Category: Christmas

Miss Barton’s Mysterious Husband by Anna Campbell

On By TracyIn Christmas, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Novella, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Series Crossover, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Miss Barton’s Mysterious Husband (Mayfair Christmas Romance, #1)Miss Barton’s Mysterious Husband by Anna Campbell

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Mayfair Christmas Romance, #1 & Cinderellas of Mayfair, #0.5

Release Date: December 10, 2024

When Sir Roland Destry sets out from London to visit his friend Sir Hugo and his family for Christmas, he could never have imagined the turn his life was about to take. For the last three years, his life has been dark and joyless, but an epic storm and a washed-out bridge are about to bring him face to face with the only woman he has ever loved, Charmian Barton, his wife. Glaring at him as if he is the reason he hasn’t seen her in three years! Well, now that he has finally found her, and he isn’t leaving until he gets some answers!

Charmain Barton, the daughter of a wealthy self-made man, met Sir Roland Destry at a house party and fell head over heels in love with the charming young man. When he proposed, she happily agreed, and they eloped. But after only two weeks of wedded bliss, an argument separated our lovers and has kept them apart ever since. But now Roland is here at her aunt’s inn, and she wants answers, even if her aunt Janet seems to be trying to get rid of him as soon as possible!

This was a well-written, sweet (and spicy) second-chance romance. I loved Roland and Charmain, they were clearly in love and despite the betrayal that kept them apart for three years, neither gave up hope of one day reconciling. I loved that they actually talked to each other, rather than assuming they knew what happened and when they learned the truth of their long separation, I love that they confessed their love and regretted their youthful fight and the time it cost them. I do think they went easy on the person that kept them apart, but it was Christmas, and they got their happy ending (and an epilogue) so, all’s well that ends well in this delightful story. This is the prologue to a new series, so this is the perfect place to start. I loved this book and am happy to recommend the title to my fellow romance lovers (especially if you love a good second chance romance)!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

Regency Christmas Weddings Anthology by Various Authors

On By TracyIn Anthology, Christmas, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Regency Christmas WeddingsRegency Christmas Weddings by Christine Merrill

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Anthology

Release Date: November 26, 24

Winter wedding bells are ringing… For three Regency couples!

A Mistletoe Kiss for the Governess by Christine Merrill, 4.5 stars: After years away at war, Major Frederick Preston is finally coming home and is looking forward to meeting the governess he hired five years ago through an agency. He has never met Charlotte Lewis in person, but has gotten to know the widow through letters. He thought he knew what to expect, but Mrs. Lewis is not the dowdy, old lady he imagined and he isn’t sure how to deal with the overwhelming attraction he feels. Charlotte fell in love with Fredrick years ago through his letters and perhaps fantasized that he might fall in love with her too, but his reaction to her makes it clear that her feelings are one-sided. But are they? This was by far my favorite of the three novellas.

The Earl’s Yuletide Proposal by Liz Tyner, 3.5 stars: When Adriana Armstrong delivers the news that her cousin (and employer) Lady Velma is jilting Lord Philbrook, he shocks her by proposing to her. She declines, but Lord Philbrook isn’t taking no for an answer and the more time he spends with Adriana, the more he realizes that he courted the wrong cousin and he isn’t going to let Adriana go without a fight. This was OK, I thought Adriana was a bit odd, but I was happy they got their HEA.

Lord Grange’s Snowy Reunion by Elizabeth Beacon, 3 stars: Five years ago a newly divorced Lieutenant Nathaniel Grange met and fell in love with Miss Juno Defford. But afraid of ruining her with his scandal, he left for war and hoped to return to her one day when the gossip has settled, but the more he thought about things, the more unworthy he felt and his experience with his first wife left him doubting Juno’s ability to love him once she really got to know him. So, he stays away, and when he finally returns, he assumed that she had moved on. So imagine his surprise when she shows up at his door seeking shelter during a blizzard and he learns that she has never married. Can he let go of his past hurt and trust his heart (and hers) or will his fear cost him the love of a lifetime?

None of the novellas are connected and can be read in any order. For the most part, they are low steam with just kissing (the first novella has one love scene, but it is very mild). I personally would have preferred a bit more spice, but enjoyed the stories nonetheless. Overall, this was a fun Christmasy anthology with three novellas each featuring a different trope and wonderful characters and I would be happy to recommend it.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *