Charlotte Seeks a Husband at Pemberley
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
For those unfamiliar with this light-hearted and elegant Austenesque trilogy, A Tale of Less Pride and Prejudice, it 
begins with First Impressions, a Pride and Prejudice variation that asks the question: What if Darcy danced with Elizabeth at the Meryton Assembly rather than insult her? And proceeds to take our beloved couple on a much smoother course to true love, one with a bit less pride and prejudice.
In Second Glances, a sequel to First Impressions, the story continues with the adventures and
marriages of Kitty, Lydia, and Georgiana, while also illustrating life of all the newly married Darcys and Bingleys.
The third book in this series, Holidays at Pemberley concludes with a happily ever after for Charlotte Lucasa as well as glimpses of some holiday seasons celebrated with the Darcys at Pemberley.
If you have yet to read First Impressions, you may be surprised to learn that unromantic and pragmatic Charlotte is saved from marriage Mr. Collins! (What happy a notion!) While we may rejoice in Charlotte’s fate, she does not perhaps share the same opinion. With the clock ticking and an older brother about to marry, finding a husband at Pemberley is Charlotte’s only chance to escape a life as a spinster and live-in companion to her brother and his unfriendly wife.
If you read my reviews of First Impressions and Second Glances, then you already know that I found Alexa Adams to be quite adroit at capturing Jane Austen’s narrative style and emulating the tone of her characters. That most definitely did not change with this novel! I most especially enjoyed how Ms. Adams portrayed some of Jane Austen’s most eccentric characters – Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins, and Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. What fun it was to see Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennet infuriate and contradict each other over the proper care of grandchildren!
How lovely it was to witness practical Charlotte have a change of heart! After living with Elizabeth and Darcy and seeing their everyday devotion towards each other, she begins to rethink her theories on happiness in marriage. I loved seeing Charlotte transform and spend time contemplating marriage with Mr. Westover, the rector of Kympton. I enjoyed the relationship between these two characters – it was a bit atypical and unlikely, and quite cute!
While I do love catching up with Darcys, Bingleys, and Bennets, part of me wanted more Charlotte and Mr. Westover in this novel. I know that there were a lot of loose ends to tie up, but I kind of felt Charlotte and Mr. Westover needed a little more development and page-time. And I must admit that I was “most seriously displeased” to see the odious Wickhams show up at Pemberley! Mr. Bennet’s scheme with them seemed a little farfetched and the Wickhams felt like a terrible intrusion on the joyous holiday festivities. The best part about their storyline was witnessing them receive their just desserts courtesy of Lady C! (Oh-ho-ho! and it was GOOD!)
Written with humor, reverence, and dexterity the A Tale of Less Pride and Prejudice series by Alexa Adams is an ideal choice for readers wanting a low-angst, charming, and clever Austenesque read! Looking forward to reading more by Alexa Adams in the future!
33 out of 30 completed!
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Author Alexa Adams brings with her today ONE lovely copy of Holidays at Pemberley (winners choice: paperback or ebook) for me to give away to ONE lucky winner!
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment sharing your thoughts about Holidays at Pemberley!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Alexa!
- This giveaway ends December 3rd!
DOUBLE your chances of winning by commenting on Alexa’s guest post!
Thanks for the giveaway !
Good luck! Thanks for entering!
I just finished reading your interview with Alexa and wondered about the first two books in the trilogy. Luckily you answered my questions which means they are both now on my “wish list.” Thanks, Meredith, and a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your “Mr Bingley”!
LOL! Glad I was able to answer your questions! The whole trilogy is lovely – but I must admit to #2 Second Glances being my favorite – I loved seeing Kitty as a heroine!
This sounds pretty delightful! I’m glad you enjoyed it and I look forward to reading the whole series.
I hope you enjoy it when you do! They are indeed delightful!
This book promises to be as good as the gorgeous picture on the cover. Sounds really great & I have put it on my holiday wishlist 😀
I just love the covers for Alexa’s books! So graceful! Hope you get to read it for the holidays!
Ooh goody goody a HEA for Charlotte!!! and a set down from Lady Cat, looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the giveaway chance.
Yes! This has to be THE ultimate punishment for the Wickhams! Can’t imagine anything worse (besides killing them off!) 😉
Thanks, Alexa, for a lovely story and Meredith for your thoughtful and detailed review! I haven’t read this trilogy before, but it sounds like a lovely read! It’s so wonderful when our favourite couple manage to sidestep some of the problems they came across in the original story! Thanks for this, and for the giveaway!
Thank YOU for stopping by and reading my review, Joana! I’ve been a long-time admirer of this series and have greatly enjoyed Alexa’s charming tale of less pride and prejudice! 🙂
Enjoyable review! I like the idea of Charlotte getting a better story ending.
Please don’t enter me in the contest since I already have a copy.
Oh yes, I agree! Poor Charlotte does not deserve Mr. Collins! Caroline and Lydia on the other hand… 😉
Although Charlotte managed Mr. Collins perfectly, it is a good story variation to see her in a happier situation. Oh, Lady C and Mrs. B are always humorous, and I can only begin to imagine how they would both give advice. I am sure that the Christmas clash of families at Pemberly are similiar as what some families face today! Thank you for the giveaway.
I loved the moments were Lady C was telling Mrs. B everything she was doing was wrong! So funny! LOL!
Yes, if families must clash though, hopefully they are providing as much amusement as the Bennets and Lady C!
this book sounds delightful and special. Thanks for the lovely giveaway.
Excellent choice in descriptive adjectives!
Sounds good. I like that Charlotte ends up with someone other than Collins. The Wickhams visiting sounds interesting and I’d like to find out what Lady C’s just desserts for them are!
I agree, Michelle. Charlotte is such a good friend and likeable character, we can’t leave her to a life with Mr. Collins! LOL! Alexa Adams gives the Wickhams the ultimate punishment! Love it!
No need to enter me, as I’ll be reading this book very soon. I’m so glad to see you enjoyed it. I’ve read a couple of Adams’ short stories and I really enjoyed them, so I can’t wait to delve into this trilogy!