Can Caroline Be Charmed Away from her Ambitions?
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Author
SERIES: Christmas Charms Book #4 (I’m an idiot and read the fourth book in the series before reading any others! But luckily, I didn’t feel like I spoiled anything or that I’m missing any preliminary developments)
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Christmas Novella, Sequel, Secondary Character
THE PREMISE: The former Miss Caroline Bingley has almost completed her period of mourning for her late husband Lord Harpwell when she receives an invitation to visit spend the holiday season at Pemberley with her brother and wife. But little does Caroline know that there will be an additional guest at Pemberley…and it is someone from her past that she would rather not see again. Can Caroline be civil and kind to the former Bennet sisters? Can she keep her composure the man who broke her heart many years ago?
MY THOUGHTS: I loved seeing a Caroline redemption story taking place during the Christmas season! While Caroline’s circumstances at the beginning of the novella quickly earned my sympathies, I really loved learning about Caroline’s backstory with Mr. Moore and her formative years. It was interesting to see that she possessed such a different personality as a child and even shares some traits with her former rival…
This Christmas season finds Caroline a little more reflective and a little less selfish. After an unhappy marriage based on advantage/advancement, Caroline is starting to realize that wealth and status might not be the keys to a happy life. Especially when she sees the supreme happiness and bliss of the Bingleys and Darcys, and understands that their marriages are build on respect and regard. I loved seeing Caroline’s evolution in this story. Like Mr. Darcy, for a long time Caroline has put on a mask for society and pursued the path that was expected of her. I enjoyed seeing Caroline think for herself and learn to value different things in life.
Another element of this story I greatly enjoyed was the new original character – Sebastian Moore – new neighbor to the Darcys, childhood friend to Charles, and Caroline’s first love interest. It was wonderful to see his scenes with Caroline – there was plenty of tension, provocation, and confusion. It was especially fun to see Caroline flustered on the inside but try to maintain her icy composure on the outside. Sebastian was a terrific character – I loved his playful nature, sentimentality, and sincerity.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
🎄 Decking the halls, ice-skating, snowball fights, and exchanging gifts – what a delightful and diverting holiday stay at Pemberley!
🧡 Caroline’s heart grows three sizes when she finally decides to befriend the Bennet sisters and value love more than society.
🔔 I am completely charmed by tradition of the Christmas Charms, and I cannot wait to read the other stories in this series!
Ooh, a Caroline redemption story, and her love interest has my last name! I will definitely have to read this.
Love redemption stories! Looking forward to it.
At last Caroline has to accept that Jane and Elizabeth are married to her brother and Darcy. That must make it easier to not hate them. At least it makes for a more pleasant visit!
I love a Caroline story where she falls for someone that is up to her weight, and is as capable as she is. Redemption stories are favorites as well. Change is good, Caroline.
I’ve been enjoying some other MJ Stratton stories recently so I’m really looking forward to reading this one.
Happy Jane Austen’s Birthday Meredith.
Sounds like an excellent read.
Unfortunately Carloine ranks for me equal to Lydia. I dont have enough time left to read about characters I dislike. So I will give this a miss, despite it being penned by avwonderful author..
Looking forward to reading this.