What If Time Was Not An Issue & You Could Celebrate This Christmas With Your Entire Family

 

What If Time Was Not An Issue & You Could Celebrate This Christmas With Your Entire Family?

Barbara Tiller Cole

Don Jacobsen recently sent me a digital copy of his latest book,  Bennet Wardrobe Christmas Miracle.  And as with his other Wardrobe novels, I found myself entranced by the idea of traveling through time. 

But this particular novel, and the idea of finding a way in time to celebrate Christmas with the entire family, had me going down a bit of a rabbit hole.  'What if there was a way for me to get my entire family back together, just once, to celebrate the holiday.  Which members of the family do I actually want to attend?'

If it were possible for me to pick a year in time, a time in which my parents were young and without pain, I would certainly do that. However, in this novel, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet were not spry.  But I know that the Bennet family was very blessed to have them there!

'I would love to have the grandmother of my childhood back, on sober day, because she was great fun during the day time hours.  But dinners are usually at night, so many it is better not to invite her.'  These and other questions were the kind of things that popped up unrequested while reading Don's latest offering.

But regardless of my particular imaginings, take a read for yourself and transport yourself in time as you do.

About The Book

Don Said When He Sent Me This Book.... 'This book is an idea that has been bouncing around for a while. I wondered how the Wardrobe might manage a Bennet Family Reunion, the why of it, and the outcome for our most important characters.

We are looking at the Family slightly later (1827 for the four sisters remaining in the Regency and 1919 for Lady Kate). Then there are Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, returned now to 1814 (the end of The Avenger). I again address the questions of age, love, and loss. But now, I have added the element of time, giving all the sisters a chance to again see their parents (all of them) and the one sister long missing on the timeline (Kate).'

 Book Blurb

The miracle is the link forged between Christmases past and present.   Thomas Bennet

The greatest gift of all is time:

The Darcys know the changes age brings. Now, as birthday candles for Darcy multiply, how will time affect Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam’s love?

Time is painfully short for Fanny Bennet as she faces the loss of an ailing husband she dearly loves. Another hour or day with Thomas Bennet would be a treasure.

Thomas Bennet left Longbourn one last time to find a long-lost daughter. Now wearing a countess’s tiara, Kate Fitzwilliam has needed her family for decades, especially during the festive season.

The remarkable Bennet Wardrobe has its say in a most unusual Christmas dinner, mending hearts and giving that wondrous gift to the Bennets of Longbourn—Time.

This is a holiday quick read of about 45,000 words.

Benjamin Fife is recording the #Audible version.

Here are the sell links.

Bennet Wardrobe Christmas Miracle (US)

US Amazon Link For Purchase

UK Amazon Link for Purchase

I hope you enjoy this entry into the Wardrobe’s Universe.

And before you go, if you haven't yet read my Christmas novella now would be a great time to read it!  Or read it again as the Christmas ghosts will be visiting Lady Catherine this spring!

Purchase Fitzwilliam Ebenezer Darcy Here

It's A Wonderful Life, Mr. Darcy & Mr. Collins

 It’s A Wonderful Life Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins

(It is such a treat to again welcome Shannon Winslow, introducing another publication with what has become a tradition here at Darcyholic Diversions, an interview with Mr. Collins.  Shannon has again written a delightful novel.  And I always enjoy reading those with a holiday theme!  And thank you Shannon for stopping by with Mr. Collins today!   B T Cole)

It has become a tradition that, with the publication of each new book, author Shannon Winslow sits down for an interview with Mr. Collins, now Sir William Collins. (Did you know that, after his run as a legendary literary figure, he turned his talents to a new career as a talk-show host?) Unfortunately, the two have not always gotten on well, the friction stemming from the fact that Winslow killed off Collins’s character in the very first chapter of her very first novel (The Darcys of Pemberley). Consequently, these interviews seldom run smoothly. Let us see what happens today:

[House lights dim. Applause sign flashes. Stage lights come up to reveal a platform with twin retro club chairs occupied by host Sir William Collins and today’s guest Shannon Winslow, popular author of Jane Austen fiction. Collins lifts a hand in the style of a royal wave to acknowledge the audience before turning his attention to his guest.]

Collins: [simpering] Welcome, Ms. Winslow, to Meet the Author. I hope you have been well since the last time you graced us with your presence.
Winslow: I have. Thank you for asking and for having me here today.
Collins: It has been quite some time, I believe, and yet you only have a short story completed since then? Tsk. Tsk. You must be more diligent if you ever hope to be a really successful author.
Winslow: At about seventy pages, I think we might call It’s a Wonderful Life, Mr. Darcy a novella. But let’s not quibble over semantics. More importantly, Sir William, I think my idea of “success” is different from some people’s. I consider myself successful in that I have the luxury of writing what I want, when I want, without imposing the stress of artificial deadlines and word counts on myself. A story takes as long as it takes, in my experience.
Collins: I see. Well, tell us something about this new one, then. What was your inspiration for it?
Winslow: My sister first suggested that I should write a Christmas story, which got me thinking about the classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life – one of my all-time favorite Christmas movies. I watch it every December. Do you know the premise?
Collins: No, I cannot say that I do.
Winslow: It’s about George Bailey, an average guy who always does the right thing. And then, at a desperate low point in his life, he wishes he’d never been born, thinking that would have spared himself and everybody else a lot of pain. Only it’s not true, of course, which this angel named Clarence helps him to see. George comes to realizes that his life was too valuable to even think about throwing away. So I got to the idea to take Mr. Darcy on the same kind of journey, showing him how worthwhile his life had actually been and the difference his presence made in the lives of all the people he knows.
Collins: And it is a Christmas story? From the cover, it would appear so.
Winslow: Well, yes and no. I wanted it to be, but then I realized that the main events really had to take place in April, because that’s when Elizabeth rejected Darcy’s first proposal – his low point. So I wrapped the story up in a Christmas fame instead. You’ll see what I mean when… I mean, if… you read it. Perhaps on a snowy afternoon, before the fire? That would be just the thing!
Collins: I might manage to do so, I suppose. It is quite short, after all.
Winslow: Yes, as we’ve already established: short.
Collins: Since this is a Pride and Prejudice story, I must at least ask, do I appear in it? In a pivotal role, speaking with distinction?
Winslow: Oh, of course you would wish to know that. I should have anticipated. The truth is that although your character does not technically appear… or speak… he does make his presence felt. In quite a surprising way, too. I am sure that I would not be exaggerating to say that Mr. Collins’s actions have a significant impact on Mr. Darcy and the outcome of the drama.
Collins: Well, that is something, I suppose. Now, Ms. Winslow, you mentioned an angel before, in your source material. May I presume, then, that this book has elements of the fantastical? A bit of a departure for you, wouldn’t you say?
Winslow: Yes, it’s a little different from my other books in that respect – glimpses across time, a ghostly visitation, a parallel reality. Or perhaps it was all a dream. I’ll never tell! [laughs]
Collins: I was just thinking, though, that if you now include such elements in your writing, there can be nothing to prevent you from revisiting one of your earlier works – in fact, your earliest – with these new tools in hand. Perhaps writing an alternative outcome or a parallel reality for one of your other famous characters…?
Winslow: Ah, yes, I see what you mean. You are thinking that I might like to resurrect Mr. Collins in some way, to extend his life and give him a more heroic part to play. Is that it?
Collins: More heroic and much longer, yes, properly developing all that untapped potential. I think the public would flock to read such a thrilling story as that would make!
Winslow: [looking dubious] I… I don’t know. I have to tell you that I’ve never had one complaint about how I wrapped up your character’s story line so quickly before, in The Darcys of Pemberley.
Collins: Not even one complaint?
Winslow: Sorry. Other than from you yourself, no. [Collins looks severely dejected and Winslow hurries on] …But! I have sometimes myself regretted killing him off so soon. Such a… a unique and… and, uh, interesting character is tremendous fun to write for.
Collins: [brightens] There, you see! You have finally come around to my way of thinking!
Winslow: [pensive] I did enjoy writing that alternative ending for Murder at Northanger Abbey too. Hmm. But what would I call it, if I did carry on Mr. Collins’s story?
Collins: I believe I suggested The Clergyman of Hunsford to you in the past as an excellent title. Mr. Collins in His Own Words sounds very well, too, or perhaps simply… [gazes off into the distance and gestures with his hand, as if tracing words written in the air]…Sir William Collins, Gentleman.
Winslow: All good. Or, since it would be revisiting the scene of the crime, so to speak, perhaps Return to Hunsford would be appropriate?
Collins: Indeed. Then you’ll do it?
Winslow: I’ll give the idea serious consideration, Sir William. That is all I can promise at the moment. First, though, I must finish the book I already have in progress: Captain Wentworth in His Own Words. After that, who knows?
Collins: Well, Ms. Winslow, our time is running short, and I hardly know what to say. I did not expect to end with such a good understanding between us.
Winslow: I know what you mean! We usually come to blows, at least verbally. I do hope you’re viewers are not disappointed.
Collins: Perhaps we can do better next time, eh? [winks]
Winslow: I’ll look forward to it!
~~~~~*~~~~~
It’s a Wonderful Life, Mr. Darcy is available in Kindle and audio. AND PAPERBACK COMING SOON!!

https://www.amazon.com/Its-Wonderful-Life-Mr-Darcy-ebook/dp/B0DK65BPKS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Learn more about Shannon Winslow and her books at www.shannonwinslow.com

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And, in case you have never read it, pick up a copy of Barbara Tiller Cole's Fitzwilliam Ebenezer Darcy just in time for the holidays!    And Darcy's ghosts will be visiting Lady Catherine just in time for an Easter Visit...

https://www.amazon.com/Fitzwilliam-Ebenezer-Darcy-Barbara-Tiller-ebook/dp/B00ACK0KF8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YG77Z8Y1W8DR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XWFiK9mMYAwB9_6WTd4K3hF7R2mU1jPSuK9FUO0XfmTsoCczp5JjE5mAY1QMTMcUDQHPqyMzRcAKGV-duzsACZsruZRc0sJ6NIA6oHwmhJ8.z83Nrx5UFE5Oy_FupCCs0r-WvPyIH8A1wHoqUxd4KH0&dib_tag=se&keywords=Fitzwilliam+Ebenezer+Darcy&qid=1731540439&sprefix=fitzwilliam+ebenezer+darcy%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-1