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Christmas Courtships #3
Once Upon a Winter's Eve
He thinks she's a maid. She thinks he's a penniless poet. ‘Tis the season for a misunderstanding!
Julian Knight cannot believe his luck. Spending a month with his literary hero is a dream come true, but when he starts the visit by mistaking the fellow’s daughter for the maid, Julian quickly discovers how easily a little mistake can ruin his plans.
But beneath that stern exterior, he discovers the lady isn’t quite so dour as she seems. Quite appealing, in fact. If only she would give him a chance…
Christmas is a difficult enough time, but when Angelica Callaghan is forced to entertain her father’s latest protégé, it quickly goes from bad to worse. Doubly so when the fellow keeps flirting with her! Angelica is no silly young miss to be beguiled by a few honeyed words from another poet-in-training who will end up living off his friends’ charity. Not ever again.
Romance is a fool’s game.
He wants a chance at love. She wants to be left alone. Can the warmth of the holiday season melt the ice between them?
Julian Knight cannot believe his luck. Spending a month with his literary hero is a dream come true, but when he starts the visit by mistaking the fellow’s daughter for the maid, Julian quickly discovers how easily a little mistake can ruin his plans.
But beneath that stern exterior, he discovers the lady isn’t quite so dour as she seems. Quite appealing, in fact. If only she would give him a chance…
Christmas is a difficult enough time, but when Angelica Callaghan is forced to entertain her father’s latest protégé, it quickly goes from bad to worse. Doubly so when the fellow keeps flirting with her! Angelica is no silly young miss to be beguiled by a few honeyed words from another poet-in-training who will end up living off his friends’ charity. Not ever again.
Romance is a fool’s game.
He wants a chance at love. She wants to be left alone. Can the warmth of the holiday season melt the ice between them?
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2024
146 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Nichols
37 books477 followersBorn and raised in Anchorage, M.A. Nichols is a lifelong Alaskan, though she briefly ventured south to get a fancy bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree from Utah State University—neither of which had anything to do with why she became an author, but they kept her alive while launching her publishing career.
As a child she despised reading, but thanks to her mother’s love and persistence, she saw the error of her ways and developed a deep and abiding obsession with books. Currently, she writes sweet historical romance and fantasy, but as a lover of many genres, she plans to explore more in the future.
As a child she despised reading, but thanks to her mother’s love and persistence, she saw the error of her ways and developed a deep and abiding obsession with books. Currently, she writes sweet historical romance and fantasy, but as a lover of many genres, she plans to explore more in the future.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 26, 2025
Sweet, period romance
Romance, period, sweet; series but stand alone read
Anjelica and Julian’s story was well-drawn, lovely, tragic, full of well written supporting characters, moments, introspection, and a sweet fall that gradually happened for both of them.
Lovely portrait of a family, a guest, and perception and introspection as they spent time together out of the chaos that was her passionate, impulsive, misguided family.
Their story was so lovely, true, honest, and caring. Julian’s care for her as he saw her for who she was, as she tried to hold her honor, integrity together, and keep her family from ruin, was so lovely to read and experience. Truly well-crafted, well written lovely novel that was a true portrait of human nature and decency along with a lovely, sweet, romance.
Romance, period, sweet; series but stand alone read
Anjelica and Julian’s story was well-drawn, lovely, tragic, full of well written supporting characters, moments, introspection, and a sweet fall that gradually happened for both of them.
Lovely portrait of a family, a guest, and perception and introspection as they spent time together out of the chaos that was her passionate, impulsive, misguided family.
Their story was so lovely, true, honest, and caring. Julian’s care for her as he saw her for who she was, as she tried to hold her honor, integrity together, and keep her family from ruin, was so lovely to read and experience. Truly well-crafted, well written lovely novel that was a true portrait of human nature and decency along with a lovely, sweet, romance.
November 20, 2024
Dnf at 20%
Dude shows up, treats her like the maid, takes over bedroom, is generally disdainful of her family, then topped it all off by telling her she COULD LOOK BETTER if only she would take more care with her appearance. I was 0% interested in him as a character after that.
Dude shows up, treats her like the maid, takes over bedroom, is generally disdainful of her family, then topped it all off by telling her she COULD LOOK BETTER if only she would take more care with her appearance. I was 0% interested in him as a character after that.
December 9, 2024
well written
Ms Nichols books are always well written and developed. The plots are realistic and don't have repetitive internal dialog that is annoying.
Although I would love some mystery added I enjoy her books alot.
Ms Nichols books are always well written and developed. The plots are realistic and don't have repetitive internal dialog that is annoying.
Although I would love some mystery added I enjoy her books alot.
December 21, 2025
Julian Knight is a poet at heart but a businessman by trade. He has been in correspondence with published poet Earnest Callahan and the latter invites him to spend a month with his family.
When Juilan first arrives he thinks the eldest daughter Angelica is a servant because of her plain appearance and that sets the stage for their relationship.
This time with the Callahans put Julian through it. He spends time with his idol and that family. Julian began to think this was the life for him.
What he couldn't see was why Angelica was so rigid, and unwelcoming to her own family.
Turns out Julian had a lot to learn. He slowly goes from idolizing Earnest and thinking Angelica was too serious to idolizing Angelica and thinking Earnest was self absorbed and not caring about his family.
Angelica always had too much on her plate, being the only rational one in her family. Her life probably would have broke anyone. She loses her only friend in Thomas when he goes to the navy, and she becomes de facto governess to the whole family far past spinstehood, and she has to keep reign on her father. Is there any wonder why she doesn't believe in Julian's feelings?
So part of Angelica 's story is her "falling out" with her brother. That part left me confused and shook. Did they send Thomas off as a child? Did the navy pay parents?
Also in reality what would happen with Gwenivere? Would they make a life together somewhere else? Or would she ultimately be left to fend for herself?
Should I google all if this?
When Juilan first arrives he thinks the eldest daughter Angelica is a servant because of her plain appearance and that sets the stage for their relationship.
This time with the Callahans put Julian through it. He spends time with his idol and that family. Julian began to think this was the life for him.
What he couldn't see was why Angelica was so rigid, and unwelcoming to her own family.
Turns out Julian had a lot to learn. He slowly goes from idolizing Earnest and thinking Angelica was too serious to idolizing Angelica and thinking Earnest was self absorbed and not caring about his family.
Angelica always had too much on her plate, being the only rational one in her family. Her life probably would have broke anyone. She loses her only friend in Thomas when he goes to the navy, and she becomes de facto governess to the whole family far past spinstehood, and she has to keep reign on her father. Is there any wonder why she doesn't believe in Julian's feelings?
So part of Angelica 's story is her "falling out" with her brother. That part left me confused and shook. Did they send Thomas off as a child? Did the navy pay parents?
Also in reality what would happen with Gwenivere? Would they make a life together somewhere else? Or would she ultimately be left to fend for herself?
Should I google all if this?
December 17, 2025
An okay clean read. I listened on audiobook. I liked the idea of a heroine whose father gives the appearance of being a wonderful family man but who is, as we come to learn, a selfish person whose own pleasures take precedence over his obligations to his family.
However, big disappointment when, around the final quarter of the book, the author resorted to a silly plot device in order to conveniently put an obstacle in the way of the heroine's HA.
I lost interest at that point. The author could certainly have written that plot point in a manner that would still have created a bit of a roadblock to Angelica's HA without resorting to a contrived scandal. But alas, she chose not to. Whatever.
However, big disappointment when, around the final quarter of the book, the author resorted to a silly plot device in order to conveniently put an obstacle in the way of the heroine's HA.
I lost interest at that point. The author could certainly have written that plot point in a manner that would still have created a bit of a roadblock to Angelica's HA without resorting to a contrived scandal. But alas, she chose not to. Whatever.
