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Everton Domestic Society #6
A Lady's Christmas
The only bad part about growing up as the ward of the Duke of Stratham was the occasional visits from his nephew and heir, Theo. Unable to remember her parents, Stratham was the only father Gwen ever had, and now he’s gone too. Rather than suffer the indignity of living under the rule of her nemesis, she joined The Everton Domestic Society. At least she can be of use to someone. She’s fully capable of running a large estate and is of the age to make her own decisions.
Upon arrival at his newly inherited estate, Theo Dandridge, the sixth Duke of Stratham, finds the grounds and house in perfect order. The only thing amiss is his uncle’s ward, who is nowhere to be found. Gwen has always been a burr under his saddle and now he’s forced to go fetch her from her new employer. Most say that she is kind—to everyone but him—and that children love her. According to the staff, she’s been running the ducal estates for six years. After spending so many years focused on Gwen’s flaws, perhaps it’s Theo’s character that needs investigation…
Upon arrival at his newly inherited estate, Theo Dandridge, the sixth Duke of Stratham, finds the grounds and house in perfect order. The only thing amiss is his uncle’s ward, who is nowhere to be found. Gwen has always been a burr under his saddle and now he’s forced to go fetch her from her new employer. Most say that she is kind—to everyone but him—and that children love her. According to the staff, she’s been running the ducal estates for six years. After spending so many years focused on Gwen’s flaws, perhaps it’s Theo’s character that needs investigation…
- GenresHistorical
98 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2023
107 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
A.S. Fenichel
43 books782 followersA.S. Fenichel (Andie Fenichel) gave up a successful IT career in New York City to pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She's never looked back.
Andrea adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.
She is currently writing Regency romance for Kensington Publishing and you can learn more about Andrea's books at http://asfenichel.com or visit her on her Facebook page, where she spends entirely too much time. https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel.
Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in Missouri with her real life hero, her wonderful husband and a fussy cat . When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.
Andrea adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.
She is currently writing Regency romance for Kensington Publishing and you can learn more about Andrea's books at http://asfenichel.com or visit her on her Facebook page, where she spends entirely too much time. https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel.
Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in Missouri with her real life hero, her wonderful husband and a fussy cat . When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 12, 2023
I had some problem with the language In this novella so I could not finish it. They way it was written in present tense, felt weird to me. Here is a couple of examples:
“The caution in Gwen’s expression is his fault, so he stays calm, despite his wish to demand she sit and then pack and come home.”
— A Lady's Christmas: Everton Domestic Society by A.S. Fenichel
“May brings the tea tray and places it on the table. Jane pours while silence fills the room. Once she’s handed each of them a cup, she says, “I couldn’t help overhearing that you wish for Miss Carter to return to your estate.””
— A Lady's Christmas: Everton Domestic Society by A.S. Fenichel
It feels very much like a manuscript for a movie and not a novella. The languages felt very stiff and descriptive.
This is a from the extract in the back of the novella written by the same author but in a totally different language.
“Drawing a long breath, Phoebe pulled her shoulders back and her chin up. She was ready for whatever might come. “No. This is not a social call, Honoria. I did not wish to get a late start and it will take hours to have the wheel fixed at the inn. This will be better and the rest will follow this afternoon.”
— A Lady's Christmas: Everton Domestic Society by A.S. Fenichel
I like this type of writing much better.
“The caution in Gwen’s expression is his fault, so he stays calm, despite his wish to demand she sit and then pack and come home.”
— A Lady's Christmas: Everton Domestic Society by A.S. Fenichel
“May brings the tea tray and places it on the table. Jane pours while silence fills the room. Once she’s handed each of them a cup, she says, “I couldn’t help overhearing that you wish for Miss Carter to return to your estate.””
— A Lady's Christmas: Everton Domestic Society by A.S. Fenichel
It feels very much like a manuscript for a movie and not a novella. The languages felt very stiff and descriptive.
This is a from the extract in the back of the novella written by the same author but in a totally different language.
“Drawing a long breath, Phoebe pulled her shoulders back and her chin up. She was ready for whatever might come. “No. This is not a social call, Honoria. I did not wish to get a late start and it will take hours to have the wheel fixed at the inn. This will be better and the rest will follow this afternoon.”
— A Lady's Christmas: Everton Domestic Society by A.S. Fenichel
I like this type of writing much better.
December 15, 2023
Normally I really enjoy Fenichel's works. Obviously, for a novella, we can expect some shortcuts to the plot and character development. This takes it to the extreme, though, and everything feels incredibly flat and rushed.
December 8, 2023
Enjoyed it
Another great book in this collection..
I'm really loving A.S Fenichel's books. They are so good. I can't wait to read the next one by her
Another great book in this collection..
I'm really loving A.S Fenichel's books. They are so good. I can't wait to read the next one by her
November 19, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Everton Domestic Society
Publication Date:
Period: 12/5/23
Number of Pages: 98
This was a quick and enjoyable read. I liked the characters but wondered why in the world he would think she’d just instantly like/love him when he had treated her so miserably while they were growing up. He knew what was in his mind – but she didn’t. So, he was gobsmacked when he inherited the title and she left. Ha! Silly man!
Gwen grew up as the ward of the Duke of Stratham and she loved him as a father. She lost her father so young (5 years old maybe), that she never knew anything different. The Duke spoiled her and doted on her, but, for some reason, he never took her to London for a season.
Theo Dandridge, the new Duke of Stratham, was about ten years old when Gwen came into his life. She was a lost and lonely little thing and he comforted her. Then, boys being boys, he tormented her. Then, one day he heard his father (the duke’s brother) and the duke talking about Theo and Gwen marrying. Theo grossly overreacted and set about being nasty to Gwen and absenting himself from home.
When his uncle dies, Theo inherits the title but comes home to find that the only occupants are the servants. Well, that just won’t do – he has to find Gwen and bring her home! But, will she come?
I liked Theo’s quick acceptance of why he wants Gwen back under his roof and I admired his quick belief in her and his admiration of her skills and talents. But, convincing Gwen wouldn’t be easy.
Each had long admired the other but had kept it well hidden. Can they quit hiding behind that façade and acknowledge their true feelings to themselves and each other? Theo has a lot to make up for – can he do it?
I enjoyed this quick read and I hope you will as well. However, I will mention one thing to you. When I saw the title, I was expecting an actual Christmas-themed book with mistletoe, decorations, snow, and the whole works, so I was a tad disappointed. In actuality, this book is only very loosely related to Christmas in that it takes place during Christmas time. Still an enjoyable read though.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Everton Domestic Society
Publication Date:
Period: 12/5/23
Number of Pages: 98
This was a quick and enjoyable read. I liked the characters but wondered why in the world he would think she’d just instantly like/love him when he had treated her so miserably while they were growing up. He knew what was in his mind – but she didn’t. So, he was gobsmacked when he inherited the title and she left. Ha! Silly man!
Gwen grew up as the ward of the Duke of Stratham and she loved him as a father. She lost her father so young (5 years old maybe), that she never knew anything different. The Duke spoiled her and doted on her, but, for some reason, he never took her to London for a season.
Theo Dandridge, the new Duke of Stratham, was about ten years old when Gwen came into his life. She was a lost and lonely little thing and he comforted her. Then, boys being boys, he tormented her. Then, one day he heard his father (the duke’s brother) and the duke talking about Theo and Gwen marrying. Theo grossly overreacted and set about being nasty to Gwen and absenting himself from home.
When his uncle dies, Theo inherits the title but comes home to find that the only occupants are the servants. Well, that just won’t do – he has to find Gwen and bring her home! But, will she come?
I liked Theo’s quick acceptance of why he wants Gwen back under his roof and I admired his quick belief in her and his admiration of her skills and talents. But, convincing Gwen wouldn’t be easy.
Each had long admired the other but had kept it well hidden. Can they quit hiding behind that façade and acknowledge their true feelings to themselves and each other? Theo has a lot to make up for – can he do it?
I enjoyed this quick read and I hope you will as well. However, I will mention one thing to you. When I saw the title, I was expecting an actual Christmas-themed book with mistletoe, decorations, snow, and the whole works, so I was a tad disappointed. In actuality, this book is only very loosely related to Christmas in that it takes place during Christmas time. Still an enjoyable read though.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 31, 2024
This could have been an OK romance novella, but it had SO MANY editing errors. For this reason, mostly (although there were other minor issues), it gets only 2 stars from me.
There were so many errors, in grammar mostly, that it made the story difficult to read. Mixes of present and past tenses in the same sentence were distracting and unpleasant. I don't think I've ever seen such bad editing in a published book, not even in self-published ones. The author either did not have this story edited at all, or it was edited by someone who doesn't understand correct grammar.
I also thought that Gwen gave in to Theo's seduction much too quickly for a gently-bred woman of that time period. She would have been taught that her virginity was a gift to be given ONLY to her husband, and she believed that Theo hated her -- why would she still choose to have sex with him? That just didn't make sense.
I also thought that Theo didn't really prove to Gwen that he had changed. He did attempt to apologize for the way he had treated her, but I just didn't think she would have accepted his apology so quickly -- and certainly not enough to want to have sex with him and marry him.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
There were so many errors, in grammar mostly, that it made the story difficult to read. Mixes of present and past tenses in the same sentence were distracting and unpleasant. I don't think I've ever seen such bad editing in a published book, not even in self-published ones. The author either did not have this story edited at all, or it was edited by someone who doesn't understand correct grammar.
I also thought that Gwen gave in to Theo's seduction much too quickly for a gently-bred woman of that time period. She would have been taught that her virginity was a gift to be given ONLY to her husband, and she believed that Theo hated her -- why would she still choose to have sex with him? That just didn't make sense.
I also thought that Theo didn't really prove to Gwen that he had changed. He did attempt to apologize for the way he had treated her, but I just didn't think she would have accepted his apology so quickly -- and certainly not enough to want to have sex with him and marry him.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
December 27, 2025
This is a quick little novella with a little angst, a little spice, and two very independent and headstrong main characters!
The FMC is Gwendolyn Carter. She grew up as a ward of the Fifth Duke of Stratham after her parents passed away. When we meet Gwen, the Duke has died, a man who spoiled and doted on Gwen, caring for her as his own. She’s done the books for and essentially managed the estates for several years during his decline. Now, his nephew Theo has been named the sixth Duke and inherited the estate. Gwen instinctually wishes to exert independence, leave the estate, and feels no desire to become a burden or be beholden to the new duke. They share unpleasant history and after becoming re-acquainted upon Theo’s return, Gwen decided to apply to become a member of the Everton Ladies. She wishes to live independently and be useful in the lives of others. She’s willing to be helpful in the selection a new steward for the estate, but the Everton Society barters a compromise with Theo when he comes to take her home which gives Gwen protection and autonomy. Gwen bristles but accepts, and goes with Theo to make visits to the households in the estate and to assist with the Christmas Ball one last time.
The MMC is Theo Dandridge, the new Duke of Stratham. When Gwen came into his life he was very young and behaved like a jerk to her almost every time they had cause to interact. The truth is that he has cared for her this whole time, but had bristled upon learning as a 12 year old that he would be expected to marry Gwen. He has his work but out for him as he attempts to woo and win Gwen, as he’s returned to find her grown and beautiful, competent, feisty, brilliant, and kindhearted. But Gwen fights his advances at every turn, disbelieving his words due to his past actions.
Theo has a long road ahead of him to make up for what he’s said and done. He knows Gwen is worth pursuing, and he wants to be found worthy of her love.
I thought this was a lovely little book and recommended you checking it out!
The FMC is Gwendolyn Carter. She grew up as a ward of the Fifth Duke of Stratham after her parents passed away. When we meet Gwen, the Duke has died, a man who spoiled and doted on Gwen, caring for her as his own. She’s done the books for and essentially managed the estates for several years during his decline. Now, his nephew Theo has been named the sixth Duke and inherited the estate. Gwen instinctually wishes to exert independence, leave the estate, and feels no desire to become a burden or be beholden to the new duke. They share unpleasant history and after becoming re-acquainted upon Theo’s return, Gwen decided to apply to become a member of the Everton Ladies. She wishes to live independently and be useful in the lives of others. She’s willing to be helpful in the selection a new steward for the estate, but the Everton Society barters a compromise with Theo when he comes to take her home which gives Gwen protection and autonomy. Gwen bristles but accepts, and goes with Theo to make visits to the households in the estate and to assist with the Christmas Ball one last time.
