What If Mary’s Eyes Were Opened to Her Arrogant and Prideful Ways?

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Author

SERIES: Christmas Charms Book #2 (I’m reading this whole series in a mixed up order! But for the most part, there doesn’t seem to be too many details missing or spoilers).

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Christmas Novella, Sequel, Secondary Character

THE PREMISE: With three daughters married, the remaining Bennets at Longbourn grow a little closer to each other. And Mary Bennet gradually realizes that her behavior if closely inspected is not above reproach… Mary decides to focus on ways to improve just for her own benefit…and along the way attracts some interest from a most unwanted suitor…

MY THOUGHTS: Mary makeover/transformation stories are the best! She is often portrayed as such an isolated and unhappy character in Austenesque works. And there is so much that an author can develop with her. I love seeing her improve her understanding, nurture better qualities, and grow closer to her family. And in this story we see Mary go through some touch trials of introspection and humiliation.

One of the elements I enjoyed most about this book was the closer relationships we see Mary develop with a few members in her family. A more evolved Kitty recognizes the weakness and flaws in her own behavior and is kinder and more confiding in her older sister. Mr. Bennet realizes his two remaining daughters may need some guidance and spends time connecting with them over books and lending them his ear when he notices their struggles. And while Mrs. Gardiner invites Mary to London needing her assistance, she too shows Mary more consideration and attention than she has in the past.

I appreciated the realness of Mary’s evolution and journey. It is not a magic transformation that happens with great ease. Mary is quite stubborn and has her fair share of stumbles. Although Mary recognizes that the opinions and praise of others matter greatly to her, her efforts to improve herself is not to gain anyone’s attention or regard. But merely on her own mission of self-discovery and growth.

As readers with this series might expect, there is some fun and magic with Christmas charms, a tradition of which, Mary has never been fond. And there is a new original character who, similar to Mr. Darcy, is overheard issuing some insults about our girl. While I adored Mary’s transformation and developing relationships with her family, I was not as enamored with this new suitor. I didn’t really feel as much substance to his character and his feelings seemed to develop without much foundation. However, I did appreciate Mary’s actions and reactions towards him.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

🦋 A delightful and inspiring story of Mary Bennet becoming.

💍 Whether you believe in them or not…these Christmas charms seem to possess some magic.

🥧  Mary exchanges her pride and self-importance for some humble pie and sense this holiday season!

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