December 4, 2024
Julian Knight is a man of business with a poet's heart. He is elated when he receives an invitation to visit the renowned poet Ernest Callahan for a month during Christmas. He mistakes the eldest daughter for a maid, and she (Angelina) considers him a penniless poet wannabe. Over the weeks, Julian learns many lessons.
I hate to rate this book because I was going through a difficult time (my husband died), and it took me forever to finish it. I felt the story dragged, but perhaps my own life dragged instead. It took too long to get to the point where the couple could see each other for who they were. I agonized long and hard about Angelina's situation. Could she have gone to live with another relative to avoid the swamp she was living in?
I hate to rate this book because I was going through a difficult time (my husband died), and it took me forever to finish it. I felt the story dragged, but perhaps my own life dragged instead. It took too long to get to the point where the couple could see each other for who they were. I agonized long and hard about Angelina's situation. Could she have gone to live with another relative to avoid the swamp she was living in?
December 11, 2024
Kisses only.
I don’t remember reading Thomas’s story but having him in this book didn’t make it seem like I was missing something. I liked our MCs. I loved all the great insights into love vs passions. I was frustrated that Angelica’s parents wouldn’t learn from their mistakes but I think that’s true to life; there are just some people who will blame everyone except themselves. I just wanted the Callaghan to have some setbacks or something!
I don’t remember reading Thomas’s story but having him in this book didn’t make it seem like I was missing something. I liked our MCs. I loved all the great insights into love vs passions. I was frustrated that Angelica’s parents wouldn’t learn from their mistakes but I think that’s true to life; there are just some people who will blame everyone except themselves. I just wanted the Callaghan to have some setbacks or something!
March 26, 2025
Good as always
I can quite imagine that some might be irritated by how long it took the heroine to come to her senses, but I identified with so many of the sentiments in this book. I have met Ernest and understand the power and effect his belief system can have on others.
I always enjoy Ms Nichol’s books. I pull out the timeline and relationship chart every time I start a new one!! Already looking forward to the next one!
I can quite imagine that some might be irritated by how long it took the heroine to come to her senses, but I identified with so many of the sentiments in this book. I have met Ernest and understand the power and effect his belief system can have on others.
I always enjoy Ms Nichol’s books. I pull out the timeline and relationship chart every time I start a new one!! Already looking forward to the next one!
November 28, 2024
One of my favorites
Jillian and Angelica are strong characters and are what makes this story enjoyable. Showing their strength when dealing with the weaknesses and failings of most of her family makes for a great read. I was glad to see Thomas and Charity pop up and the resolution between Thomas and Angelica.
Jillian and Angelica are strong characters and are what makes this story enjoyable. Showing their strength when dealing with the weaknesses and failings of most of her family makes for a great read. I was glad to see Thomas and Charity pop up and the resolution between Thomas and Angelica.
December 5, 2024
Just lovely
This novel sparkles with wit and humour, yet turns expectations on their head. The central characters are beautifully drawn, with depth and nuance and the minor characters cleverly delineated. The story drew me in and held me to the last page.
This novel sparkles with wit and humour, yet turns expectations on their head. The central characters are beautifully drawn, with depth and nuance and the minor characters cleverly delineated. The story drew me in and held me to the last page.
April 10, 2025
Timely
Steve’s wife says, “If ever a book addressed modern culture while being set in the past, this one does. So well written. Great character development. You will want to read this and share it with everyone.”
Steve’s wife says, “If ever a book addressed modern culture while being set in the past, this one does. So well written. Great character development. You will want to read this and share it with everyone.”
November 20, 2024
Amazing! I loved it!
January 8, 2025
This was such a fun book to write. I love Angelica & Julian, and I hope you fall in love with them, too!
March 10, 2025
Worth waiting for
I loved everything about this book. I loved the way the characters met, the slow creep toward love, and especially the ending.
I loved everything about this book. I loved the way the characters met, the slow creep toward love, and especially the ending.
November 20, 2025
This was so cute, so unique! A poet-not-poet and a poet's daughter who despises poets :D
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews