Merry Christmas, my dear readers! I will have some mini reviews of Christmas books when I return next week after the holidays, but in the meantime, I have some special treats for you today, so stay tuned!
When I heard that Robin Helm, Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, and Barbara Cornthwaite were releasing the story anthology A Very Austen Christmas, I couldn’t wait to read it, having enjoyed novels from all of these ladies in the past. And I definitely was not disappointed with these delightfully sweet Christmas tales.
Robin Helm’s “Her Christmas Gift” brings Elizabeth Bennet to Rosings for Christmas, where she is reunited with Mr. Darcy after he saved her family’s reputation, as well as an old friend who has his eye on her. Laura Hile’s “The Christmas Matchmaker” brings Elizabeth and Jane to Netherfield with Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley, along with Emma Woodhouse, Miss Bates, Thomas Bertram, and some Christmas magic via “Aunt Jane.” Wendi Sotis’ “No Better Gift” brings Mr. Darcy to Mertyon for Christmas, where he finds the village deserted, and when he learns what has happened, both he and Elizabeth come to realize they had misunderstood each other. Finally, Barbara Cornthwaite’s “Mistletoe at Thornton Lacey” brings readers to the world of Mansfield Park where Edmund plans to propose to Fanny at Christmas.
I loved these sweet tales and how the joys of the Christmas season were an important part of each, and I loved the little bits of humor sprinkled in with the romance. I also loved how the focus was on Pride and Prejudice, but there were characters from Emma and Mansfield Park as well. Each of these stories was different, but they worked together as collection, and I found myself looking forward to escaping into these stories as I unwound from some busy days at work. I can definitely see myself reading this collection again during future holiday seasons. After all, you can never have too much of Elizabeth and Darcy falling in love!
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The first treat I have for you is an excerpt from “The Christmas Matchmaker” by Laura Hile. Enjoy!
It no longer mattered that Elizabeth’s mother was noisy and ambitious—and her younger sisters too. Or that her portion was considered contemptable. He admired her. No, he loved her.
Love. There, he had said it. Or rather he had thought it—which was almost the same thing.
The only question left was what to do. How to tell her what was in his heart? Would she respond in kind? Or did she dislike him as much as ever?
But she had kissed him in that dream. Surely this counted for something!
Darcy’s thoughts were interrupted by Lydia Bennet’s voice. She, along with her sister Kitty, had come to call.
“We are supposed to be shopping in Meryton,” Lydia was saying. “And so we shall be—later.” Apparently the driver of the family carriage had been bribed to silence, a source of much hilarity.
“We’ve already had the mumps,” Kitty pointed out, “so it makes no difference. We simply had to come, Lizzy, for we’ve such news!”
Lydia took up the tale. “Mr. Collins leaves for Hunsford tomorrow, but oh, Lizzy, you will never believe it. He is engaged—actually engaged—to Charlotte Lucas.”
Elizabeth appeared stunned. “You—cannot mean it,” she said.
Apparently her sisters did. “Lady Lucas held the engagement dinner yesterday night,” Kitty assured her. “The wedding is set for early January.”
And then Darcy noticed Miss Woodhouse. She was looking hard at each of the sisters. “How very odd,” she said. “I could have sworn that Mr. Collins’s interests lay elsewhere. Not that I wish ill on Miss—Lucas did you say?”
Lydia kept talking. “And dear Wickham sends his love. He says it is not the same without you, Lizzy, although I cannot see why. We have the merriest evenings together.”
“It’s all tipsy dance and jollity,” gushed Kitty.
“I beg your pardon?” said Elizabeth.
“It’s—the name of a song, Lizzy,” Kitty protested. “You needn’t look so cross.”
Actually, it was a line from Milton’s Comus, but this fact would be lost on Kitty Bennet.
Elizabeth’s sisters soon took their leave. Darcy watched Elizabeth cross to the far side of the room and stand before the windows.
Emma Woodhouse, meanwhile, was frowning at the carpet. “I do not understand it,” Darcy heard her tell Miss Bates. “Mr. Collins’s interests were so clearly in another direction. Ah well, I have someone else in mind for her, at any rate.”
“You are always so clever, Miss Woodhouse,” said Miss Bates. “Christmastide, as we well know, is such a time for weddings and engagements. It is a wonderful time of year.”
Would his own engagement be included with the rest? Darcy turned a page of his newspaper.
“I take no credit for dear Jane and Mr. Bingley—that match was already well underway. But his sister?” Although Emma lowered her voice, Darcy could still hear. “An alliance with Mr. Darcy would be very nice; it would bring both families together. As you know, when our Isabella married John Knightley, it answered in every way.”
Darcy knew that he should excuse himself and go out, but Emma was bent on talking. He kept still behind his newspaper.
