Cover Reveal + Giveaway for Happy Christmas Mr. Darcy!!!

October 9, 2025 • Author Features, Giveaways • 75 Comments

Hi friends! It’s an exciting day! Quills and Quartos is sharing with us the cover reveal for a NEW HOLIDAY-INSPIRED short story anthology!! Woot woot! I adore anthologies! And Quills and Quartos has already published some fantastic ones –  and one of my favorites is their first holiday-inspired  anthology – ‘Tis the Season💗

Now this fabulous publishing team is releasing another anthology titled Happy Christmas Mr. Darcy! 🎄

8️⃣ short stories, 8️⃣ talented Austenesque authors, 8️⃣ festive, merry, and bright seasonal reads!

Amy D’Orazio is here to share the beautiful cover for Happy Christmas Mr. Darcy! We hope you enjoy! 🤗

~ From the Publisher ~

Thank you Meredith for hosting the cover reveal of Happy Christmas Mr Darcy. This holiday anthology brings together eight short stories from various authors of Austen-inspired fiction. Some are variations and others are sequels; all of them—we hope!—will warm your heart during the madness of your own holiday preparations!

~ Book Description ~

A Charitable Affair by Julie Cooper

When Elizabeth Bennet organizes a Christmas charity fair to fund a school for the children of Meryton and Longbourn village, the jealous Caroline Bingley orchestrates a devastating campaign to sabotage the event and humiliate the Bennet family. Just when it seems all is lost, Mr Darcy arrives with an army of supporters to rescue both the fair…and Elizabeth’s heart.

A King’s Tale by Ali Scott

When Darcy reluctantly agrees to attend Mrs Bennet’s chaotic Twelfth Night party, he’s determined to prove to his wife’s family—especially the sharp-tongued Lydia—that he’s not the ‘boring stick’ they all believe him to be. But between being crowned King for the evening, Mrs. Bennet’s mysteriously potent punch, and a series of increasingly ridiculous party games, Darcy’s determination to show his fun-loving side spirals hilariously out of control.

A Winter Romance by Lucy Marin

When Elizabeth Bennet unexpectedly encounters the proud Mr Darcy in the charming village of Lambton during the Christmas season, she discovers a man far different from the disagreeable gentleman she thought she knew. As winter magic weaves around them and past misunderstandings give way to deeper truths, Elizabeth and Darcy must decide if they’re brave enough to embrace a love that could transform both their lives forever.

Comfort and Joy by Jan Ashton

When a harsh winter at Pemberley leaves Darcy dangerously ill with pneumonia just days before Christmas, Elizabeth must summon all her strength to care for her husband and shield their young sons from the frightening reality that their father may not recover. As snow falls and memories of their courtship flood back, Elizabeth faces the possibility of losing the man who transformed her world, while harboring a secret that could bring them joy—if only he lives to hear it.

Frost Fair by LM Romano

When a brutal winter traps Elizabeth Bennet in London and creates a spectacular Frost Fair on the frozen Thames, a chance rescue of Georgiana Darcy from a drunken rogue offers Elizabeth an unexpected second look at the proud gentleman she thought she despised. As the ice begins to thaw, so do the misunderstandings between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy, revealing that sometimes the coldest seasons can kindle the warmest hearts.

No More than the Truth by Amy D’Orazio

When Elizabeth Bennet attends Mr Darcy’s Christmas ball, she’s determined to confront the proud gentleman who destroyed her sister’s happiness and ruined an honorable man’s life. But as shocking revelations unfold throughout the evening, Elizabeth discovers that everything she believed about Darcy was wrong—and that the person she thought was her greatest enemy might just turn out to be the love of her life.

The Gift of Good Character by Gailie Ruth Caress

When Mr Darcy realizes his pride has blinded him to both his friend Bingley’s happiness and his own growing love for Elizabeth Bennet, he makes the bold gesture of inviting the entire Bennet family to spend Christmas at his London home. Through festive traditions, theatrical performances of King Lear, and moments of unexpected intimacy, Darcy must prove he has truly changed—while Elizabeth discovers that the proud man she once rejected may be exactly the gentleman her heart desires.

What Child is This by Frances Reynolds

The Darcy’s Christmas celebrations are brought to a halt when Lydia and George Wickham abandon their seven-year-old son George at Pemberley, intending to seek their fortune in America. Driven by the Christmas spirit, Elizabeth and Darcy adopt the child and thus begins young George’s journey from abandoned child to beloved family member as he grows up alongside his Darcy cousins and ultimately forges his own path as a gentleman.

~ Excerpt from No More Than The Truth by Amy D’Orazio ~

She came. Darcy pressed his lips together to hide the exultant smile which threatened.

The weeks since they had all departed Hertfordshire had been a torment. Elizabeth Bennet never left his thoughts, not while he slept, not while he was awake. In his mind he rehearsed their time together, their conversations, and their little debates over and over, until he believed he might truly run mad.

The passage of the days did nothing to cool his ardour. Instead it seemed to grow more fevered until at last he had decided to go down to Gracechurch Street, to visit the warehouses of her uncle. Surely seeing the brother of Mrs Bennet would be sufficient to cure him of all attachment? He went seeking a firm reminder of just how unsuitable Elizabeth Bennet really was and how absolutely untenable it would be to call such a person his own uncle.

Instead he had found a fashionable and erudite man, about five-and-thirty, sitting in an office that plainly bespoke of his success. His home—which yes, admittedly, was in view of his business—appeared to be commodious and elegant. Darcy learnt that the same five thousand pounds that had been settled on Mrs Bennet and Mrs Philips had also been given to Mr Gardiner, and the latter had turned it into sizeable wealth. He was no expert, but a few calculations and considerations led Darcy to conclude that Mr Gardiner was likely no less wealthy than Bingley.

How much he might enjoy telling Miss Bingley that!

He had left his meeting with Mr Gardiner—and a subsequent dinner they invited him to—feeling like a fool for his presumptions. But he had managed to glean one important morsel of information: Miss Bennet and Elizabeth were to come to London to spend the Festive Season with their Gardiner relations. He had issued an invitation to his ball the very next day. Then he had informed Georgiana that she needed to help him plan a ball.

And now she stood in his home, looking about her collected and calm. He greeted her aunt and uncle, then turned to behold her arm in arm with her sister. “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, how do you do?”

But before anyone could answer, before one could even draw breath sufficient to utter a syllable, his cousin, Viscount Saye, intruded. He stepped directly onto Darcy’s foot—ruining the Champagne shine his valet had laboured to produce—and said, “You both must do exceedingly well because how could such lovely young ladies be otherwise? Darcy, where are your manners? Introduce me, man!”

Just then Colonel Fitzwilliam came up and jostled himself into the group. Darcy was pressed back against the wall, and his shoes were again scuffed. Not that he was any sort of dandy, but he had had his shoes specially shined!

He had said nothing of Elizabeth to either cousin, and neither appeared to perceive any undue interest as he made the introductions to her and her sister. Saye was quick to ask Miss Bennet for a dance—no surprise there, he always had favoured blondes—and Fitzwilliam did likewise with Elizabeth.

“I had hoped,” said Darcy interrupting them before Elizabeth could answer, “that Miss Elizabeth Bennet might open the ball with me.”

Elizabeth’s brow raised. “Open your ball with you?”

“You would honour me,” he said. “My aunt is serving as my hostess, and she is lately—”

“Gouty,” Fitzwilliam supplied. “But pray do not mention it or she will box my ears. She said having gout makes her feel like an aged crone.”

“I-I thank you, Mr Darcy, but the colonel did ask me first,” she said, giving Fitzwilliam a concerned look. “I would not wish to offend your cousin.”

“Dance the second with me,” said Fitzwilliam genially, “and I shall be satisfied.”

She hesitated slightly, much to her credit; likely she comprehended that the situation was uncommon, to say the least. But at length, she overcame the objections of her natural modesty and accepted.

There was no doubt his cousin did now perceive that Miss Elizabeth Bennet was something out of the common way to Darcy. Fitzwilliam’s gaze had sharpened, and he looked back and forth between Darcy and Elizabeth until Mr Gardiner interceded.

“We have lingered too long, and Mr Darcy has other guests to be greeted,” he said. “Lizzy, Jane?” So saying, he escorted them off into the ballroom, and Darcy turned his attention to the small party that had just entered. He could not help but glance after her and was thrilled when she—while attempting to be surreptitious—glanced back over her shoulder at him.

“Well, well,” said Fitzwilliam as soon as the influx of guests had ceased. “This suddenly became much more than your usual Festive Season ball.”

And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!

(expected release date: November 1st)

Festive and fantastic! This vibrant and minimalistic style is very on trend at the moment, and I like this Austenesque version of it. ✨

I have been waiting sooooo patiently for another Christmas anthology from Q&Q! So glad it is finally here! 🙌🏼

I’m so excited about this mix of stories – the variety of merry-making activities, the different settings and celebrations, the distinct directions authors have chosen to go. 📖

Love how adorable Mr. Darcy is in this excerpt – can’t wait so see how their dance goes! 🎩

What do you think, friends? 🤔

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GIVEAWAY TIME!

The lovely people at Quills and Quartos are offering  3️⃣ ebook copies of Happy Christmas Mr. Darcy to  3️⃣ lucky readers who comment on today’s post!

 To enter this giveaway leave a comment, a question, or some love for these authors below!

  • This giveaway is open worldwide.  Thank you, Quills and Quartos!
  • This giveaway end October 31st.

~~~

Disclaimer: The Amazon links used in this post are affiliate links. 

75 comments

  3. Exciting to see another Christmas anthology from Q&Q!! Would love to win a copy!! Thank you for the opportunity!

    Reply

  4. Thank you for featuring the anthology, Meredith. I love a good Christmas tale featuring our dear couple, and I had such fun writing my wee contribution. Lucy

    Reply

  17. It’s a great collection! And a great cover, of course! I hope it gives everyone joy this holiday season. I love a holiday anthology, so getting to write for one was a real treat.

    Reply

  19. Love the cover! The excerpt was great (can’t wait to see what happens at the rest of the ball!). I love anthologies so looking forward to this one, just in time for the holidays!

    Reply

  24. It was such a delight to contribute to this collection! I love a good holiday read, and I hope our readers enjoy some festive merriment with this wonderful anthology!

    Reply

  25. I have really enjoyed the Quills and Quartos anthologies in the past, and to have a Christmas themed one would be great. Thank you for the cover reveal, excerpt and giveaway. Congrats and best wishes on the new release!

    Reply

  30. What a fun mix of stories by some of my favorite authors! I like the fresh look of the cover. Look forward to reading it.

    Reply

  32. Love short stories and love the cover, so hope I can win an e-book. But in case I don’t, it’s going on my amazon wish list. I can just imagine Lambton all decorated for Christmas, and I’m ready to immerse myself in that charming village and the holy holiday season.

    Reply

  36. The description sounds phenomenal: eight stories by 8 skilled authors and published by Q&Q Publishing. My Christmas wish list is complete! Thanks for entering me in the drawing.

    Reply

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