25 Cheery, Holiday Love Stories for Fans of Jane Austen

Every year, I pick up my tattered copy of Persuasion for my annual re-read of Jane Austen novels. I always start with Persuasion as it’s my favorite. As usual, at the end of each novel, I wondered what happened next. How did Captain Wentworth and Anne spend their happily ever after? Or, Emma and Knightley? For that matter, Darcy and Elizabeth? More importantly, how did they spend their holidays together?

Obviously, there was only one thing to do – an internet search for holiday books inspired by Jane Austen. And wow! There is quite a selection of holiday-themed books based on Jane Austen’s novels. In particular, Pride and Prejudice! Moreover, there are a number of stories inspired by Jane Austen but bear no relation to her works. While nothing will ever be as good as the originals, these creative explorations will satisfy any Janeite looking for something different, yet familiar.

So, grab your snuggliest blanket and a cup of hot cocoa (tip: add a little Bailey’s Irish Cream!) for a cozy read with these romantic, Jane Austen-inspired holiday stories!

25 Cheery, Holiday Love Stories for Fans of Jane Austen

(In No Particular Order)

#1 A Jane Austen Christmas by Carlo DeVito

Filled with the remarkable wit and insight of one of the world’s most cherished authors, A Jane Austen Christmas gives readers insight into Austen’s life through little-known stories about how she and her family celebrated the treasured holiday season.

Carlo DeVito provides an intimate portrait of Austen’s most cherished Christmas memories with her family: from the gift of her first writing desk, to her first love and heartbreak, to her brewing mead and beer in time for the holidays. Along the way readers will spend a holiday in the Austen house, celebrate Jane’s birthday, meet the inspiration for more than a dozen characters, attend the Christmastide series of balls, and learn how to make family’s favorite recipes and dedicate a novel to the Prince Regent. Remarkably fresh and supremely entertaining, A Jane Austen Christmas brings Austen’s world to life as never before.

#2 Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas by Stephanie Barron

Jane Austen has been invited to spend the holiday with family and friends at The Vyne, the gorgeous ancestral home of the wealthy and politically prominent Chute family. Jane and her circle are in a celebratory mood: Mansfield Park is selling nicely; Napoleon has been banished to Elba; British forces have seized Washington, DC; and on Christmas Eve, John Quincy Adams signs the Treaty of Ghent, which will end a war nobody in England really wanted.

Jane, however, discovers holiday cheer is fleeting. One of the Yuletide revelers dies in a tragic accident, which Jane immediately views with suspicion. If the accident was in fact murder, the killer is one of Jane’s fellow snow-bound guests. With clues scattered amidst cleverly crafted charades, dark secrets coming to light during parlor games, and old friendships returning to haunt the Christmas parties, whom can Jane trust to help her discover the truth and stop the killer from striking again?

#3 Mr. Darcy’s Night Before Christmas by Julie Petersen

Clement Clarke Moore’s Christmas classic, The Night before Christmas, meets Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice when Mr. Darcy gets his own visit from jolly, old St. Nicholas. In this parody of the enchanting original poem, Santa Claus teaches Mr. Darcy the true meaning of the holiday and helps him get what he’s always wanted-a wife!

Note – I found a copy at my local library and this was super cute! I smiled from ear-to-ear the entire time. It is clever and such a fresh take on two classics. I highly recommend it!

#4 Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe by Melissa de la Cruz

Darcy Fitzwilliam is 29, beautiful, successful, and brilliant. She dates hedge funders and basketball stars and is never without her three cellphones―one for work, one for play, and one to throw at her assistant (just kidding). Darcy’s never fallen in love, never has time for anyone else’s drama, and never goes home for Christmas if she can help it. But when her mother falls ill, she comes home to Pemberley, Ohio, to spend the season with her family.

Her parents throw their annual Christmas bash, where she meets one Luke Bennet, the smart, sardonic slacker son of their neighbor. Luke is 32-years-old and has never left home. He’s a carpenter and makes beautiful furniture, and is content with his simple life. He comes from a family of five brothers, each one less ambitious than the other. When Darcy and Luke fall into bed after too many eggnogs, Darcy thinks it’s just another one night stand. But why can’t she stop thinking of Luke? What is it about him? And can she fall in love, or will her pride and his prejudice against big-city girls stand in their way?

#5 A Darcy Christmas by Collected Authors

“Mr. and Mrs. Darcy Wish You a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!” Share in the magic of the season in these three warm and wonderful holiday novellas from bestselling authors.

Christmas Present by Amanda Grange: Christmas finds the Darcy’s celebrating the holiday with preparations for a ball, but the festivities are interrupted by the arrival of a very special gift.

A Darcy Christmas by Sharon Lathan: After a quarter of a century together, Darcy and Elizabeth reminisce…

Mr. Darcy’s Christmas Carol by Carolyn Eberhart: Darcy encounters ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, who show him his life if pride keeps him from his one true love.

Note: Mr. Darcy’s Christmas Carol is available separately as well. 

#6 A Merry Darcy Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Emma Dow

When Lady Catherine invites the Bennet family to Rosings Park for Christmas, Elizabeth suspects that her motives may not be pure. But she has no idea how far Lady Catherine will go to ensure that Mr. Darcy marries her daughter, Anne, and not Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Only the most brazen deception will have a chance of thwarting the great lady’s design, but Elizabeth will have to make an instant decision, while she is in Mr. Darcy’s arms!

A Merry Darcy Christmas is a sweet Regency novel featuring Darcy and Elizabeth.

It has one kiss. Only one.

#7 Christmas at Longbourn by Karen Aminadra

While their sisters, Jane, Lizzy, and Lydia, married favourably and lived in great style and comfort, Kitty and Mary Bennett remain unmarried and living at Longbourn. Kitty, recently jilted, and Mary, overlooked wherever she goes, are thrown together and, through their hurt, they begin to see one another in a whole new light.

With the help of the worst winter storms England has ever seen, they are forced to face their flaws and tackle life head-on, for fear that nothing will ever change for them. Their greatest fear is to end their days unmarried. Yet, this year – with the aid of the ever-deepening snow – they are set to have their best ever Christmas at Longbourn!

#8 Mr. Darcy’s Present: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Vagary by Regina Jeffers

The greatest present he would ever receive is the gift of her love.

What if Mr. Darcy purchased a gift for Elizabeth Bennet to acknowledge the festive days even though he knows he will never present it to her? What if the gift is posted to the lady by his servants and without his knowledge? What if the enclosed card was meant for another and is more suggestive than a gentleman should share with an unmarried lady? Join Darcy and Elizabeth, for a holiday romp, loaded with delightful twists and turns no one expects, but one in which our favorite couple take a very different path in thwarting George Wickham and Lydia Bennet’s elopement. Can a simple book of poetry be Darcy’s means to win Elizabeth’s love? When we care more for another than ourselves, the seeds of love have an opportunity to blossom.

#9 A Very Meryton Christmas by Olivia Kane

Miss Elizabeth Bennet loves Christmas. But when Fitzwilliam Darcy stays on at Netherfield Park thru the New Year, she knows he will ruin her holiday with his rude comments and prideful ways. Yet, when she learns a painful secret about his past, she resolves to spread a little Christmas cheer his way. Can Elizabeth melt Mr. Darcy’s frozen heart or will jealous forces ruin their budding romance?

A Very Meryton Christmas is a lighthearted novella; in the spirit of the time frame, it is a genteel romance where only the tea is steamy.

Note – I can’t help but wonder if the painful secret is also about Georgiana, or something altogether different.

#10 Mr. Darcy’s Christmas Calendar by Jane Odiwe

A Pride and Prejudice Novella for the Christmas holidays!

Lizzy Benson visits Jane Austen’s house in Chawton and buys a special Advent calendar in the gift shop. When she opens up the first door, strange things begin to happen. Lizzy finds herself back in time with all the beloved characters from her favorite book, Pride and Prejudice. As she finds herself increasingly drawn into an alternate reality, Lizzy discovers not only is Mr Darcy missing from the plot, but also that Jane Austen has never heard of him. All Lizzy can hope is that she can help get the story, and her own complicated love life, back on track before Christmas is over and bring everything to a happy resolution in Jane Austen’s imaginary world!

Note – As a fan of Lost in Austen, this book was promptly added to my to-read list!

#11 Yuletide: A Jane Austen-Inspired Collection of Stories by Collected Authors and edited by Christina Boyd

A holiday short story anthology with some favorite Austenesque authors. YULETIDE is inspired by Jane Austen’s PRIDE & PREJUDICE, and the spirit of the season. Regency and contemporary alike, each romance was dreamt to spark love, humor, and wonder while you dawdle over a hot cup of tea this Christmas.

Stories by: Elizabeth Adams, J. Marie Croft, Amy D’Orazio, Lona Manning, Angela Schroeder, Joana Starnes, and Caitlin Williams

Note – This collection has a 4.90-star rating on Goodreads. I read the comments and reviews from readers to learn about each story. Click here for a good summary from a Goodreads reviewer.

#12 A Holiday to Remember: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Jennifer Redlarczyk

Elizabeth Bennet is a dedicated choral director and teacher at Meryton Academy for the Performing Arts. William Darcy is the aloof CEO of Darcy Enterprises. The two of them met when unfortunate circumstances brought them together during a summer music festival in Chicago where tempers flared and unpleasant words were exchanged. Find out what happens when their paths cross again in December. Will their animosity continue, or will their reunion turn out to be A Holiday to Remember?

Note – Author Jennifer Redlarczyk has two other holiday Pride and Prejudice variations.

#13 A Very Austen Christmas: Austen Anthologies, Book 1 by Collected Authors

Her Christmas Gift by Robin Helm: Elizabeth Bennet finds herself snowbound at Rosings with two rejected, but highly eligible, suitors. Does either man have a chance? Will her childhood friend, Meryton’s golden boy, win her affection, or will she accept the master of Pemberley? Perhaps she will refuse them both a second time. Her Christmas Gift deftly combines tension and emotion with humor and romance.

The Christmas Matchmaker by Laura Hile: It’s raining; it’s pouring – and what could be better than a little Christmas matchmaking? So says Emma Woodhouse, an unexpectedly stranded guest at Netherfield Park. Mr. Darcy disagrees, for she has someone else in mind for adorable Elizabeth Bennet. Amid meddling, misunderstanding, and an unwelcome proposal or two, will True Love find a way?

Related Post | 50 Books to Read If You Love Jane Austen

No Better Gift by Wendi Sotis: On his way to Derbyshire to spend Christmas with his family, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy plans to retrieve an item he left behind during his rushed escape from Netherfield—and the country miss who touched his heart. Finding Meryton practically deserted, he fears the worst. What fate could have fallen upon this once-thriving village in only three weeks? More importantly, was Miss Elizabeth Bennet in danger?

Mistletoe at Thornton Lacey by Barbara Cornthwaite: When Edmund Bertram realizes that Fanny is the perfect wife for him, he wants to propose without delay. What better time than at Christmas? Ah, but the course of true love never does run smooth …

#14 A Holiday by Gaslight: A Victorian Christmas Novella by Mimi Matthews

A Courtship of Convenience. Sophie Appersett is quite willing to marry outside of her class to ensure the survival of her family. But the darkly handsome Mr. Edward Sharpe is no run-of-the-mill London merchant. He’s grim and silent. A man of little emotion–or perhaps no emotion at all. After two months of courtship, she’s ready to put an end to things.

A Last Chance for Love. But severing ties with her taciturn suitor isn’t as straightforward as Sophie envisioned. Her parents are outraged. And then there’s Charles Darwin, Prince Albert, and that dratted gaslight. What’s a girl to do except invite Mr. Sharpe to Appersett House for Christmas and give him one last chance to win her? Only this time there’ll be no false formality. This time they’ll get to know each other for who they really are.

#15 A Coldwater Warm Hearts Christmas (The Coldwater Series) by Lexi Eddings

High school English teacher Angie Holloway has been in this little Ozark hamlet for a few years. Yet, she still feels like an outsider. Plus, with no family of her own and single to boot, she’s rusty when it comes to opening her heart. Nevertheless, she’s been drafted to direct the annual Christmas pageant—whether she likes it or not. As for her assistant, that job’s been handed to Seth Parker. He may be smoking hot, but the brawny construction engineer is definitely not her type. 

While Angie tries to put a new spin on the show, and Seth tries to tolerate her correcting his grammar, they both resist the locals who insist on pushing them together. But when Seth finds her copy of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility—marked up with her revealing comments—he can’t resist trying to romance her using his newfound knowledge. And Angie is surprised to find that this big, handsome lug can read her like a storybook hero . . .

#16 Christmas at Netherfield – A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Nora Kipling

What if Elizabeth refused Mr. Darcy’s second proposal? What would have happened if Wickham’s devious nature had been exposed before Lydia had run off with him?  Set shortly after Jane’s wedding to Mr. Bingley, Christmas at Netherfield answers these questions and more, such as what might cause dear Mr. Darcy to propose to Elizabeth a third and final time? Would she say yes? A Christmas-time ball, the Bennet family, and lots of ribbons await you in Christmas at Netherfield.

This sweet and clean romance is suitable for a variety of fans who adore Jane Austen’s works!

#17 Christmas with Miss Austen by Laura Briggs

Julia Allen is a waitress by day, painter by night, and a famous 1800s authoress on weekends. Moonlighting as Jane Austen for a historical open house is a strange hobby for a contemporary artist. But Julia loves the role—until she falls asleep and gets locked inside after all the visitors are gone! Rushing home from the dark, historical mansion, she collides with a stranger in the snowy park, losing a rare copy of Austen’s Northanger Abbey. A copy borrowed from a friend’s treasured collection.

Book historian Eliot Weston thinks he imagined the Regency-era figure, but the book he finds in her wake proves otherwise. The first edition of Jane Austen’s novel is authentic and incredibly rare, but he can’t any trace of its owner. However, reminders of the unusual encounter keep popping up. Like the pretty modern artist eager to buy an identical volume. Coincidence? Or Divine intervention making it clear this is anything but an ordinary Christmas for these two hearts?

#18 Darcy’s Christmas Wish: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Penelope Swan

Curl up with Darcy and Elizabeth this holiday season!

Fitzwilliam Darcy never forgot the little girl, with the beautiful dark eyes, who saved his life fifteen years ago… though he never expected to meet her again. But when he comes to Rosings Park to spend the Advent season with his aunt, he discovers that at Christmastime, miracles – and wishes – can come true…

Darcy’s Christmas Wish is sweet, clean stand-alone Pride and Prejudice variation.

Note – Admit it….as soon as you saw the puppy on the cover your mind pictured Darcy cuddling a puppy!

#19 Christmas at Pemberley by Regina Jeffers

Darcy has invited the Bennets and the Bingleys to spend the Christmastide’s festive days at Pemberley. But as he and Elizabeth journey to their estate to join the gathered families, a blizzard blankets the English countryside. The Darcys find themselves stranded at a small inn. Meanwhile, Pemberley is inundated with refugees seeking shelter from the storm. Without her brother’s strong presence, Georgiana Darcy tries desperately to manage the chaos surrounding the arrival of six invited guests and eleven unscheduled visitors. But bitter feuds, old jealousies and intimate secrets quickly rise to the surface.

Related Post | Jane and the Waterloo Map (2016): Sleuthing in Regency England, Jane Austen-Style

Has Lady Catherine returned to Pemberley for forgiveness or revenge? Will the manipulative Caroline Bingley find a soul mate? Shall Kitty Bennet and Georgiana know happiness? Written in Regency style and including Austen’s romantic entanglements and sardonic humor, Christmas at Pemberley places Jane Austen’s most beloved characters in an exciting yuletide story that speaks to the love, the family spirit and the generosity that is the heart of Christmas.

#20 Holidays with Jane: Christmas Cheer by Collected Authors

The Work of an Instant by Jennifer Becton: When Frederick Wentworth’s ship docks at the Navy base in Charleston just in time for Christmas, Anne Elliot feels torn between desire to see her former fiance and fear of rejection. Will taking a risk end in humiliation or give Anne a second chance with her first love? To find out, all she has to do is turn around and face him.

Mischief and Mistletoe by Melissa Buell: Cate Morland gets the opportunity of a lifetime to plan the costumes for the upcoming Dickens’ Christmas Festival. There she meets Henry Tilney who shows an interest in more than Cate’s costume designs. Mistaken by Henry’s father as a rich heiress, Cate is invited to stay with the Tilney family at their estate. Will Henry feel the same for Cate once he discovers she is a seamstress paying her own way through design school?

A Tale of Three Christmases by Rebecca M. Fleming: When their father dies, leaving their brother everything, life changes radically for the Dashwood girls. Librarian Ellie and musician Marianne have their work of course, but what about teenage Maggie? Maggie only has her writing-a surprising saving grace that helps her chronicle the ups and downs of life, love and family in this tale of three Christmases.

With Love, from Emma by Cecilia Gray: A visit to Emma Gold’s flower shop can save a relationship. But a date at Lance Knightley’s bar can take that relationship to the next level. So, who really is Heartfield, Oregon’s resident romance expert? Emma and Lance square off at their best friends’ wedding to settle the score. Sparks fly as bets are made and favors are won in this contemporary Christmas retelling, recounted With Love, from Emma.

It’s a Wonderful Latte by Jessica Grey: Evie St. Laurent can count on three things: being single during Christmas, her job as manager at Mansfield Perk, and Frank Nakatomi, her best friend and coworker. But when the glamorous Piper siblings come to town and sweep everyone off their feet, Evie feels those very things slipping away. It will take some Christmas magic and the help of a special angel named Jane to help Evie see that the love she’s been waiting for has been there all the time.

Pride & Presents by Kimberly Truesdale: Liz Bennet wants to make this Christmas the best Longbourn Community Center has ever had. When basketball superstar Charles Bingley shows up to volunteer, it looks like that just might happen despite his unhelpful friend, Will Darcy. But when everything starts to go wrong and Longbourn itself is in danger, Liz must set aside her pride and ask for help. Then she’ll discover that the best presents are the ones you never expect.

#21 The Mischief of Mistletoe: A Pink Carnation Christmas by Lauren Willig

Arabella Dempsey’s dear friend Jane Austen warned her against teaching. But Miss Climpson’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies seems the perfect place for Arabella to claim her independence while keeping an eye on her younger sisters. Just before Christmas, she accepts a position at the quiet girls’ school. Arabella expects to face nothing more exciting than conducting the annual Christmas recital. She hardly imagines coming face to face with French aristocrats and international spies! Reginald “Turnip”Fitzhugh-often mistaken for the elusive spy known as the Pink Carnation- has blundered into danger before. But when he blunders into Miss Arabella Dempsey, it never occurs to him that she might be trouble.

When Turnip and Arabella stumble upon a beautifully wrapped Christmas pudding with a cryptic message written in French, “Meet me at Farley Castle,” the unlikely vehicle for intrigue launches the pair on a Yuletide adventure. The pair flit from the Austens’ modest drawing room to the awe-inspiring estate of the Dukes of Dovedale, where the Dowager Duchess is hosting the most anticipated event of the year: an elaborate twelve-day Christmas celebration. Will they find poinsettias or peril, dancing or danger? Is it possible that the fate of the British Empire rests in Arabella’s and Turnip’s hands? And, in the form of a festive Christmas pudding?

#22 Christmas with Mr. Darcy: An Austen Addicts Novella by Victoria Connelly

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a little bit of Jane Austen! Dame Pamela Harcourt is celebrating Christmas in style at Purley Hall. This year, she is holding a special Jane Austen Conference. Everybody’s there: Katherine and Warwick, Robyn and Dan, Kay, Adam and Gemma, and Sarah and Mia. Oh, and Mrs. Soames.

But, when a rare first edition of Pride and Prejudice goes missing, the guests have to forget the fun and games and turn detective…

#23 Carols and Chaos by Cindy Anstey

The happy chaos of the Yuletide season has descended upon the country estate of Shackleford Park in full force. But lady’s maid Kate Darby barely has the time to notice. Between her household duties, caring for her ailing mother, and saving up money to someday own a dress shop, her hands are quite full. Matt Harlow is also rather busy. He’s performing double-duty, acting as valet for both of the Steeple brothers and two of the estate’s holiday guests.

Falling in love would be a disaster for either of them. But staving off their feelings for each other becomes the least of their problems. When a devious counterfeiting scheme reaches the gates of Shackleford Park, Kate and Matt are unwittingly swept up in the intrigue.

#24 Once Upon a December by Rose Fairbanks

Seven re-imaginings of Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice. Discover the magic and wonder of true love, first kisses, and forgiveness with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth, Jane, and Mr. Bingley in Once Upon a December.

A Sleigh Ride for Two: Darcy returns to Hertfordshire armed with a sleigh. As well as a plan to clear his good name.

Thawed Hearts: Inspired by In the Bleak Midwinter by Christina Rossetti, Darcy seeks happiness in a world of cold memories.

Fitzy the Snowman: The Gardiners’ youngest daughter witnesses love spark between Darcy and Elizabeth during a day of snow games.

The Force of Love: Relatives present logical reasons for Darcy and Elizabeth to reconsider their understanding of themselves. But true change is born of love.

Home with You: Jane knows her heart belongs with Mr. Bingley, but despairs of ever feeling at home again.

Fortune Favours the Bold: Regency era propriety dictates letters between unwed ladies and men taboo. Sometimes, breaking the rules is worth the risk.

Winter Walks: A walk in the snow covered lanes near Longbourn adds romance and magic to Darcy and Elizabeth’s engagement.

#25 Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding

Bridget Jones’s Diary is the devastatingly self-aware, laugh-out-loud account of a year in the life of a thirty-something Singleton on a permanent doomed quest for self-improvement. Caught between the joys of Singleton fun, and the fear of dying alone and being found three weeks later half eaten by an Alsatian; tortured by Smug Married friends asking, “How’s your love life?” with lascivious, yet patronizing leers, Bridget resolves to: reduce the circumference of each thigh by 1.5 inches, visit the gym three times a week not just to buy a sandwich, form a functional relationship with a responsible adult and learn to program the VCR. With a blend of flighty charm, existential gloom, and endearing self-deprecation, Bridget Jones’s Diary has touched a raw nerve with millions of readers the world round. Read it and laugh—before you cry, “Bridget Jones is me!”

Want to add these books to your to-read list? You can find them all on Amazon, Google Play, Barnes and Noble, or Kobo.

So, fellow Jane Austen fans, what do you think? Any of these books catch your interest? Drop me a line below and tell me what you’ll be reading this holiday season! I would love some recommendations, too!

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