A Christmas Betrothal

The Mercer's House #6

by Mary Kingswood

A family in trade moving up in the world. A family of landed gentry stepping aside for them. And the sons and daughters caught in the middle.

Michael Plummer has never forgotten the woman he fell passionately in love with a few years ago. He was courting a beautiful heiress, in the hope of rescuing his family from financial ruin and the loss of their home, but it was her companion who won his heart. When she ran away from him, Michael was plunged into despair. Now both women have returned, and he has a chance to correct the mistakes of the past. But does he have the courage to do the right thing this time?

Margarita Brooks is still recovering from the devastating events that almost ruined her life. She’s found a tranquil haven as companion to an elderly woman, but when her employer takes her to a family celebration, she’s brought face to face with the tangled emotions she hoped were left behind, and the web of lies she wove to protect herself. Can she find a way to atone for her errors, and is her heart the price she must pay?

Rosie Fletcher has agreed to marry her noble suitor, a connection which will raise her family in society and bring pleasure to a great many people. She’s made up her mind once and for all, and she’s determined to make it work. But her timid nature will put her at a disadvantage in the exalted world of her husband and his family. Rosie must finally stand up for herself to make this marriage the way she wants it, but if she pushes too hard she may lose her chance of happiness altogether.

This is a complete story with a happy ever after. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom. Book 6 of a 6 book series.

Genres: Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Fiction

391 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2023

About the author

I live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland with my husband. I like chocolate, whisky, my Kindle, massed pipe bands, long leisurely lunches, chocolate, going places in my campervan, eating pizza in Italy, summer nights that never get dark, wood fires in winter, chocolate, the view from the study window looking out over the Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond. And chocolate. I dislike driving on motorways, cooking, shopping, hospitals.

The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.

NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.

Reviews

[Jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, this is a long one, but it ties up a lot of loose threads from this series. That seems to be with Mary Kingswood. She can write a very tight story and let some series arcs get their conclusions in the final book.

I’m so glad things worked out well for Rosie after so much time spent on her love story. Michael and Margarita were unlikely main character characters to me. Margarita is brand new in this book, but she was a main character that immediately had my heart

I only wish the villain in the story had got their just desserts, but there is one standalone that deals with a secondary character from this book so perhaps we will get word about that person‘s fate.

[Tina Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kingswood is an auto-buy for me. I enjoy her style of writing, the characters are always multi-layered, the plot intriguing and she is always historically accurate. The research she does clearly shows in her books.
Strangely this book wasn’t as interesting as the other books in the Mercer series, which I have loved. It took me until the second half of the book to really enjoy it. Perhaps it’s because I didn’t re-read the books leading up to this one, but I couldn’t get a handle on who everyone was in the story. There seemed to be so many people and complicated relationships that I found it confusing And frankly I found the constant angst on the 4 major characters to be tiring, dragging on a bit too long. I even started to skip sections of the book, which is most unusual.
The story line is split between Rosie and Margarita’s romantic relationships. What we assume will happen does not, in fact, happen. And I enjoyed those twists enormously. Once I got through the first half, the story seemed to smooth out and settle into a rhythm I quite enjoyed.
I thought the author did a wonderful job at tying up the series and a big thank you for the surprise bonus.
I really, really enjoyed the cameo appearance of our favourite Kingswood sleuths.
In spite of my comments, this book is excellent and well worth the time to read….particularly if you’ve read any or all of the series up to this point. All ends happily.

[Diane Shearer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, I adore Mary Kingswood. Five stars is not enough. She needs a category all to herself. What a beautiful way to finish the series. There is so much to love here! These families are complicated, and yet I never forget who’s who and what happened to them in previous books. She has such a wonderful way of telling stories, straightforward yet deeply moving, and so satisfying to read. She remains one of my top five favorites, and I’m forever thankful that she is so prolific. I can’t wait for the next series!

[Ladycascade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of A Christmas Betrothal. I was delighted .. Mary Kingswood books are the reason I keep my Kindle Unlimited subscription .. this time though I got to read the story early! A Christmas Betrothal did not disappoint .. although it rounded off The Mercer's House series beautifully .. I was disappointed to see the end. As with all of Mary Kingswood characters .. I don't want to leave them behind. And as I have done with all of Mary Kingswood books .. I will be reading through this series again .. and probably again after that. Greatly looking forward to the next series!

[Flo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read all of Mary Kingswood's regency novels and some I enjoyed immensely and some less so--but I did enjoy them all--except for this one. Repetitious, boring, too too long, and the characters not at all interesting. What has happened, Mary? I just cannot understand how you can write such good books and this bad one. I skipped a lot of this uninteresting book. Cannot recommend at all.

[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael gets his HEA

5 stars

Two stories in one...Rosie and her viscount and Michael and his lost love.

What's good about the writing, like Austen it's the pen sketches of human foibles

[Lynn Knappick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have just completed reading a pre-release copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The problem with Mary Kingswood's Regency romances is always the same. I can't put the book down and stay up way into the night turning page after page. Also this is the very reason that I anxiously await her next release.
I have so enjoyed this Mercer series and this last book is the best.
The conclusion focuses on Rosie Fletcher, the mercer's (Harry Fletcher's) eldest and beautiful daughter. Her lot in life seems to be to raise the family into a connection with the gentry and she has finally come forward with her decision to do just that. She asserts herself, surprising everyone with her demands. What? Rosie making demands?
While this is all going on with Rosie and her future earl, there is another storyline going on with the heir next door, Michael Plummer.
Michael, too seems to live to please his father and is being nudged towards the altar with a beautiful heiress that he came close to marrying two years previously. But Michael had fallen in love at first sight with the ladies companion. The beautiful companion had up and disappeared after only knowing Michael for one week removing herself from this trio thinking she was paving the way for their marriage. Well things didn't go as she thought and now she comes face to face with Michael and her former employer at the Fletcher's house where everyone is gathered for Christmas and the announcement of Rosie's betrothal to her viscount.
Of course there are surprises and mayhem around every corner and happily ever after for so many. Old faces and friends resurface which is something that is always an extra joy when reading Mary Kingswood's Recency fiction.
Bravo again and can't wait to reread this one. It's just that good.

[Anne-Mammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to finally see what happened to Rosie the daughter on whom so much hope had been invested, particularly by Mrs fletcher, her step Mum. But in the end, most of the book focused on the dilly dallying Michael Plummer and his former love Margarita. His inability to come to a decision when she unexpectedly comes back into his life was a bit tedious.
In the end, the correspondence with Belinda Jupp, which I had found a bit superfluous throughout the other books comes into its own as the final "coup de theatre" occurs on Christmas Eve.
Just as I was thinking that the youngest daughter Bella had inexplicably changed personality, the reason for abandoning her imaginary friend Dorothea was finally explained.
Still I was not feeling terribly fulfilled when I finished reading the book and then I discovered that Mary has written a 7th book dealing with what happens to Viscount Albury after Christmas. Even better, they it was available for free to anyone who had read Book 6. Intrigued, I followed the instructions to download the book, read it and found that I enjoyed it much more than the Christmas Betrothal. It involves the colourful Captain Edgerton and Redmond making a new life in Westmorland. The action is fast paced and there are some very funny episodes. Thank you Mary for this unexpected bonus. I await with interest your new series.

[Nickki L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Betrothal is the concluding episode of the Mercer series. Over the course of the series, a rich Northern merchant and his family take their place as newly minted landed gentry - complete with a country house - in the South of England. The concluding novel focuses on Rosie, the beautiful daughter who has always been a cipher - what does she want? Well we find out in this novel. And it was worth the wait.

Mary Kingswood is my favorite contemporary writer of Regency romances. Her stories are not only historically accurate, but engaging. The characters feel like real people but living in the first decade of the nineteenth century, not today.

One of my favorite aspects of Mary Kingswood's novels is that she creates a web of characters. While this novel focused on Rosie, we also get to catch up with the rest of the family, and there are two other romances as well (which don't feel secondary).

I'm going to miss this cast of characters. Great series. So glad I got an ARC pre-release copy!

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosie Fletcher has been gently pursued by Lord Albury through several books in this series, and now the time has come for her to accept his proposal under her own terms.

Two years before, Michael Plummer fell in love with Margarita, the companion of the woman his parents wanted him to marry. She disappeared in the night, and no one knew where she was or what happened to her. To her extreme consternation, circumstances have brought her into his world again. There is a long and painful struggle against their mutual attraction. The web of lies Margarita had to weave to survive needs to be untangled and dealt with.

There are several unexpected and shocking twists in the story and a wonderful surprise at the end. (I'm sworn to secrecy on that.)

This book could not have been more enjoyable, as have all the books in the series, so well-written, full of unique and believable characters and clever dialogue. 5++ stars

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm thinking 3.5* but its a hard book for me to stick a number on. Rounded up only because of the free follow up story and quality of the writing.

I really enjoy Mary Kingswood's writing. I like that she tries different things. There was one book I would have thrown across the room if it were not digital. But even though I hated that book I respected Ms. Kingswood trying out a different sort of character. I had similar feelings for this book but I did not hate it. Parts of it I even loved.

I was super excited about finally getting to Rosie's story. I had been a bit bored by her in the beginning and certainly tired out by the strong foreshadowing in the chapter epigraphs of earlier books in the series. But then she grew on me as the series progressed. I well and truly hate characters who are not consistent. So I respect an author who works hard to keep their characters true to themselves. This book does that in spades. Romance readers expect a HEA. Getting that ending for Rosie and keeping her consistent was always going to be a problem. I was keen to find out how Kingswood solved the dilemma and downloaded this and read it the day it was released.

One fully expects this book to have a Christmas betrothal between Rosie and Albury. And so does Rosie's family. I loved that she throws this idea on its head. Rosie makes demands! I loved her demands. I loved her reasoning. I completely bought in to this aspect of the book. The problem for Kingswood is that Rosie's own words have already set her up to be unhappy with Lord Albury. Albury is already set up to be a good man. He meets her demands. He accepts the marriage she sets out. But it is not one that will make every reader's heart sing. My guess is that the author realised some readers would not be happy with how Rosie solves the HEA problem, and so she gives us another couple with a more traditional HEA.

I liked the second couple, Michael Plummer and his lost love Margarita well enough but did find their story dragged at times. But it ends up all right and tight so I have no real complaints. But even with their happy ending I was left feeling a bit bleh about the whole thing. I would not say disappointed because I also felt it was the right ending.

Kingswood's solution is quite good. She gives us a long epilogue of sorts. I never ever ever download epilogues. This is an exception everyone should make. There was no need to sign up to a mailing list. And it was glorious. Seriously get the epilogue!

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

An awful ending for a character that did not deserve his fate! Putting down the British aristocracy is fine, but to punish an individual with the best intentions and fighting against his upbringing all for the love of a woman who then dumps him!!! I enjoyed the light reading Ms. Kingswood provided, but she is NOT anywhere near a comparison to Heyer!!! ( Who was consistent-no off the wall destroying-also very clever conversation and character development!)(Of course, no comparison to Austin who was a literary genius❤️). I knew not to expect that level of writing, but when Kingswood destroyed the life of an endearing character in this story where we followed his trajectory over many books, it was outrageous and so not fitting with her set up. I would hope for some consistency. We can hate the aristocracy as a whole (although I don’t because as an American we have our evil billionaires (e.g.Musk-who loves Putin and other autocrats🤦‍♀️😱😖)and so many other men of “trade” (in the past and the present) were as, or much more, awful than some UK aristocracy. Look at how much support the latest Kennedy got as a potential presidential candidate even thought he was clearly “not all there”!

[Bücherspaß · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh dear, I read all books of this series and liked some more than others. This one is well written, but if anyone ever needs an example for the term tstl (too stupid to live), then the hero and heroine of this book will show them what it means.
Margarita, the heroine, gets on my nerves. Yes, I get it, she's so selfless that she'd rather starve than accept anyone's help, but that doesn't make her a likable character. She insists on keeping a VERY big secret from the hero because she doesn't know if he really loves her, even though that is extremely obvious. And she's so utterly passive! Even knowing that she is going to be homeless and unemployed in a few days won't make her think of a plan or ask for anyone's help.
Michael, the hero, is supposed to 30, but acts like a 16 year old who has his first crush. That means, not very smart at all.
I think I need to lie down, all that eye-rolling is giving me a headache.

[carolintallahassee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read a book by an author for the first time. Although I thought it was going to be a Historical Mystery Arc, it turned out that the book was not about that. The Historical Mystery Arc is actually being launched in December, which I am excited to read. Although the book I read was not about Christmas, it was still an entertaining read. The story takes place during the Christmas holidays, which is one of my favorite themed holidays. However, there was no greenery, no tree, and no caroling, which I found disappointing. Instead, the book was about weddings. Despite this, the story was moving and I felt sorry for Mrs. Brookes, who was a lovely lady. I also liked the Fletchers, who were a kind and loving family with generous hearts. I was disappointed with the male protagonists for their brides, who I felt were too timid. Although they did eventually stand up to their parents, it took the entire book for everything to work out. If you enjoy reading books by Georgette Heyer, then I highly recommend this saga. Even though I had not read the first books in this series, I still enjoyed it. Overall, it is a clean story with romance, angst, and a happily ever after. I would like to express my gratitude to #Mary Kingswood for the Arc. As always, my opinions are my own.

[Kathy Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wishing the series didn’t end

I recommend reading this book. There are wonderful and believable characters set in a plot that has great historical detail. Mary Kingswood’s language is so appropriate, I never feel like I’m reading a contemporary story. The Plummer family, and their Fletcher neighbors gather with the prospective groom’s snobbish and aristocratic family to celebrate a betrothal over the Christmas holiday are set so perfectly in the time of her story. This story provides insight into the early Industrial Revolution where the families of wealthy and successful businessmen interact with the sons and daughters of the nobility — which leads to interesting complications.

[Jeanie Gaslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Mary Kingswood books.They are never tedious or dull. Rosies acceptance of her stepmothers desire for her to wed a titled man was such a drain on readers I sighed. As this book began I was sad that Rosie was complacent in her decision to marry Redmond despite not being in love. His mother was so disapproving. He was smitten but slow to react making me worried that his heart might not be fully engaged.
Added to this storyline was Margarita a companion formerly of Amelia but now with a elderly lady. And Michael Plummer again we have a scornful mother who is so quick to judge a lady based on her family. (Lead I hope I was never one of those mothers).
Throwing Wllerton-Forbes into the mix resolved all issues and alls well that Ned’s well. No spoilers here!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an arc preread.
While sad this series has concluded, it was a wonderfully satisfying end. I have grown to adore these people, so fully realized, by Ms.Kingswood. Her series brings back people we have seen in her other works, characters who are always intriguing and add dimension to the plot.
What I really admire is the absolutely stunning research that has gone into her works, and the clarity it brings to the lives portrayed. None are superficial, unless intended that way, all are beautifully rounded as people we'd like in our lives. There is a new series due in January, 2024, and I can't wait!

These books are suitable for all ages.

[Cathy Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Closure to an Outstanding Series

Mary Kingswood brings The Mercer's House series to a satisfying finish by sorting out romantic knots and offering happy endings with only one (forgivable) romantic trope to finish things on a high note. I say forgivable because the entire series is absolutely plump with innovative plots and emotionally rich characters, so what's one lost out-of-wedlock daughter by comparison? One of Kingswood's talents is the deft weaving of characters from all her books into a single world and I personally am in great expectation to read her next series!!

[Kellye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite what I expected

I expected Rosie’s story, but I felt that most of the story was about Michael Plummer rather than about Rosie. It is good to see the series to completion. Lots of loose ends were tied up and new beginnings and happily ever afters are involved and ready to be picked up again as secondary characters. I really hope Mary will come back and bring us Bella’s story at some point too. That needs a little more completion for me.

While the book could stand alone, you will find much more engagement if you read the first 5 in the series first.

[Rachel Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gem from Mary Kingswood

I've lost count of the number of novels I have read written by Mary Kingswood. I think I've gone through at least three or four series completely. This series is especially intriguing and welcomes one in with characters that have been appearing since they're beginning.
This novel is also special because it resolves a long-standing issue that started with the first book. Namely to whom will a main female character become betrothed.
I look forward to anything Miss Kingswood puts to her quill pen.

[Theresa Wachal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and Mystery of those from humble origins to Society

If you have read the series, you will find familiar characters in this book. Lord and Lady Fletcher play vital roles. He reminds Rosie that he wants all his daughters to choose their own suitors. Mrs. Fletcher goes beyond advice and takes action for Margarita to share her secrets with Michael. Although they appear to be from different status levels, Michael and Ricky bravely follow their hearts’ desires to declare their love. A merchant and a gentleman lead their families to success and acceptance through love.

[Mrs S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

This series has been a delight. Indeed, i can say the same about all of the works of this author. Believable characters and settings showcase a variety of plotlines with enough turns and twists to fully engage the reader.

The language, grammar and proofreading are so good that they did not once distract me from the stories, unlike many others i have read.

I have just reread this series, and it still delighted and engaged me all through. Very well done, Mary Kingswood has earnd my respect and my gratitude for the pleasure her works have given me

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having an excellent ending to a book series is so satisfying. We see the happy everafters that come for our favorite characters and a new character too. Some ridiculous and unpleasant characters receive their comeuppance and some achieve wisdom. Very satisfying indeed.

One highlight was the transformation that love has on Michael Plummer who grows into maturity and confidence. Another is the change in ambition that Lizzie Fletcher has. I loved the whole series and feel content at its close.

[karen herrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the series, but...

The first third of this book was slow, the second third was plodding and padded, and the final third worth the time it took to get there. The last third of the book wrapped up everyone's story, complete with surprising twists and turns. I only gave it 3 stars because the stories took so much time to build, but loved the HEAs. I am anxiously awaiting the nest series.

[Lazy Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice story. too much unnecessary wordiness.

Everything was drawn out wayyy too much. Rosie’s courtship with Redmond just lingered and lingered but worse was Margarita and Michael’s dilemma. How she kept not wanting to make him feel obligated to marry her was absurd. Not one of her better books but she writes well and even though the cast of characters is huge and at times difficult to sort through, I did finish the book.

[Verity Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful!

It has been obvious from the beginning of the series that Rosie's heart was already given elsewhere, but I was genuinely worried that her ending would only be sort of happy. The big reveal was well-played! And I highly recommend the free epilogue book to this series, available by link at the end of this one.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I've spent with the Fletcher family, and I'm a bit sorry to move on. But axe murder calls....

[Rod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clean story. Not quite the last book in this great series. In this book we finally have Rosie’s betrothal and all the shenanigans that go on around that. I liked hearing about Margarita and her story and how it works out for Michael who has featured in most of the books. We even hear what Bella’s future probably holds. Enjoyable as the previous ones. And not quite the last book, well read this and then you can read how a couple of loose ends are resolved.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can’t go wrong.

I’ve read pretty much everything Mary Kingswood has written, and I’ve never been disappointed. This book ties up a lots of loose ends for characters that we’ve been following throughout The Mercer‘s House series. As promised by Ms. Kingwood, there are happy endings all around.

To be honest, there are times when it’s hard to keep the characters straight, but overall, the book is a solid good read. You cannot go wrong with a Marywood novel.

[Richard Burlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book written with the same relaxed style as the others and neatly bringing the saga to an end. It deals with two girls so the plot is a little more convoluted than usual and as such I found it slightly less convincing. The characters are well drawn and for the most part we know them well from previous books.

I have greatly enjoyed this series and will look for other books by the same author.

[Juliet Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC preread.

This is a lovely tie up to the Mercer's House series. Like all of Kingswood's books it strand perfectly well on it won, but also gives glimpses of what is going on with characters one already knows. It is a lovely read with a believable romance what has believable conflicts