His Perfect Gift, by L.L. Diamond — A Review

From the desk of Katie Jackson:

Sometimes all that is required to convince a person to pursue their heart’s desire is to present evidence that it is not, in fact, an impossible achievement. In His Perfect Gift—the latest Pride and Prejudice variation from prolific Austenesque author L.L. Diamond—our hero considers the possibility of becoming the kind of man who is capable of pleasing a woman worthy of being pleased and earning her esteem.

Fitzwilliam Darcy has escaped Hertfordshire with great haste, along with his friend Bingley, following the ball at Netherfield, keenly feeling the danger he’d been in and hoping to soon forget the cause: the enchanting Miss Elizabeth Bennet. “Was there nothing that would spare him the torment of her memory?” (Loc 84) In an attempt to lighten Darcy’s dismal disposition, his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam persuades him to journey to Cheapside for
an introduction to the proprietor of a business the colonel has invested in. Darcy reluctantly relents, only to discover his trials are just beginning. “Here she was, standing before him.” (Loc 209)

Elizabeth has traveled with her sister Jane to Cheapside to spend Christmastide with their aunt and uncle Gardiner, hoping the lighthearted festivities may heal Jane’s heartache over Bingley’s sudden departure. An unexpected encounter with Bingley’s prideful friend leaves her dismayed. “Was she to spend her entire stay in London in the society of Mr. Darcy? Whatever grievous sin had she committed to deserve such a fate?” (Loc 319)

With the comfortable company and encouragement of their more observant and gracious relations, Darcy becomes determined to demonstrate his more amiable character to Elizabeth, who begins to admire the man she once disliked. But something wicked this way comes—in surprising forms and with unforeseen consequences—as “desperate people commit stupid acts.” (Loc 2206) Will Darcy and Elizabeth’s newfound comfort and joy save them from those who have gone astray?

I love a good Yuletide tale almost as much as I love Pride and Prejudice variations, so the combination of the two was of instant interest to me. Although this story was entertaining, it was very light on the Christmas spirit, much to my disappointment. It was also a bit disconcerting to see a normally affable character going rogue. Even so, I enjoyed the role played by a particularly witty and supportive Colonel Fitzwilliam, and I delighted in the devoted relationship of our dear couple and the caring connections they made with each other’s families.

Fans of Jane Austen variations will appreciate the unique turn of events and sigh-worthy happily-ever-after in His Perfect Gift.

4 out of 5 Stars

BOOK INFORMATION

• His Perfect Gift, by L.L. Diamond
• L.L. Diamond (October 5, 2021)
• Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook (209) pages
• ISBN: 978-1737335641
• Genre: Austenesque, Regency Romance, Holiday Reading

ADDITONAL INFO | ADD TO GOODREADS

We received a review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Austenprose is an Amazon affiliate. Cover image courtesy of L.L. Diamond © 2021; text Katie Jackson © 2021, austenprose.com.