Barbara’s rating: 3.7 out of 5 Stars
Publication Date: 11/26/23
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 148

I’m always looking for new-to-me-authors to love, and Anastasia Hayward might just be one. This was a novella-length, lovely, warm, Christmas story that left me knowing that everyone can change and not to judge them by what I’ve heard (or thought) in the past. That is a very good message for every day, but it is particularly good for the Christmas season.

One night a consummate rake stole into Amelia Locke’s bedroom – in her own home! He wasn’t a guest – he had entered the home and the bedroom uninvited. Yet, they were both shocked – she was not who he was expecting – and she certainly could not have him discovered in her room. She recognizes him as Lord Sudbury – and shoves him out the window before her parents arrive. Whew – escape. But, that night changes them both in ways both big and small. She becomes a bookish wallflower who dresses in drab clothing and tries to become invisible, and he changes his ways to become a better person.

Three years later, in his endeavors to change, he decides to have a house party over the Christmas holidays. He asks his best friend’s wife to plan and act as hostess for the party – he really doesn’t want to know any of the details – even who is on the guest list. So, he is certainly surprised to find Amelia there!

It was sweet to watch Amelia and Sudbury work together to solve the puzzle game that was designed for the guests while also aligning the puzzle pieces with each other to find they had both changed. I liked both of the characters and for a novella, I think I got to know them fairly well. I enjoyed getting to see their romance blossom and the epilogue was a very nice addition.

If you are looking for a quick, sweet, feel-good, Christmas romance, you might want to give this one a try.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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