The MMC is Theo Dandridge, the new Duke of Stratham. When Gwen came into his life he was very young and behaved like a jerk to her almost every time they had cause to interact. The truth is that he has cared for her this whole time, but had bristled upon learning as a 12 year old that he would be expected to marry Gwen. He has his work but out for him as he attempts to woo and win Gwen, as he’s returned to find her grown and beautiful, competent, feisty, brilliant, and kindhearted. But Gwen fights his advances at every turn, disbelieving his words due to his past actions.
Theo has a long road ahead of him to make up for what he’s said and done. He knows Gwen is worth pursuing, and he wants to be found worthy of her love.
I thought this was a lovely little book and recommended you checking it out!
December 28, 2023
No plot. No character development. No chemistry. No reason to root for the couple.
The heroine cries like 6 times in a 90-something page novella, refuses to talk to the hero about anyone's feelings, continuously believes that he is a completely flat, one-dimensional human being despite him repeatedly saying and acting otherwise - pretty much every annoying trait in a heroine is written into this story.
I have nothing to say about the hero, because he has absolutely nothing about himself to write about. There were a few mentions of him being a rake and "sowing his oats" but nothing to back that up - no reputation, no swagger, etc. Otherwise, he had no interests, skills, or relationships. He felt like a placeholder for any hero you wanted to paste into the story.
The entire plot doesn't make sense to me - this stable, successful duke - whom supposedly treated this young woman as his own daughter, loved and cherished her - completely neglected to plan for her upon his death? Why is she even needing to work? He didn't set her up with an inheritance or a little house somewhere?
The twist at the end of the story was completely pointless. Money had not been a complication or concern throughout the entire story yet now it's being tossed around just to round out the happily ever after. And did this supposedly intelligent, capable young woman who has been managing finances for over half a decade really never think about what might have happened to her parents' estate?
This is touted as a Christmas story, but the *only* mentions of the holiday or even the winter season is this random Christmas ball, which is featured in maybe 3 pages max, and two bits about a groom's wife wanting a Christmas baby. No mourning the first holiday without her adopted father, no mention of traditions - I don't even recall the weather being part of the setting much.
The heroine cries like 6 times in a 90-something page novella, refuses to talk to the hero about anyone's feelings, continuously believes that he is a completely flat, one-dimensional human being despite him repeatedly saying and acting otherwise - pretty much every annoying trait in a heroine is written into this story.
I have nothing to say about the hero, because he has absolutely nothing about himself to write about. There were a few mentions of him being a rake and "sowing his oats" but nothing to back that up - no reputation, no swagger, etc. Otherwise, he had no interests, skills, or relationships. He felt like a placeholder for any hero you wanted to paste into the story.
The entire plot doesn't make sense to me - this stable, successful duke - whom supposedly treated this young woman as his own daughter, loved and cherished her - completely neglected to plan for her upon his death? Why is she even needing to work? He didn't set her up with an inheritance or a little house somewhere?
The twist at the end of the story was completely pointless. Money had not been a complication or concern throughout the entire story yet now it's being tossed around just to round out the happily ever after. And did this supposedly intelligent, capable young woman who has been managing finances for over half a decade really never think about what might have happened to her parents' estate?
This is touted as a Christmas story, but the *only* mentions of the holiday or even the winter season is this random Christmas ball, which is featured in maybe 3 pages max, and two bits about a groom's wife wanting a Christmas baby. No mourning the first holiday without her adopted father, no mention of traditions - I don't even recall the weather being part of the setting much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2023
A Lady's Christmas
Everton Domestic Society
A.S. Fenichel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gwen has grown up as the ward of the Duke of Straham, and the only parts she didn't like was the occasional visit from his nephew and heir Theo. The Duke is all she can remember as she was so young when her parents died, leaving her as his ward. But now he's gone, too. She has decided that she doesn't want to live with Theo, so she goes to The Everton Domestic Society, where she can be of use to someone else.
Theo Dandridge, the sixth Duke of Stratham, finds everything in perfect order. The only thing amiss is that his uncle's ward is nowhere to be found. Gwen has always been a bit of a pain to him, and now he's got to go and fetch her from her new employer, but that in itself could turn out to be problematic if she isn't willing to go with him.
A.S. Fenichel brings us another fantastic story from the Everton Domestic Society that will leave you with a wistful smile on your face and a general feeling of contentment. I really enjoyed this story, and it was really nice to go back to the Everton Domestic Society. If you enjoy historical romance with a touch of Christmas magic, then this is the book for you.
Everton Domestic Society
A.S. Fenichel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gwen has grown up as the ward of the Duke of Straham, and the only parts she didn't like was the occasional visit from his nephew and heir Theo. The Duke is all she can remember as she was so young when her parents died, leaving her as his ward. But now he's gone, too. She has decided that she doesn't want to live with Theo, so she goes to The Everton Domestic Society, where she can be of use to someone else.
Theo Dandridge, the sixth Duke of Stratham, finds everything in perfect order. The only thing amiss is that his uncle's ward is nowhere to be found. Gwen has always been a bit of a pain to him, and now he's got to go and fetch her from her new employer, but that in itself could turn out to be problematic if she isn't willing to go with him.
A.S. Fenichel brings us another fantastic story from the Everton Domestic Society that will leave you with a wistful smile on your face and a general feeling of contentment. I really enjoyed this story, and it was really nice to go back to the Everton Domestic Society. If you enjoy historical romance with a touch of Christmas magic, then this is the book for you.
December 3, 2023
Gwen became the ward of the Duke of Stratham when she was five & thought of him as a father. Theo the Duke’s nephew and heir only visited occasionally. So for the last several years Gwen has run the ducal estates. When the duke dies Gwen joins The Everton Domestic Society. Upon arrival at his newly inherited estate, Theo Dandridge, the sixth Duke of Stratham, finds the grounds and house in perfect order. The only thing amiss is his uncle’s ward, who is nowhere to be found. Gwen has always been a burr under his saddle and now he’s forced to go fetch her from her new employer.
A well written quick read, which I read in a sitting. I really liked both Theo & Gwen who had hidden their feelings from each other, he because he eavesdropped & she because obviously Theo disliked her. I loved how Theo accepted & admired Gwen for her abilities & he actually supported her. I loved how their misunderstandings were resolved & thoroughly enjoyed this delightful novella
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A well written quick read, which I read in a sitting. I really liked both Theo & Gwen who had hidden their feelings from each other, he because he eavesdropped & she because obviously Theo disliked her. I loved how Theo accepted & admired Gwen for her abilities & he actually supported her. I loved how their misunderstandings were resolved & thoroughly enjoyed this delightful novella
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
December 6, 2023
I enjoyed this sweet Christmas romance in which estranged childhood friends find one another once again. Theo has kept his distance from Gwen over the years, not wanting to lose his freedom, and would rather make his own choices about marriage. Gwen had always been attracted to Theo but his treatment of her and neglect of his uncle enraged her. Theo does not realize that Gwen has been running his uncle's home and estate, and he is surprised when she leaves for London to join the Everton Domestic Society to ensure her own future. Despite the obvious attraction between them, Theo quickly concludes that he has a fight on his hands if he wants the feisty Gwen to choose him. I enjoyed this romance and the conclusion was sweet. I received a copy of this novella as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
December 10, 2023
A steamy short story. This is only about 70 pages long. A duke becomes the guardian of his friend’s very young daughter when she is orphaned. His nephew just slightly older is often there as he is the heir. They do not get on and when he inherits when she is grown up she does not wish to stay. The story is quite nice, but there some Americanisms such as the duke saying he won’t touch a cent of the money. It is part of a series, Everton Domestic Society, and this other first I have read from that series. The story is perfectly readable, but I was not drawn in. But then it is a very short story, which would make it challenging to build characters and the storyline, so if you need a book to while away an hour or so this would fit the bill, although bear in mind despite the title Christmas does not really feature at all.
November 20, 2023
A Lady's Christmas: Everton Domestic Society (Kindle Edition) by A.S. Fenichel
I enjoy the Everton Domestic Society series and this one was short but very good. Gwen was raised by the 5th Duke of Stratham as his ward after her parents died. Theo in the 6th Duke of Stratham and was raised along with Gwen. As he grew older he found fault with her and rarely came home. After his uncle's death he is back and she does not want to stay. There is angst. misunderstandings, hurt feelings, attraction, enemies to lovers, some laughs, tears and steam to get to a very HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Tear-jerker Unpredictable Steamy Page-turner Romantic Witty Easy-to-read Wonderful characters Happily Ever After Entertaining Great world building Informative.
I enjoy the Everton Domestic Society series and this one was short but very good. Gwen was raised by the 5th Duke of Stratham as his ward after her parents died. Theo in the 6th Duke of Stratham and was raised along with Gwen. As he grew older he found fault with her and rarely came home. After his uncle's death he is back and she does not want to stay. There is angst. misunderstandings, hurt feelings, attraction, enemies to lovers, some laughs, tears and steam to get to a very HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Tear-jerker Unpredictable Steamy Page-turner Romantic Witty Easy-to-read Wonderful characters Happily Ever After Entertaining Great world building Informative.
December 11, 2023
Theo and Gwendolyn wow! The stars are more for Gwen, her chaperon and the society ladies!
Theo heard a secret at 12 and grew up to be an arse and jerk! Also a rake but when Gwen left the estate she ran for 6 years without compensation after his uncle dies he gets a rude awakening!
Gwen does not know what happened to the boy she grew up with but she knew once he went to school he rarely returned!
When Theo returned he was cold, complaining and even rude to Gwen!
Certainly leaving was her only option! When Theo comes to the society to pay her to temporarily assume her duties with pay she agrees!
Theo aka Duke of Stratham learns a secret and now it makes his motives to woo Gwen even more suspect!
Can Gwen trust this new Theo does she even want to? Bravo
Theo heard a secret at 12 and grew up to be an arse and jerk! Also a rake but when Gwen left the estate she ran for 6 years without compensation after his uncle dies he gets a rude awakening!
Gwen does not know what happened to the boy she grew up with but she knew once he went to school he rarely returned!
When Theo returned he was cold, complaining and even rude to Gwen!
Certainly leaving was her only option! When Theo comes to the society to pay her to temporarily assume her duties with pay she agrees!
Theo aka Duke of Stratham learns a secret and now it makes his motives to woo Gwen even more suspect!
Can Gwen trust this new Theo does she even want to? Bravo
November 20, 2023
4.5⭐️
After her guardian passes away, his adult ward, Gwen decides to leave the Dougal household in the new heir- who’s been a thorn in his side for years- and take up employment with the Everton Domestic Society.
The new Duke of Stratham has been avoiding his uncles ward for years, and now that it’s time to take up his responsibilities he finally sees what a gem she is, just in time for her to leave!
This was a delightful romance. Where are you? Don’t know what you have until it’s gone, but at the holidays there’s always second chances for love!
This story is full of great banter, bickering as things heat up between these two enemies to lovers. I loved other familiarity creates a connection, but also keeps them apart.
Overall this it was a delightful Holiday novella that I couldn’t put down !
Thanks to author, A.S. Fenichel for the ebook review copy. Opinions on my own.
After her guardian passes away, his adult ward, Gwen decides to leave the Dougal household in the new heir- who’s been a thorn in his side for years- and take up employment with the Everton Domestic Society.
The new Duke of Stratham has been avoiding his uncles ward for years, and now that it’s time to take up his responsibilities he finally sees what a gem she is, just in time for her to leave!
This was a delightful romance. Where are you? Don’t know what you have until it’s gone, but at the holidays there’s always second chances for love!
This story is full of great banter, bickering as things heat up between these two enemies to lovers. I loved other familiarity creates a connection, but also keeps them apart.
Overall this it was a delightful Holiday novella that I couldn’t put down !
Thanks to author, A.S. Fenichel for the ebook review copy. Opinions on my own.
November 26, 2023
I was extremely fortunate to receive an ARC of A Lady's Christmas by the extraordinary A.S Fenichel. Theo Dandridge, sixth Duke of Stratham haw just come into his dukedom and now has to deal with his deceased uncle's ward, Gwen, someone with whom he has always had an antagonistic relationship. However, he now sees her after a long time and sees her in a completely different light. He sees her beauty, her intelligence and her charm and is completely confused as to how he wants her gone, yet nearby all the time. This is a sweet and short story great to get readers believing in Christmas wishes.
November 17, 2023
“A Lady's Christmas: Everton Domestic Society” by A.S. Fenichel
Admitting Love
Yes, admitting you love someone can be extremely difficult. But it certain makes for a very good story. I rather fell in love with the characters and their story. I didn’t reduce the stars for the intimate scenes. The scenes that tend to spoil a story for me, as it seems I am one of the few with that reaction. Still a good story. Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this story via Bookfunnel.
Admitting Love
Yes, admitting you love someone can be extremely difficult. But it certain makes for a very good story. I rather fell in love with the characters and their story. I didn’t reduce the stars for the intimate scenes. The scenes that tend to spoil a story for me, as it seems I am one of the few with that reaction. Still a good story. Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this story via Bookfunnel.
December 5, 2023
I enjoyed this quick read. Gwen has been a ward since she was a small girl. She loved the duke who took her in after her parent's death. At one time she was friends with the duke's nephew, Theo. He started to be mean to her and so they were enemies for years. Now the duke is dead, and Theo is the duke. Gwen decides she will not remain in his household. So, she gets a job at the Everton Society. Theo can't believe she left. Gwen can't believe he came to find her. Why would he care if she left. Theo does care but being a bit mean to her had become a habit that he wants to break. He knew his father and uncle wanted him to marry Gwen and he wasn't going to let anyone dictate who he would marry. The problem is, now he does want to marry her. Can he show her that he really does love her?
August 29, 2024
Great series!
I really enjoyed this series. My favorite part of it was the women that society threw away found a home and their happy ever after. The Everton’s hire these young women to enter into different scenarios and they find out they are marriageable and they are worthy of love. Great series!
I really enjoyed this series. My favorite part of it was the women that society threw away found a home and their happy ever after. The Everton’s hire these young women to enter into different scenarios and they find out they are marriageable and they are worthy of love. Great series!
December 20, 2023
A very interesting Society
This book reads almost like a movie script. The characters getting their cues/lines as they go along. I can imagine watching this story on Hallmark channel one day.
This book reads almost like a movie script. The characters getting their cues/lines as they go along. I can imagine watching this story on Hallmark channel one day.
December 22, 2023
Humbug
Set in this time period there is no way a gently raised, intelligent and virginal young woman would have committed herself so quickly to bed-play with the duke - unless the Duke is being played by tom hiddleston - in that case, yes, for sure. This story was just a vehicle for steam.
Set in this time period there is no way a gently raised, intelligent and virginal young woman would have committed herself so quickly to bed-play with the duke - unless the Duke is being played by tom hiddleston - in that case, yes, for sure. This story was just a vehicle for steam.
December 27, 2025
I couldn’t imagine a better Christmas love story. Gwen and Theo practically grew up side by side, with his father taking her in as a ward and knowing they were meant for each other. The only question was how long it would take them to figure it out. It was such a delightful read.
December 13, 2023
This was a well-written, entertaining book. It was sweet, steamy and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
December 16, 2023
Did not like the writing style.
December 23, 2023
This story had potential, but everything was very rushed (yes, it's a novella, but the character development wasn't there).
I really didn't like the story told in present tense.
I really didn't like the story told in present tense.
December 27, 2023
different writing style
Did not like the narrative style of the book
Usually find her books very well written but this was not
Did not like the narrative style of the book
Usually find her books very well written but this was not
February 4, 2026
She thought he hated her as they had been bickering all their lives. He didn't feel worthy of her and didn't want to be told that they should marry.
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