Blame the Mistletoe: A Pride & Prejudice Novella Variation

by Sarah Johnson

A Pride & Prejudice novella variation.

Unable to stay away from Meryton for long, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Charles Bingley return to Netherfield for Christmas, bringing with them Darcy’s sister Georgiana.

Wickham has already established himself as trustworthy, especially in the eyes of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, giving Darcy an even harder time of winning her heart. Will the mistletoe boughs hung all around help in bringing these two lovers together?

Genres: Romance

Audible Audio

Published March 15, 2021

About the author

Sarah Johnson is a professional juggler in the circus of life! Married to her own Mr Darcy for sixteen years, they traveled the world thanks to the US Army. Now back in the civilian life and settled in Texas, where she grew up, they focus on homeschooling their six children and participating in church and community activities. She can often be found writing a manuscript between spills, science labs, and pencil wars, or late into the night when the house is finally still enough for her imagination to run wild! When she has a few spare moments, she enjoys just about anything crafty - scrapbooking, painting, sewing, quilting, crocheting - basically anything except knitting, a craft she swears few left-handers truly ever pick up well.

A devotee of all things Jane Austen, she enjoys exploring the story lines Jane never lived long enough to give the world. She is often found discussing with her online friends the intricacies of the novels we do have from our dearest author. It is these discussions that often lead to the plot bunnies that have now become many stories over the last few years, and hopefully further into the future as well.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear reader,

If you're looking for a romantic tale,set in winter amid the festive activities that Christmas demands,a tale that includes sleigh rides,tender kisses under the mistletoe,swings and a proposal or two added for good measure,then look no further!!

I loved this story-it's feel good and very compelling.

Darcy is such a good man,the actions he takes to rid Meryton of Wickham, his no-nonsense approach to dealing with Mr Collins,his reaction to the infamous letter of Lady C.....yes,they are all to be admired and saluted,as is his altered opinion of Mrs Bennet.
I loved that he understood that she was simply acting as any mother would,in wishing her home and family to be portrayed at its best.

This is a fantastic read,is beautifully written-you almost get chilled from reading the oh! so romantic outdoor scenes!

I won this book on the Just Jane blog-my thanks to Ms Johnson and JJ for such a delightful read.

I highly recommend it book,and trust that you will love it as I did!!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that in this novella Lydia is such an enabler. Every time she spots Lizzy and Darcy under the mistletoe she cries out for them to kiss. Actually she does this to everybody but more so to the aforementioned couple. Lizzy and Darcy manage to work through their misunderstandings and eventually Lizzy falls in love with him. So yay for mistletoe and interfering sisters!

This novella was very sweet and is definitely a must read for the holiday season.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh such a lovely way to open the holiday season!!!!

This novella was an absolute delight!!! Ms Johnson has such a style about her when she writes, she weaves elegance and romance into this story that will fill you heart this holiday season!!! She has such attention to detail that it's like watching a movie in my head, and blessedly not to over flowing with repeated detail.

We start with an interaction between Mr Darcy, Georgiana, and Mr Bingley which sends Georgiana into forcing confidences from Mr Darcy. I LOVE GEORGIANA IN THIS STORY!!! She is a breath of fresh air, strong yet vulnerable, caring, insightful, and yet still trying to find herself.

I ADORE MR DARCY IN THIS STORY!!!!! Once he has his eyes opened, Mr Darcy is a force to be reckoned with, oh and I love how he dealt with Mr Wickham and Mr Collins!!! Bravo!!! A memorable part is when the Netherfield party is over at Longbourn assisting with decorating for the party the next day, and Elizabeth apologizes for the foolishness of relations. Mr Darcy's response is excellent: “No, I see a mistress who longs to have her house show just how caring she is of her guests when they arrive tomorrow evening. I daresay I have seen my own mother in such a state over tiny details when she was alive. Perhaps it is just the way of mothers.”

This is a fitting treat to read, and oh to be young again and be caught under a Mistletoe bough!!!! I would highly recommend this book to all JAFFers getting in the festive mood!!!!

