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Christmas Courtships #2
Beneath the Mistletoe
His second chance at love is a first chance for her—but not if his children have anything to say about it.
A widower ought to mourn his wife, yet Hamilton Baxter feels only relief after her passing. After enduring thirty years in a miserable marriage, he is finally free to spend his days hidden in a library. But when his son begs for his help distracting his sweetheart’s diligent chaperone, Baxter can’t help but agree—only to discover that the spinster aunt is too appealing for his good.
At two and fifty years of age, marriage and children are beyond her grasp, and Harriet Stillwell is quite content to play the role of chaperone to her motherless nieces. Especially when their beaus are so silly as to think they can distract her from her work.
Yet when one drags his newly widowed father along, Hettie finds it impossible to focus on anything but the amiable, kindhearted man. Who, for some strange reason, seems to admire her.
In the swirl of the Christmas season, this burgeoning romance blossoms, but when Baxter’s children discover their secret courtship, they cannot believe their father would fall for another only a few short months after their mother’s passing.
And they will not stand for it.
Hettie and Baxter must choose—embrace their newfound love or tear apart Baxter’s grieving family. What price is too high for their happiness?
A widower ought to mourn his wife, yet Hamilton Baxter feels only relief after her passing. After enduring thirty years in a miserable marriage, he is finally free to spend his days hidden in a library. But when his son begs for his help distracting his sweetheart’s diligent chaperone, Baxter can’t help but agree—only to discover that the spinster aunt is too appealing for his good.
At two and fifty years of age, marriage and children are beyond her grasp, and Harriet Stillwell is quite content to play the role of chaperone to her motherless nieces. Especially when their beaus are so silly as to think they can distract her from her work.
Yet when one drags his newly widowed father along, Hettie finds it impossible to focus on anything but the amiable, kindhearted man. Who, for some strange reason, seems to admire her.
In the swirl of the Christmas season, this burgeoning romance blossoms, but when Baxter’s children discover their secret courtship, they cannot believe their father would fall for another only a few short months after their mother’s passing.
And they will not stand for it.
Hettie and Baxter must choose—embrace their newfound love or tear apart Baxter’s grieving family. What price is too high for their happiness?
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2023
146 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Nichols
38 books481 followersBorn and raised in Anchorage, M.A. Nichols is a lifelong Alaskan, though she briefly ventured south to get a fancy bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree from Utah State University—neither of which had anything to do with why she became an author, but they kept her alive while launching her publishing career.
As a child she despised reading, but thanks to her mother’s love and persistence, she saw the error of her ways and developed a deep and abiding obsession with books. Currently, she writes sweet historical romance and fantasy, but as a lover of many genres, she plans to explore more in the future.
As a child she despised reading, but thanks to her mother’s love and persistence, she saw the error of her ways and developed a deep and abiding obsession with books. Currently, she writes sweet historical romance and fantasy, but as a lover of many genres, she plans to explore more in the future.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 7, 2024
A Holiday Engagement (Christmas Courtship bk #1)
4 stars. Charity + Thomas.
Beneath the Mistletoe.
Bath 1822. Kisses only. Gave this 2.5 stars, rounded
to 3 stars.
Hamilton Baxter, aged 54, considered himself reserved.
I'd describe him as passive. And widowed after 33 yrs
of an unhappy marriage to Delores. Who made major
decisions including financial ones for the family. She
was unyielding and not prone to compromise. She
got them into debt. She taught all their children, but
one, Charity, to value status and money. The "adult"
offspring blamed the debt on dad.
His widowed son Stanley, asked his sire to accompany
him and his girl Alice, to a social event. (Stan later had
2nd thoughts about Alice). Dad could keep busy Alice's
chaperon, Aunt Harriet, aged 52, known as Hettie.
Hamilton noted Hettie was taller and more rotund than
socially acceptable, but had gracious ways, wit & dimples.
He liked her scent.
Stanley, his older brother Matthias and spouse Camilla
came across as entitled and spoiled. They made rude
comments directed toward father and Hettie. Later
Hamilton and his pregnant dtr. Charity spoke freely.
Charity called Delores 'calculating' and told father he
acted "cowed" towards his late wife & these 2 sons.
My frustration was Hamilton's mousy approach to conflict
or controversy. He asserted himself a few chapters before
the end. But he needed to work on responding to persons
who exceeded his personal boundaries & those of Hettie.
He seemed mediocre & needed more interest in life. IMO
he did not fill the role as hero.
Charity and her Navy-man spouse Thomas reunited toward
the end, after his spending almost a year at sea.
This author has written books superior to this one.
4 stars. Charity + Thomas.
Beneath the Mistletoe.
Bath 1822. Kisses only. Gave this 2.5 stars, rounded
to 3 stars.
Hamilton Baxter, aged 54, considered himself reserved.
I'd describe him as passive. And widowed after 33 yrs
of an unhappy marriage to Delores. Who made major
decisions including financial ones for the family. She
was unyielding and not prone to compromise. She
got them into debt. She taught all their children, but
one, Charity, to value status and money. The "adult"
offspring blamed the debt on dad.
His widowed son Stanley, asked his sire to accompany
him and his girl Alice, to a social event. (Stan later had
2nd thoughts about Alice). Dad could keep busy Alice's
chaperon, Aunt Harriet, aged 52, known as Hettie.
Hamilton noted Hettie was taller and more rotund than
socially acceptable, but had gracious ways, wit & dimples.
He liked her scent.
Stanley, his older brother Matthias and spouse Camilla
came across as entitled and spoiled. They made rude
comments directed toward father and Hettie. Later
Hamilton and his pregnant dtr. Charity spoke freely.
Charity called Delores 'calculating' and told father he
acted "cowed" towards his late wife & these 2 sons.
My frustration was Hamilton's mousy approach to conflict
or controversy. He asserted himself a few chapters before
the end. But he needed to work on responding to persons
who exceeded his personal boundaries & those of Hettie.
He seemed mediocre & needed more interest in life. IMO
he did not fill the role as hero.
Charity and her Navy-man spouse Thomas reunited toward
the end, after his spending almost a year at sea.
This author has written books superior to this one.
December 30, 2023
I absolutely loved this story! I love that it’s a romance between 50+ year olds! The couple is just so cute! I love that Baxter, who is a widower, gets a second chance at love. And Harriet finally finds love in her 50s. It is heartbreaking for them with some of Baxter’s Children being angry and rude to her and their father. I liked how realistic this story is and the outcome is so good! I really liked it! Overall a great clean romance and I definitely recommend!
March 20, 2025
I'm embarrassed to admit this, but it actually took me multiple chapters to realize this book had Charity and Charity's family. The last book I read by M.A. Nichols was Charity 's book! I felt so clueless.
This book starts off with a young widower asking his father, who is also a widower, to come along on an outing with him. The young lady has a very strict chaperone, and he hopes his dad can run some interference. So Baxter agrees to help his son.
Immediately, Baxter and Miss Hettie Stillwell have more chemistry than the younger pair. They laugh at the same things, and they see things similarly. When the son starts to have doubts, Baxter talks him into giving the young lady another chance. Because otherwise, how was Baxter going to see Miss Stillwell?
Then, after a conversation about hobbies, Miss Stillwell buys Baxter a sketchbook. Baxter's deceased wife was an awful harpy. I remember that all too well from Charity's book. She didn't let Baxter do anything that she thought was for ladies. This really touches Baxter's heart.
The rest of the "Baxter" family comes off like Taylor Swift's fake family in her " Anti-hero" video. It's that exact energy. You hate them at every second. They are all the total wannabes of their wicked deceased mother/ mother-in-law. They are horrible to both Miss Stillwell and their father.
And Baxter takes it. He allowed their mother to be awful, and he didn't want to now talk truthfully about her or their marriage.
Thank God Charity is there. The one sane person holding the couple together. Not to mention that she is close to her confinement. Her hormones should be everywhere, but she is actually her father's rock. Thank god for that.
Hettie and Baxter decide to take it slow to give the brats time to get over themselves. Then Charity goes into labor, and she asks her dad to go get Hettie because her sister in law was making her crazy. I really wanted Charity to pull out the crazy in labor woman that is in all the trope stories, but she does not. Charity is a placating ninny like her father. So Baxter brings Hettie to Charity.
Hettie has to constantly try to trick Camille ( the sil) out of the room. Hettie is trying to keep the peace because she is hoping for a big, happy family. Gah!!! Tell that stupid brat to get out! I think I yelled at all Baxter, Hettie, and Charity constantly through this part of the story.
