Proposing Christmas: A Victorian Christmas Romance

by Ellie St. Clair

A Christmas proposal was never part of Lady Noelle’s holiday plans—especially not to London's most powerful, ruthless businessman.

When her family is pushed to the brink of financial ruin, Noelle seeks the aid of Mr. Cooper Hartwell, a man with wealth and influence to spare. But Cooper offers her a shocking he will cover her father’s debts if she agrees to pose as his fiancée throughout the festive season, helping him win over influential business connections.

Hidden enemies quickly complicate their charade, and when a rival of Cooper’s is found murdered at a holiday house party, Cooper becomes the prime suspect. Noelle and Cooper must race against time to clear his name while navigating the dangerous world of high society.

Amidst the festive splendor of a Victorian Christmas, their feelings for each other deepen. But with a killer on the loose and secrets lurking in every corner, will they find love—or lose everything to treachery?

Genres: Christmas, Historical Romance

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2024

About the author

Ellie St. Clair writes heartwarming Regency romances with spirited heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, and happily ever afters. Her passion for history shines through in richly drawn characters and romances brimming with irresistible tension.

A former journalist with an incurable love of history, she is the author of popular series such as Remingtons of the Regency and The Bluestocking Scandals. She lives in Saskatchewan, Canada, with her husband and three children.

When she isn’t crafting romantic tales or keeping up with her kids, she’s mainlining coffee, sweating it out on her Peloton, valiantly attempting to keep her plants alive, planning her next dog rescue, or dreaming of lake escapes.

Ellie loves corresponding with readers, so visit her website, email her, sign up for her newsletter or join her Facebook group for exclusive content, giveaways, and sneak peeks at upcoming books.

Contact her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/elliestclair, and sign up for her mailing list at http://www.elliestclair.com/subscribe.

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

When her family is pushed to the brink of financial ruin, Noelle seeks the aid of Mr. Cooper Hartwell, a man with wealth and influence to spare. But Cooper offers her a shock he will cover her father’s debts if she agrees to pose as his fiancée at a seasonal house party, thus helping him win over influential business connections. Hidden enemies quickly complicate their charade, and then a rival of Cooper’s is found murdered at the party.
This was so, so good, what started as a festive romance of a couple from different walks of life changed into a murder mystery that kept me guessing as to who the villain was, the author handled the mix of romance & mystery brilliantly. I loved both Cooper & Noelle, the chemistry between them sizzled but they became friends, they talked & he valued her opinion so they became true partners. This was set against the backdrop of a house party where the hosts were trying valiantly to keep the party going. I loved everything about it & read it straight through
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Marla Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the hero and heroine. Cooper and Noelle were an unlikely match made for money and status.,But they ended up being a very interesting team in solving the mystery of what happened to Northbridge and what ultimately happened to their hearts. This story has romance, a little steam and intrigue! The mystery is solved and the Christmas house party begins again in part by Coopers insistence. Do yourself a favor and read it this story if you're a fan of mysteries, romance and Christmas.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 38th book by Ellie St. Clair. I picked up 1 book in late 2017, then 2 more in 2018 and then not again until May 2022. She is quickly becoming a favorite.

I really liked this story. It was really different. I liked the concept. I liked the characters, Noelle and Cooper. It got great depth in characters and the storyline. Had a bit of Christmas spirit with a bit of intrigue. Super cute read.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a lot of stories by Ellie and believe this is my new favorite. I love when the underdog wins. There is a class difference between our lovely Lady Noelle and the investor one Mr. Copper Hartland. Cooper is a self-made man who started at the bottom. Ellie is the daughter of a Viscount. Ellie has been trying to take care of her father since her mother died. He is not a bad man and truly loves his daughter. He is also the most gullible man in England. Which is why they now are facing the loss of everything they owe. His last investment was a scam and he lost everything. Noelle has to come up with a way to save them and she has a plan. Copper is more than upset about the railroad he invested in and lost when the man run away. He never makes mistakes with money. He knows the rail road is a coming and he wants to be part of it. Now the peers he needs to invest in it will not trust him as one, he lost and two he is not one of them but a commoner. He needs to find a way to meet and talk to the upper crust. Noelle knows Copper will be at a party and ask to speak to him. What! This is not ever done. With his curiosity peaked he follows her and hears what she has to say. The last thing he expected was to be asked to marry her! Oh, my and so starts the rest of an intriguing, suspensefully, mystery and oh yes love story too. As these two spend time together, learn secrets of the other and also both feel protective of the other. When Cooper is almost framed for murder, Noelle comes to his rescue. At a cost to herself. This house party at Lady Burtons will not be forgotten by the ton for years. There is evil at foot, a peer murdered, the villains are unexpected right to the end. Both Copper and Noelle have strong feeling, witty banter and find what both have been missing with help from the Holiday Season and fate. Wow, such a great read. This is a steamy story but well written. I would recommend it to most adults. I know I will be rereading for sure. Grab a copy to see how it all turns out. You will not be disappointed am sure. I read it in one setting (yup late night) I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a clever story with engaging characters and a storyline that will have you guessing until the very end.

You wouldn't expect the H and h to form a friendship let alone marry, but that is what happened. All was believable as it unfolded. I enjoyed the pacing of how their HEA came about - very bumpy road for sure.

Who is the real murderer? Will the H be blamed because of his low birth? Will the fake engagement become real? I've always loved reading Regency and Victorian stories, but lately I want some suspense, and this delivered! Story is filled with intrigue, twists, murders, villains, great main and secondary characters.

Lovemaking within marriage - heat level 5 out of 5. Filled with love and passion. Some crude words and the Lord's name used in vain a few times.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and steam. Spirit of Christmas was felt along with the drama.
Love the Epilogue 1 year in the future. Story ended about 91% on my e-reader, rest teaser for another story. I recommend this author because she knows how to engage her readers.

I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide to purchase. (ljb)

I received an ARC and all opinions are my own and freely given.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating Victorian Romance with Mystery and Suspense
Noelle’s father made an unfortunate investment that left their family nearly penniless. Desperate to salvage their future, Noelle devises a bold plan.
Enter Cooper Hartwell—a wealthy commoner whose investments are so influential, even the nobility takes notice. After eavesdropping on a conversation at a ball, Noelle seizes an opportunity and makes a daring proposal: a fake engagement. In exchange for access to high society, Cooper will help pay off her father’s debts. Neither of them plans to fall in love. But a house party changes everything.
What begins as a calculated arrangement turns unexpectedly dangerous when a guest is found shot—and Cooper becomes the prime suspect. As secrets unravel, it becomes clear that the failed investment was no accident. Now Cooper and Noelle must not only clear his name, but survive long enough to uncover the truth.
This is a delightful Victorian romance filled with intrigue, cross-class romance, and compelling twists. Perfect for readers who enjoy historical love stories with a touch of danger and deception.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dive into the delightful tale of a Victorian Christmas romance with Lady Noelle, who's more tangled up than a string of holiday lights. Facing a financial frostbite, she turns to Cooper Hartwell, a tycoon with more cash than the Royal Mint. Cooper's deal? He'll melt away Daddy's debts if Noelle plays his betrothed under the mistletoe. As they waltz through their faux engagement, they kindle a yuletide flame that has them wondering if love isn't the most fabulous festive favor they could unwrap.

The plot is delightfully engaging, weaving together elements of romance, drama, and holiday cheer. Lady Noelle and Cooper Hartwell's chemistry is palpable, making their journey from a faux engagement to genuine affection a joy to read. The author's writing is both elegant and evocative, capturing the essence of Victorian England while delivering a heartwarming and well-paced story. This book is a perfect festive read that will leave you smiling long after the last page.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this tale of Noelle and Cooper’s love story. She is doing her best to keep the family afloat after her father lost everything. Cooper is a self-made man shunned by the ton. What starts out as a fake betrothal , quickly turns into a fire that incinerates them both. I love the romance/mystery genre and this mystery is so well hidden, i doubt anyone can figure it out until the big reveal. The love scenes are tastefully done, though the f-bomb takes away from it (thus the 4 star rating-just NO reason for its use). The plot was well paced and the characters were developed well. I love snowy days, so the times when they were outside was a balm to my soul. I could envision what the author wrote easily with just enough description so that the reader doesn’t get bored. A swoon worthy tale to be read in front of a fire,with a blanket and favorite hot drink!

I received this story for free and these are my own views.

[Cindy Woltman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Christmas

Proposing Christmas is the perfect mixture of a proposal rouse and a murder mystery all taking place during a lavish house party. Noelle provides Cooper a gateway into the upper crust. Cooper pays off her father’s investment losses. Naturally love begins to bloom. She save him from being accused of murder. He has never known love until Noelle.
The characters are beautifully crafted. Every character has his/her well defined part. The Christmas Eve wedding is perfect reminding Noelle of her mother. The murder plot and the revelation of the culprits really peaks interest. Friendships are made that continue on after the party.
Bravo Ellie St Clair! This was the perfect story to begin my holiday reading!

[Annette Drewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant storyline. When Noelle’s father loses everything due to bad investments, Noelle will do anything to help him, including making a deal with Cooper Hartwell, a well-known businessman. What she and Cooper didn’t realise was how much this agreement between them would change their lives. Their attendance at Lady Burton’s Christmas House Party was not well received by the others, but they were determined to make the best of things. When danger reaches out towards them, Noelle and Cooper must work together to discover who is the mastermind. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie writes some of the best Christmas stories!

Noelle and Cooper agree to a fake engagement during a house party to help get him into social elite however once they get to know each other and they get involved with an mysterious murder, they decide they don't want a fake engagement for Christmas, they want a real engagement that turns into a real marriage and they can't help but fall in love with each other.

I loved this book from beginning to the end.

I can't wait to read the next book from Ellie.

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no one else.

[FULVIA BELLINATO · Rating 5 out of 5]

What appeared as an infortunate investment turns out to be so much more. That’s what brings together Cooper who never miscalculates an investment and Noelle who is trying to save her father’s reputation after both invested in a railroad company with all the potentials of success but that somehow turned out to be a scam.
They forge an alliance to help each other ( with no sentiments involved) but soon everything gets out of control and their supposed business transaction turns into something more.
Intriguing and exiting plot with a lot of steam, set during the festive season.

[Kate Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice warm christmas read, with a disappearance, a murder, and more, all set at a christmas house party. Set in Victorian times, the story is laid out well and not rushed as some shorter stories are, but flows smoothly through all the action. I really liked Noelle the heroine, as she was smart and quick thinking, but prepared to make a deal with new money to save her from the family money issues. She never expected for it all to end as it did. Well worth a christmas read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this until they started having sex. The characters felt so real to that point, but the sex was the usual cliches and the whole thing sort of collapsed for me. I had a heck of a time finishing the thing. I don't blame the author for cliched sex-- I'm sure they're expected to write sex scenes and that those sex scenes are expected to be the usual instead of unique in a way that reflects the characters.

I should just skip sex scenes but it always feels like cheating saying I've read a book when I only read great chunks of it.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What starts as a fake betrothal during a Christmas house party soon turns real as Noelle says she was with Cooper in his room during a murder. Amongst holiday cheer, there is murderer and as Cooper does his own investigating it puts them both in danger. It will take a Christmas miracle to save them. I loved how this couple got to know each other and fall in love though having a hard time admitting it.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful Christmas story with romance and a touch of intrigue. The plot of the story is a fake engagement that becomes a real marriage. Most of the setting of the story takes place at a country house party. Noelle is a great character who is bold and smart. Her counterpart is Cooper who is a wealthy businessman trying to make a way into the nobility. Together they not only fall in love but have to solve a crime.

[Robert Maloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Story

Such a sweet story! I immediately fell in love with both Noelle and Cooper. Their mutual agreement to pretend to be engaged in order to benefit each other. For Noelle she needs some of her father’s debts to be repaid and Cooper, a businessman, needs to make some connections in order to further his business. The book is filled with love, passion, friendship, mystery and intrigue. Don’t pass this one up! It’s a delightful charming read.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What started out as a proposal to get her family out of financial ruin ends up as a love match. The heroine actually proposes to a businessman who needs help entering the upper society. They have some witty banter, but at a house party some one is murdered and it looks like the hero is being framed. This story goes from a marriage of convenience to a murder mystery which is very intriguing. I enjoyed the read.

[Shirley Hamlod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I like how Cooper and Noelle set up a business arrangement and then decide they need to be together forever. The main scene of the story is a Christmas house party and Cooper has come along to network. Noelle agrees to help him but their feelings soon change towards one another. However, dark forces are working against them in the background and two murders occur before they can live happily ever after. Great characters and an interesting plot.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a lotta of tropes…

Lady Noelle, proposes a deal with Cooper Hartwell. She’s sacrificing herself and playing his fiancée so Cooper can advance socially and he will pay her fathers debt. I liked Cooper. But then there’s a whole other story once he’s accused of murder. So it’s a mashup of tropes.
Recommend.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful story with a commoner hero and a society heroine. Once they meet, plans are made and contracts are written. I enjoyed that Noelle's character is just as intelligent as Cooper's. What starts out as a fake betrothal ends up with so much adventure. This is a fast paced novel that kept me guessing the whole way through!

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder for the Christmas Season
After her father lost everything in a bad investment, Noelle proposes a fake betrothal to a rich commoner, Cooper Hartwell, to enable him to rub elbows with members of Society. However, when a guest is murdered at the Christmas house party which they are attending, and Cooper is suspected of the deed, they will have to do everything to find the culprit.

[kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent story but the repeated use of the F bomb, particularly while they were having sex threw me out of the story. Just not my idea of a Victorian Christmas Romance I guess. Didn't fit into the story some how. Better words would have sufficed.

Thank God for Carla Kelly, Barbara Metzger, Mary Balogh, Anne Gracie etc. Writers with a Thesauras.

[Aj · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very engaging Victorian Christmas romance. A fake betrothal, two unlikely people from different class with great chemistry, a murder and danger amidst it all. I enjoyed Noelle and Cooper's developing friendship and their journey to love.

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noelle and Cooper were a delight on this fabulous story full of intrigue. Noelle agrees to introduce Cooper into society in exchange for clearing her father's debts. They made a perfect couple as they try to solve a murder. A wonderful story.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how perfect Noelle and Cooper complimented each other throughout the story and didn’t fight their feelings, even if they didn’t realize them at first. The author did a good job of creating a holiday romance with a little bit of intrigue and some unexpected twists.

[Emma Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful Christmas novel that gives all the warm feelings. A great read.

[Phylis Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Proposing Christmas

The mysteries were well-written and flowed easily. I am looking forward ,to reading/listening to, more books by this author. I enjoyed this story very much.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story itself was fun, but too much swearing and sex for me.

[Cindy Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, romantic Christmasy story I was just in the mood for, but then, Ellie St. Clair never disappoints. Characters are wonderful and real. I'm for more St. Clair novels!