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Christmas Wishes
Alternative cover edition of ASIN B00H707SG0
Miss Hero Appleby distrusts noblemen, especially self-indulgent rakes like Lord Caruthers. However desperate times call for desperate measures, and she must throw herself on the mercy of the devilish Viscount with a dangerous reputation. All thoughts of lady-like behavior disappear in his infuriating presence, but she must hold herself together long enough to secure his favor for the sake of her orphanage.
Max didn't remember much of his first meeting with the annoying Miss Appleby, thanks to the after-effects of one good drink too many. But he vaguely recalled he'd promised her something, just to get her out of his house so he could suffer in peace. Unfortunately peaceful was the last word to describe her as he found out the next day. She was unlike any woman he knew - opinionated and rude certainly, but she worked selflessly to provide for children that were not even of her blood. Max had believed himself incapable of emotion yet Hero was making him feel things that he had believed were long dead. Could his long-forgotten Christmas wish really come true?
Miss Hero Appleby distrusts noblemen, especially self-indulgent rakes like Lord Caruthers. However desperate times call for desperate measures, and she must throw herself on the mercy of the devilish Viscount with a dangerous reputation. All thoughts of lady-like behavior disappear in his infuriating presence, but she must hold herself together long enough to secure his favor for the sake of her orphanage.
Max didn't remember much of his first meeting with the annoying Miss Appleby, thanks to the after-effects of one good drink too many. But he vaguely recalled he'd promised her something, just to get her out of his house so he could suffer in peace. Unfortunately peaceful was the last word to describe her as he found out the next day. She was unlike any woman he knew - opinionated and rude certainly, but she worked selflessly to provide for children that were not even of her blood. Max had believed himself incapable of emotion yet Hero was making him feel things that he had believed were long dead. Could his long-forgotten Christmas wish really come true?
90 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2013
66 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Vella
96 books830 followersWendy Vella is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of historical romances filled with mystery, intrigue, unconventional heroines, and dashing heroes.
Connect with Wendy in her Facebook reader group facebook.com/groups/wendyvellareaders or sign up for her reader newsletter at WendyVella.com to get goodies, exclusive excerpts and behind-the-scenes peeks.
Wendy also writes small town contemporary romances under the name Lani Blake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 28, 2021
That was adorable! The storyline moved well, without seeming to rush, the writing was good, and the characters were so much fun! My one complaint was the villain seemed very 2D, and he was only around for a grand total of one chapter.
November 26, 2025
If you are looking for a great Christmas historical romance, Christmas Wishes is the perfect book for you. Wendy Vella's novella length Christmas story will plunge you deep into a Christmas adventure based in England of long ago.
Hero Appleby has resigned herself to spinster hood...devoting her life to the orphans she has taken into her care. But when dire financial circumstances threaten the children, she turns to Lord Max Caruthers for help.
Max is drawn to Hero unlike any woman before. Sucked in by her generosity and selflessness, Max can't help but see the lack of those traits in his own life. Guilt caused of his personal shortcomings, Max slowly comes realizes he has that ability to change people's lives.
This is an utterly endearing story that will warm your heart and will make you want to share your holiday cheer.
The romance and story are fast paced, providing an easy and quick read for this busy time of year.
Christmas Wishes whisks you into the lives, loves and predicaments of a family made by love and not blood. I immensely enjoyed sharing their dreams and watch their wishes come true.
I received this copy of Christmas Wishes from Wendy Vella in exchange for a honest review.
Hero Appleby has resigned herself to spinster hood...devoting her life to the orphans she has taken into her care. But when dire financial circumstances threaten the children, she turns to Lord Max Caruthers for help.
Max is drawn to Hero unlike any woman before. Sucked in by her generosity and selflessness, Max can't help but see the lack of those traits in his own life. Guilt caused of his personal shortcomings, Max slowly comes realizes he has that ability to change people's lives.
This is an utterly endearing story that will warm your heart and will make you want to share your holiday cheer.
The romance and story are fast paced, providing an easy and quick read for this busy time of year.
Christmas Wishes whisks you into the lives, loves and predicaments of a family made by love and not blood. I immensely enjoyed sharing their dreams and watch their wishes come true.
I received this copy of Christmas Wishes from Wendy Vella in exchange for a honest review.
December 12, 2023
DNF - Hero was very annoying and was constantly mean to Max for absolutely no reason. Max is very defensive of the things Hero says, which up until the start of the book was true about him. The first kiss made me so angry because there was no reason for it and the fact he could see she was scared and still kissed her is disgusting.
The setting is very loosely regency it is obvious the author did no research.
I love a trashy romance as much as the next person but this was just bad (in my opinion)
The setting is very loosely regency it is obvious the author did no research.
I love a trashy romance as much as the next person but this was just bad (in my opinion)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 22, 20224.5 stars
I love almost everything by this author and this certainly measures up!
Hero would rather run an orphanage than live with her slimy cousin who wants to make her his mistress!
She and the children are cold and hungry and she approaches Lord Caruthers Aka Max for assistance. Max is green around the gills from a hangover and she is loud and patronizing! Max promises to come the next day and he does!
His interactions with the children are hilarious and he is definitely book boyfriend material!
He rescues 2 of the children and Hero as well but you have to read to see exactly what occurred! It was amazing!
Hero and Max’s chemistry is off the chart and they definitely have a ready made family with lots of love! Bravo!
I love almost everything by this author and this certainly measures up!
Hero would rather run an orphanage than live with her slimy cousin who wants to make her his mistress!
She and the children are cold and hungry and she approaches Lord Caruthers Aka Max for assistance. Max is green around the gills from a hangover and she is loud and patronizing! Max promises to come the next day and he does!
His interactions with the children are hilarious and he is definitely book boyfriend material!
He rescues 2 of the children and Hero as well but you have to read to see exactly what occurred! It was amazing!
Hero and Max’s chemistry is off the chart and they definitely have a ready made family with lots of love! Bravo!
November 5, 2023
Christmas Wishes is a lovely Christmas story. Hero Appleby, despite being ill-treated by her family, still had enough love to open her heart to orphan children and build a loving family unit. Her financial situation is precarious, and she reluctantly reaches out to Lord Max Caruthers for assistance.
Max is a lonely man and is not interested in anything but his own needs. He is forced to examine his own shortcomings after meeting Hero with her boundless generosity. Hero and her orphans wiggled their way into his heart. The MCs brings out the best in each other. She learns to trust, and he learns to love. It’s a lovely, heartwarming story about love, trust, and family.
Max is a lonely man and is not interested in anything but his own needs. He is forced to examine his own shortcomings after meeting Hero with her boundless generosity. Hero and her orphans wiggled their way into his heart. The MCs brings out the best in each other. She learns to trust, and he learns to love. It’s a lovely, heartwarming story about love, trust, and family.
December 21, 2017
Christmas Wishes is a short historical Christmas romance by Wendy Vella. Don't let the size of the book fool you, Ms. Vella has packed each of these well-written pages with action, drama, sexy bits and humor. Hero has taken orphans into her home. Max is asked for financial help because she is struggling to keep household repairs done and food and clothes available for the children. I loved every page of this book and look forward to reading more from Wendy Vella in the future. Christmas Wishes is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
December 6, 2020
Six children, a Lady and a Lord
Hero Appleby left her family home after her father died and her cousin moved in. I won't mention what her cousin wanted. Moving into Bratton House, she takes in orphans. Having no money and knowing Lord Caruthers does, Hero decides to approach him for help. A lonely man who takes no interest in anything but his business accounts, suddenly finds himself under the spell of Hero, her six children and Mrs. Bonny, who makes the best cinnamon apple cake. A charming, sometimes funny Christmas story.
Hero Appleby left her family home after her father died and her cousin moved in. I won't mention what her cousin wanted. Moving into Bratton House, she takes in orphans. Having no money and knowing Lord Caruthers does, Hero decides to approach him for help. A lonely man who takes no interest in anything but his business accounts, suddenly finds himself under the spell of Hero, her six children and Mrs. Bonny, who makes the best cinnamon apple cake. A charming, sometimes funny Christmas story.
November 24, 2018
Such an absolutely wonderful read and for a novella, it's jam packed with action, romance, heart warming moments, delightful orphans, etc. Hero is such a strong heroine who only wants to help out "her" orphans" and Max is the strong hero who helps her and at the same time discovers what love truly means. I have no doubts I will be reading this book again in the near future, I enjoyed it that much!!
August 20, 2021
Ģreat quick read
Wendy Vella writes innovative romantic books. Strong women & disreputable men create the backdrop for her stories. This one is filled with homeless orphans who are taken in by a beautiful woman in need of assistance with their care. A lonely wealthy reprobate man is required to aide her in this endeavor. The relationships between the children and the couple are heartwarming & endearing.
Wendy Vella writes innovative romantic books. Strong women & disreputable men create the backdrop for her stories. This one is filled with homeless orphans who are taken in by a beautiful woman in need of assistance with their care. A lonely wealthy reprobate man is required to aide her in this endeavor. The relationships between the children and the couple are heartwarming & endearing.
December 21, 2017
Hero left her family home and went to the home left to her. She needed to start her own life. She found children that needed her as much as she needed them. While trying to get Lord Caruthers to help get her home safe for the children Hero ended up needing more help. This was a wonderful story or trust and love
February 6, 2018
Christmas Wishes
Here is another wonderful story by Wendy Vella. The Hero learns what love is and the heroine learns to trust title men. It's a very short story but I didn't want to see the end but as the saying goes all good things must come to an end. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.
Here is another wonderful story by Wendy Vella. The Hero learns what love is and the heroine learns to trust title men. It's a very short story but I didn't want to see the end but as the saying goes all good things must come to an end. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.
February 7, 2018
I just finished reading this book for probably the third time. I like it better each time I read it, which doesn’t always happen. It's a short story only 90 pages. It's a fun lighthearted read. It’s one of my favorites. There’s one sex scene that isn’t overly graphic. I’d encourage you to give it a try.
December 9, 2020
An enjoyable short story of love between a spinster who has started an orphanage and a lord who tired of the life he’s been living but doesn’t know what he wants. But it seems that Hero is what Max wants as well as her children.
November 10, 2021
Christmas Orphans
Max has met his match in Hero. However it is the children, especially Owen that starts the thawing of hearts. Great Christmas story. I read this story as part of a Christmas Collection.
Max has met his match in Hero. However it is the children, especially Owen that starts the thawing of hearts. Great Christmas story. I read this story as part of a Christmas Collection.
March 17, 2023
I gave this 2 stars because the writing isn’t bad, maybe the story isn’t either. I DNF’d at Chapter 5. I was already bored and couldn’t fathom reading 14 total chapters of this bore.
Good for someone, not for me.
Good for someone, not for me.
December 18, 2018
This was such a sweet book with Hero and Max.
December 12, 2020
Wonderful novella. I feel all warm and fuzzy after a very sweet HEA. Loved it.
December 26, 2020
I loved this book. So sweet and charming. Cant wait to read more from this author!
December 20, 2021
Cute short story. Very entertaining.
December 3, 2022
A short, quick read with a good storyline that kept me interested throughout.
December 13, 2022
Read as part of a holiday collection
Christmas Wishes - I'd say 3.5 stars. I really liked this one and the interactions between the hero and heroine. I really enjoyed the hero in this one.
Christmas Wishes - I'd say 3.5 stars. I really liked this one and the interactions between the hero and heroine. I really enjoyed the hero in this one.
December 14, 2022
Cute, short, and sweet. Had a bit of action, too.
December 24, 2022
Christmas Wishes – On paper Hero and Max have nothing in common, but a little Christmas compassion brings two lonely souls together! My favorite in the collection! Happy Holiday Reading!
January 20, 2024
Good quick read.
Happy holliday read, quick and delightful. Fits well while preparing dinner. Nothing beats a man who knows what he wants and needs.
Happy holliday read, quick and delightful. Fits well while preparing dinner. Nothing beats a man who knows what he wants and needs.
July 7, 2024
Oh course! With all good novellas, it would have been nice to have this a taaaaaaaad bit longer but! Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read, adorable!
December 30, 2024
A lovely Holiday story! Much recommended.
January 17, 2015
Lovely Christmas story about Hero (that name itself makes me giggle) and Lord Max Caruthers. Hero is in dire need for money to make reparations for her house and to provide for orphans she’s taken under her wing. She’s a maiden with no fortune to her own and her own family has left her destitute. Well, it was that or life as a mistress to her cousin. So she decides to enlist the help of rich and rogue Max who wants nothing more in life than live in debauchery and decadence. He has the money, she needs the money, why not ask him for what he has in loads? Max falls for Hero because even though she is a lady in her manners and way of speaking, she says things as they see them and holds nothing back, and intrigues him even more because thinks the worst of him however called for his help. The children are a great addition to the story, especially dear Owen and Charlotte. I don’t like when couples fall so quickly in love with each other but given that this is a short story I’m going to forgive that and focus that they found their HEA. The story started with a lot of levity but as it developed, more drama enfolded and the story turned a bit too dark. Not saying I didn’t like it, just that I’d have loved to see the same feeling continue throughout the story.
** I read this story as part of the Captivated by His Kiss, which I received as a gift in exchange of an honest review **
** I read this story as part of the Captivated by His Kiss, which I received as a gift in exchange of an honest review **
February 12, 2016
This is a short Novella . It's a regency romance . Our Heroine is Hero our hero is Maxes
Miss Hero runs an Orphanage from a home she inherited. It is completely run down and needs money lots of it. She goes to see the Lord of region a Lord Caruthers. She is very head strong and mouthy and she puts him in his place . The first day she saw him he was green around the gills from drinking and he makes her a promise for the home. The next day he goes there and finds her on the roof t ring to fix it. Oliver one of the orphans attaches himself to Max which is a first. The children show him around the house and he realizes how good he has it. Once back in town he goes on a shopping spree. He gets them a Xmas tree . Clothes and food. He realizes what kind of a woman hero is . I olivers father comes and barges in and takes Oliver and the sister back so he can put them to work. Hero goes on the nag to Maxes house so he can save the children. Get it to see Does max save the children. Do max and Hero get together. Do they marry. Do they start a family of their own.
Miss Hero runs an Orphanage from a home she inherited. It is completely run down and needs money lots of it. She goes to see the Lord of region a Lord Caruthers. She is very head strong and mouthy and she puts him in his place . The first day she saw him he was green around the gills from drinking and he makes her a promise for the home. The next day he goes there and finds her on the roof t ring to fix it. Oliver one of the orphans attaches himself to Max which is a first. The children show him around the house and he realizes how good he has it. Once back in town he goes on a shopping spree. He gets them a Xmas tree . Clothes and food. He realizes what kind of a woman hero is . I olivers father comes and barges in and takes Oliver and the sister back so he can put them to work. Hero goes on the nag to Maxes house so he can save the children. Get it to see Does max save the children. Do max and Hero get together. Do they marry. Do they start a family of their own.
May 30, 2016
I did not find this story plausible at all. Perhaps it was just the rushed pace that everything happened in that killed it for me - but I cannot fathom a man living his life the way Max had lived his not only spending who knows how much on a woman and her orphans after meeting them (the orphans) and seeing their living conditions just once. Nor do I find someone like Hero throwing away everything for one night of passion with a man she barely knew.
I feel as though if this had been a full length novel and we had had more time to get to know the characters, and for the story to evolve in a normal sense - I would have enjoyed it more. Don't get me wrong, this story did have its moments (and some of them were quite funny), but I can't fathom the way things happened.
Overall, I'm sure this story will appeal to some - and I would read more stories from this author (if they were full length), but this is not a story I would re-read.
I feel as though if this had been a full length novel and we had had more time to get to know the characters, and for the story to evolve in a normal sense - I would have enjoyed it more. Don't get me wrong, this story did have its moments (and some of them were quite funny), but I can't fathom the way things happened.
Overall, I'm sure this story will appeal to some - and I would read more stories from this author (if they were full length), but this is not a story I would re-read.
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December 29, 2014Captivated By His Kiss: A Limited Edition Boxed Set of Seven Regency Romances
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews