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Belles of Christmas #2
Goodwill for the Gentleman
He jilted her sister. She will never forgive him for it. What kind of sparks will fly when they find themselves snowed in together at Christmas?
Emma Caldwell doesn’t hate anyone—except for Hugh Warrilow, the man who jilted her older sister and left like a coward to join the army. Men are clearly not to be trusted, and Emma is determined not to give her heart to one. No, a marriage of convenience is the very thing to suit her.
Hugh Warrilow has been secretly in love with Emma Caldwell for years, so when the time comes to live up to both families’ expectations and marry her sister, he can’t find it in himself to do it. Disgraced and misunderstood, he joins to fight Napoleon on the Continent, hoping he will forget Emma and be forgotten by everyone he has disappointed.
An injury brings Hugh home—just in time for Christmas and the snowstorm that leaves him trapped under the same roof as Emma. How will he explain that his unforgivable act was motivated by how desperately he loved her? Her icy reception doesn’t leave him the chance, nor does it offer much hope for the season’s expectation of peace on earth and goodwill to men.
Book 2 in the Belles of Christmas series, Goodwill for the Gentleman is a standalone Regency holiday romance. The series can be enjoyed in any order:
A Carol for Caroline by Mindy Burbridge Strunk, Book 1
Goodwill for the Gentleman by Martha Keyes, Book 2
The Earl's Mistletoe Match by Ashtyn Newbold, Book 3
Nine Ladies Dancing by Deborah M. Hathaway, Book 4
A Duke for Lady Eve by Kasey Stockton, Book 5
Emma Caldwell doesn’t hate anyone—except for Hugh Warrilow, the man who jilted her older sister and left like a coward to join the army. Men are clearly not to be trusted, and Emma is determined not to give her heart to one. No, a marriage of convenience is the very thing to suit her.
Hugh Warrilow has been secretly in love with Emma Caldwell for years, so when the time comes to live up to both families’ expectations and marry her sister, he can’t find it in himself to do it. Disgraced and misunderstood, he joins to fight Napoleon on the Continent, hoping he will forget Emma and be forgotten by everyone he has disappointed.
An injury brings Hugh home—just in time for Christmas and the snowstorm that leaves him trapped under the same roof as Emma. How will he explain that his unforgivable act was motivated by how desperately he loved her? Her icy reception doesn’t leave him the chance, nor does it offer much hope for the season’s expectation of peace on earth and goodwill to men.
Book 2 in the Belles of Christmas series, Goodwill for the Gentleman is a standalone Regency holiday romance. The series can be enjoyed in any order:
A Carol for Caroline by Mindy Burbridge Strunk, Book 1
Goodwill for the Gentleman by Martha Keyes, Book 2
The Earl's Mistletoe Match by Ashtyn Newbold, Book 3
Nine Ladies Dancing by Deborah M. Hathaway, Book 4
A Duke for Lady Eve by Kasey Stockton, Book 5
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First published October 22, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
April 8, 2020
'He jilted her sister. She will never forgive him for it. What kind of sparks will fly when they find themselves snowed in together at Christmas?
Emma Caldwell doesn’t hate anyone—except for Hugh Warrilow, the man who jilted her older sister and left like a coward to join the army. Men are clearly not to be trusted, and Emma is determined not to give her heart to one. No, a marriage of convenience is the very thing to suit her.
Hugh Warrilow has been secretly in love with Emma Caldwell for years, so when the time comes to live up to both families’ expectations and marry her sister, he can’t find it in himself to do it. Disgraced and misunderstood, he joins to fight Napoleon on the Continent, hoping he will forget Emma and be forgotten by everyone he has disappointed.
An injury brings Hugh home—just in time for Christmas and the snowstorm that leaves him trapped under the same roof as Emma. How will he explain that his unforgivable act was motivated by how desperately he loved her? Her icy reception doesn’t leave him the chance, nor does it offer much hope for the season’s expectation of peace on earth and goodwill to men.'
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Goodwill for the Gentleman is the second book in the Belles of Christmas series. This book is written by Martha Keys, but each book in the series is written by a different author. All are of them are novella length and, as each book also focuses on unrelated chracters, it is not necessary to read them in sequential order. They can all serve as stand-alones.
Again the authors in this series seem to be ignoring many of the social restrictions that were in place, especially for young unmarrued women, during this time. Never would an unmarried young woman be able to stay at the home of her potential future husband while he is in residence without her parents or at the very least a trusted chaperone.