Thankfully, eventually, growling comes out. And standing up for yourself happens. All of it felt like it would never get there, but it is so gratifying when it happens. I think that was the point. The reader gets so used to them being floor mats that hit us in the face when the switch happens.
The last chapter is so poignant. Thomas is back!! What a reunion! Then Thomas and Hettie have a heartfelt conversation about being the person that the Baxters hate. Hettie is such a wonderful person. We would all be better to be like her, and I'm glad she got the sweetest happily ever after.
This book starts off with a young widower asking his father, who is also a widower, to come along on an outing with him. The young lady has a very strict chaperone, and he hopes his dad can run some interference. So Baxter agrees to help his son.
Immediately, Baxter and Miss Hettie Stillwell have more chemistry than the younger pair. They laugh at the same things, and they see things similarly. When the son starts to have doubts, Baxter talks him into giving the young lady another chance. Because otherwise, how was Baxter going to see Miss Stillwell?
Then, after a conversation about hobbies, Miss Stillwell buys Baxter a sketchbook. Baxter's deceased wife was an awful harpy. I remember that all too well from Charity's book. She didn't let Baxter do anything that she thought was for ladies. This really touches Baxter's heart.
The rest of the "Baxter" family comes off like Taylor Swift's fake family in her " Anti-hero" video. It's that exact energy. You hate them at every second. They are all the total wannabes of their wicked deceased mother/ mother-in-law. They are horrible to both Miss Stillwell and their father.
And Baxter takes it. He allowed their mother to be awful, and he didn't want to now talk truthfully about her or their marriage.
Thank God Charity is there. The one sane person holding the couple together. Not to mention that she is close to her confinement. Her hormones should be everywhere, but she is actually her father's rock. Thank god for that.
Hettie and Baxter decide to take it slow to give the brats time to get over themselves. Then Charity goes into labor, and she asks her dad to go get Hettie because her sister in law was making her crazy. I really wanted Charity to pull out the crazy in labor woman that is in all the trope stories, but she does not. Charity is a placating ninny like her father. So Baxter brings Hettie to Charity.
Hettie has to constantly try to trick Camille ( the sil) out of the room. Hettie is trying to keep the peace because she is hoping for a big, happy family. Gah!!! Tell that stupid brat to get out! I think I yelled at all Baxter, Hettie, and Charity constantly through this part of the story.
Thankfully, eventually, growling comes out. And standing up for yourself happens. All of it felt like it would never get there, but it is so gratifying when it happens. I think that was the point. The reader gets so used to them being floor mats that hit us in the face when the switch happens.
The last chapter is so poignant. Thomas is back!! What a reunion! Then Thomas and Hettie have a heartfelt conversation about being the person that the Baxters hate. Hettie is such a wonderful person. We would all be better to be like her, and I'm glad she got the sweetest happily ever after.
October 16, 2024
nice clean story
As usual nicely done story, I have it 5 stars because I feel the writing is superb and flows wonderfully.
My only complaints.
I felt charity was a hypocrite, she expected her father to stand up to his son's and daughter in law, however she would not stand up to them herself.
When she was giving birth she never stood up strongly, only half hearted, for charity being there. She kept allowing her siblings to think charity had come of her own initiative. But then within a short period criticized her father for trying to keep the peace. Which was exactly what she did, tried to keep peace. And frankly any normal sibling would have quickly disabused their siblings of the perfect mother. And charity was portrayed as outspoken. So she would have told her siblings her parents marriage wasn't happy.
In the end there was really no peace. I didn't really feel it was right for him to allow his kids to continue under the impression of him happily married to their mother. I get it, that it was important to protect the kids as children. But they were adults, they could handle seeing their mother as imperfect.
He should have stood up by helping them to see his struggle in the marriage.
Anyway, I wanted to see him have a little backbone and demand some respect from his kids. But he was just a super kind man. Which isn't bad. Butt makes the story a bit sad.
I also would have liked to hear that the juniper estate was turned around and doing week when without Hettie's dowry.
As usual nicely done story, I have it 5 stars because I feel the writing is superb and flows wonderfully.
My only complaints.
I felt charity was a hypocrite, she expected her father to stand up to his son's and daughter in law, however she would not stand up to them herself.
When she was giving birth she never stood up strongly, only half hearted, for charity being there. She kept allowing her siblings to think charity had come of her own initiative. But then within a short period criticized her father for trying to keep the peace. Which was exactly what she did, tried to keep peace. And frankly any normal sibling would have quickly disabused their siblings of the perfect mother. And charity was portrayed as outspoken. So she would have told her siblings her parents marriage wasn't happy.
In the end there was really no peace. I didn't really feel it was right for him to allow his kids to continue under the impression of him happily married to their mother. I get it, that it was important to protect the kids as children. But they were adults, they could handle seeing their mother as imperfect.
He should have stood up by helping them to see his struggle in the marriage.
Anyway, I wanted to see him have a little backbone and demand some respect from his kids. But he was just a super kind man. Which isn't bad. Butt makes the story a bit sad.
I also would have liked to hear that the juniper estate was turned around and doing week when without Hettie's dowry.
February 27, 2024
I hated to spend any more time with the Baxter's. Thus, I was less than pleased to see that this book resumed the story of the Baxter family. The only bright spot is that Delores Baxter, the overbearing mother, is deceased. Unfortunately, her children are like her, except Charity (the main character of the first book in this series. See below).
In the past book, we learned that the Baxter's were living on borrowed time; Mrs. Baxter was the leading matron of the town and spent money they didn't have. At the end of the story, it looked like the family would have to retrench (to save money).
In this book, we see a more sympathetic portrayal of Mr. Baxter. He allowed his wife to spend the family (literally) to the poor house because he did not want the family to choose sides with one parent or the other. However, his sons fight over the family's legacy (a carcass, though it may be), making him sad and powerless.
In the shadow of this turmoil, Mr. Baxter meets Miss Hettie Stillwell. She is her niece's chaperone for Stanley Baxter's dates with her niece (while Hamilton Baxter accompanies the three). He enjoys her company; maybe he can marry for love this time. However, the birth of Charity's baby brings everything to a point of no return. The author pulled this story from the fire and made it a memorable one.
Christmas Courtships
1. A Holiday Engagement (2022)
** 2. Beneath the Mistletoe (2023)
In the past book, we learned that the Baxter's were living on borrowed time; Mrs. Baxter was the leading matron of the town and spent money they didn't have. At the end of the story, it looked like the family would have to retrench (to save money).
In this book, we see a more sympathetic portrayal of Mr. Baxter. He allowed his wife to spend the family (literally) to the poor house because he did not want the family to choose sides with one parent or the other. However, his sons fight over the family's legacy (a carcass, though it may be), making him sad and powerless.
In the shadow of this turmoil, Mr. Baxter meets Miss Hettie Stillwell. She is her niece's chaperone for Stanley Baxter's dates with her niece (while Hamilton Baxter accompanies the three). He enjoys her company; maybe he can marry for love this time. However, the birth of Charity's baby brings everything to a point of no return. The author pulled this story from the fire and made it a memorable one.
Christmas Courtships
1. A Holiday Engagement (2022)
** 2. Beneath the Mistletoe (2023)
September 30, 2025
This was a refreshing change of pace—a romance featuring protagonists in their 50s! I loved how Under the Mistletoe explored a mature "second chance" love story. Baxter’s journey was particularly touching; after years of shrinking under the weight of his late wife and children (except for the lovely Charity), he finally gets to embrace his true self. His arc felt authentic and heartwarming.
Hettie, while sweet, didn’t have much of a character arc, which left me wanting more growth from her. Still, the story’s warmth and Baxter’s redemption carried it for me. I’m giving it 3 stars for its charm and unique perspective.
Side note: This is my 10th Nichols book in a row, and I’ve noticed a pattern—her stories often cast family members as the main obstacles or "villains." From Simon’s family in Flame and Ember to Ruby’s in The Honorable Choice, the lack of redemption for many of these familial antagonists (like Sophie’s brother in Hearts Entwined) stands out. It’s an interesting choice, though I’d love to see more resolution in some cases. I’m taking a break from Nichols but will return for her "reformed and misunderstood villains" trope, which sounds intriguing!
Hettie, while sweet, didn’t have much of a character arc, which left me wanting more growth from her. Still, the story’s warmth and Baxter’s redemption carried it for me. I’m giving it 3 stars for its charm and unique perspective.
Side note: This is my 10th Nichols book in a row, and I’ve noticed a pattern—her stories often cast family members as the main obstacles or "villains." From Simon’s family in Flame and Ember to Ruby’s in The Honorable Choice, the lack of redemption for many of these familial antagonists (like Sophie’s brother in Hearts Entwined) stands out. It’s an interesting choice, though I’d love to see more resolution in some cases. I’m taking a break from Nichols but will return for her "reformed and misunderstood villains" trope, which sounds intriguing!
December 17, 2024
M.A.Nichols never misses!
I was looking for an easy, low angst story, with mature characters, and no silly 3rd act break-ups. And she delivered!🙌
Baxter is a recent widower at 54 after over 30 years in an unhappy marriage. He's asked to chaperone his younger son as he attempts to court a young lady. The issue is, is that his son is trying to distract the young lady's aunt, who is chaperoning her.
While out with the young couple, he finds himself attracted to the aunt.
Hettie is the spinster aunt. She is 52. And she has raised her brother's children after the death of his wife.
The attraction is mutual. But Baxter is hesitant to pursue anything because he's newly widowed and is afraid of what his adult children will think.
And he is right, because they go in!! Baxter is not exactly a weak man, but he has always given in to his wife's whims. She definitely ruled the roost. And his kids think that they can bully him into giving up Hettie.
For once and his life, Baxter stands up for what he wants and takes the chance for true love.❤️
I was looking for an easy, low angst story, with mature characters, and no silly 3rd act break-ups. And she delivered!🙌
Baxter is a recent widower at 54 after over 30 years in an unhappy marriage. He's asked to chaperone his younger son as he attempts to court a young lady. The issue is, is that his son is trying to distract the young lady's aunt, who is chaperoning her.
While out with the young couple, he finds himself attracted to the aunt.
Hettie is the spinster aunt. She is 52. And she has raised her brother's children after the death of his wife.
The attraction is mutual. But Baxter is hesitant to pursue anything because he's newly widowed and is afraid of what his adult children will think.
And he is right, because they go in!! Baxter is not exactly a weak man, but he has always given in to his wife's whims. She definitely ruled the roost. And his kids think that they can bully him into giving up Hettie.
For once and his life, Baxter stands up for what he wants and takes the chance for true love.❤️
January 1, 2025
There have been comments regarding Hamilton Baxter's being passive and mousey. I feel that characterization may be unfair. It appears that he was in a long-term abusive relationship. (Remember, abuse doesn't need to be physical or directed only at females to be abuse. Sometimes verbal, emotional, or psychological abuse can be just as scaring - without the scars showing.) His daughter Charity also appears to have been on the receiving end of verbal/emotional abuse. (Having your mother disown you is harsh.)
I think the entire Baxter family is dysfunctional and could do with major group therapy.
Harriet (Hettie) Stillwell is a remarkable woman to see the man Baxter could be with encouragement.
Overall I enjoyed the story. The characters were flawed and very human.
I think the entire Baxter family is dysfunctional and could do with major group therapy.
Harriet (Hettie) Stillwell is a remarkable woman to see the man Baxter could be with encouragement.
Overall I enjoyed the story. The characters were flawed and very human.
November 30, 2023
So Incredibly Beautiful
I loved this newest novel of M.A. Nichols. I felt for Baxter and how much he had to suffer and put up with. (Seriously, I wanted to jump into the book and defend him against his ungrateful children. 😉) But I loved how kind and generous and loving he was. Hettie was an absolute delight! She had such strength of character and a wonderful sense of humor. Their whole romance was so moving and full of hope, especially for anyone who has suffered heartache and longing in their life. This was a perfectly executed story of second chances and found family. I absolutely loved it. ❤️❤️❤️
I loved this newest novel of M.A. Nichols. I felt for Baxter and how much he had to suffer and put up with. (Seriously, I wanted to jump into the book and defend him against his ungrateful children. 😉) But I loved how kind and generous and loving he was. Hettie was an absolute delight! She had such strength of character and a wonderful sense of humor. Their whole romance was so moving and full of hope, especially for anyone who has suffered heartache and longing in their life. This was a perfectly executed story of second chances and found family. I absolutely loved it. ❤️❤️❤️
September 25, 2025
Poignant & Heartwarming
I very much enjoyed this book. I would have wanted it to be much longer! Nevertheless I found the storyline creative and original. It did not entirely end with a “happily-ever-after” for everyone, but it was realistic and touching. The dialogue was smooth and very enjoyable. The writing was talented, with no glaring typos nor grammatical errors (aside from the ubiquitous “someone and me” instead of “someone and I”). I have read a few of this author’s books and have found them delightful. Definitely worth reading!
I very much enjoyed this book. I would have wanted it to be much longer! Nevertheless I found the storyline creative and original. It did not entirely end with a “happily-ever-after” for everyone, but it was realistic and touching. The dialogue was smooth and very enjoyable. The writing was talented, with no glaring typos nor grammatical errors (aside from the ubiquitous “someone and me” instead of “someone and I”). I have read a few of this author’s books and have found them delightful. Definitely worth reading!
November 29, 2023
An excellent sweet Christmas
Baxter and Hettie are adorable together! In their fifties, they find each other at last and although Baxter recently lost his wife, they can't help but be drawn together. The family it squabbles and bickers around them, but they grow stronger both individually and as a couple because of the hardship.
Charity is back, too, and I'm glad we got to see more of her.
Baxter and Hettie are adorable together! In their fifties, they find each other at last and although Baxter recently lost his wife, they can't help but be drawn together. The family it squabbles and bickers around them, but they grow stronger both individually and as a couple because of the hardship.
Charity is back, too, and I'm glad we got to see more of her.
December 26, 2023
Too much inner dialogue
Not enough dialogue to let the characters become known to the reader and way too much of the author telling the reader what was going on. No character development. Baxter was pretty much the same from the beginning to the end. Did not seem at all worthy of the charming chaperone. She was personable and had social skill which e totally lacked. The book cover was nice.
Not enough dialogue to let the characters become known to the reader and way too much of the author telling the reader what was going on. No character development. Baxter was pretty much the same from the beginning to the end. Did not seem at all worthy of the charming chaperone. She was personable and had social skill which e totally lacked. The book cover was nice.
April 10, 2024
Olderromance
Nichols has written a romance about a couple in their 50s. It is sweet and an easy read. Baxter is not a strong character through most of the story, giving in to his harpy wife and spoiled children. Hottie is a spinster but with a loving family for support. She is the real force in this marriage. Its message is applicable today for marriages that get along for the kids but where there is no love between the man and women.
Nichols has written a romance about a couple in their 50s. It is sweet and an easy read. Baxter is not a strong character through most of the story, giving in to his harpy wife and spoiled children. Hottie is a spinster but with a loving family for support. She is the real force in this marriage. Its message is applicable today for marriages that get along for the kids but where there is no love between the man and women.
March 12, 2025
True love
So many times others try to tell us what is right and they really do not even know who we are. This is a story of two who did what was right for others with right hearts but amind poignant often difficult choices. Then they found each other. A delightful tale of the best overcoming”good” and vain, arrogant foes are vanquished as courage and love triumphs. A delightful hero/ heroine who find each other and themselves. Excellent storyline. Enjoy!
So many times others try to tell us what is right and they really do not even know who we are. This is a story of two who did what was right for others with right hearts but amind poignant often difficult choices. Then they found each other. A delightful tale of the best overcoming”good” and vain, arrogant foes are vanquished as courage and love triumphs. A delightful hero/ heroine who find each other and themselves. Excellent storyline. Enjoy!
May 27, 2025
A really well written no-nonsense story. Some people think Baxter is a wimp, but that's not the case. He just puts his kids before himself, but when it came to protecting Hettie, he maned up and put his kids in their place. It's nice that the classic distribution of roles is being challenged, sometimes fathers are the better mothers! Personally, I'm impressed that not everything is sunshine and roses in the end, as is the case with other authors.
December 4, 2023
4.5 stars
Really sweet story about finding love later in life. I loved Hettie & I loved the story even more once Baxter asked to court her, sigh….
I laughed, swooned, cried. I only wish this authors books were spicier but her books are great even without the sex. This author writes great stories.
Really sweet story about finding love later in life. I loved Hettie & I loved the story even more once Baxter asked to court her, sigh….
I laughed, swooned, cried. I only wish this authors books were spicier but her books are great even without the sex. This author writes great stories.
December 18, 2023
Different
I think the recurring theme of M.A. Nichols' writing is "different ." She doesn't always serve up the 17 year old heroine finding her first love. This book, especially with the main characters in their 50's and a complicated happily ever after, is a very different tale. I enjoyed it!
Clean, historical romance.
I think the recurring theme of M.A. Nichols' writing is "different ." She doesn't always serve up the 17 year old heroine finding her first love. This book, especially with the main characters in their 50's and a complicated happily ever after, is a very different tale. I enjoyed it!
Clean, historical romance.
February 26, 2024
Contains: kisses and emotional abuse.
This book is kinda depressing. I know Baxter made his choices to shield his children but most of his kids are just the worst. I wanted him to stand up for himself or something. A lot of the courtship takes place behind the scenes and we mostly just get the contentious conversations and bickering of the Baxter household.
This book is kinda depressing. I know Baxter made his choices to shield his children but most of his kids are just the worst. I wanted him to stand up for himself or something. A lot of the courtship takes place behind the scenes and we mostly just get the contentious conversations and bickering of the Baxter household.
March 1, 2024
This is now my 2nd best book from M. A. Nichols. The story, the characters, I loved everything about it except for maybe the Baxter children who are utter snobs but that's what made the rest all so compelling! I read this in one sitting as I could not put it down. This author knows how to form the most intricate characters and I love coming to know them.
April 3, 2024
Least Favorite of Nichols’ books
I have read many of Nichols’ books and sadly this one was my least favorite. It was still a good book and I did enjoy reading it. Unfortunately, I didn’t care for Baxter, he was too passive and he frustrated me. With that said, I normally love her books and I will be starting the next one tonight.
I have read many of Nichols’ books and sadly this one was my least favorite. It was still a good book and I did enjoy reading it. Unfortunately, I didn’t care for Baxter, he was too passive and he frustrated me. With that said, I normally love her books and I will be starting the next one tonight.
April 3, 2024
A joyous tale of the courage to choose love.
Is it possible to find true love after a lifetime of loneliness or years of a loveless marriage. Baxter and Hettie have found one another in their later years, but can their love surmount the odds against them? A beautiful tale of courage, sacrifice and triumph. Another well-crafted tale by M.A. Nichols.
Is it possible to find true love after a lifetime of loneliness or years of a loveless marriage. Baxter and Hettie have found one another in their later years, but can their love surmount the odds against them? A beautiful tale of courage, sacrifice and triumph. Another well-crafted tale by M.A. Nichols.
May 16, 2024
i Love love love this book!
oh so good!! at last a plus size heroine over 50! yippee! please write more of these!
oh I wanted to strangle Baxtet's dead wife, his children and in-laws Such a Bunch of selfish, self righteous prigs never existed! Fecking idiots!
oh so good!! at last a plus size heroine over 50! yippee! please write more of these!
oh I wanted to strangle Baxtet's dead wife, his children and in-laws Such a Bunch of selfish, self righteous prigs never existed! Fecking idiots!
December 19, 2024
Another enjoyable audio. I feel that I wasn't quite as invested in this one, but I did love the main characters and enjoyed that there wasn't quite as much drama from them though there was plenty of drama from some of the side characters. Another sweet Christmasy romance.
October 5, 2025
Some find love later in life
This is such a reversal of a typical Victorian family.
It's a great love story, and it felt wonderful t while reading it!
Such a fun story!
You'll love it!
This is such a reversal of a typical Victorian family.
It's a great love story, and it felt wonderful t while reading it!
Such a fun story!
You'll love it!
November 24, 2025
What a surprisingly fresh plot! I really liked how it started. The big confession could have waited, I'm not sure I like this story as much as #3, that I read previously. (It's kind of funny, that people like the earlier instances of a series best, and for me it's the other way round!)
November 28, 2023
I love this story, and Hettie & Baxter in particular. They were such a pleasure to write, and I had a ton of fun with them. :)
November 30, 2023
Lovely romance
Despite opposition from family, two middle-aged people fall in love. The story is sweet, and so is their happily ever after. Highly recommended.
Despite opposition from family, two middle-aged people fall in love. The story is sweet, and so is their happily ever after. Highly recommended.
December 26, 2023
Life can put you in between a rock and a hard place. But you can choose happiness.
December 31, 2023
3.5 stars. I gave it plus one star for Hettie being so fabulous, but minus one star for the rest of his family being so shitty. Baxter is a total pushover and kind of useless.
March 3, 2025
So interesting to have an older pair as the main characters!
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