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Christmases at Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Pemberley is a lonely place at Christmas.
Can Elizabeth Bennet warm Mr. Darcy’s cold heart?
Christmas, 1811, finds Fitzwilliam Darcy at Pemberley keeping careful watch over his ill sister, Georgiana. In the midst of worry and toil, he thinks about the charming Elizabeth Bennet, the lady from Hertfordshire who won his attention and admiration a few months previous.
Through a surprising series of events, Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves together once again, this time at Pemberley during the Christmas of 1812. When the Bingleys also converge on Pemberley, emotions run high as the truth of Caroline’s past actions becomes known.
Mr. Darcy struggles with his own worries about status and connections but feels himself falling in love. Elizabeth’s first impression of the master of Pemberley was negative in the extreme. How can she set aside her prejudice to truly understand Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley?
As a bonus, this book also includes all 3 of Laraba's previous Christmas Longbourn Christmas, Encounters with Elizabeth and A Very Meryton Christmas!
This novel is a sweet and clean, low angst Pride and Prejudice variation where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings, with a satisfying epilogue.
Can Elizabeth Bennet warm Mr. Darcy’s cold heart?
Christmas, 1811, finds Fitzwilliam Darcy at Pemberley keeping careful watch over his ill sister, Georgiana. In the midst of worry and toil, he thinks about the charming Elizabeth Bennet, the lady from Hertfordshire who won his attention and admiration a few months previous.
Through a surprising series of events, Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves together once again, this time at Pemberley during the Christmas of 1812. When the Bingleys also converge on Pemberley, emotions run high as the truth of Caroline’s past actions becomes known.
Mr. Darcy struggles with his own worries about status and connections but feels himself falling in love. Elizabeth’s first impression of the master of Pemberley was negative in the extreme. How can she set aside her prejudice to truly understand Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley?
As a bonus, this book also includes all 3 of Laraba's previous Christmas Longbourn Christmas, Encounters with Elizabeth and A Very Meryton Christmas!
This novel is a sweet and clean, low angst Pride and Prejudice variation where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings, with a satisfying epilogue.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2024
223 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Laraba Kendig
53 books110 followersI am a scientist by training, but a writer at heart. I have always loved reading with a passion and turned my hand to fanfiction a few years ago. I write stories similar to the ones I enjoy reading. They are interesting but light, romantic but not steamy. I am a super fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and have been having a wonderful time writing P&P variations, exploring how new circumstances affect the beloved characters. So far I have published two novel-length Pride and Prejudice variations plus one short story via Amazon. My books include ‘I am Jael’ and ‘The Blind Will See’.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 26, 2025
The first of four stories included in this variation takes up about 40% of the pages. This first story was new to me. However I have read and reviewed the other three before so will not be doing reviews of those here. They are: Longbourn Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Variation, A Very Meryton Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Variation and Encounters with Elizabeth.
Much of the beginning (maybe half) of this first story is in the form of letters written between various characters.
Again we have a Darcy who resists his feelings of attachment for Elizabeth and also the situation in which Bingley leaves Netherfield without a word of farewell for Jane. Caroline Bingley is much as in canon.
Ironically, Elizabeth travels as Anne de Bourgh's friend and companion when Anne and her husband go to visit at Pemberley. (Anne has married Colonel Fitzwilliam.) The two met while Elizabeth visited her friend Charlotte Collins at Hunsford. Needless to say, Darcy is taken by surprise and thus with living under the same roof, Darcy's and Elizabeth's relationship slowly changes.
Both Wickham and Lady Catherine are part of this story but both are dealt with differently.
SPOILER: There are a number of chapters in the Epilogue with each Bennet sister having married and details as to their families and their ongoing relationships with each other and Georgiana. END OF SPOILER)
I did enjoy this story, although there was no real angst for me. The title does reflect that Christmas time played out as important events occurred then.
Much of the beginning (maybe half) of this first story is in the form of letters written between various characters.
