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Magic for Christmas
Anyone can benefit from finding magic for Christmastide; it’s just a matter of believing…
Miss Clarissa Folgerton isn’t best pleased. She makes her living as a seamstress due to reduced circumstances, and it matters not that this is her busiest and most profitable time, for she has been summoned to northern Buckinghamshire. A dying earl wishes to see his illegitimate eight-year-old daughter—her niece. Years ago, he’d had an affair with her sister, and though her sister passed, Clarissa needs to see the girl’s future settled. If that means giving her up, she’ll have no choice, for she’s a spinster without means.
Colin Haversham—Viscount Lambert—is perhaps weeks away from becoming the new Earl of Biddleton, for his ailing father has summoned him to Biddleton Castle to spend this last Christmastide season together as well as take his apparent half-sister on as his ward. To say nothing of the fact that if he doesn’t wed, he won’t inherit any of the family coin. Annoyed and not wishing to forsake the life he’s already made for himself, what he needs is a false fiancée for the holidays. Above all, he doesn’t wish to be married again. It hurt too much the last time.
As the whole Haversham family assembles at the castle, bitterness, anger, and jealousy comes out in the disparate group, but when Colin takes Clarissa aside and offers her a fake engagement with a hefty monetary settlement promised after Twelfth Night, the dynamic shifts. Over the course of the ill-advised holiday get together, the unlikely pair find they have much in common beyond yearning for family, and when romance creeps in, they’ll need to decide if they have the courage to make love a reality despite battered hearts and differences in stations.
…and finding a diamond in the rough.
Miss Clarissa Folgerton isn’t best pleased. She makes her living as a seamstress due to reduced circumstances, and it matters not that this is her busiest and most profitable time, for she has been summoned to northern Buckinghamshire. A dying earl wishes to see his illegitimate eight-year-old daughter—her niece. Years ago, he’d had an affair with her sister, and though her sister passed, Clarissa needs to see the girl’s future settled. If that means giving her up, she’ll have no choice, for she’s a spinster without means.
Colin Haversham—Viscount Lambert—is perhaps weeks away from becoming the new Earl of Biddleton, for his ailing father has summoned him to Biddleton Castle to spend this last Christmastide season together as well as take his apparent half-sister on as his ward. To say nothing of the fact that if he doesn’t wed, he won’t inherit any of the family coin. Annoyed and not wishing to forsake the life he’s already made for himself, what he needs is a false fiancée for the holidays. Above all, he doesn’t wish to be married again. It hurt too much the last time.
As the whole Haversham family assembles at the castle, bitterness, anger, and jealousy comes out in the disparate group, but when Colin takes Clarissa aside and offers her a fake engagement with a hefty monetary settlement promised after Twelfth Night, the dynamic shifts. Over the course of the ill-advised holiday get together, the unlikely pair find they have much in common beyond yearning for family, and when romance creeps in, they’ll need to decide if they have the courage to make love a reality despite battered hearts and differences in stations.
…and finding a diamond in the rough.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2023
38 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Sookoo
337 books273 followersSandra Sookoo is a bestselling author who firmly believes every person deserves acceptance and a happy ending. Most days you can find her creating scandal and mischief in the Regency-era, serendipity and happenstance in Victorian America or snarky humor in the contemporary world. Reading romance is a lot like eating fine chocolates—you can’t just have one. Good thing books don’t have calories!
When she’s not wearing out computer keyboards, Sandra spends time with her real life Prince Charming in central Indiana where she’s been known to goof off and make moments count because the key to life is laughter. A Disney fan since the age of ten, when her soul gets bogged down and her imagination flags, a trip to Walt Disney World is in order. Nothing fuels her dreams more than the land of eternal happy endings, hope and love stories.
When she’s not wearing out computer keyboards, Sandra spends time with her real life Prince Charming in central Indiana where she’s been known to goof off and make moments count because the key to life is laughter. A Disney fan since the age of ten, when her soul gets bogged down and her imagination flags, a trip to Walt Disney World is in order. Nothing fuels her dreams more than the land of eternal happy endings, hope and love stories.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 11, 2023
What a lovely holiday story!
Though the storyline follows a number of characters dealing with guilt, unhappiness, envy, and family discord, the presence of Clarissa with her plain speaking and common sensical take on life kept the story interesting and inexplicably realistic. And she was exactly the kind of woman Colin needed to force him to take stock of his life and family interactions to begin to move forward with his life. The whole premise of this tale is so intriguing dealing with so many parts of family dynamics and interactions. Then watching the ‘terrible’ shift to ‘better’ then to ‘believably acceptable’ across a holiday visit … how can you not believe in Christmas magic?
Though the storyline follows a number of characters dealing with guilt, unhappiness, envy, and family discord, the presence of Clarissa with her plain speaking and common sensical take on life kept the story interesting and inexplicably realistic. And she was exactly the kind of woman Colin needed to force him to take stock of his life and family interactions to begin to move forward with his life. The whole premise of this tale is so intriguing dealing with so many parts of family dynamics and interactions. Then watching the ‘terrible’ shift to ‘better’ then to ‘believably acceptable’ across a holiday visit … how can you not believe in Christmas magic?
December 10, 2023
“Magic for Christmas” is Book 4 in Sandra Sookoo’s series Diamonds of London. This story centers around Clarissa, once a diamond of the first water amongst the ton, now a seamstress supporting herself and her niece, after her sister, Rebecca, was a mistress to an earl forty years her senior, had a child out of wedlock, became an actress, and passed away. Clarissa and Rebecca were orphans, losing their parents in a tragic accident. At Christmas time Clarissa and Beth (her niece) have been summoned to the estate of the Earl of Biddleton so he can meet his daughter and decide her fate before he passes. The Earl’s adult sons had no idea they had an eight year old sister. Colin, heir to the Earldom, meets Clarissa and Beth when they travel to the Estate. Colin has also experienced plenty of tragedy, losing his wife and baby daughter in childbirth. His vow is not to marry again or feel any emotion for a woman. However, his father stipulated he must marry to inherit the cash portion of the earldom. A fake engagement is concocted with Clarissa. During this time around the Christmas season, Colin and Clarissa get to know one another. This is a very sweet, well written, perfect for Christmas time story. Of course there is steam thrown in as the pair are physically drawn together and grow closer. I liked this story of two broken people who come together for one reason, then begin to peal off surface layers and learn what’s truly underneath to discover who they really are. These two are survivors who deserve a happy ever after. Also involved in the story is Colin’s brothers and extended family. They fight, argue, and generally don’t get along. They appear to be gold diggers and are only after an inheritance so they can continue their wastrel life. They don’t want more fingers in the pie, voicing their opinions whenever they can. Colin has to deal with them, his dying father, a very young sister, and Clarissa, who only wants to do what’s best for her niece. The story moves right along, it is not a very long read. I would’ve liked a scene or two between the old Earl and Beth, I think it would’ve added another level to the story. This story can be read as a stand-alone. Definitely recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 9, 2023
Clarissa has been caring for her niece since the child was born but when the child's father demands she bring her to see him, Clarissa despite intrusive thoughts, begrudgingly goes. There she meets Colin, the man's son and soon to be heir to the earldom. Colin needs to be married in order to get his share of coin when the old man dies. Seeing that Clarissa needs help as well, he proposes a fake engagement. But neither one expected to loose their hearts in the process.
This is a very predictable story and the blurb about it gives it all away. That said, it still is a great story as mainly it is written by a very good author. It is very romantic and sweet, the chemistry between the characters is there and it all culminates in a heartwarming tale.
However, to be nit picky, I really didn't like Clarissa's characterization. She was a bit too haughty for the situation she was in and then in the epilogue, I thought she had her nose way too far up and was actually a bit snobby. Yes, she used to be of the ton but being forced to live in reduced circumstances you would think would have humbled her. I always had in the back of my mind that she fell for Colin more to better her situation and stay with her niece than for really loving him.
But true to Sandra Sookoo form, this is an engaging tale and well worth a read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a very predictable story and the blurb about it gives it all away. That said, it still is a great story as mainly it is written by a very good author. It is very romantic and sweet, the chemistry between the characters is there and it all culminates in a heartwarming tale.
However, to be nit picky, I really didn't like Clarissa's characterization. She was a bit too haughty for the situation she was in and then in the epilogue, I thought she had her nose way too far up and was actually a bit snobby. Yes, she used to be of the ton but being forced to live in reduced circumstances you would think would have humbled her. I always had in the back of my mind that she fell for Colin more to better her situation and stay with her niece than for really loving him.
But true to Sandra Sookoo form, this is an engaging tale and well worth a read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 8, 2023
Clarissa Folgerton and her niece have been summoned to Biddleton Castle for the Christmastide. The Earl of Biddleton is dying and wants his family together for his last holiday. Beth is Clarissa’s niece and the Earl’s illegitimate daughter with Clarissa’s late sister, and he wants to see her before he dies. When they arrive at the castle, she meets Colin Haversham, Viscount Lambert, who is the earl’s heir, and probably Beth’s new guardian. Colin, who still grieves the loss of his wife and child, needs to marry if he is to inherit the family fortune. There is a connection between them, and a scheme to deal with the stipulation in the earl’s will. The family is a mess. The brothers are wastrels, bitter and jealous. Colin finds the situation difficult. Clarissa has a presence that calms him. The old earl sees her affect on Colin and the family. Is he right to believe she can bring magic back to his life? Beth is an absolutely delightful child. She is thrilled to find new friends in her cousins. She and Clarissa spend time with the old earl and are kind to him. This is a wonderful, well-written story with strong emotion, family dynamics, drama, a bit of steam, and a romance that leads to a sweet happy ending.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
December 6, 2023
Another winner from Sandra Sookoo. This is a wonderful tale of a slightly dysfunctional family coming together at Christmas time and the strain it puts on all the relationships.
During the busiest time of the year, Clarissa is summoned by the dying Earl, who wants to acknowledge Beth as his child and introduced to the rest of the family. He also plans to have Beth taken care of by his son and heir Colin. Colin is a widower who has lost a child, so this is a difficult season for him too. Added to this, he needs to marry, per his father’s will, before he receives any money for the earldom.
While Clarissa is not sure as to whether this will work to her neice’s benefit, with her reduced circumstances, she does not have much choice.
The family dynamics come into play with all of them in one location and make for good interaction between the various parties.
I especially liked the relationship between Clarissa and Colin and how they came to love and care for each other. It was an easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
During the busiest time of the year, Clarissa is summoned by the dying Earl, who wants to acknowledge Beth as his child and introduced to the rest of the family. He also plans to have Beth taken care of by his son and heir Colin. Colin is a widower who has lost a child, so this is a difficult season for him too. Added to this, he needs to marry, per his father’s will, before he receives any money for the earldom.
While Clarissa is not sure as to whether this will work to her neice’s benefit, with her reduced circumstances, she does not have much choice.
The family dynamics come into play with all of them in one location and make for good interaction between the various parties.
I especially liked the relationship between Clarissa and Colin and how they came to love and care for each other. It was an easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2023
What a fabulous book, written again by this exceptional author. So well written, full of drama, love, steam, romance, emotions, intrigue, suspense, and twists. Has the best storyline/plot and the characters are so outstanding. Clarissa is the aunt of Beth, her sister's daughter. After Rebecca finds herself pregnant by an older Earl and decides not to marry him for her own reasons. Clarissa helps to support and raise her after Rebecca's death. Clarissa receives a letter from the Earl who is dying and wants Beth to come to the family castle. Colin is the heir to the Earl, he also receives the same invite. From the first site of her , Colin has the start of feelings that he had hidden for years after the death of his wife and child. He notices that she has a quiet way of standing up to his father and family. She also spends time with the Earl. Feelings and emotions run high to get to the happy ending. such a great read during the holidays. Could go on and on about this story but you really need to read this for yourself. Loved the story. Would recommend to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2023
A Last Wish, Family, Lovely Emotional Christmas Story:
The back story of the characters is fairly sad, but as things start to progress the story takes off at a good pace and doesn't let go until the beautiful joyful ending.
I truly enjoyed this love story, and the characters were delightful, intriguing, and intelligent.
A second chance romance for the soon to be duke Colin and a long-awaited romance for Clarissa.
There is a bit of deception as a scheme is devised that will benefit both of them but the more time, they spend with each other the more their feelings grow, and they take us on their heartfelt journey of discovering love.
A happy ever after epilogue finishes this series and gets my joyous applause for many hours of wonderful entertainment.
✔Mature Advisory
✔II voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
The back story of the characters is fairly sad, but as things start to progress the story takes off at a good pace and doesn't let go until the beautiful joyful ending.
I truly enjoyed this love story, and the characters were delightful, intriguing, and intelligent.
A second chance romance for the soon to be duke Colin and a long-awaited romance for Clarissa.
There is a bit of deception as a scheme is devised that will benefit both of them but the more time, they spend with each other the more their feelings grow, and they take us on their heartfelt journey of discovering love.
A happy ever after epilogue finishes this series and gets my joyous applause for many hours of wonderful entertainment.
✔Mature Advisory
✔II voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
December 6, 2023
Clarissa was left struggling to support herself, her sister Rebecca, and her sister’s child Beth with her lover when she refused to marry him. I couldn’t understand why Rebecca would think she wasn’t good enough for an earl several times her age when she is a lord’s daughter. Her feelings put them all in poverty. Clarissa has to make the heartbreaking decision to give her niece up for a better life. But she could find love herself this Christmas if the earl’s son Colin can open his heart to love again after the devastating loss of his wife and daughter. He plays with her a bit in this story, open to kisses and seduction, but not necessarily marriage. Clarissa is much more compassionate toward the ailing earl than expected after he stopped funding for his daughter Beth and is forcing her to give her up. His greedy relatives treat Clarissa and Beth like dirt.
December 25, 2023
Definitely Christmastide Magic 🔥🔥🔥🔥
A fantastic retelling of the usual miser, the orphan, and the outlandish wastrel family!!! In this novel, the dying Earl Biddeford has demanded that Lissy bring her neice, Beth, to his estate to be turned over upon his death for rearing by someone in his family. His heir, Colin, has suffered for 5 years after the death of his first wife and child during childbirth and isn't open to love until Lissy slowly changes his point of view by her interactions with his family. The magic of Christmastide shines through this telling, and the details are magnificent. The carnal scenes toward the end are 🔥🔥🔥🔥
A fantastic retelling of the usual miser, the orphan, and the outlandish wastrel family!!! In this novel, the dying Earl Biddeford has demanded that Lissy bring her neice, Beth, to his estate to be turned over upon his death for rearing by someone in his family. His heir, Colin, has suffered for 5 years after the death of his first wife and child during childbirth and isn't open to love until Lissy slowly changes his point of view by her interactions with his family. The magic of Christmastide shines through this telling, and the details are magnificent. The carnal scenes toward the end are 🔥🔥🔥🔥
December 4, 2023
A bittersweet Christmas romance
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline and the narrative were very good and I loved the wonderful characters. It reminded me a bit of a tragicomedy with its laugh-aloud and tear-jerking moments, the farcical side characters and the heartwarming Christmas spirit.
Layered with slapstick humor, emotional insights and steamy love scenes, this Christmas novella is definitely worth reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline and the narrative were very good and I loved the wonderful characters. It reminded me a bit of a tragicomedy with its laugh-aloud and tear-jerking moments, the farcical side characters and the heartwarming Christmas spirit.
Layered with slapstick humor, emotional insights and steamy love scenes, this Christmas novella is definitely worth reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2024
Spicy magic
This is a lovely story about unexpected love at Christmas time. A dying Earl summons his family home for the holidays. This includes his reluctant heir, two younger wasteral sons, greedy cousins, and a very young, out of wedlock daughter accompanied by her fearful yet protective aunt. As Christmas draws near, the holiday magic beckons Colin and Clarissa to believe again, despite part hurts and family dynamics. Do you believe in magic, in Christmas magic?
This is a spicy story, tastefully done.
This is a lovely story about unexpected love at Christmas time. A dying Earl summons his family home for the holidays. This includes his reluctant heir, two younger wasteral sons, greedy cousins, and a very young, out of wedlock daughter accompanied by her fearful yet protective aunt. As Christmas draws near, the holiday magic beckons Colin and Clarissa to believe again, despite part hurts and family dynamics. Do you believe in magic, in Christmas magic?
This is a spicy story, tastefully done.
November 18, 2023
Loved this Story!
This story took off straight away and carried on at a very easy to read pace - I enjoyed everything about it.
Loved that Clarissa and Colin were able to find common ground and build a happy relationship and also the caring for family members which is perfect, of course, for this time of the year.
I read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) kindly supplied by Booksprout and am happy to record my voluntary review of it.
This story took off straight away and carried on at a very easy to read pace - I enjoyed everything about it.
Loved that Clarissa and Colin were able to find common ground and build a happy relationship and also the caring for family members which is perfect, of course, for this time of the year.
I read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) kindly supplied by Booksprout and am happy to record my voluntary review of it.
December 3, 2023
I enjoyed this romance between Clarissa and Colin. It is a refreshing false engagement between the two. Both main characters captivated me. I liked the way their relationship developed. It moves along at a good pace.
The story is set during the holiday season. It is a time for connections and forgiveness. The theme has been well presented.
A great Christmas holidays read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is set during the holiday season. It is a time for connections and forgiveness. The theme has been well presented.
A great Christmas holidays read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 15, 2023
This author is truly gifted. She never stops surprising me! This book was lovely and fresh and sexy in the best of ways.
I loved this book from Sandra Sookoo, a truly gifted author whose stories always delight and entertain me. Each of the characters were flawed, likeable and spirited as they take an emotional journey with drama, angst, some humor and charm. The entertaining and unique plot makes for an intriguing read.
I loved this book from Sandra Sookoo, a truly gifted author whose stories always delight and entertain me. Each of the characters were flawed, likeable and spirited as they take an emotional journey with drama, angst, some humor and charm. The entertaining and unique plot makes for an intriguing read.
September 15, 2025
A delightful love at first sight romance between Clarissa, a viscount’s daughter fallen on hard times, and widower Colin, a Viscount and heir to a dying earl.
Clarissa is asked to come to Biddleton castle with her 8 yr old niece, Beth, whose father happens to be dying earl. There are some complications involving a fake engagement but Colin and Clarissa realize they belong together for real.
This is a quick read. There are a couple typos that don’t detract from the enjoyment.
Clarissa is asked to come to Biddleton castle with her 8 yr old niece, Beth, whose father happens to be dying earl. There are some complications involving a fake engagement but Colin and Clarissa realize they belong together for real.
This is a quick read. There are a couple typos that don’t detract from the enjoyment.
December 9, 2023
Great Rags to Riches Story
Sandra Apollo rocked it with this great Christmas
story. Looking forward to Devil's story. Hopefully coming in February. If you don't follow Sandra on Facebook, you are truly missing out.
Sandra Apollo rocked it with this great Christmas
story. Looking forward to Devil's story. Hopefully coming in February. If you don't follow Sandra on Facebook, you are truly missing out.
December 16, 2023
I found this book very enjoyable. I loved the two main characters, Clarissa and Colin, and her niece Beth. It was a fun Christmas read and uplifting. Everyone is pretty much happier in the end than in the beginning. All was not perfect, but such is life.
October 12, 2023
I had the privilege of editing this fourth installment in the Diamonds of London series and all I have to say is that it is pure perfection.
March 9, 2025
Magic at christmas
Loved this story of christmas and finding love in the most peculiar places and situations. Can't wait for the next story
Loved this story of christmas and finding love in the most peculiar places and situations. Can't wait for the next story
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews