What If Jane, Elizabeth, and the Gardiners Needed To Wait Out a Snowstorm at Pemberley?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: A near carriage collision, a treacherous tree fall, and a washed-out bridge rattles some travelers and forces them to take cover together at Pemberley. But it ends up being a fortuitous coincidence because some of these battered travelers are already acquainted… Are the Fates at work prompting Mr. Darcy to follow his heart?

WHAT I LOVED:

• Snowbound. At. Pemberley.: I can’t imagine a better place or situation to be snowbound in! Can you? Forced to change your travel plans, having Mr. Darcy as a consummate and gracious host, meeting Mr. Darcy’s sweet and endearing sister, enjoying diverting escapades in the snow such as building snowmen, snowball fights, and sleigh rides… By all means, “let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.” 🌨❄️

• Master of the Estate: Beginning with his reaction to the near tree collision and perilous encounter with the Pember River, Mr. Darcy’s every mention on page had me completely riveted. I loved seeing him in action – assuming all responsibilities, caring for others, doing all the unpleasant tasks himself. And because of his near-death experience, Mr. Darcy pursues his heart’s desires with more unfettered fervency. As we see through Elizabeth’s eyes, Mr. Darcy transforms into a man most worthy of all our esteem and admiration.

• Lady C vs. Caroline Bingley: It’s the showdown we’ve all been waiting for. Can you believe Mr. Darcy’s luck to have Lady Catherine descend upon him at such a time?! I must admit, I’m really glad she did because her interactions with the grasping, scheming, and snide Caroline Bingley were priceless! Lady Catherine is so shrewd and clever- she knows  Caroline’s game in an instant and decides to toy with her mer-ci-less-ly! It was devious. It was masterful. It was spectacular.

• Mr. Darcy’s Orangery: I love orangeries – such a place to stimulate your senses and such a place for private conversations. *sigh* I love how Joana Starnes takes us along to these quiet and special moments between Darcy and Elizabeth. Because of the stirring scenes and relationship developments that happen there it becomes all the more special and memorable. How I would love to visit Mr. Darcy’s orangery, and also meet in his library before breakfast and take a private walks to the nearby folly…

• Familial Speculations: After spending some time with Mrs. Gardiner and learning about her ties to Lambton, Lady Catherine has some interesting suspicions! I loved seeing this softer and more reflective side to Lady C. I also love this new twist to her family’s history. This storyline is most intriguing, and I would love to see it explored some more.

WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER:

• Small Quibbles: I wished for a little more Darcy and Elizabeth time, it felt like instead of seeing their encounters on page, some of their developments were summarized. In addition, Lady C’s storyline felt a little unresolved at the end and I really missed seeing Caroline’s reaction when she finally learns that Eliza Bennet has finally bested her and is engaged to Mr. Darcy.

FINAL THOUGHTS: 

❄️  The weather outside is frightful, but staying with Mr. Darcy at Pemberley is sooooooo delightful!

🤭  By vexing her, thwarting her, and humiliating her – Joana Starnes delivers Caroline Bingley some cold justice in this story!

🧣 Confined together, secret courtships, ardent pledges of love – this story has all the cozy and warm vibes one craves in a perfect winter read!

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