Again we have a Darcy who resists his feelings of attachment for Elizabeth and also the situation in which Bingley leaves Netherfield without a word of farewell for Jane. Caroline Bingley is much as in canon.
Ironically, Elizabeth travels as Anne de Bourgh's friend and companion when Anne and her husband go to visit at Pemberley. (Anne has married Colonel Fitzwilliam.) The two met while Elizabeth visited her friend Charlotte Collins at Hunsford. Needless to say, Darcy is taken by surprise and thus with living under the same roof, Darcy's and Elizabeth's relationship slowly changes.
Both Wickham and Lady Catherine are part of this story but both are dealt with differently.
SPOILER: There are a number of chapters in the Epilogue with each Bennet sister having married and details as to their families and their ongoing relationships with each other and Georgiana. END OF SPOILER)
I did enjoy this story, although there was no real angst for me. The title does reflect that Christmas time played out as important events occurred then.
December 13, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
This is a pleasant, low angst story that features a number of unusual diversions from canon. It begins and ends, as the title suggests, at Pemberley at Christmastime, but it runs through several years of events in the lives of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.
Due to Georgiana's health, Darcy finds himself at his estate during Christmas feeling lonely. He also can't seem to forget Elizabeth despite having left Hertfordshire weeks ago. A letter from Bingley indicates his friend is resigned to the (supposed) fact that Jane Bennet doesn't love him but he continues to mope over it.
Time marches on with letters going back and forth, many of them between Elizabeth and a heartbroken Jane and between Darcy and his cousin Richard Fitzwilliam that expand upon but don't change the basic plot. Not until Elizabeth goes to Kent...and Darcy does NOT. She strikes up friendships with both Anne de Bourgh (who isn't as sickly as her dictatorial mother believes) and Richard, leading to more and more significant alterations from JA's story.
Ms. Kendig writes beautifully, and I do like the way she shows how Darcy's thinking regarding Elizabeth progresses over time. I enjoyed these versions of Elizabeth and Darcy, but their obstacles are virtually nonexistent. And potential obstacles (Wickham, Lady Catherine) are handled off-page before they turn threatening by someone other than Darcy. While there are many interesting story elements, what it lacks is anything driving the plot forward with any urgency.
It's a sweet Christmas tale but not a memorable one.
Content is clean.
This is a pleasant, low angst story that features a number of unusual diversions from canon. It begins and ends, as the title suggests, at Pemberley at Christmastime, but it runs through several years of events in the lives of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.
Due to Georgiana's health, Darcy finds himself at his estate during Christmas feeling lonely. He also can't seem to forget Elizabeth despite having left Hertfordshire weeks ago. A letter from Bingley indicates his friend is resigned to the (supposed) fact that Jane Bennet doesn't love him but he continues to mope over it.
Time marches on with letters going back and forth, many of them between Elizabeth and a heartbroken Jane and between Darcy and his cousin Richard Fitzwilliam that expand upon but don't change the basic plot. Not until Elizabeth goes to Kent...and Darcy does NOT. She strikes up friendships with both Anne de Bourgh (who isn't as sickly as her dictatorial mother believes) and Richard, leading to more and more significant alterations from JA's story.
Ms. Kendig writes beautifully, and I do like the way she shows how Darcy's thinking regarding Elizabeth progresses over time. I enjoyed these versions of Elizabeth and Darcy, but their obstacles are virtually nonexistent. And potential obstacles (Wickham, Lady Catherine) are handled off-page before they turn threatening by someone other than Darcy. While there are many interesting story elements, what it lacks is anything driving the plot forward with any urgency.
It's a sweet Christmas tale but not a memorable one.
Content is clean.
December 17, 2024
A sweet seasonal read.
An enjoyable tale appropriate for the Christmas season. If you enjoy an epistolary format, this story is filled with them, as the various characters exchange letters amongst themselves. Darcy is drawn to Elizabeth, but as is often the case in variations, holds himself back. When she befriends Anne de Bourgh and visits Pemberley with her, he realizes he’s more attracted to her than he believed. Interesting takes for Jane, Anne, Richard and Bingley too.
If you enjoy the sweet sentimental stories of Laraba Kendig, you’ll enjoy this one too. The author also provides the generous bonus of her past Christmas stories too.
Recommend.
An enjoyable tale appropriate for the Christmas season. If you enjoy an epistolary format, this story is filled with them, as the various characters exchange letters amongst themselves. Darcy is drawn to Elizabeth, but as is often the case in variations, holds himself back. When she befriends Anne de Bourgh and visits Pemberley with her, he realizes he’s more attracted to her than he believed. Interesting takes for Jane, Anne, Richard and Bingley too.
If you enjoy the sweet sentimental stories of Laraba Kendig, you’ll enjoy this one too. The author also provides the generous bonus of her past Christmas stories too.
Recommend.
December 21, 2024
A compendium of variations
It is an achievement to create an anthology of novels with each one fresh and new. Moreover, on this second reading, I paid more attention to detail, and was struck by Kendig’s ability to create a sense of place, which is often quite lyrical. Her characters are true to canon and my only quibble is that they end rather abruptly. Suitable for all ages.
It is an achievement to create an anthology of novels with each one fresh and new. Moreover, on this second reading, I paid more attention to detail, and was struck by Kendig’s ability to create a sense of place, which is often quite lyrical. Her characters are true to canon and my only quibble is that they end rather abruptly. Suitable for all ages.
November 30, 2024
A treat
A cozy and delightful collection of holiday themed variations inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Laraba Kendig. I enjoyed it.
A cozy and delightful collection of holiday themed variations inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Laraba Kendig. I enjoyed it.
November 30, 2025
A lovely story! Some different pairings, but all turns out well for everyone (of course). The first Christmas, 1811, Darcy is pretty much alone because Georgiana was recuperating from mumps. Then Darcy does not go to Rosings in the spring after the Netherfield party leaves, because Georgiana got the flu. But Colonel Fitzwilliam is there and enjoys getting to know Elizabeth. He deals with Wickham once he finds out he is in Elizabeth's hometown. Even better, Anne and Elizabeth walk secretly and become good friends, as Anne is not as unwell as everyone believes. Meanwhile in London, Jane meets a successful tradesman, Mr. Russell and marries him in the summer. Elizabeth had become friends with Anne de Bourgh and after Anne and Colonel Fitzwilliam marry in secret while Lady Catherine is elsewhere, Richard and Anne ask Elizabeth to join them at Pemberley the following autumn, and be a companion to Anne while Richard goes back to Rosings to deal with Lady Catherine. The Bingleys are there, so that adds some conflict to the story, especially when, with Elizabeth still there, Caroline loudly states something about how Jane was a fortune-hunter and didn't care for Charles. Elizabeth gives her a good set-down and of course Mr. Bingley is angry with his sisters. As usual, Darcy is still struggling with his pride and the "expectations" of being part of an illustrious family. He is more in love then ever, but says nothing to Elizabeth before she goes home in January.
Gradually, he comes to his senses in some respects, but thankfully, he discusses it with Richard, who tells him she would probably reject his proposal and that he must woo Elizabeth. This is good, because although he finally is realizing how little he truly cares for wealth and connections, his pride was still not under good regulation. This is not as shocking, but is this story's equivalent of Darcy's Hunsford Moment from canon.
Some other stuff happens, but Darcy and Elizabeth are separated for some months before they can be together and finally they are married just before Christmas of 1812.
There are a lot of letters in this story and I liked them. They added some nice personal touches to the happenings and gave me a better idea of what the people were feeling. The book is very well-written and I do recommend it to others.
Also included are Longbourn Christmas, Encounters with Elizabeth, and A Very Meryton Christmas! I absolutely loved Longbourn Christmas, and now I will read the other two books.
Gradually, he comes to his senses in some respects, but thankfully, he discusses it with Richard, who tells him she would probably reject his proposal and that he must woo Elizabeth. This is good, because although he finally is realizing how little he truly cares for wealth and connections, his pride was still not under good regulation. This is not as shocking, but is this story's equivalent of Darcy's Hunsford Moment from canon.
Some other stuff happens, but Darcy and Elizabeth are separated for some months before they can be together and finally they are married just before Christmas of 1812.
There are a lot of letters in this story and I liked them. They added some nice personal touches to the happenings and gave me a better idea of what the people were feeling. The book is very well-written and I do recommend it to others.
Also included are Longbourn Christmas, Encounters with Elizabeth, and A Very Meryton Christmas! I absolutely loved Longbourn Christmas, and now I will read the other two books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2024
I loved it!
BONUS NOTE: This book also includes all 3 of the author’s previous Christmas stories: Longbourn Christmas, Encounters with Elizabeth and A Very Meryton Christmas.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This story is a sweet, clean, and low angst, where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings. Pemberley is a lonely place at Christmas, so
can Elizabeth Bennet warm Mr. Darcy’s cold heart? Christmas, 1811, finds Fitzwilliam Darcy at Pemberley keeping careful watch over his ill sister, Georgiana. In the midst of worry and toil, he thinks about the charming Elizabeth Bennet, the lady from Hertfordshire who won his attention and admiration a few months previous. Through a surprising series of events, Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves together once again, this time at Pemberley during the Christmas of 1812. When the Bingleys also converge on Pemberley, emotions run high as the truth of Caroline’s past actions becomes known. Mr. Darcy struggles with his own worries about status and connections, but feels himself falling in love. Elizabeth’s first impression of the master of Pemberley was negative in the extreme, so how can she set aside her prejudice to truly understand Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley?So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
BONUS NOTE: This book also includes all 3 of the author’s previous Christmas stories: Longbourn Christmas, Encounters with Elizabeth and A Very Meryton Christmas.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This story is a sweet, clean, and low angst, where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings. Pemberley is a lonely place at Christmas, so
can Elizabeth Bennet warm Mr. Darcy’s cold heart? Christmas, 1811, finds Fitzwilliam Darcy at Pemberley keeping careful watch over his ill sister, Georgiana. In the midst of worry and toil, he thinks about the charming Elizabeth Bennet, the lady from Hertfordshire who won his attention and admiration a few months previous. Through a surprising series of events, Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves together once again, this time at Pemberley during the Christmas of 1812. When the Bingleys also converge on Pemberley, emotions run high as the truth of Caroline’s past actions becomes known. Mr. Darcy struggles with his own worries about status and connections, but feels himself falling in love. Elizabeth’s first impression of the master of Pemberley was negative in the extreme, so how can she set aside her prejudice to truly understand Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley?So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
December 10, 2025
I bought the paperback and there are no extra stories in this one, it is just the one story so calling it "Christmases at Pemberley" is a bit of a stretch.
As for the novel that makes up this edition it was meh for me. I wish it had been clear on the back cover that it is largely an epistolary novel. As I generally don't like those I could have given this a pass, even though I have enjoyed the author before.
Roughly 50% of the novel is letters, when it is finally a flowing narrative Elizabeth is at Pemberely - accompanying Anne - and I thought this was a promising premise. However, there is zero chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy. Any attempts at chemistry is thwarted by Darcy's thoughts which go in a loop of "yeah, I fancy her, but ew, gross, she's so poor". These thoughts continue even after Col. Fitzwilliam give him a talking to.
TWO MONTHS Elizabeth spends there and still Darcy is like "ew, gross, poor."
Not until she leaves does he realize he misses having her around and starts - you guessed it - a correspondence with her. So we're back to letters.
However, if there was no romance or connection in person, anything in letters is just meh.
I found myself wishing that Lizzy, like Jane, would find another husband who wasn't so wishy washy.
Maybe the version of this book that has multiple stories is better, I suppose the other stories are in the digital version on KU, for they are not in the printed edition.
All in all, this one wasn't for me. I like the author, but this left me cold and a bit bored.
As for the novel that makes up this edition it was meh for me. I wish it had been clear on the back cover that it is largely an epistolary novel. As I generally don't like those I could have given this a pass, even though I have enjoyed the author before.
Roughly 50% of the novel is letters, when it is finally a flowing narrative Elizabeth is at Pemberely - accompanying Anne - and I thought this was a promising premise. However, there is zero chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy. Any attempts at chemistry is thwarted by Darcy's thoughts which go in a loop of "yeah, I fancy her, but ew, gross, she's so poor". These thoughts continue even after Col. Fitzwilliam give him a talking to.
TWO MONTHS Elizabeth spends there and still Darcy is like "ew, gross, poor."
Not until she leaves does he realize he misses having her around and starts - you guessed it - a correspondence with her. So we're back to letters.
However, if there was no romance or connection in person, anything in letters is just meh.
I found myself wishing that Lizzy, like Jane, would find another husband who wasn't so wishy washy.
Maybe the version of this book that has multiple stories is better, I suppose the other stories are in the digital version on KU, for they are not in the printed edition.
All in all, this one wasn't for me. I like the author, but this left me cold and a bit bored.
January 11, 2025
Wonderful
After the Bingleys and Darcy abandon Netherfield, breaking Jane's heart, Darcy is required at Pemberly for quite some time while taking care of a sick Georgiana. In the meantime, Elizabeth visits Charlotte Collins at Hunsford parsonage, and befriends Anne Debourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam, who eventually marry in secret, flee to Pemberly, and take Elizabeth with them as a companion to Anne. Darcy has been fighting his attraction to Elizabeth, but when she shows up at Pemberly, all bets are off.
There are some pleasant changes to the development of ODC's relationship. Since Darcy is absent from Rosings, Elizabeth learns about Wickham from the Colonel and Anne. No acrimonious marriage proposal, which is nice. A fair portion of the book is epistolary, including most of the courtship of ODC, which is kind of fun. This is a swoon worthy Darcy, and a strong, confident and smart Elizabeth, just the way we like to see them. The angst level is low, and the romance is superb.
The book is very well written, with just a tad too much religious preachiness, which you always find in this author's creations. I recommend it highly for a lovely and romantic tale.
After the Bingleys and Darcy abandon Netherfield, breaking Jane's heart, Darcy is required at Pemberly for quite some time while taking care of a sick Georgiana. In the meantime, Elizabeth visits Charlotte Collins at Hunsford parsonage, and befriends Anne Debourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam, who eventually marry in secret, flee to Pemberly, and take Elizabeth with them as a companion to Anne. Darcy has been fighting his attraction to Elizabeth, but when she shows up at Pemberly, all bets are off.
There are some pleasant changes to the development of ODC's relationship. Since Darcy is absent from Rosings, Elizabeth learns about Wickham from the Colonel and Anne. No acrimonious marriage proposal, which is nice. A fair portion of the book is epistolary, including most of the courtship of ODC, which is kind of fun. This is a swoon worthy Darcy, and a strong, confident and smart Elizabeth, just the way we like to see them. The angst level is low, and the romance is superb.
The book is very well written, with just a tad too much religious preachiness, which you always find in this author's creations. I recommend it highly for a lovely and romantic tale.
November 30, 2024
Another lovely book ... I was sad the story ended
First off, Laraba's books are an automatic buy for me. That being said, this book was awesome. It is told from the Christian perspective, but that is not bothersome to me. I have all of the Christmas books that she has published and I do not regret getting an "extra" with CHRISTMASES AT PEMBERLEY. This review is about CHRISTMASES: it is excellent. A lovely story with very mild angst. There are a lot of letters/post to read so if that isn't your forte you are warned. I enjoyed seeing how the characters developed and thought. I wanted the story to go on and on..... That to me is the sign of a really good book, when you don't want it to end. The epilogues were nice. I didn't notice any typos or errors. If there were any, to me they weren't too egregious. I'll definitely be rereading this, and not just as Christmas.
First off, Laraba's books are an automatic buy for me. That being said, this book was awesome. It is told from the Christian perspective, but that is not bothersome to me. I have all of the Christmas books that she has published and I do not regret getting an "extra" with CHRISTMASES AT PEMBERLEY. This review is about CHRISTMASES: it is excellent. A lovely story with very mild angst. There are a lot of letters/post to read so if that isn't your forte you are warned. I enjoyed seeing how the characters developed and thought. I wanted the story to go on and on..... That to me is the sign of a really good book, when you don't want it to end. The epilogues were nice. I didn't notice any typos or errors. If there were any, to me they weren't too egregious. I'll definitely be rereading this, and not just as Christmas.
December 24, 2024
Ένα χορταστικό overdose τόσο από Χριστούγεννα όσο και από Περηφάνια και Προκατάληψη! Για μένα δεν υπάρχει καλύτερος τρόπος να "βαδίσει" κανείς στις μέρες αυτές, να νιώσει στο μέγιστο την ομορφιά της χριστουγεννιάτικης περιόδου μπροστά στο τζάκι στο Πέμπερλι παρέα με τη Λίζι, τον Ντάρσυ και την παρέα τους!
December 4, 2024
What a lovely Christmas variation. It’s always interesting how changing a few details produces such a different story! I really enjoyed the use of shared personal letters to convey so much detail and feeling - that would have been virtually impossible to do face to face in a reasonable timeframe. As well, I enjoyed the series of epilogues showcasing family and extended family in the next wonderful stages of life. Loved it!
December 17, 2024
as it should be
4 different variations that center around the Christmas season.each one interesting in their own way. Giving thoughts to what ifs that always lead to Darcy and Elizabeth together.
4 different variations that center around the Christmas season.each one interesting in their own way. Giving thoughts to what ifs that always lead to Darcy and Elizabeth together.
February 20, 2025
Nice midwinter treats
Delightful variations on the Pride and Prejudice themes, these stories are sweet reimaginings of Pride and Prejudice, giving some characters so much needed love and happy endings of their own
Delightful variations on the Pride and Prejudice themes, these stories are sweet reimaginings of Pride and Prejudice, giving some characters so much needed love and happy endings of their own
December 15, 2024
Christmas treats
Delightful collection for the season; multiple stories were like unwrapping many little gifts. Ms Kendig excels in descriptive writing, a pleasure to read.
Delightful collection for the season; multiple stories were like unwrapping many little gifts. Ms Kendig excels in descriptive writing, a pleasure to read.
January 4, 2025
3.5 stars
January 24, 2025
I really tried to like this book but I was 7% in and I’m calling it quits. Ready for something else. I haven’t yet read Pride and Prejudice, but it would have to be better than this. Moving on.
January 27, 2025
** 3.5 Stars **
February 10, 2025
Not all of the stories have much Christmas involved, some snow but not directly related to Christmas. Some nice short stories though
March 9, 2025
3.25 stars
May 10, 2025
Good writing, but just feel that barely any time spent on the interactions of Darcy and Elizabeth. The 3 epilogues were also too much. I wish these had been used to develop the romance
August 18, 2025
AWESOME READ
Absolutely awesome reading on these variations of Pride and Prejudice!!!
It was very well written, and I enjoyed every bit of it.
More please 😊
Absolutely awesome reading on these variations of Pride and Prejudice!!!
It was very well written, and I enjoyed every bit of it.
More please 😊
November 18, 2025
so nice
Such nice, short, sweet stories. I am glad they were all in one book. There was not too much time spent on villains but plenty of time spent on romance.
Such nice, short, sweet stories. I am glad they were all in one book. There was not too much time spent on villains but plenty of time spent on romance.
December 14, 2025
Low angst and sweet. A pleasant read. A lot is told by letter though. I think that might get old for some people.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews