The Christmas Ball

by Sherrill Bodine

Outshone by a gregarious stepsister and overbearing stepmother, Lady Athena Cummins is used to fading into the shadows. Beloved only by her youngest sister Persephone, Athena has accepted her destiny as a spinster. But Persephone has a different scheme in mind, and conspires to send Athena out for one night of fun at Lord Finchley’s masquerade Christmas Ball. The masked beauty catches the Lord’s eye but, determined to avoid the wrath of her stepsister, Athena leads Lord Finchley on a wild chase to discover her true identity.

**originally published as part of the anthology A Regency Christmas in 1994 under the pseud Leslie Lynn

Genres: Historical Romance, Christmas, Romance, Historical, Regency, Novella, Fiction

62 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 1994

About the author

I’m sure growing up in my grandmother’s house, taking care of my developmentally disabled mother, forged who I am, but I don’t believe any one thing defines me. My philosophy of life is that we are all in this together—and we need to embrace one another with as much grace, humor and compassion as we can muster. I see life as big, bigger, biggest, and I want to take everyone along with me on the journey. I not only attend black-tie affairs and work on charity board projects, but I am also just as likely to be taking a grandchild to lunch and a movie. I’m happily married to John, with whom I eloped when I was an 18-year-old freshman in college. It was quite the scandal. We have four beautiful children and 11 grandchildren.

I won my first writing award in the seventh grade in a statewide essay contest about a television broadcast of Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates. Instead of Silver Skates, they sent real skates, which I enjoyed immensely. I’m only sorry I don’t still have them so they could hang in my office.

While moving 22 times across the country and rearing our children, I sold stories to Fate Magazine, Home Life Magazine and True Confessions. In 1988, I sold my first novel and a week later received a two-book contract from Fawcett. Sixteen novels later, I’ve seen The Other Amanda win the Wisconsin Romance Writers of America Write Touch Readers’ Award and Talk of the Town chosen by Cosmopolitan magazine as its “Red Hot Read” for February 2009.




aka: Lynn Leslie and Leslie Lynn

Reviews

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute regency retelling of Cinderella. Athena is the beautiful older sister who loses her mother at a young age and her father remarries. His new wife has two daughters and of course doesn't want Athena competing with them and keeps her secluded. The youngest sister, Persephone, has a kind spirit and plays Fairy Godmother by arranging for Athena to attend the Christmas Ball. Of course, while there she meets a handsome stranger and falls in love.

Cinderella is probably my favorite fairytale and I love when it's retold in a regency setting. I thought it was sweet to have the youngest sister trying to help Athena find love. The book was pretty short (around 60 pages) and so there wasn't a whole lot of character or story development, it felt a little rushed to me and some things didn't make sense Like, what was the relationship between Persephone and Gregory? She is about thirteen and he would have been way older, but they almost acted like they were courting. I felt like I was missing something there. I also didn't really care for Lord Finchley, since the story is so short there is not a lot of time to build up his character and I thought it was counterproductive to start out by making him such a "rake" and then in one night he falls for the mysterious Athena and wants only her. I have hard time believing he would ever stay faithful, especially after only knowing her such a short time They were engaged w/n a couple days...really, I'm supposed to buy that?. His character wasn't portrayed as one with values, so I can't help but question his sincerity, which lessoned my enjoyment of the story. I also thought the POV transitions were to abrupt and I sometimes lost whose head I was supposed to be in.

Overall, a light read and a pleasant way to pass an hour.

Content
Romance: Clean

Source: Amazon Kindle Freebie (12/2013)

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fairly straight-forward Cinderella tale. This time around the fairy godmother role goes to the crippled stepsister and the evil stepsister and stepmother are selfish and cruel, but not truly evil. It's a mild story which never develops beyond the basic plot and the "prince" is not very likeable.

[Trish R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this was the best novella I’ve read in a long time. Drew and Athena were great, and Persephone was a wonderful little sister. While Minerva and her mother were total bitches. It was a really sweet story.

As to the narration: Always love listening to Polly Lee aka Ashford McNab. Her reading and her voices are simply awesome.

[Nola Arganbright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roses in Winter

A beautiful recency romance seemingly based on the fairy tale of Cinderella. Leaving her life in the shadows of her sister, Lady Athena, with the help of others becomes the mysterious lady at the Christmas Ball.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Christmas Ball
Author: Sherrill Bodine
Published: Diversion Book
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"The Christmas Ball" by Sherrill Bodine was a wonderful written Christmas novella. This one was definitely a 'twist on Cinderella.' We find that with the help of her half sister Persephone(playing
the 'fairy godmother,' Athena is going to attend a masked ball where she will really fall in love. The story had a wicked step mother and sister that was very similar to the story of 'Cinderella.' You will find read somewhat predictable but still a wonderfully told story. The sister Persephone will help Athena into attending the ball but all the rest will have to be to for love. Will Athena be able to find 'happiness and love? The characters were all very well developed and with this story being so well intriguing you will only to given a beautiful told story. This novel will warn your heart as you are read through "The Christmas Ball." So, if you are into reading a sweet romantic read for the Christmas holiday I would definitely recommend this one to you.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, the story: Lady Althena Cummins never goes to the annual masquerade ball because she stays home and cares for Persephone, the youngest sister who is crippled. Lord Cummins is a scholar and indifferent to what goes on in the house. His second wife dotes on the second daughter (and her progeny) to the exclusion of the other daughters. However, Persephone wants Althena to go to the ball this year, and she's secretly constructed a garment for Althena to wear.

Althena goes to the ball and meets Lord Finchley. He's immediately enamored with this vision. However, he started the story pining after his highfliers. So when Althena disappears just before the midnight unveiling, Finchley goes all out to find the mysterious woman of his dreams.

The review: I've read this story before; the hero is shallow and suddenly claims he's in love with a vision he met at a ball. Very unlikely.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very fun cute Cinderella-type story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to exploring more by this author.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Regency romps of romance, this is a go to. Lighthearted and fun, it will raise your spirits and rekindle your belief in happy ever after

[Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review can also be found on: Paein and Ms4Tune’s Book Blog

This was a regency Cinderella story and it was brilliant. However - you know what I'm going to say next I'm sure - it needed more detail! Too much longer though and I don't think it would have been as enjoyable, but just a little bit more at the end there.

Instead of step-sisters, Athena has 2 half sisters and only one of them is an ugly soul, the other is a dear. Her father is also still alive. He's so deep in his research however that he has little to no idea what is going on in his own home. Things are brought to his attention towards the end of the book however and he takes control.

I think it was her mystery that caused Finchley to keep hunting for her and I think that was well done. He liked her for her mind as well as her body before he saw her face and he was also smart enough to know the woman he met and the woman she was were both her and at the same time her true self would be somewhere in between.

I do wish that the epilogue had shown some married life with them though. They had such good chemistry I wanted to see them interact, just the two of them, being married the only official time they'd be allowed to be alone together of course.

I'd also like to see Persephone's story too! I wonder if it's available?

[Cindy Sickenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

Wonderful little short story. Reminiscent of Cinderella but much more compelling and interesting. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you.

[Anna Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An e-book that was rather short, it cannot be said that this one isn't sweet. A Regency re-telling of Cinderella, this was an enchanting story for the holidays. And did I mention FREE on Amazon?

In 'The Christmas Ball', Athena lives with her distracted historian father, her two stepsisters (Minerva and Persephone) and a wicked stepmother. When a Duke comes to the small country village they reside in, all the local girls are a'twitter... but not Athena. She's been well trained to fade into the background and take care of her family (particularly Persphone, who is lame). It's Minerva's job to shine. So when it's time for the Christmas masked ball and all the ladies are putting together feather costumes, Athena - as always - assures her family that she will stay home and look after Persephone.

But Persephone has worked all year on a dress for Athena - a flawless disguise so that no one will know that it's her. So that Athena can go to the ball and pretend to be someone else, just for one night. And of course she falls for the Duke, and as she's leaving, a rosette falls off her dress... and the Duke is determined to find his mysterious beauty...

It was definitely a close re-telling. But I still LIKED it. It was well-written, descriptive, and beautifully done as a holiday tale - complete with snow fort building and snowball fights. Although honestly? I don't know HOW he didn't know who she was. She was unusual in her coloring, so it's not as though she blended with the other girls. Still, I LIKED it!

[Maki ⌒☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a Regency Cinderella. There isn't really much more to say.

The synopsis makes the heroine sound much more involved in the story than she actually was.

The masked beauty catches the Lord’s eye but, determined to avoid the wrath of her stepsister, Athena leads Lord Finchley on a wild chase to discover her true identity.

Athena doesn't lead Finchley on any sort of chase. She hopes that he won't recognize her, and does her best to make him leave her alone. She also doesn't avoid Finchley because of her stepsister, but because she's sure that if Finchley knew who his goddess really was, he'd be disappointed.

Lies! Lies everywhere!

Of course, it takes Finchley forever to recognize Athena (or there wouldn't be much of a plot). But aside from him eventually figuring things out, most of the story wouldn't have happened if it weren't for Persephone, Athena's younger sister, and the fairy god mother character. Athena was just kind of a passive character.

Persephone was by far the most interesting character of the story. I'd totally read her story.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice easy read. Athena is the oldest of three sisters, the younger two being her half sisters by her step mother. Throughout this book you get a since of not only Cinderella but also Pride and Prejudice in a way. While Minerva, Athena's middle sister, takes after her mother in being rather mean spirited. Persephone, while being the youngest and facing her own hardships, is kind heart-ed if not a bit of plotter as well. And the father, rather like Mr. Bennett, remains oblivious of it all until the end.

I wont say any more least I give away the entire plot. While this could have been developed more and into a longer story in the end it was done well enough that you are not left with wanting more at the end.

[Nancy Steinle gummel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas Ball by Sherrill Bodine is a Christmas novella. It's a period piece around 3 sisters, Althea who is 21, Minerva who is 16 and Persephone who is 13. Althea is the step sister and her step mother Charity Cummings treats her badly. Persephone has a plan to have Althea attend the Christmas ball and meet Lord Andrew Finchley since it is a costumes ball with the unmasking at midnight. Althea is the hit of the ball. Andrew can't take his eyes off her and demands every dance. She outwits Andrew to flee just before midnight. Andrew is beside himself searching for her. Will Persephone intervene again or will love go unrequited?

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here’s another ‘new to me author’ that’s worth checking out, and you have that ability too now because it’s FREE!

Okay, who doesn’t love Cinderella’s story? Anyone?! Didn’t think so.

In this story, Cinderella is actually Athena who is helped by her half-sister Persephone by arranging for her to attend a masked ball where she falls in love.

Yes it’s predictable, yes we have the wicked step-mother and sister, but in all honesty, I kind of enjoyed this story despite of it.

If you’d like to find out how this tale develops and who helps our couple, you should read it. It’s FREE!

*Melanie for b2b

*Books provided by the publisher through NetGalley & purchased by me.

[Doreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Cinderella story, retold with a Regency background. Quite nicely done, and I know that Cinderella has to allow herself to be downtrodden, but I just have that little feeling at the back of my mind that she should have rebelled sooner. On the other hand, I'm applying my feminist outlook to a story set in a time when it wasn't really appropriate, so if you want a nice Christmas story this is one.

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Christmas Masked ball is what she had been waiting for.... her beautiful sister would do nothing for herself. She decided that if her sister was to have the beautiful dream she always dreamed about she would have to help out.... Tricking her sister into attending the ball was the first step. Now the rest was up to love. Will it or not? Good story line and great cast of characters. Really good read. Find out for yourself if love will win again??

[Jacque · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a love story between sisters, plus how one of those sisters helped the other get off the self and find true love. It was similar to a short Cinderella story. There are similarities and differences. I enjoyed the youngest sisters plotting and scheming all in the name of finding her sisters happiness and love. This story will warm your heart if you have siblings or if you have someone in your life that suffers from illness or difficulties.

[Ilze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sherrill Bodine's novella "The Christmas Ball"  
Actually mostly a Cinderella story set in Regency-land, not much to do with Christmas per se.  Athena, the Cinderella character, has a nasty stepmother and 2 stepsisters, of whom one is nasty, while the other one is a sweetheart and stands in for the fairy godmother of the old tale.  Cute story, nice way to while away an hour or so.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet little novella. It is a retelling of the Disney Cinderella story. I loved how the littlest sister played the fairy godmother; it was a nice change. There were a few typos that made it almost lose its 5 star rating. The story is pure fluff and is not realistic, but oh is it great fun :). I will be reading more from this author. I hope Persephone gets her own story!

[Maggie Hesseling · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a cute retelling of the Cinderella story, but with panache! Who wouldn't want their sister to be their fairy god mother? And with a father whose nose is constantly in his books, it's no wonder that Athena's step-mother is allowed to run roughshod over her. But with a little chirstmas cheer this holiday turns out slightly different for her.

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice, short read. I think I would like to read more from this author. I think. I despise insta-love, but I figured that would be used going in, considering the blurb and that it is a short story. If it's a common theme in her work, I doubt I will be a fan. I did enjoy her writing style, though.

[Judy Lavik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cinderella Christmas Tale

I enjoyed this book when I first read it last year, and it's even better than I remembered.

I've read dozens of Christmas-themed romances in the last couple of weeks, and this is one of the best. It has everything that makes a Christmas tale a success, including "magic."

[Bobbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really sweet story :) Wish I had a sister I was as close to as the two in this story. It was reminiscent of "Ever After" the movie loosely based on the tale of Cinderella. I quite enjoyed it and believe you will too.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet romance with a touch of Cinderella and the movie Ever After. It was a "free" ebook I got from Amazon and it's a novella which I was able to read in just a few hours.. I do love my Christmas stories...

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute Christmas Story. Its a Cinderella Story with a wicked stepmother and stepsister. There are a couple of surprises. I love Persephone's spunk and determination. One click this book for a short Happily Ever After read to put a smile on your face :)

[Jenny T. · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Cinderella-esque story set in regency era England. Athena the eldest Cummins sister attends the masquerade Christmas ball and catches the eye of Lord Drew Finchley. Predictable, short tale but okay for a quick read.

[Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet and entertaining, this Cinderella-esque short story was a real delighr. My question remains--will we see mors of Persephone, who was the most charming minx?

[Angelica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cinderella retelling

[Rosepetal78]

Been there. Done that. Next......