A Candlelit Christmas at Netherfield

A Sweet Pride and Prejudice Holiday Variation

By: Charlotte Ashbury

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

The moment the Bennets arrive for a brief Christmas call at Netherfield, an unexpected blizzard seals the roads—and traps them together. With most of the servants stranded in Meryton and the snow piling high, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself working side by side with the one gentleman she believed she understood best… and most completely wrong.

Mr. Darcy proves unexpectedly patient with her family, quietly capable during every household crisis, and unfailingly gentle toward her. As they gather candles, tend fires, and light a handmade garland together, Elizabeth begins to see the warmth he tries so hard to hide. Each tender moment melts a little more of the distance between them.

But when the roads finally clear, Elizabeth must decide whether their closeness belongs only to a snowbound Christmas… or if the feelings that blossomed in the quiet glow of candlelight might guide them into a new year—and a new beginning.

A cozy, sweet Pride and Prejudice holiday variation full of winter warmth, gentle devotion, and heart-mending romance.

Not well done

I liked the idea of this book. The whole candle garland was very sweet. But there were some real problems with the book that made me wonder if AI was involved in the writing. There was too much repetition. At one point, Elizabeth goes through a whole thought process thing about her feelings about Darcy from start to finish. The chapter ends and the next chapter basically repeats the same thought process she had just finished.
I also had to wonder because the Bennets were out making Christmas visits when the snow storm hits so they basically just have what they are wearing when they have to stay at Netherfield. Yet days later, the storm abates and the roads are passable again and the Bennets have to "pack" and send their trunks out to the carriage. Aside from Mary's book, what could they possibly have to pack and where did these trunks and things to fill them come from? Did I miss a big delivery mid snow storm?
Caroline was there for the whole time being snowed in with the Bennets but she says nothing. She picks at her food but that is about it. Her character might as well have stayed in London as it contributed zero to the story. Instead Mrs. B takes on the role of snobby complainer where nothing is good enough. She is trying to marry her daughter to Mr. Bingley. Somehow I doubt she would complain all the time instead of sucking up to him.
I liked Darcy and how he could see what was behind each characters' behavior and never complained or rolled his eyes. Instead he had compassion for them. He was helpful and took charge a lot. Why wasn't Bingley stepping up in his own home? And why did the rest of the characters not assist when this was so all of them could survive.
In the end Darcy was the ideal character, Elizabeth was the repentant character and all the rest were indifferent in some way or another. But once Darcy and Elizabeth were on the same page, the writing became sappy instead of just sweet. I rolled my eyes a bit. All the characters needed rounding out instead of just being scenery on the stage.
And the virtual narration did nothing to help.