What do you think?
Rate this book
Regency Christmas Brides
A Seasonal Pursuit
**Regency Christmas Four festive tales of romance.
'Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the house, four cousins have been told they all need a spouse...
Have yourself a married little Christmas…
Rose Portman, determined spinster, has a bit of a predicament. Her great aunt has challenged her to get married before Twelfth Night and promised that, if she does, Rose will inherit the perfect country cottage with the funds to maintain it. Rose has always wanted to get away from London and Society, and this could be her chance! But the catch is that Rose has to attend a holiday house party in York and find a husband among the guests. Worst of all… she must marry for love.
Webb Rixton, Lord Downing, is attending a holiday house party hosted by his neighbor, but only because his mother and sister are making him. He knows his young children need a mother, but no one could possibly replace his late wife, so marriage and love are the last things on his mind. Still, he thinks he might have found a friend in the refreshingly frank Miss Portman, and a friend could be just what he needs to return to the land of the living. When she tells him of her situation, and her plot to thwart it, he is determined to help her, setting them both on a path of the most unexpected nature.
Will this season be particularly jolly for Rose and Webb? Or will the weather not be the only thing that is frightful?*Decking the halls has never been quite so jolly in this sweet, snarky, swoonworthy holiday romance. Read as a stand-alone, or enjoy it as the last book in the Regency Christmas Brides series.
A Seasonal Pursuit by Rebecca Connolly
Rules of a Ruse by Laura Beers
Yuletide Bride by Kasey Stockton
Married by Twelfth Night by Anneka Walker
'Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the house, four cousins have been told they all need a spouse...
Have yourself a married little Christmas…
Rose Portman, determined spinster, has a bit of a predicament. Her great aunt has challenged her to get married before Twelfth Night and promised that, if she does, Rose will inherit the perfect country cottage with the funds to maintain it. Rose has always wanted to get away from London and Society, and this could be her chance! But the catch is that Rose has to attend a holiday house party in York and find a husband among the guests. Worst of all… she must marry for love.
Webb Rixton, Lord Downing, is attending a holiday house party hosted by his neighbor, but only because his mother and sister are making him. He knows his young children need a mother, but no one could possibly replace his late wife, so marriage and love are the last things on his mind. Still, he thinks he might have found a friend in the refreshingly frank Miss Portman, and a friend could be just what he needs to return to the land of the living. When she tells him of her situation, and her plot to thwart it, he is determined to help her, setting them both on a path of the most unexpected nature.
Will this season be particularly jolly for Rose and Webb? Or will the weather not be the only thing that is frightful?*Decking the halls has never been quite so jolly in this sweet, snarky, swoonworthy holiday romance. Read as a stand-alone, or enjoy it as the last book in the Regency Christmas Brides series.
A Seasonal Pursuit by Rebecca Connolly
Rules of a Ruse by Laura Beers
Yuletide Bride by Kasey Stockton
Married by Twelfth Night by Anneka Walker
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2024
711 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Connolly
91 books1,257 followersI was born once upon a time, and I started making up stories right away. Eventually, I started writing them down, and never stopped! I have a day job, which gets in the way of my writing, but it pays the bills so I CAN write, so I guess that's okay! I am a bookworm, which I think is key to being a writer, and I am always looking for inspiration! I live in Indiana, am obsessed with hot chocolate, and I am on track to be the best aunt in the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
November 30, 2025
4.25/5
This was such a festive, humour-filled, heartwarming regency novella! 🎄I thoroughly enjoyed the story and LOVED the banter between Rose and Webb. I typically enjoy and appreciate stories where one of the love interests has been widowed, and while I think a longer novel makes for a more compelling and realistically portrayed grief journey, I think the author wrote the widower perspective well. I also loved Webb’s family! Rose was a little arrogant but I found her relatable in some ways. I had a lovely time listening to the audiobook - highly recommend!
This was such a festive, humour-filled, heartwarming regency novella! 🎄I thoroughly enjoyed the story and LOVED the banter between Rose and Webb. I typically enjoy and appreciate stories where one of the love interests has been widowed, and while I think a longer novel makes for a more compelling and realistically portrayed grief journey, I think the author wrote the widower perspective well. I also loved Webb’s family! Rose was a little arrogant but I found her relatable in some ways. I had a lovely time listening to the audiobook - highly recommend!
December 7, 2024
4.25 ⭐️ The banter/dialogue and Webb’s raucous & loving family are the best parts of this book! I wish we could get Fred and Bash’s stories instead of Rose’s cousins, but either way this was a delightful Christmasy Regency read.
The reason this didn’t get 5 stars: the premise felt contrived, I don’t like insta-love (though this didn’t have too much of that feeling since they were friends first), and Rose could be a bit too prickly and intellectually superior at times. But Webb is a dear and seeing them both grow was sweet.
I want Connolly to write more historical romances! Her writing is wonderful.
Quotes:
There was something soft in this moment between them. Something that wasn’t friendship or any shade of romance. It was a sort of contentment. Something binding in a way. And it released a tension in his chest he’d forgotten had been living in there.
“I’d rather be influential in my local society. There’s nothing that says all influence belongs to London, or that society does. I shall enjoy being a free-spoken older woman, locally terrified and respected, secretly admired. Perhaps I will even host Christmas parties and let revelry commence within my discerning eye.”
“Revelry,” Web repeated, nodding in thought. “You’d permit revelry under your watchful eye?”
“To our mutually beneficial mischief then.” Rose tapped her glass to his.
“A length of time filled with disappointment makes it difficult to summon something as vulnerable as hope. Far easier to harden oneself and stop wishing entirely. It hurts less.”
Content: a few H words, kisses only, subtle references to married intimacy in epilogue
The reason this didn’t get 5 stars: the premise felt contrived, I don’t like insta-love (though this didn’t have too much of that feeling since they were friends first), and Rose could be a bit too prickly and intellectually superior at times. But Webb is a dear and seeing them both grow was sweet.
I want Connolly to write more historical romances! Her writing is wonderful.
Quotes:
There was something soft in this moment between them. Something that wasn’t friendship or any shade of romance. It was a sort of contentment. Something binding in a way. And it released a tension in his chest he’d forgotten had been living in there.
“I’d rather be influential in my local society. There’s nothing that says all influence belongs to London, or that society does. I shall enjoy being a free-spoken older woman, locally terrified and respected, secretly admired. Perhaps I will even host Christmas parties and let revelry commence within my discerning eye.”
“Revelry,” Web repeated, nodding in thought. “You’d permit revelry under your watchful eye?”
“To our mutually beneficial mischief then.” Rose tapped her glass to his.
“A length of time filled with disappointment makes it difficult to summon something as vulnerable as hope. Far easier to harden oneself and stop wishing entirely. It hurts less.”
Content: a few H words, kisses only, subtle references to married intimacy in epilogue
December 17, 2024
So sweet, so enjoyable!
November 2, 2024
Loved it!!! So sweet. So christmasy! Just good-hearted swoonie romance. Just what my little heart loves. I love this story. This is a woman who is hardened by life but you love her and you root for her. You don't want to dislike her You want her to find her happiness. And leading man was just amazing. Everything you could ever want in a leading man. Such good moments. Really enjoyed this.
December 1, 2024
DNF. I got 25 % through this and was hating it. The FMC was so weird. Who talks like that to someone they just met? No wonder why she wasn’t married, she was judgmental and rude and just said off the wall things and over shared personal things. And no way would they go by their ‘Christian names’ the first night meeting each other.
The FMC also was so angry she saw children at the house party and even went as far to make sure they weren’t staying nearby her room. What the heck? It’s like those Karens who get mad when children are on planes. Also, these were rich kids, they would have been well behaved with nurses and governesses. They wouldn’t have bothered anyone, so her complaining was crazy.
I really couldn’t stand the FMC anymore and had to give up the book.
The FMC also was so angry she saw children at the house party and even went as far to make sure they weren’t staying nearby her room. What the heck? It’s like those Karens who get mad when children are on planes. Also, these were rich kids, they would have been well behaved with nurses and governesses. They wouldn’t have bothered anyone, so her complaining was crazy.
I really couldn’t stand the FMC anymore and had to give up the book.
April 22, 2025
I’m a bit tired of reading romance authors who sit in judgment upon English regency culture and swap out the behavior and beliefs that dominated at the time for their own modern American behavior, culture, and beliefs. It would have been fine if set it in the present day, but I couldn’t enjoy it as a historical fiction romance.
November 22, 2024
Great story! I always love when the couple is working together to find a match for one of them and fall in love with each other.
Content: couple uses of “h*ll”
Content: couple uses of “h*ll”
December 15, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
There’s just something about a matchmaking, meddlesome relative that tickles my fancy! (In the fictional realm, we can pass on it in reality, thanks. 😂)
When Aunt Edith gives 4 cousins an ultimatum to be married by Twelfth Night in order to win what their hearts most desire, they must decide if it’s worth the risk. And a risk it most certainly is.
I empathized with Rose so much… we’re much alike, she and I. Her relationship with Webb is very sweet (and he’s the best sort of gentleman), even if it did feel a bit more modern than era appropriate in some situations. The scene when Webb talks her down from a panic attack was the cutest thing!
Do I wish we were going to get Webb’s brothers’ stories? Yes. Because Fred & Bash are a riot. 🤣
Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a sweet regency Christmas romance!
Content: a couple uses of h*ll
There’s just something about a matchmaking, meddlesome relative that tickles my fancy! (In the fictional realm, we can pass on it in reality, thanks. 😂)
When Aunt Edith gives 4 cousins an ultimatum to be married by Twelfth Night in order to win what their hearts most desire, they must decide if it’s worth the risk. And a risk it most certainly is.
I empathized with Rose so much… we’re much alike, she and I. Her relationship with Webb is very sweet (and he’s the best sort of gentleman), even if it did feel a bit more modern than era appropriate in some situations. The scene when Webb talks her down from a panic attack was the cutest thing!
Do I wish we were going to get Webb’s brothers’ stories? Yes. Because Fred & Bash are a riot. 🤣
Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a sweet regency Christmas romance!
Content: a couple uses of h*ll
November 30, 2024
The heroine in this book has the type of personality I typically do not like in a book (wants to be independent from others with a passion). But I loved how she slowly realized that independence and solitude were only something she thought she wanted. So many disappointments made her lose hope in and forgo her original dream of marriage. Solitude was an escape, not the answer.
This sums it up perfectly:
"What did she want? That was the question that haunted her at the moment. She had spent so long wanting to be left alone, after years of regularly being forced into a long series of events that always ended in disappointments, that it had never occurred to her that anything else was possible. She had convinced herself that the only solution for her happiness was that escape she had clung to. What if there was something else after all?"
And Webb. He couldn't be any funnier or more sweet. I adored his character. Now, I'm hoping for books about Fred and Bash so I can read more about Webb, Rose, the kids, and the rest of the Rixton family!
Rebecca Connolly is a fabulous author. I've loved every book I've read of hers. This is no exception! It's one of the best books I've read this year.
Edited to add: I listened to the audiobook the second time around and loved it. Jessica Elisa Boyd is a wonderful narrator for Regency books.
This sums it up perfectly:
"What did she want? That was the question that haunted her at the moment. She had spent so long wanting to be left alone, after years of regularly being forced into a long series of events that always ended in disappointments, that it had never occurred to her that anything else was possible. She had convinced herself that the only solution for her happiness was that escape she had clung to. What if there was something else after all?"
And Webb. He couldn't be any funnier or more sweet. I adored his character. Now, I'm hoping for books about Fred and Bash so I can read more about Webb, Rose, the kids, and the rest of the Rixton family!
Rebecca Connolly is a fabulous author. I've loved every book I've read of hers. This is no exception! It's one of the best books I've read this year.
Edited to add: I listened to the audiobook the second time around and loved it. Jessica Elisa Boyd is a wonderful narrator for Regency books.
November 14, 2024
Oh man I enjoyed this one immensely! I kinda hate the premise though. 4 cousins have been told by their great aunt that they need to be married before 12th night or they won’t get something from her that they each want. This book is about Rose, the only girl of the cousins. So I kinda hate that they have to fine love fast, BUT Connelly knows how to do it! I loved Webb! This was a grumpy and sunshine situation but Rose was the grump and Webb was the sunshine. Rose and Webb meet at a house party and she enlists him to help her find a suitor. They become fast friends and well…you have to read it to find out the rest! It’s super cute!!!
October 25, 2024
A fantastic must read
Rose desires to live independently, alone. Not that she disliked family but that just wasn’t her future. Now she has been offered the inheritance of a cottage with money to fund it, if she finds love before Twelfth Night. She is soon on her way to a house party in hopes of finding someone to marry that will then agree to let her live on her own. Arriving at the party she soon meets Webb, a member of the party who lost his wife eighteen months earlier. Explaining her dilemma to him, he agrees to help her find the man she needs. As they work to find her a husband and with trips to Webb’s nearby house to spend time with his two young children, they find themselves changing in ways they never expected. A must read for all. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
Rose desires to live independently, alone. Not that she disliked family but that just wasn’t her future. Now she has been offered the inheritance of a cottage with money to fund it, if she finds love before Twelfth Night. She is soon on her way to a house party in hopes of finding someone to marry that will then agree to let her live on her own. Arriving at the party she soon meets Webb, a member of the party who lost his wife eighteen months earlier. Explaining her dilemma to him, he agrees to help her find the man she needs. As they work to find her a husband and with trips to Webb’s nearby house to spend time with his two young children, they find themselves changing in ways they never expected. A must read for all. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
October 18, 2024
Absolutely delightful. Enjoyed every page-turning moment of it. Always a fan of the Author's writing style. Always "speaks" to me. I was smiling all the way through. The details if the era's celebrations just adds to the flavour of the story. What topped the list of what I appreciated the most? The truly candid conversation. Oh to be able to be so free, to truly BE yourself and speak it out. Enticing. I would need to expand my vocabulary to do justice to how much I enjoyed this book. A+++
February 15, 2025
The story was fine, but the odd choice of dialogue descriptors kept throwing me off. The MCs seemed to ‘hiss’, ‘snort’, ‘huff’, ‘scoff’, ‘snicker’, and ‘grunt’ an excessive number of times. :-)
December 28, 2024
Such a darling Christmas historical romance! I loved the characters and Christmas setting.
Rose is independent, strong and incredibly witty. I enjoyed getting to know her and seeing her open up to Webb. She is snarky and direct which felt refreshing in this Regency setting. While she starts the story focused on gaining more independence with the potential inheritance of the cottage from her Aunt Edith, she soon sees so much more potential in her future. I loved seeing her realize that there is more to life than simple financial independence. And seeing her fall in love was such a delight.
I loved Webb so much! A widower, he has spent the last few years living for his children. I loved how quickly he and Rose connect and their witty banter is truly fantastic. Their friendship is genuine and so endearing. I could see their obvious chemistry long before Aunt Edith's arrival. Webb loves fiercely and is incredibly loyal. It was a treat to see those traits in him connect to Rose and how much he comes to care for her.
The Christmas setting was so delightful. I loved the Christmas traditions like decorating the house and the presents from the children on Christmas. The feasts. The balls. The mistletoe. And the magic. It was such a lovely backdrop to this story of love, hope and beautiful futures.
Already started book 2 and loving it!
Rose is independent, strong and incredibly witty. I enjoyed getting to know her and seeing her open up to Webb. She is snarky and direct which felt refreshing in this Regency setting. While she starts the story focused on gaining more independence with the potential inheritance of the cottage from her Aunt Edith, she soon sees so much more potential in her future. I loved seeing her realize that there is more to life than simple financial independence. And seeing her fall in love was such a delight.
I loved Webb so much! A widower, he has spent the last few years living for his children. I loved how quickly he and Rose connect and their witty banter is truly fantastic. Their friendship is genuine and so endearing. I could see their obvious chemistry long before Aunt Edith's arrival. Webb loves fiercely and is incredibly loyal. It was a treat to see those traits in him connect to Rose and how much he comes to care for her.
The Christmas setting was so delightful. I loved the Christmas traditions like decorating the house and the presents from the children on Christmas. The feasts. The balls. The mistletoe. And the magic. It was such a lovely backdrop to this story of love, hope and beautiful futures.
Already started book 2 and loving it!
December 14, 2024
clean romance
A sweet story of one of four cousins in this seasonal series.
Rose and Webb are delightful characters who are only half of what they normally are. Each has lost part of themselves, one through death, the other through disappointment.
The humor and wit between them is wonderfully funny and I laughed out loud on several occasions.
I look forward to the next in the series.
A sweet story of one of four cousins in this seasonal series.
Rose and Webb are delightful characters who are only half of what they normally are. Each has lost part of themselves, one through death, the other through disappointment.
The humor and wit between them is wonderfully funny and I laughed out loud on several occasions.
I look forward to the next in the series.
July 21, 2025
[4.5 stars]
This is a super cute, funny and sweet, regency Christmas romance. It lacks great depth, and is really more an exploration of regency parlor games and Christmas tradition. It’s cozy and enjoyable, however, and great for those looking for a feel-good Christmas escape.
For audiobook fans, the narrator does a great job.
Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is no real mention of faith or God.
This is a super cute, funny and sweet, regency Christmas romance. It lacks great depth, and is really more an exploration of regency parlor games and Christmas tradition. It’s cozy and enjoyable, however, and great for those looking for a feel-good Christmas escape.
For audiobook fans, the narrator does a great job.
Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is no real mention of faith or God.
January 13, 2025
Absolutely lovey…
You can’t help but fall in love with Webb and Rose and how their friendship seems to turn to more. The wit and bantering is wonderfully entertaining and the sizzling kisses at the end leaves you wishing for more time with the characters. In fact, I might just re-read the kissing moments just because.
You can’t help but fall in love with Webb and Rose and how their friendship seems to turn to more. The wit and bantering is wonderfully entertaining and the sizzling kisses at the end leaves you wishing for more time with the characters. In fact, I might just re-read the kissing moments just because.
December 30, 2024
I love reading regency Christmas novels at Christmastime because they're almost guaranteed to be fully Christmasy. I loved the characters in this story, their frankness, and sense of humor. I particularly enjoyed the last 3 chapters.
December 22, 2025
A very sweet and fun Christmas romance
March 28, 2025
"...focused on making merry..."
"...focused on making merry, making mischief, and in her case, making matches."
This was truly a delightful story. The merry-making, the quick witt, the honesty and character growth culminated into a memorable tale that stays with you long after the last page.
"...focused on making merry, making mischief, and in her case, making matches."
This was truly a delightful story. The merry-making, the quick witt, the honesty and character growth culminated into a memorable tale that stays with you long after the last page.
November 9, 2024
A Seasonal Pursuit
by: Rebecca Connolly
@author.rebecca.connolly
“Feel my heart and let it steady you.”
-I give 4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
“You are capable of a great love, if you will set your mind and, more im-portantly, your heart on it.”
~‘Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the house, four cousins have been told they all need a spouse... Have yourself a married little Christmas...
Rose Portman, determined spinster, has a bit of a predicament. Her great aunt has challenged her to get married before Twelfth Night and promised that, if she does, Rose will inherit the perfect country cottage with the funds to maintain it. Rose has always wanted to get away from London and Society, and this could be her chance! But the catch is that Rose has to attend a holiday house party in York and find a husband among the guests. Worst of all... she must marry for love…
“I never wanted you to make yourself anything. You are perfectly likable, in your way, and should never have to conform to someone else’s ideals of how to act or be or
feel.
-A Seasonal Pursuit, is a sweet, snarky, swoonworthy holiday romance, in the Regency Christmas Brides series. It’s delightfully filled with such witty banter and antics, and dear characters, Rose and Webb. Both of them are authentically themselves. I love seeing how they didn’t try to conform to societies norms and they appreciate that about each other. They found friendship in each other and also help to bring out the best in each other along the way. This dear story is set at Christmas time but, can easily be enjoyed any time and is worth the quick but lovely read!🙌🏻📚🎄✨
“We all show love in different ways. It should not be a competition of whose love is truest or best or the most intense. What is important is the love, concern, and respect that is at the heart of it all.”
#aseasonalpursuit
#rebeccaconnolly
#allaboutthebestreads
“Win or lose, the future was bright, indeed.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“You’ve brought me back to life, Rose, and I did not even know I was gone.”
by: Rebecca Connolly
@author.rebecca.connolly
“Feel my heart and let it steady you.”
-I give 4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
“You are capable of a great love, if you will set your mind and, more im-portantly, your heart on it.”
~‘Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the house, four cousins have been told they all need a spouse... Have yourself a married little Christmas...
Rose Portman, determined spinster, has a bit of a predicament. Her great aunt has challenged her to get married before Twelfth Night and promised that, if she does, Rose will inherit the perfect country cottage with the funds to maintain it. Rose has always wanted to get away from London and Society, and this could be her chance! But the catch is that Rose has to attend a holiday house party in York and find a husband among the guests. Worst of all... she must marry for love…
“I never wanted you to make yourself anything. You are perfectly likable, in your way, and should never have to conform to someone else’s ideals of how to act or be or
feel.
-A Seasonal Pursuit, is a sweet, snarky, swoonworthy holiday romance, in the Regency Christmas Brides series. It’s delightfully filled with such witty banter and antics, and dear characters, Rose and Webb. Both of them are authentically themselves. I love seeing how they didn’t try to conform to societies norms and they appreciate that about each other. They found friendship in each other and also help to bring out the best in each other along the way. This dear story is set at Christmas time but, can easily be enjoyed any time and is worth the quick but lovely read!🙌🏻📚🎄✨
“We all show love in different ways. It should not be a competition of whose love is truest or best or the most intense. What is important is the love, concern, and respect that is at the heart of it all.”
#aseasonalpursuit
#rebeccaconnolly
#allaboutthebestreads
“Win or lose, the future was bright, indeed.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“You’ve brought me back to life, Rose, and I did not even know I was gone.”
other
November 18, 2025DNF @32%. This book had a lot going for it. I loved the setting and how the author went into detail w/the holiday games. I even liked both of the MCs at first, and sympathized with their situations. However, I came to realize the FMC was quite condescending. She used the word ridiculous a lot, and in ch. 7 she called all the fellow guests and the games they were playing stupid (several times). Too many scornful thoughts for no reason, no one had treated her badly at all. Additionally, she didn't even take the time to learn the name of her maid before traveling with her.
DNFing because my heart isn't into rooting for a FMC like that. It honestly made me sad how she viewed people she didn't know at all. If that type of thing doesn't bother you, Regency fans may enjoy this one.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator.
DNFing because my heart isn't into rooting for a FMC like that. It honestly made me sad how she viewed people she didn't know at all. If that type of thing doesn't bother you, Regency fans may enjoy this one.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator.
April 22, 2025
Rose and Webb
I read the first 20%. I found Rose a bit brash. The middle I skimmed. I found it just a bit boring. Then I gave the last 20% a chance. That was actually pretty good. It showed Webb's fun loving personality.
Favorite quote: "It had only been eighteen months since Mary had died, and while the loss was no longer sharp enough to steal his breath, it still ached in several corners of his soul."
I read the first 20%. I found Rose a bit brash. The middle I skimmed. I found it just a bit boring. Then I gave the last 20% a chance. That was actually pretty good. It showed Webb's fun loving personality.
Favorite quote: "It had only been eighteen months since Mary had died, and while the loss was no longer sharp enough to steal his breath, it still ached in several corners of his soul."
December 13, 2024
'Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the house, four cousins have been told they all need a spouse... Where can you find love or someone to marry in a month? A house party of course!!
Rose is 29, doesn't plan to marry, and enjoys being alone. When she's told she'll inherit a country cottage and the funds to maintain it from her Great-aunt Edith, Rose is delighted because she doesn't like being around Society. But there's a catch: she must attend a house party (horrors!) and marry a man also attending the house party!
Webb Rixton, Lord Downing, has been widowed for almost 2 years. His mother and sister think it's time he reenters Society by attending the house party of their neighbor. Webb knows his children need a mother figure but his heart isn't ready to love again, and he would never marry for anything other than love. And thus begins the tale of a determined spinster and a widower with 2 young children who fall in love.
I loved Rose and Webb's interactions! Rose may not have enjoyed socializing but seemed at ease with Webb fairly quickly at the house party. A few of their conversations made me laugh out loud and I loved the scenes of the parlor games. Rose's interactions with Webb's young children were sweet and showed that although she may have been thought of by some as prickly, she did have a tender side. To me, the gradual change of Rose and Webb’s relationship—from allies to something deeper—felt natural.
One of my favorite parts is when Aunt Edith visits Rose towards the end of the house party and tells her, "I never wanted you to make yourself anything. You are perfectly likable, in your way, and should never have to conform to someone else's ideals of how to act or be or feel." Rose had always thought she had to change herself in order to be loved but Webb has seen the real Rose and has fallen for her. What a lovely lesson for us all to learn.
This isn't just a Christmas romance, it's a story of love, second chances, and finding joy in unexpected places. I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Rose is 29, doesn't plan to marry, and enjoys being alone. When she's told she'll inherit a country cottage and the funds to maintain it from her Great-aunt Edith, Rose is delighted because she doesn't like being around Society. But there's a catch: she must attend a house party (horrors!) and marry a man also attending the house party!
Webb Rixton, Lord Downing, has been widowed for almost 2 years. His mother and sister think it's time he reenters Society by attending the house party of their neighbor. Webb knows his children need a mother figure but his heart isn't ready to love again, and he would never marry for anything other than love. And thus begins the tale of a determined spinster and a widower with 2 young children who fall in love.
I loved Rose and Webb's interactions! Rose may not have enjoyed socializing but seemed at ease with Webb fairly quickly at the house party. A few of their conversations made me laugh out loud and I loved the scenes of the parlor games. Rose's interactions with Webb's young children were sweet and showed that although she may have been thought of by some as prickly, she did have a tender side. To me, the gradual change of Rose and Webb’s relationship—from allies to something deeper—felt natural.
One of my favorite parts is when Aunt Edith visits Rose towards the end of the house party and tells her, "I never wanted you to make yourself anything. You are perfectly likable, in your way, and should never have to conform to someone else's ideals of how to act or be or feel." Rose had always thought she had to change herself in order to be loved but Webb has seen the real Rose and has fallen for her. What a lovely lesson for us all to learn.
This isn't just a Christmas romance, it's a story of love, second chances, and finding joy in unexpected places. I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 11, 2024
After reading ‘A Seasonal Pursuit’ I absolutely have to read the rest of the books in this multi-authored series! There’s just something about a Regency Romance at Christmastime that tickles my bibliophile fancy. Especially when the author takes her characters to a house party!
Rose is decidedly ‘on the shelf’ and content (resigned?) to it being that way. But when her great aunt dangles the temptation of her very own ‘cottage’ (ahem, their idea of a cottage and mine vary greatly!) and the funds to maintain it, well it’s hard to resist. Even with the caveat of finding a love match by Twelfth Night. So off she goes to York with a counter scheme of her own.
Webb’s widower status has kept him away from societal expectations for nearly two years. He has focused on his estate and his two (adorable!) children and is content to stay that way. But the matchmaking force is strong in the York countryside and he finds himself committed to a Christmas house party.
Webb meets Rose and, well, he can’t help but be intrigued by her unorthodox penchant for speaking her mind. Oh, the banter! The slow-burn (if you can call a month slow-burn, but it felt deliciously unhurried) romance! And the party games! I have read so many Christmas Regency stories and still can’t grasp the appeal of Snapdragon (fishing raisins out of a bowl of brandy set alight. As in on fire!) And there are enough scheming matriarchs to make things interesting. 🙂
A delightful addition to my Regency Christmas collection and one that I will definitely revisit in the future.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/12/11/a...
Rose is decidedly ‘on the shelf’ and content (resigned?) to it being that way. But when her great aunt dangles the temptation of her very own ‘cottage’ (ahem, their idea of a cottage and mine vary greatly!) and the funds to maintain it, well it’s hard to resist. Even with the caveat of finding a love match by Twelfth Night. So off she goes to York with a counter scheme of her own.
Webb’s widower status has kept him away from societal expectations for nearly two years. He has focused on his estate and his two (adorable!) children and is content to stay that way. But the matchmaking force is strong in the York countryside and he finds himself committed to a Christmas house party.
Webb meets Rose and, well, he can’t help but be intrigued by her unorthodox penchant for speaking her mind. Oh, the banter! The slow-burn (if you can call a month slow-burn, but it felt deliciously unhurried) romance! And the party games! I have read so many Christmas Regency stories and still can’t grasp the appeal of Snapdragon (fishing raisins out of a bowl of brandy set alight. As in on fire!) And there are enough scheming matriarchs to make things interesting. 🙂
A delightful addition to my Regency Christmas collection and one that I will definitely revisit in the future.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/12/11/a...
December 11, 2024
A Seasonal Pursuit
Regency Christmas Brides #1
By Rebecca Connolly
Rose Portman and three of her cousins have been promised what they most desire. There is just one catch: they are all expected to find love and marry by Twelfth Night. A Seasonal Pursuit is the first book in the Regency Christmas Brides series written by four authors.
Rose wants nothing more than to avoid society and enjoy a quiet life in a cottage. With just such a promise dangling in front of her, Rose has no choice but to attend a holiday house party in York away from her family. But can she find someone willing to marry her from amongst the other guests? And more importantly, can she find someone with whom she can find love?
Webb Rixton's mother and sister are pressuring him to find a new wife. His children need a mother, and he needs companionship. Marriage is the last thing he wants to pursue, but he agrees to attend a local house party.
Rose and Webb soon form a friendship and agree to help one another with the family pressures they are both facing. Soon, they enjoy an unexpected friendship that could lead to something more. But love, never! Rose refuses to abandon her dream, and love would undoubtedly complicate everything.
This was an enjoyable read, with all the good feelings of a family Christmas. I love series that are multi-author offerings, as they offer a fresh feel with each book. And I love Christmas reads. I highly recommend this book if you want a clean Regency holiday romance.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Regency Christmas Brides #1
By Rebecca Connolly
Rose Portman and three of her cousins have been promised what they most desire. There is just one catch: they are all expected to find love and marry by Twelfth Night. A Seasonal Pursuit is the first book in the Regency Christmas Brides series written by four authors.
Rose wants nothing more than to avoid society and enjoy a quiet life in a cottage. With just such a promise dangling in front of her, Rose has no choice but to attend a holiday house party in York away from her family. But can she find someone willing to marry her from amongst the other guests? And more importantly, can she find someone with whom she can find love?
Webb Rixton's mother and sister are pressuring him to find a new wife. His children need a mother, and he needs companionship. Marriage is the last thing he wants to pursue, but he agrees to attend a local house party.
Rose and Webb soon form a friendship and agree to help one another with the family pressures they are both facing. Soon, they enjoy an unexpected friendship that could lead to something more. But love, never! Rose refuses to abandon her dream, and love would undoubtedly complicate everything.
This was an enjoyable read, with all the good feelings of a family Christmas. I love series that are multi-author offerings, as they offer a fresh feel with each book. And I love Christmas reads. I highly recommend this book if you want a clean Regency holiday romance.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
December 2, 2024
Genre: Historical Romance (Christmas)
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
Spice: 0/5 🧼
Summary: Rose has come to terms with the idea that, after years of searching for a match in society, she will spend her days alone and she’s found peace in that idea. When her great aunt offers her a charming cottage, the perfect setting for her quiet life, it feels like a dream come true. But there’s a catch: she must find a love match, something completely at odds with the life Rose had envisioned for herself.
Thoughts: This book was such a treasure. What really stood out was the immersive feeling of stepping back in time. I loved experiencing how they lived and entertained themselves during the holiday season—it added such a rich, festive charm.
The banter in this story was sharp and quick, flowing effortlessly and keeping me completely engaged.
Rose was such a beautifully layered character. At first, she seems so secure in her role as a spinster, but the author slowly peels back her insecurities in a way that’s both profound and deeply moving. She felt incredibly real, and I couldn’t help but root for her every step of the way.
Webb was the perfect match for her, striking just the right balance of complementing and challenging her when she needed it most. Their relationship felt authentic, and I adored how their dynamic evolved throughout the story.
I love Christmas romances of all kinds, but this historical holiday romance set such a high bar. It’s a story that’s as heartfelt as it is festive, and it left me with the warmest holiday glow.
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
Spice: 0/5 🧼
Summary: Rose has come to terms with the idea that, after years of searching for a match in society, she will spend her days alone and she’s found peace in that idea. When her great aunt offers her a charming cottage, the perfect setting for her quiet life, it feels like a dream come true. But there’s a catch: she must find a love match, something completely at odds with the life Rose had envisioned for herself.
Thoughts: This book was such a treasure. What really stood out was the immersive feeling of stepping back in time. I loved experiencing how they lived and entertained themselves during the holiday season—it added such a rich, festive charm.
The banter in this story was sharp and quick, flowing effortlessly and keeping me completely engaged.
Rose was such a beautifully layered character. At first, she seems so secure in her role as a spinster, but the author slowly peels back her insecurities in a way that’s both profound and deeply moving. She felt incredibly real, and I couldn’t help but root for her every step of the way.
Webb was the perfect match for her, striking just the right balance of complementing and challenging her when she needed it most. Their relationship felt authentic, and I adored how their dynamic evolved throughout the story.
I love Christmas romances of all kinds, but this historical holiday romance set such a high bar. It’s a story that’s as heartfelt as it is festive, and it left me with the warmest holiday glow.
December 8, 2024
I enjoyed how Rose and Webb formed their friendship on helping Rose find a suitable match to fulfill the requirements from her aunt.
Things I loved about this book:
-Rose and Webbs banter and ability to make each other laugh.
-Rose’s confidence in herself and the things she said.
-how loving Webb was to his children
-Webb’s relationships with his siblings were hilarious.
-Aunt Edith’s advice to Rose about love and bravery.
Favorite Quotes:
“I’ve never thought of getting old as a crime,” Webb informed her, casually striding to view the portrait more closely. “But then, I am a man.” “Oh, indeed?” Rose gave him a questioning look, her eyes wide. “You should tell people that earlier in the conversation. It might save them a great deal of confusion.”
How torn he felt about her aunt Edith, giving him both the opportunity to meet Rose and the cause to lose her? He did not even have her, but as her friend… Her friend… He did not want to be her friend anymore. Of course, he loved their friendship and valued it, but he wanted to add to it. Add so much more and let the beauty of that unfold before them.
“You do not have to love him in exactly the same degrees and ways that he loves you,” Aunt Edith murmured with a squeeze of her hands. “You must let him love you the way that he loves, and he must accept your love the way that you love. We all show love in different ways. It should not be a competition of whose love is truest or best or the most intense. What is important is the love, concern, and respect that is at the heart of it all.”
