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Wainwright Sisters #3
Cece Wainwright’s Christmas Wish
Grinch vs. Cindy Lou; Scarred, reclusive war hero; Epistolary; Widow; Forced ProximityCece Wainwright married her childhood sweetheart and lost him at Balaclava six years ago. The only thing she has to remind her of him is the stack of letters he wrote her.And now there’s a second stack sitting beside it - the ones she wrote him. They arrived via post three weeks ago from some remote Scottish hamlet.She wants to know who sent them and why. Because she’s suspected all along that her husband didn’t pen those letters.Malcolm Lockhart fell in love with his best friend’s wife through her correspondence. And his friend was ecstatic when Malcolm volunteered to answer her letters.He kept the letters after the war. Until he couldn’t stand the sight of them because they reminded him of all the hopes and dreams he’d abandoned.Now she’s standing on his doorstep demanding answers he’s not ready to give.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2024
2 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Jenelle
38 books299 followersI write steamy small town romance (Willow Creek series), paranormal romantasy (Sons & Daughters of Lir) and Victorian era historical romance (Wainwright Sisters) with heat and heart.
I'm a 2X HOLT Award Winning Author (2023, No Regrets- Best First Book; 2025, No Excuses - Best Short Contemporary) who's had characters begging me to tell their love story since I was thirteen years old. I'm finally letting them have a voice.
I wrote my first story, about a giant who befriended a lady bug when I was in the second grade.
I live on a peaceful farm with my spouse and love nothing more than sitting on my porch with a glass of wine and plotting.
You can subscribe to my newsletter via my author website, ANDREAJENELLEROMANCE at https://andreajenelleromance.com/ or see what I'm up to on Instagram and TikTok via my handle @authorandreajenelle
I'm a 2X HOLT Award Winning Author (2023, No Regrets- Best First Book; 2025, No Excuses - Best Short Contemporary) who's had characters begging me to tell their love story since I was thirteen years old. I'm finally letting them have a voice.
I wrote my first story, about a giant who befriended a lady bug when I was in the second grade.
I live on a peaceful farm with my spouse and love nothing more than sitting on my porch with a glass of wine and plotting.
You can subscribe to my newsletter via my author website, ANDREAJENELLEROMANCE at https://andreajenelleromance.com/ or see what I'm up to on Instagram and TikTok via my handle @authorandreajenelle
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 16, 2025
Cece’s husband of three weeks left her to join his regiment in the Crimean War and after his death she wrapped herself in widow’s weeds and treasured the stack of letters he’d mailed her, letters that didn’t really sound like him and which weren’t in his handwriting. When she received a packet containing the letters she’d sent to her husband from Scotland seven years after his death, she left her insular village for the first time and headed to Scotland alone with questions.
***mild spoilers***
This is a new-to-me author. She handles prose very well and individual passages of this book were evocative and quite lovely. However, the story swung wildly from boring to raunchy and back again from beginning to end; one minute I was in a scene by Louisa May Alcott, the next I was smack dab in the middle of “Debbie Does Dallas.” It felt all kinds of wrong. Malcolm was getting cockstands and plotting to rid himself of Cece at the same time, in spite of him loving the literary Cece for years and having her bodily materialize in front of him. Cece showed up at a stranger’s home in another country uninvited, apparently expecting to stay until her questions were answered, then was all about “propriety” (!) and, evidently, she had only one question, because I don’t believe she asked another except as part of give-and-take in a conversation: was my husband faithful to me? (What woman in her right mind travels to another country to ask that question seven years after her husband’s death? It’s either yes or no, and what does she gain by either answer? It was, frankly, unbelievable that her question wasn’t: did my husband write the letters?) One minute Cece and Malcolm are speaking to each other as Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Lockhart and two seconds later she’s asking him if he masturbated to the letters she wrote her husband. Whut? He replies that he rubbed himself raw, to which she replies, “Show me,” and he proceeds to lift his kilt and show her. The next morning they’re back to Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Lockhart. Whut?
In short, it just didn’t make sense. Hot and horny or prim and proper—pick one and quit causing me whiplash.
The reader is treated to excerpts from the letters Cece and Malcolm-as-Henry exchanged at the beginning of each chapter. Cece’s were charming epistles from home to her husband. Considering that Malcolm was writing as Henry with Henry right in the tent with him, his letters to Cece were creepily intimate. I eventually quit reading them because they weren’t very interesting in spite of their creepiness.
The book did settle into a comfortable lane at the 70% mark, and I considered that it might end at 2.5 stars rounded up, but the author made Cece act even crazier than she already had before and we ended up back in the parlor of “Little Women” and my neck was hurting again from the whiplash. So a 1-star ending kept my rating lower than it might have been.
This author shows promise, if only she can get her characters to act like real human beings instead of plot devices.
***mild spoilers***
This is a new-to-me author. She handles prose very well and individual passages of this book were evocative and quite lovely. However, the story swung wildly from boring to raunchy and back again from beginning to end; one minute I was in a scene by Louisa May Alcott, the next I was smack dab in the middle of “Debbie Does Dallas.” It felt all kinds of wrong. Malcolm was getting cockstands and plotting to rid himself of Cece at the same time, in spite of him loving the literary Cece for years and having her bodily materialize in front of him. Cece showed up at a stranger’s home in another country uninvited, apparently expecting to stay until her questions were answered, then was all about “propriety” (!) and, evidently, she had only one question, because I don’t believe she asked another except as part of give-and-take in a conversation: was my husband faithful to me? (What woman in her right mind travels to another country to ask that question seven years after her husband’s death? It’s either yes or no, and what does she gain by either answer? It was, frankly, unbelievable that her question wasn’t: did my husband write the letters?) One minute Cece and Malcolm are speaking to each other as Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Lockhart and two seconds later she’s asking him if he masturbated to the letters she wrote her husband. Whut? He replies that he rubbed himself raw, to which she replies, “Show me,” and he proceeds to lift his kilt and show her. The next morning they’re back to Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Lockhart. Whut?
In short, it just didn’t make sense. Hot and horny or prim and proper—pick one and quit causing me whiplash.
The reader is treated to excerpts from the letters Cece and Malcolm-as-Henry exchanged at the beginning of each chapter. Cece’s were charming epistles from home to her husband. Considering that Malcolm was writing as Henry with Henry right in the tent with him, his letters to Cece were creepily intimate. I eventually quit reading them because they weren’t very interesting in spite of their creepiness.
The book did settle into a comfortable lane at the 70% mark, and I considered that it might end at 2.5 stars rounded up, but the author made Cece act even crazier than she already had before and we ended up back in the parlor of “Little Women” and my neck was hurting again from the whiplash. So a 1-star ending kept my rating lower than it might have been.
This author shows promise, if only she can get her characters to act like real human beings instead of plot devices.
October 18, 2024
Cece Wainwright's Christmas Wish by Andrea Jenelle, book three of Wainwright Sisters series
.
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Steam: 🔥 🔥 🔥 (+kissing, mentioned scenes not on page, short scene- this might be four scenes. I was REALLY into this book.)
Ending: HEA
.
Stand Alone or Series: Can be read as a stand alone. Some brief introductions to other characters that will have their own books in the future and mentions of characters from first two books.
.
Scotland, Victorian (1862)
Surly Scarred Laird
Restless Lonely Widow
Secret Identity-ish
Age Gap (26F/39M)
Snowed In!
Beauty & the Beast
Grinch v Cindy Lou
Grouchy/Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Epistolary Flashbacks
Crimean War Aftermath
Scottish Hero
Unrequited Love-ish
English Heroine
Former Military Hero
Mystery Plot
.
In some ways, I am not even sure where to begin with this book. HOW does Jenelle do it? Every book in this series has been a total hit for me. I was first drawn to Jenelle because of her writing style and quickly fell in love with the way she creates romance and friendship between her characters. This series is such a delightful break from the glitz and glam that often comes with historical romances and allows readers to enjoy the heart-swelling, sexy romance of people more like you and me (AKA not filthy rich and aristocratic.) I will forever and always commend her for her vocabulary, too! I do so enjoy it when I find myself needing to look a word up while reading.
The build-up. The build-up that Jenelle created in Cece's story is ridiculous and page-turning. It's flirty. It's sexy. It's captivating. By the time Cece and Mal finally give in to their passion for each other, you are about to jump out of your skin and shake them. They are perfectly imperfect people with scars, both seen and unseen. They need each other and love each other in a way I think many of us long to be loved. Simple, pure, passionate love.
This book surrounds letters that Cece and her husband exchanged while he was fighting in the Crimean War. Each chapter begins with a letter, and I felt this gave such insight into the relationship. I won't give any spoilers, but I was pleased with what I thought might have gone on with the letters wasn't what happened in real life. It was wholesome and endearing while adding complications to the book.
Jenelle's heroines are so solid. She can create strong female characters that never feel similar so well. They are all so distinct, which is no small matter when a series is focusing on a large family of all women. I'm not sure which sister is my favorite as I have not met them all, but Cece is definitely up there! Cece has some spunk to her that I don't think she was truly aware of until she met Mal.
Above all else, this is a book about healing and finding purpose in life after loss. There are many types of loss, and Jenelle brings this into the book. It isn't so much that Mal and Cece find new purpose IN each other but more that they have found new purpose BECAUSE of each other.
Cece is a young widow, and I feel like most of the time, the hero doesn't know the heroine's former husband. Mal not only knew Cece's husband but was extremely close to him as they fought in the war together. Mal knowing Cece's husband on such a deep level added something to this book.
