Publisher: Bethany House Publishers.
Release Date: September 1st, 2024.
Category: Historical Romance, Christian Fiction.
Source: From NetGalley in exchange for an honest review/I also own a paperback copy.
Synopsis from Goodreads:
As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn’t seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their old friendship would kindle into something more–but that was before she heard that Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will finally be the heir her stepfather needs, but she’ll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste. Due to misunderstandings, Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself torn between his affection for her and her family’s distance toward him because of Lady Pearl, a woman he’d rather forget. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah’s hand by Christmas . . . and to disgrace Cyril in the process. Inspired by The Nutcracker, this Edwardian-era historical romance is a tale of holiday spirit, love, and the power of family and friendship from bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White.
My Thoughts:
5 stars.
I adored this!
Once I started reading, I found it hard to stop, and was able to read it in two sittings. It is a novella, which made it easy to read quickly, but it didn’t feel too short. It was the perfect length. This tale weaved into my heart. It is one of my new favourite Christmas reads, one I will want to revisit for many more years to come.
What wasn’t to love:
Nut cracker inspired.
Edwardian-era.
Clean romance.
Faith based.
Wonderful Characters.
Great writing.
It had all the things I like to make this a perfect Christmas read for me. Lady Mariah was such a charming character, one I could really relate to. She is young, only 19, and sometimes thought of as silly to those who are more serious, but I loved her enthusiasm and outlook on life. She has a real heart for the people, and the people love her for it.
There was just enough drama to keep things interesting without turning this into a heavy read. It was heart-warming, sweet, merry, bright, and captured the Christmas ‘essence’ we all long for.
The ending was perfect – just how I wanted it to end for all involved 🙂
(Am I the only one who would like a sequel about the brother? I did not like him right up until the end, but with that ending, I thought there is hope for him yet, and would love for him to get his own story as well.)
If you are looking for a historical read for Christmas, this is a must-read! It will not disappoint.
You can add it to your Goodreads here.
Rochelle L. Sharpe 