Christmas at Blackthorn Manor: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas

'Tis the Season Collection

by Lucy Marin

She should want Mr Darcy to find happiness in marriage, but it would be a terror to watch him fall in love with another woman.

ELIZABETH BENNET IS SHOCKED when, sixteen months after last seeing Mr Darcy in Lambton, she meets with him at a Festive Season house party at Blackthorn Manor. There with her sister Jane—now Mrs Ridley—she is further surprised to see romantic tensions flaring between her sister and her former beau, Mr Bingley, who has arrived with Mr Darcy.

INTENT ON KEEPING Mr Bingley and Mrs Ridley from making a mistake, Darcy and Elizabeth are distracted from their own romantic inclinations—a welcome diversion as both are convinced that their love must be unrequited. Elizabeth believes that Darcy cannot accept being brother to Wickham, and Darcy is certain Elizabeth can never forgive him for failing to return Mr Bingley to her sister Jane or protect ladies, including Lydia Bennet, from Wickham.

BUT EVERYTHING IS NOT as it seems. As the party approaches its end, will they learn the truth about what has really kept them apart or will they go their separate ways once again?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Forced Proximity, Historical, Jane Austen, Regency, Audiobook

127 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2021

About the author

Lucy Marin developed a love for reading at a young age and whiled away many hours imagining how stories might continue or what would happen if there was a change in the circumstances faced by the protagonists. After reading her first Austen novel, a life-long ardent admiration was borne. Lucy was introduced to the world of Austen variations after stumbling across one at a used bookstore while on holiday in London. This led to the discovery of the online world of Jane Austen Fan Fiction and, soon after, she picked up her pen and began to transfer the stories in her head to paper.

Lucy lives in Toronto, Canada surrounded by hundreds of books and a loving family. She teaches environmental studies, loves animals and trees and exploring the world around her.

Reviews

[wosedwew · Rating 5 out of 5]

One cannot have too large a party. ~ Jane Austen, Emma, 1815

Or can one? Is it possible that Jane Austen, speaking through Mr. Weston, was wrong? Emma Woodhouse did not agree in her private thoughts. And at Blackthorn Manor, Elizabeth Bennet also does not agree.

Both objections concerned the individuals invited to the party. In Emma’s case, it was the newlywed Eltons. In Elizabeth’s case, it was Charles Bingley and the Darcy siblings, Fitzwilliam and Georgiana.

How good it was of you to think of calling our visit a party! ~ Etta Merrick Graves, The Castle Builder, 1916

Elizabeth was visiting with her newly-married sister, Jane, and her brother-in-law, Thomas Ridley, when they were invited to a house party at Blackthorn Manor, home to the Ledbury family, Edward, James, and Harriet. They were in residence when more invitees arrived: the Darcys and Bingley.

Elizabeth had not seen Darcy for more than sixteen months — not since the morning Jane’s letter arrived in Lambton and the Bennets’ world changed. Lydia had married Wickham, although the family did not know the circumstances.

Separately, Elizabeth and Darcy had both felt rejected by the other: Elizabeth because Darcy did not return to Meryton and Darcy for a reason we will learn late in the story.

Now, they each vow to be polite but distant. Can that approach work?

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance. ~ Author unknown

Among those who are inclined to dancing are Charles Bingley and the newly-married Mrs. Ridley. As soon as he encounters Jane, Bingley realizes he always loved her. Jane realizes her husband is just the tiniest bit dull. Thomas Ridley knows nothing of Jane’s acquaintance with Bingley. Is it possible he will not see their interactions?

Elizabeth and Darcy attempt to limit Jane and Bingley’s friendship, hoping to avoid disaster.

Christmas is for children. But it is for grown-ups too. Even if it is a headache, a chore, and nightmare, it is a period of necessary defrosting of chill and hide-bound hearts. ~ Lenora Mattingly Weber (1895–1971), unverified

Complications arise from other members of the household. An ardent suitor makes himself available to Elizabeth. Young Harriet Ledbury is actively seeking a husband; what could be more fortuitous than two bachelors now visiting her home? Harriet has studied the same flirtation book as Caroline Bingley. Will she be more successful?

