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Snowbound Wedding Wishes: An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe / Twelfth Night Proposal / Christmas at Oakhurst Manor
Three Regency Christmases to remember…
An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe by Louise Allen
Hugo, Earl of Burnham, hates Christmas! Snowbound in widow Emilia Weston's cozy alehouse, with her young twins, he's surrounded by festive preparations. Hugo's cynical heart is in danger of being melted…. How much longer can he avoid the mistletoe?
Twelfth Night Proposal by Lucy Ashford
Leaving London to claim his newly inherited estate, Theo Dalbury finds remote Derbyshire as foreign to him as his feelings for country girl Jenna. Christmas evokes painful memories for him, but Jenna is bringing out his festive spirit…and will give him a yuletide that he'll never forget!
Christmas at Oakhurst Manor by Joanna Fulford
Vivien Hastings is looking forward to a quiet Christmas at Oakhurst Manor, until she realizes she'll be sharing it with Max Calderwood. It's been years since he broke her heart, but one hot glance from his cool gray eyes shows her that she's just as vulnerable to him as she ever was….
An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe by Louise Allen
Hugo, Earl of Burnham, hates Christmas! Snowbound in widow Emilia Weston's cozy alehouse, with her young twins, he's surrounded by festive preparations. Hugo's cynical heart is in danger of being melted…. How much longer can he avoid the mistletoe?
Twelfth Night Proposal by Lucy Ashford
Leaving London to claim his newly inherited estate, Theo Dalbury finds remote Derbyshire as foreign to him as his feelings for country girl Jenna. Christmas evokes painful memories for him, but Jenna is bringing out his festive spirit…and will give him a yuletide that he'll never forget!
Christmas at Oakhurst Manor by Joanna Fulford
Vivien Hastings is looking forward to a quiet Christmas at Oakhurst Manor, until she realizes she'll be sharing it with Max Calderwood. It's been years since he broke her heart, but one hot glance from his cool gray eyes shows her that she's just as vulnerable to him as she ever was….
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
35 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Louise Allen
424 books332 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
This author also writes under the name Francesca Shaw.
I have had my nose buried in a history book - fact or fiction - for as long as I can remember, but even more important to me are the places and the objects that conjure up the past. My first attempt at historical fiction at the age of eight was three pages of improbable medieval drama set in the local castle.
With a degree in geography and archaeology I love to try and 'read' the landscape and the buildings in it for clues about the past. Virtually any place can trigger ideas for plots, but I am particularly inspired by Venice, Burgundy, Mediterranean islands and the Hertfordshire and Norfolk countryside.
I live in England in a village in Bedfordshire with my long-suffering husband. He is not sure whether to be flattered or alarmed to be told he is the inspiration for all my romantic heroes! Whenever possible we escape to our cottage on the North Norfolk coast where Percy, the bossy pheasant, allows us to share the garden.
My resolution every time I start on a new plot is to plan it carefully, make copious notes first and write lots of drafts in a disciplined and orderly manner. What inevitably happens is that the story starts to write itself in my head until it gets completely out of control - meanwhile my study floor becomes a sea of open books, prints and maps and I am found sitting in the car at traffic lights, muttering dialogue. At that point I have to start writing, knowing full well that the hero and heroine are going to take over and sabotage all my attempts at discipline. It is, after all, their story.
This author also writes under the name Francesca Shaw.
I have had my nose buried in a history book - fact or fiction - for as long as I can remember, but even more important to me are the places and the objects that conjure up the past. My first attempt at historical fiction at the age of eight was three pages of improbable medieval drama set in the local castle.
With a degree in geography and archaeology I love to try and 'read' the landscape and the buildings in it for clues about the past. Virtually any place can trigger ideas for plots, but I am particularly inspired by Venice, Burgundy, Mediterranean islands and the Hertfordshire and Norfolk countryside.
I live in England in a village in Bedfordshire with my long-suffering husband. He is not sure whether to be flattered or alarmed to be told he is the inspiration for all my romantic heroes! Whenever possible we escape to our cottage on the North Norfolk coast where Percy, the bossy pheasant, allows us to share the garden.
My resolution every time I start on a new plot is to plan it carefully, make copious notes first and write lots of drafts in a disciplined and orderly manner. What inevitably happens is that the story starts to write itself in my head until it gets completely out of control - meanwhile my study floor becomes a sea of open books, prints and maps and I am found sitting in the car at traffic lights, muttering dialogue. At that point I have to start writing, knowing full well that the hero and heroine are going to take over and sabotage all my attempts at discipline. It is, after all, their story.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 17, 2016
An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe - Louise Allen
December 1814
Hugo, Earl of Burnham, gets caught in a storm while traveling and takes refuge at Emilia Weston's alehouse. Emilia is a widow and her husband died three years ago. She lives with her two, young, twin sons, Nathan and Joseph. Since the snow makes it impossible for Hugo to leave he gets to know the townsfolk, and Emilia, and her friendly sons. But the more he gets to know these people the harder it is for him to leave.
This was a sweet, heartwarming read. I liked the main couple and I was happy to see them find romance. I also found Emilia's twin sons really cute. I liked the warm, cozy feel of the village and I liked how they all helped each other out in the snowstorm. I also liked how Hugo brought Emilia and her parents (who were estranged from her) back together.
Twelfth Night Proposal - Lucy Ashford
December 1817
Theo Dalbury inherits a fortune and an estate in Derbyshire called Northcote Hall. He leaves London and travels to Derbyshire to claim his new estate. When he arrives he meets Jenna Brook. Jenna and her mother used to live at Northcote Hall, but after the previous owner died they eventually got thrown out. And they are having difficulties with the steward who may be responsible for burning down their home. Theo fires the steward and tries to help Jenna and her mother by inviting them to stay at Northcote Hall (where Jenna's frail mother loved to live). Theo is expecting (unwanted) visitors from London for Christmas so he asks Jenna for her help with the Christmas preparations. But after his visitors arrive (including a girl that wants to be Theo's wife) they all get snowed in and Theo is stuck with his unwanted visitors for longer than he would have liked.
Theo doesn't like Christmas because his father left him at boarding school every Christmas when Theo was young. Jenna holds a small party for Theo with the villagers for Christmas and he finds it was his best Christmas ever. At first he couldn't wait to leave this place, but now, he starts to think maybe he should stay.
Jenna usually wore a long man's coat, drab clothes, and hid her long blonde hair up and under her cap. (I guess to discourage the steward and other men). She followed many of the village's traditions, myths (Hob Hurst goblin, etc...). I liked her. She was interesting and unusual, and very caring towards the children in the village. She also really looked out for her sick mother.
I liked how Theo changed his mind about the Derbyshire village. At first he really disliked it, but by the end he felt like he really belonged there. Jenna and Theo made a good couple. They were both very likable. This story was lovely, charming, and funny at times. It was my favorite story in the book.
Christmas At Oakhurst Manor - Joanna Fulford
Vivien Hastings accepts a friend's invitation to spend Christmas at Oakhurst Manor with her two children. She is a widow (her husband died of pneumonia eighteen months ago.) Then she discovers her ex-love (Max Calderwood) from ten years ago will be there too. But it's too late to change her plans, and her children are looking forward to going.
Vivien and Max eventually meet again. Max has been in India for many years. (Max broke up with Vivien because Vivien came from a well-to-do family and Max knew he wasn't good enough for her and her parents would never approve. He left for India to make his fortune. Vivien married another man to oblige her family.) But now that they have met again, Max realizes the mistake he made in the past regarding Vivien, and he wonders if they could maybe, now, have a future together?
This was another enjoyable read. I liked how Max got on with Vivien's children. He never really got over Vivien and she never forgot him. So they both get a second chance and a happy ever after.
*******************************************
I enjoyed all the stories in this book. Each one had a snowbound theme. This was a pleasant and entertaining Christmas read.
December 1814
Hugo, Earl of Burnham, gets caught in a storm while traveling and takes refuge at Emilia Weston's alehouse. Emilia is a widow and her husband died three years ago. She lives with her two, young, twin sons, Nathan and Joseph. Since the snow makes it impossible for Hugo to leave he gets to know the townsfolk, and Emilia, and her friendly sons. But the more he gets to know these people the harder it is for him to leave.
This was a sweet, heartwarming read. I liked the main couple and I was happy to see them find romance. I also found Emilia's twin sons really cute. I liked the warm, cozy feel of the village and I liked how they all helped each other out in the snowstorm. I also liked how Hugo brought Emilia and her parents (who were estranged from her) back together.
Twelfth Night Proposal - Lucy Ashford
December 1817
Theo Dalbury inherits a fortune and an estate in Derbyshire called Northcote Hall. He leaves London and travels to Derbyshire to claim his new estate. When he arrives he meets Jenna Brook. Jenna and her mother used to live at Northcote Hall, but after the previous owner died they eventually got thrown out. And they are having difficulties with the steward who may be responsible for burning down their home. Theo fires the steward and tries to help Jenna and her mother by inviting them to stay at Northcote Hall (where Jenna's frail mother loved to live). Theo is expecting (unwanted) visitors from London for Christmas so he asks Jenna for her help with the Christmas preparations. But after his visitors arrive (including a girl that wants to be Theo's wife) they all get snowed in and Theo is stuck with his unwanted visitors for longer than he would have liked.
Theo doesn't like Christmas because his father left him at boarding school every Christmas when Theo was young. Jenna holds a small party for Theo with the villagers for Christmas and he finds it was his best Christmas ever. At first he couldn't wait to leave this place, but now, he starts to think maybe he should stay.
Jenna usually wore a long man's coat, drab clothes, and hid her long blonde hair up and under her cap. (I guess to discourage the steward and other men). She followed many of the village's traditions, myths (Hob Hurst goblin, etc...). I liked her. She was interesting and unusual, and very caring towards the children in the village. She also really looked out for her sick mother.
I liked how Theo changed his mind about the Derbyshire village. At first he really disliked it, but by the end he felt like he really belonged there. Jenna and Theo made a good couple. They were both very likable. This story was lovely, charming, and funny at times. It was my favorite story in the book.
Christmas At Oakhurst Manor - Joanna Fulford
Vivien Hastings accepts a friend's invitation to spend Christmas at Oakhurst Manor with her two children. She is a widow (her husband died of pneumonia eighteen months ago.) Then she discovers her ex-love (Max Calderwood) from ten years ago will be there too. But it's too late to change her plans, and her children are looking forward to going.
Vivien and Max eventually meet again. Max has been in India for many years. (Max broke up with Vivien because Vivien came from a well-to-do family and Max knew he wasn't good enough for her and her parents would never approve. He left for India to make his fortune. Vivien married another man to oblige her family.) But now that they have met again, Max realizes the mistake he made in the past regarding Vivien, and he wonders if they could maybe, now, have a future together?
This was another enjoyable read. I liked how Max got on with Vivien's children. He never really got over Vivien and she never forgot him. So they both get a second chance and a happy ever after.
*******************************************
I enjoyed all the stories in this book. Each one had a snowbound theme. This was a pleasant and entertaining Christmas read.
January 2, 2015
An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe by Louise Allen
Hugo, Earl of Burnham, hates Christmas! Snowbound in widow Emilia Weston's cozy alehouse, with her young twins, he's surrounded by festive preparations. Hugo's cynical heart is in danger of being melted... How much longer can he avoid the mistletoe?
Hugo is headed home after being away in the war. He has no good memories of Christmas and tends to avoid any celebration of the holiday. When he is caught in the storm and takes refuge at Emilia's alehouse he doesn't expect to enjoy himself. There is something about her kindness to him and others that begins to melt the ice around his heart. Emilia has been making do the best she can after the death of her husband. She is attracted to the handsome stranger, but knows that someone like him could never have a future with someone like her. I really liked the way that Hugo was able to become a part of the community and help with the storm and with Emilia and her children. In spite of the fact that he had no experience with the emotion of love, he was able to open himself up to the possibilities.
Twelfth Night Proposal by Lucy Ashford
Leaving London to claim his newly inherited estate, Theo Dalbury finds remote Derbyshire as foreign to him as his feelings for country girl Jenna. Christmas evokes painful memories for him, but Jenna is bringing out his festive spirit - and will give him a yuletide that he'll never forget!
Theo was completely out of his element in the wilds of Derbyshire when he went to check out his new estate. His intention was to investigate the land, do what he needed to and return to London and find a wife. He didn't expect to be attracted to Jenna and to find himself drawn more and more into local life. He had a bit of tunnel vision at first, not seeing the treasure that was right in front of him. I did like the way that he tried to look out for Jenna and her mother, even though he didn't go about it very well. Jenna knew a lot about the estate since she grew up there. I liked the way that she tried to show Theo all the good things about it, and how she stood up for the people against the corrupt steward.
Christmas at Oakhurst Manor by Joanna Fulford
Vivien Hastings is looking forward to a quiet Christmas at Oakhurst Manor, until she realizes she'll be sharing it with Max Calderwood. It's been years since he broke her heart, but one hot glance from his cool gray eyes shows her that she's just as vulnerable to him as she ever was...
I really enjoyed the story of second chances. Vivien and Max had parted ten years earlier. He went off to India to make his fortune and she married someone else. Now he's back and she's a widow. Max realized early on the he had been a fool to leave her behind, and now wanted a chance to win her back. I really liked the way that he was so good with the children and that he was determined to show her that he still cared. Vivien knew that she still loved Max, but she was afraid to trust him with her heart. I really enjoyed seeing them get to know each other again and finally find their happy ending.
Hugo, Earl of Burnham, hates Christmas! Snowbound in widow Emilia Weston's cozy alehouse, with her young twins, he's surrounded by festive preparations. Hugo's cynical heart is in danger of being melted... How much longer can he avoid the mistletoe?
Hugo is headed home after being away in the war. He has no good memories of Christmas and tends to avoid any celebration of the holiday. When he is caught in the storm and takes refuge at Emilia's alehouse he doesn't expect to enjoy himself. There is something about her kindness to him and others that begins to melt the ice around his heart. Emilia has been making do the best she can after the death of her husband. She is attracted to the handsome stranger, but knows that someone like him could never have a future with someone like her. I really liked the way that Hugo was able to become a part of the community and help with the storm and with Emilia and her children. In spite of the fact that he had no experience with the emotion of love, he was able to open himself up to the possibilities.
Twelfth Night Proposal by Lucy Ashford
Leaving London to claim his newly inherited estate, Theo Dalbury finds remote Derbyshire as foreign to him as his feelings for country girl Jenna. Christmas evokes painful memories for him, but Jenna is bringing out his festive spirit - and will give him a yuletide that he'll never forget!
Theo was completely out of his element in the wilds of Derbyshire when he went to check out his new estate. His intention was to investigate the land, do what he needed to and return to London and find a wife. He didn't expect to be attracted to Jenna and to find himself drawn more and more into local life. He had a bit of tunnel vision at first, not seeing the treasure that was right in front of him. I did like the way that he tried to look out for Jenna and her mother, even though he didn't go about it very well. Jenna knew a lot about the estate since she grew up there. I liked the way that she tried to show Theo all the good things about it, and how she stood up for the people against the corrupt steward.
Christmas at Oakhurst Manor by Joanna Fulford
Vivien Hastings is looking forward to a quiet Christmas at Oakhurst Manor, until she realizes she'll be sharing it with Max Calderwood. It's been years since he broke her heart, but one hot glance from his cool gray eyes shows her that she's just as vulnerable to him as she ever was...
I really enjoyed the story of second chances. Vivien and Max had parted ten years earlier. He went off to India to make his fortune and she married someone else. Now he's back and she's a widow. Max realized early on the he had been a fool to leave her behind, and now wanted a chance to win her back. I really liked the way that he was so good with the children and that he was determined to show her that he still cared. Vivien knew that she still loved Max, but she was afraid to trust him with her heart. I really enjoyed seeing them get to know each other again and finally find their happy ending.
March 22, 2013
Snowbound Wedding Wishes is a delightful collection of three charming Regency novellas from popular authors Louise Allen, Lucy Ashford and Joanna Fulford.
Multi award-winning author Louise Allen starts things off with An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe, a magical tale of renewal, redemption and the healing power of love.
After five years spent on the front line fighting for his country, the time has come for Major Hugo Travers, Earl of Burnham, to return to England and find a suitable bride – it’s just a shame the hardened soldier would sooner be on the battlefield than at a society ball being forced to endure the inane chatter of a fatuous debutante! Having been invited to a family Christmas gathering, Hugo is already dreading his friends and family’s less than subtle probing into his private life. But unbeknownst to Hugo, fate has got other things in store for him…
A snowstorm leaves Hugo trapped and exposed in the Chiltern valley miles away from his destination. When he knocks on the door of an alehouse hoping for a bed for the night, Hugo is taken aback when the door is opened by the most beautiful woman he has ever seen: the widowed alewife Emilia Weston.
Hugo awakens in Emilia feelings which she thought long-buried. But how can she possibly contemplate a future with him when Hugo’s presence in her life is temporary? Will a Christmas miracle propel Hugo and Emilia into one another’s arms? Or will the cold light of day destroy their burgeoning happiness?
In An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe, the talented Louise Allen has penned a heart-warming story that sparkles with hope, humour and heart. Wonderfully written, immensely compelling and sublimely romantic, An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe is another triumph for this terrific writer of historical romance!
The second story in this anthology, Twelfth Night Proposal, is a poignant and intriguing tale from the gifted pen of fast rising historical romance star Lucy Ashford.
Theo Dalbury wasn’t exactly overjoyed when he was informed that he had inherited a country estate in rural Derbyshire. Theo is more at home in the sophisticated ball rooms of London than in the wild open spaces of the countryside. Staying on at his new estate is certainly not an option for Theo, but his initial plans for a quick visit to Derbyshire quickly fall by the wayside when he claps eyes on a pretty country girl called Jenna…
The more time Theo spends with Jenna, the more he finds himself falling in love with this beautiful, resourceful and astonishingly brave country girl. But before Theo can claim the woman who has captured his heart, he must first confront his past and allow old wounds to heal.
Will Theo and Jenna get the happy ending they both so richly deserve? Or will they continue to let fear prevent them from reaching out for another chance at love?
Lucy Ashford ticks all the right boxes with this moving, tender and highly enjoyable Regency novella. Twelfth Night Proposal is a beguiling, seductive and heart-warming tale with a fantastic heroine, a swoon-worthy hero and plenty of engaging emotional romantic drama that will keep readers mesmerized from beginning to end!
The anthology ends on a high note with Joanna Fulford’s spellbinding story of sacrifice, salvation and second chances, Christmas at Oakhurst Manor.
Vivien Hastings is looking forward to spending a quiet and peaceful Christmas at Oakhurst Manor. However, Vivien’s plans for a tranquil Yuletide are immediately dashed when she realizes that she is going to be spending Christmas with the one man she has never quite managed to forget: Max Calderwood.
Vivien has never got over Max’s devastating betrayal. Although she had tried so hard to vanquish him from her heart, Vivien is dismayed when long-buried feelings and suppressed emotions come rushing back to the fore. But are Vivien and Max ready to let bygones be bygones and to put their heart on the line for a second time? Or will they continue to let the past to come between them?
Joanna Fulford has penned an emotional, compelling and powerful romantic story that brought a tear to my eye! Plumbing the depths of the human heart with sensitivity, depth and aplomb, this fantastic writer of historical romance has written a spectacular Regency novella readers will not easily forget!
Readers are in for a treat with this marvellous collection of sparkling Regency short stories! Enjoyable, engrossing and unmissable, Snowbound Wedding Wishes deserves a place on keeper shelves everywhere!
Multi award-winning author Louise Allen starts things off with An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe, a magical tale of renewal, redemption and the healing power of love.
After five years spent on the front line fighting for his country, the time has come for Major Hugo Travers, Earl of Burnham, to return to England and find a suitable bride – it’s just a shame the hardened soldier would sooner be on the battlefield than at a society ball being forced to endure the inane chatter of a fatuous debutante! Having been invited to a family Christmas gathering, Hugo is already dreading his friends and family’s less than subtle probing into his private life. But unbeknownst to Hugo, fate has got other things in store for him…
A snowstorm leaves Hugo trapped and exposed in the Chiltern valley miles away from his destination. When he knocks on the door of an alehouse hoping for a bed for the night, Hugo is taken aback when the door is opened by the most beautiful woman he has ever seen: the widowed alewife Emilia Weston.
Hugo awakens in Emilia feelings which she thought long-buried. But how can she possibly contemplate a future with him when Hugo’s presence in her life is temporary? Will a Christmas miracle propel Hugo and Emilia into one another’s arms? Or will the cold light of day destroy their burgeoning happiness?
In An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe, the talented Louise Allen has penned a heart-warming story that sparkles with hope, humour and heart. Wonderfully written, immensely compelling and sublimely romantic, An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe is another triumph for this terrific writer of historical romance!
The second story in this anthology, Twelfth Night Proposal, is a poignant and intriguing tale from the gifted pen of fast rising historical romance star Lucy Ashford.
Theo Dalbury wasn’t exactly overjoyed when he was informed that he had inherited a country estate in rural Derbyshire. Theo is more at home in the sophisticated ball rooms of London than in the wild open spaces of the countryside. Staying on at his new estate is certainly not an option for Theo, but his initial plans for a quick visit to Derbyshire quickly fall by the wayside when he claps eyes on a pretty country girl called Jenna…
The more time Theo spends with Jenna, the more he finds himself falling in love with this beautiful, resourceful and astonishingly brave country girl. But before Theo can claim the woman who has captured his heart, he must first confront his past and allow old wounds to heal.
Will Theo and Jenna get the happy ending they both so richly deserve? Or will they continue to let fear prevent them from reaching out for another chance at love?
Lucy Ashford ticks all the right boxes with this moving, tender and highly enjoyable Regency novella. Twelfth Night Proposal is a beguiling, seductive and heart-warming tale with a fantastic heroine, a swoon-worthy hero and plenty of engaging emotional romantic drama that will keep readers mesmerized from beginning to end!
The anthology ends on a high note with Joanna Fulford’s spellbinding story of sacrifice, salvation and second chances, Christmas at Oakhurst Manor.
Vivien Hastings is looking forward to spending a quiet and peaceful Christmas at Oakhurst Manor. However, Vivien’s plans for a tranquil Yuletide are immediately dashed when she realizes that she is going to be spending Christmas with the one man she has never quite managed to forget: Max Calderwood.
Vivien has never got over Max’s devastating betrayal. Although she had tried so hard to vanquish him from her heart, Vivien is dismayed when long-buried feelings and suppressed emotions come rushing back to the fore. But are Vivien and Max ready to let bygones be bygones and to put their heart on the line for a second time? Or will they continue to let the past to come between them?
Joanna Fulford has penned an emotional, compelling and powerful romantic story that brought a tear to my eye! Plumbing the depths of the human heart with sensitivity, depth and aplomb, this fantastic writer of historical romance has written a spectacular Regency novella readers will not easily forget!
Readers are in for a treat with this marvellous collection of sparkling Regency short stories! Enjoyable, engrossing and unmissable, Snowbound Wedding Wishes deserves a place on keeper shelves everywhere!
February 4, 2014
I have to say overall I'm disappointed with this anthology. I had such high hopes for it, some of my favorite stories (regular length novels or novellas) come from when the H/h are trapped together for a period of time (in this case by the snow during Regency Christmas time). Sad to say, at least for me, no jewels in this anthology.
An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe by Louise Allen- 2 stars. Emilia is a widowed "ale wife" with two sons. Her whole life changes when Hugo, an aristocrat on his way home from the war seeks shelter from the snow storm. Okay, average short story. Probably didn't help that I really didn't care for either character.
Twelfth Night Proposal by Lucy Ashford- 3 stars. Theo Dalbury has just inherited a remote estate in Derbyshire, so he travels there before Christmas to get away from London society. He finds an unusual country girl, Jenna, who he's unexpectedly drawn to. However, this is a mystery concerning his new estate, Jenna's mom, and Jenna. Theo wants to get to the bottom of things... when it feels like London society is following him home... I liked Theo and Jenna, however, I didn't like how either of them acted (at all) until the very end of the story.
Christmas at Oakhurst Manor by Joanna Fulford- 3 stars. Vivien Hastings, now a widow with two children, has run into her old flame, Max Calderwood, who left her 10 years ago to make his fortune in India. He has returned and now he wants Vivien back. I'm generally not a fan of the already met/former lovers as the romantic plot, however, for a short story, this was pretty well done. Both characters were very like-able. A good solid story, just not great.
An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe by Louise Allen- 2 stars. Emilia is a widowed "ale wife" with two sons. Her whole life changes when Hugo, an aristocrat on his way home from the war seeks shelter from the snow storm. Okay, average short story. Probably didn't help that I really didn't care for either character.
Twelfth Night Proposal by Lucy Ashford- 3 stars. Theo Dalbury has just inherited a remote estate in Derbyshire, so he travels there before Christmas to get away from London society. He finds an unusual country girl, Jenna, who he's unexpectedly drawn to. However, this is a mystery concerning his new estate, Jenna's mom, and Jenna. Theo wants to get to the bottom of things... when it feels like London society is following him home... I liked Theo and Jenna, however, I didn't like how either of them acted (at all) until the very end of the story.
Christmas at Oakhurst Manor by Joanna Fulford- 3 stars. Vivien Hastings, now a widow with two children, has run into her old flame, Max Calderwood, who left her 10 years ago to make his fortune in India. He has returned and now he wants Vivien back. I'm generally not a fan of the already met/former lovers as the romantic plot, however, for a short story, this was pretty well done. Both characters were very like-able. A good solid story, just not great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2012
I did enjoy this historical read. It fall on the comfort read for me because they are pretty much predictable but the authors did great spinning words to create vivid characters and relatable emotions.
EARL BENEATH THE MISTLETOE - 4 STAR - A returning soldier found a home and family even as he reunited a long lost daughter to her family. I love the reality of how the heroine lived/lives and enjoyed watching the hero run after his own tail as he struggles against cupid's arrow during the holiday season.
TWELFTH NIGHT PROPOSAL - 2 STAR - This story might work for others but to me, the heroine borders on a girl living in dreamland. Add that to the fact that the author made a 23 yo girl in the early 19th century a perfect housekeeper, perfect neighbor, perfect friend, perfect servant, perfect girl, and more perfectness which is probably the reason why I cannot connect with this heroine.
CHRISTMAS AT OAKHURST MANOR - 4 STAR - this is a powerful story about true love given a second chance. I enjoyed how the hero and heroine came together wiser and older yet still falls into the pitfalls of us humans - trust issues and the magic of love.
EARL BENEATH THE MISTLETOE - 4 STAR - A returning soldier found a home and family even as he reunited a long lost daughter to her family. I love the reality of how the heroine lived/lives and enjoyed watching the hero run after his own tail as he struggles against cupid's arrow during the holiday season.
TWELFTH NIGHT PROPOSAL - 2 STAR - This story might work for others but to me, the heroine borders on a girl living in dreamland. Add that to the fact that the author made a 23 yo girl in the early 19th century a perfect housekeeper, perfect neighbor, perfect friend, perfect servant, perfect girl, and more perfectness which is probably the reason why I cannot connect with this heroine.
CHRISTMAS AT OAKHURST MANOR - 4 STAR - this is a powerful story about true love given a second chance. I enjoyed how the hero and heroine came together wiser and older yet still falls into the pitfalls of us humans - trust issues and the magic of love.
December 29, 2012
Three sweet Christmas themed tales. Out of all, I think the first one - An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe - was my favorite, but all were pleasant and interesting for a nice quiet time!
December 14, 2015
Özlemişim Harlequin historical okumayı..3,5 yıldız..:)))
December 5, 2021
Snowbound Wedding Wishes
An Earl Beneath thr Mistletoe - Hugo and Emilia
Really liked this story. Realized I'd read before.
Twelfth Night Proposal - Theo and Jenna
Could not get into this story. Did not care for Jenna.
Christmas at Oakhurst Manor - Max and Vivian
Also liked this story. I think I liked stories 1 and 3 because the H/h were more mature in age.
An Earl Beneath thr Mistletoe - Hugo and Emilia
Really liked this story. Realized I'd read before.
Twelfth Night Proposal - Theo and Jenna
Could not get into this story. Did not care for Jenna.
Christmas at Oakhurst Manor - Max and Vivian
Also liked this story. I think I liked stories 1 and 3 because the H/h were more mature in age.
January 27, 2020
Got this book as a lovely surprise from a nice bookcrosser. And even though it is already January I had to read these three novels.
I think I like the first one best, all in all they are quite harmless and full of Christmas wishes
coming true. Enjoyable but also easily forgotten.
I think I like the first one best, all in all they are quite harmless and full of Christmas wishes
coming true. Enjoyable but also easily forgotten.
October 9, 2024
I found this one hard to rate… I think because they are such short stories. I just kinda wanted *more* in all of them — that being said, I still enjoyed the read. They were light and festive, and I don’t regret borrowing the book from the library.
February 13, 2019
I enjoyed all three stories, about Christmas and love and happily ever after. I recommend this book for a great Christmas Romance next December.
September 18, 2022
Enjoyable Christmas, romantic stories! Good reads
December 27, 2024
The first and third stories were my favorite, but I enjoyed all of them!
January 2, 2022
This is a quick series of three Christmasy novellas.
An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe concerns an undercover Earl who ends up snowed in with an innkeeper/ale house widow and her children. Emilia married without her parents' approval and suffered for this financially, even long after her husband's death. The village has taken her in as one of their own, but as someone who was previously of a higher station, there's still some distance there. Hugo, I recall less, but I believe is a former soldier cum reluctant earl (a lot more of those out there in Romancelandia than one would think, no?). The premise wasn't great, but I thought the execution was well-done, especially considering I hate plot moppets in romance.
Twelfth Night Proposal concerned Theo going to some remote part of England to see some estate he's happened to inherit and harassing his housekeeper, Jenna. Seriously, I can't remember her age in the story, but she absolutely came across as very young/immature/childlike, and Theo was not as consent-focused as one might like. The whole thing was bizarre, her mother was an upsetting character, and why we're supposed to think a young rake is going to marry an illegitimate servant, I have NO idea. This one brought down the whole collection by at least one star.
Christmas at Oakhurst Manor was about Vivien, another penniless widow with two children a la the first story, and Max, who has just returned from India in a much greater financial position than when he left ten years ago. Back then, he and Vivien had something of a romance, which ended because of Reasons. A pleasant, chaste, second chance romance. I enjoyed having non-titled hero.
An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe concerns an undercover Earl who ends up snowed in with an innkeeper/ale house widow and her children. Emilia married without her parents' approval and suffered for this financially, even long after her husband's death. The village has taken her in as one of their own, but as someone who was previously of a higher station, there's still some distance there. Hugo, I recall less, but I believe is a former soldier cum reluctant earl (a lot more of those out there in Romancelandia than one would think, no?). The premise wasn't great, but I thought the execution was well-done, especially considering I hate plot moppets in romance.
Twelfth Night Proposal concerned Theo going to some remote part of England to see some estate he's happened to inherit and harassing his housekeeper, Jenna. Seriously, I can't remember her age in the story, but she absolutely came across as very young/immature/childlike, and Theo was not as consent-focused as one might like. The whole thing was bizarre, her mother was an upsetting character, and why we're supposed to think a young rake is going to marry an illegitimate servant, I have NO idea. This one brought down the whole collection by at least one star.
Christmas at Oakhurst Manor was about Vivien, another penniless widow with two children a la the first story, and Max, who has just returned from India in a much greater financial position than when he left ten years ago. Back then, he and Vivien had something of a romance, which ended because of Reasons. A pleasant, chaste, second chance romance. I enjoyed having non-titled hero.
December 30, 2013
A great and brilliant read. I had to wait for this book to be released here in the UK this year before I can read it. I'm really really pleased that I did. I found out about this book from the awesome Louise Allen.
An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe by Louise Allen: I ADORE her novels as well as her short novel in this book. It was slightly different from what I read from her novel but it still was incredibly awesome. I loved the idea that Emila was the landlord of the alehouse. That made me smile and the idea that she chan take care of her kids too was a added bonus.
Twelfth Night Proposal by Lucy Ashford: Another great novel and it left me glued into the story. I was quite intrigued of how Theo managed to sort out a lot of situations also that he seemed to surprise Jenna, with the reaction to the live band that was going to play for his christmas party. This made of the story made me smile. I also adored the little riddle he created for her to convince her to marry him. That made me swoon.
Christmas at Oakhurst Manor: Brilliant read as well. I loved the idea that both of these characters were once lovers a while back but somehow stumbled upon each other years later. I particularly adore the fact that Max still loved her throughout all those years when they were apart. That made me smile. Also when he told a story to the children at the Christmas party. This also made me swoon. It seemed that he was great with children. I also felt that Viven was a awesome character too. I loved that she was different and chose to always check her children in case anything is wrong. I felt that was a genuine thing.
An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe by Louise Allen: I ADORE her novels as well as her short novel in this book. It was slightly different from what I read from her novel but it still was incredibly awesome. I loved the idea that Emila was the landlord of the alehouse. That made me smile and the idea that she chan take care of her kids too was a added bonus.
Twelfth Night Proposal by Lucy Ashford: Another great novel and it left me glued into the story. I was quite intrigued of how Theo managed to sort out a lot of situations also that he seemed to surprise Jenna, with the reaction to the live band that was going to play for his christmas party. This made of the story made me smile. I also adored the little riddle he created for her to convince her to marry him. That made me swoon.
Christmas at Oakhurst Manor: Brilliant read as well. I loved the idea that both of these characters were once lovers a while back but somehow stumbled upon each other years later. I particularly adore the fact that Max still loved her throughout all those years when they were apart. That made me smile. Also when he told a story to the children at the Christmas party. This also made me swoon. It seemed that he was great with children. I also felt that Viven was a awesome character too. I loved that she was different and chose to always check her children in case anything is wrong. I felt that was a genuine thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2015
This book was just "okay". Nothing really special or unique about it compared to others of its genre. Three stories in one Christmas book.
"Snowbound Wedding Wishes"--3 stars--Cute story, although not as passionate or sexy as I prefer the stories to be. Hugo is stranded in a small town in a snowstorm and so he seeks shelter in the home of a widow and her two boys who have been cut off from the rest of her family. Emilia, however, has found a welcoming home among the townsfolk. Hugo and Emilia get to know each other through surviving the snowstorms and town celebrations.
"Twelfth Night Proposal"--2 stars--Tepid story. Nothing inspiring. Theo has inherited this estate, and he visits it mid-winter and meets the former staff who helped care for it. Jenna and her mother used to live there and soon their cottage residence is also burned to the ground, so they move in with Theo and help him prepare for the holidays.
I didn't read much from Jenna's viewpoint, and although she may have been attracted to Theo, I don't think either of them were so attracted to each other that it would warrant breaking their society's rules to enter into marriage between this servant and her local gentry employer.
"Christmas at Oakhurst Manor"--2 stars--Completely celibate/abstinent book. It dragged along. Not impressed because the pace was slow, and I like my stories with a little bit of passion and sex. This story lacked passion--just a couple who knew each other before Vivien's marriage to another man and subsequent widowhood and before Max ran off to India to make his fortune. Now Vivien is the widowed mother of 2 and debts piling up around her estate.
"Snowbound Wedding Wishes"--3 stars--Cute story, although not as passionate or sexy as I prefer the stories to be. Hugo is stranded in a small town in a snowstorm and so he seeks shelter in the home of a widow and her two boys who have been cut off from the rest of her family. Emilia, however, has found a welcoming home among the townsfolk. Hugo and Emilia get to know each other through surviving the snowstorms and town celebrations.
"Twelfth Night Proposal"--2 stars--Tepid story. Nothing inspiring. Theo has inherited this estate, and he visits it mid-winter and meets the former staff who helped care for it. Jenna and her mother used to live there and soon their cottage residence is also burned to the ground, so they move in with Theo and help him prepare for the holidays.
I didn't read much from Jenna's viewpoint, and although she may have been attracted to Theo, I don't think either of them were so attracted to each other that it would warrant breaking their society's rules to enter into marriage between this servant and her local gentry employer.
"Christmas at Oakhurst Manor"--2 stars--Completely celibate/abstinent book. It dragged along. Not impressed because the pace was slow, and I like my stories with a little bit of passion and sex. This story lacked passion--just a couple who knew each other before Vivien's marriage to another man and subsequent widowhood and before Max ran off to India to make his fortune. Now Vivien is the widowed mother of 2 and debts piling up around her estate.
January 4, 2013
A trio of light but satisfying stories set in a snowy landscape. All of them have mild Christmas themes.
The first one, an Earl Beneath the Mistletoe, was the most compelling one, although it requires a stout set of belief suspenders attached to historical class issues. However, the attraction was well-rendered, and the male lead is actually both useful and funny. For instance, as he talks to his horse:
"‘You have to agree, Ajax, that it would be unpleasantly ironic to survive five years of being shot at, blown up and starved in the Peninsula to die of exposure in some Hertfordshire valley.’"
The other two are also pleasant enough, although there is a considerable threat of sexual violence in the second one and some in both of the others. I'm not sure we need to make the other men total creepers in order to make our heroes look good, but that's the way all three of these stories broke.
Read if: You enjoy Christmas Regency novellas, you are not too bothered by unfulfilled sexual threats.
Skip if: You have lots of other books to read, you do not comfort read an entire genre in the month of December.
Also read: The Unknown Ajax for a returning soldier unlikely to mind a pretty alewife.
The first one, an Earl Beneath the Mistletoe, was the most compelling one, although it requires a stout set of belief suspenders attached to historical class issues. However, the attraction was well-rendered, and the male lead is actually both useful and funny. For instance, as he talks to his horse:
"‘You have to agree, Ajax, that it would be unpleasantly ironic to survive five years of being shot at, blown up and starved in the Peninsula to die of exposure in some Hertfordshire valley.’"
The other two are also pleasant enough, although there is a considerable threat of sexual violence in the second one and some in both of the others. I'm not sure we need to make the other men total creepers in order to make our heroes look good, but that's the way all three of these stories broke.
Read if: You enjoy Christmas Regency novellas, you are not too bothered by unfulfilled sexual threats.
Skip if: You have lots of other books to read, you do not comfort read an entire genre in the month of December.
Also read: The Unknown Ajax for a returning soldier unlikely to mind a pretty alewife.
December 18, 2015
All three authors are new to me and therefore unfamiliar. I was engaged in each of the stories so much so that I forgot I was reading an anthology at times.
The core premise is snowbound, of course, a hero who dislikes or has not experienced a love filled Christmas, and an anti-hero. In each case the hero had either a title and/or wealth and the heroine was living in dire straits or close to it. This aspect made believable stories difficult because destitution can leave a heroine taking chances she might not take otherwise. The third story addressed this blatantly with the heroine labeling herself a fortune hunter.
Sex was not necessary for any of the stories, although it was included, as they were so richly written with emotions that I could feel.
The premise of the third story is one that is not overly written. The two were "dating" and in love ten years prior. But he got cold feet and fled. The heroine was completely blameless and he knew it and owed her an apology and explanation. He needed to kiss her feet. Luckily he regretted his cold feet and was willing to earn her trust back. How he did that, you'll have to read. A true happy ending for a situation many women have been in and not been so lucky.
I consider this a Christmas time re-read. I enjoyed it that much. And I will investigate each of these author's other books.
The core premise is snowbound, of course, a hero who dislikes or has not experienced a love filled Christmas, and an anti-hero. In each case the hero had either a title and/or wealth and the heroine was living in dire straits or close to it. This aspect made believable stories difficult because destitution can leave a heroine taking chances she might not take otherwise. The third story addressed this blatantly with the heroine labeling herself a fortune hunter.
Sex was not necessary for any of the stories, although it was included, as they were so richly written with emotions that I could feel.
The premise of the third story is one that is not overly written. The two were "dating" and in love ten years prior. But he got cold feet and fled. The heroine was completely blameless and he knew it and owed her an apology and explanation. He needed to kiss her feet. Luckily he regretted his cold feet and was willing to earn her trust back. How he did that, you'll have to read. A true happy ending for a situation many women have been in and not been so lucky.
I consider this a Christmas time re-read. I enjoyed it that much. And I will investigate each of these author's other books.
January 14, 2013
Usually romance books of this sort (collections of novellas around a shared theme) start with a strong novella, then move to a weaker one, then end with one that is either very weak, or one that confounds a convention (for example, the Regency heroine wears glasses, or is plain, or the hero is a schoolteacher, not titled, or nerdy rather than athletic, or the characters are Jews in nineteenth century England...).
This volume confounded that convention. I found all three novellas A) well-written, B) with engaging characters, and C) a pleasure to read.
Merry Christmas to me!!
This volume confounded that convention. I found all three novellas A) well-written, B) with engaging characters, and C) a pleasure to read.
Merry Christmas to me!!
January 9, 2014
A trio of festive stories set in the snowier parts of England. Although I loved Louise Allen's story of village life in the Chiltern Hills, my favourite had to be Lucy Ashford's Derbyshire-set story as Theo's attempts to scare off his guests backfire on him but the local traditions still work to make his Christmas far more memorable than any he's experienced before. Joanna Fulford's story was less grounded in any specific geographical location, but it still left me wanting to read more of her work.
Read
December 27, 2014"Following the criteria that each of these charming novellas must be set during a snowbound holiday, this trio of authors offers up delectable stories capturing the atmosphere of the English countryside, village celebrations, house parties and most of all romance. Each author has a personal spin on the theme, making each story as wonderful, uplifting and romantic as the next. What a treat for readers." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 stars
January 2, 2013
These stories were three very interesting historical reads about celebrating Christmas in England. Each story gives a different view of how society views relationships between men and women and where there are 'classed' in society. The authors treat the reader to some magical, intriguing and romantic adventures.
December 10, 2012
In reality, my rating is heavily swayed with Louise Allen's story "An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe." I absolutely fell in love with Major Hugo Travers and Emilia Weston. All three stories were the perfect Christmas read, but Allen's story outweighs the other two.
November 16, 2012
I really liked this book
September 11, 2024
Louise Allen's story was a 5 and it is worth getting the book just for that story. The other two were two's at the most.
January 23, 2014
I enjoyed these stories. As expected, Louise Allen's was my favourite. There is just something about her writing that gets me every time! Christmas romance and escapism at its best...
December 15, 2015
More guilty pleasure Christmas Regency reading...
September 7, 2017
Louise Allen doesn't seem to get the love that an author such as Mary Balogh or Grace Burrowes gets (and maybe I'm wrong, because I haven't seen comparative sales reports), but when she is on her game I think she s a match for just about anyone in HR today. And she is definitely in good form with the first novella of this collection. A lot of fun.
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