“My dear, dear Miss Woodhouse,” began Miss Bates, “far be it from me to raise an objection—of any kind. But Miss Bingley is not a soft-spoken sort of person, is she? And dear Mr. Darcy—”
“And Mr. Darcy is,” said Emma, interrupting. “Opposites attract! Now then,” she went on, “if we could only manage to keep Mr. Bertram at home of an evening, he and Elizabeth could get on. He is much too fond of card-playing.”
“As was dear Grandpapa,” lamented Miss Bates. “Although horse racing was his downfall—as it is with so many gentlemen.”
Darcy turned another page. Tom Bertram could go to the devil, for all he cared. He’d had enough of the man’s simpering ways and fashionable manners. But as the husband of Elizabeth? Preposterous!
“I dare say he will learn to outgrow it, although Mr. Knightley would probably disagree. He has the most old-fashioned notions as to character.” Emma hesitated for a moment. “But no, Elizabeth is too lovely and too charming to marry just anyone. She deserves to be the next Lady Bertram, and if I have my way, so shall she be.”
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About A Very Austen Christmas
Her Christmas Gift by Robin Helm
Elizabeth Bennet finds herself snowbound at Rosings with two rejected, but highly eligible, suitors. Does either man have a chance? Will her childhood friend, Meryton’s golden boy, win her affection, or will she accept the master of Pemberley? Perhaps she will refuse them both a second time. Her Christmas Gift deftly combines tension and emotion with humor and romance.
The Christmas Matchmaker by Laura Hile
It’s raining; it’s pouring – and what could be better than a little Christmas matchmaking? So says Emma Woodhouse who is unexpectedly stranded at Netherfield Park. Mr. Darcy disagrees, for she has someone else in mind for adorable Elizabeth Bennet. Amid meddling, misunderstanding, and an unwelcome proposal or two, will True Love find a way?
No Better Gift by Wendi Sotis
On his way to Derbyshire to spend Christmas with his family, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy plans to retrieve an item he left behind during his rushed escape from Netherfield—and the country miss who touched his heart. Finding Meryton practically deserted, he fears the worst. What fate could have fallen upon this once-thriving village in only three weeks? More importantly, was Miss Elizabeth Bennet in danger?
Mistletoe at Thornton Lacey by Barbara Cornthwaite
When Edmund Bertram realizes that Fanny is the perfect wife for him, he wants to propose without delay. What better time than at Christmas? Ah, but the course of true love never does run smooth …
Check out the book on Amazon
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Giveaway
And the last (but not least) special treat I have for you is a giveaway for an ebook copy of A Very Austen Christmas, generously offered by the authors. To ensure the lucky winner has a chance to delve into this book before Christmas, this will be a quick giveaway, ending at Noon Eastern Time tomorrow, Saturday, December 23, 2017. To enter, please leave your email address in the comment, so the book can be sent to you right away. The winner will be chosen randomly and announced in the comments section of this post. Good luck!
Disclosure: I received A Very Austen Christmas from the authors for review.
Thank you for this quick giveaway opportunity. acatlover2003(at)gmail(dot)com
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Hi, Amanda. Exciting times, because somebody’s going to get an eBook prize tomorrow. Merry Christmas, and thanks for entering the giveaway.
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Hello, Amanda! Thank you for commenting and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
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What a hoot to have Emma Woodhouse as a matchmaker at Netherfield! This sounds like a delightful read of various Christmas stories – and why is Mereton deserted? Thank you for the giveaway. evamedmonds(at)gmail(dot)com
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Eva, it was so surprising for us to see the kinds of stories we each came up with — independently of one another. I get to be both a contributor and a fan.
Good luck in the giveaway!
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Laura’s story is very humorous. I truly enjoyed it. And Wendi’s grabs your attention on the first page and never loses its momentum. Barbara’s little jewel will make you smile!
Good luck evamedmonds!
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Lovely review and great excerpt Anna. I’ll definitely be reading this soon. Please don’t enter me in the giveaway as I already won a copy. I was so lucky as Robin e-mailed it to me when Amazon.com wouldn’t download to the UK.
Many thanks for your wonderful posts. Have a great holiday season and wishes for a Happy New Year.
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Thanks for stopping by to cheer us on, Glynis. Merry Christmas!
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Hello, Glynis! I was so sorry the kindle copy wouldn’t deliver, but I’m happy that you were able to download the file I sent you. I hope you enjoy the stories!
Have a wonderful Christmas!
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Anna, thank you so much for reviewing our book at this very busy season. It’s so exciting to have a giveaway with a quick turnaround.
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My pleasure!
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I read and enjoyed this anthology. I would recommend it to all JAFF readers.
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Thank you so much, Sheila! Your review was wonderful!
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Sheila, you are so good to post an encouraging comment. What a ride this anthology project has been!
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Lovely review Anna. You are so kind to post this for us just days before Christmas. OMG! Did I just say days before Christmas??? It is here!! I don’t have a copy and would love to have a copy to read for the Holidays. jwgarrett13[at]hotmail[dot]com
Thanks to the authors for the generous give-a-way and to Anna for hosting. Merry Christmas, Blessings and Joy through the Holiday Season… and in the manner in which you celebrate this time of the year. Peace
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You’ve come to the right place, J.W. The quick turnaround time makes this giveaway especially exciting, and I love the idea that somebody is going to get a lovely Christmas surprise. Because we are so busy buying gifts for everyone else …
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Hello, J.W. We love Christmas, and we love Austen. That made an Austen Christmas anthology an easy choice for us. We’re all friends, too, and I, for one, really wanted us to do a project together. We really enjoyed the entire process.
Thank you for commenting, and good luck in the giveaway!
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Thank you! Merry Christmas!
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Sounds like a good book. I need more Kindle Austenesque books!
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Merry Christmas, Michelle — and you have come to the right place. It’s fun to have a quick giveaway isn’t it? Good luck!
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I agree, Michele – we all need more Kindle Austenesque books!
Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck to you!
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I need this for holiday reading …. please Santa?
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Merry Christmas, Agnes. The quick turnaround makes this giveaway especially exciting. Thanks for entering and good luck!
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Elizabeth and Bertram! Preposterous indeed! If only Mr. Knightley was there to curb her enthusiasm! Thank you for another chance at the giveaway! Happy Holidays to all!
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Hiya Carole,
Another chance to win, hooray! And such an exciting delivery time, Christmas Eve. Thanks for coming by to enter our giveaway.
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What a lovely Christmas read!
priscillateh@live.hk
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Priscilla, we have been working on this Christmas book since the summer, and yet I can hardly believe that it’s almost here. Good luck in the giveaway!
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Thank you for this wonderful giveaway! I love anthologies and I am curious especially about the first story.
My email is: LorenDushku@gmail.com
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Robin’s story is first, and it is the longest (and I am close behind). We both discovered that writing a novella length story is not easy. Her Thomas Jones is quite the fellow. One would think that Elizabeth would see him for what he is; but then in real life we so often just don’t.
Thanks for entering the giveaway.
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Thanks for the lovely review! Good luck to everyone in the giveaway 🙂
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My pleasure!
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Austen at Christmas? Sounds fabulous already!
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Hi TJ,
Austen and Mr. Darcy at Christmastime, oh yes. We’d stand in the snowstorm with the Darcy on the cover — even wearing short sleeves in the falling snow.
Good luck in the giveaway.
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This would be fun. Thank you for the giveaway! alanamautone(at)hotmail.com
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Merry Christmas, Alana. Thanks for entering the giveaway. It’s exciting to think that the winner will have the prize book by this time tomorrow. Good luck!
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Darcy matched with Caroline?
Lizzy with anyone but Darcy? Oh,Emma,what age you planning!!!!
Loved the excerpt. Thanks for sharing.
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Dear Emma. She means well, but when she gets it wrong, she really gets it wrong! Thanks for entering the giveaway, Mary. Happy Christmas!
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I dearly love a good giveaway.
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So do we, Gillian! Merry Christmas, and good luck in the giveaway,
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I enjoy reading short stories in-between novels
meikleblog(at)gmail(dot)com
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Good luck in the giveaway, Vesper. Merry Christmas!
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I hope I will be counted in for the quick giveaway. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the anthology. And nice excerpt, btw. I’m just curious as to who Emma have in mind for Mr Collins before his engagement to Charlotte Lucas. Is it dear Elizabeth?
evangelineace2020(at)yahoo(dot)com
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You made it! I’m getting ready to input the names into the list randomizer to choose the winner now. 🙂
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Thank you to everyone who entered this very quick Christmas giveaway! I appreciate you all taking the time to read my review and the excerpt and leave a comment, especially since we’re in the midst of the chaotic but oh-so-fun holiday season!
The list randomizer has chosen the lucky winner: Lúthien84! Congratulations and Happy Reading! I will contact Robin and Laura now.
And Merry Christmas everyone!
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Congratulations. Enjoy.
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Sounds so nice. All of them.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
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Merry Christmas!
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I just wanted to stop by and say Merry Christmas!!
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Merry Christmas!!
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Lovely review Anna! I can see you enjoyed this book just a much as I did 🙂 Thanks for sharing your opinion with us 🙂
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Glad to hear you enjoyed it, too!
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I cannot wait to read this one when I have the time.
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Don’t wait til next Christmas! I’d read this any time of year! 😉
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[…] I’m so glad because I’m thrilled to be sharing this book with all of you. I adored A Very Austen Christmas, so when I saw that some of my favorite JAFF authors were back with A Very Austen Valentine, I […]
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