Can we talk about how HOT Cece and Mal are? Jenelle always brings the steam, but Mal and Cece are naughty-naughty! There are some unexpected happenings in Cece's book, and it was an absolute delight!
As for steam, Jenelle uses a mixture of explicit, non-explicit, and medical terminology in her steam scenes. Her scenes are detailed with a variety of actions. Scenes are great lengths and passionate. This book burns hot, hot.
.
Read as an early reader. Thanks Andrea!
Honest review left voluntarily.
.
Content Warning (may contain spoilers):
.
.
.
.
.
De*th, various persons- off page
Mentions of warfare
Injuries sustained in war
Near de*th experiences
.
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Steam: 🔥 🔥 🔥 (+kissing, mentioned scenes not on page, short scene- this might be four scenes. I was REALLY into this book.)
Ending: HEA
.
Stand Alone or Series: Can be read as a stand alone. Some brief introductions to other characters that will have their own books in the future and mentions of characters from first two books.
.
Scotland, Victorian (1862)
Surly Scarred Laird
Restless Lonely Widow
Secret Identity-ish
Age Gap (26F/39M)
Snowed In!
Beauty & the Beast
Grinch v Cindy Lou
Grouchy/Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Epistolary Flashbacks
Crimean War Aftermath
Scottish Hero
Unrequited Love-ish
English Heroine
Former Military Hero
Mystery Plot
.
In some ways, I am not even sure where to begin with this book. HOW does Jenelle do it? Every book in this series has been a total hit for me. I was first drawn to Jenelle because of her writing style and quickly fell in love with the way she creates romance and friendship between her characters. This series is such a delightful break from the glitz and glam that often comes with historical romances and allows readers to enjoy the heart-swelling, sexy romance of people more like you and me (AKA not filthy rich and aristocratic.) I will forever and always commend her for her vocabulary, too! I do so enjoy it when I find myself needing to look a word up while reading.
The build-up. The build-up that Jenelle created in Cece's story is ridiculous and page-turning. It's flirty. It's sexy. It's captivating. By the time Cece and Mal finally give in to their passion for each other, you are about to jump out of your skin and shake them. They are perfectly imperfect people with scars, both seen and unseen. They need each other and love each other in a way I think many of us long to be loved. Simple, pure, passionate love.
This book surrounds letters that Cece and her husband exchanged while he was fighting in the Crimean War. Each chapter begins with a letter, and I felt this gave such insight into the relationship. I won't give any spoilers, but I was pleased with what I thought might have gone on with the letters wasn't what happened in real life. It was wholesome and endearing while adding complications to the book.
Jenelle's heroines are so solid. She can create strong female characters that never feel similar so well. They are all so distinct, which is no small matter when a series is focusing on a large family of all women. I'm not sure which sister is my favorite as I have not met them all, but Cece is definitely up there! Cece has some spunk to her that I don't think she was truly aware of until she met Mal.
Above all else, this is a book about healing and finding purpose in life after loss. There are many types of loss, and Jenelle brings this into the book. It isn't so much that Mal and Cece find new purpose IN each other but more that they have found new purpose BECAUSE of each other.
Cece is a young widow, and I feel like most of the time, the hero doesn't know the heroine's former husband. Mal not only knew Cece's husband but was extremely close to him as they fought in the war together. Mal knowing Cece's husband on such a deep level added something to this book.
Can we talk about how HOT Cece and Mal are? Jenelle always brings the steam, but Mal and Cece are naughty-naughty! There are some unexpected happenings in Cece's book, and it was an absolute delight!
As for steam, Jenelle uses a mixture of explicit, non-explicit, and medical terminology in her steam scenes. Her scenes are detailed with a variety of actions. Scenes are great lengths and passionate. This book burns hot, hot.
.
Read as an early reader. Thanks Andrea!
Honest review left voluntarily.
.
Content Warning (may contain spoilers):
.
.
.
.
.
De*th, various persons- off page
Mentions of warfare
Injuries sustained in war
Near de*th experiences
October 13, 2024
This was utter PERFECTION. RTC
October 25, 2024
What a story of love and longing Andrea Jenelle has crafted in Cece Wainwright’s Christmas Wish! The title is a bit of a misnomer: Cece is Mrs. Thompson now, her Wainwright days long behind her. She’s been a widow for 8 years, losing her husband during the Crimean War. So she’s fascinated when she receives the letters she sent to him. Wondering why there were sent after all those years, she decides to go to the location of the return address to discover more.
And what she gets is Mal, a scarred, grumpy recluse who’s the de facto laird of his hamlet. Mal takes care of everyone around him, but Cece quickly realizes that she wants to take care of him. For his part, Mal has loved Cece since the days when she wrote to her husband—and Mal wrote back on his part.
This is a beautiful twist on the Cyrano story. I loved just how gone Mal is for Cece—he really doesn’t stand a chance once she makes up her mind about him. And Cece is a treat. She’s buried herself in mourning for years, only to realize that coming to see Mal gives her an opportunity to transform her life—and recognize who she is now, not remain trapped in who she was when she was first married.
There are some gaps in this book. There isn’t a clear explanation for why Cece remained entrenched in widowhood long after her mourning period had passed (and why her siblings allowed her to remain that way). And considering Cece has suspicions about her letters at the start of this book, I was confused by the extremity of her reaction later to that situation.
But I loved, loved, loved, Cece and Mal together. They are both salty and sweet, and they each supply something that the other desperately needs. Seeing the transformations they bring about in one another makes Cece Wainwright’s Christmas Wish a special treat to read.
And what she gets is Mal, a scarred, grumpy recluse who’s the de facto laird of his hamlet. Mal takes care of everyone around him, but Cece quickly realizes that she wants to take care of him. For his part, Mal has loved Cece since the days when she wrote to her husband—and Mal wrote back on his part.
This is a beautiful twist on the Cyrano story. I loved just how gone Mal is for Cece—he really doesn’t stand a chance once she makes up her mind about him. And Cece is a treat. She’s buried herself in mourning for years, only to realize that coming to see Mal gives her an opportunity to transform her life—and recognize who she is now, not remain trapped in who she was when she was first married.
There are some gaps in this book. There isn’t a clear explanation for why Cece remained entrenched in widowhood long after her mourning period had passed (and why her siblings allowed her to remain that way). And considering Cece has suspicions about her letters at the start of this book, I was confused by the extremity of her reaction later to that situation.
But I loved, loved, loved, Cece and Mal together. They are both salty and sweet, and they each supply something that the other desperately needs. Seeing the transformations they bring about in one another makes Cece Wainwright’s Christmas Wish a special treat to read.
October 20, 2024
Thank you Andrea as always for having me on your ARC team!
Historical romance isn't usually my thing but I have enjoyed this series! This book is a great addition to that.
A great grumpy/sunshine dynamic focusing around the youngest sister, Cece, and Mal. It's a heartwarming story that shows how the characters overcome their grief. It's a holiday story but isn't too focused on the holiday side of it, which I like. The characters have so much depth - we love a strong FMC - and Andrea writes the side characters excellently as well! I always enjoy waiting for what Andrea has to write next.
Historical romance isn't usually my thing but I have enjoyed this series! This book is a great addition to that.
A great grumpy/sunshine dynamic focusing around the youngest sister, Cece, and Mal. It's a heartwarming story that shows how the characters overcome their grief. It's a holiday story but isn't too focused on the holiday side of it, which I like. The characters have so much depth - we love a strong FMC - and Andrea writes the side characters excellently as well! I always enjoy waiting for what Andrea has to write next.
October 14, 2024
I kept seeing friends read Andrea Jenelle and have been curious about her books for awhile, but life? kept me from them. I am so very glad that I had the privilege to ARC read her latest historical romance because it is exactly the type of story I’m looking for when I read a historical. It’s tender, thoughtful, character driven, and so hot.
Mal is a scarred and wounded Scottish war hero who fought with CeCe’s late husband at Balaclava. When she receives a stack of her letters written to her husband, years after his death, she decides to travel to the mystery address from which they were sent in order to learn more about the mysterious sender and to answer questions pertaining to the letters. As a widow, Cece doesn’t need a chaperone and I loved the both foolish and brave decision she makes to travel to Scotland. She needs her questions answered, darn it! and isn’t going to wait on anyone to reveal them to her. I enjoyed the epistolary aspect of this book which revealed bits of the story at the start of each chapter. The weather creates forced proximity between Cece and Mal who must hunker down amid a snowstorm and it’s the perfect excuse for Mal to let Cece into his home and his heart.
The romance is a slowburn which completely makes sense as they are virtual strangers who only have the connection of letters (and physical attraction) to tether them together. But when things heat up, they really get steamy and let’s just say we find out what is under Mal’s kilt. Andrea Jenelle’s voice is a fresh welcome to the historical romance genre and she’s definitely one to watch. I loved her storytelling, her character driven plot, her intimacy scenes, and even the third act breakup was handled with deftness of a writer who knows her characters. Cece Wainwright’s Christmas Wish is the perfect read for cooler weather—it is part of a series but can easily be read as a standalone and is the right amount of Christmasy. I am so eager for this to get into the hands of readers so I can gush about how much I loved Mal and Cece with others.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🪭🪭🪭 (one scene will live rent free 🤌🏼)
Mal is a scarred and wounded Scottish war hero who fought with CeCe’s late husband at Balaclava. When she receives a stack of her letters written to her husband, years after his death, she decides to travel to the mystery address from which they were sent in order to learn more about the mysterious sender and to answer questions pertaining to the letters. As a widow, Cece doesn’t need a chaperone and I loved the both foolish and brave decision she makes to travel to Scotland. She needs her questions answered, darn it! and isn’t going to wait on anyone to reveal them to her. I enjoyed the epistolary aspect of this book which revealed bits of the story at the start of each chapter. The weather creates forced proximity between Cece and Mal who must hunker down amid a snowstorm and it’s the perfect excuse for Mal to let Cece into his home and his heart.
The romance is a slowburn which completely makes sense as they are virtual strangers who only have the connection of letters (and physical attraction) to tether them together. But when things heat up, they really get steamy and let’s just say we find out what is under Mal’s kilt. Andrea Jenelle’s voice is a fresh welcome to the historical romance genre and she’s definitely one to watch. I loved her storytelling, her character driven plot, her intimacy scenes, and even the third act breakup was handled with deftness of a writer who knows her characters. Cece Wainwright’s Christmas Wish is the perfect read for cooler weather—it is part of a series but can easily be read as a standalone and is the right amount of Christmasy. I am so eager for this to get into the hands of readers so I can gush about how much I loved Mal and Cece with others.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🪭🪭🪭 (one scene will live rent free 🤌🏼)
October 6, 2024
Absolutely LOVE Andrea’s writing. A historical Christmas romance. A saucy and strong FMC and a grumpy MMC…yes please!! I truly ate this book up. It was an unconventional love story. This isn’t my normal genre of reading, but Andreas writing and mastery of the English language amazes me.
October 23, 2024
So glad to be back with the Wainwright Sisters!
This story has everything I love in romance. Malcolm is a lonely and sullen man who is actually a sweetheart. He's in love with Cece, although he doesn't know her, only because of the letters that saved him during the war.
And when they met, he doesn't even has a chance, he falls for her hard.
I love how together the start to heal wounds from the past.
And btw, I loooove the cover 🥵
My favorite quote that sums up Malcolm's love for Cece:
“This is all of me, Little Wren. Scarred and broken. It all belongs to you if you want it.”
Thanks for the author for the free eArc
This story has everything I love in romance. Malcolm is a lonely and sullen man who is actually a sweetheart. He's in love with Cece, although he doesn't know her, only because of the letters that saved him during the war.
And when they met, he doesn't even has a chance, he falls for her hard.
I love how together the start to heal wounds from the past.
And btw, I loooove the cover 🥵
My favorite quote that sums up Malcolm's love for Cece:
“This is all of me, Little Wren. Scarred and broken. It all belongs to you if you want it.”
Thanks for the author for the free eArc
October 29, 2024
Cece and Mal's love story is inspired by Beauty and the Beast. I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with that theme because it can make for a really unhealthy dynamic that I can't totally ignore. Mal and Cece face their challenges, of course, but were still present and aware enough not to make me worry for either of their psychological safety within the relationship dynamic. Both characters were likeable, the village was quaint, and the cabin was cozy and I enjoyed immersing myself in the location. I would have liked if their story had been a little bit less complicated. It seemed at times there were just too many barriers coming up and preventing what could have been an opportunity for more growth of friendship and romance (versus so much hiding of true feelings, evading the truth, assuming the other's intentions, etc.). Overall, it was an easy read and was an enjoyable adventure. I would recommend this book to someone who doesn't mind a complicated relationship or the drama from not enough clear communication.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 1, 2024
Thanks to BookSirens for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
This is book 3 of the Wainwright sisters series, and can be read as a standalone. There are references to the other sisters and events in the previous two books, but nothing that is integral to this story's plot.
This is Victorian Christmas-themed, and second chance at love, gumpy-sunshine, and a bit of "You've Got Mail" in the Victorian era vibes, and the story is partly told through short glimpses of letters. There also references to loneliness and loss, in the context of widowhood, and PTSD/war trauma.
Cece Wainwright lost her heart to her husband in a whirlwind courtship, and before they even had a real chance to settle into their brief marriage, he was deployed to active duty. They were apart for years only sharing mail with each other, and Cece loved him through his letters. What she did not know is that Henry, her husband, was not fond of letter writing for various reasons, and he shared her letters with his cohorts to help boost morale and give them a connection to home. Over their time apart, the letters that were sent to Cece were not from her husband, but written by his best friend. Over time, this friend. a Scotsman by the name of Malcolm Lockhart, wrote the letters from his own heart, and fell in love with his friend's wife, through their letters. Cece loved the aspect of her husband exposed through their letters; though deep in her heart, she wondered about those letters as they exposed thoughts and details that did not align with the Henry she knew and loved.
Then she lost her husband and became a young widow, mourning him for years, and forced to live stuck in the past and on the sidelines, while others moved forward with their lives. Then out of the blue, years after Henry's passing, she receives a mysterious bundle - her letters to Henry returned to her, with no explanation. This, and a growing sense of restlessness propels her to undertake a quest to gain answers - sending her away from her sisters and her village for the first time, on an adventure to Scotland, where the bundle of letters was sent from.
Malcolm Lockhart survived the war but was left deeply changed, full of regrets, and deeply scarred within and without. Because there were so many left without enough support after the war, and he returned to a farm in deep need of revitalization, he organized and leads a community for fellow soldiers and their families, and others willing to work collaboratively to share in the toil and rewards together. But a part of him also lives in the past - past family regrets, his memories of the war and his lost friends, and his secret, hopeless love for a woman he never met.
He releases part of his past one day when he decides that he has to let go of the letters from Cece that he has kept over the years.
But that sets off a series of events he never hoped for or expected, landing Cece Wainwright on his doorstep.
But Malcolm, fearful of hoping for the unattainable, of being rejected or undeserving, hides behind a formidable shell of cold, rude gruffness, rejecting Cece before she can find out his secrets, and reject him. Cece, despite his forbidding behaviour and challenges to her presence, stubbornly refuses to leave until she gets some answers, and as she spends more time with him, sees the worthy, caring, protective man behind the wall of gruff anger, and begins to hope for future lost to her before.
A lovely love story of a second chance at love born from the ashes of loss. I loved the role that letters played in this story, but there is also a bit of a note of sadness for Cece and her first love, Henry - maybe they never knew each other anyways, since their relationship was so short, and they married for such a brief time, before he was deployed, and the majority of their marriage was spent apart, and through letters, that were really not between her and Henry anyways.
4 stars out of 5
This is book 3 of the Wainwright sisters series, and can be read as a standalone. There are references to the other sisters and events in the previous two books, but nothing that is integral to this story's plot.
This is Victorian Christmas-themed, and second chance at love, gumpy-sunshine, and a bit of "You've Got Mail" in the Victorian era vibes, and the story is partly told through short glimpses of letters. There also references to loneliness and loss, in the context of widowhood, and PTSD/war trauma.
Cece Wainwright lost her heart to her husband in a whirlwind courtship, and before they even had a real chance to settle into their brief marriage, he was deployed to active duty. They were apart for years only sharing mail with each other, and Cece loved him through his letters. What she did not know is that Henry, her husband, was not fond of letter writing for various reasons, and he shared her letters with his cohorts to help boost morale and give them a connection to home. Over their time apart, the letters that were sent to Cece were not from her husband, but written by his best friend. Over time, this friend. a Scotsman by the name of Malcolm Lockhart, wrote the letters from his own heart, and fell in love with his friend's wife, through their letters. Cece loved the aspect of her husband exposed through their letters; though deep in her heart, she wondered about those letters as they exposed thoughts and details that did not align with the Henry she knew and loved.
Then she lost her husband and became a young widow, mourning him for years, and forced to live stuck in the past and on the sidelines, while others moved forward with their lives. Then out of the blue, years after Henry's passing, she receives a mysterious bundle - her letters to Henry returned to her, with no explanation. This, and a growing sense of restlessness propels her to undertake a quest to gain answers - sending her away from her sisters and her village for the first time, on an adventure to Scotland, where the bundle of letters was sent from.
Malcolm Lockhart survived the war but was left deeply changed, full of regrets, and deeply scarred within and without. Because there were so many left without enough support after the war, and he returned to a farm in deep need of revitalization, he organized and leads a community for fellow soldiers and their families, and others willing to work collaboratively to share in the toil and rewards together. But a part of him also lives in the past - past family regrets, his memories of the war and his lost friends, and his secret, hopeless love for a woman he never met.
He releases part of his past one day when he decides that he has to let go of the letters from Cece that he has kept over the years.
But that sets off a series of events he never hoped for or expected, landing Cece Wainwright on his doorstep.
But Malcolm, fearful of hoping for the unattainable, of being rejected or undeserving, hides behind a formidable shell of cold, rude gruffness, rejecting Cece before she can find out his secrets, and reject him. Cece, despite his forbidding behaviour and challenges to her presence, stubbornly refuses to leave until she gets some answers, and as she spends more time with him, sees the worthy, caring, protective man behind the wall of gruff anger, and begins to hope for future lost to her before.
A lovely love story of a second chance at love born from the ashes of loss. I loved the role that letters played in this story, but there is also a bit of a note of sadness for Cece and her first love, Henry - maybe they never knew each other anyways, since their relationship was so short, and they married for such a brief time, before he was deployed, and the majority of their marriage was spent apart, and through letters, that were really not between her and Henry anyways.
4 stars out of 5
October 9, 2024
All hail my latest book husband: Malcolm Lockhart!
Does Andrea Jenelle know how to write me a book boyfriend/husband? Yes, yes she does!!
Cece Wainwright was widowed after Balaclava, her only source of comfort the letters she wrote and received from her late husband. So she is confused when she receives the letters she had sent her husband, six years after his death and sets out to find who sent them back to her. As she has suspected that they had not been initially written by her husband. Setting off to a Scottish farm in the middle of winter, Cece knocks on the door of the scarred man who was her husband's friend.
Andrea Jenelle did it again! She wrote a book I absolutely adored and characters who made me swoon and cheer them to their HEA. A scarred hero is an absolute favourite MC of mine and make him a Scot and we have the possibility of book husband status unlocked. Honestly, no one writes a hero that grips my heart like Andrea does. She writes flawed men and women who are courageous and strong. Fictional men I wish we could 'Practical Magic' into existence and fictional women who I wish I could be more like.
I love how she secluded the reader with the MCs. Bringing them together on a journey that was both physical for Cece and emotionally fraught for Mal. How it is those moments of being within a cottage in the middle of a blizzard with a love that could not be denied. And when we got a side character popping up, they were perfect to edge the plot forward and instigate the pair on. AND I have to note that Mal's letter at the beginning of chapter 30 will join my favourite literary letters of all times!!
There were so many quotes I highlighted. Here are a few:
“Dear Vin, she would write first, it is an irrefutable fact that there is nothing but what was bestowed at birth beneath a kilt. I can see your eager expression in my mind’s eye and I know you’re demanding to know how I proved the veracity of this rumor in less than a day. I shall tell that tale in person, because I want to witness your glee when you hear the details of my adventure.”
“Duncan shook his head and Cece bet he’d rolled his eyes as well. ‘Ye’re never going to heal if ye keep all the scars to yerself, Mal.’
The man’s words resonated. Cece had scars too. She felt like she’d spent her entire life being buffeted about. Never certain of anything. She’d let those wounds bleed a little in front of someone she shouldn’t feel this instant kinship with. Now she understood why she’d done it. Because he had wounds too and wouldn’t judge her for the way she dealt with hers.”
“Maybe she’d come to Scotland to heal this man. To convince him he was enough. That he was more than the sum of the broken parts he saw when he looked in the mirror. Her sisters had been at her first wedding – this one would be just her and him and the community that had adopted her.”
Thank you to the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Does Andrea Jenelle know how to write me a book boyfriend/husband? Yes, yes she does!!
Cece Wainwright was widowed after Balaclava, her only source of comfort the letters she wrote and received from her late husband. So she is confused when she receives the letters she had sent her husband, six years after his death and sets out to find who sent them back to her. As she has suspected that they had not been initially written by her husband. Setting off to a Scottish farm in the middle of winter, Cece knocks on the door of the scarred man who was her husband's friend.
Andrea Jenelle did it again! She wrote a book I absolutely adored and characters who made me swoon and cheer them to their HEA. A scarred hero is an absolute favourite MC of mine and make him a Scot and we have the possibility of book husband status unlocked. Honestly, no one writes a hero that grips my heart like Andrea does. She writes flawed men and women who are courageous and strong. Fictional men I wish we could 'Practical Magic' into existence and fictional women who I wish I could be more like.
I love how she secluded the reader with the MCs. Bringing them together on a journey that was both physical for Cece and emotionally fraught for Mal. How it is those moments of being within a cottage in the middle of a blizzard with a love that could not be denied. And when we got a side character popping up, they were perfect to edge the plot forward and instigate the pair on. AND I have to note that Mal's letter at the beginning of chapter 30 will join my favourite literary letters of all times!!
There were so many quotes I highlighted. Here are a few:
“Dear Vin, she would write first, it is an irrefutable fact that there is nothing but what was bestowed at birth beneath a kilt. I can see your eager expression in my mind’s eye and I know you’re demanding to know how I proved the veracity of this rumor in less than a day. I shall tell that tale in person, because I want to witness your glee when you hear the details of my adventure.”
“Duncan shook his head and Cece bet he’d rolled his eyes as well. ‘Ye’re never going to heal if ye keep all the scars to yerself, Mal.’
The man’s words resonated. Cece had scars too. She felt like she’d spent her entire life being buffeted about. Never certain of anything. She’d let those wounds bleed a little in front of someone she shouldn’t feel this instant kinship with. Now she understood why she’d done it. Because he had wounds too and wouldn’t judge her for the way she dealt with hers.”
“Maybe she’d come to Scotland to heal this man. To convince him he was enough. That he was more than the sum of the broken parts he saw when he looked in the mirror. Her sisters had been at her first wedding – this one would be just her and him and the community that had adopted her.”
Thank you to the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 17, 2024
This is another fantastic addition to this series. I have read all of the books in this series. It’s a wonderfully written grumpy/sunshine, scarred hero book. The previous books tell the story of Cece’s sister’s love stories (which are also a brilliant reads). It is a lovely Victorian winter read.
Cecily (Cece) Wainwright Thompson is a young widow who married Henry Thompson six years ago. She barely knew him but loved him. They had a whirlwind romance and married three weeks after meeting just before Henry went off to war and was killed at Balaclava. She just recently put her mourning clothes away and was looking to the future with her six sisters for support and company. She is fiery and passionate and will not back down from anything. Recently she unexpectedly received all of the letters she had written to Henry when he was away at war. She doesn’t know who sent them to her but she has an address in Scotland where they came from. She wants answers from the sender as to why these weren’t returned with Henry’s belongings years ago and one other burning question that she needs answered. So she makes her way to Scotland with only an address to seek out what she wants to know.
Malcolm Lockheart was one of Henry’s friends in the Army. Henry wasn’t a good reader so when letters came from Cece, Malcolm was the one who read them to him and the others in their sleeping quarters. Her frequent letters became a highlight to the soldiers. Her spirited attitude and humour kept the men’s spirits up, but for Malcolm, they became more. Malcolm was severely wounded in battle trying to save Henry. He returned to his home to find his grandfather, the man who raised him and who Malcolm had argued with and now wanted to make amends with, had died just before he returned. Filled with guilt and shame of his scars on his face and body, he rarely left his small estate. He has tenants, all soldiers and their families from his infantry who could not find work after the war. They are the closest to family he has. The township nearby fear him, calling him “an ogre.”
When Cece arrives out of the blue just before a snowstorm is due, Malcolm has to try and contain his feelings for her while she doggedly tries to get answers he isn’t ready to share and her growing feelings for him.
I loved reading this story. As with the others in this series, the plot is well paced and written with great detail and description. It’s slow burn romance with steamy scenes when the couple’s attraction and passion finally get the best of them. When Cece knows what she wants, she will stop at nothing until she gets it, unlike many women in this time. There are familiar people from previous books and lovely new ones too. This book, although part of a series, can be read as a standalone book. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series, I’m excited to see which sister is the next one to find true love.
I received a special copy from Booksirens. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
Cecily (Cece) Wainwright Thompson is a young widow who married Henry Thompson six years ago. She barely knew him but loved him. They had a whirlwind romance and married three weeks after meeting just before Henry went off to war and was killed at Balaclava. She just recently put her mourning clothes away and was looking to the future with her six sisters for support and company. She is fiery and passionate and will not back down from anything. Recently she unexpectedly received all of the letters she had written to Henry when he was away at war. She doesn’t know who sent them to her but she has an address in Scotland where they came from. She wants answers from the sender as to why these weren’t returned with Henry’s belongings years ago and one other burning question that she needs answered. So she makes her way to Scotland with only an address to seek out what she wants to know.
Malcolm Lockheart was one of Henry’s friends in the Army. Henry wasn’t a good reader so when letters came from Cece, Malcolm was the one who read them to him and the others in their sleeping quarters. Her frequent letters became a highlight to the soldiers. Her spirited attitude and humour kept the men’s spirits up, but for Malcolm, they became more. Malcolm was severely wounded in battle trying to save Henry. He returned to his home to find his grandfather, the man who raised him and who Malcolm had argued with and now wanted to make amends with, had died just before he returned. Filled with guilt and shame of his scars on his face and body, he rarely left his small estate. He has tenants, all soldiers and their families from his infantry who could not find work after the war. They are the closest to family he has. The township nearby fear him, calling him “an ogre.”
When Cece arrives out of the blue just before a snowstorm is due, Malcolm has to try and contain his feelings for her while she doggedly tries to get answers he isn’t ready to share and her growing feelings for him.
I loved reading this story. As with the others in this series, the plot is well paced and written with great detail and description. It’s slow burn romance with steamy scenes when the couple’s attraction and passion finally get the best of them. When Cece knows what she wants, she will stop at nothing until she gets it, unlike many women in this time. There are familiar people from previous books and lovely new ones too. This book, although part of a series, can be read as a standalone book. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series, I’m excited to see which sister is the next one to find true love.
I received a special copy from Booksirens. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
October 12, 2024
4.5/5 Cece Wainwright’s Christmas Wish is the third book in The Wainwright’s 7 Daughters series. This was an emotional and poignant story and I loved it.
Cece is the youngest of the Wainwright siblings and is a grieving widow after losing her husband in the Crimea War. Feeling like life is passing her by and in the need of answers, she’s determined to see her curiosity through to the end. Mal has created a community for his fellow comrades he fought with and their families, profit sharing on a sheep farm in a remote corner of Scotland. He fought with Cece’s husband and has a connection with her but is scared to let anyone else in, after losing everyone he’s ever cared for.
I was emotionally invested in Cece from the beginning. Having empathy for the feelings she’s experiencing - not having the answers she needs about the man she loved but also the absurdity of feeling a connection to someone you don’t even know. As well as, the overwhelming feeling of hopelessness that you might never get to live the life you thought you’d have. While pretending to be happy that at least you got the chance. It’s heavy stuff but as Cece starts her adventure, she’s set on this course so that she can face these feelings head on and move forward. This initiative helped set a more lighthearted tone for the story but also not glossing over the hardships.
Mal is a gruff and scarred hero who is self conscious of his scars from the war. Staying to himself while also running the sheep farm. He’s respected in the community though, earning the title of Laird from the village. Cece slowly breaks down his walls. Their attraction for one another is palpable and the close proximity due to a blizzard created wonderful tension as they sort through their feelings and desires.
I loved the coziness I felt from getting to see them go through everyday household tasks. I liked as well that the story revolves around ordinary working class people and the honest work they do while finding little ways to enjoy life.
There are some moments spent decorating and preparing for Christmas but it isn’t a main focus of the story. With a sprinkling of Christmas cheer, it’s great to read any time of the year.
There are four encounters that were all passionate, tender, and steamy.
I received an advance ecopy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Cece is the youngest of the Wainwright siblings and is a grieving widow after losing her husband in the Crimea War. Feeling like life is passing her by and in the need of answers, she’s determined to see her curiosity through to the end. Mal has created a community for his fellow comrades he fought with and their families, profit sharing on a sheep farm in a remote corner of Scotland. He fought with Cece’s husband and has a connection with her but is scared to let anyone else in, after losing everyone he’s ever cared for.
I was emotionally invested in Cece from the beginning. Having empathy for the feelings she’s experiencing - not having the answers she needs about the man she loved but also the absurdity of feeling a connection to someone you don’t even know. As well as, the overwhelming feeling of hopelessness that you might never get to live the life you thought you’d have. While pretending to be happy that at least you got the chance. It’s heavy stuff but as Cece starts her adventure, she’s set on this course so that she can face these feelings head on and move forward. This initiative helped set a more lighthearted tone for the story but also not glossing over the hardships.
Mal is a gruff and scarred hero who is self conscious of his scars from the war. Staying to himself while also running the sheep farm. He’s respected in the community though, earning the title of Laird from the village. Cece slowly breaks down his walls. Their attraction for one another is palpable and the close proximity due to a blizzard created wonderful tension as they sort through their feelings and desires.
I loved the coziness I felt from getting to see them go through everyday household tasks. I liked as well that the story revolves around ordinary working class people and the honest work they do while finding little ways to enjoy life.
There are some moments spent decorating and preparing for Christmas but it isn’t a main focus of the story. With a sprinkling of Christmas cheer, it’s great to read any time of the year.
There are four encounters that were all passionate, tender, and steamy.
I received an advance ecopy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
October 26, 2024
I enjoyed this charming grumpy-sunshine, close proximity Yuletide romance that is brimming with pent-up feelings, new beginnings, heartwarming epistolary, hidden secrets, some steam and a whole host of endearing characters. Malcom is a scarred cinnamon roll hero who prefer a secluded life and Cece is a widow who lost her lightheartedness during her long mourning period. The two are good for each other and a wonderful match. I loved how their relationship developed over the course of the book.
Although the book is part of a series, it can also be read on its own.
Malcolm Lockhart is a veteran of the Crimean War who has returned home to become a sheep farmer like his grandfather. Scarred and half-blind from his injuries, he leads a reclusive life on his farm, which he has turned into a community for other veterans who have been unable to find work elsewhere. Ever since her first letter to her husband in the war, his friend and comrade Henry Thompson, he has been infatuated with Cece. Henry couldn't read or write properly, so Mal read and wrote the letters to Cece in his place. Even after Henry's death, he kept her letters to Henry for years until he finally decided to let go of his infatuation and send the letters back to her.
Cece Thompson, née Wainwright, was widowed shortly after her wedding when her husband Henry was killed in the line of duty. For more than six years she mourned his death, but the letters she received from Henry kept her love alive.
When she unexpectedly receives her own letters to Henry from an unknown sender, she decides to travel to Scotland in search of the person who has kept her letters until now. Cece sees this as a chance to get answers about Henry and to experience adventure and a change from her monotonous life.
When Cece arrives in Scotland, the weather takes a turn for the worse and it looks like she'll be stuck until after Christmas, and the man who sent her letters back is not an open, welcoming sort. But Cece is persistent and won't leave without getting the answers she's looking for, but the taciturn, reclusive giant isn't ready to give them....
If you like heart-warming Christmas romances set in Scotland, with feeling and spice, then you'll enjoy this book!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
Although the book is part of a series, it can also be read on its own.
Malcolm Lockhart is a veteran of the Crimean War who has returned home to become a sheep farmer like his grandfather. Scarred and half-blind from his injuries, he leads a reclusive life on his farm, which he has turned into a community for other veterans who have been unable to find work elsewhere. Ever since her first letter to her husband in the war, his friend and comrade Henry Thompson, he has been infatuated with Cece. Henry couldn't read or write properly, so Mal read and wrote the letters to Cece in his place. Even after Henry's death, he kept her letters to Henry for years until he finally decided to let go of his infatuation and send the letters back to her.
Cece Thompson, née Wainwright, was widowed shortly after her wedding when her husband Henry was killed in the line of duty. For more than six years she mourned his death, but the letters she received from Henry kept her love alive.
When she unexpectedly receives her own letters to Henry from an unknown sender, she decides to travel to Scotland in search of the person who has kept her letters until now. Cece sees this as a chance to get answers about Henry and to experience adventure and a change from her monotonous life.
When Cece arrives in Scotland, the weather takes a turn for the worse and it looks like she'll be stuck until after Christmas, and the man who sent her letters back is not an open, welcoming sort. But Cece is persistent and won't leave without getting the answers she's looking for, but the taciturn, reclusive giant isn't ready to give them....
If you like heart-warming Christmas romances set in Scotland, with feeling and spice, then you'll enjoy this book!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
October 18, 2024
Cece Wainright's Christmas Wish by Andrea Jenelle is the third installment in the Wainright Sisters Series, and I absolutely adore it! Cece's journey might just be my favorite among the sisters.
The grumpy/sunshine dynamic is exquisitely illustrated here, with Mal burdened by a heavy sense of guilt. His remorse stems from falling for a woman through her letters—letters that Cece penned to her husband during the war, unaware that Mal, her husband's former comrade, was the one responding. Cece believed she was communicating with her husband, continuing to love him, while it was actually Mal who was secretly corresponding with her. For years, both Mal and Cece yearned for one another without knowing it, falling in love through the written word. Cece plays a crucial role in helping Mal confront his guilt and embrace his scars as symbols of honor rather than flaws. In turn, Mal supports Cece in processing her husband's death, encouraging her to open her heart to love again and reclaim her place in the world.
With each word, they learned to forgive themselves and let the walls down, inviting each other into a safe space filled with understanding and kindness. This beautiful love story captured the essence of healing, as they faced their pasts together and rebuilt their lives side by side. Their journey showed that love could mend even the most fractured souls, turning sorrow into a spark of hope and joy.
Romances with epistolary elements hold a special place in my heart. Add in a scarred, reclusive, Scottish hero, a warm and caring heroine, forced together by a snowstorm with a dash of small-town charm and meddling side characters makes it feel like Andrea has crafted a story tailored just for me. It’s as if she reached into my soul and gathered every element I’ve ever desired in a holiday romance, weaving them together in a way that feels both unique and refreshingly natural.
The writing is exquisite, driven by rich character development, with most of the narrative unfolding through their intimate conversations. The pacing is impeccable, ensuring that the story remains engaging from start to finish. It’s filled with clever wit, playful banter, and passionate moments that are both explicit and beautifully rendered. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a cozy, heartwarming, magical story during the holidays or anytime of the year.
I was honored to receive a complimentary copy directly from the author (Thank You!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The grumpy/sunshine dynamic is exquisitely illustrated here, with Mal burdened by a heavy sense of guilt. His remorse stems from falling for a woman through her letters—letters that Cece penned to her husband during the war, unaware that Mal, her husband's former comrade, was the one responding. Cece believed she was communicating with her husband, continuing to love him, while it was actually Mal who was secretly corresponding with her. For years, both Mal and Cece yearned for one another without knowing it, falling in love through the written word. Cece plays a crucial role in helping Mal confront his guilt and embrace his scars as symbols of honor rather than flaws. In turn, Mal supports Cece in processing her husband's death, encouraging her to open her heart to love again and reclaim her place in the world.
With each word, they learned to forgive themselves and let the walls down, inviting each other into a safe space filled with understanding and kindness. This beautiful love story captured the essence of healing, as they faced their pasts together and rebuilt their lives side by side. Their journey showed that love could mend even the most fractured souls, turning sorrow into a spark of hope and joy.
Romances with epistolary elements hold a special place in my heart. Add in a scarred, reclusive, Scottish hero, a warm and caring heroine, forced together by a snowstorm with a dash of small-town charm and meddling side characters makes it feel like Andrea has crafted a story tailored just for me. It’s as if she reached into my soul and gathered every element I’ve ever desired in a holiday romance, weaving them together in a way that feels both unique and refreshingly natural.
The writing is exquisite, driven by rich character development, with most of the narrative unfolding through their intimate conversations. The pacing is impeccable, ensuring that the story remains engaging from start to finish. It’s filled with clever wit, playful banter, and passionate moments that are both explicit and beautifully rendered. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a cozy, heartwarming, magical story during the holidays or anytime of the year.
I was honored to receive a complimentary copy directly from the author (Thank You!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 13, 2024
Andrea is a new-to-me author but this will not be the last book I read from her! I will definitely go back and read the first two in the series. Saying that, it not at all necessary to read the first books in the series to read this book and enjoy it.
Malcolm (a veteran from the Crimean Wars) and CeCe (a widow who’s husband was a friend of Malcolm’s during the war and was killed on the battlefield) are thrust together when Malcolm (Mal) returns CeCe’s letters that she wrote to her husband during the war 8 years ago.
The return of the letters compels CeCe to find the person who has been holding onto them all this time and why so with return address in hand she strikes out to Scotland to find that person.
CeCe travels by train to Scotland in the winter (close to Christmas) and finds Mal and then becomes snowbound in the village as the rails are snow and ice covered.
After a rough start, CeCe is welcomed into the community’s fold and is taught all things sheep as “there are more sheep than people here”.
While CeCe makes her mark in the community, she also makes her way under Mal’s skin and into his heart where she already was because of her letters that he read and re-read during the war. It is also apparent, to the reader, from the beginning that Mal was the man responsible for answering CeCe’s letter as her husband is dyslexic and so cannot read let alone write a letter to CeCe. It begins with her husband (Henry) dictating his thoughts to Mal but he quickly gives up the duty to Mal and thus starts the correspondence between CeCe and Mal. Unfortunately, CeCe is never told (even after she lands in Scotland) that the letters that had her husband’s signature on them were actually written by Mal. Because of the letters, CeCe continues to fall deeper I love with her husband but she is actually (she realize it later) falling for Mal.
This is a lovely, spicy, intimate story of two people with life scars who find healing, love, and family in each other’s arms!
Well done, Andrea!! Well Done!! 💜🎄📚
Malcolm (a veteran from the Crimean Wars) and CeCe (a widow who’s husband was a friend of Malcolm’s during the war and was killed on the battlefield) are thrust together when Malcolm (Mal) returns CeCe’s letters that she wrote to her husband during the war 8 years ago.
The return of the letters compels CeCe to find the person who has been holding onto them all this time and why so with return address in hand she strikes out to Scotland to find that person.
CeCe travels by train to Scotland in the winter (close to Christmas) and finds Mal and then becomes snowbound in the village as the rails are snow and ice covered.
After a rough start, CeCe is welcomed into the community’s fold and is taught all things sheep as “there are more sheep than people here”.
While CeCe makes her mark in the community, she also makes her way under Mal’s skin and into his heart where she already was because of her letters that he read and re-read during the war. It is also apparent, to the reader, from the beginning that Mal was the man responsible for answering CeCe’s letter as her husband is dyslexic and so cannot read let alone write a letter to CeCe. It begins with her husband (Henry) dictating his thoughts to Mal but he quickly gives up the duty to Mal and thus starts the correspondence between CeCe and Mal. Unfortunately, CeCe is never told (even after she lands in Scotland) that the letters that had her husband’s signature on them were actually written by Mal. Because of the letters, CeCe continues to fall deeper I love with her husband but she is actually (she realize it later) falling for Mal.
This is a lovely, spicy, intimate story of two people with life scars who find healing, love, and family in each other’s arms!
Well done, Andrea!! Well Done!! 💜🎄📚
October 25, 2024
A sweet, hot, fulfilling seasonal read that I can highly recommend!
The FMC, Cecily (Cece) Wainwright Thompson is widow who was very briefly married six years ago to Henry Thompson before his untimely demise in war. It was a whirlwind romance with little time to get to know one another, and in widowhood, Cece has lived on the set of letters he wrote while away fighting. One day, the letters she wrote to Henry are delivered to the house she shares with her sisters, and something lights a fire under her. The letters were sent from a man in Scotland who served with her husbands regiment, and Cece senses a mystery. She decides she wants to meet this man, and find out the answers to questions she’s always had about the correspondence. She sets off on the first real adventure in her whole life.
Malcolm Lockhart is a reclusive Laird in Scotland. He lost his parents when very young, and was raised by his stoic grandfather. He served with Henry Thompson in the war, and as he read and wrote better than Henry, was the real corresponder wit Cece. He fell a little bit in love with her through those letters and for years has pined and longed to know her, as he was broken and scarred in battle and knows that dreams and fantasies are all he will ever have. He has almost paralyzing shame about his physical scars, and his PTSD is an everyday struggle. Cece shows up unannounced on his doorstep, demanding to know more about Henry, the letters, and just who Mal really is. A harsh winter storm closing travel by train for weeks keeps the two in close proximity as she is his guest. This is the perfect situation for her to really see who he is, and he sheds layers and pulls down walls and receives her love despite their need for outward propriety in his community. A community he started as a haven for the families of his unit, the only people who matter to him.
The spice in this book? Jaw dropping. Hot and descriptive. You might even clutch your pearls once or twice because DAMN!
Just when you think this is all going to lead to a happy ending, Mal makes one very glaring error that Cece determines is a huge betrayal, and she flees all the way back home in a rage. Can he win her back?
This is both a cozy and spicy read, an extremely emotional one too. Just my kind of story. You should give this one a read!
The FMC, Cecily (Cece) Wainwright Thompson is widow who was very briefly married six years ago to Henry Thompson before his untimely demise in war. It was a whirlwind romance with little time to get to know one another, and in widowhood, Cece has lived on the set of letters he wrote while away fighting. One day, the letters she wrote to Henry are delivered to the house she shares with her sisters, and something lights a fire under her. The letters were sent from a man in Scotland who served with her husbands regiment, and Cece senses a mystery. She decides she wants to meet this man, and find out the answers to questions she’s always had about the correspondence. She sets off on the first real adventure in her whole life.
Malcolm Lockhart is a reclusive Laird in Scotland. He lost his parents when very young, and was raised by his stoic grandfather. He served with Henry Thompson in the war, and as he read and wrote better than Henry, was the real corresponder wit Cece. He fell a little bit in love with her through those letters and for years has pined and longed to know her, as he was broken and scarred in battle and knows that dreams and fantasies are all he will ever have. He has almost paralyzing shame about his physical scars, and his PTSD is an everyday struggle. Cece shows up unannounced on his doorstep, demanding to know more about Henry, the letters, and just who Mal really is. A harsh winter storm closing travel by train for weeks keeps the two in close proximity as she is his guest. This is the perfect situation for her to really see who he is, and he sheds layers and pulls down walls and receives her love despite their need for outward propriety in his community. A community he started as a haven for the families of his unit, the only people who matter to him.
The spice in this book? Jaw dropping. Hot and descriptive. You might even clutch your pearls once or twice because DAMN!
Just when you think this is all going to lead to a happy ending, Mal makes one very glaring error that Cece determines is a huge betrayal, and she flees all the way back home in a rage. Can he win her back?
This is both a cozy and spicy read, an extremely emotional one too. Just my kind of story. You should give this one a read!
October 5, 2024
Andrea has done it yet again! Another incredible 5 star read!
Before this series, I would have told you that I hated historical fiction. Andrea has inspired my love for the Victorian Period once more, and has developed my interest in historical fiction. The love that we get to see blossom and grow is so expertly written, and the chemistry is so palpable. I couldn’t tear myself away from the book and before I knew it I was already over half way through!!! Add to this the witty banter and flirtatious teasing, I was hook, line and sinker for this book!
This is the most beautifully tender story of loss, love and healing. With the setting of Christmas, this just tied everything together so well. Mal, who believes he is incapable of being loved, destined to live a life wanting the only woman he feels he can’t have. Cece, who remains in her widows weeds like a prison, relearning who she is as a woman and learning how to live again. I honestly could not love a story any more than I do with this phenomenal book. What cinched this as the perfect book was the discussions on grief. In these conversations, I found a piece of myself, reminiscing on the loss of my grandad and finding comfort between the pages of this book.
Andrea has a complete mastery of the English language. Her descriptive manner of writing immerses you completely within her stories, and allows you to envision the story as it progresses. To add to this, this is an epistolary novel, with letters between the characters. This is one of my absolute favourite novel formats, as we get firsthand perspectives and a whole other layer to a book! Cece and Mal’s story is truly unforgettable and I cannot wait to continue following the lives and loves of the Wainwright sisters!
All that is left to say is, who fancies a trip up to Scotland, as I think I’m going to need to find myself a Mal!!!
Before this series, I would have told you that I hated historical fiction. Andrea has inspired my love for the Victorian Period once more, and has developed my interest in historical fiction. The love that we get to see blossom and grow is so expertly written, and the chemistry is so palpable. I couldn’t tear myself away from the book and before I knew it I was already over half way through!!! Add to this the witty banter and flirtatious teasing, I was hook, line and sinker for this book!
This is the most beautifully tender story of loss, love and healing. With the setting of Christmas, this just tied everything together so well. Mal, who believes he is incapable of being loved, destined to live a life wanting the only woman he feels he can’t have. Cece, who remains in her widows weeds like a prison, relearning who she is as a woman and learning how to live again. I honestly could not love a story any more than I do with this phenomenal book. What cinched this as the perfect book was the discussions on grief. In these conversations, I found a piece of myself, reminiscing on the loss of my grandad and finding comfort between the pages of this book.
Andrea has a complete mastery of the English language. Her descriptive manner of writing immerses you completely within her stories, and allows you to envision the story as it progresses. To add to this, this is an epistolary novel, with letters between the characters. This is one of my absolute favourite novel formats, as we get firsthand perspectives and a whole other layer to a book! Cece and Mal’s story is truly unforgettable and I cannot wait to continue following the lives and loves of the Wainwright sisters!
All that is left to say is, who fancies a trip up to Scotland, as I think I’m going to need to find myself a Mal!!!
December 21, 2024
Cece was a young widow who was fortunate to be surrounded by a loving family. Over the years, she had sought comfort from the many letters that her soldier husband had written her. One day, the bundle of letters written to her husband, was unexpectedly sent back. Having long harbored suspicions as to the authorship of the letters, Cece needed to investigate the origins of the parcel. This required her to journey by train to Scotland, where she found the large imposing Scotsman that had mailed the letters.
Malcolm had served in the army with Cece's late husband Henry. Although a good man, Henry was not a great letter-writer. He happily allowed Malcom to take over the duty. Malcolm had survived the war, but just barely. Feeling guilty for hanging onto Cece's letters for so long, he finally sent them back. He was terrified, but unsurprised, when Cece showed up at his door.
This story essentially follows the Beauty and the Beast theme. Mal sustained both physical and mental injuries in the war. He had never had a woman to love and he feels guilty about his feelings for Henry's widow. Cece knows that Mal was somehow linked to the letters, but she doesn't realize the extent. She needs to stay in Scotland longer than originally planned due to the terrible weather. This leads to the question of whether their hearts will be able to thaw before Mal manages to push Cece away?
The book was steamy and it obviously had a few sad parts. The author clearly had to do some research and the passages about life in Scotland were educational. I didn't feel like the story was feminist or preachy--something that I really appreciated. The writing flowed well and I was able to read the book fairly quickly.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.
Malcolm had served in the army with Cece's late husband Henry. Although a good man, Henry was not a great letter-writer. He happily allowed Malcom to take over the duty. Malcolm had survived the war, but just barely. Feeling guilty for hanging onto Cece's letters for so long, he finally sent them back. He was terrified, but unsurprised, when Cece showed up at his door.
This story essentially follows the Beauty and the Beast theme. Mal sustained both physical and mental injuries in the war. He had never had a woman to love and he feels guilty about his feelings for Henry's widow. Cece knows that Mal was somehow linked to the letters, but she doesn't realize the extent. She needs to stay in Scotland longer than originally planned due to the terrible weather. This leads to the question of whether their hearts will be able to thaw before Mal manages to push Cece away?
The book was steamy and it obviously had a few sad parts. The author clearly had to do some research and the passages about life in Scotland were educational. I didn't feel like the story was feminist or preachy--something that I really appreciated. The writing flowed well and I was able to read the book fairly quickly.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.
October 7, 2024
For him it was love at first letter, for her it was a journey...
~ Cecily & Malcolm ~
She’s the youngest Wainwright, the one who fell head over heels for a soldier, married him and saw him leave for the Crimean War. She wrote him often; letters full of hope, humour and light. Only he never made it home; making her a young widow, left with only his letters, doubts, questions and grief.
He was her husband’s friend, an orphan, a giant Scottish oak who left his home as a lad to join the East India Company and later on the army. He was the one to answer her letters at her husband’s behest, the one who silently fell for his best friend’s wife - his little wren.
Seven years later, just when she’s ready to shed her black armour, a recluse ogre decides it’s time to lay his dreams to rest and return the letters he held onto for so long. And of course she goes looking for answers...
This was a magical winter romance! A small town charm, close proximity, epistolary, yuletide, age gap masterpiece full of hurt, humour and heart - and so many sheep!
Rough and rugged like the breathtaking Highlands, he’s a gruff grumbling beast, scarred inside and out, carrying the weight of the world and unable to see the heartwarming community he created around him. Warm and caring, like a fire, she’s a force of nature - strong, stubborn and unafraid to kick a sleeping bear - and one spark is all it takes to burn down his walls. She won’t back down, and watching them bicker their way through attraction and annoyance alike was a delight!
Emotional and incredibly moving, this story played my heartstrings like a true virtuoso! Add some delectable steam, quaint sidekicks and a hint of drama, and this story was simply brilliant!
An all-time Christmas favourite for certain!
~ Cecily & Malcolm ~
She’s the youngest Wainwright, the one who fell head over heels for a soldier, married him and saw him leave for the Crimean War. She wrote him often; letters full of hope, humour and light. Only he never made it home; making her a young widow, left with only his letters, doubts, questions and grief.
He was her husband’s friend, an orphan, a giant Scottish oak who left his home as a lad to join the East India Company and later on the army. He was the one to answer her letters at her husband’s behest, the one who silently fell for his best friend’s wife - his little wren.
Seven years later, just when she’s ready to shed her black armour, a recluse ogre decides it’s time to lay his dreams to rest and return the letters he held onto for so long. And of course she goes looking for answers...
This was a magical winter romance! A small town charm, close proximity, epistolary, yuletide, age gap masterpiece full of hurt, humour and heart - and so many sheep!
Rough and rugged like the breathtaking Highlands, he’s a gruff grumbling beast, scarred inside and out, carrying the weight of the world and unable to see the heartwarming community he created around him. Warm and caring, like a fire, she’s a force of nature - strong, stubborn and unafraid to kick a sleeping bear - and one spark is all it takes to burn down his walls. She won’t back down, and watching them bicker their way through attraction and annoyance alike was a delight!
Emotional and incredibly moving, this story played my heartstrings like a true virtuoso! Add some delectable steam, quaint sidekicks and a hint of drama, and this story was simply brilliant!
An all-time Christmas favourite for certain!
March 22, 2025
This is the first book by Andrea Jenelle that I have read and although it seems I have started in the middle of the series it did not impede my enjoyment of the story. Admittedly, I enjoy a good love-letter story, add in a grumpy/sunshine trope and I am definitely all in.
Cece is an interesting character who seems to throw her whole being into whatever she is doing, be it letter writing, grieving, committing to an adventure, or shearing sheep. She is kind and caring but has a backbone of steel. The only time her commitment waivered was when the true writer of her husband’s letters is revealed, which I did find a bit disconcerting.
Malcolm has been in love with the woman who wrote weekly letters to her deployed husband ( and ultimately the whole unit of soldiers including Malcolm). When said woman turns up on his door step a whole new chapter begins for him and Cece.
Malcolm is “broken” both physically and emotionally after experiencing the horrors of war. Cece is a balm to this broken-ness but also a bit of a burr under his kilt . The longing that each has for the other is palpable and the slow burn is excruciating, but so good!
The book has a great supporting cast and all the characters are a lovely addition to the tale. Ms Jennelle has managed to create a story that has just the right amount of humour, angst and steam to keep the reader engaged and eagerly turning the page to find out what is going to happen next. So if you are looking for an enjoyable story with a kilted grump and sweet but determined FMC then look no more!
I received a free advanced review copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cece is an interesting character who seems to throw her whole being into whatever she is doing, be it letter writing, grieving, committing to an adventure, or shearing sheep. She is kind and caring but has a backbone of steel. The only time her commitment waivered was when the true writer of her husband’s letters is revealed, which I did find a bit disconcerting.
Malcolm has been in love with the woman who wrote weekly letters to her deployed husband ( and ultimately the whole unit of soldiers including Malcolm). When said woman turns up on his door step a whole new chapter begins for him and Cece.
Malcolm is “broken” both physically and emotionally after experiencing the horrors of war. Cece is a balm to this broken-ness but also a bit of a burr under his kilt . The longing that each has for the other is palpable and the slow burn is excruciating, but so good!
The book has a great supporting cast and all the characters are a lovely addition to the tale. Ms Jennelle has managed to create a story that has just the right amount of humour, angst and steam to keep the reader engaged and eagerly turning the page to find out what is going to happen next. So if you are looking for an enjoyable story with a kilted grump and sweet but determined FMC then look no more!
I received a free advanced review copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 25, 2024
this book has me wanting to travel to find me a Mal of my own. he was a grouchy wounded grump. . cece a widow had questions she needed answers from and only one man could answer them. Forced under one roof together Mal and Cece begin to become friendly towards each other. Mal starts to feel things he didnt think he would and the same goes for Cece. after an accident and a slip of the tongue their relationship is rushed. but what happens when the secret is revealed? will there be forgiveness?
this book had so many great moments and spice i was done for. i couldnt put it down. the banter and flow of banter between the character was perfect and had me giggling. i highly recommend it. 10 out of 10 HEA grinch and cindy lou/ beauty and the beast vibes.
fave quotes:
"you were certain the children would run when they saw you but they didnt run. and im not going to run either."
"we needed those letters like god needs the devil."
"just like you little wren. Plump, sweet and begging to be creamed."
"no matter how much you scowl, underneath your scars you're still a man not a monster. we all see it. when will you see it as well?"
"but now you're my ogre"
"you could grow wild flowers in the darkest parts of my soul"
this book had so many great moments and spice i was done for. i couldnt put it down. the banter and flow of banter between the character was perfect and had me giggling. i highly recommend it. 10 out of 10 HEA grinch and cindy lou/ beauty and the beast vibes.
fave quotes:
"you were certain the children would run when they saw you but they didnt run. and im not going to run either."
"we needed those letters like god needs the devil."
"just like you little wren. Plump, sweet and begging to be creamed."
"no matter how much you scowl, underneath your scars you're still a man not a monster. we all see it. when will you see it as well?"
"but now you're my ogre"
"you could grow wild flowers in the darkest parts of my soul"
October 10, 2024
4.5⭐️
Cece Wainwright can’t help but jump on a train and follow the trail to Scotland after she receives a package filled with her letters she sent to her husband during the war. He’s been gone for years. Why have these letters come now? Does the sender have to her questions about her husband? There’s only one way to find out!
Malcolm Lockhart finally sent those letters back to vanquish his demons and the past. Broken and scarred he’s made a home for himself and the other war veterans in need. He has everything he needs here the wilds of Scotland… that is until a little Wren appears on his doorstep!
Cece and Mal our complete opposites, but she feels like she’s known him forever! She could be happy here in the wild living on this farmstead with Mal and the community… But you can’t help, but think Mal isn’t telling her everything…
A fresh take on a Beauty and the Beast romantic pairing! I loved seeing Cece find not only love, but purpose, and a place all her own outside of being the young widow. Mal’s transformation from grumpy beast to doting lover and help me with a site to behold. If anyone deserved an HEA with the woman of his dreams, Mal is that character!
Author Andrea Janelle continues to create captivating historical romances based In the mid to lower classes with realistic characters that bring the time period to life!
Cece Wainwright can’t help but jump on a train and follow the trail to Scotland after she receives a package filled with her letters she sent to her husband during the war. He’s been gone for years. Why have these letters come now? Does the sender have to her questions about her husband? There’s only one way to find out!
Malcolm Lockhart finally sent those letters back to vanquish his demons and the past. Broken and scarred he’s made a home for himself and the other war veterans in need. He has everything he needs here the wilds of Scotland… that is until a little Wren appears on his doorstep!
Cece and Mal our complete opposites, but she feels like she’s known him forever! She could be happy here in the wild living on this farmstead with Mal and the community… But you can’t help, but think Mal isn’t telling her everything…
A fresh take on a Beauty and the Beast romantic pairing! I loved seeing Cece find not only love, but purpose, and a place all her own outside of being the young widow. Mal’s transformation from grumpy beast to doting lover and help me with a site to behold. If anyone deserved an HEA with the woman of his dreams, Mal is that character!
Author Andrea Janelle continues to create captivating historical romances based In the mid to lower classes with realistic characters that bring the time period to life!
October 10, 2024
I wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I do. I don't know why I'd ever doubt the power of Andrea's writing, though. She's really good at making you like side characters without giving you any big reason to love them... until they have their own story. The Wainwright sisters' stories are so easy to fall into, and each sister is unique while still being strong and determined.
Cece set out on her own adventure, looking for answers, after sitting in heartache and grief for so long. Mal happened to be her destination. I love both main characters so much. I'm a sucker for a large, grumpy, scarred man. (Especially one that possesses the ability to read and write with meaning). Or I'm just a sucker for the men that Andrea Jenelle writes. This book was beautifully written from beginning to end. My heart hurt for both Cece and Mal. They endured so much on their own, and the healing they so desperately needed came subtly and in the small things. I loved how determined Cece was to prove to him that he was no monster and he deserved love and a happy life. The humor flowed easily throughout the book as well. It was a perfect balance.
Cece set out on her own adventure, looking for answers, after sitting in heartache and grief for so long. Mal happened to be her destination. I love both main characters so much. I'm a sucker for a large, grumpy, scarred man. (Especially one that possesses the ability to read and write with meaning). Or I'm just a sucker for the men that Andrea Jenelle writes. This book was beautifully written from beginning to end. My heart hurt for both Cece and Mal. They endured so much on their own, and the healing they so desperately needed came subtly and in the small things. I loved how determined Cece was to prove to him that he was no monster and he deserved love and a happy life. The humor flowed easily throughout the book as well. It was a perfect balance.
October 15, 2024
**ARC review**
I will admit I had a difficult time getting into this book, whether it was due to my headspace or the book itself, I do not know.
This is a cute story that does take place over the Christmas season, however it's not a book focused on the holiday so much as it is focused on the two main characters.
This installment focuses on Cece and Mal. Two people who have been in love with each other for years despite never having met. During this story Cece travels to meet Mal and gets caught at his cottage due to a snow storm. During her time at his cottage they both grow emotionally. Mal a bit moreso since he was far more guarded. It was very sweet to read how Cece subtly and then not so subtly 🔥 helped him to feel at ease with her so that the love they already held for each other could truly blossom.
This book was quick to read once it picked up for me, and I found myself enjoying the adorable story of Cece and Mal. The supporting characters were nicely done as well and added so much to the story.
Overall this book isn't my favorite from this author, but it was definitely worth reading and I am glad I got to.
I will admit I had a difficult time getting into this book, whether it was due to my headspace or the book itself, I do not know.
This is a cute story that does take place over the Christmas season, however it's not a book focused on the holiday so much as it is focused on the two main characters.
This installment focuses on Cece and Mal. Two people who have been in love with each other for years despite never having met. During this story Cece travels to meet Mal and gets caught at his cottage due to a snow storm. During her time at his cottage they both grow emotionally. Mal a bit moreso since he was far more guarded. It was very sweet to read how Cece subtly and then not so subtly 🔥 helped him to feel at ease with her so that the love they already held for each other could truly blossom.
This book was quick to read once it picked up for me, and I found myself enjoying the adorable story of Cece and Mal. The supporting characters were nicely done as well and added so much to the story.
Overall this book isn't my favorite from this author, but it was definitely worth reading and I am glad I got to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2024
Well written, full of drama, sadness, old and new love, emotional and physical scars, action, adventure and twists. Cece is at home with her sisters when a package of letters arrives for her. They were the letters she sent her husband, Henry, who died in the war 8 years ago. She is surprised and wants to know who had them and why. So off she goes to Scotland to find her answers. Malcolm is a loner after the war but helps the men and their families that were wounded or died during the war. He opens his land to them. When Cece shows up on his doorstep, he is shocked. Cece explains why she is there and asks him for the answers. Malcolm isn't able to give them to her but he lets her stay due to the weather. As they spend more time together, they both realize they want the other and have to deal with their feelings. Malcolm calls her his Wren and hopes not to shock her with his scars. Glad they find their happily ever after. Would strongly recommend to others.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
November 22, 2024
I have not read the other books is this series but I feel like I know them pretty well!
We have Cece who has worn widow weeds for 8 long years for a man she was wed barely 3 weeks!
She seemed to mourn her youth and the woman she used to be!
When her letters arrived the ones she sent her deceased husband!? Well she has questions that can only be answered in Scotland!
She took a leap of faith and ran smack into a taciturn grumpy Scot!
This mountain man was less enthusiastic to see her! But their chemistry tells a different tale!
But there are secrets and Laird Malcolm Lockhart believes he’s too old and scarred for anyone to want him! Especially this one whose letters sustained him and others while they were in horrible circumstances! But secrets have a way of coming to light! Can the get past the secret Malcom aka Mal carries? Can there be a HEA? Bravo
Next I want Duncan story
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We have Cece who has worn widow weeds for 8 long years for a man she was wed barely 3 weeks!
She seemed to mourn her youth and the woman she used to be!
When her letters arrived the ones she sent her deceased husband!? Well she has questions that can only be answered in Scotland!
She took a leap of faith and ran smack into a taciturn grumpy Scot!
This mountain man was less enthusiastic to see her! But their chemistry tells a different tale!
But there are secrets and Laird Malcolm Lockhart believes he’s too old and scarred for anyone to want him! Especially this one whose letters sustained him and others while they were in horrible circumstances! But secrets have a way of coming to light! Can the get past the secret Malcom aka Mal carries? Can there be a HEA? Bravo
Next I want Duncan story
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 27, 2024
𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒚 𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌.
If you love Christmas, historical romance, beauty and the beast vibes, this is for you!!
I loved this book and this isn't my normal genre at all. Andrea has a way with words though that keep me wanting more. I was excited for Cece's story after briefly meeting her in the first book of this series. Her quick wit and hilarious comebacks had me laughing. Malcolm was quiet and brooding but I loved how much Cece got him to open up and see himself differently. Their love story is a little unconventional to some but it was such an amazing story.
This book had alot of incredible parts and in true Andrea style, alot of incredible spice as well!
"𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝑾𝒓𝒆𝒏. 𝑷𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒑, 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒅."
If you love Christmas, historical romance, beauty and the beast vibes, this is for you!!
I loved this book and this isn't my normal genre at all. Andrea has a way with words though that keep me wanting more. I was excited for Cece's story after briefly meeting her in the first book of this series. Her quick wit and hilarious comebacks had me laughing. Malcolm was quiet and brooding but I loved how much Cece got him to open up and see himself differently. Their love story is a little unconventional to some but it was such an amazing story.
This book had alot of incredible parts and in true Andrea style, alot of incredible spice as well!
"𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝑾𝒓𝒆𝒏. 𝑷𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒑, 𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒅."
November 9, 2024
Cece has mourned her husband for eight years when the letters she had written to him while he was at war were returned to her. She has questions and travels to Scotland to find the person who sent them. She finds Malcolm Lockhart, a grumpy, scarred, and reclusive soldier who served with her husband. Malcom was a good friend to her husband. He helped Henry write his responses, and fell in love with Cece through her letters. Her time in Scotland turned into the adventure of a lifetime. She learns about his using his estate and village to help other veterans, and happily joined him. The tenants and village fell as much in love with Cece as Mal did, and she with them. Together, they begin to heal the hurt from the past. Well-written story, great characters, wonderful read.
I voluntarily reviewed a special copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a special copy of this book.
November 15, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. I was a little disappointed that it took her finding one of her letters for her to figure out that he was the writers of the letters she received from her late husband. They helped each other heal from the wounds that they were suffering from. Him from the war and her from losing her husband before they could really get a life together. This was a quick read and good just like the other books that she has written. I would definitely recommend her books to anyone. The back and forth banter between the main characters is enteretaining and fun to read. Their banter makes you feel like you are there watching them have a verbal sparing match. I was happy to see that they got married, and worked out the issue that they had with him not telling her what she wanted to know. This was a good adventure for CeCe.
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