevocably in love. But most of all, I love the writing in this tale – it is impassioned, earnest, and deeply emotive.
CONCLUSION:
Written with heart, hope, and holiday spirit, these nine exceptionally crafted and ardent tales are amongst the best types of presents to unwrap this holiday season. It is impossible for me to choose which stories in this collection stand out as my favorites, each one brought so much warmth, charm, creativity, and joy. The ‘Tis the Season Collection by Quills and Quartos is a spectacular gift for every Austenesque admirer. I highly recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Holiday Novella Anthology
‘Tis the Sesaon is a stunning collection of nine festive themed novellas inspired Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice written by nine exquisitely talented Quills and Quartos authors. The stories range from fifty-eight and ninety pages in length and feature new scenarios where beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice find their happily ever afters during the Christmas season. These novellas are available under their own individual titles (in ebook format) and as anthology (in paperback and audiobook format).
I hope you find this breakdown of each story helpful:
HEART ENOUGH – Amy D’Orazio
- The Premise: What if Elizabeth Bennet acted with civility and indifference when Lady Catherine came to Longbourn?
- What I Loved: The angst-filled encounters that lance your heart and pierce your soul (Ms. D’Orazio has a special talent for them!) But also the supremely joyful moments of understanding and clarity. In addition, I appreciated the lessons Elizabeth learned about bravery and being true to herself.
A YULETIDE DREAM – Julie Cooper
- The Premise: Mr. Darcy receives some nightly visits from ghostly visions upon the death of Lady Catherine.
-What I Loved: The subtle nods to A Christmas Carol and later on It’s A Wonderful Life. I especially enjoyed the analyzation of Mr. Darcy’s relationship with his parents and how his youthful experiences shaped him into the man he has become.
IN THE SPIRIT INTENDED – Jan Ashton
- The Premise: A year later, Mr. Darcy is invited to spend Christmas in London with the Bingleys when he cannot travel north.
-What I Loved: The gentle friendship that blossomed between Darcy and Elizabeth and how they treated each other with comfort and camaraderie. I also loved Mr. Bingey’s light-heartedness, his aunts’ bold teasing, and Lydia’s merrymaking schemes.
STRANDED AT PEMBERLEY – Jenetta James
- The Premise: What if Lizzy and the Gardiners experienced a terrible carriage accident just before Christmas and seek help from the inhabitants of Pemberley?
-What I Loved: Seeing Darcy and Elizabeth first encounter each other under a new circumstance. Elizabeth’s excellent qualities on full display – her bravery, her nursing skills, her playfulness, and her ability to put others at ease. In addition, I also loved the contrast of the darker tone and more morose mood at Pemberley with Lizzy’s and the Gardiners’ cheerful conviviality.
CHRISTMAS AT BLACKTHORNE MANOR – Lucy Marin
- The Premise: Lizzy, Jane, Bingley, and the Darcys encounter each other at a Christmas house party after not seeing each other for over sixteen months.
-What I Loved: The turmoil! I appreciated seeing all the challenges Darcy and Elizabeth faced – individually and together – their feelings of regret and awkwardness, their misapprehensions about each other, their competing possible love interests, and their combined efforts to prevent a scandal between Mr. Bingley and Jane (who is a married woman!) I also enjoyed the new original characters in this tale and the interesting dynamics their personalities and relationships brought to the story.
CALL IT HOPE – Susan Adriani
- The Premise: Due to inclement weather, Elizabeth becomes a guest at Rosings at Christmastime and the Darcys and Fitzwilliams are also there.
- What I Loved: The Fitzwilliam family! Colonel Fitzwilliam is the hero of this tale and I loved how he took charge to help both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I also loved the antics and ribbing between all the Fitzwilliam brothers – they are a hoot and Lady Carlisle’s kind interest and assistance in Darcy’s affairs. I also appreciated all the realistic feelings of doubt and mistaken assumptions both Darcy and Elizabeth felt during their unexpected encounters.
WELCOME HOME – Mary Smythe
- The Premise: While battling with his impossible affection for Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy injures his head in a carriage accident and enjoys a dream sequence where he is happily married to her.
- What I Loved: Darcy’s disbelief and extreme delight in his dream! It tugged at my heart strings to see how much he yearned for the solicitous love and care that Elizabeth could give him. I loved Darcy’s thoughtful and determined actions to make his dream come true and spotting some diverting allusions to Christmas sayings peppered throughout the tale.
THE PINK DAFFODIL – Eizabeth Rasche
- The Premise: Mary Bennet is determined to fund a new charity this holiday season but is distracted by one of Mr. Bingley’s friendly and enigmatic guests.
- What I Loved: Arthur! I love his interest in Mary, how he pushes her buttons a little, and that he sees her flaws and loves her for them. I admired Mary’s discoveries in this story – how she assessed her prideful martyrdom, her uncharitable superiority, and her lack of real unaffected enjoyment in her life. I also loved how the romances with the other Bennet sisters and their beaus was shown in the periphery in this tale.
MISGIVINGS AND MISTLETOE – KaraLynne Mackrory
- The Premise: What if Mr. Darcy purposefully tried to stay away from Elizabeth Bennet but ended up spending the holiday season with her?
- What I Loved: Everything! How Darcy thinks and plans for Elizabeth’s comfort, yet also realizes his own selfish actions, how Mr. Bingley lends a sympathetic ear to his distraught friend and spurs him into action, how Georgiana and the Gardiners quietly nurture their own hopes, how Elizabeth is enchanting and irrevocably in love. But most of all, I love the writing in this tale – it is impassioned, earnest, and deeply emotive.
CONCLUSION:
Written with heart, hope, and holiday spirit, these nine exceptionally crafted and ardent tales are amongst the best types of presents to unwrap this holiday season. It is impossible for me to choose which stories in this collection stand out as my favorites, each one brought so much warmth, charm, creativity, and joy. The ‘Tis the Season Collection by Quills and Quartos is a spectacular gift for every Austenesque admirer. I highly recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
December 4, 2021
What could be better than a holiday P&P variation story? A whole collection of them, of course! I am jazzed to dive into this anthology full of festive short stories by a group of fabulous Austenesque authors.
First up, was Heart Enough by Amy D'Orazio
With one little, but significant, change in the original plot a new touching, emotional story of love postponed happens. When Lizzy gets a visit from Lady C, unlike in the original, she chooses to be circumspect with her words so that when Darcy hears of them through Lady C there is no belief in her love or return to Longbourn. But, love does find a way and I was heartily engaged with the story.
A Yuletide Dream by Julie Cooper
Pride & Prejudice meets A Christmas Carol in this light, gently-provoking story with a misguided and haughty Mr. Darcy discovering through a series of dreams his own suppressed spirit and the misfortune that would follow if he didn't change his ways. Meshing these classics brought a tender, yet playful new holiday tale.
In the Spirit Intended by Jan Ashton
After setting matters straight for his friend Bingley and dealing with the mess Wickham caused, Darcy returns to his estate business for a bit and then a long journey abroad convinced that he is still the last man in the world Elizabeth Bennet would want. Meanwhile, Elizabeth has come to know her own heart and regrets her past dealings with Mr. Darcy. She is determined to be content as a helper to Jane and put her heart's wishes to the side until suddenly Darcy is back and ready to share Christmas with their family. Could he possibly still harbor the same wishes?
The joys and hilarities of family Christmas and a sweet second chance warmed the heart.
Stranded at Pemberley by Jenetta James
A carriage accident in the days just before Christmas and her aunt's precarious health brings young Lizzy Bennet to the austere, mysterious Pemberley where she feels wilted and wanting to be home. That is until she begins to unravel the truth behind the Darcy's lack of Christmas spirit and does her part to bring its magic back into the house. A festive, original first encounter and a more contemplative pair than canon was engaging.
Christmas at Blackthorn Manor by Lucy Marin
After sixteen months of separation and silence, Elizabeth catches sight of the other guests the Ledbury family invited. Seeing Darcy, his sister and Bingley and now sharing a house with them for a few weeks will make for a less than festive holiday season. Not because she doesn't have the tenderest feelings for the handsome man from Derbyshire, but because she does. Darcy is undergoing similar wretched feelings. But uniting to keep a married Jane and a flirting Bingley apart as well as helping the extremely shy and timid Georgiana do well in company might be just the spark of Christmas magic needed. A splendid sampling of romantic angst, relationship complexity, and a solid variation.
Call It Hope by Susan Adriani
What would the holidays be without the gathering of an eccentric collection of Fitzwilliam family members at Rosings? Darcy has the headache to prove exactly what it is with two rakish Fitzwilliam brothers to the Colonel, an aunt who won't take no for an answer, and his cousin Anne who has her own secrets. If only he could have won Elizabeth Bennet's heart...
Elizabeth has escaped her own crazy family gathering to her friend Charlotte and now finds herself stranded at Rosings. Is this a punishment for rejecting the best man in the world or a second chance? This is what happens when one pairs the Griswold family Christmas with P&P. What a hoot!
Welcome Home by Mary Smythe
A lovely Christmas time dream of Elizabeth as his wife at Pemberley that is so real that the disappointment is great when he discovers that he is alone and has denied his own happiness for duty and expectation. But, ala Dickens' A Christmas Carol, the dream gives him the impetus to affect change by first setting Bingley right about Jane and then a spring visit at Rosings where he has a surprising encounter with Elizabeth might provide a chance at her heart. I do love a bit of holiday magic to right a romance gone wrong and a bit of light banter mixed with drama hit the spot.
The Pink Daffodil by Elizabeth Rasche
Trying to be out of her sisters' shadows and find her own niche, Mary only manages to do good works and admonish others with pride in being better. Then a scruffy gentleman smiles at her and wants to know her, even kisses her under the mistletoe much to her consternation, and suddenly Mary realizes that she does nothing that is not duty and has no balance in her life. Arthur's small mischief and friendship disconcerts her, but if she is honest, it is exactly what she needs. While holiday festivities and a couple of her sisters find love, can Mary have a happy Christmas as well?
I do love seeing staid Mary get her tinsel in a tangle over a homely cute Scotsman and enjoyed her holiday romance
Misgivings & Mistletoe by Karalynne Mackrory
What's a little miscommunication and misunderstanding between lovers at Yuletide? Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet share a love, but they are divided now by silence and assumption rather than pride and prejudice. A winter snow storm brings the Darcys to Netherfield and a Bingley house party. Is Mr. Gordon courting Kitty or Lizzy? Darcy is not sure and it is agony, but he is determined to quietly push his suit during the festivities meanwhile Elizabeth dares to let her heart hope that she has a second chance with the man who saved her family and she believes can't stomach being a nearer relation to Wickham. Tender and fun moments mingled with missed opportunities made for an engaging read.
So, there was a variety of variations on the P&P story all festive and bright once the relationships were untangled. Some settings were different and some variations began at different points in the original story, but all were standalones complete that any P&P lover could dig into and enjoy some holiday romance cheer. Most were familiar authors though I did appreciate trying a few new to me ones. Each story made for fast and well-developed tales that I thought were best enjoyed one at a time and would be ideal for the harried low-time for reading of the holiday season.
I rec'd a finished print copy from the publisher to read in exchange for an honest review.
First up, was Heart Enough by Amy D'Orazio
With one little, but significant, change in the original plot a new touching, emotional story of love postponed happens. When Lizzy gets a visit from Lady C, unlike in the original, she chooses to be circumspect with her words so that when Darcy hears of them through Lady C there is no belief in her love or return to Longbourn. But, love does find a way and I was heartily engaged with the story.
A Yuletide Dream by Julie Cooper
Pride & Prejudice meets A Christmas Carol in this light, gently-provoking story with a misguided and haughty Mr. Darcy discovering through a series of dreams his own suppressed spirit and the misfortune that would follow if he didn't change his ways. Meshing these classics brought a tender, yet playful new holiday tale.
In the Spirit Intended by Jan Ashton
After setting matters straight for his friend Bingley and dealing with the mess Wickham caused, Darcy returns to his estate business for a bit and then a long journey abroad convinced that he is still the last man in the world Elizabeth Bennet would want. Meanwhile, Elizabeth has come to know her own heart and regrets her past dealings with Mr. Darcy. She is determined to be content as a helper to Jane and put her heart's wishes to the side until suddenly Darcy is back and ready to share Christmas with their family. Could he possibly still harbor the same wishes?
The joys and hilarities of family Christmas and a sweet second chance warmed the heart.
Stranded at Pemberley by Jenetta James
A carriage accident in the days just before Christmas and her aunt's precarious health brings young Lizzy Bennet to the austere, mysterious Pemberley where she feels wilted and wanting to be home. That is until she begins to unravel the truth behind the Darcy's lack of Christmas spirit and does her part to bring its magic back into the house. A festive, original first encounter and a more contemplative pair than canon was engaging.
Christmas at Blackthorn Manor by Lucy Marin
After sixteen months of separation and silence, Elizabeth catches sight of the other guests the Ledbury family invited. Seeing Darcy, his sister and Bingley and now sharing a house with them for a few weeks will make for a less than festive holiday season. Not because she doesn't have the tenderest feelings for the handsome man from Derbyshire, but because she does. Darcy is undergoing similar wretched feelings. But uniting to keep a married Jane and a flirting Bingley apart as well as helping the extremely shy and timid Georgiana do well in company might be just the spark of Christmas magic needed. A splendid sampling of romantic angst, relationship complexity, and a solid variation.
Call It Hope by Susan Adriani
What would the holidays be without the gathering of an eccentric collection of Fitzwilliam family members at Rosings? Darcy has the headache to prove exactly what it is with two rakish Fitzwilliam brothers to the Colonel, an aunt who won't take no for an answer, and his cousin Anne who has her own secrets. If only he could have won Elizabeth Bennet's heart...
Elizabeth has escaped her own crazy family gathering to her friend Charlotte and now finds herself stranded at Rosings. Is this a punishment for rejecting the best man in the world or a second chance? This is what happens when one pairs the Griswold family Christmas with P&P. What a hoot!
Welcome Home by Mary Smythe
A lovely Christmas time dream of Elizabeth as his wife at Pemberley that is so real that the disappointment is great when he discovers that he is alone and has denied his own happiness for duty and expectation. But, ala Dickens' A Christmas Carol, the dream gives him the impetus to affect change by first setting Bingley right about Jane and then a spring visit at Rosings where he has a surprising encounter with Elizabeth might provide a chance at her heart. I do love a bit of holiday magic to right a romance gone wrong and a bit of light banter mixed with drama hit the spot.
The Pink Daffodil by Elizabeth Rasche
Trying to be out of her sisters' shadows and find her own niche, Mary only manages to do good works and admonish others with pride in being better. Then a scruffy gentleman smiles at her and wants to know her, even kisses her under the mistletoe much to her consternation, and suddenly Mary realizes that she does nothing that is not duty and has no balance in her life. Arthur's small mischief and friendship disconcerts her, but if she is honest, it is exactly what she needs. While holiday festivities and a couple of her sisters find love, can Mary have a happy Christmas as well?
I do love seeing staid Mary get her tinsel in a tangle over a homely cute Scotsman and enjoyed her holiday romance
Misgivings & Mistletoe by Karalynne Mackrory
What's a little miscommunication and misunderstanding between lovers at Yuletide? Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet share a love, but they are divided now by silence and assumption rather than pride and prejudice. A winter snow storm brings the Darcys to Netherfield and a Bingley house party. Is Mr. Gordon courting Kitty or Lizzy? Darcy is not sure and it is agony, but he is determined to quietly push his suit during the festivities meanwhile Elizabeth dares to let her heart hope that she has a second chance with the man who saved her family and she believes can't stomach being a nearer relation to Wickham. Tender and fun moments mingled with missed opportunities made for an engaging read.
So, there was a variety of variations on the P&P story all festive and bright once the relationships were untangled. Some settings were different and some variations began at different points in the original story, but all were standalones complete that any P&P lover could dig into and enjoy some holiday romance cheer. Most were familiar authors though I did appreciate trying a few new to me ones. Each story made for fast and well-developed tales that I thought were best enjoyed one at a time and would be ideal for the harried low-time for reading of the holiday season.
I rec'd a finished print copy from the publisher to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2022
This book was a Christmas present to myself and one that has provided me many hours of enjoyment. There were some stories that brought me to tears and others that had me laughing. All my emotions were engaged and that for me is 'key' to my overall immersion into the world the author(s) has created. I also have realized how much I enjoy the premise of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy not finding their 'happily ever after' until well past the resolution in canon. Not that I wish to extend their unhappiness or mine for that matter, but the roadblocks, or in some cases mind blocks, they must overcome make for some unique and moving stories.
So without further ado, here are my brief thoughts on each of the stories within:
Heart Enough by Amy D'Orazio:
Elizabeth learns that Mr. Darcy is engaged and what she decides to do with her life. This one I found deeply moving, tearful, poignant and wonderful!
"He had delved right into the very heart of her and that frightened her more than anything and sent her courage skittering." (quote from the book)
A Yuletide Dream by Julie Cooper:
What happens when Mr. Darcy is visited by spectres as in the mode of the classic Christmas Carol? He definitely has some humorous (for the reader) and chilling encounters along with some very poignant ones.
"It has been a distressing, dreadfully depressing day, and I am not out of my head." (quote from the book)
In the Spirit Intended by Jan Ashton:
This was just a lovely story that had me laughing out loud at times. Mr. Darcy has returned from his travels abroad and has been invited by Mr. & Mrs. Bingley for the holiday season. Of course, Elizabeth is with them as well, along with Mr. Bingley's elderly aunts.
"Adventuring, not pining. He was not thinking of me. Marble goddesses and taverns filled his days." (quote from the book)
Stranded at Pemberley by Jenetta James:
This was such a sweet story and one I wished was longer. Elizabeth Bennet is traveling with the Gardiners and their two daughters in Lambton when there is a carriage accident leaving them stranded at Pemberley. This all happens shortly after the Ramsgate incident.
"We continue to walk, ticking along like two bored clocks keeping slow time." (quote from the book)
Christmas at Blackthorn Manor by Lucy Marin:
This was a angsty one for me. Mr. Bingley never returned to Netherfield. Jane has married Mr. Ridley. When a relative of Mr. Ridley's invites them and Elizabeth Bennet to a house party at Blackthorn Manor for Christmas, little did they know Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy would be some of the guests.
"...why is it that everything she says and does make me long for her more and more?" (quote from the book)
Call It Hope by Susan Adriani:
Funny, sweet and touching! A gathering of the Fitzwilliam clan at Rosings! What could possibly go wrong? Mr. Darcy was developing nerves like Mrs. Bennet! I was highly diverted!
"Only Shakespeare himself could have devised a more wretched comedy of errors." (quote from the book)
Welcome Home by Mary Smythe:
An accident, a prayer and a dream-filled possibility. Just a wonderful story!
"Having witnessed for himself Elizabeth's capacity for loving tenderness, Darcy wished to be the object - nay, the primary recipient - of her affections. What would it be like to be held in warm regard by such a woman? He ached to know." (quote from the book)
The Pink Daffodil by Elizabeth Rasche:
A delightful story of Mary Bennet finding her way and learning the true measure of a man and the true meaning of charity.
"How strange. The smile felt so natural on her face, like she was briming with warmth on the inside that spilled out without effort." (quote from the book)
Misgivings and Mistletoe by Karalynne Mackrory:
...Along with a side order of misunderstandings! Beautifully written and full of sparks and snowflakes! While trying to avoid Miss Bennet, Fate has other plans for Mr. Darcy!
"He took my hand with a smile and those strings of hope around my heart pulled tighter. Soon enough, if Mr. Darcy did not have a care, he would thread enough of them to bind all the broken pieces of that organ together once again." (quote from the book)
All in all, a wonderful collection of Christmas stories to enjoy at any time of the year! I highly recommend it!
December 25, 2024
Excellent Collection
I read all the stories in this collection individually as ebooks and wrote an individual review for each, and having them available altogether as an audiobook is wonderful. Each book is a heartfelt romance taking place during the Christmas season. Narrated and performed by Stevie Zimmerman, they are a delight to read or listen to. Highly recommend this favourite collection.
I read all the stories in this collection individually as ebooks and wrote an individual review for each, and having them available altogether as an audiobook is wonderful. Each book is a heartfelt romance taking place during the Christmas season. Narrated and performed by Stevie Zimmerman, they are a delight to read or listen to. Highly recommend this favourite collection.
January 9, 2025
At some point I will get around to reviewing the individual novellas, as they truly deserve to be. But at this point I'll just say that I loved them all, differently, but never-the-less all. I had the chance to purchase the audio book for a sale price I couldn't pass up back in '21 so listened first instead of read first before audio. This is a brilliant collection. Favorite authors and a new-one-to-me couple.
The stories swing between heartwarming and angsty 'oh my golly gee how are they ever going to get together?' All of course set around the Christmas season which sometimes hangs out in the background more, and sometimes is very much in the foreground. I cannot name my favorite they are all so good. However I think the one that required the most tissues was A Yuletide Dream by Julie Cooper.
Very highly recommended.
The stories swing between heartwarming and angsty 'oh my golly gee how are they ever going to get together?' All of course set around the Christmas season which sometimes hangs out in the background more, and sometimes is very much in the foreground. I cannot name my favorite they are all so good. However I think the one that required the most tissues was A Yuletide Dream by Julie Cooper.
Very highly recommended.
July 15, 2025
Darcy merits reading no matter the season…
Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth ARE Elizabeth and Darcy… and this compilation of short stories that dealt almost exclusively with this couple is just delightful. I truly wish I had the wit of Dame Emma Thompson so that I could most properly describe the joy and sheer fun this book brought.
And I pictured them in each book accordingly…
KU read, and so much fun in spite of it not being Yuletide at the moment…
Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth ARE Elizabeth and Darcy… and this compilation of short stories that dealt almost exclusively with this couple is just delightful. I truly wish I had the wit of Dame Emma Thompson so that I could most properly describe the joy and sheer fun this book brought.
And I pictured them in each book accordingly…
KU read, and so much fun in spite of it not being Yuletide at the moment…
August 10, 2023
Amazing!
An incredible collection of beautiful stories from very talented authors that captures the interest and imagination of the reader.
A more than worthy investment!
An incredible collection of beautiful stories from very talented authors that captures the interest and imagination of the reader.
A more than worthy investment!
April 18, 2024
Rating & Status:
Heart Enough by Amy D’Orazio: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read on November 17, 2021 via Kindle Edition.
A Yuletide Dream by Julie Cooper: ⭐⭐ Read from November 18-December 3, 2021 via Kindle Edition to page 53, then finished via Audible.
Stranded at Pemberley by Jenetta James: ⭐⭐⭐ Read from December 10-14, 2021 via Kindle Edition.
Christmas at Blackthorn Manor by Lucy Marin: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read from December 14-16, 2021 via Kindle Edition.
Call It Hope by Susan Adriani: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read from December 17-23, 2021 via Kindle Edition.
Welcome Home by Mary Smythe: 3.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read from December 27-29, 2021 via Kindle Edition.
The Pink Daffodil by Elizabeth Rasche: ⭐⭐⭐ Read on January 2, 2022 via Audible.
Misgivings & Mistletoe by KaraLynne Mackrory: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read from January 4-5, 2022 via Kindle Edition.
= Anthology Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.7 Stars
My Library Notes:
'Tis the Season
by Susan Adriani; Jan Ashton; Julie Cooper; Amy D'Orazio; Jenetta James; KaraLynne Mackrory;
Lucy Marin; Elizabeth Rasche; Mary Smythe; Stevie Zimmerman (Narrator)
Audible Audio, Unabridged, 26 pages
Published November 12th 2021 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ASIN: B09LP85RXD
'Tis the Season is a collection of stories inspired by the beloved characters of Jane Austen in Pride and Prejudice.
Listening Length: 25 hours and 45 minutes
Heart Enough by Amy D’Orazio: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read on November 17, 2021 via Kindle Edition.
A Yuletide Dream by Julie Cooper: ⭐⭐ Read from November 18-December 3, 2021 via Kindle Edition to page 53, then finished via Audible.
Review: My rating in no way reflects the author's talent, it is purely based on my enjoyment of the story. Two stars is equivalent to "it was ok". I do not particularly enjoy A Christmas Carol themed plots, so I am not officially rating on Goodreads (and will not include in average for rating this collection as a whole).In the Spirit Intended by Jan Ashton: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read from December 8-10, 2021 via Kindle Edition.
Stranded at Pemberley by Jenetta James: ⭐⭐⭐ Read from December 10-14, 2021 via Kindle Edition.
Christmas at Blackthorn Manor by Lucy Marin: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read from December 14-16, 2021 via Kindle Edition.
Call It Hope by Susan Adriani: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read from December 17-23, 2021 via Kindle Edition.
Welcome Home by Mary Smythe: 3.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read from December 27-29, 2021 via Kindle Edition.
The Pink Daffodil by Elizabeth Rasche: ⭐⭐⭐ Read on January 2, 2022 via Audible.
Misgivings & Mistletoe by KaraLynne Mackrory: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read from January 4-5, 2022 via Kindle Edition.
= Anthology Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3.7 Stars
My Library Notes:
'Tis the Season
by Susan Adriani; Jan Ashton; Julie Cooper; Amy D'Orazio; Jenetta James; KaraLynne Mackrory;
Lucy Marin; Elizabeth Rasche; Mary Smythe; Stevie Zimmerman (Narrator)
Audible Audio, Unabridged, 26 pages
Published November 12th 2021 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ASIN: B09LP85RXD
'Tis the Season is a collection of stories inspired by the beloved characters of Jane Austen in Pride and Prejudice.
Listening Length: 25 hours and 45 minutes
August 3, 2023
A cornucopia of delights
This anthology is terrific. Not a disappointment to be had. This is well worth buying. All are original, all are well written, and all are engaging.
This anthology is terrific. Not a disappointment to be had. This is well worth buying. All are original, all are well written, and all are engaging.
December 22, 2023
I loved this, a perfect listen for Christmas baking, wrapping and cardwtiting!
February 14, 2023
I love Christmas stories and enjoy a good Austen retelling so it seemed like a good fit to pick up this audiobook that combines the two. I think most, if not all, of these authors are new to me. I hoped to find new JAFF authors of interest to me to read in the future. And I did. While there were a few stories I didn't enjoy as well, I did enjoy most of them. I suppose if I were averaging I would have to rate the anthology as a whole lower but the stories that I enjoyed made the overall experience positive for me so I still give this 5 stars.
Stevie Zimmerman is a fabulous narrator for this audiobook. Her work also contributes to the 5 star rating. I don't know if I've ever had a complaint for her narration. Wonderful job as per usual.
HEART ENOUGH by Amy D’Orazio : I like to read clean romance so I got worried early on in this book when Elizabeth & Jane are talking about the marriage bed and it comes out that Jane and Bingley have already consummated their relationship. I hate stories that are all about sex. Luckily for me, that was the worst of it and I could enjoy the rest of the story. I felt sorry for D&E as the timing for their romance was just never right. Unfortunately, better communication would have assisted in their cause. 4 stars
A YULETIDE DREAM by Julie Cooper: I quite liked this mash up of P&P, A Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life. The apparitions did their job in showing Darcy the error of his ways and he did a fine job of changing his mindset. It was an enjoyable listen. 5 stars
IN THE SPIRIT INTENDED by Jan Ashton: I enjoyed this story too. I really liked Darcy and his attempts to be kind despite other people's folly. I kind of wish I had a clear answer to what Wickham's intentions are or what is really going on with him. But I guess I can use my imagination. 5 stars
STRANDED AT PEMBERLEY by Jenetta James: This story was more dramatic than the stories previous to it in this anthology. Beginning with a serious carriage accident certainly was an attention grabbing moment to start this drama. And the fact that there was not an immediate recovery continued the angst throughout. I enjoyed watching Lizzy learn to better understand Darcy and Darcy's admiration for her. Lizzy's tender care for Georgiana was truly something to fall in love over. But I would have liked to have learned what happened with the bleeding boy in the accident. 5 stars
CHRISTMAS AT BLACKTHORN MANOR by Lucy Marin: I never enjoy storylines that have Jane or Elizabeth married to someone other than Bingley and Darcy, respectively. I know others do enjoy that but it always feels wrong to me. And while there was nothing wrong with the writing of this story, I could not love Jane's subplot in this. There was a good deal of angst in both Jane's and Elizabeth's storylines. It was one of those situations where the angst for Lizzy and Darcy could have been resolved with a simple conversation long before it did finally occur. Of course then the story would have been much shorter- haha. 3.5 stars
CALL IT HOPE by Susan Adriani: I didn't really like the characters in this story. Most of Darcy's relatives were heavy drinking and crass in language. I didn't even like the colonel that much. And the conflict of the story could have been resolved so much earlier by a simple conversation. I also had a hard time buying that Lady Catherine would have had anything less than perfection in her meals. She likes to be praised and admired even if she has bad taste in furnishings. More than once I nearly stopped reading. 2 stars
WELCOME HOME by Mary Smythe: Interesting plot device to have Darcy have a vision of his future with Elizabeth. I liked how their relationship moved forward through the rest of the story.
Contains marital bed intimacy and some innuendo, also an attempted seduction. 3 stars
THE PINK DAFFODIL by Elizabeth Rasche: Let me start by saying that I have pink daffodils in my garden and they are quite lovely. I love P&P fanfiction that makes Mary the central character of the story. I haven't run into many of them so I consider them unique. I love watching her move from being overly pious and a rather annoying character to blossoming and lovely. The real change seemed a long time coming in this story but eventually got there. However, I could not figure out how Arthur felt any attraction to her initially . She was not very likable in the beginning. He sensed something in her that I could not. I loved it. 5 stars
MISGIVINGS & MISTLETOE by KaraLynne Mackrory: This story had the angst for Darcy & Elizabeth that one finds in canon in their not knowing the heart of the other person. It seemed their emotions soared high and then dropped low and back once again through out. I enjoyed the story. 5 stars
Stevie Zimmerman is a fabulous narrator for this audiobook. Her work also contributes to the 5 star rating. I don't know if I've ever had a complaint for her narration. Wonderful job as per usual.
HEART ENOUGH by Amy D’Orazio : I like to read clean romance so I got worried early on in this book when Elizabeth & Jane are talking about the marriage bed and it comes out that Jane and Bingley have already consummated their relationship. I hate stories that are all about sex. Luckily for me, that was the worst of it and I could enjoy the rest of the story. I felt sorry for D&E as the timing for their romance was just never right. Unfortunately, better communication would have assisted in their cause. 4 stars
A YULETIDE DREAM by Julie Cooper: I quite liked this mash up of P&P, A Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life. The apparitions did their job in showing Darcy the error of his ways and he did a fine job of changing his mindset. It was an enjoyable listen. 5 stars
IN THE SPIRIT INTENDED by Jan Ashton: I enjoyed this story too. I really liked Darcy and his attempts to be kind despite other people's folly. I kind of wish I had a clear answer to what Wickham's intentions are or what is really going on with him. But I guess I can use my imagination. 5 stars
STRANDED AT PEMBERLEY by Jenetta James: This story was more dramatic than the stories previous to it in this anthology. Beginning with a serious carriage accident certainly was an attention grabbing moment to start this drama. And the fact that there was not an immediate recovery continued the angst throughout. I enjoyed watching Lizzy learn to better understand Darcy and Darcy's admiration for her. Lizzy's tender care for Georgiana was truly something to fall in love over. But I would have liked to have learned what happened with the bleeding boy in the accident. 5 stars
CHRISTMAS AT BLACKTHORN MANOR by Lucy Marin: I never enjoy storylines that have Jane or Elizabeth married to someone other than Bingley and Darcy, respectively. I know others do enjoy that but it always feels wrong to me. And while there was nothing wrong with the writing of this story, I could not love Jane's subplot in this. There was a good deal of angst in both Jane's and Elizabeth's storylines. It was one of those situations where the angst for Lizzy and Darcy could have been resolved with a simple conversation long before it did finally occur. Of course then the story would have been much shorter- haha. 3.5 stars
CALL IT HOPE by Susan Adriani: I didn't really like the characters in this story. Most of Darcy's relatives were heavy drinking and crass in language. I didn't even like the colonel that much. And the conflict of the story could have been resolved so much earlier by a simple conversation. I also had a hard time buying that Lady Catherine would have had anything less than perfection in her meals. She likes to be praised and admired even if she has bad taste in furnishings. More than once I nearly stopped reading. 2 stars
WELCOME HOME by Mary Smythe: Interesting plot device to have Darcy have a vision of his future with Elizabeth. I liked how their relationship moved forward through the rest of the story.
Contains marital bed intimacy and some innuendo, also an attempted seduction. 3 stars
THE PINK DAFFODIL by Elizabeth Rasche: Let me start by saying that I have pink daffodils in my garden and they are quite lovely. I love P&P fanfiction that makes Mary the central character of the story. I haven't run into many of them so I consider them unique. I love watching her move from being overly pious and a rather annoying character to blossoming and lovely. The real change seemed a long time coming in this story but eventually got there. However, I could not figure out how Arthur felt any attraction to her initially . She was not very likable in the beginning. He sensed something in her that I could not. I loved it. 5 stars
MISGIVINGS & MISTLETOE by KaraLynne Mackrory: This story had the angst for Darcy & Elizabeth that one finds in canon in their not knowing the heart of the other person. It seemed their emotions soared high and then dropped low and back once again through out. I enjoyed the story. 5 stars
August 26, 2023
Rating 4.5 (Rounds up to 5)
As I have delved more into the Austen inspired genre of Pride and Prejudice variations, one thing that I have really enjoyed is coming across anthologies of short stories and novellas by various authors, who each bring their own twist on the classic story. In the 'Tis the Season' anthology, each of the stories is set against the backdrop of the holidays as Darcy and Elizabeth work to overcome obstacles, both external and self-inflicted, to find their way to each other.
In the spirit of 'Christmas in July', I thought it would be fun to read this set of stories, though admittedly I was reading these in August. There are some authors in this set, which I have come to know and love in this genre and others who were new to me. In many of the stories, it was heartbreaking to see how Darcy and Elizabeth often misunderstood one another and what they each perceived to be the negative impact of events like Lydia's elopement on the respective feelings that they each had for the other. Of course, just as Jane Austen would have it, our favorite couple eventually get out of their own way and basque in the greatest gift of the season, the undying love that they have for each other.
One of my favorite novellas in this anthology actually puts a wonderful spotlight on the often overlooked third Bennet sister, Miss Mary. It was such a delight to get to know Mary more and to see her evolution from a woman overly focused on righteousness to one who discovers what it means to truly love another. Her path to finding her own happiness and 'Mr. Right' was a joy to read. In another one of the stories, we get to see the usually stoic and controlled Darcy slowly start to unravel emotionally as he has to watch his Elizabeth get courted by someone he thinks is a competitor for her heart. In the end, misunderstandings force emotions to hit a boiling point and confessions to spill out and eventually Darcy realizes that Elizabeth is and will always be his.
I listened to this series of stories in audiobook and they were all narrated by the ever talented Stevie Zimmerman, who is a master at all things Austen and always lends a beautifully rich quality to each of the characters. If you are looking for a little Pride and Prejudice fun with stories that you can enjoy quickly with a bit of holiday spirit sprinkled in then definitely give these a read.
As I have delved more into the Austen inspired genre of Pride and Prejudice variations, one thing that I have really enjoyed is coming across anthologies of short stories and novellas by various authors, who each bring their own twist on the classic story. In the 'Tis the Season' anthology, each of the stories is set against the backdrop of the holidays as Darcy and Elizabeth work to overcome obstacles, both external and self-inflicted, to find their way to each other.
In the spirit of 'Christmas in July', I thought it would be fun to read this set of stories, though admittedly I was reading these in August. There are some authors in this set, which I have come to know and love in this genre and others who were new to me. In many of the stories, it was heartbreaking to see how Darcy and Elizabeth often misunderstood one another and what they each perceived to be the negative impact of events like Lydia's elopement on the respective feelings that they each had for the other. Of course, just as Jane Austen would have it, our favorite couple eventually get out of their own way and basque in the greatest gift of the season, the undying love that they have for each other.
One of my favorite novellas in this anthology actually puts a wonderful spotlight on the often overlooked third Bennet sister, Miss Mary. It was such a delight to get to know Mary more and to see her evolution from a woman overly focused on righteousness to one who discovers what it means to truly love another. Her path to finding her own happiness and 'Mr. Right' was a joy to read. In another one of the stories, we get to see the usually stoic and controlled Darcy slowly start to unravel emotionally as he has to watch his Elizabeth get courted by someone he thinks is a competitor for her heart. In the end, misunderstandings force emotions to hit a boiling point and confessions to spill out and eventually Darcy realizes that Elizabeth is and will always be his.
