A Whirlwind Holiday Romance
Rating: 4 out 5 stars
Source: Purchased
TYPE OF NOVEL: Contemporary Pride and Prejudice Inspired Romance
THE PREMISE: Lizzy is about to walk down the aisle and marry a man all for the sake of earning her mother’s approval. But at the last minute, she can’t go through with it…and so she asks her long-time best friend, Richard, to help her bolt. He takes her the only place he can think of where they won’t be found – the home of his reserved, widower cousin. And it just so happens, Richard has wanted his cousin to meet his best friend for the longest time…
MY THOUGHTS:
Lizzy as a runaway bride, Will Darcy as a devoted single father, a Christmas romance with charm, chemistry and chaos, – yes, spectacular. Give me fourteen of them right now.
This is a very original storyline that only resembles Pride and Prejudice in a few characters and their personalities/situations. I completely loved all the ways this story was different and updated. I loved that Richard was Lizzy’s best friend and confidante, that Will Darcy married his mom’s-friend’s-daughter and had a three-year-old daughter named Georgiana, and that Mrs. Bennet is such a harridan that Mr. Bennet finally decides to bestir himself into action. The story was filled with familiar friends and names, but a completely fresh and new at the same time. I loved learning Lizzy’s occupation, I adored every minute spent with Georgiana, and Richard was just perfection.
I also appreciate witnessing the difficult situations Lizzy and Will went through in this story. How both made choices to appease others in their lives and both lived with some unhappiness. And it was inspiring to witness their decisions to discover what makes them happy now and open their heart to new possibilities. When they finally do, it is so tangible – their love and happiness is the type to warm you all over and fill your heart.
This novella is light, bright, and sparkling like the star on the top of a Christmas tree, which is probably a perfect match for readers needing something joyous and merry during all the hustle and bustle of the season. Would I have wanted a little more page time dwelling on the complicated and challenging emotions they were experiencing? Yes. Would I have wanted a little less haste? Yes. But at the same time I love chaotic seize-the-day impulsivity and witnessing Lizzy and Darcy so crazy in love!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
🎄 Are you craving some sugar and spice this holiday season – celebrating Christmas with Will Darcy and his adorable daughter might satisfy that need!
💗 A happy and heartwarming holiday romance that will sweep you off your feet!
🎁 Wish-fulfillment holiday romances are a must during the Christmas season!
Thanks so much for reading and reviewing Meredith! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I was in a rom-com sort of mood when I wrote it, and I’m glad I’ve been able to give the readers a few laughs with it. Thanks again!
I loved this Meredith. Especially Elizabeth’s struggle to get out – that dress!!! Hmmm.
I’m not one that usually does the contemporary type of novels or novellas. What can I say? However this does sound appealing to me. You had me at Richard and the author’s rom-com comment. Thank you for another great review Meredith!
I love L.L. Diamond’s contemporaries. And I love the premise of this one.
I will definitely be reading this. Great review, Meredith.
Wonderful review. Looking forward to reading this tale during the holidays.
This is now in my TBR list. I like to read a new and modern story with the characters I love, but what really intrigues me is that both will find what they deserve and need in the end, is not this the very meaning of keep fighitng for your dreams and happyness?