Some Jane Austen Christmas Cheer!
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
Ever wonder how the Darcy’s would celebrate Christmas? Are you interested in learning how Christmas was celebrated during the Regency era? Or have ever desired for an Austenesque novel to read around Christmastime? A Darcy Christmas just might be the book for you!
Darcy as Ebeneezer Scrooge? I love it! I felt this was a very plausible and satisfying integration of these two beloved classics. The three spirits who visited Darcy were ingenious, I especially delighted in the Spirit of Christmas Yet To Come! My one complaint is that some of the visions Darcy saw, while very nicely constructed, didn’t really seem to be appropriate or necessary to the story. (4 stars)
Well-known Austenesque author Amanda Grange contributes a lovely Christmas novella in which the newlywed Darcy’s travel and celebrate Christmas with the newlywed Bingleys who have just welcomed their first child, little Charles. Even though Elizabeth is close to her time, she wants to see her beloved sister and new nephew. The Bingleys open their doors and welcome the Bennets, the Hursts, and several unexpected guests to their home. Will this be a Christmas of peace and joy? Or one fraught with discord and dilemma?
I adore Amanda Grange’s novels and I am so pleased she was apart of this anthology. I loved the premise of her story, a Christmas with all these combustible characters together and Elizabeth on the verge of giving birth! However, I felt this novella was way too brief and not developed to its full potential. While the other two novellas are around one hundred pages, Christmas Present, at only sixty pages, left me feeling a little bereft. (3 stars)
The third and final novella in this anthology isn’t really a novella at all. Rather, it is a heart-warming collection of short stories that illustrate various Darcy Christmases through the years. These progressive snapshots display the powerful and fervent love Darcy and Elizabeth share with each other and their children, endearing Darcy family Christmas traditions, and appearances by both new and beloved characters…
I finally read my first work by Sharon Lathan and can now understand why she has such a devoted following of admirers! I took pleasure in the charming and cozy Christmases the Darcy’s shared. In addition, I loved following the stories of the Darcy children and learning their distinct personalities. Although Ms. Lathan did an admirable job of creating diverse and unique Christmas celebrations, with nine Christmases in a row, it did occasionally feel repetitious. (4 stars)
A very nice review. I’ve been curious about this book, and now I think I may just have to take the plunge.
And I love your Christmas anthology idea! As you may have guessed, I’ve been desperate to read books about characters other than Darcy and Elizabeth. So, for all it’s worth, I am all for it.
Jennifer
http://www.jenniferbecton.com
I have always wondered about a regency Christmas!! I think I might make that my theme this year so I better looks up your top rated books to get some ideas!