I listened to this series of stories in audiobook and they were all narrated by the ever talented Stevie Zimmerman, who is a master at all things Austen and always lends a beautifully rich quality to each of the characters. If you are looking for a little Pride and Prejudice fun with stories that you can enjoy quickly with a bit of holiday spirit sprinkled in then definitely give these a read.
December 5, 2021
JAFF readers, this collection is written by a double handful of favorite authors you will love if you enjoy Christmas stories.
I will at some point review each novella separately as they surely deserve. At this point though, I will say that I loved them all, differently, but all. I had the opportunity to get the collection in audio book form and leapt at the chance. Narrated by the wonderful Stevie Zimmerman, it's treasure. I already want to relisten or go read all of them again. I've listened to one each evening for the last 11 nights and I know this will be one of my favorite Christmas rereads in years to come.
For those who don't do the audio thing, I believe the publishers are planning to come out with the collection in ebook form at some point. I hope they do. But don't wait. Gratefully they are available on KU. In the mean time I hope you can take advantage of as many of these stories now as possible. I highly recommend all of them.
I will at some point review each novella separately as they surely deserve. At this point though, I will say that I loved them all, differently, but all. I had the opportunity to get the collection in audio book form and leapt at the chance. Narrated by the wonderful Stevie Zimmerman, it's treasure. I already want to relisten or go read all of them again. I've listened to one each evening for the last 11 nights and I know this will be one of my favorite Christmas rereads in years to come.
For those who don't do the audio thing, I believe the publishers are planning to come out with the collection in ebook form at some point. I hope they do. But don't wait. Gratefully they are available on KU. In the mean time I hope you can take advantage of as many of these stories now as possible. I highly recommend all of them.
March 21, 2025
Very different variations!
There is quite a variety of characters, plots and emotions among these stories. Every reader will be able to find those she likes a lot and others no so much. All have been edited so few errors of grammar, sentence construction and punctuation disturb the flow of each story. Highly recommended to JAFF readers with suggestions to enjoy ones by favorite authors and to discover new authors to explore new works.
There is quite a variety of characters, plots and emotions among these stories. Every reader will be able to find those she likes a lot and others no so much. All have been edited so few errors of grammar, sentence construction and punctuation disturb the flow of each story. Highly recommended to JAFF readers with suggestions to enjoy ones by favorite authors and to discover new authors to explore new works.
December 5, 2023
‘Tis the Season: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas
Wonderful book with delightful stories by many authors. Thank goodness all had HEA for ODC. Some the endings took a bit longer to get to, but the read was worth the wait. Congratulations on a job well done and very entertaining.
Wonderful book with delightful stories by many authors. Thank goodness all had HEA for ODC. Some the endings took a bit longer to get to, but the read was worth the wait. Congratulations on a job well done and very entertaining.
December 24, 2025
Variable writing quality, melodramatic purple prose at times. I quite liked Julie Cooper's short story in this collection which was a little more original than most here: taking a famous Victorian ghost story and reworking it, haunting one of the characters from 'Pride and Prejudice.' her story deserves a higher star rating for the premise and humour.
March 21, 2022
Absolutely wonderful and heartwarming collection of holiday stories. It’s rare to find a collection where you love all the stories in an anthology but this one hits the jackpot with a whole stable full of winners. I highly recommend it for your library.
August 23, 2023
I loved it!
Such riveting tales. I couldn’t put it down. I got so engrossed in the stories that I actually felt like I was apart of the story. I also love the all time classic original book they’re based from, plus all the TV series and movie adaptations as well.
Such riveting tales. I couldn’t put it down. I got so engrossed in the stories that I actually felt like I was apart of the story. I also love the all time classic original book they’re based from, plus all the TV series and movie adaptations as well.
November 15, 2023
overall a very good read!
I very much enjoyed this compilation of Christmas variations on Pride and Prejudice! However, were I to read it again, I might have spread it over more than just a couple of days.
I very much enjoyed this compilation of Christmas variations on Pride and Prejudice! However, were I to read it again, I might have spread it over more than just a couple of days.
Read
August 7, 2023I read these stories separately, apart from Pink Daffodil.
September 18, 2023
Lovely!
A whole lot of well-written stories to keep us all too occupied for all too long. This was really enjoyable. Thank you to all the authors.
A whole lot of well-written stories to keep us all too occupied for all too long. This was really enjoyable. Thank you to all the authors.
November 6, 2023
Fun, creative P&P inspired stories by different authors of alternative Christmas time variations for Elizabeth and Darcy. Mary gets her own romantic HEA in one as well.
Read
November 11, 2023I skipped many pages. Several stories were too wordy and too melodramatic for me. My favourite was Amy d’Orazio’s story, but then I like her books in general.
March 17, 2024
Loved this book.Stories about Mr.Darcey and Elizabeth and Christmas make me happy.Also enjoyed the store about Mary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2024
This is a collection I come back to often.
Heart Enough by Amy D'Orazio is wonderful. It would have me in tears if I didn't know the promise of hea for odc. Very moving and beautifully written.
Heart Enough by Amy D'Orazio is wonderful. It would have me in tears if I didn't know the promise of hea for odc. Very moving and beautifully written.
June 12, 2024
so many great books in one!
yummy!
yummy!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews