Reviewer: Amy Lignor
Title: Christmas at Pemberley
Author: Regina Jeffers
Publisher: Ulysses Press
ISBN-13: 978-1-56975-991-2
Release Date: November 2011
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Fiction
Year/Setting: 1800’s/England
Overall Rating: 3.5
Sexual Content Rating: None/Subtle
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content Rating: None/Mild
Violent Content Rating: None/Minimal
Regina's Website: www.rjeffers.com
Dear Readers:
The mighty fans of Jane Austen are a lot like the Bella & Edward Twilight fans. I know. Sounds strange, but it’s true. Austen fans are completely and utterly loyal. I believe that they would (and do) flock to her childhood home as if it were Graceland, and thank her for leaving behind the most romantic couples and beautiful stories of all time. However, these same die-hard fans are so die-hard that they get a bit ‘harsh’ when it comes to all of these writers trying to re-write, add-on to, or use her classic characters in any way, shape or form. So, right off the bat, this book will be beloved by some and disliked by some. There is simply no in-between.
This story begins with Elizabeth and Darcy stuck in a bit of a winter snowstorm. They are trying to make it back to Pemberley, but they must pull off of the roads and stay the night at an inn in order to be truly safe.
What Darcy has done is made a Christmas surprise for Elizabeth. Back at Pemberley her whole family has been invited and are showing up one by one. Darcy believed that seeing her family would cheer Elizabeth up at bit. You see, Elizabeth has had some trouble of late with miscarriages, and even though her smile is still firmly planted on her face, the depression is weighing her down. Of course, she believes she is also pregnant once again, but is frightened to tell Darcy and get his hopes up considering the other pregnancies did not end on a positive note and produce the ultimate heir.
Humor arises at Pemberley as everyone’s favorite characters begin to arrive and Darcy’s sister, Georgiana, has to go from battling the wretched, bigoted Aunt - Lady Catherine de Bourgh - to dealing with Elizabeth’s ever-so-charming mother; her father, who still wants nothing more than a drink and to get away from the rest of the clan; her happily pregnant sister, Jane and Bingley who have gotten roped into bringing Bingley’s sister who no one can still stand; as well as Mary and her beau (that’s right - Mary is getting married), and Kitty - who has become somewhat of a best friend to Georgiana ever since Elizabeth married Darcy. More of the gang arrives, as readers will all begin to recall the intricacies, humor and fallacies of each and every Austen character that was written with life, color, fun, amusement, and a great deal of talent.
Between the lovable cast of characters, as well as some new spicy gossip from the Royals and a mystery involving a man by the name of Edgar Parnell, this Pride and Prejudice sequel has its charm, and does its absolute best to stick with every facet that Austen put on paper. As I said - it will be great fun for some, and perhaps taboo for others, depending on the intensity of the love you have for the mighty and still unmatched, Jane Austen. Enjoy!
Until next time,
Amy
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