Category: Novella

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. *

A Governess Should Never…Wager a Duke by Emily Windsor

On By TracyIn Book Publicity, Christmas, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Novella, Part of a Series, Re-Release / Updated Edition, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Governess Should Never... Wager a Duke (The Governess Chronicles Book 5)A Governess Should Never… Wager a Duke by Emily Windsor

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Governess Chronicles, #5

Release Date: November 1, 2024

Once upon a time, Miss Charlotte Webster fell in love with her childhood friend Marcus Scarcliffe, the Duke of Shawdale, and when they danced together at the Christmas ball, she believed that he might return her feelings. But shortly thereafter, Marcus left for London and when he returned, he was a changed man, gone was the kind, happy boy, and along with him any hope of a happily ever after. Things went downhill from there, with the death of her father and the realization that she was penniless, but still had to care for her ailing uncle and her childhood home. Working as a governess, she barely keeps her head above water and when she learns that Marcus is in need of a governess for his ward, she jumps at the chance to be close to her home and if she is honest, to him. But when she learns that he doesn’t plan to be home for Christmas, she issues a challenge to him, if he still wants to go on his business trip after attending three Christmastide events with her, she will work for free until he finds a finishing school for Dinah, but if she wins, he will employ her until Dinah’s debut and pay to fix her roof. It is a bet she plans to win!

Unbeknownst to Charlotte there is a very good reason for the drastic change in Marcus, but even he can’t deny the feelings that seeing Charlotte again stirs in him. So against his better judgment, he accepts her challenge, fully intending to win. But somewhere between dancing at a Christmas ball, a winter wedding, long walks in the countryside, a very unpleasant dinner party, and some sage advice from a stranger, Marcus realizes that life is short and that love is more important than making money. But will Charlotte still have him when she learns the truth or will his past cost him the love of his life?

OMG, I loved this story and although it is a novella, it is a full story, never feeling rushed or skimpy. Written as a very loose retelling of Dicken’s Christmas Carol, this story is a lovely second-chance, friends-to-lover romance. I loved Charlotte and Marcus; their chemistry is undeniable and their interactions are delightfully witty and charming. The secondary characters, especially Dinah, are wonderful, and I loved the cameo of William Wordsworth! Originally published as a “A Governess Should Never…Kiss at Christmastide” in the Christmas in Cumbria anthology, this novella has been revamped with expanded scenes and an epilogue, I loved the original, but this version is even better (which I didn’t think was possible). Even if you read it in the anthology, I would definitely recommend grabbing this revised and updated edition!

*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. *