In case you haven’t heard the official announcements along the way, It’s a Wonderful Life, Mr. Darcy is now available! And the bonus is, you have three different formats to choose from! Here’s the blurb:

Imagine a world without Mr. Darcy. How would things have been different if he had never been born? In a moment of despair over Elizabeth’s rejection, the iconic hero of Pride and Prejudice wishes his life away. Now, on a tour with a surprising celestial guide, he must face up to the results. Instead of everybody being better off, as he had supposed, there have been unexpected consequences for his closest friends. Darcy realizes, too late, that his presence made a positive difference in the world, and that he really had a wonderful life. Is it all lost and gone forever?

I had intended (and had been telling everyone) that I would publish this story only in Kindle and audio. Since it’s such a short book/novella/short story, it didn’t seem an appropriate candidate for a paperback edition. BUT THEN, the hue and cry began. “But my Shannon Winslow collection won’t be complete if I can’t get it in paperback!” “But I only read physical books, so that leaves me out.” “Won’t you please reconsider doing a paperback?”

Never let it be said that I don’t listen to reader feedback, and so I did reconsider! As a result, the newly minted paperback went live today. Here, for the first time anywhere, is the full cover:

At 80 pages, it’s a skinny, but wouldn’t it make a nice little Christmas gift or stocking stuffer for your favorite Austen fan? Or for yourself?

Then don’t forget, it’s also available to read with your ears, for you audiophiles! Since the story is told in first person by Darcy himself, I just had to have the incomparable Harry Frost do the narration. His IS the voice of Mr. Darcy in so many P&P variations, including my own Fitzwilliam Darcy in His Own Words.

So there you have them, It’s a Wonderful Life, Mr. Darcy in all three formats. They’re all available at Amazon.

Well, there is a fourth variation, not yet available anywhere. It’s not a different version of the story but of the cover design. You see, I create my own Christmas cards every year, always featuring some of my own artwork on the outside and a newsy letter on the inside (see this previous post). And so it occurred to me that the cover for this book could make a great card with a little modification. Just when my graphic designer thought he was finished, I sent him an email, saying, “Oh, and one more thing…”

He’s very kind and accommodates all my requests and changes of mind without complaint. In no time at all, he did just what I asked. So here’s my card for this year! You all have a sneak preview, seeing the card before anybody else!

I know it’s a little early, but here’s wishing you a very Merry Christmas, 2024!

“I sincerely hope your Christmas in Hertfordshire may abound in the gaieties which that season generally brings, and that your beaux will be so numerous as to prevent your feeling the loss of the three of whom we shall deprive you.” (Caroline Bingley, Pride and Prejudice, chapter 21)