My Rating: ★★★★
Publisher: Mirror Press
Release Date: November 2, 2018
Genre: Clean Holiday Romance
ALWAYS KISS AT CHRISTMAS by Regina Scott
Mary Rose has one goal for her mother’s annual Christmas Eve party: convince her childhood friend Julian Mayes to marry her. She has always admired Julian. Surely one moment under the kissing bough will convince him they were meant to be together. Newly hired by a prestigious London law firm, Julian is ready to shake the dust of the countryside off his polished boots. But he’s always had a soft spot for Mary. As the danger to her future becomes clear, will one kiss be enough to prove to him how far he will go to protect her?
My Review ♥️
I loved the premise of this book, the longing of a simple kiss under the mistletoe, that is chased throughout the novella. I was rooting for Mary, not only hoping that she would get her kiss, but also that she is able to make her feelings known to Julian, the man that she loves, and seal her fate for the future. A sweet ending is perfect for this simple and sweet novella.
A YULETIDE MATCH by Sarah M. Eden
Famed matchmaker to the ton, Adelaide Northrup cannot imagine a more perfect way to spend Christmas than answering the desperate call of Mr. Porter Bartrum: widower, young father, dunderhead. The young gentleman’s first marriage was an arranged one and he hasn’t the first idea how to find a wife on his own. His dear friend, Chloe Munson, has watched his attempts with amusement and finds this latest approach, the clandestine hiring of a matchmaker, his most entertaining yet. If Adelaide plays her cards right, and she always does, she might very well manage to secure two happy endings.
My Review ♥️
Porter is a single father in search of a mate, so he calls in the infamous Adelade with help to find him a wife. Little does he realize that his lady love is right under his nose. Adelade takes great pleasure in pretending to create a love connection when she is really trying to make Porter, and his lady friend Chloe, realize their true feelings for each other on their own.
While I normally love the stories of the matchmaker Adelade, I did not connect with any of the characters nor the story itself. I felt like the story was rushed and as a whole lacked depth. Porter's personality seemed dry and dull to me, but I loved Chloe and her carefree attitude. I really wanted to love this story but it was a struggle for me to reach the end.
THE FORBIDDEN DUKE by Jen Geigle Johnson
They weren’t supposed to meet, but now that they have, nothing will ever be the same. The Duke of Salsbury blames her family. Lady Catherine blames his. Will an age-old dispute between the Salsburys and Asters rip apart any hope they have to be together? In this game of secrets and lies, can their love for each other conquer even the most tightly held family prejudices?
My Review ♥️
Family secrets. Feuding families. A chance meeting that brings a Salsbury and an Aster together, which is forbidden, though neither Stephen, the new Duke of Salsbury, or Lady Catherine, from the house of Aster, can understand. The attraction between Stephen and Catherine leads them both to uncover family secrets that can threaten their very wellbeing, creating a mini-mystery of sorts.
While the plot was intriguing, I never quite connected with the characters. I didn't feel the strife of feuding families was there which made me lack that connection and sympathy for their plight. Though there was an alluring premise, I felt The Forbidden Duke lacking.
MISTLETOE AT WILLOWSMEADE by Annette Lyon
On Christmas Eve, Eleanor Hadfield, who works as governess at her childhood home of Willowsmeade, is stunned to learn that the love of her youth, Julian Phillips, is coming back after a decade’s absence. Once the gardener’s son, he has elevated his station to navy captain. Making a match with a mere governess would lower his position, if he were to still love her as he did as a young man, which is unlikely. Unable to bear the idea of noble Julian keeping an old promise out of obligation or pity, Eleanor decides to leave the only place that has ever been a home.
My Review ♥️
A love that is confessed as a young sailor to a young woman many years ago, before he is to ship out, is shrugged off as a youthful act, with the true meaning shrouded in mystery. Years later, when the two are reunited at Christmastime, questions abound as both parties wonder what is going through the mind of the other.
With a sweet premise, this short novella is quite charming. There is no real drama, the only tension lying on the whole will they/won't they aspect. The imagery of the Willowsmeade house and the excitement for the upcoming holiday is contagious. This truly is a sweet and perfect little holiday read.
FOLLOW THE RIVER HOME by Krista Lynne Jensen
With her beloved home entailed away to a wealthy cousin, spirited Arabelle Hyatt has resigned herself to marry the arrogant man, if only to save her family from destitution. But before an understanding is reached, a childhood friend returns from war, wounded in more ways than one. With Christmas coming—what may be their last at Hybrigge—holiday traditions are celebrated, memories are revisited, and Arabelle learns what lies in a man’s words is not always what lies in his heart.
My Review ♥️
War brings with it a huge price. Some pay with time away from family, some pay with a permanent injury, and many pay with their lives. Those that are left often deal with guilt, wondering how or why they are still here. Isaac has lost his hand and leg in battle. While he is on leave his best friend and his best friends' wife fall gravely ill and die soon after. So much loss.
Arabelle has lost her brother and sister-in-law, leaving in their wake a sweet one-year-old daughter named Eleanor, and their mother, Mrs. Hygatt, to all fend for themselves. The situation is dire and Mrs. Hyatt feels their only solution is for Arabelle to marry a man not for love but for means.
It is easy to feel their plight through the pages. Your heart aches for the situation that they are all left in and pray for a happy solution. This novella is jam packed with emotion, drama, and even a little suspense. It is an enjoyable story that is beautifully written and a joy to read.
THE NEW EARL by Heather B. Moore
Celia Thompson knows she can’t live with the new earl who’s come to take her brother’s place. Before she can pack her belongings and reconcile herself to a fate of living as a spinster in her aunt’s home, the new earl arrives. Yet, Aaron, now Lord Banfield, is not the pompous, arrogant man she’d imagined. In fact, he’s quite . . . interesting and handsome. Celia decides to help the man acclimate to his new role. But the longer she stays on at Banfield, the more she realizes the new earl might be the answer she’s been looking for.
My Review ♥️
Normally when you read a regency novel the duke or earl's character is well-polished and in complete control of whatever situation they are in. That is not so in The New Earl. Aaron has become the new earl due to a death, and he is completely unprepared, never having such an important role. Celia is still mourning the death of her brother and now she has to deal with a new earl, and is being pushed out of the only home she knows.
The tension between Celia and Aaron is immediate, the chemistry flowing between them without either of them really realizing it. Aaron's curiosity about Celia's late nights and zest to learn his new role as earl is charming and I love that Celia is a strong, independent woman who knows and understands both her situation and her lot in life.
Heather B. Moore hit a home run with this novella and it is the perfect way to end A Yuletide Regency. I loved the flow and almost wish The New Earl could've been a full novel! Wonderful read!
More in the Timeless Romance Anthology Series
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
No comments
Thank you for visiting! :)