“Christmas at Blackthorn Manor” is part of the “Tis the Season” collection from Quills and Quartos. The romance is only passionate at the end of the story. It was worth the wait. Loved it!

A House Party consists, broadly speaking, of a company of from four to twenty guests gathered together in the Wilderness in the name of Hospitality for a spirited contest in Wardrobes and Parlor Tricks. ~ Gideon Wurdz (Charles Wayland Towne), "House Parties," Eediotic Etiquette, 1906

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting is different as Elizabeth joins Jane and her husband, Thomas Ridley, for the holiday season at the latter man's (Mr. Edward Ledbury), cousin's house. They find other guests arriving a fortnight later who include Darcy, his sister, Georgiana and Charles Bingley.

We read Elizabeth's and Darcy's thoughts as both long to deepen their attachment. Elizabeth is sure that Lydia's eloping with Wickham is what denies her wish while Darcy's thoughts about why he has lost any chance with Elizabeth are not completely revealed until near the end of this story. Mr. Bennet shares some blame here, unknown to Elizabeth.

There are several single young people among the guests and ODC find themselves not at all happy when they are forced to observe others flirting with the one they love. Ironically Jane and Bingley seem to be among those...much to Darcy's and Elizabeth's dismay...and to Jane's husband's concern...when he notices.

Georgiana and Elizabeth become great friends while staying at the manor and as the day the party will break up and each go their own way, they feel that loss also. Georgiana is hoping that her brother and Elizabeth will form an attachment, so she is not happy as time lapses.

In this story both Darcy and Elizabeth waver from wanting to be with each other, to talk, to walk, to dance, to wanting to avoid the other so as to guard their hearts.

There is a little epilogue although it is not marked as such. I did not receive an ARC of this story but borrowed it from KU. I have enjoyed the stories this author has published.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Because what’s worse than knowing you want something, besides knowing you can never have it?” –James Patterson, The Angel Experiment

Update: I have since purchased a copy for my personal library.

Rating: Clean. Angst Level: hardly any except reader frustration over whether ODC would EVER get together. GRRR! Source: ARC from the publisher with no expectations of a review. Seasonal: Christmas: From the Quills & Quartos Publishing Christmas anthology project ‘Tis the Season Collection: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas. 12-chapters + author pages with blurbs from her other works.

SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

“To burn with desire and keep quiet about it is the greatest punishment we can bring on ourselves.” –Federico García Lorca: Blood Wedding and Yerma

Good story twist with our Darcy and Elizabeth hooking up after eighteen months of separation. They had not seen each other since that horrid day in Lambton when Elizabeth received Jane’s letter. Both had suffered disappointed hopes and were constantly berating themselves over past wrongs and missed opportunities. The flagellation went on way too long. I grew tired of being in their heads as they went through grief and anguish of the acutest kind. Now, here they were at a house party for the holidays with an eligible bachelor looking at Elizabeth, an unmarried Caroline Bingley clone looking at Darcy, and a love-sick Bingley looking at the recently married Jane Bennet… um… Mrs. Ridley. What? Yeah, fun holidays.

“There comes a time in your life when you have to choose to turn the page, write another book or simply close it.” –Shannon L. Alder

Great writing, beautiful descriptions, nice story flow, character developments, and interesting tensions between factors [what was up with Jane and Bingley?]. We were given lots [LOTS] of holiday activities and I wanted to pull out my hair. I desperately wanted to see more interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth. Instead, it was nearly the end of the book before they FINALLY had a private conversation that put to rest all their misunderstandings. I did pull out my hair by then. My hairdresser will be furious with me. I’m sorry, I did not enjoy this story. It dragged on way too long and was torturous to read, IMHO. Give me more D&E page time. I did enjoy the ending. I will give you that. It was very happy and made me smile. I love this author and her work, but this did not work for me.

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!
When Darcy, Bingley, and Georgiana arrive as houseguests at Blackthorn Manor where they have been invited to spend Christmas and remain until Twelfth Night, they are surprised to find a married Jane and her husband and, a still single Elizabeth among the guests.

Darcy finds himself having to divert not only the attentions of his hostess, who is seeking a husband, but also attempt to stop Bingley from flirting with Jane and constantly seeking out her company. Meanwhile, Elizabeth, is having to warn Jane against flirting with Bingley! Oh my! What are they thinking?! Elizabeth too, is receiving the attentions of a guest, and doing her best not to encourage him.

Will ODC ever have a chance to talk privately and make their way to discovering some unknown truths about their past?

Lucy Marin has written an excellent Christmas season-inspired, page-turning novella I highly recommend. A happy ending is guaranteed. Christmas at Blackthorn Manor is part of the ‘Tis the Season Collection from Quills & Quartos Publishing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second read of this novella-length variation on Pride and Prejudice, and I enjoyed it more this time, so I can only think I simply wasn't in the mood for it the first time I read it. It varies quite a lot from the original story, but I find it entertaining and romantic.

The story opens with the arrival of Mr. and Miss Darcy along with Mr. Bingley, at a house party at Blackthorn Manor, where Elizabeth Bennet has been staying as a guest along with her sister Jane, now Mrs. Ridley, and Jane's husband, Thomas Ridley. Jane has not seen Mr. Bingley in two years. He did not return to Netherfield either of the two times Darcy encouraged him to. Bingley has no idea Jane is married now, which makes their first meeting in front of others, including Jane's husband and his cousins, quite awkward. Darcy immediately wonders if Bingley will embarrass himself, or worse, during their stay for the festive season.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 & 1/2 rounded to 4

So much yearning and not enough flirting between the ODC in this one. Beautifully written but felt too long as I got near the end.

I did love that Jane & Lizzy have an argument. They are sisters and even the closest of sisters fight from time to time so it it was nice to see that dynamic

Georgiana was written so well!

The bit at the end with the letter to Mr Bennet honestly felt like a cop out.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fairly short story - it me just over an hour to read (but I do read quite quickly). In this story, Bingley did not return to Netherfield so neither did Darcy. It has been 16 months since Darcy and Elizabeth last spoke or saw each other. They meet now at a Christmas party at the home of a mutual acquaintance of Jane's husband - who is not Bingley. Darcy is uncomfortable as he believes that Elizabeth will hate him for not preventing the elopement between Lydia and Wickham. Elizabeth thinks Darcy despises her because she now has Wickham as family member!

I quite enjoyed this story but it is one of those tales where it could have all just been resolved if they had spoken to each other - so gets pretty frustrating... especially as they have plenty of opportunities. Towards the end the pace picked up a bit and we saw each reflecting more on whether they might get a second chance. I think I needed more of this from the beginning, especially in a short story. But its well written with a good amount going on with likeable characters.

[lori huff · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pleasant short story, but....

Sixteen months after Elizabeth's surprise reunion with Darcy at Pemberly, during her travels with the Gardiners, Elizabeth and Darcy are reunited again at a house party given by mutual friends during the festive season. They each still love each other, but Elizabeth believes Darcy would never connect himself with her because of Wickham, and Darcy believes Elizabeth must blame him for Lydia's unfortunate marriage. Bingley and Georgiana accompany Darcy, while Jane and her husband, Thomas Ridley, accompany Elizabeth.

I had a difficult time getting through this book. The story is presented as an accounting of what the people at the house party do every day, and it's given in tedious detail. You keep hoping for something to happen to forward the relationship of ODC, but day after day, it's just a repetition of how conflicted and miserable Darcy and Elizabeth are in their misunderstandings. Then there was the strange little side story about the flirtation going on between Bingley and Jane, who is now a married woman. The only thing that little plot accomplished was to make the story more depressing, when I was expecting a warm and romantic Christmas themed story.

I didn't particularly like the Darcy character in this version. He says he loves Elizabeth, dreams about Elizabeth, can never marry anyone except Elizabeth, and yet he never has the courage to show her, or even flirt with her. A very wishy washy lover, if you ask me. The Bingley character is also disappointing, coming off as a man who just uses women for his amusement before moving on.

I have to give credit to the author for competent writing. It's well written and well edited. However, I didn't feel very uplifted by the end of the story. Don't expect any great amount of romance, because nothing much happens until the very end.

[James S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizzy and Darcy meet again accidentally

Pretty standard story of misunderstandings and miscommunications. An interesting what-if Jane marries someone besides Bingley and isn’t very happy.

A really irritating plot twist is Darcy writes to Mr. Bennet for permission to call on Lizzy and doesn’t hear back and rightly assumes he is still the last person on earth she would marry. Late in the story Lizzy found out her father never opened the letter. There is no scene with Lizzy being mad at him or reading the riot act.

[Fastidious Kingdoms · Rating 2 out of 5]

Damned tedious waste of an evening

The plot only exists because two characters couldn’t have an adult conversation until the 90% mark. This story didn’t need to be told because there was no story. Even the sideshow came to nothing!

[Madenna U · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had one word - Pining. Elizabeth and Darcy avoid each other as they each think the other doesn' want to see them.

Jane Bennet has married in the absence of Bingley, and she Elizabeth and her husband are guests at Blackthorn Manor for Christmastide. Imagine their surprise that Charles Bingley along with Fitzwilliam and Georgiana Darcy are also guests. The story starts sometime after Darcy rescue's Lydia.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded to 4. Saw a lot of grammar and spelling incorrections.


Spoilers below

Can't really read books where Bingley and Jane don't get together. I can make do if sad circumstances allow them to get Marry as Story progress

They also acted so unlike themselves too

[Toni NB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler alert!

Elizabeth and Darcy meet again after 16 months while staying at a mutual acquaintance during the Christmas holidays.

Darcy realizes he still loves Elizabeth and vice versa.
Finally at the near end Elizabeth runs away from Darcy after they finish what is likely their last dance together. Darcy follows Elizabeth and she reveals she still cares for him. Darcy revels that he wrote to her father 16 months ago. Letter?! What letter?! Ah…now we see begin to see the light.

And they live happily ever after.

Interesting plot point - Jane marries someone else, recently married and aren’t exactly head over heels in love. Bingley is also a guest at the house party and they flirt Together which causes further tension in her marriage.

[Gill M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attending a Christmas house party results in some emotional disturbance for the eldest Bennet sisters.

After sixteen months regretting his absence, Elizabeth Bennet is stunned to meet Mr Darcy. Both still love each other, yet each think their love is unrequited due to misunderstandings.

Jane, now Mrs Ridley, is intrigued to find her former beau, Mr Bingley is joining the party. She finds herself still in love with him and unable or unwilling to stay away, despite her husband’s presence.

Elizabeth and Darcy join forces to prevent Bingley and Jane from causing a scandal. Can they come to understand each other before the party ends?

This is excellent. Longing and regret, angst and then happiness at last.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a Regency house party, especially at Christmas. Bingley, Darcy and Georgiana arrive at the home of a mutual acquaintance and are surprised to find a married Jane Bennet, her husband, and Miss Elizabeth. The misunderstandings are many, since Bingley did not return to Hertfordshire, neither did Darcy. So while D&E’s love has grown, each believes the other cannot share their tender feelings. The party culminates with a Twelfth Night Ball, where the resolution finally occurs. There is also a nice epilogue/final chapter. I thought this novella was extremely well written and I very much enjoyed it.

[Craftyhj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delight from Lucy Marin.

A charming Christmas story with just the right amount of sweetness. The characterisation is excellent with a lovely Georgiana struggling to overcome her shyness. I particularly liked the not-so-perfect Jane. Too many authors fall into the trap of making her too perfect and one-dimensional.

Lucy Marin is rapidly becoming one of my favourite

[Georgiana 1792 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una piacevolissima novella natalizia, un'azzeccata variation di Pride and Prejudice, in cui Darcy ed Elizabeth si ritrovano per le feste natalizie in una riunione di amici a Blackthorn Manor. La storia originale si è interrotta nella locanda di Lambton, con la lettera in cui Jane rivela a Elizabeth della fuga di Lydia con Wickham. Darcy, in effetti, è andato a Londra a ritrovare i due fuggitivi, ma poi, più avanti, non è tornato con Bingley a Netherfield perché quest'ultimo non ha voluto rinnovare la conoscenza con Jane, che adesso è sposata da tre mesi con Mr. Ridley, un avvocato cugino dei proprietari di Blackthorn Manor. Elizabeth ha quindi immaginato che Darcy non abbia voluto più saperne della cognata del detestato George Wickham (perché non sa che è stato Darcy a farli sposare) e quindi, per tutto il tempo cerca di evitarlo. A sua volta, Darcy cerca di evitare lei, perché è sicuro che Elizabeth provi per lui gli stessi sentimenti che provava ad aprile dell'anno prima. Georgiana, con la sua timidezza e il rapporto sempre più stretto con Elizabeth, però, li fa riavvicinare, anche se entrambi pensano che, quando finiranno i dodici giorni di Natale, la sofferenza sarà enorme. E a farli riavvicinare si mette anche il comportamento poco appropriato di Jane, Mrs. Ridley, e Bingley, che flirtano apertamente davanti a tutti, come se lei non fosse sposata. Darcy ed Elizabeth si sforzano in ogni modo di tenere lontani l'amico di lui e la sorella di lei, onde evitare che scoppi uno scandalo.
Insomma, come in ogni variation, si sa da dove si parte, si sa dove si arriva, ma il percorso è tutto una sorpresa, e questo è molto ben congegnato.

[Tandie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just wanted to shake Elizabeth and give Darcy a kick in the rear! This story was an exercise in frustration, with a very clear unsatisfactory last minute HEA. 2.5 stars

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1813 In this Pride and Prejudice sequel 16 months have passed since Elizabeth Bennet met Darcy at Lambton. In the meantime Jane has married Thomas Ridley who are spending the Christmas season with their cousins, the Ledburys. Taking Elizabeth with them. Soon they are joined by the Darcys and Charles Bingley.
An entertaining and well-written story.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice P&P variation that seemed to revolve around Jane almost as much as Lizzy. A new setting with a few new characters made this an enjoyable story as Darcy and Elizabeth cross paths again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Barton Sasser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Status: Read December 14-16, 2021

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Library Notes:

Christmas at Blackthorn Manor ('Tis the Season Collection)
by Lucy Marin
Kindle Edition, 127 pages
Published October 25th, 2021 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ASIN: B09H4Z8416
[ kindle doc ~ giveaway winner ] [ kindle ~ kindle freebie ]

She should want Mr Darcy to find happiness in marriage, but it would be a terror to watch him fall in love with another woman.

ELIZABETH BENNET IS SHOCKED when, sixteen months after last seeing Mr Darcy in Lambton, she meets with him at a Festive Season house party at Blackthorn Manor. There with her sister Jane—now Mrs Ridley—she is further surprised to see romantic tensions flaring between her sister and her former beau, Mr Bingley, who has arrived with Mr Darcy.

INTENT ON KEEPING Mr Bingley and Mrs Ridley from making a mistake, Darcy and Elizabeth are distracted from their own romantic inclinations—a welcome diversion as both are convinced that their love must be unrequited. Elizabeth believes that Darcy cannot accept being brother to Wickham, and Darcy is certain Elizabeth can never forgive him for failing to return Mr Bingley to her sister Jane or protect ladies, including Lydia Bennet, from Wickham.

BUT EVERYTHING IS NOT as it seems. As the party approaches its end, will they learn the truth about what has really kept them apart or will they go their separate ways once again?

CHRISTMAS AT BLACKTHORN MANOR is a novella length Pride & Prejudice variation.

[Michelle David · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely

A rather poignant and bittersweet variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Lucy Marin. She’s so talented at making you feel the emotions of her characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

[Allison Ripley-Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

When Darcy, Bingley, and Georgiana arrive as houseguests at Blackthorn Manor where they have been invited to spend Christmas and remain until Twelfth Night, they are surprised to find a married Jane and her husband and, a still single Elizabeth among the guests. Darcy finds himself having to divert not only the attentions of his hostess, who is seeking a husband, but also attempt to stop Bingley from flirting with Jane and constantly seeking out her company. Meanwhile, Elizabeth, is having to warn Jane against flirting with Bingley! Oh my! What are they thinking?! Elizabeth too, is receiving the attentions of a guest, and doing her best not to encourage him. Will ODC ever have a chance to talk privately and make their way to discovering some unknown truths about their past? Lucy Marin has written an excellent Christmas season-inspired, page-turning novella that I highly recommend. A happy ending is guaranteed. This book is part of the ‘Tis the Season Collection from Quills & Quartos Publishing. Well done!

[Elizabeth S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sixteen months after seeing Darcy at Pemberley and getting very close to a declaration, Elizabeth finds herself at a Christmas house party, unexpectedly in company with him and his sister. Lydia had happened, and Elizabeth was convinced that Darcy wanted nothing to do with her and her family. He was equally sure that she despised him for not preventing Wickham's behavior. In reality, they are in love with each other and in total ignorance of the other's feelings. I don't much enjoy this kind of angst that could be resolved in a second if they would just open their mouths and say something.

House parties always seem to be a desperate attempt to avoid boredom, and this one is no exception, but with endless ruminations from Darcy and Elizabeth about their mutual despair. This was well-written, but it was not enjoyable to read.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story opens at a house part during the holidays at relatives of Jane and her husband - who is not Bingley. And, surprise, Darcy, Georgiana and Bingley are arrive to join the house party. Why and how Jane married someone else and Darcy/Elizabeth did not marry is slowly disclosed to the reader. The final reveal regarding Darcy's involvement with the Lydia episode and why he did not return to Hertfordshire (great twist BTW, but still heartbreaking for Darcy/Elizabeth) is a long time in coming, but there is a well-deserved HEA. The Jane/Bingley storyline was also very interesting (I think it was actually very true to character for both). Overall a great story that was very enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Buturot · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was the Yuletide season, coincidentally the Darcys spent the holidays with Elizabeth, Jane, Mr. Bingley. Mr Ridley and the Ledburys. There awkwardness around. The story explained what happened after the Hunsford porposal (for him and Mr. Bingley).

The main problem I saw was ODc's hesitancy to talk. As with the original they misunderstood each other and often rationalize why they can never be. Though it sounds simple, I was engrossed in what was happending. The introduction of some rivals and the situation between Jane and Mr Bingley made the story more interesting. Highly recommend to P & P fans to warm up their Holiday.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version of this in the 'Tis the Season anthology narrated by Stevie Zimmerman. She is fabulous.

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.

[Jean Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at Blackthorn Manor, by Lucy Marin, was just a delightful short holiday read. It was perfect for reading while waiting for appointments during the hustle and bustle as we now prepare for the holiday season. I loved how the author made me fall for Mr. Darcy all over again, as he realized o amount of time or distance would change how much he loved Elizabeth. This book is so sweet and so romantic. The author introduced several new characters, including a different husband for Jane. I loved this book, but I really wish his character had been given more substance and a bit more dialog.
I can't wait to read more of this author's work.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story in the 'Tis the Season Collection series a variations on a Jane Austen Christmas. Darcy and Elizabeth are kept apart for sixteen months because of a miscommunication. When they meet at Blackthorn Manor they believe they can never be with the one they love. I enjoyed seeing this story come together. This is a new Author to me. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neglectful correspondent

Somehow the angst seems low in this book, and it is a good long tale, both of which appeal to me. Interesting treatment of Bingley and he has an interesting way of viewing marriage for women, though it willfully neglects to consider the dependency of some on men for income. I hope Elizabeth told of Mr. Bennet for his neglectful-ness.