What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lord Julian Mysteries #7
A Gentleman Under the Mistletoe
A Cozy Regency Holiday Mystery
Lord Julian Caldicott is standing in for his ducal brother as manager of Yuletide merriment at the family seat. Alas for his lordship, nothing is going as planned. Cranky relatives arrive uninvited, family squabbles ensue, and Julian's annual case of the blue devils is worsening by the day.
Julian decides to combat the mayhem and melancholia by anonymously spreading good cheer. He arranges a series of discreet gifts--for the village church, for his nephew, for Caldicott Hall's retired housekeeper, and others--but every time he attempts to play secret Father Christmas, an unknown benefactor upstages him with gifts of equal generosity. Who is Julian's competitor for top elf honors and why are they determined to make this Julian's worst Christmas ever? Julian vows to find out!
Lord Julian Caldicott is standing in for his ducal brother as manager of Yuletide merriment at the family seat. Alas for his lordship, nothing is going as planned. Cranky relatives arrive uninvited, family squabbles ensue, and Julian's annual case of the blue devils is worsening by the day.
Julian decides to combat the mayhem and melancholia by anonymously spreading good cheer. He arranges a series of discreet gifts--for the village church, for his nephew, for Caldicott Hall's retired housekeeper, and others--but every time he attempts to play secret Father Christmas, an unknown benefactor upstages him with gifts of equal generosity. Who is Julian's competitor for top elf honors and why are they determined to make this Julian's worst Christmas ever? Julian vows to find out!
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2024
261 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
192 books2,915 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
November 6, 2024
The mystery was good until it wasn’t. My impression was that Burrowes wrote herself into a corner and then… Squirrel!
As to that squirrel, there might be a long game afoot. I could be wrong, but I won’t stick around to find out. 🧳
Lord Julian is a troubled man with a myriad of grumpy relatives, so other than snow and references to kissing boughs, I found the overall holiday mood melancholy.
Timeline Issues
🎄Caldicott Hall was decorated with Christmas trees. There’s a coy reference to “The Queen,” and Charlotte was German, but the public didn’t adopt the tradition until the late 1840s.
😭 Citing this line, exactly to the letter: London is growing like topsy.
Mea Culpa
In my last review, and perhaps others, I called Hyperia, Hypernia. ☺️
As to that squirrel, there might be a long game afoot. I could be wrong, but I won’t stick around to find out. 🧳
Lord Julian is a troubled man with a myriad of grumpy relatives, so other than snow and references to kissing boughs, I found the overall holiday mood melancholy.
Timeline Issues
🎄Caldicott Hall was decorated with Christmas trees. There’s a coy reference to “The Queen,” and Charlotte was German, but the public didn’t adopt the tradition until the late 1840s.
😭 Citing this line, exactly to the letter: London is growing like topsy.
Mea Culpa
In my last review, and perhaps others, I called Hyperia, Hypernia. ☺️
November 10, 2024
Lord Julian makes some discoveries, solves a misapprehension from childhood, grows his time with Lady Perry and solves the mystery of who is giving anonymously around the village other than him.
Great read as usual
Great read as usual
November 17, 2024
*** Some SPOILERS
Finished this yesterday. Slow-paced. Gave it 4 stars.
Julian, his mother, and his sweetheart Hyperia "Perry"
hosted this Christmas house-party expected to last till
Twelfth Night. Sister Ginny & her Scottish spouse and
2 kids (1 an infant) were present, as were Julian's
nephew Leander, Aunt Bertha & Aunt Crosby (both
hyper-critical of food offerings etc), Uncle Terrance, &
Squire Pettigrew. The author showed the emotional
push-pull of unrequited love in 2 of the older couples.
Perry's brother Healy was not present as promised, so
Julian sought & found him & brought him to the party.
Not present- Lady Ophelia & Millicent- Lee's mother.
Lady O added wit & sparkle to every story.
Julian discovered who also played "Father Christmas"
& why. He gifted loyal young servant Atticus w/ a pony
& made him an optional generous offer. Julian gave
Perry a ruby ring and these 2 finally became engaged.
Julian felt stirrings of sexual desire for her (he lost
those feelings after being a POW) but he did not act
on them.
Per the author, bk #8 is available in Jan. 2025.
November 18, 2024
Lovely, lovely addition to this series. I loved every page.
"Lord Julian Caldicott is standing in for his ducal brother as manager of Yuletide merriment at the family seat. Alas for his lordship, nothing is going as planned. Cranky relatives arrive uninvited, family squabbles ensue, and Julian's annual case of the blue devils is worsening by the day.
Julian decides to combat the mayhem and melancholia by anonymously spreading good cheer. He arranges a series of discreet gifts--for the village church, for his nephew, for Caldicott Hall's retired housekeeper, and others--but every time he attempts to play secret Father Christmas, an unknown benefactor upstages him with gifts of equal generosity. Who is Julian's competitor for top elf honors and why are they determined to make this Julian's worst Christmas ever? Julian vows to find out!"
Julian does solve the mystery, of course, with the aide of his beloved Hyperia (fondly known as Perry). He also learns the identity of his father, and the cause of his almost life-long Yuletide blues. By Christmas Day, all is well--the cranky aunts are no longer cranky and peace reigns
I loved meeting Julian's sister Ginny and her family. Her husband is a jewel! Perry's brother is even shaping up to being a reasonable person. Julian's young tiger Atticus is facing a change in his fortunes, if he accepts Julian's plans for him. I like that Julian is so concerned with Atticus's future.
I thought that this might be the end of the series, but no. coming up next: A Gentleman of Sinister Schemes. I already have it on order!
"Lord Julian Caldicott is standing in for his ducal brother as manager of Yuletide merriment at the family seat. Alas for his lordship, nothing is going as planned. Cranky relatives arrive uninvited, family squabbles ensue, and Julian's annual case of the blue devils is worsening by the day.
Julian decides to combat the mayhem and melancholia by anonymously spreading good cheer. He arranges a series of discreet gifts--for the village church, for his nephew, for Caldicott Hall's retired housekeeper, and others--but every time he attempts to play secret Father Christmas, an unknown benefactor upstages him with gifts of equal generosity. Who is Julian's competitor for top elf honors and why are they determined to make this Julian's worst Christmas ever? Julian vows to find out!"
Julian does solve the mystery, of course, with the aide of his beloved Hyperia (fondly known as Perry). He also learns the identity of his father, and the cause of his almost life-long Yuletide blues. By Christmas Day, all is well--the cranky aunts are no longer cranky and peace reigns
I loved meeting Julian's sister Ginny and her family. Her husband is a jewel! Perry's brother is even shaping up to being a reasonable person. Julian's young tiger Atticus is facing a change in his fortunes, if he accepts Julian's plans for him. I like that Julian is so concerned with Atticus's future.
I thought that this might be the end of the series, but no. coming up next: A Gentleman of Sinister Schemes. I already have it on order!
November 16, 2024
It felt as if this might be the final book in the series. Much was revealed even as H continued to be unsettled about his place in the family. Secrets and kindness are revelaed. Loved it.
September 28, 2025
Mysteries solved, love served!
What a wonderfully sweet Christmas-set story! Loved all the characters and the "secret Santa" puzzle. Some family secrets are solved resolved, and Atticus is always fun. I wanted more "on screen" interaction with Julian and Leander - and the cousin, too. Hope there will be more uncle and nephew bonding in the future books!
What a wonderfully sweet Christmas-set story! Loved all the characters and the "secret Santa" puzzle. Some family secrets are solved resolved, and Atticus is always fun. I wanted more "on screen" interaction with Julian and Leander - and the cousin, too. Hope there will be more uncle and nephew bonding in the future books!
November 5, 2024
Faintly boring. Of course, it is a Christmas story, so it is supposed to be all cheer and giving, but there is no real mystery here, and the only event of any interest is that I hope the next book will be more interesting.
November 8, 2024
Good read
I very much have enjoyed all of these books. I hope Julian beta his "manly humors" back, but I love the patient way he handles the situation. I also LOVE his wry and quick sense of humor. I am so happy that he and his mother are becoming fast and close. Hyperia (where do you get some of these names!!!) is a wonderful person. So loving in her practical and patient way. I hope there are a few more of these books. I am excited for the next one in January! You have done a great job with character develoement!
I very much have enjoyed all of these books. I hope Julian beta his "manly humors" back, but I love the patient way he handles the situation. I also LOVE his wry and quick sense of humor. I am so happy that he and his mother are becoming fast and close. Hyperia (where do you get some of these names!!!) is a wonderful person. So loving in her practical and patient way. I hope there are a few more of these books. I am excited for the next one in January! You have done a great job with character develoement!
October 23, 2024
Book seven in the delightful Lord Julian Mysteries is A GENTLEMAN UNDER THE MISTLETOE is a cozy historical by a favorite author, Grace Burrowes. Set in bucolic Napoleonic England, A GENTLEMAN UNDER THE MISTLETOE is further enriched by the setting of a charming Christmas season I the countryside. The snow and the decorations feel so richly seasonal and historical- it’s delicious!
Burrowes is best known for her gentle historical romances (which I love to snuggle into), but I adore her mystery books even more. In book seven, the mystery is more low stakes: Who is coming up with the same insanely generous gift ideas that Lord Julian is trying to give on the sly, and beating him to the punch to top it off?! The lack of murder or crime in this particular book allows the reader to relax into the tender flow of the storylines.
Lord Julian Caldicott is the third son of the prior Waltham duke, who served as a spy during the Napoleonic War and was captured and tortured as a prisoner of war. Julian has been discovering that he can use his well-honed spy skills to successfully investigate domestic crimes. Julian is such a relatable character, and I find him incredibly endearing in his honor and earnestness.
This holiday, Julian’s older brother the earl is traveling on the continent, and it falls to Julian to act as the head of household. Family and some friends gather from far & wide to celebrate the holidays together. Burrowes always brings us heartwarming settings, and A GENTLEMAN UNDER THE MISTLETOE continues that trend and well as bringing forth this series’ themes of redemption and of relationship repair.
Readers cheering for Lord Julian and his lady-love, Hyperia West will be pleased at the forward progress that their relationship achieves here. There is a gentle thread of romance woven throughout this mystery series, and I adore it! Both Hyperia and Julian are such admirable characters- upstanding and altogether engaging. Hyperia usually helps Julian in his investigations, and here she helps him navigate the challenges to his heart that new familial discoveries bring.
Burrowes’ A GENTLEMAN UNDER THE MISTLETOE blends historical mystery and romance in an inviting holiday tale sure to warm your heart.
Burrowes is best known for her gentle historical romances (which I love to snuggle into), but I adore her mystery books even more. In book seven, the mystery is more low stakes: Who is coming up with the same insanely generous gift ideas that Lord Julian is trying to give on the sly, and beating him to the punch to top it off?! The lack of murder or crime in this particular book allows the reader to relax into the tender flow of the storylines.
Lord Julian Caldicott is the third son of the prior Waltham duke, who served as a spy during the Napoleonic War and was captured and tortured as a prisoner of war. Julian has been discovering that he can use his well-honed spy skills to successfully investigate domestic crimes. Julian is such a relatable character, and I find him incredibly endearing in his honor and earnestness.
This holiday, Julian’s older brother the earl is traveling on the continent, and it falls to Julian to act as the head of household. Family and some friends gather from far & wide to celebrate the holidays together. Burrowes always brings us heartwarming settings, and A GENTLEMAN UNDER THE MISTLETOE continues that trend and well as bringing forth this series’ themes of redemption and of relationship repair.
Readers cheering for Lord Julian and his lady-love, Hyperia West will be pleased at the forward progress that their relationship achieves here. There is a gentle thread of romance woven throughout this mystery series, and I adore it! Both Hyperia and Julian are such admirable characters- upstanding and altogether engaging. Hyperia usually helps Julian in his investigations, and here she helps him navigate the challenges to his heart that new familial discoveries bring.
Burrowes’ A GENTLEMAN UNDER THE MISTLETOE blends historical mystery and romance in an inviting holiday tale sure to warm your heart.
October 26, 2024
In an interesting departure from previous Lord Julian Mysteries, the intrigue here is ostensibly of less consequence than in the other stories…no one’s reputation is at risk from the release of personal letters, no one is being accused of crimes they didn’t commit, no errant wife needs to be located, etc. Instead, the mystery dogging Lord Julian is that someone is upstaging his “Secret Santa” gifts and it’s making him crazy at a time of year when he is already experiencing a foul mood. His efforts to keep up with the ducal duties cast upon him by his traveling brother along with the many guests, some invited and some not, don’t make the Yuletide season any easier. A secondary story involves Lord Julian’s provenance, the question of who sired him. Aiding him in all his quests is the lovely and loved, Lady Hyperia (Perry) West, Lord Julian’s unofficial fiancé. As in previous stories, the relationship among the various characters grows and matures in a completely beautiful and satisfying fashion. Lord Julian’s “tiger” Atticus, play a smaller role in this story than in some of the others, however, his circumstances undergo a sea change for the young man’s future. All in all, this is a beautiful addition to the Lord Julian Mysteries and will leave the reader enraptured and looking forward to the next Lord Julian Mystery. As with all the other Lord Julian Mysteries, this could be read as a standalone, as Ms. Burrowes provides enough historical details to keep a new reader from being confused, but I strongly suggest reading the entire series, as each and every Lord Julian Mystery is wonderful! This book was provided by the author without any requirement for a review, positive or otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own.
August 11, 2025
Lord Julian books continue to please
As with the previous books in the series, this book has its mysteries; however, the tone of this story is lighthearted in many ways… But it also answers long-standing questions, and we are witness to more deep introspection on Lord Julian‘s part to make sense of where he fits into his family, as well as who he is as a man; what he needs to hold onto; and, what can be let go simply because it makes sense to do so after all this time.
There are a great many plot shifts and surprises in this book. Perhaps because it takes place during the Christmas season, the little seasonal miracles seem to be totally apropos. I found there were also answers to some long-standing questions in several areas of Lord Julian‘s life.
It continues to amaze me how the writer, a woman, can so artfully and seemingly realistically, write from a man’s point of view.
The books provide puzzles and plot “roundabouts,” which frustrate Lord Julian, and also, no doubt, tweak the interest and imagination of the reader. And they always seem to end too quickly for me.
I very much enjoyed the book, and look forward to the next in the series.
As with the previous books in the series, this book has its mysteries; however, the tone of this story is lighthearted in many ways… But it also answers long-standing questions, and we are witness to more deep introspection on Lord Julian‘s part to make sense of where he fits into his family, as well as who he is as a man; what he needs to hold onto; and, what can be let go simply because it makes sense to do so after all this time.
There are a great many plot shifts and surprises in this book. Perhaps because it takes place during the Christmas season, the little seasonal miracles seem to be totally apropos. I found there were also answers to some long-standing questions in several areas of Lord Julian‘s life.
It continues to amaze me how the writer, a woman, can so artfully and seemingly realistically, write from a man’s point of view.
The books provide puzzles and plot “roundabouts,” which frustrate Lord Julian, and also, no doubt, tweak the interest and imagination of the reader. And they always seem to end too quickly for me.
I very much enjoyed the book, and look forward to the next in the series.
November 3, 2024
Reading the Lord Julian mysteries has been enjoyable on the whole. Some investigations were more interesting than others, but I loved this particular instalment. Ms Burrowes throwaway comments and ironic style, so different in this series than in her other books is a delight. The characters are developing and it is heart-warming to see Julian gradually emerging from the damage he suffered during the Napoleonic wars. We also learn more about the Caldicotts family and I have to admit to having guessed the identity of the anonymous Father Christmas Possibly the weakest strand of the story was that of Hyperia's brother. It felt as if the author had decided it was a strand not worth continuing. Of course, it maybe that she is sowing the seeds of further adventures in her next tale. There is certainly plenty more to entertain us in future stories, not least what will happen to the delightful Atticus.
I spent several very enjoyable hours and am really looking forward to the next volume due to be published in January.
I spent several very enjoyable hours and am really looking forward to the next volume due to be published in January.
November 3, 2024
Love, love this book! Beautiful writing, subtle character revelations
Just like the previous Lord Julian mysteries and other books by Grace Burrowes, the writing in this one is gorgeous. The frequent, accurate use of vocabulary common in the past, as well as Julian's delightful allusions to history and literature, combine to create an authentic reflection of the period. Many tiny details build the Regency period masterfully.
Julian often remembers his military experiences and insights regarding human character and behavior as apt metaphors for the current goings-on. His military and previous memories add layers to the understanding we have of him via his conversations and actions with others.
Other people (and animals!) in the story come to life with just the right amount of well-chosen detail. Interesting and believable in their own right, they give the story additional depth and texture.
Just like the previous Lord Julian mysteries and other books by Grace Burrowes, the writing in this one is gorgeous. The frequent, accurate use of vocabulary common in the past, as well as Julian's delightful allusions to history and literature, combine to create an authentic reflection of the period. Many tiny details build the Regency period masterfully.
Julian often remembers his military experiences and insights regarding human character and behavior as apt metaphors for the current goings-on. His military and previous memories add layers to the understanding we have of him via his conversations and actions with others.
Other people (and animals!) in the story come to life with just the right amount of well-chosen detail. Interesting and believable in their own right, they give the story additional depth and texture.
November 1, 2024
This is another great installment in the Lord Julian series (though shorter than the other books)! The primary mystery is holiday themed, and of a much less urgent "tone" than the other books, but still extremely enjoyable. I really like how this book, in particular, moves several of the relationships forward a big step. We get some additional insight into Harry's backstory -- I have some deep sneaking suspicion that Harry may not really dead, but who knows?? Grace always surprises us!! While the books can, in theory, be read stand-alone (there is sufficient "key backstory" integrated in that a reader wouldn't be lost), I'd suggest reading the entire series. They are, each and every one, worth it! NOTE: I received this book as an ARC.
December 16, 2024
A Merry Christmas Present
In the seventh charming Recency novel
Lord Julian has to step into his late father's shoes and prepare the ducal estate for Christmas.
A former spy for the Duke of Wellington, he was unprepared for the past intrigues of his aging relatives, a Secret Santa who usurps his own plans to bestow anonymous gifts,
and finding the time to continue to court his beloved Perry.
As secrets are revealed and old wounds heal,
Lord Julian finds his way back to the warmth and hope of Christmases past that were lost in the horrors of war. Grace Burrowes continues to add layers to the characters, both upstairs and downstairs.
In the seventh charming Recency novel
Lord Julian has to step into his late father's shoes and prepare the ducal estate for Christmas.
A former spy for the Duke of Wellington, he was unprepared for the past intrigues of his aging relatives, a Secret Santa who usurps his own plans to bestow anonymous gifts,
and finding the time to continue to court his beloved Perry.
As secrets are revealed and old wounds heal,
Lord Julian finds his way back to the warmth and hope of Christmases past that were lost in the horrors of war. Grace Burrowes continues to add layers to the characters, both upstairs and downstairs.
March 4, 2025
Nicely done, i liked it even so Christmas specials are normally not my cup of tea. It blended lighthearted holiday troubles with Julian's very serious inner journey and brought the latter to a preliminary conclusion.
In this book some continuity problems with the earlier books became very clear, something I have suspected before but am now sure of. There has been a pony for Leander a couple of books earlier, all forgotten here, and similar problems. I suppose this is something professional editing could have prevented, but the books seem to be self-published and for that, copy-editing is outstanding.
In this book some continuity problems with the earlier books became very clear, something I have suspected before but am now sure of. There has been a pony for Leander a couple of books earlier, all forgotten here, and similar problems. I suppose this is something professional editing could have prevented, but the books seem to be self-published and for that, copy-editing is outstanding.
November 3, 2024
Julian tries to secretly bestow gifts while he is hosting a complicated family gathering during the first Christmas of his older brother’s overseas tour. The problem is that someone keeps ahead of him and so another puzzle Julian must investigate along with negotiating his growing and constant relationship with his love. In the process he accidentally learns quite a bit about his paternity and his brother Harry. It ends not only solving the mysterious gift giver identity but on a positive situation with his love
November 8, 2024
I have a fondness for Lord Julian and his family and friends especially his partner in crime and life Miss Perry West. This book takes place at Caldicott Hall and the mystery is a little lighter in nature as he is ferreting out who has beat him to the chase with all of his benevolent holiday gifts. This allows us to learn more about his sisters and some of the senior members of his family.
This series would appeal to cozy mystery readers who also like regency novels.
I look forward to 2025 and more adventures with the Lord Julian and his detective crew!
This series would appeal to cozy mystery readers who also like regency novels.
I look forward to 2025 and more adventures with the Lord Julian and his detective crew!
December 14, 2024
ooh now, the series ticks a mystery box - Julian’s parentage.
He is getting more engaged if that is possible. Thinking about the future of people reliant upon him for support, like Atticus and Leander. Will the Duke even come home from his trip to the continent?
I am not sure I would buy these if that were my only option; if that makes sense.
I am happy to read them as a library loan. it's solid, dependable, not exciting or new. and right now, that's a damn good thing.
4 stars
So far this year my library saved me $3223.83
He is getting more engaged if that is possible. Thinking about the future of people reliant upon him for support, like Atticus and Leander. Will the Duke even come home from his trip to the continent?
I am not sure I would buy these if that were my only option; if that makes sense.
I am happy to read them as a library loan. it's solid, dependable, not exciting or new. and right now, that's a damn good thing.
4 stars
So far this year my library saved me $3223.83
June 10, 2025
Lord Julian and his Party are back, but not with an investigation this time.
As Julian is standing in for his brother the Duke while he's away, he decided to resurrect the family Christmas. So his mother will hostess,Perry and her brother, two aged aunts, an uncle who's not but rather a friend of the late dukes, a neighbouring baronet and of course Atticus and Leander. Julian decided to play secret Santa to the family and village but finds someone else has duplicated his secret Santa gifts exactly.
Whilst not a traditional Lord Julian book, it has its own mysteries to be solved and so!e long running themes of the series are finally resolved.
Or are they?
As Julian is standing in for his brother the Duke while he's away, he decided to resurrect the family Christmas. So his mother will hostess,Perry and her brother, two aged aunts, an uncle who's not but rather a friend of the late dukes, a neighbouring baronet and of course Atticus and Leander. Julian decided to play secret Santa to the family and village but finds someone else has duplicated his secret Santa gifts exactly.
Whilst not a traditional Lord Julian book, it has its own mysteries to be solved and so!e long running themes of the series are finally resolved.
Or are they?
October 22, 2024
Again - another week done book in a great series by Ms Burrowes.
I have absolutely loved this series and I am so thankful to have gotten a copy.
She dies such a thorough job of creating and growing her characters. Lots of unfinished business ties up nicely in the book - but no spoilers here.
This was a great read and I loved the ending. I highly recommend - but start with the first in the series if you can. She definitely leaves you wanting for that next book!
I have absolutely loved this series and I am so thankful to have gotten a copy.
She dies such a thorough job of creating and growing her characters. Lots of unfinished business ties up nicely in the book - but no spoilers here.
This was a great read and I loved the ending. I highly recommend - but start with the first in the series if you can. She definitely leaves you wanting for that next book!
November 3, 2024
This is a 10 star read!!
I have loved this series from the beginning. I do hope it continues, please, MS Burrowes. I was getting worried because so many things were answered in this book. But, Harry's fate has not been explained and I am desperately trying to think of more reasons for the series to continue. I will definitely reread this series and keep it handy on my bookshelf of favorites. In case you have doubts, I highly recommend this book!!
I have loved this series from the beginning. I do hope it continues, please, MS Burrowes. I was getting worried because so many things were answered in this book. But, Harry's fate has not been explained and I am desperately trying to think of more reasons for the series to continue. I will definitely reread this series and keep it handy on my bookshelf of favorites. In case you have doubts, I highly recommend this book!!
November 16, 2024
. I've liked the series, but this one is a loser. I don't mind tales set around xmas, but this is almost totally focused on it. Then there's the unbelievable nonsense of somebody else getting the exact same gifts for the exact same people that Julian is getting. Sure, somebody else being anonymously charitable is ok, but for that I can't suspend belief.Also, while the relationship between Julian and Hyperia moves nicely forward, the rush for the other relationship happy endings is too false.
February 17, 2025
I really liked this book a lot. Julian is at the Hall along with his mother, assorted aunts, uncles, siblings and of course Hyperia for the Christmas season. There are no mysteries of great harm, just someone who is one-upping him on surprise Christmas gifts. There is also the question of his parentage so while no murders or stolen goods, there is still something to occupy his mind, along with all the Mail!
August 28, 2025
A Satisfying Holiday Read
I have actually looked forward to each of the next Lord Julian Caldicott and Hyperia West stories. The characters are well thought out and very endearing. They both deserve some amount of happiness especially during the holiday season. Julian is plagued with melancholy and Hyperia is plagued with worry over her brother. But both will find their answers and find ways to overcome the holiday blues.
I have actually looked forward to each of the next Lord Julian Caldicott and Hyperia West stories. The characters are well thought out and very endearing. They both deserve some amount of happiness especially during the holiday season. Julian is plagued with melancholy and Hyperia is plagued with worry over her brother. But both will find their answers and find ways to overcome the holiday blues.
October 28, 2024
Lord Julian is host to an expanding holiday house party, and has a couple mysteries to solve. Who is the anonymous gift giver, where are the family secrets hidden, and can he make good use of the mistletoe. Burrowes has done a good job balancing a quiet plot with introspection, self-depreciation, and joy. A good read any time of the year.
October 31, 2024
Love that Julian! He is trying so hard to be a good steward in Arthur's absence. His attempts to be a secret Father Christmas keep coming up short. Someone is duplicating his gifts and since they are all anonymous he can't complain. Except to his exceptional Hyperia. A year after his return from soldiering he is still getting the blue devils at Christmas, but now he gets an inkling of the source.
November 9, 2024
A proper climax to Lord Julian’s travail
It will take more readings to appreciate all Grace Burrowes’s ingenuity as a dropper of clues in unexpected places, all meshed with a complex character’s return from the conflicts of family, and love, and uncertainty. I hope you enjoy this re-reading as much as I shall, Books I through VII.
It will take more readings to appreciate all Grace Burrowes’s ingenuity as a dropper of clues in unexpected places, all meshed with a complex character’s return from the conflicts of family, and love, and uncertainty. I hope you enjoy this re-reading as much as I shall, Books I through VII.
November 13, 2024
Christmas mysterious
I enjoy Grace Burrowes writing, its cleverness and fun. Lord Julian manages to find and solve a couple of mysteries and his relationship with Hyperia progresses in this delightful addition to the series. Christmas is celebrated in a wonderful way and all is cheerfully done. One can anticipate more fun as the series continues.
I enjoy Grace Burrowes writing, its cleverness and fun. Lord Julian manages to find and solve a couple of mysteries and his relationship with Hyperia progresses in this delightful addition to the series. Christmas is celebrated in a wonderful way and all is cheerfully done. One can anticipate more fun as the series continues.
November 18, 2024
Heartfelt
A warm holiday tribute from my favorite historical romance author, Grace Burrowes. Our hero Julian Caldecott is slowly recovering from the Napoleonic Wars. He continues on with solving new and old riddles while he and Miss West support each other during life trials. All written in MS Burrowes' lovely prose. Wonderful!
A warm holiday tribute from my favorite historical romance author, Grace Burrowes. Our hero Julian Caldecott is slowly recovering from the Napoleonic Wars. He continues on with solving new and old riddles while he and Miss West support each other during life trials. All written in MS Burrowes' lovely prose. Wonderful!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews