Today marks the last of my holiday catch-up reviews, and I finished with a good one. A Holiday to Remember by Jennifer Redlarczyk is a modern-day Pride and Prejudice variation with very little angst but a lot of romance. Redlarczyk’s Elizabeth Bennet is a choral director at the Mertyon Academy for the Performing Arts, and Mr. William Darcy is CEO of Darcy Enterprises. Their troubles and misunderstandings happen before the events of this book, when Georgiana Darcy has an unfortunate run-in with George Wickham at a summer music festival. In the months since they last saw each other, Darcy has come to his senses and realizes he acted harshly toward Elizabeth and her aunt, who was his sister’s piano teacher.
Elizabeth and Darcy are brought together again at a Christmas party thrown by Charles Bingley, Will’s friend and the boyfriend of Elizabeth’s sister, Jane. A mishap with a dress and some sultry music increase the steam between them — and prompt an unfortunate (but entertaining) reaction from Caroline Bingley. Their romance is a whirlwind that takes readers through the holiday season, and it read much like a Hallmark movie.
I really enjoyed Redlarczyk’s take on Elizabeth and Darcy, even if their romance progressed a little too quickly. I loved that it was a sweet, fun read for the busy holiday season, but I do wish there had been some obstacle or tension of some sort to stand in their way. However, that didn’t affect my enjoyment whatsoever. I also loved how music was woven throughout this short tale, helping to ramp up the romance.
Redlarczyk offers readers a treat at the end of the novella in the form of a Regency-era short story centered around the Twelve Days of Christmas. Someone takes the song a bit literally, and the Darcys’ home is thrown into chaos. I loved it, and I can’t wait to see what Redlarczyk comes up with next.
I see that this one will have to go on my holiday reads list for this year. Enjoyed your review, Anna!
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Thanks, Sophia! Hope you enjoy it!
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Thanks Sophia for stopping by. My tale is an easy, enjoyable read and I hope you will like it when you have a chance to pick it up. Jen ♫
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this sounds like a fun one and I want to know what Caroline does!
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Ha! You definitely need to check it out. She is crazy…and hilarious!
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Hi Sagustocox! Caroline delights in making mischief on Lizzy at her brother’s party and I’m sure you’ll find it entertaining. Jen ♫
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Thanks so much Anna for reviewing my book. It’s just a lighthearted holiday tale and I’m happy you enjoyed reading. Thanks again! Jen Redlarczyk
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My pleasure! Looking forward to reading more from you in the future!
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Thanks Anna! I am editing an anthology of short stories for summer. Some are outtakes from Darcy’s Melody. I hope it will be ready to go in August. Jen ♫
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Awesome! Can’t wait!
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I loved this book. I’m not a big angst lover so this made a lovely change, a book I could read without first checking the tissues were handy!
Looking forward to the next one 🙂
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It is nice to read something sweet and lighthearted from time to time. Glad you enjoyed it, too!
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Thanks Glynis for saying! My story was written on a whim when I heard one of the choirs practicing for their holiday concert. “A Holiday to Remember” was a lively medley that just begged to be put into a story. Jen ♫
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Another great review, Anna! I didn’t get in as many Christmas stories this year either. I do so want to read it plus I love Jen’s Pinterest page on it as well. I think I will save this one until the heat of the summer and celebrate Christmas in July!
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Thanks, Carole! That sounds perfect!
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Thanks Carol. I’m glad you like my Pinterest page! This story will keep as there are several holidays mentioned in my little tale. AND I am also one to do Christmas in July! Love it! Jen ♫
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This sounds like a fun, lighthearted story! 🙂
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It was!
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Yes, Suko, not too much angst, lots of snuggles and plenty of laughter. Jen ♫
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