Yuletide: A Jane Austen-Inspired Collection of Stories

The Quill Collective, Book 4

By: Joana Starnes, Caitlin Williams, Elizabeth Adams, J. Marie Croft, Anngela Schroeder, Lona Manning, Amy D'orazio

Narrated by: Harry Frost

Length: 5 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's Summary

“I went up to the Great House between three and four, and dawdled away an hour very comfortably....” (Jane Austen)

A holiday short story anthology with some favorite Austenesque authors, Yuletide is inspired by Jane Austen, 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.  

Chapter 1: Opening Credits
Chapter 2: “The Forfeit” by Caitlin Williams
Chapter 3: “And Evermore Be Merry” by Joana Starnes
Chapter 4: “The Wishing Ball” by Amy D’Orazio
Chapter 5: “By a Lady” by Lona Manning
Chapter 6: “Homespun for the Holidays” by J. Marie Croft
Chapter 7: “The Season for Friendly Meetings” by Anngela Schroeder
Chapter 8: “Mistletoe Management” by Elizabeth Adams
Chapter 9: Closing Credits  

©2019 Christina Boyd (P)2019 Christina Boyd dba The Quill Ink, LLC

Critic Reviews

“Harry Frost is amazing! I could listen to him over and over again, and while I am writing this I am on my third go round with this book.” (Jane Austen Runs My Life) 

“Gave me butterflies.... Each story felt entirely unique from the others, while still cohesive in context of the theme, and the different approaches mean that there's likely to be a story here to suit most Janeites. The book feels tightly and thoughtfully curated, and I did, in fact, discover some authors whose JAFF I now want to look into!” (The Book Rat) 

“He [narrator Harry Frost] has great versatility with historical and modern time, gender, age, class, and accents. He caught the tone so well of each story whether humor or drama. I would definitely listen to more of his work. ...I smiled, laughed, and felt my heart flutter and felt the spirit of Christmas through and through.” (Sophia Rose, Hot Listens) 

Stunning

I loved this anthology of Christmas JAFF Modern and Regency stories written by some of the authors in this genre. I am a fan of Regency JAFF and I loved all of them. Darcy stuck with the Bennets is one of my favorite themes, and I adore stories with a glimpse into Elizabeth and Darcy marriage. This anthology provided it all. The narrator was amazing, his rendition of a snobbish British Will Darcy arguing in a country store in Meryton was priceless. Highly recommended.

Bring old fashioned Christmas alive

I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas collection. It brings joy to listen to the various stories and I find myself wanting more. I did not like the modern versions though. It was a letdown and I moved on without bothering to listen. All in all, the stories are worth the cost and time invested. I recommend them to all who love Christmas and the joy it brings.

Take this one home for Christmas!

Harry Frost shines as he brings to life this wonderful holiday collection from your favorite authors. Each story is a thoughtful, heartwarming, cheerful addition to your Christmas season. The perfect listen for Baking Day or Decorating or for when Bing Crosby on Repeat just isn't cutting it. Brava to the authors and to Christina Boyd and Harry Frost for this delightful listen. I'll be enjoying it every year!

I didn’t want it to end.

It’s just what I always wanted. I didn’t want it to end. I think I’m going to listen to it again right now

Yuletide

Excellent collection of Aunten-like Christmas time stories.Narration by Harry Frost was perfect!I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

A wonderful holiday Austenesque treat!

I absolutely loved this collection of Pride and Prejudice inspired short stories. They were sweet, funny and romantic. And Harry Frost does a wonderful job as narrator - just perfect. He does a great American accent, and even sings! I loved starting my holidays with Yuletide!

Superb narration for these delightful stories!

I had the pleasure of reading this e-book last year, but oh, what a delight to hear these stories read aloud! Narrator Henry Frost is a talented voice actor, particularly when it comes to giving life to a character like Darcy.

Yuletide is a collection of Austenesque tales, some based in Regency England, others set in contemporary America, all focused on how the spirit of the season impacts our beloved Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Penned by some of the strongest writers in the Austenesque community, these stories each present a slightly different take on Jane Austen's characters. Henry Frost skillfully accentuates these differences with subtle changes in his voice. I especially loved hearing his variations on Darcy: sometimes rude and arrogant, other times joyfully in love, always compelling, thanks to Frost's deep, sonorous voice.

I had so much fun listening to these stories! They were the perfect way of getting into the holiday spirit--that is to say, the spirit I wish I could claim all year round, for really, these are stories about friends, family, and the kind of love that transcends time and place. Be it December or July, take a listen--especially if you're an Austenesque reader looking for a reason to hope and to smile.

Delightful! 7x5 stars!

I enjoyed the ebook when I purchased it last year but having Harry Frost as the narrator makes this collection stellar. The stories are great fun and well written. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the situations (especially Homespun for the Holidays) Timelines range from Austin-era to modern. Clean and sweet (with a few appropriately used curses, but nothing R rated). I absolutely recommend this collection. Well done, ladies. Harry, you could make a seed catalog (or is it catalogue?) sound wonderful. Thank you all for a fun escape from reality.

A Bit of Christmas Magic Leads to Romance

What could be more deliciously, heartwarming than a collection of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice-inspired stories set around the Christmas holiday? Seven authors give us an engaging variety of stories from historical to modern, variation to sequel, and a bit of holiday magic to bring a cozy feeling and smile to reader's faces. And, it was sheer delight to have the fabulous Harry Frost doing the narration work.

The first story asks 'What if Darcy returns to Netherfield, the weather keeps him stranded, and he spends that fateful Christmas with the Bennets instead of in London? A snowed in setting is just the thing to get an out of tune pair a chance to right their misunderstandings.

Then, we fast forward a decade to visit Pemberley at Christmas for a reunion as witnessed from sweet Georgiana's point of view. Georgie has her own special surprise to share with her husband against the backdrop of heartwarming tradition and extended family antics.

A modern story with a magical wishing ornament shows Darcy a future happiness that he never knew to wish for and wants beyond anything now. It aids him getting past that unsuccessful first meet and the inevitable misunderstandings.

A sequel story has Darcy and Elizabeth visiting Rosings over the holidays and Elizabeth determinedly sets out to make Anne De Bourgh a friend to surprising results.

A romantic comedy for a modern Darcy and Elizabeth during a New England snow storm involving a Homespun gift, a quirky family, and much laughter.

Jane and Lizzy have a Yorkshire Christmas visit they will not soon forget when they encounter a certain Colonel Fitzwilliam who gives Lizzy perspective on her perceived wrongs from Mr. Darcy.

Oh my, the hijinks ensue when the relatives come for a Pemberley Christmas and Elizabeth discovers that Darcy might have one or two family embarrassments of his own. Christmas comedies can be such fun romps.

This was not my first encounter with Harry Frost's work. He has great versatility with historical and modern time, gender, age, class, and accents. He caught the tone so well of each story whether humor or drama.

Generally, I enjoy some over others when it comes to anthology collections, but that was not the case here. Each story was fabulous in its own unique way. I smiled, laughed, and felt my heart flutter and felt the spirit of Christmas through and through. I do believe there will be a little something for everyone who enjoys holiday romance inspired by a classic.

Christmas collection

Loved this Christmas book full of stories of ODC. I enjoyed listening to Harry Frost reading. He has got such a nice voice. Great Jaff.

Wonderful seasonal antholgy

Christmas is a time when magic and miracles seem to happen and Christina Boyd worked some magic and not a few miracles to bring the book version of this anthology of Pride and Prejudice-inspired seasonal stories together in a matter of a few weeks towards the end of 2018. All involved, both writing and editing, donated their time and talent free of charge so that all of the proceeds from sales of this fantastic collection could go to Chawton House Library, a charity that houses a remarkable collection of early women's writing. It's a place Jane Austen, the inspiration at the root of these stories, knew well as it was owned by her brother. As far as I'm aware, the charitable aspect only applies to the book version though, not the audio format.

The seven authors are all well known and highly thought of in the genre of Austenesque fiction. Two are set in modern times, the rest are Regency-set. Some are sequels, some take an alternative path for one of our favourite romantic couples. There is even a sprinkling of Christmas magic in one of them. All, without fail, are absolutely wonderful!

When I heard that this anthology was being released on audio, I simply had to use one of my credits on it, especially as the fantastic Harry Frost was narrating. His performance of The Darcy Monologues, from the same stable, was masterful. His voice is so well suited to this sort of writing and he seems to be able to change the pitch and tone of his voice at will in order to suit the characters and situations. One story called for an American accent and it sounded pretty good to this Brit's ears.

I won't say any more, as others who are far more eloquent than myself, have already done so. If you need an extra Christmas treat that'll leave you feeling warm and fuzzy all over, then why are you still reading my waffle? Go and get a copy for yourself!