I did enjoy this book more than the first in the series. I found the conflict to be more unerstandable and the plot more intruiging. Hugh was a very likable character, but Emma was a little tough to handle. I completely understand her wanting to be loyal to her sister and put him in his place. But it's been years while he has been away to war, everyone else has moved on and fogiven his actions, but she is still refusing to let it go and allowing it to constantly affect her life. She can be described as nothing less than bitter, which often made it hard to like her.
I will be continuing on to the next book in the series.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
Emma Caldwell doesn’t hate anyone—except for Hugh Warrilow, the man who jilted her older sister and left like a coward to join the army. Men are clearly not to be trusted, and Emma is determined not to give her heart to one. No, a marriage of convenience is the very thing to suit her.
Hugh Warrilow has been secretly in love with Emma Caldwell for years, so when the time comes to live up to both families’ expectations and marry her sister, he can’t find it in himself to do it. Disgraced and misunderstood, he joins to fight Napoleon on the Continent, hoping he will forget Emma and be forgotten by everyone he has disappointed.
An injury brings Hugh home—just in time for Christmas and the snowstorm that leaves him trapped under the same roof as Emma. How will he explain that his unforgivable act was motivated by how desperately he loved her? Her icy reception doesn’t leave him the chance, nor does it offer much hope for the season’s expectation of peace on earth and goodwill to men.'
____________________________
Goodwill for the Gentleman is the second book in the Belles of Christmas series. This book is written by Martha Keys, but each book in the series is written by a different author. All are of them are novella length and, as each book also focuses on unrelated chracters, it is not necessary to read them in sequential order. They can all serve as stand-alones.
Again the authors in this series seem to be ignoring many of the social restrictions that were in place, especially for young unmarrued women, during this time. Never would an unmarried young woman be able to stay at the home of her potential future husband while he is in residence without her parents or at the very least a trusted chaperone.
I did enjoy this book more than the first in the series. I found the conflict to be more unerstandable and the plot more intruiging. Hugh was a very likable character, but Emma was a little tough to handle. I completely understand her wanting to be loyal to her sister and put him in his place. But it's been years while he has been away to war, everyone else has moved on and fogiven his actions, but she is still refusing to let it go and allowing it to constantly affect her life. She can be described as nothing less than bitter, which often made it hard to like her.
I will be continuing on to the next book in the series.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
December 1, 2019
I so liked this slow building romance of enemies to lovers. Loved the cold feel of the book, you could just feel how cold it was. This was a fun story that I really enjoyed reading. Some serious tug at your heart moments! Best to read at Christmas time!
November 9, 2020
This was a sweet Christmas story (the first I've read this year). While a fairly typical romance, I still found myself enjoying the setting and the characters a lot. This author has a great style.
December 26, 2024
Romantic with a great message…
I love when authors not only write wonderful stories, but stories that have a message that might make us readers think. This one had the feel of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. Very enjoyable.
I love when authors not only write wonderful stories, but stories that have a message that might make us readers think. This one had the feel of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. Very enjoyable.
May 17, 2024
I really liked this one! Listened to the audio version. Wish it had been longer! (It's probably a novella, I just don't remember it being labeled that way).
December 15, 2025
A perfectly charming, idyllic, proper romance holiday novella! I will never not love the house party trope!
February 16, 2020
A lovely second-chance romance by one of my new favourite authors. I’ve never quite understood the appeal of Christmas romances, especially in the Regency which really didn’t make a big deal of the holiday season (it became huge in the Victorian era) but the author makes a convincing case for it here, since the heroine has German ancestry and therefore has the whole Christmas tree tradition. With or without the Christmas tree (with naked candles! Yikes! Mr Health and Mr Safety would NOT approve!), the whole snowed-up setting works perfectly for this particular story.
The premise is that eldest son and heir Hugh Warrilow was expected to marry the neighbours’ eldest daughter, Lucy Caldwell, but he disgraced himself by jilting her and running off to join the army. Now, three years later, he’s returned home, determined to set matters right and try to forget the reason for the jilting - that he was in love with Lucy’s sister Emma. For her part, Emma will never forgive Hugh for what he did, and now they’re snowed up together at his home…
There’s nothing unexpected about this story which unfolds delightfully. Both Hugh and Emma were perfectly believable and sympathetic characters, and their gradual rapprochement was a joy to watch. I loved the sledges in the snow, and also the parlour game snapdragon (a new one to me). I felt there was rather too much angsty backstory squeezed in, what with the war widow, the survivor and the brother’s betrothal issues, but that’s not really a complaint because they all serve to increase Hugh’s guilt. I would have liked, too, for Hugh himself to have confessed all to Emma, instead of leaving it to others to enlighten her, but again, not a complaint.
A couple of very trivial niggles. When Hugh comes home unannounced, there are no servants to greet him and he carries his own luggage into the house and simply walks into the dining room. I found that a real stretch. There would at the very least have been grooms or kitchen staff around, and where was his valet or batman? And then he sits down to join the others for dinner, a place already set (they were psychic!) and without changing out of his travel-stained clothes into evening dress. Um, no. Also, one character is described as a ‘country barrister’. Barristers are the top-ranked lawyers, who put the case in the highest courts, so they’re based in the cities. A country lawyer would be an attorney, whose work is the boring transfer of bits of land or flocks of sheep. Totally trivial niggles, which didn’t spoil my enjoyment at all.
A great read. Five stars.
The premise is that eldest son and heir Hugh Warrilow was expected to marry the neighbours’ eldest daughter, Lucy Caldwell, but he disgraced himself by jilting her and running off to join the army. Now, three years later, he’s returned home, determined to set matters right and try to forget the reason for the jilting - that he was in love with Lucy’s sister Emma. For her part, Emma will never forgive Hugh for what he did, and now they’re snowed up together at his home…
There’s nothing unexpected about this story which unfolds delightfully. Both Hugh and Emma were perfectly believable and sympathetic characters, and their gradual rapprochement was a joy to watch. I loved the sledges in the snow, and also the parlour game snapdragon (a new one to me). I felt there was rather too much angsty backstory squeezed in, what with the war widow, the survivor and the brother’s betrothal issues, but that’s not really a complaint because they all serve to increase Hugh’s guilt. I would have liked, too, for Hugh himself to have confessed all to Emma, instead of leaving it to others to enlighten her, but again, not a complaint.
A couple of very trivial niggles. When Hugh comes home unannounced, there are no servants to greet him and he carries his own luggage into the house and simply walks into the dining room. I found that a real stretch. There would at the very least have been grooms or kitchen staff around, and where was his valet or batman? And then he sits down to join the others for dinner, a place already set (they were psychic!) and without changing out of his travel-stained clothes into evening dress. Um, no. Also, one character is described as a ‘country barrister’. Barristers are the top-ranked lawyers, who put the case in the highest courts, so they’re based in the cities. A country lawyer would be an attorney, whose work is the boring transfer of bits of land or flocks of sheep. Totally trivial niggles, which didn’t spoil my enjoyment at all.
A great read. Five stars.
December 1, 2019
I didn't like either MC overmuch in this story. I wanted to like the H, but he was too quick to take blame for everything; I was surprised when he didn't take responsibility for the poor traveling conditions that had trapped the h at his family's home. The h held a grudge for too long and mistook is for loyalty to her sister. I appreciated the character growth and change of heart the h experienced. However, I didn't enjoy this story much.
October 21, 2019
I loved that this book started at the same masquerade ball as the first book in the series. I don't know if all the books will do that, but I thought it was a fun way to tie them together. Hugh is sure in a hard spot, both before the war and after. I don't know what I would do in his shoes and may have really been tempted to disapear. Emma is a sweet person with a big heart and you can't blame her for being mad at Hugh and defending her sister. Their story is sweet and definitely pulled at my heartstrings for them and the secondary characters. Luckily there is a HEA and some wonderful and magical moments in between.
October 19, 2019
I received an ARC and really enjoyed the story. The characters were likable and the book was a sweet regency romance. There is nothing earth shattering or life changing that occurs after reading the book but it soothes the soul and puts a smile on your face.
April 24, 2020
Clean regency romance. A little too much dragged out drama for two people whose romance felt forced and shallow.
January 22, 2023
Three years of War against Spain, nearly dying , and with a heaviness of heart Hugh returns to England. He is still in pain from his wound, yet he must set things to right. He had refused to marry their families, closest friends eldest daughter Lucy. They were promised in the cradle. How could he explain he had fallen in love with her younger sister Emma, so he had left. He would do his duty though, take up the reigns of the oldest son, and marry Lucy , if only to bring peace. He had lost his best friend in the war. This book was a very good romance involving three couples. Lucy has found a new fiancé, and Alfred, Hugh’s youngest brother may loose his fiancé Alice, now that he is the second son again, and Emma drops by Hugh’s home to comfort his parents, since they have had no news from him, only to have him walk into the estate. That means that with the blizzard, and ice following him, their may be quite a few sparks of anger, passion, confusion, and resentment before everyone gets sorted out. I really liked all the mothers, and the two couples stuck at the estate in the blizzard. While Lucy, and her fiancé John had gone home from London with her parents to start decorating for Christmas. The main couple are Hugh, and Emma , but everyone else has important parts , to play for a good ending. It was an enjoyable Christmas book. I gave it 5 stars. Plus it has a wonderful epilogue that lets the reader know how everyone is doing , in the future.
December 18, 2021
5* story with enemies to lovers charm
Hugh Warrilow comes home to right wrongs that he committed before he left for war three years ago. He had a plan of redemption but because of his return, he finds he has just made matters worse. A delightful story with Christmas traditions, regency etiquette and believable characters, you will enjoy spending a snowed in Christmas at Norfield with Hugh and his unexpected guest.
Hugh Warrilow comes home to right wrongs that he committed before he left for war three years ago. He had a plan of redemption but because of his return, he finds he has just made matters worse. A delightful story with Christmas traditions, regency etiquette and believable characters, you will enjoy spending a snowed in Christmas at Norfield with Hugh and his unexpected guest.
November 2, 2023
I needed a novella for a car ride today. Since I love Martha Keyes books, I picked this one. It is hard to develop in depth stories in shorter books, but I thought this one was well done. I enjoyed listening to the narrator. I did listen to much of it at 1.5 speed just due to my time constraints. When I slowed it down to 1.2, I did enjoy it more because I connected with the characters better.
But overall the narrator was pleasant and the story was just what I needed today.
But overall the narrator was pleasant and the story was just what I needed today.
January 2, 2021
Goodwill for the Gentleman had several great moments in it. I enjoyed the humor and the concepts of redemption and forgiveness. This is a fun series of books! More to add to my TBR.
October 20, 2019
What's worse than being snowed in at an acquaintances house right before Christmas? How about being held under house arrest with your sworn enemy? That's where Emma Caldwell find herself during the holidays in 1813, imprisoned with Hugh Warrilow, the man that broke her sisters heart before leaving to go fight in the war. What Emma doesn't realize is Hugh's reason for his actions, and it takes a snowstorm to finally reveal the truth.
With well-developed characters amiss a picturesque backdrop, Goodwill for the Gentleman is a Christmas delight. This is my first read for the holiday season and I must say it was a great start, getting me excited for the upcoming season. I have always adored stories where enemies have a change of heart and though predictable, it is a sweet story with a satisfying ending.
Though this is apart of the Belles of Christmas series, this easily can be read as a standalone, and I am excited to read the rest of the books in the series.
*I have reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All opinions are completely honest, and my own.
With well-developed characters amiss a picturesque backdrop, Goodwill for the Gentleman is a Christmas delight. This is my first read for the holiday season and I must say it was a great start, getting me excited for the upcoming season. I have always adored stories where enemies have a change of heart and though predictable, it is a sweet story with a satisfying ending.
Though this is apart of the Belles of Christmas series, this easily can be read as a standalone, and I am excited to read the rest of the books in the series.
*I have reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All opinions are completely honest, and my own.
January 20, 2020
Romance - Sweet and Clean
Language - None
Violence - None
Reread - Yes
**Though part of a series, it is a completely independent and standalone book**
One of the things about this book I particularly enjoyed, is that even though we do get the perspective from both our Hero and Heroine, this book is primarily from HIS perspective, and the struggles he is dealing with. It was different than your typical regency romance, and it stood out to me, but in a good way.
I absolutely loved Hugh. He's struggles and inner turmoil felt real, and my heart ached for him. Survivors guilt is a very real, and powerful emotion, and it can be difficult for those with it to really move past it. I thought the author did a good job of portraying this, without going overboard.
The growth and development between Hugh and Emma is done well, and I found this a delightful story that is easily read in a couple of hours.
This is my first time reading this author, and I look forward to reading more from her.
Language - None
Violence - None
Reread - Yes
**Though part of a series, it is a completely independent and standalone book**
One of the things about this book I particularly enjoyed, is that even though we do get the perspective from both our Hero and Heroine, this book is primarily from HIS perspective, and the struggles he is dealing with. It was different than your typical regency romance, and it stood out to me, but in a good way.
I absolutely loved Hugh. He's struggles and inner turmoil felt real, and my heart ached for him. Survivors guilt is a very real, and powerful emotion, and it can be difficult for those with it to really move past it. I thought the author did a good job of portraying this, without going overboard.
