A Very Merry Holiday Season For Mary!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Sequel, Secondary Character

THE PREMISE: Alongside the Gardiners and the Bingleys, Mary Bennet is invited to Pemberley for Christmas. In between merry-making and festive fun, Mary makes some important discoveries about herself, what she values, and what she wants. And amongst the guests at Pemberley is someone who already finds Mary admirable and worthy just as she is…

MY THOUGHTS:

Christmas at Pemberley  ✅   A sequel featuring Mary Bennet  ✅   A charming holiday novella complete with merriment and romance  ✅   What a perfect book to pick up during the busy hustle and bustle of December. Mary is one of my favorite secondary characters to read about, and I love the idea of her finding romance and happiness amidst festive celebrations at Pemberley.

The two weeks Mary spends at Pemberley have a great impact on her life. She is not belittled or ignored, she forms closer attachments to both Elizabeth and Georgiana, and she does a lot of introspective reflection about herself. I loved seeing Mary’s growth. Her period of self-discovery and improvement is so inspiring to witness. I appreciated how she became self-aware of her need for praise and recognition, and how she realized that outward praises shouldn’t be her prime motivation for anything. That she should instead pursue accomplishments or skills for the joy they can bring to herself and to others. I loved seeing Mary grow and develop like this – I admired how clear-sighted she became and how she developed natural modesty and learned to value sincere attachments.

Mr. Lewis – the newly appointed parson in Kympton is a new character introduced in this story. He is thoughtful, sensitive, and kind. He finds a lot to admire in our dear Mary, and I appreciated his cautious perception when it comes to marriage. Like Mary, he has witnessed the evils of a marriage without respect, esteem, or affection and is taking careful measures to ensure he finds conjugal felicity. I enjoyed Mr. Lewis’s steady and gentle manner. I love how observed so much about Mary and was quick to perceive her experiences and emotions. I will say his feelings did develop very quickly though- almost instantly. And while that is wonderful for Mary and fits very neatly into a novella time-frame – I tend to prefer stories where feelings and relationships develop more gradually.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

📖  ‘Tis the season for happy, light-hearted holiday reads!

🎄  Sleigh rides, snow, and singing carols – I loved witnessing these characters celebrate the simple joys of the festive season.

⭐️  A more mature and mindful Mary shines like the brightest star as she gains new perspectives about life, others, and herself.

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