What If Elizabeth Went to London Instead of Jane?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation, Novella
TIME FRAME: Almost one month after the Netherfield Ball
SYNOPSIS: What happens when Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth unexpectedly encounter each other again in London?
Telling himself he was merely showing proper manners by returning the obligatory call to Elizabeth and the Gardiners, Darcy turns up at Gracechurch Street ready to enjoy a few moments in the company of the woman he can’t get out of his head. However, when he calls he is alarmed to find his old adversary is there as well…and not only is he a frequent caller, but apparently he is a favorite of the Gardiners. What is Wickham’s purpose? Is he pursuing Elizabeth just to torture Darcy? And what will Darcy do if Wickham is successful in his pursuit?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Asking a New Question: I love that the premise of this story deviates from a very real possibility – what if Jane sprained her ankle the day before her departure to London? I think it is very plausible that, rather than return home without any nieces accompanying them, the Gardiners would extend an invitation to their next eldest niece. And even though she dislikes Mr. Bingley’s sisters, I think Elizabeth would make the effort of paying a call on them if only to maintain the connection or in hopes of encountering Mr. Bingley for the sake of her sister.
- It’s Totes a Kissing Book: Ahhhh!!! I love the kisses exchanged in this story! I love how frequent they are, what brings them about, and everyone’s reaction to them…but perhaps Elizabeth’s the most! Note: While there is plenty of embraces and romantic moments to enjoy, no mature content takes place.
- A Range of Emotions: Darcy and Elizabeth experience a lot of diverse emotions in a quick span of time. I loved seeing Darcy in denial about his feelings and then a few days later irrevocably and irrationally in love! It isn’t often that we see composed and fastidious Mr. Darcy panic. And I loved seeing a more reflective and practical Elizabeth. Just weeks after Mr. Bingley’s departure and Mr. Collins proposal, she is quick to acknowledge that the luxury to wait for a love match might not be possible. In addition, I enjoyed how Elizabeth analyzed her past judgements, defended herself against any opposition, and does not bend to her father’s commands. Her strength and intelligence in this story are admirable as always.
- A Despicable Duo: It was interesting to see this unexpected duo team up in an attempt to achieve their own nefarious means. They both definitely deserve what happened to them in the end! Talk about poetic justice!! Ha!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Minor Quibbles: Occasionally some actions and conversations felt slightly out of character, and there was one or two instances that almost stretched my disbelief a little.
CONCLUSION:
Filled with proposal schemes, compromises, passionate embraces – Christmas at Darcy House is another enchanting romantic novella by the pen of Victoria Kincaid. One that is enriched with seeing some of the seasonal gaieties and London attractions of the Regency Era. A wonderful Pride and Prejudice novella to enjoy this holiday season!
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Today Victoria generously offers ONE copy ebook and ONE audiobook of her holiday release released audiobook, Mr. Darcy to the Rescue, for me to giveaway to TWO lucky winners! (one prize per winner)
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment about my review!!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Victoria!
- This giveaway ends December 22nd!
This sounds like a book I am going to make sure I read a.s.a.p. Thanks for the chance to win. I have enjoyed many of Victoria’s books. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate such and happy holidays to all.
Hi Sheila, I’m glad it sounds intriguing to you! Good luck with the giveaway and Happy Holidays!
Awesome! 🙂 I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, Sheila!
It is a given that I will be reading this book. Victoria’s books are always terrific!
Hi Talia, I’m so glad you think so! Thank you. Good luck with the giveaway.
Yes…I feel the same way!! So true!!
Sounds like an engaging book. Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Hi Mary, I’m glad you’re intrigued! Good luck with the giveaway.
It definitely is! All of Victoria’s books are – she captures the reader’s attention right away with her intriguing premises!
I can easily picture Darcy panicking if he thinks Wickham would impose himself on Elizabeth. Oh, yes, what justice is given to the despicable duo. Thank you for the your review and giveaway.
Hi Eva, I always enjoy meting out justice to those who deserve it — at least in print. Good luck with the giveaway!
Oh boy, does he ever! Wickham knows how to best get under his skin!
This sounds like a wonderful story. I am eagerly anticipating reading it. Both the ebook and audio book are on my TBR. Thank you for the generous give away and your review.
Hi Debbie, I’m so glad you are intrigued! Good luck with the giveaway.
Awesome! I know you will enjoy it, my friend!
I had to go buy it so I could read it tonight! This sounds wonderful.
Hi Nancy, Thank you for buying it! I hope you enjoy the story.
Yay! Happy reading!!
I LOVE Victoria’s books! I own and have read several of hers! In my opinion, she is one of the best writers of JAFF books. My Christmas is shaping up to be bleak, I’m afraid, so having this book might make it better! Thanks so much for the giveaway (e-book only, please; I don’t like being read to).
Hi Denise, Wow, thank you! You made my day! I hope my story makes your Christmas season a little better. Good luck with the giveaway.
I hope you have some Christmas cheer come your way soon, Denise! Thanks so much for sharing your lovely words about Victoria’s writing!
wonderful for review of the book–love the cover!
denise
Hi Denise, I was happy with how the cover turned out too! Good luck with the giveaway.
Thank you, Denise! Isn’t it so festive? 😉
As I was reading your review, Meredith, I couldn’t help admiring your descriptive word choices and ability to convey your responses to the story. Well done and Much appreciated!
I am intrigued and would love an audio of this delectable Christmas dish 😉 <3
Doesn’t Meredith write lovely reviews? I really appreciate them. Good luck with the giveaway!
Thanks so much, Victoria! agreed on Meredith’s reviews 😉
You are a dear, Sharon! Thank you so much for such lovely praise on my review! Honestly nowadays I am trying to keep my reviews coming as fast as my reading, so I’m trying to be quicker about writing them….sometimes I can spend days on a review!
Your efforts are evident in the quality end result <3 Well Done !
Loved this book. Great review Meredith! Great cover Victoria! Darcy certainly got a wake up call when he visited the Gardiners.
Please don’t enter me in the giveaway as I have the ebook and don’t do audio.
Hi Glynis, I’m so glad you enjoyed the book and thank you for the endorsement!
Thank you, Glynis! I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts and reading my review!!
I will be reading this book, but will wait to see if I win first!? You reviews are always a pleasure to read. Keep them coming.
Hi Nancy, Doesn’t Meredith write the greatest reviews? I hope you enjoy the story whenever you read it and good luck with the giveaway!
Thank you, Nancy! I’m so grateful you enjoy reading my reviews! Will have another to share in a few days! 🙂
Such a wonderful book. I have both the ebook and audiobook version of this story so please do not include me in the giveaway.
Good luck to all!
Hi Julia, Thank you for being a faithful reader. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!!
Great review. Beautiful cover. Enticing story. Want. It. :/ Love Victoria’s writing and I don’t have near as many books of hers that I want. Thank you for the chance for the giveaway. What a Christmas treat.
Hi Michelle, Thank you for being a faithful reader! Good luck on the giveaway.
Best of luck in the giveaway!
“What if” books are always such fun – – seeing an author change something minor like a sprained ankle and spinning a whole new story from there! Looks like a great book. I enjoyed your review, so well-explained and interesting.
Hi Randi, That’s one of the fun things about writing P&P variations — I can take one thing to change and it spins the whole story in a new direction. Good luck with the giveaway!
Definitely! I love when minor changes can effect so much! Thank you so much for your kind words about my review!!
I enjoyed your review especially the part about it being a kissing book. Thanks for the giveaway.
That’s one of my favorite parts of the review too! Good luck with the giveaway.
LOL! It was definitely one of the things I loved most about this book!
This book has been on my wishlist since it first came out, so I’m very pleased at the opportunity to win a copy. Very exciting that you’re now putting it out on audiobook, Victoria!
If we have a choice, I would prefer the ebook.
Hi Ginna, I’m so glad you’re intrigued by the book! Good luck with the giveaway.
Awesome! Hope you get the chance to read it soon!
This combines two of my favorite things! Christmas and Pride & Prejudice. Can’t wait to read it this holiday season!
Hi Krystyna, Two of my favorite things too! Good luck with the giveaway.
Yes! It is a wonderful combo!!
Thanks for the chance to win.
Hmm – having Lizzie visit the Bingley sisters could prove very interesting. I am anxious to see how/when she first encounters Darcy. Will Jane be brought to London or will Bingley be sent to Longbourne? Lots of possiblities.
Great questions! And you are so correct – this new twist could lead to a variety of possibilities!
I wonder who those two villains are… wonder if it is a man and a woman? I love to read stories when Darcy sqiuirm due to overflowing jealousy (or worry). Sound slike this story is on eof them. Tahnk you for the excerpt and the review.We are all putting this into our list of books to read. Thank you for this giveaway Victoria.
Hi, The villains are a man and woman — and get their comeuppance. 🙂 I’m glad you found the book intriguing. Good luck with the giveaway!
I’m so glad you are interested in this story! Yes, Darcy does squirm and kind makes a mess of things! I hope you get the chance to read this one soon!
Btw I love your cover. I have different books with this couple – like how they project the feeling of romance in the books they are in the front cover. The colours are very Christmassy
I was looking at this book earlier today and nearly bought it except I’m in the middle of another P&P holiday book. I love the premise of this! Don’t get me wrong I love just about any Pride and Prejudice variation even those that are not entirely plausible. This one looks very plausible and I always like seeing Darcy a little undone in his feelings since he is so controlled. Also Darcy and Elizabeth meeting again unexpectedly is another favorite of mine. So, your review Gives me 2 things to look forward to in This. I cannot wait to read it!
Wonderful! I hope you get the chance to read it soon!
I read so many “Austenesque” books that I always find your reviews helpful and entertaining. Thank you for helping me winnow my way through them all. this book sounds very good.
Hi Kristin, I love Meredith’s reviews too! Good luck with the giveaway.
My pleasure! I’m so glad you find my reviews helpful!
Intriguing and well-done as these reviews always are, they hardly seem necessary since surely by now we all know how wonderful Victoria Kincaid’s books are and how eager we are to read them! A top-notch author. I hope this review brings her work to the wider audience she deserves.
Hi Beatrice, You are so sweet! Your words made my day. Thank you!
So true!! And I hope so as well! Her stories are terrific and original!
what a charming story..would love to read it at Christmastime. Thanks for a chance to win.
Hi Stephanie, I love to read Christmas-themed books this time of year too. Good luck with the giveaway!
Hope you get the chance to read it soon, Stephanie!
I love Christmas books! This sound intriguing. Thanks for the chance in this giveaway.
Awesome! Best of luck!
This sounds like my kind of story. Love it!
Definitely! I think you will love it!
Thanks for hosting Meredith. Loved your review and the little guy from ‘Princess Bride’ asking his question if it was a kissing book. Loved it. I have this book on my wish-list and would love to win a copy. It looks amazing and when you stated… what happened to the villains was poetic justice… well, I’m in. Blessings to the author and thanks for the generous giveaway. Happy Christmas and Holidays to all. I want to give a special thanks to you Meredith and your Mr. Bingley [hello, Mr. Bingley] for all the hard work you put forth on this amazing blog. You have entertained us throughout the year, given us an extensive monthly list of new JAFF releases, and I just want you to know how much it is appreciated. Blessings to you both.
Thank you, Jeanne! I thought it was a perfect fit for this book…I love finding ways to daily quote The Princess Bride! 😉
I can’t wait for you to read this one! I’d love to hear your reaction!! Thank you for such lovely friendship, Jeanne! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!!
I’ve added it to my shelf! I love variations that include a desperately in love Mr. Darcy! Happy Christmas everyone!
Oh yes! He is so dreamy! Hope you get the chance to read it soon!
Wow, everything I was going to write has been written! I would like the book ebook if available.
I’m glad everyone is accord! 🙂
I like the idea of Lizzie going to London and feeling obligated to pay a call, but I would love to read that exchange!
She does not disappoint! 😉
I can’t wait to listen to this book. Sounds like a great read!!
Yes!! It definitely is!
This sounds wonderful. I have enjoyed reading your other books. Thanks for the chance to win.
It is indeed! Hope you get the chance to read it soon!
Love when one change turns everything upside down! Looking forward to picking this up!
Yes! Isn’t it so clever! I could never come up with creative ideas like this one!
Congratulations on a wonderful review and a new release, Victoria!! This story looks sooooo intriguing!! I’m definitely going to have to hunt it down! Thank you for the generous giveaway as well!!
With warm wishes for a blessed Advent and a joyous Christmas,
Susanne 🙂
Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did, Susanne!
Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season!!!
Such an interesting premise! Looking forward to reading it.
Definitely! Hope you get to soon!
I read this wonderful book last year before Christmas. I gave it a 5 star rating as I thought this was a great twist to the P & P plot line. The mere fact that Wickham was “courting” Elizabeth in front of Darcy’s nose was a delightful read. Darcy’s emotions went through the wringer! I have the e-book already so do not need to be in the giveaway. Good luck to everyone!
That’s great, Susan! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Yes, poor Darcy!!
Hello Meredith, thank you for the review!
I like the plot and I’m courious like George about the villains in this story!
Wish you and Victoria a wonderful austenesque Christmas!
Thank you, my friend! I hope you enjoy a wonderful Austenesque Christmas too!
Definitely a book to listen to during Christmas. Thanks for your great review and a generous giveaway. I loved listening to Mr. Darcy to the Rescue, and I’m sure I will love Christmas at Darcy House.
Awesome! For many reasons it is a perfect choice for a December read! Hope you get to enjoy it soon!
I love her books!!
Me too! I’m so glad she is writing so many!
Thanks for the heads up on what to expect from this P&P variation. A great review as usual, Meredith. I would love to win the e-book edition as I already have the audiobook.
Thanks, Sylvia! Hope you get to enjoy this one soon!