The Christmas Pact

by Jenna Jaxon

When Henrietta Price accidentally pummels a gentleman with a snowball, her instant mortification turns to delight when she discovers the young man is none other than her childhood best friend, Charlie. Though they haven't seen each other in ten years, he still has the same vivid blue eyes, wicked laugh, and caring nature she remembers so well. Once he’d even vowed—at ten years old—to marry her, if necessary, to save her from a life of spinsterhood. And although she's considering another man's proposal, she can't quite keep that long-ago promise out of her head...

Charlie Newkirk hasn't stopped thinking about Hen since she stole a kiss from him all those years ago. Now he can scarcely believe the beautiful woman in front of him is the same girl whose braid he used to pull. Worse, he has no idea if she's given her heart to the wealthy young marquess courting her or if she even remembers the promise he hopes to fulfill.
With their future happiness at stake, will Charlie be able to remind Henrietta of their Christmas pact and turn their childhood friendship into a newfound romance? Or will he forever remain just someone she used to know?

120 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2024

About the author

Jenna has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic
herself, she has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to
incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She lives in Virginia with her family and
a small menagerie of pets. When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre,
working with local theatres as a director. She often feels she is directing her characters on their
own private stage.

She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t
stop.

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, well-written, historical fiction, holiday romance. It has likable and engaging characters, wit, a touch of humor, family drama, a heartwarming romance, a nice twist, and a happily ever after ending. I won a copy of this delightful novella as a subscriber of Ms. Jaxon's newsletter, in her "Marriage Pact" contest. This is my honest opinion.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 27th book by Jenna Jaxon. I read one of her books in 2017 but didn't pick her up again until 2018. I haven't really read much of hers over the last couple of years. Only 1 last year and 2 this year including the Matchmaker's Ball series. I always liked her books. She seems to be writing more lately.

Super cute read. No sex but it didn't matter. Charlie and Henrietta were a cute couple. Overall a good read.

[Linda J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am such a sucker for stories that start when they are children. The H is 10 and the h is 8 and they are best friends. You felt their connection as children. The made a pact that if she was to become a spinster, they would marry. Fast forward 13 years and many roadblocks are in their way.

One being the h’s mother, the other is another man who wants to marry her. Some tension ensues and it is a bumpy road to HEA, The h’s grandma added a nice touch to the story.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, little on Christmas, romantic, and only kisses. The age of the grandma went from 75 to 79 in a few days-lol. I can’t improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide to purchase. (ljb).