The Chimney Sweep Charm

by Marcia Lynn McClure

There was the muffled sound of audience members standing up, and Baylee and Candice turned to look behind them. “Holy smokes!” Baylee breathed. “It’s like a Navy SEAL convention or something,” Candice added. And it was! Baylee couldn’t believe that over twenty-five of the people in the orientation audience were tall, dark, handsome, buff guys dressed all in black. Each man stood with his feet apart and hands held at his back—similar if not exactly like a military “at ease” stance. “They’re all packing heat too,” Baylee whispered to Candice as she noted all the holstered sidearms. “I guess Mr. O’Sullivan wants to be prepared,” Candice said. “I suppose you girls are all wowed now, right?” Tate said from the front row. “Let’s see,” Candice began, looking to Tate and feigning an expression of thoughtfulness. “Let’s say I’m being assaulted by some weirdo in the street…and who am I going to look to for protection? One of these guys?” she said, nodding toward the security staff. “Or you, Tate? You…who freaked out in June when we were in New York and you thought some guy was looking at you funny. You freaked out and slammed Megan’s finger in the door and cut it off! Who do you think I’m going to trust?” “It was an accident, and you know it,” Tate grumbled. Baylee did know it. Still, she found her eyes glancing down the row of chairs in front of her to Megan—to the missing first joint and fingertip on her right hand. “Yeah, it was,” Candice admitted. “But you still cared more about yourself than Megan. The guy was stalking Megan…not you. Real heroic, Tate. Way to go to instilling a sense of confidence in me that you would have my back.” “Whatever,” Tate grumbled, turning around in his seat to pout. “Thank you,” Brian said to his men. Baylee watched as the security staff sat down in unison. “So there you have it…our extra security staff for the next two months. As I said, if you need assistance…just grab a chimney sweep.” Baylee giggled. “Grab a cab, grab a snack…grab a chimney sweep.” Candice giggled too. “And you know what? I just figured out what I want for Christmas.” “Absolutely,” Baylee agreed. “I’ll never ring ‘Chim Chim Cher-ee’ with the same mental pictures again.”

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance, Christmas, Contemporary, Fiction, Holiday, Contemporary Romance

139 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2011

About the author

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Marcia Lynn McClure grew up influenced by the reminiscent stories of rugged, rural Colorado farm life fascinatingly recounted to her by her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts…tales of runaway buckboards, mule-drawn plows and dust pneumonia; verbalized images of stream-flooded meadows, frozen over in winter, where a child could peer through the crystal clear ice in wonder at the small fish, snakes and mice sealed in the meadow grasses beneath; stories of hardship and tragedy, love and loss. But always the stories, and the people telling them, bore evidence of the wonder and worthiness of simpler, yet sometimes brutal, times.

These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.

And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.

Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's a novella so it's short enough that can easily be read in one sitting. Perfect for getting in the Christmas Spirit.

The Chimney Sweep Charm is a sweet, romantic, "charming" Christmas Story set in a recreated Dicken's Village. Christmas carols, bell ringing, hot chocolate, mistletoe... all the elements needed to create an unforgettable holiday tale. Marcia has created another set of fabulous characters.... From Baylee the bell ringer to the gorgeous, heroic Justice and his less than subtle grandmother fans of Marcia's books are sure to love these characters!

As is always the case with Marcia's shorter stories I just wish this book was longer. I was expecting a dramatic end to the "mysterious bad guy" element of the story and was a little surprised that things wrapped up fairly quickly and relatively drama free. However that didn't take away from my love for this lighthearted, fun book. The focus of this book was much more on the romance instead of the mystery and I love the way Marcia writes romance!

Thanks Marcia for this fabulous Christmas book! For anyone who enjoys sweet, clean romance and is looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit give The Chimney Sweep Charm a chance.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited when I received Marcia’s newsletter today saying that the ebook The Chimney Sweep Charm was finally available! I stopped the book I was currently reading and immediately bought and read it. I wasn’t disappointed; in fact it may be my favorite holiday book of Marcia’s. All the things Baylee loves, I love. Especially the Carol of the Bells song, it’s my favorite Christmas song! I also loved Justice and that he was a former Army Ranger, I have a thing for military guys (especially my Marine husband!). This is a sweet light-hearted story that will really put you in the mood for Christmas and make you want to curl up with some hot chocolate.

Since it was meant to be a lighthearted story the mystery aspect fell a tiny bit short. I thought there’d be more Jack the Ripper and maybe him taking Baylee or something. I also thought we’d hear more from Tate, but he kind of disappears. But, it’s a lighthearted story and the focus is on Justice and Baylee and I loved watching them fall in love. Cute, fast read!

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't read a lot of contemporary romances because I really dig western and other historical fiction eras. But I really, really liked this book for a lot of reasons:

1) I love how proper respect was given to our military veterans, as well as present troops. I'm an Army mom and fiercely proud of my son. Baylee was proud of her family's military past and respectful and grateful for our military. I liked her a lot. "I think you should be proud of your service. Besides, people need to be reminded that conflicts and soldiers who deal with them really do exist. That's half of what's wrong with this country today. Nobody has had to worry about their freedom being stripped away in far too long." YES!!!

2) Justice was hot. I'm a law enforcement wife so I find that kind of work sexy anyway, and Justice... well, he played that part very well- even dressed as a chimney sweep.

3) I love how clean it was. There was a lot of kissing (or "necking" haha), but nothing graphic or lewd. Justice was respectful of this girl he loves.

4) Marcia Lynn McClure did a great job describing this all consuming love Baylee and Justice felt for each other. "She loved him. She truly did love him! Baylee was so in love with Justice it hurt- caused her heart to feel as if it were tearing in two. She loved him not just because he was the most handsome, physically attractive man she'd ever seen in all her life but because her soul seemed to recognize his." YES!!!!!

I wish there was more to the mystery... but it's a nice, happy book so maybe MLM didn't want to drag it down with a psycho attacking Baylee or Candice. There's plenty of cheese but it's just light-hearted, and fun. :)

[Kathy Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

The Chimney Sweep Charm had me wishing it was Christmas and that I was with everyone in the Dickens Village! It also had me wanting my own Chimney Sweep for Christmas! ;)

When Baylee and Justice first meet each other it's at the Dickens Village where she is working as a hand-bell ringer and he's working security. They both feel something for each other instantly and have a pretty drama free relationship. Not only do they like a lot of the same things but they also pretty much have the same vocabulary. Of course Baylee can't believe that someone like Justice would ever be interested in her (the theme for a lot of heroines these days) but at least she decides that she's not going to dwell too much on that and just enjoy the ride for however long it'll last.

And boy does it last! These two are constantly neckin and enjoy every minute they can with each other. And can I just say that Justice's grandma is hilarious! I would've loved to see more of her!

The mystery element of the book is very low key and pretty much just happens in the background. I would have loved to see more of that come out. There were so many directions that this book could have taken and I just wanted more!!

For that reason and the book just ending had me rating The Chimney Sweep Charm only 4 stars. I really did enjoy it and will definitely read it again but really... I wanted more!! It was just such a fun book!! So if you are looking for a cute, quick, fluff kind of read... I say this one will be perfect for you!!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun escape read just in time for Christmas. This story was lots of fun, I really enjoyed the setting which takes place in a modern day Dickens Village with old time vendors, stores and carolers/bell ringers. With Marcia's ability to paint a picture with words, I felt like I was there with Bailey and her friends. Her hot Chimney sweep man was gorgeous, sweet, strong, chivalrous, and just great. Bailey is sweet, cute, and fun. This was a sweet little novella with lots of charm and kissing that you wont want to miss.
I love Marcia's authors notes she talks about how she came to choose this particular cover, which is gorgeous, good job Marcia and Sherry is fits perfectly with our Chimney Sweep Man:)

Clean language
Clean romance

[Erika B. (SOS BOOKS) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 to 3 stars!! Okay so I must add a little disclaimer here! If I could choose an author to go to lunch with and talk about movies and books-Marcia would be top on the list! I feel as though we would be able to talk about lots of chick flicks, what makes kissing cute, ect.! That being said this book just wasn't my favorite! I think it was because I didn't feel like the two characters were really in love. I didn't feel like they're relationship had any real substance behind it. I also thought that the book had potential be get kind of scary! I mean you have this serial killer on the loose-it could get intense! Instead that climaxes to the killer not even coming after her! That sounds awful doesn't it? I'm disappointed the killer did not come after the main girl! haha So yes it was cute but I feel like I need to go read Shackles of Honor or something! :)

[Kristina Brownell · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars. Wow. Marcia's corniness reached new heights for me in this one. Even the sinister plot she tried to throw in was laughable. Now, having said that, I still love her and will probably TRY reading anything that she writes. Marcia Mcclure must be the most kind and genuine person and it shows through her writing. If you've never read one of her books, don't start with this one. haha

[Teya Teya · Rating 5 out of 5]

12/20/23
I love this story. It is a fast read but I just love it. The bell ringing beauty and the chimney sweep. I love the village and the historical accuracy of the village and the Jack the Ripper copycat. Well, not that exactly although the case intrigues me. I listened to the new audio and I loved it.

12/14/22
Just as charming as the first time I read it. I absolutely love this one. It talks about Dick Van Dyke from Mary Poppins as the chimney sweep. I am a kindred spirit I felt the same way. I love this easy fast Christmas story. It's love and an edge of your seat time period Jack the ripper copycat. This is a great anytime book but especially at Christmas time.

Previous Years
Loved it! I wanted more when I finished this book.

Okay this is my second review of this book. I of course had to read it, with is being attached to the "ON classic latin lover, Please". I fell in love with it all over again. Sensually clean, and charming, and fun and exciiting, sadly quick read. Quick but jam packed with yummyness!

So charming!!
I have to add that I feel like sitting up straighter. Holding my head up a little higher reading this book. I am very patriotic that I tear at the starting of any patriotic songs. Having family who have served and serve in the military and my feelings on my love for this country and those who fight for it, I do my best to never miss an opportunity to shake hands with and say thank you to any and all who wear the uniform. I don't say that to sound high on myself I say it in due to the respect and love this book fills me with. Especially when she defends the very HOT Justice! What a perfect name for him. Mmmmmmm!

I love the Charles Dickens village scene. If there is anything like it, it will be on my bucket list. I love the play on Mary Poppins Chimney sweep Vandyke. Love, LOve, love this sweet, Christmas love story. Love the Military men in this book. I appreciate them all.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

(11/12) I loved it again the second time around!! A Dickens town would be a fun thing to see--especially with the bell ringers. Oh yeah--I can't forget the chimney sweeps. ;)

(12/11) Baylee is a bell ringer and a caroler with a group performing for the holidays in a Dickens village. There are some ex-military men posing as chimney sweeps to help with security and Justice is one of them. There was a little bit of a mystery in this holiday romance. It was cute and sweet, but I wish it would have been a bit longer--I never want Marcia's stories to end. :)

[Stacey Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! So many things in this book are things that I love, military, Dickens, Bell Ringers, Hot Chocolate with peppermint sticks, Mary Poppins and Dick Van Dyke!! Ahhhhhh! Seriously, a wonderful Christmas read that warms the heart. I was absolutely charmed by a certain Chimney Sweep! Another favorite, but who am I kidding...they are all favorites! Thank you Marcia for another Christmas treasure!

[Sharon Hogenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been one of my favorite Christmas reads for several years, but I do wish the ending was a bit different.

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcia Lynn McClure's latest book and it does not disappoint! What could be more perfect at Christmas than a new holiday romance that takes place in a modern day village set to resemble the times of Charles Dicken's? I really enjoyed this light feel good holiday story. I could really picture the costumes, feel the snow and smell the aroma of hot chocolate. Thank you Marcia Lynn McClure for warming my holidays and making me even more proud of our American servicemen!

Amazon Book Description:
There was the muffled sound of audience members standing up, and Baylee and Candice turned to look behind them. "Holy smokes!" Baylee breathed. "It's like a Navy SEAL convention or something," Candice added. And it was! Baylee couldn't believe that over twenty-five of the people in the orientation audience were tall, dark, handsome, buff guys dressed all in black. Each man stood with his feet apart and hands held at his back-similar if not exactly like a military "at ease" stance. "They're all packing heat too," Baylee whispered to Candice as she noted all the holstered sidearms. "I guess Mr. O'Sullivan wants to be prepared," Candice said. "I suppose you girls are all wowed now, right?" Tate said from the front row. "Let's see," Candice began, looking to Tate and feigning an expression of thoughtfulness. "Let's say I'm being assaulted by some weirdo in the street...and who am I going to look to for protection? One of these guys?" she said, nodding toward the security staff. "Or you, Tate? You...who freaked out in June when we were in New York and you thought some guy was looking at you funny. You freaked out and slammed Megan's finger in the door and cut it off! Who do you think I'm going to trust?" "It was an accident, and you know it," Tate grumbled. Baylee did know it. Still, she found her eyes glancing down the row of chairs in front of her to Megan-to the missing first joint and fingertip on her right hand. "Yeah, it was," Candice admitted. "But you still cared more about yourself than Megan. The guy was stalking Megan...not you. Real heroic, Tate. Way to go to instilling a sense of confidence in me that you would have my back." "Whatever," Tate grumbled, turning around in his seat to pout. "Thank you," Brian said to his men. Baylee watched as the security staff sat down in unison. "So there you have it...our extra security staff for the next two months. As I said, if you need assistance...just grab a chimney sweep." Baylee giggled. "Grab a cab, grab a snack...grab a chimney sweep." Candice giggled too. "And you know what? I just figured out what I want for Christmas." "Absolutely," Baylee agreed. "I'll never ring 'Chim Chim Cher-ee' with the same mental pictures again."

[Shellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baylee works at Dicken's Village over the holiday season as a periodic caroler and bell ringer (Hancock's Handbell Ringers). She meets a dashing chimney sweep (another employee). All employees are dressed periodic, and carry the role of those in the days of Dickens.
Justice, her chimney sweep romancer, is actually an FBI agent. In fact, ALL the chimney sweeps seen against the outline of the sky, in the alleyways, on the roof tops, walking the sidewalks, are FBI agents. A Jack-the-Ripper copycat has targeted Dickens Village as his next spot. The FBI is hot on his trail, tailing after 15 murders already taken place. Candice, Baylee's best friend is his next target. Justice cannot reveal himself, and yet, he can not stand lying to the one girl he is falling in love with.

It all works out, with Justice catching the dude, and keeping both girls safe. Candice hooks up with another agent/chimney sweep Tristen, with help from Justice as well.

In the end, Justice proposes to Baylee with a chocolate solitaire. I actually did not know what a chocolate diamond was.....and after googling it after I finished the book, I can honestly say that chocolate diamonds are quite unique! Basically...a brown diamond. Rather fetching considering both characters loved hot chocolate and being a chimney sweep and all, he was always covered in soot and such. I have to rate the whole chimney sweep character with the highwayman character in terms of looks. :) Very few things can beat a handsome man in dark clothing with soot on his face and shirt, and a chimney broom on his shoulder. Something rather roguish about that!!

Darling story!!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate when that happens. I just wrote my entire review and my computer died. Grrr...anywho...because of that this review will be much shorter;)lol
As all of you know by now Marcia Lyn is an absolute favorite of mine and I've been saving this book for MONTHS now...and I mean MONTHS...to read it for Christmas. Obviously I didn't make it:)lol I just couldn't wait any longer:) I loved it of course...there was never any doubt in my mind that I wouldn't. I ADORED the Dicken's Village theme and the Christmas Bell Ringers and Carolers. I'm also a huge Dick Van Dyke fan, so you've gotta love the Chimney Sweep idea! SO cute! I also LOVED the recognitions that she gave to the ex-military men in the story and the awesome acknowledgement of those men who have sacrificed and are sacrificing for our freedom! As always I absolutely adored the main characters and enjoyed getting to know them and hearing their story. LOVED IT!
The ONLY thing that I did find disappointing in this one, was the amount of language in it. This is VERY unusual for a McClure book and I would hate for it to scare someone off from reading more from this author. Once in awhile you will see a swear word in her books, but NOT very often.

Another GREAT one from Marcia!

Clean romance
Passionate kissing (of course;)lol
Mild language throughout

[Candace Carter · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a great story line that pittered out. The couple fell in love with out any background given as to why except that they found each other attractive and the really cool story line that includes a copy cat serial killer never evolves into anything more than just a quick couple of paragraphs at the end of the book. The entire time you are sure that the killer is after the main character and look forward to the climax when he will attack and she will be saved. Turns out he was after her best friend, and you get to hear about it through a telephone call. Neither one of the main characters ends up being there for the big final scene. Big let down again. I wish that Marcia would take a little more time developing the stories. I would not mind only reading one book a year, if it meant quality like she had at the beginning of her career. Instead I have been getting 6-7 books a year that are underdeveloped and disappointing. I don't think I am going to even buy her next one I was so disappointed.

[Tausha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love, love Marcia's books. This one was no different, it was a fun quick read. One that you can sit down and read in one sitting very easily. The only thing I had a hard time with was I am not used to skipping words in her books when it comes to lanquage. I know sometimes a few words thrown in there may feel necessary to identify who the character is, but to me a "tough" man doesn't have to cuss. I found myself dreading the conversations that Tristan had with Justice just because of the "slang" they liked to throw around. It had a fun story line and Marcia is still my favorite.

[Cheryl Mclaws · Rating 5 out of 5]

love, love, LOVE this book! Marcia is one of my favorites. The last couple stories of hers, however, I found myself annoyed with the heroine. A lot of the girls in her stories are SO young and they act it. Being "old" I find the heroine's juvenile. BUT...not Baylee. Though her age was never brought up in the story, she acted older and I could tell she was closer to my age which I appreciated. Beware...this story will make you want your own sexy, FBI agent/chimney sweep of your own!! :)

[Nicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yet another Marcia Lynn McClure book that Ive enjoyed.. But this by far isnt my favorite.. its a cute little story-- operative word there is little. it was like I just started reading it when I finished it.. So of course I would have liked it to be a little longer and preferably a little cheaper.. 2.99 seems a bit much for this short of a story.

[Angie Cornelison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baylee the little bell ringer, Navy seal hottie Justice( Mr. Chimney sweep). Jack the ripper on the loose and hot chocolate and peppermint sticks. Cant get crazier than that! This is a wonderful love story with all sorts of twists and turns. Loved it!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

((sigh)) Great story! Suspense and romance in a modern-day Christmastime novel. I loved it!

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good little Christmas story!!

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! Ironically, I read it on Charles Dickens's 200th birthday! Baylee was realistic and Justice was wonderful! A must read to clean romance fans!

[Tara Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a hard time not giving any of Marcia books 5 stars! I just adore her books. While this was short and somewhat predictable, I did love the romance. Marcia is the Queen of Kissing!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I finally had time to read this book. I really liked it. I loved Baylee and Justice. Can't wait to read Marcia's next one!

[Chesney · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you haven't read any of Marcia's books. Do it now!! Although I love her historical romances this contemporary still delivered! Justice was dreamy perfect! A sweet novella.

[Elaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love every moment of this book and it sucked me in. Especially loved the mystery and the excitement of it the author did in this book. The cute chimney sweep and t he bell ringer carolers was a cute couple in the story. I wanted to know who the bad guy was they were trying to find and capture because I was thinking of a couple people it could have been. Besides that I absolutely loved tthe compassion and love story of a woman thinking such a good looking guy as the chimney sweep would want her. Reminds me how I felt/feel about my own husband still. How did I ever catch such. wonderful good looking guy! Love this book!!

[NefariousButterfly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun but missing something...

I get that this is a romance and that part is wonderful! But the mystery part of it and the mystery parts ending was I feel a bit off. Too many loose ends I guess. But as I said the romance was spot on! And any book that includes spunky old ladies will get my praise anytime.

[Ilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely one of my favorites!!

[Alysia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty sweet story. The main characters were likable and the plot was fun and interesting. And, ah, the romance.

[Dorry Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Marcia McClure books and her also. This one had a little too much kissing and romance to suit me. Good story tho.