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The Whittakers #4
A Rogue For Christmas
An Unwelcome Guest
Lionel St. James's name was most definitely not on the guest list for the Blakelys' lavish Christmas Ball. But nonetheless, he arrives at their home that evening with one goal in mind: to catch one glimpse--just one!--of Miss Mary Ann Whittaker. For years ago, on a dark winter's night, the sight of her lovely face had warmed his cold heart--and inspired in him a generosity he never knew he possessed....
An Innocent Lady
Lionel is delighted to see that the years have not dimmed Mary Ann's beauty--and that she is still as sweet and innocent as she was on that long-ago night. But even as they share a glance, then a dance, his heart begins to ache with regret. For time has not been nearly as kind to his own reputation--and his soul has grown darker with each passing day. He fears that if he courts Mary Ann, he will ruin her. All he wants this Christmas is to call her his own--and to be the man she deserves for every holiday to come...
Lionel St. James's name was most definitely not on the guest list for the Blakelys' lavish Christmas Ball. But nonetheless, he arrives at their home that evening with one goal in mind: to catch one glimpse--just one!--of Miss Mary Ann Whittaker. For years ago, on a dark winter's night, the sight of her lovely face had warmed his cold heart--and inspired in him a generosity he never knew he possessed....
An Innocent Lady
Lionel is delighted to see that the years have not dimmed Mary Ann's beauty--and that she is still as sweet and innocent as she was on that long-ago night. But even as they share a glance, then a dance, his heart begins to ache with regret. For time has not been nearly as kind to his own reputation--and his soul has grown darker with each passing day. He fears that if he courts Mary Ann, he will ruin her. All he wants this Christmas is to call her his own--and to be the man she deserves for every holiday to come...
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2001
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 31, 2019
This book could have been a solid 3 stars for me. However, Lionel, the hero has been disinherited by his father in favor of his younger brother. Since his father is referred to as Sir Andrew (and his stepmother as Lady St. James), it appears that his father is a baronet. Therefore, Lionel can't be disinherited from assuming his father's title when his father dies and any entailed property that goes with it. Yet, the book mentions throughout that Lionel's younger brother was now their father's heir. That sounded to me as though Lionel had been totally disinherited by his father, something his father could not do. This issue ruined an otherwise solid story for me, so 2.5 out of 5 stars.
December 27, 2009
I picked up this book because I had previously loved the book I read by Kate Huntington about Christmas. That one really struck a chord and I had high expectations for this one but I'm afraid they were left unfulfilled.
When the book starts Mary Ann is a fourteen year old girl who is going to pawn her only jewel so her family can have Christmas dinner. On the way to the pawn shop she is attacked by a thief and saved by Lionel St James who ends up accompanying her to the pawn shop and later to buy her family a nice Christmas dinner. Fast forward 5 or 6 years and not only Mary Ann hasn't forgotten Lionel, but she is convinced she will find him again and they will marry.
They do meet again and while Mary Ann's family is much better with one of her sisters having married and wealthy viscount Lionel is much worse living his life as a gambler and having had no luck in the recent months. Mary Ann and her sisters ask him to spend Christmas with them in the country after having seen how alone he was, not only that but they manage to invite his estranged family to go too without him knowing to try and help them make peace. But her brother in law is less than thrilled, he knows Lionel for a gamester and a rake and doesn't want him around the young ladies of his family. To add to the awkward situation Lionel's stepmother brings along her sister with whom Lionel was involved in the past and who actually made up the situation that estranged him from his family.
I felt the story had two problems, one that Mary Ann is just too open for a regency Miss, and her behaviour was a bit too modern and liberated. And the second that there was too much going on at the same time, Lionel and Mary Ann, the story with his parents, the problems with the woman from his past that lead him to believe she was going after Mary Ann's sister in law this time... There were so many secondary characters that I ended up thinking this book must be a part of a series and it is.
It's not that I disliked it, it was a pleasant Christmas story and I had an enjoyable afternoon reading it. But it was not memorable has the previous book I had read by her.
Grade: 3.5/5
When the book starts Mary Ann is a fourteen year old girl who is going to pawn her only jewel so her family can have Christmas dinner. On the way to the pawn shop she is attacked by a thief and saved by Lionel St James who ends up accompanying her to the pawn shop and later to buy her family a nice Christmas dinner. Fast forward 5 or 6 years and not only Mary Ann hasn't forgotten Lionel, but she is convinced she will find him again and they will marry.
They do meet again and while Mary Ann's family is much better with one of her sisters having married and wealthy viscount Lionel is much worse living his life as a gambler and having had no luck in the recent months. Mary Ann and her sisters ask him to spend Christmas with them in the country after having seen how alone he was, not only that but they manage to invite his estranged family to go too without him knowing to try and help them make peace. But her brother in law is less than thrilled, he knows Lionel for a gamester and a rake and doesn't want him around the young ladies of his family. To add to the awkward situation Lionel's stepmother brings along her sister with whom Lionel was involved in the past and who actually made up the situation that estranged him from his family.
I felt the story had two problems, one that Mary Ann is just too open for a regency Miss, and her behaviour was a bit too modern and liberated. And the second that there was too much going on at the same time, Lionel and Mary Ann, the story with his parents, the problems with the woman from his past that lead him to believe she was going after Mary Ann's sister in law this time... There were so many secondary characters that I ended up thinking this book must be a part of a series and it is.
It's not that I disliked it, it was a pleasant Christmas story and I had an enjoyable afternoon reading it. But it was not memorable has the previous book I had read by her.
Grade: 3.5/5
August 2, 2013
Fourteen-year-old Mary Ann Whittaker is headed to the pawn shop to pawn her greatest treasure in order to save her family when she's accosted by a brute intent on robbing and murdering her. She's rescued by a handsome gentleman who is impressed by young Mary Ann's bravery. He helps her pawn her ring, escorts her home and disappears. The Whittakers learn that a Christmas angel has paid their debts and sent a goose for Christmas dinner. Mary Ann vows to marry her angel. Seven years later, Mary Ann is a reigning Society belle and has refused all offers of marriage. During a party given by her wealthy brother-in-law, she encounters her rescue angel once again and is determined not to let him go this time. Lionel St. James is not a fit person for a young lady like Mary Ann to know. He's been disowned by his family and makes a living as a professional gambler. Mary Ann won't take any excuse. She's determined to reform Lionel. He has no choice but to succumb to the charms of the lovely Whittaker ladies and join them at their country estate for Christmas. Along the way he becomes charmed by the happy, loving family such as he's never seen the like of before, but he knows it's only temporary and come the new year, he'll be out of the streets. When some unexpected guests arrive, they add more tension to the party, but Mary Ann has faith in Lionel. Only she can see the angel underneath the devilish exterior. Lionel must learn to believe in himself and make others see what Mary Ann sees. For that he will need a Christmas miracle and Mary Ann is determined to make it happen.
This story is very much like A Christmas Carol infused with romance. It only needs Tiny Tim's famous life at the end. I love A Christmas Carol but not so much A Rogue for Christmas. Mary Ann is very young and innocent and acts like a much younger girl. Lionel isn't really that bad and is rather appealing if you like the wounded soul type. The story is supposed to be heartwarming but I found it a bit too schmaltzy. The plot is also very unrealistic and Mary Ann breaks a lot of rules to make her dream come true.
This story is very much like A Christmas Carol infused with romance. It only needs Tiny Tim's famous life at the end. I love A Christmas Carol but not so much A Rogue for Christmas. Mary Ann is very young and innocent and acts like a much younger girl. Lionel isn't really that bad and is rather appealing if you like the wounded soul type. The story is supposed to be heartwarming but I found it a bit too schmaltzy. The plot is also very unrealistic and Mary Ann breaks a lot of rules to make her dream come true.
August 2, 2021
In the beginning, this story didn't seem all that interesting. But before long, it turned into a GREAT story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am now looking for other stories by this author.
Through the kindness of a stranger, Mary Ann Whittaker and her sisters and mother had a goose for Christmas. That stranger also paid off their bills at the butcher and elsewhere. Lionel St. James felt sorry for the young girl and their difficult straits at Christmas. But Mary Ann swore she would not forget him and she would find him as soon as she could.
Their paths cross seven years later and Mary Ann invites the (now) unsavory Lionel St. James to her brother-in-law's manor for Christmas. The twists and turns make this an engaging tale - for Christmas, or anytime. Overall score = VG+.
Through the kindness of a stranger, Mary Ann Whittaker and her sisters and mother had a goose for Christmas. That stranger also paid off their bills at the butcher and elsewhere. Lionel St. James felt sorry for the young girl and their difficult straits at Christmas. But Mary Ann swore she would not forget him and she would find him as soon as she could.
Their paths cross seven years later and Mary Ann invites the (now) unsavory Lionel St. James to her brother-in-law's manor for Christmas. The twists and turns make this an engaging tale - for Christmas, or anytime. Overall score = VG+.
March 24, 2012
This is another book in the Whittaker Sisters group.
While on her way to a pawnshop, fourteen year-old Mary Ann Whittaker is assaulted and very nearly seriously harmed by a would-be thief. Rescue comes in the form of an anonymous golden savior, who quickly beats the thief into submission and escorts Mary Ann on her way. After a severe lecture on the impropriety of a young lady traveling alone, the man offers to conduct Mary Ann's business for her. Knowing the sale of her tiny pearl ring will not raise a quarter of the money she hopes for, the gentleman adds extra to give Mary Ann and her destitute family a happy Christmas. Christmas morning finds a fat Christmas goose and gifts at the Whittaker household, courtesy of Mary Ann's mysterious rescuer.
Spellbound for seven years after being rescued on Christmas Eve by the mysterious stranger, Mary Ann refuses all offers of marriage, hoping to again meet her golden rescuer. This seems to be a farfetched idea in her family members' collective minds, but Mary Ann somehow knows he'll return. And he does, crashing the family ball -- only to be thrown out on his arse by Mary Ann's protective brother-in-law. Never wavering in her faith in Lionel St. James, the man who'd come to her aid, she refuses to believe he is a rake and womanizer, despite all the rumors. Mary Ann is determined to get her man -- whether he wishes to be gotten or not!
Ms. Huntington tells Regency romance as well as anyone. She makes the most out of the sexual tension without shoving her hero and heroine into bed. It's very refreshing.
While on her way to a pawnshop, fourteen year-old Mary Ann Whittaker is assaulted and very nearly seriously harmed by a would-be thief. Rescue comes in the form of an anonymous golden savior, who quickly beats the thief into submission and escorts Mary Ann on her way. After a severe lecture on the impropriety of a young lady traveling alone, the man offers to conduct Mary Ann's business for her. Knowing the sale of her tiny pearl ring will not raise a quarter of the money she hopes for, the gentleman adds extra to give Mary Ann and her destitute family a happy Christmas. Christmas morning finds a fat Christmas goose and gifts at the Whittaker household, courtesy of Mary Ann's mysterious rescuer.
Spellbound for seven years after being rescued on Christmas Eve by the mysterious stranger, Mary Ann refuses all offers of marriage, hoping to again meet her golden rescuer. This seems to be a farfetched idea in her family members' collective minds, but Mary Ann somehow knows he'll return. And he does, crashing the family ball -- only to be thrown out on his arse by Mary Ann's protective brother-in-law. Never wavering in her faith in Lionel St. James, the man who'd come to her aid, she refuses to believe he is a rake and womanizer, despite all the rumors. Mary Ann is determined to get her man -- whether he wishes to be gotten or not!
Ms. Huntington tells Regency romance as well as anyone. She makes the most out of the sexual tension without shoving her hero and heroine into bed. It's very refreshing.
January 5, 2010
This was a better-than-average read (3.5*) about two people meeting again at Christmastime, and learning how the actions of each one years earlier had affected the other. There are problems in the present to get thru, of course, but this *is* a Christmas story!
September 25, 2009
Regency
December 30, 2013
A charming book, made me smile!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews