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A Proper Darcy Christmas
An accident, a handsome French Count, and a disastrous snow storm! The high excitement of a son born at Christmastide to Darcy and his cherished Elizabeth is overshadowed by his sister Georgiana’s growing fascination for a stranded nobleman.
Georgiana has returned to Pemberley fresh from a highly successful London Season yet unmoved by any of the young men who lined up for introductions. The balls were exciting but her happiest moments in London were not found there. Then, out of a terrible storm, there arises a young French count with the face and address of an angel. Is this the one for which her heart has waited?
Trapped at Pemberley by the snow, Darcy must sift through his mistrust of the charming Frenchman's vague tale of an estate to the north and make sense of this stranger’s appearance at his door. Can he sort out the truth alone or must he enlist the aid of his oldest friend, His Majesty’s Agent Lord Dyfed Brougham,? But the weather is against him. Will his summons bring Dy in time to unravel it all before his sister’s captivation by the handsome count turns into something more?
Return to the beloved world of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice in Pamela Aidan’s delightful Regency Christmas romance.
Pamela Aidan is the author of the ground-breaking series Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman .
Georgiana has returned to Pemberley fresh from a highly successful London Season yet unmoved by any of the young men who lined up for introductions. The balls were exciting but her happiest moments in London were not found there. Then, out of a terrible storm, there arises a young French count with the face and address of an angel. Is this the one for which her heart has waited?
Trapped at Pemberley by the snow, Darcy must sift through his mistrust of the charming Frenchman's vague tale of an estate to the north and make sense of this stranger’s appearance at his door. Can he sort out the truth alone or must he enlist the aid of his oldest friend, His Majesty’s Agent Lord Dyfed Brougham,? But the weather is against him. Will his summons bring Dy in time to unravel it all before his sister’s captivation by the handsome count turns into something more?
Return to the beloved world of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice in Pamela Aidan’s delightful Regency Christmas romance.
Pamela Aidan is the author of the ground-breaking series Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman .
203 pages, Paperback
Published December 14, 2022
58 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Aidan
12 books395 followersPamela Aidan grew up in small towns in southeast Pennsylvania but found her heart's home in the Pacific Northwest where she lives with her husband and a feisty miniature Australian Shepherd.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 28, 2022
Georgiana comes out
Lizzy and Darcy are happily married. What is Georgiana’s coming out going to be like? She is beautiful, well connected, and very rich. Everything a broke rake could want. How can she be protected? This is her story. Nice story but not special. The mood of the story didn’t feel right, in my opinion. I know that’s a vague statement but the story was vague now and then.
Lizzy and Darcy are happily married. What is Georgiana’s coming out going to be like? She is beautiful, well connected, and very rich. Everything a broke rake could want. How can she be protected? This is her story. Nice story but not special. The mood of the story didn’t feel right, in my opinion. I know that’s a vague statement but the story was vague now and then.
November 28, 2022
A Seasonal Page-turner
This excellent seasonal novella takes place after the first year of marriage and the birth of the Darcy heir. As severe winter weather hits Derbyshire, a stranger appears at their door who captures Georgiana’s attention. Darcy is immediately suspicious of the all-too-convenient circumstances surrounding his arrival.
I thought this book was well-written and the intriguing plot held my attention until the end. Happy to see this new release from Pamela Aidan.
Clean content.
This excellent seasonal novella takes place after the first year of marriage and the birth of the Darcy heir. As severe winter weather hits Derbyshire, a stranger appears at their door who captures Georgiana’s attention. Darcy is immediately suspicious of the all-too-convenient circumstances surrounding his arrival.
I thought this book was well-written and the intriguing plot held my attention until the end. Happy to see this new release from Pamela Aidan.
Clean content.
December 8, 2022
We begin with the birth of the Darcy's first child and learn that Georgiana has had one season.
Then there arrives at their doorstep, uninvited, a Comte who claims that his carriage had an accident at their gate and that he can travel no further. Darcy is suspicious. They are in the midst of a snowstorm which makes traveling impossible so Darcy is forced to take the man in. However, he also secretly, with the help of his trusted servants, looks over the carriage and makes inquiries in Lambton. The carriage is so destroyed that repairs cannot be made at Pemberley.
We read of Georgiana's thoughts and, at first, she is completely charmed by the Comte and he is not at all reticent to seek her out, to sit by her, to seek walks with her, to ice-dance with her, etc. We also learn that Darcy has sent a message to a man he calls Dy. And we read of Georgiana writing in her journal to the same man.
This story was a page turner. There is a bit of a mystery about the Comte and about Dy. Elizabeth does have some advice for Georgiana about "guarding her heart".
I enjoyed this story and recommend it.
Then there arrives at their doorstep, uninvited, a Comte who claims that his carriage had an accident at their gate and that he can travel no further. Darcy is suspicious. They are in the midst of a snowstorm which makes traveling impossible so Darcy is forced to take the man in. However, he also secretly, with the help of his trusted servants, looks over the carriage and makes inquiries in Lambton. The carriage is so destroyed that repairs cannot be made at Pemberley.
We read of Georgiana's thoughts and, at first, she is completely charmed by the Comte and he is not at all reticent to seek her out, to sit by her, to seek walks with her, to ice-dance with her, etc. We also learn that Darcy has sent a message to a man he calls Dy. And we read of Georgiana writing in her journal to the same man.
This story was a page turner. There is a bit of a mystery about the Comte and about Dy. Elizabeth does have some advice for Georgiana about "guarding her heart".
I enjoyed this story and recommend it.
January 21, 2023
Avid Reader
It was nice to read Pam Side's work again after 12 years. Day was just what the doctor ordered, and it was unfair of Darcy to ask him to wait for two years before he addressed Georgina about her feelings. The author never explained why the dog does not like Bastian. That should have been a warning to Georgina! Darcy was suspicious from the beginning and rightly so! This was a Christmas mystery as well as a romance. The wedding went off without a hitch, but there's no epilogue, which was needed.
It was nice to read Pam Side's work again after 12 years. Day was just what the doctor ordered, and it was unfair of Darcy to ask him to wait for two years before he addressed Georgina about her feelings. The author never explained why the dog does not like Bastian. That should have been a warning to Georgina! Darcy was suspicious from the beginning and rightly so! This was a Christmas mystery as well as a romance. The wedding went off without a hitch, but there's no epilogue, which was needed.
December 21, 2022
What a disappointment. I loved this author’s book 1 and 3 from Darcy’s POV.
This not so much. There were numerous small errors that should have been caught. Lizzy is also spelled Lizzie part way through the book. Be consistent!
Georgiana is referred to as Georgette once.
The whole plot was overly complicated then easily tied up.
Lord Brougham and Georgiana deserved a whole book and not this one. Why did Dy’s hair turn gray suddenly- we don’t know.
This not so much. There were numerous small errors that should have been caught. Lizzy is also spelled Lizzie part way through the book. Be consistent!
Georgiana is referred to as Georgette once.
The whole plot was overly complicated then easily tied up.
Lord Brougham and Georgiana deserved a whole book and not this one. Why did Dy’s hair turn gray suddenly- we don’t know.
December 11, 2022
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
December 7, 2022
The first JAFF book I ever read was by Pam Aidan. I am soooo excited that she is writing again and can't wait to read more!
January 27, 2023
This was a very engaging and enjoyable read! I was hooked from the start and couldn’t put it down. The resolution was very quick and I would have liked a few more details of how everything was resolved and concluded, but I really liked this book!
December 22, 2022
Wonderful
Anything this wonderful author writes that includes the character of Lord Dyfed Brougham is good with me. The story begins about a year after the marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy, they've just had their first child, a son, and it's almost the Christmas season. A handsome French Comte shows up at Pemberly, apparently stranded in terrible weather with a broken carriage, and seeks shelter with them , but Darcy is suspicious of their circumstances. Georgiana immediately becomes smitten with the handsome foreigner, who has a tale of woe that draws her compassionate side. Darcy calls in his best friend, Lord Brougham, to help him sort it all out.
If you haven't read Ms Aidan's other works, you wouldn't know that Dy has confessed to Darcy that he's in love with Georgiana, but because of his age, his occupation, and her age, Darcy has requested that Dy wait two years so that Georgiana can have a couple of seasons in London before committing to anyone. In this story, Georgiana has already had one season, and now Dy encounters her again. I would highly recommend reading the other works that include this character, because the backstory is wonderful.
The book is well written and well edited. It's an interesting premise, and kept my interest from start to finish. I recommend it highly.
Anything this wonderful author writes that includes the character of Lord Dyfed Brougham is good with me. The story begins about a year after the marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy, they've just had their first child, a son, and it's almost the Christmas season. A handsome French Comte shows up at Pemberly, apparently stranded in terrible weather with a broken carriage, and seeks shelter with them , but Darcy is suspicious of their circumstances. Georgiana immediately becomes smitten with the handsome foreigner, who has a tale of woe that draws her compassionate side. Darcy calls in his best friend, Lord Brougham, to help him sort it all out.
If you haven't read Ms Aidan's other works, you wouldn't know that Dy has confessed to Darcy that he's in love with Georgiana, but because of his age, his occupation, and her age, Darcy has requested that Dy wait two years so that Georgiana can have a couple of seasons in London before committing to anyone. In this story, Georgiana has already had one season, and now Dy encounters her again. I would highly recommend reading the other works that include this character, because the backstory is wonderful.
The book is well written and well edited. It's an interesting premise, and kept my interest from start to finish. I recommend it highly.
February 22, 2023
It's Christmastide at Pemberley and the Darcys are busy. There will be no formal large party this year as Elizabeth is about to present Darcy with an heir. A very pregnant Jane and Bingley come to stay and Georgiana is there too. When a handsome French count has a carriage accident on their doorstep, the Darcys have no choice but to take him in out of the cold and worst snowstorm of a generation. Georgiana is immediately smitten with his good looks and manners. However, Mr. Darcy is suspicious about this stranger and sends for his friend Dyfred Broughm. Will the letter reach Dy through the snow in time? Will Georgiana do something rash and run off with the fellow? She doesn't even know herself how she feels or what she wants even after a Season in London.
AHHHHH!!! I'm so excited Pamela Aidan has returned to the world she started 20 years ago. It feels like coming home. Even though it's been 20 years since I first read the books that led me down the Jane Austen/Regency rabbit hole An Assembly Such as This / These Three Remain / Duty and Desire, it feels like no time at all. I have read and reread the original trilogy so many times, the characters feel like family. In the world of the story, only 14 months have passed since Darcy and Elizabeth were married. It isn't necessary to have read the original trilogy but it sure does make this story a lot more satisfying and sweet if you do. The intrigue was enough to keep me turning pages, worried Georgiana might not end up with the man who loves her desperately. It wraps up rather quickly and I would have liked to have seen more action rather than be told a version of what happened after the fact. My only complaint is the story concludes what was begun in the trilogy so what's next for the Darcys? The next generation I suppose. My only nitpick is, and I had the same quibble with another story, that Mr. Darcy would almost certainly hire a fancy male midwife from London to attend the birth of his heir. Nothing but the best for a Darcy of Pemberley! No village midwife for HIS wife! Unless Elizabeth wisely overruled her husband and her good sense convinced him that Mr. Reynolds and Mrs. Roseby, the midwife, knew what to do. It's only a minor part of the story and doesn't really matter.
In 14 months, Elizabeth and Darcy have grown and become closer but are still getting to know each other. They're very much in love and she is aware of the misunderstandings that almost curtailed her chances of happiness. Darcy is still overprotective of his little sister. It's understandable but Georgiana is older now. She's had a Season, she knows what Wickham was up to and she has Elizabeth to show her the way. Elizabeth is wise enough to know how to handle a young lady with a not-so-secret crush and step back. She's also very busy with her baby, Alexander, who has his father's solemn eyes and his mother's restless disposition. Georgiana trusts Elizabeth and asks for advice but doesn't trust her own instincts. She's young and confused. A pretty face and pretty manners are all very well but is she falling in love? She knows right from wrong but is tempted just to act on her feelings for a change.
Jane and Bingley are their usual placid, charming selves. I was thrilled to catch up with Shakespeare-quoting valet, Fletcher, who plays a role in the story. He gets to do some sleuthing to help the Darcys. I always enjoyed Fletcher. He's quirky and fun. Trafalgar is here too. He's still a naughty puppy but he knows what he's about. If Georgiana had listened to him, there would be no story LOL! Trafalgar also shows Darcy's softer side. He lets the dog in bed with him and Elizabeth! The servants play a larger role in this story as well. Darcy trusts his coachman and stable hands to help investigate the mystery of the mysterious Comte. Also Garston and the Green Man habitués. It was nice to have them included to give a more well-rounded picture of Regency life on a country estate and also to see how Darcy interacts with those of inferior birth. Dy finally enters the story. I love him so much! He's charming, amusing, incredibly sharp and loyal. Dy is a chameleon and can be everywhere at once and no one will notice. He's so much in love he's willing to risk his own life to save the woman he loves. If she doesn't love him back, he needs his own series. He was one of my favorites in the original trilogy.
Newcomer to the story is André Eugène Reynard St.-Sébastien, Comte du Pont-Courlay. Bastien is the son of Duc de Fronsac, or so he says. Bastien has the face of an angel. His manners are pleasing. He's charming and flirtatious but encourages Georgiana. Lizzie says of course because they're the only two young people at Pemberley so let them flirt but Darcy suspects Bastien may be up to no good. I think Bastien is innocent but his coachman seems scary and nefarious. Bastien seems afraid of the man. Who are they really and what are they doing at Pemberley? What will the consequences for Georgiana be if these men are villains?
I'm so happy I got to read this story. It was worth the wait but I am sorry to leave my old friends behind. Good thing the trilogy is on my keeper shelf so I can rejoin them whenever I wish.
AHHHHH!!! I'm so excited Pamela Aidan has returned to the world she started 20 years ago. It feels like coming home. Even though it's been 20 years since I first read the books that led me down the Jane Austen/Regency rabbit hole An Assembly Such as This / These Three Remain / Duty and Desire, it feels like no time at all. I have read and reread the original trilogy so many times, the characters feel like family. In the world of the story, only 14 months have passed since Darcy and Elizabeth were married. It isn't necessary to have read the original trilogy but it sure does make this story a lot more satisfying and sweet if you do. The intrigue was enough to keep me turning pages, worried Georgiana might not end up with the man who loves her desperately. It wraps up rather quickly and I would have liked to have seen more action rather than be told a version of what happened after the fact. My only complaint is the story concludes what was begun in the trilogy so what's next for the Darcys? The next generation I suppose. My only nitpick is, and I had the same quibble with another story, that Mr. Darcy would almost certainly hire a fancy male midwife from London to attend the birth of his heir. Nothing but the best for a Darcy of Pemberley! No village midwife for HIS wife! Unless Elizabeth wisely overruled her husband and her good sense convinced him that Mr. Reynolds and Mrs. Roseby, the midwife, knew what to do. It's only a minor part of the story and doesn't really matter.
In 14 months, Elizabeth and Darcy have grown and become closer but are still getting to know each other. They're very much in love and she is aware of the misunderstandings that almost curtailed her chances of happiness. Darcy is still overprotective of his little sister. It's understandable but Georgiana is older now. She's had a Season, she knows what Wickham was up to and she has Elizabeth to show her the way. Elizabeth is wise enough to know how to handle a young lady with a not-so-secret crush and step back. She's also very busy with her baby, Alexander, who has his father's solemn eyes and his mother's restless disposition. Georgiana trusts Elizabeth and asks for advice but doesn't trust her own instincts. She's young and confused. A pretty face and pretty manners are all very well but is she falling in love? She knows right from wrong but is tempted just to act on her feelings for a change.
Jane and Bingley are their usual placid, charming selves. I was thrilled to catch up with Shakespeare-quoting valet, Fletcher, who plays a role in the story. He gets to do some sleuthing to help the Darcys. I always enjoyed Fletcher. He's quirky and fun. Trafalgar is here too. He's still a naughty puppy but he knows what he's about. If Georgiana had listened to him, there would be no story LOL! Trafalgar also shows Darcy's softer side. He lets the dog in bed with him and Elizabeth! The servants play a larger role in this story as well. Darcy trusts his coachman and stable hands to help investigate the mystery of the mysterious Comte. Also Garston and the Green Man habitués. It was nice to have them included to give a more well-rounded picture of Regency life on a country estate and also to see how Darcy interacts with those of inferior birth. Dy finally enters the story. I love him so much! He's charming, amusing, incredibly sharp and loyal. Dy is a chameleon and can be everywhere at once and no one will notice. He's so much in love he's willing to risk his own life to save the woman he loves. If she doesn't love him back, he needs his own series. He was one of my favorites in the original trilogy.
Newcomer to the story is André Eugène Reynard St.-Sébastien, Comte du Pont-Courlay. Bastien is the son of Duc de Fronsac, or so he says. Bastien has the face of an angel. His manners are pleasing. He's charming and flirtatious but encourages Georgiana. Lizzie says of course because they're the only two young people at Pemberley so let them flirt but Darcy suspects Bastien may be up to no good. I think Bastien is innocent but his coachman seems scary and nefarious. Bastien seems afraid of the man. Who are they really and what are they doing at Pemberley? What will the consequences for Georgiana be if these men are villains?
I'm so happy I got to read this story. It was worth the wait but I am sorry to leave my old friends behind. Good thing the trilogy is on my keeper shelf so I can rejoin them whenever I wish.
December 5, 2022
Solid read. I enjoyed the intrigue of the Comte. Wish this had just a pinch more romance.
December 25, 2023
Regency Era. Pemberley. Sunday, December 12, 1813. Pamela Aidan’s A Proper Darcy Christmas is a light Recency romance that includes the birth of the first son of the marriage of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, the celebration of Christmas at Pemberley with Jane Bennet who is about to give birth to her and Mr. Bingley’s first child, and Georgiana, Mr. Darcy’s sister, who continues to live at Pemberley. Enter: a French Count who as a result of an ‘accident’ with his carriage arrives at Pemberley unable to continue his trip in the midst of a roadblocking blizzard. Just how did this Count happen upon Pemberley as the blizzard hit? Why is the coach driver is so ‘standoffish’? Is Georgiana interested in this Count? Lots of questions to answer, but most importantly, Georgiana will not be hurt. Her brother and Elizabeth will not let it happen! The author gives lovely insight as how the English celebrated Christmas and winter when ‘snowed in’. 4 stars.
May 24, 2023
Truthfully, I was disappointed. I was really looking forward to visiting with my favorite characters again, especially Dy Brougham, and to seeing how his pending relationship with Georgiana would play out. But this book felt superficial and rushed in its treatment of the characters. Dy and Georgiana were shadows of themselves from the first three books, and even Darcy, Elizabeth, Bingley, and Jane received only superficial treatment. I'm really happy that Dy and Georgiana are together, but honestly, this book felt like the author wrote it just because everyone expected her to. It makes me sad to say that after she did such a fantastic job with her P&P trilogy, but for me this was a letdown.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2023
A Proper Darcy Christmas
Interesting story. A French Wickham enters Pemberley under the guise that an unfortunate carriage accident happened at the gate to Pemberley. But Darcy being Darcy, has his men investigating the alleged accident. Needless to say an accident it was not! The Comte’s French family wants Georgiana’s dowery so that when Napoleon falls, they can regain their land in France and the wine industry they lost. His charge is to obtain Georgiana one way or another - falling in love and marriage, or compromise and/or abduction. Darcy always vigilant writes to his friend Dy Brougham for help. To Pemberley he goes - to protect the Darcys, especially Georgiana. In the end, his covert abilities and various disguises frets out the nefarious plan to gain Georgiana’ riches. A very happy ending after the crooks are apprehended.
Interesting story. A French Wickham enters Pemberley under the guise that an unfortunate carriage accident happened at the gate to Pemberley. But Darcy being Darcy, has his men investigating the alleged accident. Needless to say an accident it was not! The Comte’s French family wants Georgiana’s dowery so that when Napoleon falls, they can regain their land in France and the wine industry they lost. His charge is to obtain Georgiana one way or another - falling in love and marriage, or compromise and/or abduction. Darcy always vigilant writes to his friend Dy Brougham for help. To Pemberley he goes - to protect the Darcys, especially Georgiana. In the end, his covert abilities and various disguises frets out the nefarious plan to gain Georgiana’ riches. A very happy ending after the crooks are apprehended.
May 30, 2023
I enjoyed revisiting these lovely characters, but felt that they were flat compared to the first trilogy. The story felt like it would have been wonderful given some more time and editing. For example Georgiana’s faith plays no part in this book- her character development from the trilogy seems forgotten- and her infatuation with the handsome stranger is vapid. I loved the return of Dy, and seeing the Darcy’s happy, and the happy ending. Worth the read if you’re fast and love the series, but I’ll mostly recommend the trilogy to friends. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2024
I enjoyed this, but there was way too much French in conversations. I don’t know this language, so I can’t even guess what is being said in French. I have better things to do than to constantly look up the translations of all this French.
Instead of having the French words, the author should have mentioned that the dialogue was in French but use English. She did this a couple of times for longer conversations.
I did a mix of reading the story and listening to the audiobook. I thought the narrator was great.
I own the audiobook and borrowed the kindle through KU. 4.5-stars rounded up.
Instead of having the French words, the author should have mentioned that the dialogue was in French but use English. She did this a couple of times for longer conversations.
I did a mix of reading the story and listening to the audiobook. I thought the narrator was great.
I own the audiobook and borrowed the kindle through KU. 4.5-stars rounded up.
December 16, 2023
I was wanting something Christmassy to listen to, and this was mentioned in one of my Facebook Austen groups. Fun story, but didn't really feel very Austeny to me. Or very Christmassy, for that matter.
Narrator was good.
Narrator was good.
February 22, 2025
Cozy mystery | Classic inspired | Romantic - Hilary
October 9, 2023
Cute
1/2 star removed due to the constant need to translate the author's attempt at cleverness, by dropping French into conversations. Read through Kindle Unlimited, won't reread or buy.
1/2 star removed due to the constant need to translate the author's attempt at cleverness, by dropping French into conversations. Read through Kindle Unlimited, won't reread or buy.
November 18, 2023
Had I just read this as a one off, I probably would have rated it higher. It was fine. But after waiting 15 years for the promised Dy and Georgiana story, this book had 50% less Dy and 75% less swoony moments (and Fletcher, for that matter) than I needed this story to have.
January 25, 2024
Cute story but may have needed more time to develop the story and ending. Always appreciate visiting Pemberly
August 20, 2023
What If Georgiana’s Head Was Turned by a Mysterious Stranded Guest at Pemberley?
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Christmas Novella, Sequel about a Secondary Character
THE PREMISE: The Darcys happily anticipate a quiet Christmastide at Pemberley with Georgiana, the Bingleys, the Matlocks, and their new bundle of joy. That is until a mysterious and handsome French nobleman seeks hospitality at Pemberley and ends up snowbound! The Darcys begin to feel a little bit suspicious about the Comte and his story, and it isn’t just because of his reciprocated and intense interest in Georgiana.
MY THOUGHTS: A new baby, Christmastide, snow, a charming and handsome stranger, AND Lord Dyfed Brougham??? Never mind if I’m invited or not, I’m heading to Pemberley this Christmas! There is no place I’d rather be! I’m so excited that Pamela Aidan is taking us into the world of these characters again – and at Christmas time!
What I loved most about this story was witnessing Pamela Aidan’s thoughtful and delightful portrayals of these beloved characters. My favorites were Mr. Darcy’s unceasing ardency towards Elizabeth and his concerned actions to protect Georgiana, Georgiana’s romantic nature battling with her resolve to act with caution and clearheadedness, and Lord Brougham’s irreverent playfulness that hides a sensitive and steadfast heart. There was so much to enjoy and admire about these characters’ interactions with each other.
Another aspect I enjoyed about this tale was witnessing all the activity at Pemberley – the cozy time with Elizabeth and Darcy cooing over their newborn, the lovely camaraderie and affection between the Bingleys and Darcys as they spend quiet evenings together, the superior care and attention provided by the Pemberley staff, and then all the excitement and changes the snow, Christmas, and the Comte caused. I enjoyed seeing all the various moods and operations of this great estate, and I loved seeing these characters enjoy festive activities such as skating and sleigh-riding.
I was thoroughly wrapped up in the intrigue of this mysterious Comte and what his true purpose was at Pemberley. And I was all eager anticipation when Lord Dyfed Brougham was brought in to take hiss measure! I wish this part of the story lasted just a bit longer. Some very exciting and important action took place off page, and I was missing being in the midst of the climactic developments. Also, I kind of wish this half of the story was prolonged more in general – but that might mostly be attributed to the fact that this is the part of the story where we see Lord Brougham take center stage. And he is definitely a character for which we can never get enough. 🥰
What a fantastic (and festive) return for the talented Pamela Aidan! A Proper Darcy Christmas is a merry tale that mingles together familial love, intrigue, romance – a perfect choice for those who are huddled indoors because of the weather this season. And readers should be prepared for even more – it sounds like Pamela Aidan has some exciting plans 2023! I cannot wait!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Christmas Novella, Sequel about a Secondary Character
THE PREMISE: The Darcys happily anticipate a quiet Christmastide at Pemberley with Georgiana, the Bingleys, the Matlocks, and their new bundle of joy. That is until a mysterious and handsome French nobleman seeks hospitality at Pemberley and ends up snowbound! The Darcys begin to feel a little bit suspicious about the Comte and his story, and it isn’t just because of his reciprocated and intense interest in Georgiana.
MY THOUGHTS: A new baby, Christmastide, snow, a charming and handsome stranger, AND Lord Dyfed Brougham??? Never mind if I’m invited or not, I’m heading to Pemberley this Christmas! There is no place I’d rather be! I’m so excited that Pamela Aidan is taking us into the world of these characters again – and at Christmas time!
What I loved most about this story was witnessing Pamela Aidan’s thoughtful and delightful portrayals of these beloved characters. My favorites were Mr. Darcy’s unceasing ardency towards Elizabeth and his concerned actions to protect Georgiana, Georgiana’s romantic nature battling with her resolve to act with caution and clearheadedness, and Lord Brougham’s irreverent playfulness that hides a sensitive and steadfast heart. There was so much to enjoy and admire about these characters’ interactions with each other.
Another aspect I enjoyed about this tale was witnessing all the activity at Pemberley – the cozy time with Elizabeth and Darcy cooing over their newborn, the lovely camaraderie and affection between the Bingleys and Darcys as they spend quiet evenings together, the superior care and attention provided by the Pemberley staff, and then all the excitement and changes the snow, Christmas, and the Comte caused. I enjoyed seeing all the various moods and operations of this great estate, and I loved seeing these characters enjoy festive activities such as skating and sleigh-riding.
I was thoroughly wrapped up in the intrigue of this mysterious Comte and what his true purpose was at Pemberley. And I was all eager anticipation when Lord Dyfed Brougham was brought in to take hiss measure! I wish this part of the story lasted just a bit longer. Some very exciting and important action took place off page, and I was missing being in the midst of the climactic developments. Also, I kind of wish this half of the story was prolonged more in general – but that might mostly be attributed to the fact that this is the part of the story where we see Lord Brougham take center stage. And he is definitely a character for which we can never get enough. 🥰
What a fantastic (and festive) return for the talented Pamela Aidan! A Proper Darcy Christmas is a merry tale that mingles together familial love, intrigue, romance – a perfect choice for those who are huddled indoors because of the weather this season. And readers should be prepared for even more – it sounds like Pamela Aidan has some exciting plans 2023! I cannot wait!
Austenesque Reviews
December 9, 2022
Long awaited check in with the Darcys
4.5 Stars
From the memorable placeholder of the last chapter of Pamela Aidan’s ‘Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman’ trilogy, this short gives a lovely little glimpse of the life of our beloved characters a year after Darcy and Elizabeth’s marriage.
A Darcy heir has arrived and the Christmas season is to be a quiet time at Pemberley. With a snowfall for the record books and the unexpected arrival of an unknown, handsome French Comte stranded from a carriage accident, Pemberley is anything but low key. The greater focus is on the mystery of the Comte, Georgiana’s responses to his obvious wooing and Darcy’s suspicions of all. In spite of the heavy snow, Darcy pens a note for assistance to Lord Dyfed Brougham - whose arrival I was thrilled to anticipate!
I’m pleased with where the story takes us with ODC, but we spend way to short a time after a long hiatus, with the Darcys and the delightful, original characters the author created with such heart in her series. I hope for more, and I do look forward to discovering what the Colonel has been up to with a “What’s coming next” announcement of a future book at the end of this story.
4.5 Stars
From the memorable placeholder of the last chapter of Pamela Aidan’s ‘Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman’ trilogy, this short gives a lovely little glimpse of the life of our beloved characters a year after Darcy and Elizabeth’s marriage.
A Darcy heir has arrived and the Christmas season is to be a quiet time at Pemberley. With a snowfall for the record books and the unexpected arrival of an unknown, handsome French Comte stranded from a carriage accident, Pemberley is anything but low key. The greater focus is on the mystery of the Comte, Georgiana’s responses to his obvious wooing and Darcy’s suspicions of all. In spite of the heavy snow, Darcy pens a note for assistance to Lord Dyfed Brougham - whose arrival I was thrilled to anticipate!
I’m pleased with where the story takes us with ODC, but we spend way to short a time after a long hiatus, with the Darcys and the delightful, original characters the author created with such heart in her series. I hope for more, and I do look forward to discovering what the Colonel has been up to with a “What’s coming next” announcement of a future book at the end of this story.
December 13, 2022
One year after their marriage Elizabeth gives birth to the Darcy heir at Pemberley. Because of this, it will be a quiet Christmas, with only Jane and Bingley, Georgiana, and the Matlocks (minus Colonel Fitzwilliam) in attendance. Or so they think. During the worst snowstorm in a decade, a mysterious French count appears at their doorstep in a damaged carriage. They are forced to give him shelter, even though Darcy is very suspicious of the man's motive for being there, and grows even more convinced of his nefarious intentions when he discovers that the carriage was damaged on purpose. As Georgiana falls under the spell of the count's charm, Darcy writes to his good friend, Dy, begging him for information about the count. Dy shows up at Pemberley and goes about doing what he does best.
This is the first book I've read from Pamela Aidan. It's well-written, with a unique plot, very imaginative. The author got her calendar a little mixed up, but other than that, it was error-free.
One of the new characters is very appealing. I'm hoping that he will appear in future books by this author, if he hasn't already.
This is the first book I've read from Pamela Aidan. It's well-written, with a unique plot, very imaginative. The author got her calendar a little mixed up, but other than that, it was error-free.
One of the new characters is very appealing. I'm hoping that he will appear in future books by this author, if he hasn't already.
December 18, 2022
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5
Hadn’t read anything from this author in a while and was very glad to see this one while browsing. I was glad to have the reintroduction to certain pivotal characters provided as well as information about the situations of others who did not appear in the story. This was an appropriate and romantic sequel to other stories that ended shortly after the wedding of ODC.
I especially enjoyed reacquainting myself with Aidan’s writing style and ability to subtly say so much with seemingly innocent sentences (reminiscent of JA herself and of Georgette Heyer). My only complaint is that the story ended too soon. I would have liked more detail about some of the past events that occurred before this story begins, though I may have missed a book that contained them. The book is well-edited, and I didn’t notice any errors, minor or major. Great job!
Highly recommended for those who appreciate this style that hints at the “off-stage” activities, whether steamy or mysterious - and for the rest of us who enjoy many types of JAFF books. I absolutely loved this and will read it again, probably more than once.
Hadn’t read anything from this author in a while and was very glad to see this one while browsing. I was glad to have the reintroduction to certain pivotal characters provided as well as information about the situations of others who did not appear in the story. This was an appropriate and romantic sequel to other stories that ended shortly after the wedding of ODC.
I especially enjoyed reacquainting myself with Aidan’s writing style and ability to subtly say so much with seemingly innocent sentences (reminiscent of JA herself and of Georgette Heyer). My only complaint is that the story ended too soon. I would have liked more detail about some of the past events that occurred before this story begins, though I may have missed a book that contained them. The book is well-edited, and I didn’t notice any errors, minor or major. Great job!
Highly recommended for those who appreciate this style that hints at the “off-stage” activities, whether steamy or mysterious - and for the rest of us who enjoy many types of JAFF books. I absolutely loved this and will read it again, probably more than once.
December 15, 2024
Darcy and Elizabeth have their first child and face a holiday mystery when a French Count becomes snowed in at Pemberley. As Georgiana's heart begins to warm to the stranger, the Darcys must uncover his true identity and intentions.
Short and Christmas-y and mildly charming. But it lacks the depth or clever twists to make it memorable. A light, festive read for fans of P&P, but not one that stands out.
📚2024 P&P themed book ranking so far...
Manga Classics: Pride and Prejudice
Puck and Prejudice
Miss Bennett's Dragon
The Heiress: The Revelations of Anne de Bourgh
The Other Bennett Sister
Mum's the Word
Debating Darcy
Allworld Online: Pride & Prejudice
Longbourn
The Mistress of Longbourn
Most Ardently
The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet
Lola at Last
Jane Austen Cannot Marry
The Bad Miss Bennet
*** A Proper Darcy Christmas
Death comes to Pemberley
An Unpleasant Sort of Man
Pride, Prejudice and Poison
Mr Darcy's Bad Day: A Pride and Prejudice variation
Dating Mr Darcy
Dangerous Magic: A Pride and Prejudice variation
Coming Up Roses
Austenland
For Pemberly
Eligible: A modern retelling of Pride & Prejudice
Short and Christmas-y and mildly charming. But it lacks the depth or clever twists to make it memorable. A light, festive read for fans of P&P, but not one that stands out.
📚2024 P&P themed book ranking so far...
Manga Classics: Pride and Prejudice
Puck and Prejudice
Miss Bennett's Dragon
The Heiress: The Revelations of Anne de Bourgh
The Other Bennett Sister
Mum's the Word
Debating Darcy
Allworld Online: Pride & Prejudice
Longbourn
The Mistress of Longbourn
Most Ardently
The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet
Lola at Last
Jane Austen Cannot Marry
The Bad Miss Bennet
*** A Proper Darcy Christmas
Death comes to Pemberley
An Unpleasant Sort of Man
Pride, Prejudice and Poison
Mr Darcy's Bad Day: A Pride and Prejudice variation
Dating Mr Darcy
Dangerous Magic: A Pride and Prejudice variation
Coming Up Roses
Austenland
For Pemberly
Eligible: A modern retelling of Pride & Prejudice
November 16, 2023
I must qualify this review as I read this story in a chopped-up manner. It's probably one I should read another time and be more consistent and I might like it better. I found the story easy to get into but as it proceeded it was losing my attention, thus my 3-star Good rating. I did love hearing that Darcy & Lizzy expanded their family. That was fun!
I will add here that I really liked Pamela Aiden's trilogy series: 'An Assembly...', 'Duty and Desire', and 'These Three Remain'. I thought those were really fun so I'm interested in what new road of adventure she takes with an original character from my favorite, 'Pride and Prejudice'. I am a purist when it comes to P&P and Pamela Aiden honors and respects the original story and characters beautifully!
I love at the end of the book Aiden asks our opinion on the honorable and likable P&P character, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and whether he should have his own story. I say Yes! Go for it! I will certainly buy it!
I will add here that I really liked Pamela Aiden's trilogy series: 'An Assembly...', 'Duty and Desire', and 'These Three Remain'. I thought those were really fun so I'm interested in what new road of adventure she takes with an original character from my favorite, 'Pride and Prejudice'. I am a purist when it comes to P&P and Pamela Aiden honors and respects the original story and characters beautifully!
I love at the end of the book Aiden asks our opinion on the honorable and likable P&P character, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and whether he should have his own story. I say Yes! Go for it! I will certainly buy it!
December 3, 2022
This is a very cute, sweet Christmas story that picks up a little more than a year following the marriage of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy. They have a newborn baby and have decided to a have quiet Christmas at Pemberly with Georgiana, Jane and Bingley, and the Matlocks instead of planning and executing their usual celebration with all their neighbors. They plans for a quiet family Christmas are disrupted when a complete stranger becomes stranded at Pemberly during a snowstorm, and he seems intent on wooing Georgiana.
I loved the way this author haswoven some new characters into the story and the plot is intriguing. Very well done!
I loved the way this author haswoven some new characters into the story and the plot is intriguing. Very well done!
December 8, 2022
A delightful Christmas at Pemberly
With twist and turns at the beginning of every chapter you will find yourselves immerse in the beauty, intrigue and mystery of a Christmas at Pemberly.
Georgiana Darcy returns from her first season in London and comes home to encounter the arrival of a young suitor for her affections. But her brother and sister-in-law are not convinced this is a good thing.
As the story develops you will find yourself wondering about what will happen. Will Georgiana find love or disaster.
Enjoy
With twist and turns at the beginning of every chapter you will find yourselves immerse in the beauty, intrigue and mystery of a Christmas at Pemberly.
Georgiana Darcy returns from her first season in London and comes home to encounter the arrival of a young suitor for her affections. But her brother and sister-in-law are not convinced this is a good thing.
As the story develops you will find yourself wondering about what will happen. Will Georgiana find love or disaster.
Enjoy
December 20, 2022
a sweet story
3.5* rounded up.
This is a pleasant festive novella with a touch of mystery. The Darcys have a new baby and are settled in at Pemberley for Christmas when a French stranger turns up at their gates after a reported carriage accident.
This is essentially a Georgiana-centric story although the Bingleys and Darcys are present throughout.
I enjoyed this but it wasn’t quite good enough for the fourth star. For me there was too much unnecessary French immediately followed by the translation. A much lighter scattering would have sufficed.
3.5* rounded up.
This is a pleasant festive novella with a touch of mystery. The Darcys have a new baby and are settled in at Pemberley for Christmas when a French stranger turns up at their gates after a reported carriage accident.
This is essentially a Georgiana-centric story although the Bingleys and Darcys are present throughout.
I enjoyed this but it wasn’t quite good enough for the fourth star. For me there was too much unnecessary French immediately followed by the translation. A much lighter scattering would have sufficed.
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