The growth and development between Hugh and Emma is done well, and I found this a delightful story that is easily read in a couple of hours.
This is my first time reading this author, and I look forward to reading more from her.
October 24, 2019
I really enjoyed the character development as well as the overall interactions between each character. Even when things weren’t going smoothly, we are given a glimpse into the depth of feeling each character possessed. This story occurs from two points of view. Hugh & Emma have had a long journey filled with strong emotions on both sides. I appreciated the stalwart way Hugh navigates his return home. Even though his return causes more trouble than he bargains on, I’m glad he doesn’t let it completely overwhelm him. He looks to others to see what he can do to help them rather wallow in his own misery. Emma is such a strong willed & fiercely loyal character. It was entertaining to see how these characteristics can be both a blessing & a nuisance for her as she deals with the return of Hugh into her families lives.
Another thoroughly enjoyable story by Martha Keyes. I can highly recommend this author. This is a clean and wholesome read.
Another thoroughly enjoyable story by Martha Keyes. I can highly recommend this author. This is a clean and wholesome read.
December 25, 2020
Joyously entertaining!
Love unrequited...my heart hurt for the lieutenant, at Emma’s disdain for him at the way she believed her sister Lucy was wronged. However, the lieutenant proved himself to be nothing but a gentleman at every turn. He had very good reasons for walking away from Lucy those many years ago. Emma’s disdain was palpable until it wasn’t. Lucy’s humiliation was almost palpable until it wasn’t. Lieutenant Warrilow’s love for Emma was very painful to watch until it wasn’t. And when it wasn’t, the tide turned to joy and a very satisfying HEA. I appreciated these characters as Ms Keyes wrote them. Many true to life so much so you could most likely find similar ones among your own acquaintances. And the feelings she wrote on these pages were truly heartfelt, a sign of talented writing skills. I have adored each book I have read from Ms Keyes and know that when I pick up a book written by her I will be mesmerized and joyously entertained.
Love unrequited...my heart hurt for the lieutenant, at Emma’s disdain for him at the way she believed her sister Lucy was wronged. However, the lieutenant proved himself to be nothing but a gentleman at every turn. He had very good reasons for walking away from Lucy those many years ago. Emma’s disdain was palpable until it wasn’t. Lucy’s humiliation was almost palpable until it wasn’t. Lieutenant Warrilow’s love for Emma was very painful to watch until it wasn’t. And when it wasn’t, the tide turned to joy and a very satisfying HEA. I appreciated these characters as Ms Keyes wrote them. Many true to life so much so you could most likely find similar ones among your own acquaintances. And the feelings she wrote on these pages were truly heartfelt, a sign of talented writing skills. I have adored each book I have read from Ms Keyes and know that when I pick up a book written by her I will be mesmerized and joyously entertained.
October 14, 2019
It’s a sweet reunion of old friends turn enemies. Both families are neighbors and they always wished their oldest would fall in love and marry. Well Hugh did fall in love with on of the Caldwell’s daughters but it wasn’t the oldest but the second oldest, Emma. Hugh broke Lucy’s heart (the oldest daughter) and ran into the military, for 3 years , now unusable to his regime he has come back home unannounced to be welcomed into ha family and to deliver a ring of the man who saved Hugh’s life with his own to the man’s family. But there was an unexpected visitor at his parents home, the woman he’s still in love with but she hates him, Emma... will she get over her hatred to Hugh for destroying her sister’s heart or will said sister push Emma into giving her heart away for love???
April 26, 2020
This is an intense and heartbreaking story. Hugh joined the military after he refused to marry the girl his parents had planned on. His reason for it was simple yet very complicated, he was in love with the lady's sister. He never told anyone about his feelings for Emma, he knew he couldn't have her after jilting her sister. After 3 years he comes home, not realizing that his family had assumed that he was dead. His brother was happy to see him, until he realized that his engagement would end. I didn't like Alfred at all. He blamed his brother for his loss, even though he was the one who misled his fiancée's father by telling him that he was the heir. It was an intriguing story, and Hugh was a very likeable character.
December 29, 2020
Clean Christmas romance
The author holds true to wonderful characters and well developed settings and plot.
A sweet story of a man (Hugh) who struggles to right some wrongs in his life but feels inept at accomplishing that very deed.
A strong willed lady who struggles to see what others see in that very man who, in her eyes, wronged a beloved sister.
This tale is of hope and Christmas magic and love.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
The author holds true to wonderful characters and well developed settings and plot.
A sweet story of a man (Hugh) who struggles to right some wrongs in his life but feels inept at accomplishing that very deed.
A strong willed lady who struggles to see what others see in that very man who, in her eyes, wronged a beloved sister.
This tale is of hope and Christmas magic and love.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
October 22, 2019
What could be better than an Edwardian romance set at Christmas?
December 15, 2025
I finished this in half a day — couldn’t put it down! I had the resolution going a bit differently in my mind… but it was still lovely and adorable. A pretty simple read.
November 29, 2022
Ah, the enemies to lovers trope, what could be more Christmas-y?! Bwahahaha!
On the surface, it seems such an outlandish reason to be at odds - a couple who had family expectations to marry broke off the...well, it wasn't even an engagement...the equivalent of a bad break up today, maybe. Nothing for a sister to hold a life long grudge over. But, back in the day things were very different. Reputations could be ruined. Family names slandered. Oy, as much as I like to romanticize the Regency era there are aspects of class and culture that irk me greatly. Like a perfectly swoony gentleman being ostracized for 'jilting' the young lady everyone else expected him to marry. So, that all happened five years ago...
And, everyone has mostly moved on. The jilted lady is over her heartbreak and has found new love. Her sister, however, is guarding her intense grudge and vows to never forgive or forget what that blackguard Hugh did to her sweet sister...
Until the unexpected happens. Snowed in at Christmas! Eeeep!!! I do so love a good stranded scenario in a romance, and oh, my do sparks fly in this one. All on Emma's side though. Hugh is the epitome of a wronged hero who makes a noble effort to make amends. Only Emma's having none of it and it looks like it's going to be a very uncomfortable holiday at the Warrilow estate until they form an uneasy truce for the duration of the storm. :-)
I loved Hugh right from the start but it took longer to warm up to Emma. On the one hand, I admired her intense loyalty to her sister BUT she carried it too far and for much too long. I enjoyed watching her attitude slowly thaw allowing her to see Hugh in a new light. She starts to question the integrity of her unforgiving nature and that leads to...well, you'll have to read this festive novella to find out.
I appreciated all the yuletide details and the lighter, playful moments that brighten the darker aspects of the story. Keyes packed a lot in this little novella and it made for a riveting read.
Well, listen, actually, because I enjoyed Marianne Robinson's narration of this second book in the multi-authored Belles of Christmas series.
https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/20...
On the surface, it seems such an outlandish reason to be at odds - a couple who had family expectations to marry broke off the...well, it wasn't even an engagement...the equivalent of a bad break up today, maybe. Nothing for a sister to hold a life long grudge over. But, back in the day things were very different. Reputations could be ruined. Family names slandered. Oy, as much as I like to romanticize the Regency era there are aspects of class and culture that irk me greatly. Like a perfectly swoony gentleman being ostracized for 'jilting' the young lady everyone else expected him to marry. So, that all happened five years ago...
And, everyone has mostly moved on. The jilted lady is over her heartbreak and has found new love. Her sister, however, is guarding her intense grudge and vows to never forgive or forget what that blackguard Hugh did to her sweet sister...
Until the unexpected happens. Snowed in at Christmas! Eeeep!!! I do so love a good stranded scenario in a romance, and oh, my do sparks fly in this one. All on Emma's side though. Hugh is the epitome of a wronged hero who makes a noble effort to make amends. Only Emma's having none of it and it looks like it's going to be a very uncomfortable holiday at the Warrilow estate until they form an uneasy truce for the duration of the storm. :-)
I loved Hugh right from the start but it took longer to warm up to Emma. On the one hand, I admired her intense loyalty to her sister BUT she carried it too far and for much too long. I enjoyed watching her attitude slowly thaw allowing her to see Hugh in a new light. She starts to question the integrity of her unforgiving nature and that leads to...well, you'll have to read this festive novella to find out.
I appreciated all the yuletide details and the lighter, playful moments that brighten the darker aspects of the story. Keyes packed a lot in this little novella and it made for a riveting read.
Well, listen, actually, because I enjoyed Marianne Robinson's narration of this second book in the multi-authored Belles of Christmas series.
https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/20...
August 6, 2023
Goodwill for the Gentleman (2019, Dreamscape Media), by Martha Keyes, is standalone, but second in the multi-author
Belles of Christmas
series. I wanted to read this book because I found the audiobook on YouTube, and I love Regency Christmas romances.
Rating: 5 stars
Narration: 5 stars
Is it clean/chaste? Yes
Other content issues: none that I remember
Christian elements:none that I remember
From the book blurb: "He jilted her sister. She will never forgive him for it. Can her anger survive a snowing in and a Christmas truce?"
The heroine: Emma Caldwell hates Hugh Warrilow. What she is not aware of is that she was the reason he jilted her sister - Hugh had been secretly in love with Emma for years
The hero: When Hugh was faced with both families’ expectations to marry Emma's sister, he found that he just couldn't, and he decided to join the army. An injury in the war with Napoleon brings Hugh back home, and he's faced with being despised by Emma - the woman he still loves.
What I liked: This is an enemies-to-lovers story, which is one of my favorite tropes. I also like the "snowed-in together" trope. That can be fun, though rest assured that the romance stays firmly in the clean camp.
What I didn’t like: I don't actually have a dislike that I can think of, but I thought I'd use this space to mention that my daughter - who is currently listening to it - half-jokingly says that this is a depressing book. I really don't think it is, but I see her point. Hugh is a good guy, but nearly everyone seems to be upset with him.
Audiobook: This book is beautifully narrated by Marianne Robinson. (Even though this book is not listed under her name on Goodreads, I confirmed that this is the correct Marianne Robinson by cross referencing other projects she has listed on her website.)
Book recommendation: A Holiday in Bath by Julie Daines, Caroline Warfield, and Jaima Fixen
The bottom line: This was a lovely clean Regency romance. I recommend this book to those who enjoy - or don't mind - clean historical romance novels.
I look forward to reading more by Martha Keyes..
Rating: 5 stars
Narration: 5 stars
Is it clean/chaste? Yes
Other content issues: none that I remember
Christian elements:none that I remember
From the book blurb: "He jilted her sister. She will never forgive him for it. Can her anger survive a snowing in and a Christmas truce?"
The heroine: Emma Caldwell hates Hugh Warrilow. What she is not aware of is that she was the reason he jilted her sister - Hugh had been secretly in love with Emma for years
The hero: When Hugh was faced with both families’ expectations to marry Emma's sister, he found that he just couldn't, and he decided to join the army. An injury in the war with Napoleon brings Hugh back home, and he's faced with being despised by Emma - the woman he still loves.
What I liked: This is an enemies-to-lovers story, which is one of my favorite tropes. I also like the "snowed-in together" trope. That can be fun, though rest assured that the romance stays firmly in the clean camp.
What I didn’t like: I don't actually have a dislike that I can think of, but I thought I'd use this space to mention that my daughter - who is currently listening to it - half-jokingly says that this is a depressing book. I really don't think it is, but I see her point. Hugh is a good guy, but nearly everyone seems to be upset with him.
Audiobook: This book is beautifully narrated by Marianne Robinson. (Even though this book is not listed under her name on Goodreads, I confirmed that this is the correct Marianne Robinson by cross referencing other projects she has listed on her website.)
Book recommendation: A Holiday in Bath by Julie Daines, Caroline Warfield, and Jaima Fixen
The bottom line: This was a lovely clean Regency romance. I recommend this book to those who enjoy - or don't mind - clean historical romance novels.
I look forward to reading more by Martha Keyes..
December 8, 2025
Another sweet Christmas regency romance
Another rounded up from 3.75 stars. A very enjoyable, predictable short story.
I enjoyed the set up and the complexity of all the relationships. There were some good moral platitudes throughout. I did not appreciate the lack of correction to the originally stated platitude, "forgive and forget." No one in the story needed to do that. Forgive, yes. Decide how to move ahead, yes. But forget? No. Hurt happened and they all had to figure out what moving forward looked like. That was modeled, but not corrected.
As far as content warnings...mild drinking occurs. MMC drinks to dizziness on one sad night. Another uncle who is an odd character must always have a drink in his hand, but that is played to comedy as he is not a drunkard.
Spice is kissing only. There are a few, sweet, simply described kisses.
As far as writing style goes, I found it generally enjoyable. I think there was a little more telling rather than showing going on, but given the short length of this book, that is probably necessary. I felt like the world built in this story would allow for more stories about the families introduced and brought in. I don't think that will happen, though I greatly enjoy when authors do that.
Another rounded up from 3.75 stars. A very enjoyable, predictable short story.
I enjoyed the set up and the complexity of all the relationships. There were some good moral platitudes throughout. I did not appreciate the lack of correction to the originally stated platitude, "forgive and forget." No one in the story needed to do that. Forgive, yes. Decide how to move ahead, yes. But forget? No. Hurt happened and they all had to figure out what moving forward looked like. That was modeled, but not corrected.
As far as content warnings...mild drinking occurs. MMC drinks to dizziness on one sad night. Another uncle who is an odd character must always have a drink in his hand, but that is played to comedy as he is not a drunkard.
Spice is kissing only. There are a few, sweet, simply described kisses.
As far as writing style goes, I found it generally enjoyable. I think there was a little more telling rather than showing going on, but given the short length of this book, that is probably necessary. I felt like the world built in this story would allow for more stories about the families introduced and brought in. I don't think that will happen, though I greatly enjoy when authors do that.
October 9, 2021
I must agree with the others that this is an enjoyable read.. the author writes really well that she engages you all throughout the book.
I can't say though that I liked the hero so much.. 'though he's portrayed here as a great guy with a kind heart, I kind of find him weak and a bit of a coward inside.. despite him being a soldier and having lots of internal talk that he'll face his past with courage, I find him lacking in conviction with regard to some of his issues, much more with his affection for the heroine.. he just readily accepts self blame and situations with the heroine for fear of rejection and judgment.
I like the unrequited love the hero harbors for the heroine, but to just let it be, let go and accept things between them and not do something, is a big turn off for me.. I like my heroes fighting for their heroines.
I can't help but feel disappointed.. my anticipation was built into a high from the beginning, on how they'll end up together despite of the issues.. only to be let down by how the ending is executed.. it left me feeling hanging and unsatisfied.. but of course this is just all me and how I perceived the ending.
Overall a sweet fun read.
I can't say though that I liked the hero so much.. 'though he's portrayed here as a great guy with a kind heart, I kind of find him weak and a bit of a coward inside.. despite him being a soldier and having lots of internal talk that he'll face his past with courage, I find him lacking in conviction with regard to some of his issues, much more with his affection for the heroine.. he just readily accepts self blame and situations with the heroine for fear of rejection and judgment.
I like the unrequited love the hero harbors for the heroine, but to just let it be, let go and accept things between them and not do something, is a big turn off for me.. I like my heroes fighting for their heroines.
I can't help but feel disappointed.. my anticipation was built into a high from the beginning, on how they'll end up together despite of the issues.. only to be let down by how the ending is executed.. it left me feeling hanging and unsatisfied.. but of course this is just all me and how I perceived the ending.
Overall a sweet fun read.
May 4, 2020
Devoured this book in the Belles of Christmas series! Stayed up way to late to finish it! In this story, Hugh Warrilow has just returned from fighting in Spain. After being gone for three years, his family believes him dead. He joined the fighting to escape from an arranged marriage with the sister of the woman he loved.
Emma never forgave Hugh for hurting her twin sister. She never knew that he was in love with her and has hated him ever since. When they are stuck in the same place during a storm, Emma's feelings begin to thaw and she realizes that maybe she could forgive the handsome lieutenant.
Clean, fun love story that is easily read in one sitting and hard to put down. Look forward to reading more by this author.
Emma never forgave Hugh for hurting her twin sister. She never knew that he was in love with her and has hated him ever since. When they are stuck in the same place during a storm, Emma's feelings begin to thaw and she realizes that maybe she could forgive the handsome lieutenant.
Clean, fun love story that is easily read in one sitting and hard to put down. Look forward to reading more by this author.
December 21, 2021
Overcoming past hurt.
Hugh Warrilow was supposed to marry Lucy. It had been arranged by their parents years ago. The problem was, he was in love with her sister Emma. To avoid hurt, he broke off the arrangement and joined the military to escape. He thought that would be the least painful option for everyone. However, his retreat made Emma hate him. When he returned home 3 years later after an injury, he hoped to make amends and do the right thing. When He returned to his home that first night he was surprised to find Emma there at dinner with his family. The weather prevented her from leaving for several days so they were forced to see each other. Emma began to realize Hugh was not the monster she thought and Hugh realized he was still very much in love with her.
Hugh Warrilow was supposed to marry Lucy. It had been arranged by their parents years ago. The problem was, he was in love with her sister Emma. To avoid hurt, he broke off the arrangement and joined the military to escape. He thought that would be the least painful option for everyone. However, his retreat made Emma hate him. When he returned home 3 years later after an injury, he hoped to make amends and do the right thing. When He returned to his home that first night he was surprised to find Emma there at dinner with his family. The weather prevented her from leaving for several days so they were forced to see each other. Emma began to realize Hugh was not the monster she thought and Hugh realized he was still very much in love with her.
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