A Gentle Christmas Romance Turns Into An Epic London Showdown
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: Elizabeth accompanies Jane to London to spend the holiday season with the Gardiners and unexpectedly encounters Mr. Darcy, whose relations are long-time acquaintances and customers of Mr. Gardiner’s. An intensely besotted Mr. Darcy decides to no longer fight his attraction for this impertinent miss and seizes the opportunity to court Elizabeth properly and win her love. But some in Darcy’s circle are violently opposed to that decision…
WHAT I LOVED:
- Christmas + L.L. Diamond: Another holiday inspired story byL.L Dimaond? Sign me up! I adored Unwrapping Mr. Darcy (a contemporary P&P inspired romance) and It’s Always Been You and Me (a contemporary Persuasion inspired romance). Both were enjoyed in previous Decembers (2018 and 2020) and I wouldn’t mind if this started to become a yearly tradition!
- Familial Connections: I loved witnessing all the pleasing familial relationships and interactions in this tale. I loved seeing the Fitzwilliams so agreeably engaged with the Gardiners and seeing Mr. Darcy and Georgiana, in turn, develop their own connections to Elizabeth’s dearest relations. As well as seeing Elizabeth and Georgiana begin their own blossoming friendship.
- Colonel Fitzwilliam: (SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT!) I think he is the MVP in this tale! I just love when he is Mr. Darcy’s confidant and calls him out on being obstinate, proud, or overly concerned with the ton’s opinion or doing his duty. And in this instance, I thoroughly enjoyed his provoking behavior towards Mr. Bingley. I loved exploring this dynamic where Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Bingley hold some animosity towards each other. And it was especially interesting to see that animosity grow and extend to other members in their respective families.
- Darcy and Elizabeth: Without any prior proposals and uncivil exchanges, Darcy is easily able to prove himself a worthy gentleman and revise Elizabeth’s previously formed opinions about him. I love seeing Darcy play the part of determined-yet-patient suitor. How could Elizabeth not fall in love with him? I also enjoyed all their tender moments alone during their courtship, and a few after their marriage (NOTE: There is two brief romantic interlude towards the end that are best suited for Mature Audiences)
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Small Quibbles: I wouldn’t have minded some more time spent with some developments – such as Mr. Darcy’s easy capitulation to court Elizabeth, the alterations to Mr. Bingley’s circumstances, behavior, and morals, and the reasons for Caroline’s desperation and delusions. I think a little more fleshing out in these areas would have strengthened these alterations and increase their plausibility. In addition, sometimes the dialogue felt a little too forward/blunt for the time period.
CONCLUSION: Christmas festivities with the Gardiners, a romance unfettered by misunderstandings and misapprehensions, and an epic showdown between a prestigious titled family of ton and weak-willed, selfish upstarts – sounds like a most engaging and entertaining variation, doesn’t it? With His Perfect Gift, author L.L. Diamond once again delivers a story that beautifully blends clever developments, heartwarming relationships, and ardent romance! I definitely recommend!
Will definitively add it to my list to read.
Wonderful! I hope you enjoy it!
Such a fabulous story! Bingley was definitely a surprise! I loved Colonel Fitzwilliam! I always love a romantic Darcy! Definitely another winner from Leslie and added to my reread list! (No wonder my TBR is so long 🙂 )
Yes! I agree – such a surprise. The dynamic between the two was excellently done!
I loved this story. OMG! And, like Glynis said, Bingley was a surprise and our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam was the best. I loved him and his parents. Thanks for hosting Meredith. Leslie, well done on this fabulous story. I need to read this again. Happy Holiday, everyone in the manner in which you celebrate. Happy New Year. GOSH! It’s just around the corner.
We are in total agreement about the Fitzwilliams! Thanks so much for sharing your lovely thoughts, dear friend!
Leslie’s so good at angst, and often that stems from taking a good character and making them into the villain, which works so well. Yet I like the same things you like, Meredith, that this is a love story, and how she takes Darcy’s love from canon and uses it so well in his quest for Elizabeth’s hand, as well as tie-ins with the Gardiners. This is an excellent read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Very well said, Suzan. I so enjoy Leslie’s character deviations and alterations, they are bold and plausible at the same time.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Meredith! Thanks so much for the lovely review!
Thank YOU, Leslie, for writing this beautiful story!
I have enjoyed her sneak peeks into the story.
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I hope you get to enjoy it in its entirety!
I borrowed this from KU and loved it. I know I’ll buy it for my library as I’ll want to reread it. Great story.
Excellent! It is definitely a keeper!
I’m going to see if I can squeeze it in before Christmas! Sounds delightful!
Excellent! I hope you succeeded!
I also read and enjoyed this story. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate. Happy Holidays to those who celebrate in other ways.
Glad to hear it, Sheila!
I loved this novel and listened to the audiobook with my favorite narrator Stevie Zimmerman!! LL Diamond is one of my favorite JAFF authors. She never fails to disappoint me in her stories. I love both her regency and modern P&P variations. Throw in the Christmas time and it is a perfect holiday read. Merry Christmas!! –Leslie
So true! This book was just what I needed in my December!
Have this one at the top of my wishlist, looking forward to it. Christmas stories can in my opinion be read all year round 🙂