[Les · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet short Christmas themed P&P what if. In this case what if Georgiana forced her brother to own up to his feelings for Miss Elizabeth and he and Bingley returned to Netherfield with Georgiana. Don't worry that this story is angst free Lizzy manages to convince herself that Bingley is engaged to Georgie and Darcy to his cousin. As well as one of Lizzy's sprained ankles. ODC get to HEA

[Anna]

Quick summary: Sarah Johnson’s Christmas novella, Blame the Mistletoe, is a delightful retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice in which Georgiana Darcy convinces her brother to pursue Elizabeth Bennet, and the pair, along with Mr. Bingley, return to Netherfield Park for the holiday. An accident on a mistletoe-gathering adventure puts Elizabeth on the path toward thinking she might have misjudged Mr. Darcy, but Mr. Wickham’s presence in Meryton — and his tense interactions with the Darcys — leave her feeling confused. In the midst of holiday preparations, a sleigh ride, and strategically placed mistletoe boughs, can Darcy win Elizabeth’s heart?

Why I wanted to read it: I’ve been in the mood for Christmas stories this year, and I couldn’t resist the Austen connection and the gorgeous cover!

What I liked: Blame the Mistletoe weaves Christmas traditions into a retelling of Pride and Prejudice. I loved getting a glimpse of Mr. Darcy helping the Bennets hang a mistletoe bough, and I wished I could have enjoyed the sleigh race alongside the Bennet sisters. Johnson jazzes things up by putting Wickham at a card table with Darcy, Georgiana, and Elizabeth. I also liked how Georgiana pieced together what was bothering Darcy and Bingley and was willing to point out her flaws as a reason for Darcy not to miss out on his chance at happiness. Elizabeth’s encounter with a drunken Wickham in Meryton and the outcome of Mr. Collins’ interference in Darcy’s affairs are scenes that are not to be missed!

What I disliked: I wished that the story had been longer, not because there was anything missing, but because I got so wrapped up in Johnson’s version of events that I didn’t want it to end.

Final thoughts: Readers will enjoy Johnson’s portrayal of Austen’s characters and how she incorporates mistletoe into the story. The pacing is well done, so despite the brevity of the story, the plot doesn’t seem rushed. I read Blame the Mistletoe on a recent day off from work, curled up on the couch with some peppermint tea, our Christmas tree in the background. It was the perfect book and the perfect setting to put me in the Christmas spirit.

Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric

[Eliza Baum · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute idea for a framing story that got lost in its execution. It was overly sappy, had characters' opinions/feelings changing far too quickly, and the characters discussed highly personal and sensitive subjects in a way that didn't seem realistic to me. Characters were inconsistent both with the source material and with what the variation would have changed. I skimmed a lot as the story went on, which is pretty sad considering how short it is.

I wanted to like it, but it was uneven at best, and that impression is consistent with other books I've read by this author. This is officially going to be the last one.

2.5 stars rounded up for no other reason than I couldn't make up my mind on rounding up or down, and I flipped a coin.

[Sam H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute little ditty.
I was surprised ilto enjoy it much more than I anticipated.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watch where you stand, you might be under the mistletoe

There were many parts of this story that I simply loved and parts where I questioned plausibility. The author carefully attempted to keep the characters as true to Austen as much as possible. There was also the struggle in keeping Elizabeth from crossing the line that was a bit modern for the times.

Georgiana played a pivotal role in getting Darcy and Bingley back to Netherfield and she came with them [not Caroline this time]. I liked seeing her strength of character and not the wilting, withering, and simpering child she is so often portrayed. She was awesome. Once in Meryton, she wasted no time becoming friends with the ladies at Longbourn. I enjoyed the banter between the girls and loved seeing her become friends with all the Bennet sisters. They were an ordinary gaggle of girls fussing over bonnets, lace and ribbons. Even Darcy was pleased. He had so wanted that for his sister.

The part that gave me pause was when the author allowed Wickham in the same room with Darcy and Georgiana. I did not understand how Darcy could allow Wickham to sit at the same table with Georgiana, let alone allow him to converse with her. This was pretty bold on the part of the author. Elizabeth even opened the dialogue that centered around the affronts the Darcy family wielded against Mr. Wickham. Thus exposing the lies that Wickham had been telling in Meryton.

Why would Wickham dare walk into the same room once he noticed Darcy? How could he agree to sit with them? And…why would Darcy allow it? That whole scene was too much. In P&P Wickham left town in order to avoid Darcy at the Netherfield Ball. Why would he willingly go into a room where Darcy was, let alone Georgiana? This was a puzzle piece that could have been pulled out…redone and placed back into the story. I didn’t like it, especially when Elizabeth noticed the tension between them and continued to support Wickham.

I loved the sleigh rides and races, they were so much fun. Without Caroline’s interference, Bingley was able to win Jane’s hand as Darcy struggled to overcome Elizabeth’s prejudice. Mr. Bennet was so cute as he teased the two suitors. Darcy even made an attempt to understand Mrs. Bennet. That was a good scene.

Collins played the interfering toad. Like in other versions, he felt it was his duty to notify his patroness regarding the activities of her nephew. He wrote to Lacy C and tried to cause trouble. Due to the bad weather she was not able to come to Longbourn and visit Elizabeth, instead sent her a scathing letter. Mr. Bennet read the letter after it upset Elizabeth and was furious with Mr. Collins.

When Darcy arrived, Mr. Bennet gave him the letter. Darcy let Collins know in no uncertain terms that he was not best pleased with his interference. He informed Collins that his power and that of his uncle was far greater than that of Lady Catherine’s. It was suggested that it might be in his best interest if he left Longbourn. Mr. Bennet asked if he wanted to go to the Inn or Lucas Lodge and offered his man to help him pack.

I liked Lydia in this version; that’s a first. She was fun and not the silly rebellious girl chasing after officers. She, Georgiana and Kitty were always hiding mistletoe boughs in unusual places and then she would yell out for unsuspecting couples to kiss when they walked under them…cute.

There are many great reviews. There is no need for me to repeat what they have written. They convinced me that I wanted to read this cute variation. What it boils down to is a chance to relax and simply enjoy a delightful book. There were those propriety and etiquette problems but it was an enjoyable read. I needed a break from outrageous behavior and deep angst.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This story begins on December 1st, 1811, with reminiscing by Georgiana and with thoughts about the upcoming year. She is continuing a tradition in the Darcy family of keeping a journal. And she talks of other seasonal traditions and speculates that a wife for her brother could mean the adding of new traditions to the Darcy ones.

The entries in this story are dated as a countdown to Christmas and we read of both family happenings at Longbourn and just how it came about that Darcy, Bingley and Georgiana return to Longbourn at this time of year. (Can you imagine how they arrived sans Caroline, much less M/M Hurst?) The one Bennet tradition that puts Elizabeth in her mother’s good graces is the gathering of mistletoe from the woods around their small estate. I will let you read exactly how that event is so special for ODG. And I did love how Elizabeth in her perch high up looks out over the country side and spies a man riding a horse and speculates on who it might be from the body structure, clothing and seat upon his steed. (This reminded me of the 1995 film beginning with Lizzy watching 2 men on their horses looking over Netherfield.)

Georgiana’s character in this story has some aspects usually attributed to Colonel Fitzwilliam in other tales. In fact, Georgiana credits some behaviors to her cousin as she ponders the mien of both her brother and Bingley since their return from Bingley’s newly leased estate in Hertfordshire. Georgiana takes a much more active role in this book. She is not a passive observer who continues to nurse the wounds from Ramsgate. In fact: Brava, Georgiana, in how you reacted when Wickham is invited to join the card table at which you, your brother and Elizabeth sit! G. is vocal in challenging Darcy to make amends, to take actions, etc. She also finds much to like about Elizabeth Bennet.

Sleigh rides with racing through the snow, and kissing boughs hung hither and yon with Lydia (and Kitty, of course) laying in wait to catch couples and demand, “You have to kiss.” all added to the scenes painted by this author to pull us into the holiday mood.

But I think one of my favorite parts of this story is when we read of Darcy’s thoughts about Mrs. Bennet and how he attributes some of her exuberance to that of the role of a mother! He even mentions remembering how excitable his mother was in decorating for the season. Oh, and the scene in which Elizabeth can’t quite reach the spot at which her mother wants a certain sprig of mistletoe hung.

There are several other memorable parts, i.e., the seating in church, Mr. Bennet’s observation of both men and his warning to each, Elizabeth’s opinions on Darcy even while hearing him say little loving asides, Collins’ vindictive act and Lady Catherine’s response to that, etc. Some of this is just canon with the author’s own twist put to it. But it did add interest to a beloved tale.

There is an epilogue one year later and another year comes to a merry end.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blame the Mistletoe is a sweet Christmas treat for JAFF fans. It is light, fluffy and romantic.

Darcy and Bingley are in London after not returning to Netherfield. Even Georgiana can tell both of them are down in the dumps. What can it be? Are they disappointed in love? In her wisdom, Georgiana convinces Darcy and Bingley to return to Hertfordshire and fight for their loves. And, she wants to go with them, without Bingley's siblings.

All of Meryton society is caught up in the planning, decorating and traditions of the season. Ever since Elizabeth was a little girl, she has been the one to climb up trees to obtain the all important mistletoe. However, this time she suffers an accident, luckily while Darcy is nearby to assist. She is well, but suffers a twisted ankle and must limit her movements.

Darcy discovers Elizabeth's dislike for him, but convinces her to give him a chance to improve her opinion. Another wise little sister, Lydia, recognizes the signs between Elizabeth and Darcy and determines she will assist. She seeks out opportunities to alert the couple they are standing under mistletoe, and tells them they must kiss. At first embarrassing, it becomes less and less so as it gets closer to Christmas.

Blame the Mistletoe leads us to our inevitable HEA, despite a bit of Wickham, Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine, per usual. Traditions around the Christmas holiday play an important role in bringing ODC together often and in warm, loving environments. This is not the season for fussing and fighting, and this leads to a resolution much faster.

The themes of family, tradition and the warmth of the holidays emphasize how much Darcy and Elizabeth wish this for themselves. Even Mrs. Bennet looks like a loving mother to Darcy when bustling around the family as they get ready for Christmas. For the lonely Darcy orphans, this is just too tempting a life and they wish to have the laughter and love of family around them.

In the final chapters, all get their wishes fulfilled, except our resident baddies. Many of our traditional characters are a bit brighter, less annoying, and more loving. P&P JAFF fans will find this variation does not stray too far from Austen's version, but allows for a much earlier resolution set around the joys and romance of the Christmas season.

It just feels good....

[Carol Perrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blame the Mistletoe

A very delightful story involving a lot of the mistletoe's white berries and the kisses that were collected. Loved Georgiana in this story, because she figured out what was ailing her brother and Bingley. When she asked him was it Miss Elizabeth Bennet, he questions her about how she knew. She reminds him that the letters sent from Netherfield always mentioned Elizabeth. Two and two make four, but two were in London while two were in Herefordshire. When Darcy tells Bingley why he tried to prevent them returning to Netherfield, Darcy admits why? Plans are made to return the next day. After saving Elizabeth from a serious accident, Elizabeth wonders why he is so changed. When Jane and Elizabeth find out the Caroline's letter was filled with lies, it opens the door for Bingley and Jane. Poor Darcy still struggles with Elizabeth over Wickham's lies. When Elizabeth finally hears the truth about Wickham, she is ashamed of herself and realizes that Darcy is loving, caring, and the very best gentleman of her acquaintance. Consents to a courtship, but after receiving Darcy's Aunt Catherine's letter Darcy pushes for marriage and a double wedding with Jane and Bingley. Slowly Darcy sees Mrs. Bennet in a different light and realizes that she loves her daughters and her husband. He accepts the entire family as his family. Returning to London for the Christmas holidays, the Darcys plan a family dinner at Darcy House. The Bennets, Bingleys, Gardiners, and the Matlocks all come together for a happy family dinner. The couple is extremely happy and wait the arrival of their first child.

[Angela Withrow TheArdentReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet short story that had all my favorite characters! All were there and they all were well written by the author.
Elizabeth questions why the Netherfield party has returned only to find that neither Caroline nor Mr. & Mrs. Hurst are among the party.
Mr. Darcy's sister Georgiana will play hostess if need be. That makes Caroline's letter about Mr. Bingley and Miss Darcy forming an alliance seem
all the more plausible. But she is worried for Jane! How must that make her feel?
Mr. Wickham has already told Elizabeth that Miss Darcy is just like her brother, aloof and proud.
Elizabeth will just have to see what happens!

The writing reminds me so much of Jane Austen's own words! Exactly in her style.
I loved the winter scenes and the fun had by all!
Mr. Collins was much the same, I do dearly love to detest him!
The road to happiness is never easy and it isn't in this short story either!
I highly recommend this one! You will not be disappointed!
I have so much more to say, but don't want to spoil the story!
*Courtesy Copy

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this Pride and Prejudice variation Darcy and Bingley have left Netherfield. But several weeks later while in London they both are drawn back to the inhabitants of Longbourn.
With Miss Darcy they go back, hoping to win the hearts of the two eldest Bennets, with help from the Christmas mistletoe. But there is the interference of Collins and Wickham.
A delightful tale

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love mistletoe

This is a really sweet cute romance. It starts in London after the Netherfield party has left Meryton . Darcy and Bingley are both melancholy and Georgiana notices. She convinces her brother that he deserves love and reminds him that it is there mothers ultimate wish. So Darcy speaks to Bingley and the are off to Netherfield. There really isn't any angst but neither is it easy for Darcy. He does get a little help from Georgiana and in the end we do get our HEA. Did enjoy this lite story very much. And I am one for wanting a little angst.

[TaNeshia Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

In exchange for an honest review I received a free advanced copy of Blame the Mistletoe. Anything you read hear is solely my opinion after reading said book. This book is Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation that takes place in the regency era. In this story Bingley returns to Netherfield Park for Christmas, with only Darcy and Georgiana. Wickham has established himself very well in the eyes of society, but all of that changed when the Darcys came. I think they were very light and perfect for the holiday season. The story includes tons of mistletoe and lots of kissing. My favorite thing about this story is that Darcy has a revelation that makes him more understanding of others. I say Mrs. Johnson did another great job with this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to read more from Sarah Johnson. Take a chance and I know you will enjoy it too.

[Robin Amrine · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit off the mark for Pride and Prejudice fans

If you want to read about the love story of Darcy and Elizabeth where everyone behaves well (even Lydia) then you will like this book. I have read many fan fiction PP books, and found I liked this least. It doesn't even try to stay true to the original, but instead offers a sort of parallel universe where even Mrs. Bennett is all things charming.

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's start the season right!

As you can expect, there's a lot of mistletoe from the beginning to the end of a wonderful novella that goes on a tangent from the original story, where misunderstandings and wrong impressions are righted with all the fun a winter with early snow can

A great read for this season! You really will love it!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good variation of Pride and Prejudice with a Christmas theme. I really enjoyed the book, but the ending seemed to be rushed. Of course Darcy and Elizabeth live happily ever after. Some characters do receive a "comeuppance" by the end of the book, which is exactly what readers wished in the original tale.

[Tamra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. This was a festive holiday treat. I'm not a fan of novellas and wish it had been longer, thus only 4 stars.

[Madenna U · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet version of the story. I really liked Georgiana's character.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully romantic book written in the style of Pride and Prejudice. Loved it.

[Laurann Wilkey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was tolerable I suppose.

It was a short likeable story, but I didn't feel the characters acted within their characters. Elizabeth was too outspoken in her defense of Wickam and dislike of Darcy to a complete reversal in a matter of a couple days. The story was to rushed to be believable or give enough credence to ODC's budding romance.

[Lisa Witt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute, but not very realistic. Mr. Darcy was suddenly humble without a catalyst to bring about the humility. It just happened, instead of Elizabeth turning him down to bring on the humility. On the plus side, Elizabeth got to slap Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy got to punch him, so that was fun.

[Terri Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely story. Really enjoyable read.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was sweet and romantic, loved how Mr. Darcy embraced Lizzy's family.

[Nikel27 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great christmas read - all the character from Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice are in this short story.
I love Georgiana and I must say in time I could start to like Lydia.
Over the time Lizzy finally fall in Love with Darcy, and not only because of all the Mistletoe which are found all over the house.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where is my tea cup!?!

This was an excellent read in the afternoon during my daughter's nap. Lovely. Thank You. I look forward to more.

[Eleonora · Rating 1 out of 5]

Elizabeth in not The Witty girl we all know and love, Darcy is far too smitten and even mrs Bennet is redeemed ...among the many rewritings of pride and the prejudice I have read, this is the worst.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet

Written in the style of Jane Austen, I thoroughly enjoyed this fun, angst-free novella. I would recommend it to anyone.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful Christmas book, which is just what I was looking for at the time. I loved having the Christmas spirit around, along with all of that mistletoe. I honestly enjoyed the lack of evil angst around. Instead human emotions, attitudes, and change were the primary focuses in this book. I really liked this book.