ABOUT THE BOOK
Settle in by the fireside and savor stories of unexpected romance, second chances, and lifelong love. Featuring four novellas from some of your favorite authors, this historical Christmas romance collection is sure to capture your heart.
Memories of Christmas by Chalon Linton—Judith Benson despises Christmas and has no interest in the festivities of London Society. But when she catches the attention of a handsome viscount, her holiday humbug is put to the test.
A Home for the Holidays by Jennifer Moore—As Captain Edgar Bryant nurses his wounds from his time in the army, he finds unexpected relief in creating Christmas cheer alongside the sparkling Winnie Larsen.
Lady Walmsley and Foster by Karen Tuft—The holidays are approaching, and longtime widow Lady Walmsley turns to her staff for company—much to the dismay of her very proper butler, Foster. But what begins as friendship just might end in love.
A Gretna Green Christmas by Alene Wecker—Since sharing a bumbling first kiss beneath the mistletoe years ago, Charles and Maria have been star-crossed. But this Christmas, love might finally be within their reach.
REVIEW
I do love Christmas novellas! Each of the stories in this anthology present a love story framed during the Christmas Season. Two of the stories are connected to other books by the same author. Memories of Christmas connects to Chalon Linton's Jamison series about Phoebe Jamison and her brothers, some of whom appear in this story of Lord Landon's love story. Lady Walmsley's love story Jennings Family series. And Charles' and Maria's love story connects to Wecker's other books, An Engagement of Sorts and An Engagement of Errors. While the connections allow readers to get to know the characters in a more complete sense, each novella does stand on it's own for readers who haven't read the other books.
Memories of Christmas finds Judith and Lord Landon coming together after a childhood friendship and fondness develops into something more. Can Marcus's efforts help Judith overcome her reluctance to celebrate Christmas after her brother's death years earlier? A tender friendship helps Judith face her grief and the sweet memories that remain. It was fun to see Lord Landon find his own romance after his involvement in the Jamison siblings romances.
A Home for the Holidays made for an especially tender read as Captain Bryant struggles to cope with his changed circumstances after returning from war with injuries that limit his usefulness. Winnie and Edgar make an intriguing couple as they (reluctantly) work together offering Christmas cheer to the poverty-stricken. The unexpected romance faces some severe bumps as the pair clashes badly at first, but it turns out the two can relate in some unexpected and heart-wrenching ways. This one touched my heart especially deeply.
Lady Walmsley and Foster surprised me for a number of reasons. Not just the age of the characters but the difference in stations. A romance between a lady of status and a butler didn't seem likely at first, especially since Lady Walmsley didn't have a clue about Foster's feelings until he unexpectedly proposed. And yet, the surprises and interesting twists made the story feel fresh and different than many holiday romances.
I'll admit A Gretna Green Christmas wasn't a favorite at first. Maria rubbed me the wrong way at first with her jumping all over Charles the way she does. But as I read the story, my heart softened and I could empathize with her difficult circumstances. And her fiery nature does lead to some rather amusing interactions between her and the rather inexperienced, bumbling Charles. It was a relief when they finally worked things out.
All in all a winning collection of stories surrounding a favorite holiday, to be enjoyed at Christmas or any time of year when caring and friendship abound.
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