Things I loved about this book:
-Rose and Webbs banter and ability to make each other laugh.
-Rose’s confidence in herself and the things she said.
-how loving Webb was to his children
-Webb’s relationships with his siblings were hilarious.
-Aunt Edith’s advice to Rose about love and bravery.
Favorite Quotes:
“I’ve never thought of getting old as a crime,” Webb informed her, casually striding to view the portrait more closely. “But then, I am a man.” “Oh, indeed?” Rose gave him a questioning look, her eyes wide. “You should tell people that earlier in the conversation. It might save them a great deal of confusion.”
How torn he felt about her aunt Edith, giving him both the opportunity to meet Rose and the cause to lose her? He did not even have her, but as her friend… Her friend… He did not want to be her friend anymore. Of course, he loved their friendship and valued it, but he wanted to add to it. Add so much more and let the beauty of that unfold before them.
“You do not have to love him in exactly the same degrees and ways that he loves you,” Aunt Edith murmured with a squeeze of her hands. “You must let him love you the way that he loves, and he must accept your love the way that you love. We all show love in different ways. It should not be a competition of whose love is truest or best or the most intense. What is important is the love, concern, and respect that is at the heart of it all.”
January 13, 2026
Webb and Rose meet at a house party that neither of them really wants to attend. He has not been “out in society” or done anything to enjoy himself since his wife died 18 months prior and is urged by his loving family to get out and find happiness again. He attends his neighbor’s house party, only because it is close by and he can hop back home whenever he wants to spend time with the two young children that he dotes on.
Rose is promised money and a much-desired cottage of her own by her great aunt, but only on the condition that she finds a husband (and love match) at this house party. She very much wants to grow old in her independence, and very much does not want to get married. She hopes to find a potential husband who is willing to pretend to be a love match in order to get the inheritance promised by her great aunt, and then they will live separately.
Webb was a joy. His close relationship with his family (and especially with his children) was such a breath of fresh air. Webb and Rose form a great friendship, and Webb agrees to help Rose find a man she can pretend to marry for love. I loved the Christmasy-ness of this.
I loved their witty banter, but Rose’s “refreshingly frank” demeanor was at times just downright rude and snobby.
Her Great Aunt Edith was a crotchety (but big-hearted) delight. As was the audiobook narrator Jessica Elisa Boyd – a delight that is.
Clean, witty, humorous, and sweet romance.
This was part of the Regency Christmas Brides Series and is my first read by this author. I will be looking for more of her work.
Rose is promised money and a much-desired cottage of her own by her great aunt, but only on the condition that she finds a husband (and love match) at this house party. She very much wants to grow old in her independence, and very much does not want to get married. She hopes to find a potential husband who is willing to pretend to be a love match in order to get the inheritance promised by her great aunt, and then they will live separately.
Webb was a joy. His close relationship with his family (and especially with his children) was such a breath of fresh air. Webb and Rose form a great friendship, and Webb agrees to help Rose find a man she can pretend to marry for love. I loved the Christmasy-ness of this.
I loved their witty banter, but Rose’s “refreshingly frank” demeanor was at times just downright rude and snobby.
Her Great Aunt Edith was a crotchety (but big-hearted) delight. As was the audiobook narrator Jessica Elisa Boyd – a delight that is.
Clean, witty, humorous, and sweet romance.
This was part of the Regency Christmas Brides Series and is my first read by this author. I will be looking for more of her work.
Read
December 3, 2024This is a fun twist on the “you have to get married” regency trope. Our heroine, Rose, would just as soon *not* get married—she likes her independence and dislikes like the whirl of society and the marriage mart. But her aunt knows better, and gives her until Twelfth Night to not only find a husband but fall in love with him, too! Rose would never agree, except Aunt has promised her a beloved cottage if she does.
Enter Lord Downing (Webb), a widower who is talked into attending the same house party. He is still grieving, but becomes friends with Rose and tells her all about the people she’s meeting—who drinks excessively, who can be trusted, etc. If she has to marry, she’s determined it will be to someone who won’t abuse her and who will let her be herself—not easy to come by.
Of course there are men Rose could marry but would never get along with, but matchmaking is happening on several levels. I loved the wit and banter and sly remarks about society between Rose and Webb, especially when they have to hide their laughter behind a fan or a cough. The side characters are delightful and get their own in as well.
Altogether a delightful story, well-characterized and well written. Also rather unputdownable, which unfortunately caused my work to suffer. Highly recommended.
Enter Lord Downing (Webb), a widower who is talked into attending the same house party. He is still grieving, but becomes friends with Rose and tells her all about the people she’s meeting—who drinks excessively, who can be trusted, etc. If she has to marry, she’s determined it will be to someone who won’t abuse her and who will let her be herself—not easy to come by.
Of course there are men Rose could marry but would never get along with, but matchmaking is happening on several levels. I loved the wit and banter and sly remarks about society between Rose and Webb, especially when they have to hide their laughter behind a fan or a cough. The side characters are delightful and get their own in as well.
Altogether a delightful story, well-characterized and well written. Also rather unputdownable, which unfortunately caused my work to suffer. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews