The Twelve Days of Christmas…Day 3

Book the Third:

4 out of 5 Stars

I know, I know… A Pride and Prejudice Variation. I had to do ONE!! I promise it’ll be the only one! The Austenite in me couldn’t go a Holiday Season without a cosy Christmas with Lizzie and Darcy, and this one was very well written.

What if Darcy did not go to Netherfield? Did not wind up at the Meryton Assembly to have Elizabeth overhear his slight of her? What if they didn’t meet at all until after Mr. Collins marries Charlotte Lucas? No Wickham involvement, no ball at Netherfield, no proposal at Rosings… No Pride and No Prejudice?? Sounds boring, right? IT’S NOT!

This was written in a decent Austen-like voice, but it was sweet and warm. It was wonderful to see Lizzie and Darcy meet and just immediately get along, it was wonderful to see a nice progression to their relationship with the only thing getting in their way being the typical pointed attentions of Miss Bingley. Darcy was open and honest, he was happy and excited. It was a little strange, but his voice still felt like Darcy.

The one thing that stopped me from giving it 5 stars (If you haven’t noticed by my reviews thus far 5 stars are pretty much reserved for the be all, and end all, of books) was something that you all may think is silly…. Mr. Bingley proposes to Jane via a letter. I don’t think that he would have done this. If anything, he MAY have hinted at it to her… possibly, but, really he would not have even SENT a letter to her like that to being with. Her being an unmarried woman and the two of them not yet being engaged, he would have written the letter to be sent with Elizabeth’s, or would have sent it through his sister as was proper… although, I could understand why he would not want to send it through Caroline. I know. Silly thing to pick on. BUT PICK ON IT I SHALL!!

Other than this silly little thing, it was a wonderful read and I would highly recommend it!

Christmas in Derbyshire is Best Served With

Fruit Cake Cocktail

After all the references to Christmas Cakes and Brandy I was in need of some good ‘ole Fruit Cake… I know, who actually TRIES to have Fruit Cake?!?! But, Seriously, TRY THIS COCKTAIL!! Even if you don’t actually like fruit cake it is SO GOOD!!