A Very Mary Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Novella (Dash of Darcy and Companions Collection)

This was an adorable story with Mary Bennet as the centerpiece. I liked her character and the way she handled herself in the wake of her mother flitting about preparing for the double wedding of the two elder Bennet sisters. What was a girl to do when she had two beautiful older sisters and two vivacious younger sisters and she was trapped in the middle? Her mother constantly berated her for not securing Mr. Collins, dumped on her with insults that she was not pretty like the older girls or lively like the younger girls. After years of that comparison, Mary’s self-esteem and confidence were fairly low.This was a quick read. It followed 'Waking to Mr. Darcy' [which was 4-stars for me]; however, it could be read as a stand-a-lone book. There were references to the previous book but did not lean heavily toward it. The author did a good job of filling us in on the major points. I would suggest reading the first book. It is heavy with the story of Darcy and Elizabeth. It was the most page time I’ve seen between them and there was a lot that happened with their relationship. This book used that affection to settle many problems and situations. Jane and Bingley were also sprinkled throughout the story along with Caroline being her usual jealous and controlling self.Wickham made an appearance and left his usual slime trail. There were several new characters introduced to our core group and I really liked them. They moved the story along and their presence was very plausible as catalyst for our main characters reaching their HEA. It was really cute. There were those pesky editing problems that popped up here and there. Other than that, I really liked this story. I wonder if there will be additional stories with these new characters? I really liked them.

Mary was merry and did marry the man of her dreams towards the end of this happy story. Through a series of mishaps caused by two young men with the overwhelming desire for making wagers over any siuation, one related to Mr. Nicholas Hammond, Miss Mary's dream man, Mary finds herself happiness without much extortion her part. All I took was caring for others an a firm belief in love. Meeting Fred, Nicholas' brother, and his friend Whit, sets off a series of "accidents" just waiting to happen. Fearing that his foolishness will raise his older brother's ire, Fred bribes Mary to keep these happenings to herself. Of course, Mary places her stipulations on this agreement. When another foolish wager threatens Nicholas, Mary decides to share the friends' foolishness. Rumors about Mary have begun over the incident, and plans are made before Elizabeth and Jane can be married. The outcome of the chaos brought on by these two friends quite literally causes Mrs. Bennet's nerves to flutter rapidly around Longbourn. HEA for more than one couple. The Bennet daughters made their mother proud in this story.

I think the surprise here is that this is Mary Bennett's story (notice the title). Poor Mary is not portrayed very cheerfully in P&P, so here she gets her own spotlight. She is not radically different, just much more likable. The other characters in her story are well done, the two young men especially. Mr W is, of course, around and meets with an "interesting" end. Won't say more. Enjoy Mary's book.

I liked this book. I like to see Mary having a happy ending. I enjoyed reading the book. I like Leenie books. I am waiting to buy the next two books.

Leenie Brown writes JAFF that I always come back to. I love that Mary gets a story and I love that she has a side you don't see. This is a great book!!

This is a very sweet seasonal book that you will not want to miss. It brings the holiday right to your heart. I loved this story.

I love your plots and characters!

It's such a gift to imagine Mary, the quietest sister, happily married with a growing family. I loved the new characters, as well.