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Men, Mistletoe, and Marriage #4
Mrs. Marley's Christmas Ghost
She'll have to face her past in order to find any hope of love in her future...
Caroline Marley was no stranger to death. Having lost both of her parents and her husband, and receiving the accompanying inheritance with their passing, she had learned from a young age that loss was often softened by a hefty sum in her pocket.
When she is called back to her small town at the death of her aunt, she expects a quick transaction so that she can return to her life of luxury in London. However, she is met with the stiff stipulations of the old woman's will: stay to host the annual Christmas ball, one that Caroline consistently avoided, or inherit nothing.
But staying in the country means facing the ghosts of her past, including her handsome first love, Robert Cratchit. Will the warmth of Christmas soften her heart before it's too late?
Mrs. Marley's Christmas Ghost is inspired by A Christmas Carol, and is a sweet, closed-door historical romance with swoony kisses and no explicit content.
Books in the Men, Mistletoe, and Marriage series are best enjoyed when read in order:
★ Christmastide in Emerald Falls by Angela E. Johnson
★ A Lovely White Christmastide by Teah Kemp Weight
★ The Merry Mishap of Alfred and Clara by Amanda Panhorst
★ Mrs. Marley's Christmas Ghost by Courtney Willis
Caroline Marley was no stranger to death. Having lost both of her parents and her husband, and receiving the accompanying inheritance with their passing, she had learned from a young age that loss was often softened by a hefty sum in her pocket.
When she is called back to her small town at the death of her aunt, she expects a quick transaction so that she can return to her life of luxury in London. However, she is met with the stiff stipulations of the old woman's will: stay to host the annual Christmas ball, one that Caroline consistently avoided, or inherit nothing.
But staying in the country means facing the ghosts of her past, including her handsome first love, Robert Cratchit. Will the warmth of Christmas soften her heart before it's too late?
Mrs. Marley's Christmas Ghost is inspired by A Christmas Carol, and is a sweet, closed-door historical romance with swoony kisses and no explicit content.
Books in the Men, Mistletoe, and Marriage series are best enjoyed when read in order:
★ Christmastide in Emerald Falls by Angela E. Johnson
★ A Lovely White Christmastide by Teah Kemp Weight
★ The Merry Mishap of Alfred and Clara by Amanda Panhorst
★ Mrs. Marley's Christmas Ghost by Courtney Willis
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2024
About the author
Courtney Willis
17 books75 followersCourtney has wanted to be an author since she was young. She loved learning about history and exploring the world, and fell in love with love stories, making it a goal to write romantic adventures for the rest of her life.
She has a degree in Creative Writing and has lived all over the US. She found inspiration for her westerns in the mountains of Utah, and wrote her first Regency after a study abroad in the UK. Today she lives in her home state of sunny Florida.
When she's not writing, Courtney enjoys traveling, baking, reading, being with friends and family, and spending as much time on the beach as possible. More recently, she can be found watching Korean dramas with her chaotic kitty, Stitch.
Find her on social media @cwillisbooks
She has a degree in Creative Writing and has lived all over the US. She found inspiration for her westerns in the mountains of Utah, and wrote her first Regency after a study abroad in the UK. Today she lives in her home state of sunny Florida.
When she's not writing, Courtney enjoys traveling, baking, reading, being with friends and family, and spending as much time on the beach as possible. More recently, she can be found watching Korean dramas with her chaotic kitty, Stitch.
Find her on social media @cwillisbooks
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 23, 2024
This is a second chance romance. Caroline Marley is Ebenezer Scrooge’s daughter and yes she says bah humbug! She also is a widow. Robert Cratchit is the town doctor and is a widower. He has two children. Robert thought he would marry Caroline but she married another and so in turn did he. Now they have been reunited after Caroline’s aunt has died and left her the house but only if she puts on the annual Christmas Eve Ball. Caroline is grumpy and thinks she shouldn’t invite all the lower class people like her aunt did, but she is about to learn some things.
I really loved this story. It was amazing! I loved Caroline, she is such a Scrooge, literally haha. I loved watching her arc as the story went on. Don’t worry, even though this is based off of a Christmas Carol there are no ghosts. But that doesn’t mean past, present, and future elements don’t exist, I thought it was great the way the author did this part. I also loved watching Robert change over the book and of course the romance was so good! Just a beautiful story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: kisses
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I really loved this story. It was amazing! I loved Caroline, she is such a Scrooge, literally haha. I loved watching her arc as the story went on. Don’t worry, even though this is based off of a Christmas Carol there are no ghosts. But that doesn’t mean past, present, and future elements don’t exist, I thought it was great the way the author did this part. I also loved watching Robert change over the book and of course the romance was so good! Just a beautiful story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: kisses
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
January 10, 2025
“But loving is a choice, a commitment despite flaws and weaknesses and mistakes. It’s growing and learning together, supporting each other through the hard times.”
This is a regency era retelling of A Christmas Carol that is absolutely amazing! The author created a brilliant story of her own that reflects all the goodness of the original tale!
I was enthralled with this story from the beginning. It’s a beautiful story of redemption. There’s a theme of giving, forgiving, and the second chance romance between Caroline Marley and her childhood friend Robert Cratchit is the cherry on top of it all.
This story really filled my heart with the spirit of Christmas. It inspired me! It is so heart warming, and it definitely gave me happy tears!
If you love A Christmas Carol, you need to read this book. It’s a wonderful reminder of what Christmas and life is all about. Giving, caring, and loving those around us!
Thank you so much Courtney for writing this beautiful story, it really touched my heart!
Thing to love:
🤍Regency era retelling of ‘A Christmas Carol’
🤍The swooniest second chance romance!
🤍The endearing characters, they’re all amazing!
🤍Brilliant retelling!
🤍The setting
🤍The heartwarming tale
🤍The forgiveness and change
🤍The spirit of Christmas
🤍That happy ending!!!
.
.
.
Content:kisses only, death in the past
📖Have you read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens?📖
This is a regency era retelling of A Christmas Carol that is absolutely amazing! The author created a brilliant story of her own that reflects all the goodness of the original tale!
I was enthralled with this story from the beginning. It’s a beautiful story of redemption. There’s a theme of giving, forgiving, and the second chance romance between Caroline Marley and her childhood friend Robert Cratchit is the cherry on top of it all.
This story really filled my heart with the spirit of Christmas. It inspired me! It is so heart warming, and it definitely gave me happy tears!
If you love A Christmas Carol, you need to read this book. It’s a wonderful reminder of what Christmas and life is all about. Giving, caring, and loving those around us!
Thank you so much Courtney for writing this beautiful story, it really touched my heart!
Thing to love:
🤍Regency era retelling of ‘A Christmas Carol’
🤍The swooniest second chance romance!
🤍The endearing characters, they’re all amazing!
🤍Brilliant retelling!
🤍The setting
🤍The heartwarming tale
🤍The forgiveness and change
🤍The spirit of Christmas
🤍That happy ending!!!
.
.
.
Content:kisses only, death in the past
📖Have you read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens?📖
December 3, 2024
“You cannot be truly happy anywhere without first reconciling who you are.“
~She’ll have to face her past in order to find any hope of love in her future...
“Happiness is found in giving. To give is to care and to love, and it is the greatest opportunity we mortals have in this life, though some never truly experience it.”
-Mrs. Marley’s Christmas Ghost, inspired by A Christmas Carol, and is a heartwarming closed-door historical romance with such swoony kisses and no spicy explicit content. This beautiful story is a lovely retelling of the famous Christmas Carol. It is delightful, witty, written well, has such endearing characters, transformative character growth, with even a plot twist or two that is sprinkled into this story so nicely. I was engaged right from the start to the finish, and I absolutely loved how redemption and forgiveness are not only shown, but weaved so tenderly throughout this story. The importance of love is what this story is really about. This story beautifully shows that love has the ability to soften hearts and help people change for the better. This Christmas and second chance romance, my friends, is worth the read, especially with the Christmas Season, ahead! 🙌🏻❤️📚🎄✨
“Happiness was not found in having, but in giving, in loving. In seeing that love returned.“
-Content: kisses
#mrsmarleyschristmasghost
#cwillisbooks
“I love you. Fiercely, hopelessly, eternally.”
#togivetocaretolove
#allaboutthebestreads
“Every choice we make matters. Every moment matters.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Loving is a choice, a commitment despite flaws and weaknesses and mistakes. It’s growing and learning together, supporting each other through the hard times.”
~She’ll have to face her past in order to find any hope of love in her future...
“Happiness is found in giving. To give is to care and to love, and it is the greatest opportunity we mortals have in this life, though some never truly experience it.”
-Mrs. Marley’s Christmas Ghost, inspired by A Christmas Carol, and is a heartwarming closed-door historical romance with such swoony kisses and no spicy explicit content. This beautiful story is a lovely retelling of the famous Christmas Carol. It is delightful, witty, written well, has such endearing characters, transformative character growth, with even a plot twist or two that is sprinkled into this story so nicely. I was engaged right from the start to the finish, and I absolutely loved how redemption and forgiveness are not only shown, but weaved so tenderly throughout this story. The importance of love is what this story is really about. This story beautifully shows that love has the ability to soften hearts and help people change for the better. This Christmas and second chance romance, my friends, is worth the read, especially with the Christmas Season, ahead! 🙌🏻❤️📚🎄✨
“Happiness was not found in having, but in giving, in loving. In seeing that love returned.“
-Content: kisses
#mrsmarleyschristmasghost
#cwillisbooks
“I love you. Fiercely, hopelessly, eternally.”
#togivetocaretolove
#allaboutthebestreads
“Every choice we make matters. Every moment matters.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Loving is a choice, a commitment despite flaws and weaknesses and mistakes. It’s growing and learning together, supporting each other through the hard times.”
December 9, 2024
'Caroline Marley was known in London for being many things--beautiful, charming, wealthy, confident, proud--but interestingly, happy was not one of them. She used to think that happiness would naturally follow once all the wealth and connections had been acquired, yet somehow, it still evaded her.'
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!
If you're a fan of A Christmas Carol, you absolutely MUST READ THIS BOOK. Caroline is truly awful at the beginning of this book. She is Scrooge's daughter so it's not a surprise that kindness and thinking of others doesn't come natural.
I absolutely LOVE that this is a SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE! I love second chances, I love redemption stories, and I LOVE feeling Christmas cheer. This book covers ALL THREE!
If you're needing a burst of happiness and a gentle reminder about the Christmas season, please grab this one ASAP!
Also, 10 stars for Caroline's brother Fred. Is there a story for him? I desperately need one!!
I can't recommend this one enough. Mrs. Marley's Christmas Ghost by Courtney Willis is available now! Happy reading!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content/Triggers: Selfishness, romance-kisses only.
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!
If you're a fan of A Christmas Carol, you absolutely MUST READ THIS BOOK. Caroline is truly awful at the beginning of this book. She is Scrooge's daughter so it's not a surprise that kindness and thinking of others doesn't come natural.
I absolutely LOVE that this is a SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE! I love second chances, I love redemption stories, and I LOVE feeling Christmas cheer. This book covers ALL THREE!
If you're needing a burst of happiness and a gentle reminder about the Christmas season, please grab this one ASAP!
Also, 10 stars for Caroline's brother Fred. Is there a story for him? I desperately need one!!
I can't recommend this one enough. Mrs. Marley's Christmas Ghost by Courtney Willis is available now! Happy reading!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content/Triggers: Selfishness, romance-kisses only.
February 15, 2025
"He thought he had forgiven her long ago..."
"He thought he had forgiven her long ago, but pain and resentment still lingered. Perhaps those were the only things protecting him from her now."
This was such a fantastic take on a classic story. Many of the same names, but unique situations and back stories to make the story fresh and entertaining.
"I should like to make a few visits and go caroling to spread some Christmas cheer. You see, there are some families who I have not seen in some time, and I should like to let them know they are not forgotten.” What if we carolled all year round? That would be so delightful!
"He thought he had forgiven her long ago, but pain and resentment still lingered. Perhaps those were the only things protecting him from her now."
This was such a fantastic take on a classic story. Many of the same names, but unique situations and back stories to make the story fresh and entertaining.
"I should like to make a few visits and go caroling to spread some Christmas cheer. You see, there are some families who I have not seen in some time, and I should like to let them know they are not forgotten.” What if we carolled all year round? That would be so delightful!
December 4, 2024
Enjoyable and engaging.
I’ve loved A Christmas Carol since childhood, watching it with my dad. It’s a favorite Christmas movie of mine and Courtney’s inspired retelling did not disappoint.
Although there are no ghosts to guide her, Caroline’s journey was enchanting and believable. The death of her Aunt Fanny brings her back home. With the help of a letter from her aunt, the people of Hamstead that loved Aunt Fanny, Caroline’s brother Fred, and her former beau, Robert Cratchit, Caroline’s heart transforms.
I loved all the nods to the classic story. There was a perfect balance mixed in with Courtney’s original story.
I adore the way Courtney writes her stories and characters. I feel immersed in their world and engaged till the end.
Redemption, forgiveness, and love are delicately woven throughout touching not just Caroline’s heart along the way.
I absolutely adored all the characters. Well, maybe not the Duke of Rothes lol, but I loved how each and every character was important in Caroline’s journey.
Wonderful and beautiful and is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit!
Thank you to Courtney Willis for the copy. All opinions are my own.
I’ve loved A Christmas Carol since childhood, watching it with my dad. It’s a favorite Christmas movie of mine and Courtney’s inspired retelling did not disappoint.
Although there are no ghosts to guide her, Caroline’s journey was enchanting and believable. The death of her Aunt Fanny brings her back home. With the help of a letter from her aunt, the people of Hamstead that loved Aunt Fanny, Caroline’s brother Fred, and her former beau, Robert Cratchit, Caroline’s heart transforms.
I loved all the nods to the classic story. There was a perfect balance mixed in with Courtney’s original story.
I adore the way Courtney writes her stories and characters. I feel immersed in their world and engaged till the end.
Redemption, forgiveness, and love are delicately woven throughout touching not just Caroline’s heart along the way.
I absolutely adored all the characters. Well, maybe not the Duke of Rothes lol, but I loved how each and every character was important in Caroline’s journey.
Wonderful and beautiful and is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit!
Thank you to Courtney Willis for the copy. All opinions are my own.
November 27, 2024
This is a lovely retelling of a Christmas Carol. Caroline and Fred Scrooge grew up with very strict, money loving parents. Fred got out, Caroline due to misinformation followed in her parents footsteps. Breaking Robert Cratchit's heart in the process. Years later, due to her Aunt's death and subsequent will being read all three meet again.
Caroline is super hard to love, let alone like for the first several chapters of the book. But with a lot of love from Fred, and some of the surrounding townspeople, little by little she is changed.
I love the redemption and forgiveness shown throughout the book. Love really will soften hearts and help them change. This is a sweet Christmas and second chance romance.
Caroline is super hard to love, let alone like for the first several chapters of the book. But with a lot of love from Fred, and some of the surrounding townspeople, little by little she is changed.
I love the redemption and forgiveness shown throughout the book. Love really will soften hearts and help them change. This is a sweet Christmas and second chance romance.
November 22, 2024
Delightful, witty, and simply perfect retelling of the Christmas Carol
What an amazing story! Beautifully written, with easy and engaging style, the beloved Christmas Carol comes to life but with a twist, or two. The feelings, the truth, the meaning, the depth one comes to expect from the classical novel can be easily traced here. Add to it the atmosphere of Regency England and sweet romance of second chance, and you’ve found a very pleasant read indeed.
I had a privilege to read an advanced copy, and as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, I’m leaving my positive review.
What an amazing story! Beautifully written, with easy and engaging style, the beloved Christmas Carol comes to life but with a twist, or two. The feelings, the truth, the meaning, the depth one comes to expect from the classical novel can be easily traced here. Add to it the atmosphere of Regency England and sweet romance of second chance, and you’ve found a very pleasant read indeed.
I had a privilege to read an advanced copy, and as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, I’m leaving my positive review.
December 11, 2024
clean romance
A sweet “retelling” of the Christmas Carol with a whole lot of fun.
The names are used as well as a few quotes, and the characters are reflected throughout.
The author does a great job of changing the proud and stingy into a lovely and giving character.
The theme of forgiveness and love is also well done.
The whole series of the four friends is well worth the time to enjoy and share the holiday season.
A sweet “retelling” of the Christmas Carol with a whole lot of fun.
The names are used as well as a few quotes, and the characters are reflected throughout.
The author does a great job of changing the proud and stingy into a lovely and giving character.
The theme of forgiveness and love is also well done.
The whole series of the four friends is well worth the time to enjoy and share the holiday season.
December 14, 2024
A charming story
Willis has taken the characters from Dicken’s Christmas classic and rewoven them into an entirely new context and story line, though retaining the original message. The personal struggle to repent and accept redemption is much clearer in this novel. Both Caroline and Robert have their demons, but she experiences the greatest change. The novel is well written and edited, the emotional development of the characters is nuanced and keenly felt.
Willis has taken the characters from Dicken’s Christmas classic and rewoven them into an entirely new context and story line, though retaining the original message. The personal struggle to repent and accept redemption is much clearer in this novel. Both Caroline and Robert have their demons, but she experiences the greatest change. The novel is well written and edited, the emotional development of the characters is nuanced and keenly felt.
December 6, 2024
"A Christmas Carol" is one of my all time favorite Christmas movies. Absolutely love the author's take on "A Christmas Carol"! This rendition of the classic tale had me tearing up in parts that were heart touching and full of Christmas spirit. I highly recommend this book for a Christmas romance read.
January 24, 2026
I almost stopped reading this after the first chapter or two. With so much negativity in the world right now, the last thing I wanted was to read about it. Something prompted me to go to Amazon and read reviews for this story, and I am so glad I did! Knowing that the redemption story didn’t wait for the last chapter, and that it was a great one at that, kept me reading. Well done!
December 6, 2024
This Christmas Carol mashup was so well done! Turning it into a gender-swapped Regency romance let us experience all the redemption and growth of Scrooge’s story, but with some fiery kisses and so much longing! Caroline’s transformation was beautiful!
July 30, 2026
So delightful
What a great story and series this has been! Even found I had missed a few it was so sweet to reread everything in order. Truly a happy sweet grouping of stories. Read all 4 and smile the rest of the day.
What a great story and series this has been! Even found I had missed a few it was so sweet to reread everything in order. Truly a happy sweet grouping of stories. Read all 4 and smile the rest of the day.
December 6, 2024
wonderfully done
This is a wonderful rendition of a Christmas Carol; yet, it has its own originality, as well. A great read for the holidays!
This is a wonderful rendition of a Christmas Carol; yet, it has its own originality, as well. A great read for the holidays!
December 23, 2024
A twist with a heroine layered with bad character traits.
January 4, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed all 4 books in this series. The adaptations were well done and the stories beautifully told. I felt transported to another place and time .
Want to Read
February 12, 2025This book has been nominated for a 2025 Swoony Award, to vote for it click here: Swoony Awards.
December 15, 2024
A sweet, little Christmas themed regency romance Mrs. Marley’s Christmas Ghost is a delightful retelling of the Dickens classic with a feminine perspective of the holiday miser.
Caroline Marley may seem like a shallow rich, aristocrat but the death of her aunt hurls her back into her past where she must decide just who she truly wants to be. Mrs Marley’s Christmas Ghost has everything you need you need in a feel good holiday romance; second chances, forgiveness and a richly descriptive, inviting setting. Don’t miss this read!
Thank you to the author Courtney Willis for the opportunity to advance read this book, all opinions are my own.
Caroline Marley may seem like a shallow rich, aristocrat but the death of her aunt hurls her back into her past where she must decide just who she truly wants to be. Mrs Marley’s Christmas Ghost has everything you need you need in a feel good holiday romance; second chances, forgiveness and a richly descriptive, inviting setting. Don’t miss this read!
Thank you to the author Courtney Willis for the opportunity to advance read this book, all opinions are my own.
March 3, 2026
I loved this adaptation of A Christmas Carol! The main female character is a very crotchety person in the beginning. It was so great to go on her journey with her in seeing the world in a different light. Such a heart warming story!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews