Tag: Elizabeth Cole

The Sweetest Season by Elizabeth Cole

On By TracyIn American Historical, Christmas, Novella, Re-Release / Updated Edition, Standalone Title, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Sweetest Season: A Regency Holiday RomanceThe Sweetest Season: A Regency Holiday Romance by Elizabeth Cole

Tracy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Originally Published in the Snowflakes & Scandal Anthology as ‘Tis the Season for Seduction

Release Date: November 18, 2025

Noel Forrest was injured and held as a prisoner of war by the British, but now he is home in Philadelphia and healing, but his life lacks the joie de vivre he once had. Nothing appeals; he isn’t eating, sleeping and he hasn’t even been able to enjoy his once favorite pastime of painting. But when his doctor gifts him a box of candy from a new confectionary shop he is tempted for the first time in months, and when the flavors explode in his mouth, it is like he has awakened from a long sleep. It has been so long since he felt anything and he doesn’t want to lose the feeling, so he sends his secretary to buy more. Soon he is finally feeling well enough to make the trip into town himself and finds a new obsession – the confectioner herself.

Miss Beatrice “Bea” Holliday is the proud and reclusive owner of Holliday’s Finest Quality Confections. She was raised in England but had a falling out with her aristocratic family and moved to Paris to study the culinary arts. After years abroad, she has left Europe and started a new life in America. She has secrets and pain in her past which makes her very wary of forming connections. But the persistent Mr. Forrest refuses to be ignored and soon she finds herself falling for the former soldier. She wonders if she can have it all, a successful career and love without losing herself and then the old insecurities begin to rear their ugly heads and jeopardize her chance at happiness.

This was an interesting story; I love that it was set in the US and explores the history and the social and moral challenges people faced at this point in our history. Noel and Bea share an instant connection and bring out the creative side of each other. I liked the story and wish it had been a little bit longer, as I felt like I never really understood Bea, as her background was just glossed over and I found myself wondering how she got to Paris and not only survived but thrived alone during the Napoleonic wars. Overall, it was a quick, sweet yet spicy, feel-good read that should delight HR readers. Note: this novella was previously published as ‘Tis the Season for Seduction in the Snowflakes & Scandals anthology.

*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. *

Joy to the Earl by Elizabeth Cole

On By TracyIn Christmas, Georgian Era (1714-1837), New To Me Author, Novella, Regency Era (1811-1820), Standalone Title, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Joy to the Earl: A Regency Holiday RomanceJoy to the Earl: A Regency Holiday Romance by Elizabeth Cole

Tracy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: November 11, 2025

Widow Joy Whitfield is on her way to spend Christmas with her cousin when her carriage becomes inoperable during a snowstorm, and she is forced to seek shelter at a nearby inn. Unfortunately, due to the weather, there are no rooms available, and she is wondering what she will do when she hears a gentleman offer to give up his room for her. She is grateful until she learns the identity of the man – Douglas Sterling, the man she loved ten years ago before he broke her heart by marrying another woman.

Widower Douglas Sterling, the Earl of Hollis is traveling to his estate to spend the holiday with his young son when a storm hits, and he is trapped at inn to wait out a storm. When he overhears the innkeeper talking about a woman who needs a room, he offers his, only to learn that the woman in question is Joy, a woman he courted years ago, but whom he hurt by marrying another woman without a word to her. He never stopped loving her and regretted not following his heart. Can he convince her to give him another chance?

This was a fast-paced, well-written, second-chance, holiday themed novella with interesting characters. Joy and Douglas were once in love, but Douglas decided to listen to his friends and family and marry someone closer to his social stature. A chance meeting and forced proximity ten years later give them a second chance at their happily ever after. I liked the idea of the story but would have appreciated a bit more information about the breakup and a lot more groveling. Overall, this was a quick, steamyish romance with likable characters and a heartwarming ending that I enjoyed reading and would be happy to recommend.

*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. *