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Worth More Than Rubies: A Regency Holiday Novella
All the Duke of Dunfallon wants this holiday season is a respite from the machinations of the matchmakers. When pursued by a particularly determined would-be duchess, he ducks into the West Bartholomew Street Lending Library. Librarian Emerald Armstrong sees a dapper gent in a bit of a hurry and mistakes Dunfallon for a curate overdue for his assignation with West Bart’s theological collection. Dunfallon is intrigued by Emmie’s love of books, her disdain for society’s games, and her ferocious generosity of spirit toward all of the library’s patrons. She has no patience with posturing, and thus he takes the risk of admitting his true identity. To his surprise, Emmie doesn’t mind all that much that he’s a duke—some things cannot be helped—but she is far less willing to keep silent about Dunfallon’s other secret, the one he has been guarding from even his fellow peers. If an honorable woman is worth more than rubies, what will a duke sacrifice to earn her love? This story was half of Yuletide Gems , a novella duet originally published as a web store/library exclusive in 2022.
150 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2023
About the author
Grace Burrowes
197 books2,961 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 27, 2025
This is a nice regency holiday novella that offers a cozy, heartwarming escape ( even if, I have to admit, it doesn’t quite dazzle from start to finish).
Right from the opening pages, the story sets a delightful tone:
the Duke of Dunfallon, weary of matchmaking mamas and society’s schemes, ducks into the West Bartholomew Street Lending Library to hide, only to be mistaken for a curate by the spirited librarian, Emerald "Emmie" Armstrong.
This charming mix-up kicks off a gentle, bookish romance that celebrates quiet strength, kindness, and the magic of human connection.
___WONDERFUL SETTING for BOOK LOVERS:
The library isn’t just a backdrop, it’s practically a character in its own right.
Filled with creaky shelves, whispered stories, and the soft purring of a resident library cat (who totally stole my heart), it becomes a sanctuary not just for Emmie and the duke, but for a group of orphaned children who gather each week to hear Christmas tales.
There’s something deeply touching about these moments: the children wide-eyed with wonder, the cat curling up by the hearth, the twinkle of handmade decorations going up as everyone joins in to prepare for holiday festivities.
The scenes where all the characters in the library do the decoration work together ( stringing garlands, squabbling good-naturedly over tinsel placement, listening to stories of brave cats who saved children from fires or faced down highwaymen ) are so heartwarming.
Even the two irascible old gentlemen who bicker like an old married couple while stubbornly helping with the decorations are adorable.
The festive final party, with mulled wine, laughter, and stories shared by the fireplace is utterly heart-melting.
These moments infuse the novella with a warmth and inclusivity that feel genuinely special, a celebration of chosen family, quiet generosity, and the joy found in simple traditions.
____MAIN CHARACTERS :
Emmie herself is intelligent, principled, and refreshingly unimpressed by titles and wealth. She cares deeply for her community and stands by her values, which is admirable. And the Duke of Dunfallon, despite his lofty title, is portrayed with a quiet vulnerability that makes him endearing, especially as he begins to rediscover his own humanity through his time at the library.
That said, I’ll be honest, while the atmosphere is enchanting, the plot unfolds a bit too slowly. After the charming setup, not much happens for a good 70% of the story. The misunderstanding that kicks things off is sweet, but it could have been mined for more humor and playful banter. Instead, the pages drift by in a peaceful, almost sleepy rhythm, pleasant, but not particularly gripping.
And then, just when you’re settling into the calm, the story introduces a major dramatic conflict, one that arrives quite late and, frankly, feels underdeveloped and a bit silly.
Without spoiling too much, Emmie’s reaction to a personal revelation feels inconsistent with her otherwise thoughtful nature and made her come across as judgmental and somewhat immature.
It’s a turning point that strains believability, especially in how quickly things are resolved afterward. Still, I appreciated the message that emerges: that love means listening, not demanding; that we shouldn't push others to conform to our expectations, no matter how well-intentioned. That’s a lovely and timely Christmas lesson.
I also found Emmie’s openness about past romantic experiences a bit anachronistic for the Regency era. While I didn’t mind the topic being addressed, her casualness felt more modern than historical, which momentarily pulled me out of the time period.
In the end, Worth More Than Rubies is a pleasant, feel-good holiday read, not one of the most memorable Regency romances I’ve encountered, but one that radiates warmth, kindness, and the quiet magic of a community coming together.
---> The library, the children, the cat, the festive spirit, these are the real stars of the story, and they shine brightly.
WOULD I READ IT AGAIN? Probably not.
It lacks the depth or spark to truly stick with me.
BUT WOULD I RECOMMEND IT AS A COZY HOLIDAY DISTRACTION? Absolutely, especially if you're in the mood for cinnamon-scented nostalgia and a story where love grows not in ballrooms, but between the shelves of a humble lending library, surrounded by snowflakes, stories, and second chances.
Thanks for reading my opinion and Happy New Year everybody !
Right from the opening pages, the story sets a delightful tone:
the Duke of Dunfallon, weary of matchmaking mamas and society’s schemes, ducks into the West Bartholomew Street Lending Library to hide, only to be mistaken for a curate by the spirited librarian, Emerald "Emmie" Armstrong.
This charming mix-up kicks off a gentle, bookish romance that celebrates quiet strength, kindness, and the magic of human connection.
___WONDERFUL SETTING for BOOK LOVERS:
The library isn’t just a backdrop, it’s practically a character in its own right.
Filled with creaky shelves, whispered stories, and the soft purring of a resident library cat (who totally stole my heart), it becomes a sanctuary not just for Emmie and the duke, but for a group of orphaned children who gather each week to hear Christmas tales.
There’s something deeply touching about these moments: the children wide-eyed with wonder, the cat curling up by the hearth, the twinkle of handmade decorations going up as everyone joins in to prepare for holiday festivities.
The scenes where all the characters in the library do the decoration work together ( stringing garlands, squabbling good-naturedly over tinsel placement, listening to stories of brave cats who saved children from fires or faced down highwaymen ) are so heartwarming.
Even the two irascible old gentlemen who bicker like an old married couple while stubbornly helping with the decorations are adorable.
The festive final party, with mulled wine, laughter, and stories shared by the fireplace is utterly heart-melting.
These moments infuse the novella with a warmth and inclusivity that feel genuinely special, a celebration of chosen family, quiet generosity, and the joy found in simple traditions.
____MAIN CHARACTERS :
Emmie herself is intelligent, principled, and refreshingly unimpressed by titles and wealth. She cares deeply for her community and stands by her values, which is admirable. And the Duke of Dunfallon, despite his lofty title, is portrayed with a quiet vulnerability that makes him endearing, especially as he begins to rediscover his own humanity through his time at the library.
That said, I’ll be honest, while the atmosphere is enchanting, the plot unfolds a bit too slowly. After the charming setup, not much happens for a good 70% of the story. The misunderstanding that kicks things off is sweet, but it could have been mined for more humor and playful banter. Instead, the pages drift by in a peaceful, almost sleepy rhythm, pleasant, but not particularly gripping.
And then, just when you’re settling into the calm, the story introduces a major dramatic conflict, one that arrives quite late and, frankly, feels underdeveloped and a bit silly.
Without spoiling too much, Emmie’s reaction to a personal revelation feels inconsistent with her otherwise thoughtful nature and made her come across as judgmental and somewhat immature.
It’s a turning point that strains believability, especially in how quickly things are resolved afterward. Still, I appreciated the message that emerges: that love means listening, not demanding; that we shouldn't push others to conform to our expectations, no matter how well-intentioned. That’s a lovely and timely Christmas lesson.
I also found Emmie’s openness about past romantic experiences a bit anachronistic for the Regency era. While I didn’t mind the topic being addressed, her casualness felt more modern than historical, which momentarily pulled me out of the time period.
In the end, Worth More Than Rubies is a pleasant, feel-good holiday read, not one of the most memorable Regency romances I’ve encountered, but one that radiates warmth, kindness, and the quiet magic of a community coming together.
---> The library, the children, the cat, the festive spirit, these are the real stars of the story, and they shine brightly.
WOULD I READ IT AGAIN? Probably not.
It lacks the depth or spark to truly stick with me.
BUT WOULD I RECOMMEND IT AS A COZY HOLIDAY DISTRACTION? Absolutely, especially if you're in the mood for cinnamon-scented nostalgia and a story where love grows not in ballrooms, but between the shelves of a humble lending library, surrounded by snowflakes, stories, and second chances.
Thanks for reading my opinion and Happy New Year everybody !
December 15, 2025
The chronic congestion of London’s fashionable streets prevented Miss Peasegill and her mama from charging across the thoroughfare. Dunfallon took half a moment to assess the surrounds. If he ducked into a shop, the ladies might follow. If he simply loped off down the walkway, they would also give chase, hallooing and you-hooing like hounds on the scent. Where was a gentlemen’s club when a duke needed safety from the matrimonial press-gang?
The Duke of Dunfallon—his friends call him Dane—darts from the street into a lending library to avoid a marriage-minded miss and her mama and discovers Emmie, who not only cares for a cozy haven of books but has created a found family of benefactors, pensioners, street urchins, and a library cat named Aristotle. She’s brisk but kind, assumes Dunfallon is the curate who has agreed to trade his time and labor for access to the library’s private collection, and puts the duke to work carrying buckets of coal and fetching the noon meal.
Loathe to bring his rank between them, Dunfallon pretends to be the curate and carries the coal and fetches the food and shows up the next day to do it again, dusting shelves and oiling hinges and reading to the street urchins from a beloved author of children’s books featuring intrepid kittens.
This makes the third Burrowes Christmas novella I’ve read this season, and it’s my favorite by far. The writing is trademark Burrowes at her best, the characterizations are sharp and observant, the children are dirty and ill fed and very lovable, the two old timers who hang around the library bicker and fuss like a couple of old hens, I can smell the spiced cider from here, and the little blip in the relationship in the last third was both their faults and they owned it and fixed it.
This is everything a Christmas novella should be and I loved it.
The Duke of Dunfallon—his friends call him Dane—darts from the street into a lending library to avoid a marriage-minded miss and her mama and discovers Emmie, who not only cares for a cozy haven of books but has created a found family of benefactors, pensioners, street urchins, and a library cat named Aristotle. She’s brisk but kind, assumes Dunfallon is the curate who has agreed to trade his time and labor for access to the library’s private collection, and puts the duke to work carrying buckets of coal and fetching the noon meal.
Loathe to bring his rank between them, Dunfallon pretends to be the curate and carries the coal and fetches the food and shows up the next day to do it again, dusting shelves and oiling hinges and reading to the street urchins from a beloved author of children’s books featuring intrepid kittens.
This makes the third Burrowes Christmas novella I’ve read this season, and it’s my favorite by far. The writing is trademark Burrowes at her best, the characterizations are sharp and observant, the children are dirty and ill fed and very lovable, the two old timers who hang around the library bicker and fuss like a couple of old hens, I can smell the spiced cider from here, and the little blip in the relationship in the last third was both their faults and they owned it and fixed it.
This is everything a Christmas novella should be and I loved it.
December 30, 2023
Grace Burrowes brings her considerable talent, twisty detail and some unexpected inclusions to this lovely romance set at Christmas time. A Duke, a librarian, some delightful kids from the underbelly of London and some kitten stories!
March 8, 2025
This holiday novella is a little love letter to having a Third Place. Emmie runs a lending library that welcomes the old men who sit by the fire, and the street urchins looking of a warm place to get some education and a meal. Dane is a duke, who ducks in to escape some marriage-minded debutants and is mistaken for the person who was going to exchange general assistance for lending privileges. You know there's nothing a duke needs more than someone who will give it to him straight, and Emmie is "the very best sort of woman, one who looked to have no use for tiaras or dukes." They have wide ranging discussions about the different expectations on men and women, the roles they play, and literature, that they both relish. So he...just keeps coming back to work as general handyman and hang out at the cozy library. By the second time he's there this is our committed bachelor: "'I'm falling in love.' he muttered."
Without the trappings of their titles and roles (her brother is a viscount but she's hiding from society after a Bad Fiancee threw her over) they are really straightforward with what they want from each other. Before he can tell her the truth about himself, she guesses his secret, but not the one he thought. There's a little fracture while the weight of new roles and expectations settle, a wise street urchin to speak truth to power, and ultimately this novella is just two nice people making necessary adjustments to each other, apologizing when wrong, taking ownership of mistakes and following their own advice: "Use your head. Think before you act. Keep trying. Don't give up. There's always a way home."
Without the trappings of their titles and roles (her brother is a viscount but she's hiding from society after a Bad Fiancee threw her over) they are really straightforward with what they want from each other. Before he can tell her the truth about himself, she guesses his secret, but not the one he thought. There's a little fracture while the weight of new roles and expectations settle, a wise street urchin to speak truth to power, and ultimately this novella is just two nice people making necessary adjustments to each other, apologizing when wrong, taking ownership of mistakes and following their own advice: "Use your head. Think before you act. Keep trying. Don't give up. There's always a way home."
January 2, 2025
What happens when a duke ducks into a lending library to get away from the marriage-minded mamas and then is mistaken by its fetching proprietess for a curate-in-training who is there to volunteer at the library-cum-school? What do you THINK will happen? This is a romance!
It's a well-written romance, too--my first by Grace Burrowes. It had depth, humor and a great sense of place. There could have been an HEA about halfway through, and I wondered how Burrowes would create enough conflict to get us through the second half of the novella, but she did.
Will absolutely be reading more Burrowes.
It's a well-written romance, too--my first by Grace Burrowes. It had depth, humor and a great sense of place. There could have been an HEA about halfway through, and I wondered how Burrowes would create enough conflict to get us through the second half of the novella, but she did.
Will absolutely be reading more Burrowes.
September 27, 2024
Absolutely adored this book!
December 26, 2025
4.0. Rated PG. Regency Romance.
What a great read! (Thanks Gloria)
Well written, great sweet story, great characters.
Very enjoyable. Highly recommend. ❤️
What a great read! (Thanks Gloria)
Well written, great sweet story, great characters.
Very enjoyable. Highly recommend. ❤️
September 26, 2023
Emerald Armstrong, believing herself to be firmly on the shelf of spinsterhood after a humiliating broken engagement, immerses herself in the running of the
West Bartholomew Street Lending Library. When the Duke of Dunfallon ducks into the library to evade an overzealous tiara pursuing maiden, he is mistaken for a curate-in-training volunteer that Miss Armstrong was expecting. Ordered by the no-nonsense, but alluring Miss Armstrong, Dunfallon proceeds to haul coal and dust the library. Attracted to Miss Armstrong’s intelligence, her outspoken nature, and her compassion for the children of the street, he agrees to return the next day and the next and the next. The longer he is in her company, the more he realizes that he has to come clean about his true name and status, but he is increasingly reluctant to rock the boat. As expected, “Worth More Than Rubies” has an HEA, but the voyage to that ending has the twists, turns, and detours common to Ms. Burrowes work. In each novel, the reader reaches a point where the H and h can’t possibly surmount the obstacles in their path, and yet, Ms. Burrowes always comes up with a unique and satisfying resolution. I highly recommend this novella. This book was provided by the author without any requirement for a review, positive or otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own.
West Bartholomew Street Lending Library. When the Duke of Dunfallon ducks into the library to evade an overzealous tiara pursuing maiden, he is mistaken for a curate-in-training volunteer that Miss Armstrong was expecting. Ordered by the no-nonsense, but alluring Miss Armstrong, Dunfallon proceeds to haul coal and dust the library. Attracted to Miss Armstrong’s intelligence, her outspoken nature, and her compassion for the children of the street, he agrees to return the next day and the next and the next. The longer he is in her company, the more he realizes that he has to come clean about his true name and status, but he is increasingly reluctant to rock the boat. As expected, “Worth More Than Rubies” has an HEA, but the voyage to that ending has the twists, turns, and detours common to Ms. Burrowes work. In each novel, the reader reaches a point where the H and h can’t possibly surmount the obstacles in their path, and yet, Ms. Burrowes always comes up with a unique and satisfying resolution. I highly recommend this novella. This book was provided by the author without any requirement for a review, positive or otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own.
December 22, 2023
One of my favorite authors….and it’s a Christmas novella. How could I not??
Emmie (Emerald) Armstrong, needing to escape the censure of the ton, immured herself with books….finding contentment managing a lending library. Her peace is dashed when the Duke of Dunfallon takes shelter at her library to evade a scheming mama. In a case of mistaken identity, Emmie believes him to be the curate she’d been expecting. Predictable complications ensue: they fall hard for each other. However, both Emmie and Dunne must make peace with their pasts before finding a way forward together.
The writing is lovely (of course), the characters are appealing. You can’t help but feel for Emmie, whose past has dogged her for years. Harder to feel too bad for Dunne, whose Daddy Issues have also weighed him down. But….still he’s so sweet and caring…:).
This Christmas bonbon is a lovely little romance (very PG), but it somehow manages to exceed the sum of its parts, so I rounded up to four stars.
Emmie (Emerald) Armstrong, needing to escape the censure of the ton, immured herself with books….finding contentment managing a lending library. Her peace is dashed when the Duke of Dunfallon takes shelter at her library to evade a scheming mama. In a case of mistaken identity, Emmie believes him to be the curate she’d been expecting. Predictable complications ensue: they fall hard for each other. However, both Emmie and Dunne must make peace with their pasts before finding a way forward together.
The writing is lovely (of course), the characters are appealing. You can’t help but feel for Emmie, whose past has dogged her for years. Harder to feel too bad for Dunne, whose Daddy Issues have also weighed him down. But….still he’s so sweet and caring…:).
This Christmas bonbon is a lovely little romance (very PG), but it somehow manages to exceed the sum of its parts, so I rounded up to four stars.
August 16, 2025
Happy Holidays - a summer review
I have always saved holiday stories for winter, but it is now August and i read Grace Burrowes's "Worth More Than Rubies," which is a Christmas season novella. I found just reading about snow and cold made me not feel the 90 degree weather so much, so I am rethinking my seasonal schedule for reading.
This story has so much to offer especially for a novella where the author has to pack a good story into fewer pages than a novel without seeming to leave important pieces of information out. There is good character development, some old friends from previous stories, a lot of chemistry between characters, and unrushed plot development. I highly recommend this book.
I have always saved holiday stories for winter, but it is now August and i read Grace Burrowes's "Worth More Than Rubies," which is a Christmas season novella. I found just reading about snow and cold made me not feel the 90 degree weather so much, so I am rethinking my seasonal schedule for reading.
This story has so much to offer especially for a novella where the author has to pack a good story into fewer pages than a novel without seeming to leave important pieces of information out. There is good character development, some old friends from previous stories, a lot of chemistry between characters, and unrushed plot development. I highly recommend this book.
November 18, 2025
A soft 3. Started out with a good premise then became repetitive and tedious. Even the cat was boring. Maudlin Duke . Know it all bluestocking librarian. Wise ass street kids/library patrons.
And no I do not believe it was common for engaged couple to anticipate their vows. I'm sure some did but I'm sure it wasn't common. Young women were highly chaperoned and reputations meant everything. In addition I'm surprised Lucy goosey wasn't knocked up considering the limited birth control available. A dnf at page 99 (61%).
And no I do not believe it was common for engaged couple to anticipate their vows. I'm sure some did but I'm sure it wasn't common. Young women were highly chaperoned and reputations meant everything. In addition I'm surprised Lucy goosey wasn't knocked up considering the limited birth control available. A dnf at page 99 (61%).
January 3, 2026
I read this just after New Year so missed the Christmas boat a little bit! It was a cute read that started off well, but for my reading preferences, it got just a bit too cutesy/cheesy as I read on. I like Ms Burrowes works and as usual, I enjoyed that the MCs were both people of kindness and integrity. The meet-cute where the duke is fleeing an overeager suitor and hides in a bookshop was also nicely done.
It was a decent plot, but the thing with the stories about the brave kittens and the life lessons they taught got to be a bit too much. So, a nice Christmas novella, just a bit heavy on the cheese.
It was a decent plot, but the thing with the stories about the brave kittens and the life lessons they taught got to be a bit too much. So, a nice Christmas novella, just a bit heavy on the cheese.
January 18, 2024
I both enjoyed and didn't quite enjoy this book.
I loved seeing wee Nick and Leah again, he's one of my favourite characters in the authors books. As a novella it wasn't long enough for all the story to be told properly, and this has the bones to be a great full length novel.
Story line was decent, but a little rushed, but I liked all the lead characters. I want to see Dane again in another book to build his character.
And yes I liked the cats.
I loved seeing wee Nick and Leah again, he's one of my favourite characters in the authors books. As a novella it wasn't long enough for all the story to be told properly, and this has the bones to be a great full length novel.
Story line was decent, but a little rushed, but I liked all the lead characters. I want to see Dane again in another book to build his character.
And yes I liked the cats.
June 1, 2026
A great comfort read.
"He reminded me that stories have the power to fortify us against temptation, against bad decisions, against loneliness. He explained to me - not in so many words - that Mr. Dingle had done more to protect him against turning to a life of crime than all the sermons or charitable committees in London had done."
Maybe only a 4.5, as it took me a while to get into the story. A definite must for readers who believe in the power of stories and love romance.
"He reminded me that stories have the power to fortify us against temptation, against bad decisions, against loneliness. He explained to me - not in so many words - that Mr. Dingle had done more to protect him against turning to a life of crime than all the sermons or charitable committees in London had done."
Maybe only a 4.5, as it took me a while to get into the story. A definite must for readers who believe in the power of stories and love romance.
November 4, 2023
Ms. Burrowes takes all the tropes of romance, romantic encounters, romantic disagreements, etc., and continuously freshens them with just right dialogue, in-depth characters and plots I can trust not to disappoint. Her newest historical romance novella follows right along with the above. Charming, charming, charming. Thank you, once again, Ms. Burrowes for brightening my spirit.
December 3, 2023
An Ode to Cats, Books and Love
A bachelor minded Scots Duke ducks into a nondescript Lending Library and encounters a rich, fulfilling environment. Much like gingerbread, this tale is dense with characters, a little dark with undertones of various spices. A lovely tale for the Christmas season, or anytime because it features BOOKS and those affected by them.
A bachelor minded Scots Duke ducks into a nondescript Lending Library and encounters a rich, fulfilling environment. Much like gingerbread, this tale is dense with characters, a little dark with undertones of various spices. A lovely tale for the Christmas season, or anytime because it features BOOKS and those affected by them.
September 5, 2024
sweet and cute short story
Due to past hurts both the hero and heroine have their guards up. I liked how they were truly being themselves and not what society would have painted them… they really got to know each other. No big worries that they didn’t work out together…I loved the children and the pensioners… and of course the cats….
Due to past hurts both the hero and heroine have their guards up. I liked how they were truly being themselves and not what society would have painted them… they really got to know each other. No big worries that they didn’t work out together…I loved the children and the pensioners… and of course the cats….
August 16, 2025
The perfect cozy holiday romance!
I fell in love with the heroine in this story within the first several pages. It took me a good 15 or so pages to fall in love with the hero. This is definitely going to be one of my frequent holiday rereads. I highly recommend this for a feel-good Christmas read.
I fell in love with the heroine in this story within the first several pages. It took me a good 15 or so pages to fall in love with the hero. This is definitely going to be one of my frequent holiday rereads. I highly recommend this for a feel-good Christmas read.
November 5, 2023
warm and sweet love story
I liked everything . the storyline , the characters, the subtle wit of her writing , the depth Ms Burrowes brings. even to minor characters, the fluidity of her writing , her books are a delight to read and enjoy !
I liked everything . the storyline , the characters, the subtle wit of her writing , the depth Ms Burrowes brings. even to minor characters, the fluidity of her writing , her books are a delight to read and enjoy !
November 13, 2023
Happy Christmas
As always the author does not disappoint. I love everything she writes and especially love to read her stories when life has dragged me low. Thank you Ms Burrows and Merry Christmas.
As always the author does not disappoint. I love everything she writes and especially love to read her stories when life has dragged me low. Thank you Ms Burrows and Merry Christmas.
January 22, 2024
heart touching story.
I loved the story for children but I did not approve of bringing in pre marital sex. That didn’t add anything to the story and taught that it is acceptable, which my belief is that it wrong in God’s eyes.
I loved the story for children but I did not approve of bringing in pre marital sex. That didn’t add anything to the story and taught that it is acceptable, which my belief is that it wrong in God’s eyes.
April 14, 2024
Another great Grace Burrowes story
I really love how the author makes her characters real people that you care about, root for, and cry with. She manages to pack all this into this holiday story.
I really love how the author makes her characters real people that you care about, root for, and cry with. She manages to pack all this into this holiday story.
November 2, 2025
An accidental meeting and a misconstrued identity… the best of meet cutes. This a novella, so the story has to move along quickly, especially since Christmas is just around the corner. This one is entirely character driven.
I’ve read many books by Burrowes, and Dane (the Duke in this one) is my favorite so far.
I’ve read many books by Burrowes, and Dane (the Duke in this one) is my favorite so far.
November 4, 2023
This may be my favourite Regency Christmas novella ever. I love the story, I love the characters, I love the setting, everything. I smiled all the way through and was happy and content at the end.
November 13, 2023
A wonderful heartwarming romance. I enjoyed this well written story, the Duke of Dunfallon and Emmie find a perfect happily ever after.
November 18, 2023
A perfectly executed holiday novella! Lots of decorations and cats and tasty treats and a sweet romance between two very lovable characters.
November 28, 2023
I think I read it before, but I still enjoyed the story.
December 9, 2023
This is a very nice novella. I enjoyed reading it.
December 29, 2023
Oh Christmas Joy
From the fist page I knew I was in the hands of a Mistress of her craft. A character driven plot that rewards the reader for the investment of her time.
From the fist page I knew I was in the hands of a Mistress of her craft. A character driven plot that rewards the reader for the investment of her time.
January 2, 2024
Treat yourself to this lovely little story of a man and a woman who communicate thru issues, approach their worlds with compassion and kindness. It's a delight.
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