Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Everton Domestic Society
Publication Date: 12/5/23
Number of Pages: 98

This was a quick and enjoyable read. I liked the characters but wondered why in the world he would think she’d just instantly like/love him when he had treated her so miserably while they were growing up. He knew what was in his mind – but she didn’t. So, he was gobsmacked when he inherited the title and she left. Ha! Silly man!

Gwen grew up as the ward of the Duke of Stratham and she loved him as a father. She lost her father so young (5 years old maybe), that she never knew anything different. The Duke spoiled her and doted on her, but, for some reason, he never took her to London for a season.

Theo Dandridge, the new Duke of Stratham, was about ten years old when Gwen came into his life. She was a lost and lonely little thing and he comforted her. Then, boys being boys, he tormented her. Then, one day he heard his father (the duke’s brother) and the duke talking about Theo and Gwen marrying. Theo grossly overreacted and set about being nasty to Gwen and absenting himself from home.

When his uncle dies, Theo inherits the title but comes home to find that the only occupants are the servants. Well, that just won’t do – he has to find Gwen and bring her home! But, will she come?

I liked Theo’s quick acceptance of why he wants Gwen back under his roof and I admired his quick belief in her and his admiration of her skills and talents. But, convincing Gwen wouldn’t be easy.

Each had long admired the other but had kept it well hidden. Can they quit hiding behind that façade and acknowledge their true feelings to themselves and each other? Theo has a lot to make up for – can he do it?

I enjoyed this quick read and I hope you will as well. However, I will mention one thing to you. When I saw the title, I was expecting an actual Christmas-themed book with mistletoe, decorations, snow, and the whole works, so I was a tad disappointed. In actuality, this book is only very loosely related to Christmas in that it takes place during Christmas time. Still an enjoyable read though.

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

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