Crystal Clear

by Marguerite Martin Gray

Would Rosalind escape the grip of gossip while hidden away in a French château?

As Rosalind’s muddied past and foggy future crystalize in Château Chenonceau, she hopes to find refuge from gossip. Even though the sequestering is not fair, Rosalind finds a friend in the owner of the château. A magical garden, Christmas ball, and crystal ornaments center her determination to rise above her marred reputation.

Luc Bélanger, retiring from battle with scars manifested in a constant drumming in his ears, plans to hide at his aunt’s château. A pretty English guest and a Christmas ball interfere with his need for rest and time to plan his next step.


Watch as the fairy tale château and the Christmas of 1879 work their magic and break the bonds of propriety, perhaps leading to healing and purpose.

Genres: Christmas

133 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2024

About the author

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of the Revolutionary Faith Series, the Gardens in Time series, two books in Suamalie Islands series, the Elements of Hope series, and Christmas novellas. She enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and rescue cats and dog. Her two adult children and two grandsons keep her young and energetic.

Reviews

[Kav · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beguiling Christmas romance with some historical significance. The Château Chenonceau is a real place – a French fairy tale castle that captured the author’s imagination when she was a young girl. Love how she found a way to tie it into one of her stories. And two secondary characters are real people out of the pages of history. One of them is quite famous so that was a fun surprise.

There is a fairy tale quality to this story but it also has a significant inspirational influence which I so appreciated.

“My God is bigger than we are. I’m not deterred. But He doesn’t promise the answer I want, only an answer and a plan.”

A touching redemption story for a beleaguered soldier searching for peace and the young English woman who is instrumental in helping him find hope in unexpected places.

[Viola Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

This was absolutely beautiful. The perfect little French based historical novella that revolves around sparkling crystal ornaments and plenty of Christmas magic. It hit the spot. Plus an appearance by Claude Debussy?!?! 🥰

The half star off is because I saw several typos and a couple incorrectly used words. Either it needed a copyeditor or the editor needed another read through 🙈.

[Charlotte Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice, cozy, clean-cut, Christian romance novella. It was a quick but nice read that was set in France. I love Christmas books and this one didn't disappoint. You should definitely check it out.

[Beth Westcott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chateau Chenonceau is the perfect place for Rosalind Farley Marrow, aka Rose Farley, to escape the scandal caused by her sister's elopement and broken engagement. There she meets reclusive Captain Luc Belanger, the nephew of her hostess Marguerite Pelouse. The beauty of the chateau, the kindness of her hostess, and the magic of Christmas bring peace, hope and joy to Rose and Luc and help guide them into the future God has planned for them. A sweet romance filled with the meaning of Christmas.

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this was the first time I read it in print. Thank you to everyone who made this a reality.

[Cindy Pye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is enchanting! I loved every page. I'll definitely read it again. The characters were colorful, entertaining, and fun to spend time with and get to know.

[Carole Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished this sweet love story!
Such a lovely Christmas romance with history and a chateau!

[Lynn Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sparkling unexpected romance. The cover is perfect for the story!

[Edie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little Christmas story that brightened my days.