What do you think?
Rate this book
Noble Holidays #1
A Countess for Christmas
Alternate cover edition can be found here
Miss Cecilia Fairfax dreads the upcoming holidays. Between caring for her elderly father and managing a household barely out of mourning, she has no time for the softer things in life.
Liam Barrett, the Earl of Tarrick, is certain he will not accept Marcus Fairfax's invitation to spend Christmas at the Fairfax family's estate - and the man's tales of a family ghost have nothing to do with his decision.
Of all the blessings of the season, sometimes the most unexpected is love...
Heat level: SWEET
Originally published in the anthology Christmas Ghosts, A Countess for Christmas is a Regency-set short story of 13,000 words (approximately 50 pages).
Miss Cecilia Fairfax dreads the upcoming holidays. Between caring for her elderly father and managing a household barely out of mourning, she has no time for the softer things in life.
Liam Barrett, the Earl of Tarrick, is certain he will not accept Marcus Fairfax's invitation to spend Christmas at the Fairfax family's estate - and the man's tales of a family ghost have nothing to do with his decision.
Of all the blessings of the season, sometimes the most unexpected is love...
Heat level: SWEET
Originally published in the anthology Christmas Ghosts, A Countess for Christmas is a Regency-set short story of 13,000 words (approximately 50 pages).
49 pages, ebook
First published December 3, 2013
66 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Anthea Lawson
54 books171 followersAnthea Lawson, called "a new star of Historical Romance" by Booklist, has won readers with her combination of spicy love scenes and elegant prose. Her first novel, PASSIONATE, was a Best First Book finalist in the prestigious Romance Writers of America RITA awards.
Anthea also writes award-winning YA Urban Fantasy under the pen name Anthea Sharp.
Anthea also writes award-winning YA Urban Fantasy under the pen name Anthea Sharp.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
August 24, 2017
2.5⭐️.
As a short story, this was a quick read of romance with a touch of supernatural.
The story had a strong beginning with a letter, dated November 6, 1814, addressed to Cecilia Fairfax from Liam Cahill Barrett, 5th Earl of Tarrick, written on behalf of her injured twin brother, Marcus. This letter was the start of correspondence that consisted of many letters back and forth until a few days before Christmas.
I enjoyed reading the letters and anticipated the forthcoming romance. However, the 'closet scene' was too quick and abrupt for my liking. The 'cellar scene' added drama and interest, but Liam's 'question' seemed abrupt and out of place. I felt that there should have been more development to the story and relationship between Cecilia and Liam.
Perhaps short stories tend to move quickly leaving me with questions and wondering "How did we get to this?" and "Did I miss something?"
The author has a great writing style, with a fantastic beginning to the story, colourful descriptions and scenes. I think the plot and storyline could be developed more to make a wonderful novelette.
As a short story, this was a quick read of romance with a touch of supernatural.
The story had a strong beginning with a letter, dated November 6, 1814, addressed to Cecilia Fairfax from Liam Cahill Barrett, 5th Earl of Tarrick, written on behalf of her injured twin brother, Marcus. This letter was the start of correspondence that consisted of many letters back and forth until a few days before Christmas.
I enjoyed reading the letters and anticipated the forthcoming romance. However, the 'closet scene' was too quick and abrupt for my liking. The 'cellar scene' added drama and interest, but Liam's 'question' seemed abrupt and out of place. I felt that there should have been more development to the story and relationship between Cecilia and Liam.
Perhaps short stories tend to move quickly leaving me with questions and wondering "How did we get to this?" and "Did I miss something?"
The author has a great writing style, with a fantastic beginning to the story, colourful descriptions and scenes. I think the plot and storyline could be developed more to make a wonderful novelette.
November 3, 2017
This was nice. It was my first book by this author, and I figured a short novella would let me determine whether or not I like her style - which, turns out, I do.
This was a sweet romance that opens with Cecilia Fairfax receiving a letter from a friend of her brother's who lets her know that her twin has been injured and will be spending some time at his house to recuperate. After he has gotten better, Liam is then asked by Cecilia's twin to go back home and spend the holidays with him and his family, which he gladly accepts.
I liked both Liam and Cecilia. Both are lonely and outsiders, and their meeting was really sweet. But after that everything happened a bit too quickly for my taste, to the point where I wondered how they were suddenly in love all of a sudden. Also, there's an actual ghost in this story. So. Yeah.
This was a sweet romance that opens with Cecilia Fairfax receiving a letter from a friend of her brother's who lets her know that her twin has been injured and will be spending some time at his house to recuperate. After he has gotten better, Liam is then asked by Cecilia's twin to go back home and spend the holidays with him and his family, which he gladly accepts.
I liked both Liam and Cecilia. Both are lonely and outsiders, and their meeting was really sweet. But after that everything happened a bit too quickly for my taste, to the point where I wondered how they were suddenly in love all of a sudden. Also, there's an actual ghost in this story. So. Yeah.
December 10, 2021
Very short read, so the relationship between the MCs didn’t feel very substantial. Also, the MC h was a PUSHOVER and it was really quite obvious what was going to happen when she went to the wine cellar with the housekeeper who was losing her mind to dementia. I liked the MC H though, but the MC h needed a bit more to her than being pretty and overwhelmed with her lot in life. I like to read to escape reality and her situation re: being overwhelmed hit a tad to close to home for me to enjoy this story as much as I could have. Nothing wrong with it, just didn’t ring all of my bells. 3 solid stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2015
I really like this author's writing style. This story was about two lonely hearts finding each other. The story opens with correspondence, which I love. A nice little short story for the holidays.
January 4, 2022
Conto de natal, breve mas com personagens que nos ficam na memória e que no meu caso adorava continuar a ler. Queria descobrir mais sobre a Cecily e o Liam.
Adorei o facto de ter o elemento sobrenatural, uma vez que não é comum neste género de livros.
Mais uma autora para continuar a ler.
Adorei o facto de ter o elemento sobrenatural, uma vez que não é comum neste género de livros.
Mais uma autora para continuar a ler.
December 11, 2020
Spoiler Free
This novella is quite short, bordering on a short story, but I still really enjoyed it.
Cecilia Fairfax and Liam Barrett, the Earl of Tarrick, meet under unfortunate circumstances. Cecilia’s brother, Marcus, is temporarily blinded while staying at Liam’s home. This forces Liam to correspond through letters with Cecilia on Marcus’ behalf. Throughout this time, the two become curious about each other and when Marcus invites Liam to his home for Christmas, Liam can’t help but accept so he can meet Cecilia in person. Once there, thanks to a well placed mistletoe and mutual attraction, a relationship blossoms.
This story is just so sweet. The relationship was very rushed and instalove-y but in a story this short, there was really no other option and I can look past it. There was also a ghost storyline that I thought was kind of pointless and just used as a plot device to move certain things forward but I didn’t absolutely hate it. Overall, this was a really cute novella and I’m glad I read it.
For other reviews, go to https://thebookandbeautyblog.com/
This novella is quite short, bordering on a short story, but I still really enjoyed it.
Cecilia Fairfax and Liam Barrett, the Earl of Tarrick, meet under unfortunate circumstances. Cecilia’s brother, Marcus, is temporarily blinded while staying at Liam’s home. This forces Liam to correspond through letters with Cecilia on Marcus’ behalf. Throughout this time, the two become curious about each other and when Marcus invites Liam to his home for Christmas, Liam can’t help but accept so he can meet Cecilia in person. Once there, thanks to a well placed mistletoe and mutual attraction, a relationship blossoms.
This story is just so sweet. The relationship was very rushed and instalove-y but in a story this short, there was really no other option and I can look past it. There was also a ghost storyline that I thought was kind of pointless and just used as a plot device to move certain things forward but I didn’t absolutely hate it. Overall, this was a really cute novella and I’m glad I read it.
For other reviews, go to https://thebookandbeautyblog.com/
December 17, 2024
This short story starts out very strong but lost steam for me by the end. Heroine and an Earl exchange letters while her brother is recuperating from an injury at the Earl's estate. To show his gratitude, the brother invites the Earl back to his family home for Christmas - of course not giving his sister any warning. I mean, she's only still mourning their mother's death, caring for their ailing father, and trying to get the house ready for descending family at holiday time. Brothers, AMIRITE?!
There's a potentially great emotional scene when the hero finds the heroine crying in a linen closet, but it doesn't go far enough and while the tacked on suspenseful scene at the end adds some heft - it leads to a "happy ending" that seemed to come out of left field with not enough build-up to it. But I liked the premise and I thought the letters in the beginning were fantastic - I just wanted this to be longer, a bit more fleshed out. It left too much unanswered and on the table.
There's a potentially great emotional scene when the hero finds the heroine crying in a linen closet, but it doesn't go far enough and while the tacked on suspenseful scene at the end adds some heft - it leads to a "happy ending" that seemed to come out of left field with not enough build-up to it. But I liked the premise and I thought the letters in the beginning were fantastic - I just wanted this to be longer, a bit more fleshed out. It left too much unanswered and on the table.
December 15, 2017
A short but very enjoyable and quick read!
December 25, 2018
This was a short and sweet story that took place over Christmas. I didn't quite believe in Liam and Cecilia's romance; they didn't spend all that much time together. However, the characters were likable enough.
December 27, 2022
Sometimes love comes later, after hope has been exhausted.
August 25, 2017
A short story more than a novella this a fun regency romance in the traditional style with broody nobleman rescued from loneliness by virtuous and clever young woman. In a nice twist to the standard, Cecilia (the heroine) is the daughter of a nobleman and not impoverished although definitely overworked. And then there's the ghost. Who nicely helps speed along the romance in time for a Christmas Day HEA.
February 16, 2016
Sterile plot. Unfeeling. Not romantic. Not her best.
This story lacks passion and communication between Lord Tarik and Lizzy. Therefore I find it hard to believe that a romance grew between them. The story feels sterile and even more so due to the holiday season. I really am disappointed.
This story lacks passion and communication between Lord Tarik and Lizzy. Therefore I find it hard to believe that a romance grew between them. The story feels sterile and even more so due to the holiday season. I really am disappointed.
November 2, 2016
This is a very sweet and heartwarming short story. Anthea did an amazing job of bringing so much forth in such a short story. I like the characters and the detail but into them. I look forward to reading more. Well done, Anthea.
December 21, 2017
Taking the words from the esteemed Victorian author, Charles Dickens, “(Christmas) can be the best of times or it can be the worst of times,” and that serves very well as an introduction to this novella. A hunting accident leaves Marcus Fairfax incapacitated at Tarrick Hall. This is the country home of Marcus’ best friend, Liam Cahill Barrett, 5th Earl of Tarrick. The yuletide season is fast approaching and Marcus is anxious to return home in time for the traditional celebration. Due to Marcus’ temporary loss of vision, a correspondence is established between Lord Barrett and Cecilia, Marcus’ twin sister. As Marcus slowly improves, plans are made to depart from Tarrick Hall to Wilton House, the Fairfax Wiltshire estate.
Lord Barrett isn’t looking forward to saying goodbye to Marcus and spending yet another Christmas alone in his rambling estate. Christmas, a time when families came together, shared good food and exchanged presents, was a most dismal and depressing time for Liam. When an invitation is extended to him to celebrate the holidays with the Fairfax family, he suddenly feels an excitement he hadn’t felt in years.
I think it strange, but true, that even though illiteracy was much more prevalent in the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth century’s, among those who could read and write, the vocabulary and word command were much greater than today. Letters were better written, making them much more appealing to read. This is an epistolary novella that fits right in with the Christmas season. I must admit that it isn’t a story that will keep you warm from its unbridled passion, on a brumal night, but sitting before a warm fire, it will inspire you during the holiday season.
Lord Barrett isn’t looking forward to saying goodbye to Marcus and spending yet another Christmas alone in his rambling estate. Christmas, a time when families came together, shared good food and exchanged presents, was a most dismal and depressing time for Liam. When an invitation is extended to him to celebrate the holidays with the Fairfax family, he suddenly feels an excitement he hadn’t felt in years.
I think it strange, but true, that even though illiteracy was much more prevalent in the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth century’s, among those who could read and write, the vocabulary and word command were much greater than today. Letters were better written, making them much more appealing to read. This is an epistolary novella that fits right in with the Christmas season. I must admit that it isn’t a story that will keep you warm from its unbridled passion, on a brumal night, but sitting before a warm fire, it will inspire you during the holiday season.
December 26, 2021
This was a recommendation from Amazon so why not! Another regency romance during the Xmas season.
Here we have Miss Cecilia Fairfax who is dreading the upcoming holidays. She is caring for her elderly father and managing a household barely out of mourning. She really has no time for anything especially love. In comes Liam, the Earl of Tarrick, who is certain he will not accept Marcus Fairfax's invitation to spend the holiday at the Fairfax family's estate, but he can't help himself. Will there be a Christmas miracle and they will have the most unexpected gift of all.
I struggled a little bit with this one. I didn't connect with Cecilia or Liam. Maybe I needed more time and to watch more interactions between the two? It felt forced...kinda. I don't know.
Even though I didn't buy them as a couple, they both deserved love so, in the end, I was happy they found each other.
I did love the format. We got to see some letters. That was fun!
Not a bad read for the holiday season. Quick and two characters who need love. I'll give this 3 stars.
Here we have Miss Cecilia Fairfax who is dreading the upcoming holidays. She is caring for her elderly father and managing a household barely out of mourning. She really has no time for anything especially love. In comes Liam, the Earl of Tarrick, who is certain he will not accept Marcus Fairfax's invitation to spend the holiday at the Fairfax family's estate, but he can't help himself. Will there be a Christmas miracle and they will have the most unexpected gift of all.
I struggled a little bit with this one. I didn't connect with Cecilia or Liam. Maybe I needed more time and to watch more interactions between the two? It felt forced...kinda. I don't know.
Even though I didn't buy them as a couple, they both deserved love so, in the end, I was happy they found each other.
I did love the format. We got to see some letters. That was fun!
Not a bad read for the holiday season. Quick and two characters who need love. I'll give this 3 stars.
December 11, 2021
A sweet, historical romance short story about two lonely people. Liam lives a cold, isolated life. He wants the warmth of family and belonging. Cecilia is under too much pressure, caring for her ailing father soon after the death of her mother, all the while shouldering the burden of running the house single-handedly. When Cecilia's brother invites Liam to spend Christmas with his family, Liam and Cecilia recognize each others needs. In just a few short days their love for each other grows.
I have mixed feelings about insta-love stories, but this one was done well. It was clear that the two main characters had an emptiness that the other one could fill, making you want Cecilia and Liam to be together. I just wish the story went a bit farther beyond the first few days of their relationship, but still, the story is sweet and warms the heart.
I have mixed feelings about insta-love stories, but this one was done well. It was clear that the two main characters had an emptiness that the other one could fill, making you want Cecilia and Liam to be together. I just wish the story went a bit farther beyond the first few days of their relationship, but still, the story is sweet and warms the heart.
December 17, 2021
I grabbed this when it was free deal, and read it over the week. Not Christian Fiction mind you, but clean Regency Romance with no swearing, and one of the characters is a non-creepy ghost. The author has a good writing style and handle on the genre, though I would have liked richer setting descriptions. The story kept my attention, but with only 55 pages of story, yes, the hero and heroine definitely needed some better character development. I kept wondering, why is the Earl of Tarrick such a hermit? Why does he seem like he's never been around a lady before? Simply because of his Irish and Catholic mother? And there were a few situations that made me wonder why they would even occur--just not enough setup. Still, it was a cute story, and what a gorgeous cover!
December 29, 2021
Cecilia Fairfax is doing her best to run her family’s home while caring for her father, and dealing with her own grief at having lost her mother. She doesn’t need the additional aggravation brought when a letter informs her of a shooting accident that has left her twin brother Marcus temporarily blinded. The letter was written by Marcus’ host, the Earl of Tarrick, who then accompanies Marcus to his home for Christmas celebrations. This is a delightful story about two wounded souls who help each other endure and overcome their challenges.
May 30, 2024
This is a sweet short story about an reticent Earl who visits his friend's home for Christmas and meets his sister whom he has been writing to while Marcus was sick. Although, he is reticent and a bit ruff around the edges, because his estates are in backwater England, Ellen finds that he is kind. This story is not some grand passion, but it is sweet, and finding love over the Christmas season is the best present of all.
December 22, 2025
The “letters between strangers” trope intrigued me (and yes, I ignored the fact that this absolutely would never have happened in Victorian England….why didn’t the dude write to her father instead?) and then sucked me in to a bland mess of a story with almost no tension or meaningful character development, along with a weirdly helpful ghost. I can’t even. Anyone who gives this above a 2.5 was on the launch team.
February 15, 2017
I like this author's style of writing. It flowed off the pages and kept me engrossed.
This book is a novella and so it was quick to read. Just right for a cosy afternoon.
Loved the strength of the heroine. Her twin brother appeared to be a bit accident prone and the hero was kind of cute, holding himself back until he couldn't anymore and just let go.
This book is a novella and so it was quick to read. Just right for a cosy afternoon.
Loved the strength of the heroine. Her twin brother appeared to be a bit accident prone and the hero was kind of cute, holding himself back until he couldn't anymore and just let go.
January 27, 2022
A Countless for Christmas: A Sweet Regency Holiday Tale (Noble Holidays Book 1)
The love story of Cecilia and Liam. After Cecilia's brother is injured, he ask Liam, Earl of Tarrick to come home with him for Christmas. He does and he meet Cecilia and fall in love with her. Will the end of Christmas turn into a wedding? Great story.
The love story of Cecilia and Liam. After Cecilia's brother is injured, he ask Liam, Earl of Tarrick to come home with him for Christmas. He does and he meet Cecilia and fall in love with her. Will the end of Christmas turn into a wedding? Great story.
November 21, 2023
This sweet novella was just the perfect holiday read! I loved the couple, and their beginning by letter was just perfect. Add in a little meddling by a spirit and the forgetfulness of a servant, and the plot is sheer entertainment.
If wholesome Regency Romance makes you melt, you're going to enjoy the budding romance of Cecelia and Liam. I'd absolutely love to read more in this world.
If wholesome Regency Romance makes you melt, you're going to enjoy the budding romance of Cecelia and Liam. I'd absolutely love to read more in this world.
February 5, 2018
This was a lovely story with a realistic plot. The characters which led this story and held together everything which made up this novel were fantastic at what they set out to accomplish. If you would like to place yourself into a book, to become that character, then this is the novel for you.
December 2, 2018
A wonderful historical Christmas romance. It flowed well and even had you attached to the characters in a very short time. You didn't feel like there was a back story that you were missing out on, which I feel can happen in a novella.
November 11, 2021
Delightful.
A lonely Earl gets invited to a friend’s house at Christmas. A friendly ghost and a wits-wandering housekeeper help to push them together. I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A lonely Earl gets invited to a friend’s house at Christmas. A friendly ghost and a wits-wandering housekeeper help to push them together. I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 21, 2021
Christmas Joy!
A Countess for Christmas, the first novella in the Noble Holidays series, by Antha Lawson is pure delight! A holiday tale with wonderful characters including a friendly family ghost who plays matchmaker! A quick and fun read you are sure to enjoy!
A Countess for Christmas, the first novella in the Noble Holidays series, by Antha Lawson is pure delight! A holiday tale with wonderful characters including a friendly family ghost who plays matchmaker! A quick and fun read you are sure to enjoy!
January 5, 2022
Sweet and satisfying
This is short, but is a lovely and comfortable read. The regard is mutually developed through letters. The characters are likable. Has only one word issue, in the spelling of greif for grief.
This is short, but is a lovely and comfortable read. The regard is mutually developed through letters. The characters are likable. Has only one word issue, in the spelling of greif for grief.
March 15, 2022
Cute story on the shorter side. A very quick read. I didn't understand why the ghost couldn't have helped sooner but that's just me I guess. Otherwise, well-written with the "dialogue" between the hero and heroine taking place mostly in letters, which was different.
December 2, 2023
This is a fun, entertaining, quick holiday read. Cecilia and Liam are interesting, relatable, entertaining characters. I enjoyed their story and romance. A lot was packed into the pages of this novella. The secondary characters added much to the enjoyment of the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews