Book picks similar to
The Pink Daffodil: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas by Elizabeth Rasche
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A Yuletide Dream
Julie Cooper - 2021
Rosings Park, he decides, must do as inducement for a loveless marriage, and for putting aside any thoughts of Elizabeth Bennet.YULETIDE DREAMS SOON BESET HIM however, with angelic visitors, including Lady Anne Darcy, and a phantom Mr Collins showing him poignant scenes from his past, alarming possibilities in the present, and a shocking spectacle for his future. Darcy thus finds his resolutions changed, from the prudent to the poetic as he is taught that love must triumph over all. BUT IS HE TOO LATE to win the hand of his fair lady from Hertfordshire?
In the Spirit Intended: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas
Jan Ashton - 2021
The wisest and the best action I have ever done, is give you mine. A YEAR AFTER THEY LAST MET, Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are reunited for Christmas at the Bingleys’ London townhouse. Neither has passed the time easily—he has travelled, while she has refused a third offer of marriage and helped her sister settle into married life. NOW THEIR PASTS COLLIDE as they gather with family, including two unexpected visitors, to celebrate the holidays and unwrap old wounds. Darcy fears Elizabeth is unhappily constrained living with the newlyweds, while she assumes his ease comes from joy in the choice he made to eschew her.AFTER A YEAR OF YEARNING and self-recrimination, it takes a little Christmas spirit and some meaningful conversation to finally bind their hearts together.
Call It Hope: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas
Susan Adriani - 2021
JANE IS NOW MRS BINGLEY, and in her desire to be away from Longbourn and its long-settled guests, the Wickhams, Elizabeth has travelled to Kent to spend the Yuletide holiday with her friend Charlotte Collins. Yet not only have odd circumstances--and a snowstorm--fated her to spend the Yuletide holiday at Rosings Park, she must do so with the elusive Mr Darcy and all his Fitzwilliam relations. Neither of their hearts has healed from their mutual disappointment, and now they each must navigate his family’s ridiculous antics and their own apprehensions to reach a new beginning. While each is eager, neither is certain of the power they may hold over the other’s affections.ONCE DARCY AND ELIZABETH get past mishaps and misunderstandings--and at least one mortifying moment--they each may receive the only Christmas gift they truly wish for: the other’s love.
Stranded at Pemberley: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas
Jenetta James - 2021
A man appeared, tall and frowning. He spoke and every person, including me, turned to him. “What is this?”A DREADFUL ACCIDENT BEFALLS THE GARDINER FAMILY while travelling in Derbyshire with their niece Elizabeth Bennet just before Christmas in 1810. With her beloved aunt gravely injured, Elizabeth is forced to seek help from the inhabitants of the grand Pemberley estate.THE FORMERLY HAPPY PARTY finds itself stranded at Pemberley, a hauntingly beautiful albeit empty, joyless, and sometimes frightening estate. Its master is taciturn and unwelcoming, and it is the very last place in the world that Elizabeth wanted or expected to spend Christmas.ELIZABETH’S NATURAL SPIRITS cannot be repressed however, and amid trying to create Christmas joy for the Gardiner children and tend to her aunt, she begins to ask questions. Who is the nameless soldier who comes and goes? And who is the feminine figure she glimpses time and again? Who is the real master of Pemberley--the handsome and inscrutable Mr Darcy, or the unexpectedly kind gentleman who seems to wish to spend time with her?WHAT IS THE REASON for the strange dark sadness that hangs over the place--despite the season—and can Elizabeth, with the magic of Christmas, be the one to break it?
Christmas at Blackthorn Manor: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas
Lucy Marin - 2021
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?
A Hopeful Holiday: A Pride and Prejudice Novella
Heather Moll - 2021
While his friend is now happily married, Darcy regrets not having the courage to pursue Elizabeth in the autumn. As 1812 draws to a close, Darcy rallies his spirits to spend the Christmas holiday with Lady Catherine.Elizabeth Bennet wanted to show Darcy that her feelings for him had changed, but he never returned to Hertfordshire and she fears Darcy could never tolerate being brother-in-law to Wickham. For a change of scene and with the hope of lifting her spirits, Elizabeth accepts an invitation to visit Charlotte Collins and her new baby at Christmas.Lady Catherine’s New Year’s Eve masquerade ball is the social event of the season and, amid the festivities and mistletoe, both Darcy and Elizabeth hope for a reason to make their affections known. But will her ladyship’s interference, the sudden appearance of her scheming nephew, and Elizabeth and Darcy’s insecurities prevent them from finding happiness during the holiday season?This is a 31,000 word Pride and Prejudice variation.
Welcome Home: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas
Mary Smythe - 2021
Darcy heard the shout of his coachman just as the carriage jerked hard, sending him sliding across the slick leather seat beneath him. His gloves lost their grip and…HAVING LEFT ELIZABETH BENNET behind in Hertfordshire, Fitzwilliam Darcy is amazed to arrive at Pemberley and find her residing there as his wife, the mistress of both his home and his heart. Crushed to find that it was a fever dream resulting from his carriage accident, Darcy decides that it must have been a Christmas miracle, sent to show him the happiness he might have if only he could put his reservations about her aside. SO RESOLVED, HE RETURNS to Hertfordshire, wishing to show her the man he is and the life they might have together but the spite of old rivals remains there, determined to keep them apart. Will their love prevail at last within the joys of Christmas?
Misgivings & Mistletoe
KaraLynne Mackrory - 2021
After Wickham dashed his chances with Elizabeth Bennet, a few weeks at his home hiding from disappointed hopes and nursing heartsore dreams was essential if he was to gain back his equilibrium. But a wintery blast of snow prevents his escape and a detour to his newly married friend’s home at Netherfield is forced upon him.My heart was still lodged unknowingly in Mr Darcy’s pocket where it leapt out of my chest the moment my eyes connected with his.AS THE SNOW LAZILY BUILDS DEEPER, Elizabeth Bennet vows to herself to find her happiness however she can, even if the hope of that happiness including Fitzwilliam Darcy could no longer be. When the object of her heart blows into Netherfield as if carried by the snow itself, she recognises her only hope for the gift she really desires this Christmas has arrived.My heart stilled. My soul surged.BUT THE COURSE OF TRUE LOVE never did run smooth, and with a rival, an abundance of mistletoe, and the well-meaning help of some friends, will Darcy and Elizabeth be able to clear up the misgivings of their spotted history and find the gift of love this Christmastide?
The Blind Will See: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Laraba Kendig - 2020
Instead, he is wounded in a training accident a few days after his arrival.Miss Elizabeth Bennet, distressed on Mr. Wickham’s behalf, confronts Mr. Darcy, the man she believes dishonorably deprived Wickham of a valuable living in the church. She learns, to her shock, that the handsome militia man had been thoroughly dishonest about his former dealings with the handsome master of Pemberley.With many false beliefs swept away, and a wounded and disfigured Mr. Wickham contemplating his life choices, beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice find themselves on a new trajectory for their lives. For when the Almighty shines His light into the lives of men and women, the blind will see.This is a low angst, clean, sweet Regency romance of 70,000 words.
A Good Memory is Unpardonable
Alix James - 2021
They will each turn to their private journals, then compile their love story to share with the world.What Fitzwilliam Darcy presumes for a simple recitation of history becomes something completely different when he opens the box of his treasured feelings. Peek over his shoulder as he explores his deepest secrets: from the first day he met his future, as she was marrying another man, to the moment when he finally won her heart.Strangely enough, however, Elizabeth remembers their story... a little differently. Clever, light-hearted, and saucy as ever, she sets the facts straight and keeps her love on his toes as she tells how she fell for the proud gentleman from Derbyshire. Who is telling the story as it really happened? Probably neither one, but there is one thing they both agree on: Think on the past only as it gives you pleasure.
Unpardonable
is a sweet Regency variation of approximately 24,000 words. Based on Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice, it is appropriate for all audiences.
A More Gentlemanlike Manner
Harriet Knowles - 2021
The end of Darcy’s hopes and dreams.He decides to give her the letter and escape the humiliation.But he cannot do it.No matter the cost, he will do anything — anything — to be worthy of her acceptance.Elizabeth Bennet must decide which of the two characters is the real Mr. Darcy, before she can choose which path in life will make her happiest.Should she follow her heart, or her head?
Heart Enough: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas
Amy D'Orazio - 2021
Robbing him of all hope towards her, he impulsively proposes to his cousin Anne, finding out just weeks later that Elizabeth did, in fact, have tender regard for him. DISTRESSED BY THE KNOWLEDGE that misunderstandings have once again thwarted them, Elizabeth flees to the Continent to forget him. Returning two years later, she is more confident, more worldly, and alas, every bit as in love with him as she ever was. She resolves to offer him her friendship, believing him married, perhaps with children.BUT CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE CHANGED for Mr Darcy. Will they have heart enough to learn the truth from one another or will misunderstandings defeat them once more?
Comfort and Joy
Anngela Schroeder - 2021
Bingley has vacated Netherfield Park, Elizabeth Bennet takes her two young cousins Victoria and Emily and their swooning friend Katie Joy Harris on a holiday ramble through the Derbyshire countryside. With Jane back at the Inn at Lambton, and her Aunt and Uncle on a day trip to Manchester, the girls' adventure becomes treacherous when a snow storm traps them unexpectedly. Taking shelter in an abandoned cottage, they have to face their fears of being stuck in the snow alone, or discovered by a highwayman.Choosing to surprise his sister Georgiana at Pemberley for Christmas, Fitzwilliam Darcy leaves his friend Charles Bingley in town to nurse a broken heart. Darcy's own heart has been captured by Elizabeth Bennet who is not only beneath him, but who he will never see again. Although a snow storm, abandoned cottage and three precocious girls do not fit into his equation, somehow he is trapped with the woman he loves and is forced to realize his arrogance might have ruined his future happiness.Join our dear couple as the journey through snow storms, Pemberley and their own feelings to find the Comfort and Joy they bring to one another this holiday season.
Expectations & Apologies
Elizabeth Squire - 2020
Darcy's caustic remarks about her at the assembly. Would she still have seen him as arrogant, selfish and conceited? Would he have been able to remain aloof and prideful if Elizabeth was not initially prejudiced against him? The road to true love turns in unexpected ways. Although there will be others in my What if series they are all stand alone stories.
Pemberley's Christmas Governess: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Vagary
Regina Jeffers - 2021
One kiss.
Following his wife’s death in childbirth, Fitzwilliam Darcy hopes to ease his way back into society by hosting a house party during Christmastide. He is thrilled when his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam sends a message saying not only will the colonel attend, but he is bringing a young woman with him of whom he hopes both Darcy and the colonel’s mother, Lady Matlock, will approve. Unfortunately, for Darcy, upon first sight, he falls for the woman: He suspects beneath Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s conservative veneer lies a soul which will match his in every way; yet, she is soon to be the colonel’s wife.Elizabeth Bennet lost her position as a governess when Lady Newland accused Elizabeth of leading her son on. It is Christmastide, and she has no place to go and little money to hold her over until after Twelfth Night; therefore, when Lieutenant Newland’s commanding officer offers her a place at his cousin’s household for the holy days, she accepts in hopes someone at the house party can provide her a lead on a new position. Having endured personal challenges which could easily have embittered a lesser woman, Elizabeth proves herself brave, intelligent, educated in the fine arts of society, and deeply honorable. Unfortunately, she is also vulnerable to the Master of Pemberley, who kindness renews her spirits and whose young daughter steals her heart. The problem is she must leave Pemberley after the holidays, and she does not know if a “memory” of Fitzwilliam Darcy will be enough to sustain her.