Can the spirit of Christmas mend two broken hearts?
Lara Robinson wrote a love letter four years ago, but received no reply. Now the man to whom she gave her heart will visit Blythe Manor for Christmas. How can she enjoy the holidays knowing Miles Greystoke must despise her for revealing her feelings in such an unguarded fashion?
As an awkward youth, Miles fell in love with a kindred spirit…but his love was unrequited. Against his wishes, he’s now obliged to spend the holidays at Blythe Manor. Time has wrought changes in his physique, but his devotion to Lara Robinson has never wavered. He searches for the perfect present to show her how he feels, but nothing seems quite right…until he realizes the best sort of gift will embrace the true meaning of Christmas.
First of all, let me tell you that the cover of this short story is amazing! ❤️ Also, for such a short novella, the story felt longer, because it was so well written. On the other hand, the main thing was missing... the title is about letters, but there was no letter to be read. I mean, yes, the letters were part of the story, but the readers didn’t get a chance to read any of the two letters this story was circling around. However, the action and the characters were pretty cute. 4 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
In A Gift for Lara, the latest Victorian romance novelette by author S. G. Rogers, Lara is excited, and a little worried, to find her family is to open their home, Blythe Manor to guests this Christmas, one of which is a young gentleman named Miles Greystoke. The problem with this is that Lara’s had a crush on Miles for a very long time. Yet he never did answer the letter she wrote, confessing her love, nor given any indication that he returns those feelings. To stave off her worry, Lara busies herself with the usual pursuits of a young Victorian lady, knitting a muffler for Miles that she hopes he’ll appreciate it. She also tends to a local, poor family, relatives of her handmaiden. An endeavor that drives Lara’s sister crazy.
Miles is looking forward to Christmas with the Robinsons, and intrigued when he spies a young beauty ducking out of a somewhat rundown house. Imagine his surprise when he arrives at Blythe Manor to find the beauty was none other than the beautiful Lara, for whom he’s been pining for years.
While he tries to find the perfect gift for her, he’s inexplicably drawn to help this family. Will hope and love, spring in the wake of Lara and Miles’ shared generosity? You’ll have to read to find out!
Ms. Rogers weaves a sweet story of hope and love, a perfect story for warming your heart this Christmas. (and I must say I loved the name of the Robinson family’s manor. :))
Sweet, but short, this is a nicely written story with sympathetic characters and a subtle twist at the end to resolve the hero/heroine's relationship. For anyone who enjoys the Victorian era, sweet romance and a quick, satisfying read during the busy holiday season.
Short and sweet. I would have liked to see more interactions between Lara and Miles but it was very clear how they felt for one another. Fiona hater all day, every day.
I loved this short Christmas story by S.G. Rogers! First I have to say that the cover is simply gorgeous! If I were to buy a book based on the cover alone, this would be purchased immediately! Cover aside, the story is great. Lara and her twin sister Fiona are nothing alike; I loved Lara and Fiona was just irritating. I wished that she could be nicer to her sister! They were twins after all! Miles is sweet, kind yet he cannot seem to articulate himself while around Lara. I love how the past comes full circle with Miles and Lara. While this is a short story, you will be pleased with the fullness of the story and the characters. Usually with short stories I feel dissatisfied when it ends, like I didn't get a full story. That was not the case with this book! A fun Christmas themed read, if you like historicals and romance, you will like A Gift for Lara! FYI: this book is 'clean' :)
Tastefully written, this story has everything -- a loveable heroine, a dashing hero, an antagonist that made me grit my teeth a few times, a secret, and a twist that rectifies all the conflicts. Lara and Miles get their happily-ever-after, but the author made them work for it. Well done, S. G. Rogers!
This is a wonderful story about childhood friends who meet again years later. It's a Christmas tale, but the message of heartfelt generosity is applicable throughout the year.
Well that was terrible!! Firstly, I know this is a short story but there's still no excuse for inaccuracies. If you are going to write historical fiction surely you need to do your homework. Book set in 1875 but they have butternut squash soup. How did that happen since it wasn't developed until the 20th century. . And fiona reading war and peace? Well she must have been able to read Russian as it wasn't translated in to English until the end of the 19th century. There is also a part where someone says 'no fair peaking' in relation to Christmas presents. Now, people in England wouldn't use that phrase these days, it's an American phrase. They certainly wouldn't have used it in the 19th century. The language the main charecters used was immature and very dramatic! It sounded very childish. If the language used was when they were 14 I could let that go but they are supposed to be adults (all be it only 18) Eg. I am irrevocably in love I am in love - unrequited Makes me want to puke! And best of all... Lara says 'how can I feel so much for him and yet say so little' this at a time when she had just seen him again after 4 years and didnt even recognise him! Lol rolls eyes!
This was everything that you'd desire in a Christmas novella. With a deceptive sister and a misunderstanding ensuing, two very gentle souls do their utmost to bring joy and charity to another family. Watching this quiet pair fumble along with hurt filled hearts, we see the very best in them. I've never read this talented authoress before, but I'll be sure to from now on ♡
Everything I have read by this author I have loved, but this one just seems to be lacking something. I realize this is a short story, but it just seems to be rushed somewhat, especially at the end. It just seems like right at the end, it says ok, here it is, it's over. Maybe the author should try and take the time to develop it into a complete novel.It has the potential. I will continue to read more by this author because I do enjoy her writing.
I think the author means scones, which I'm pretty sure were eaten at morning and afternoon tea. Unless of course this book is set in America? But if course it's not. And you can be sure that genteel young ladies wouldn't be seen pushing hand carts about the neighbourhood when there are servants available to carry heavy loads. Couldn't get past the first chapter - too many glaring errors which i find offensive
With the exception of mail order brides, I've never been a big fan of historical books. Imagine my surprise as this caught and helf my interest from the very first page. I'm anxious to read the next book in this series. I believe Ms. Rogers has a brand new fan.
This was a very well written story with engaging characters and only a few typo's. I liked that Lara was charity minded and that Miles wants to be a veterinarian, what an individual career for the time the story took place. I just wish the next book was $0.99 instead of $3.99. I will never know Fiona's story due to financial hardship :(.
This was just an okay read for me. It was a short story but the characters were a little bit too young for me to enjoy. The romance didn’t really grow they just jumped back together. It was okay but not a true romance.
A heart warming story of twin sisters, their family and the differences between them in England during the 1800s.
This story was very well written and very enjoyable to read. I loved the personality differences between the twins. It really added spice to the story.
Lara almost lost the love of her life because of her twin sister Fiona's prank. Lara has loved Miles for a long time. Fiona stole the last letters that Lara and Miles had written to each other because she was jealous of Lara.