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Blakeley Manor #1
The Countess’s Christmas Groom
One winter house party, two wounded hearts, and a second chance at love that defies age and class. A perfect holiday romance for fans of Scarlett Scott, Erica Ridley, and Bridgerton...
A festive house party, a forbidden attraction…
Returning home for the holidays, Lady Katherine Colworth hopes that the cozy glow of Christmas might bring her a reprieve from the painful rumors of her husband’s death. Instead, she finds herself drawn to an unlikely confidant—a handsome, young footman serving in her family’s household.
A man out of place but captivated…
Ashley Spencer has worked his way up from the stables to a temporary post inside the manor, but the glittering holiday gatherings seem worlds away from his life. Until he meets the countess. Beneath the festive garlands and candlelit halls, he discovers a woman he’s bound to protect—even as he’s falling deeply in love with her.
A love that defies all expectations…
Under mistletoe and moonlight, Katherine and Ashley cross the boundaries of class and age, drawn together by a love as fierce as it is unlikely. But with Katherine’s past threatening to shatter their newfound happiness, will the season’s magic be enough to protect their hearts?
A festive house party, a forbidden attraction…
Returning home for the holidays, Lady Katherine Colworth hopes that the cozy glow of Christmas might bring her a reprieve from the painful rumors of her husband’s death. Instead, she finds herself drawn to an unlikely confidant—a handsome, young footman serving in her family’s household.
A man out of place but captivated…
Ashley Spencer has worked his way up from the stables to a temporary post inside the manor, but the glittering holiday gatherings seem worlds away from his life. Until he meets the countess. Beneath the festive garlands and candlelit halls, he discovers a woman he’s bound to protect—even as he’s falling deeply in love with her.
A love that defies all expectations…
Under mistletoe and moonlight, Katherine and Ashley cross the boundaries of class and age, drawn together by a love as fierce as it is unlikely. But with Katherine’s past threatening to shatter their newfound happiness, will the season’s magic be enough to protect their hearts?
194 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2022
100 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Fenna Edgewood
21 books186 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Fenna Edgewood writes steamy, swoon-worthy stories of love, family, and adventure. Fenna lives on the Canadian Prairies with her husband and two tiny tots (who are adorable but generally terrible research assistants). She is an award-winning retired academic who has studied English literature for most of her life. Before becoming a full-time author, her last "real" job was teaching high school students above the Arctic Circle. After a long hiatus from writing make-believe as a twelve-year-old, she has returned to the genre with a bang!
For a FREE book from Fenna, join her NL: https://fennaedgewood.com/newsletter/
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And be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest deals! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/fenna...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 14, 2025
She had believed him a boy, and he had proven himself a man.
I wish I were more rigorous about DNF'ing books. With this one, I knew after the first chapter that it wasn't for me, but I kept reading anyway. I was just hoping that I would warm up to it and end up liking it. But of course, that didn't happen.
This is the love story about a widowed countess (31), sister to a duke, and a groom (25), who is helping out as a footman at the duke's Christmas house party. The book is supposed to be a historical romance. Actually, it's so anachronistic that it would be more accurate to label it as a fantasy book.
It's not only the age gap and class difference thing, but the entire setup: A groom as a temporary footman in a duke's household, wearing a livery that threatens to pop open because he's so muscular. Footmen playing pranks in a duke's house. The FMC kissing the groom in the duke's hall right in front of another footman. Countess and groom having sex and a cozy bath in her room. The FMC not caring that the MMC is a servant. Both of them thinking if he'd disappear for two years and return wealthy, the class difference is forgotten.
Additionally, several annoyances (such as a kidnapping, heroic actions, the miracle healing of Kat's son, or the fastest proposal of all times) and silly observations (like "He rode very well. He sat upon the horse as if it was his own", or a mare lying around with her foal sleeping, "a perfect Christmas picture. Mother and newborn child.") made me despise the book. Everything about it felt stupid: the story, the main characters, the writing. And there’s not even an ounce of real Christmas vibe!
1.5
(Read in December 2025)
I wish I were more rigorous about DNF'ing books. With this one, I knew after the first chapter that it wasn't for me, but I kept reading anyway. I was just hoping that I would warm up to it and end up liking it. But of course, that didn't happen.
This is the love story about a widowed countess (31), sister to a duke, and a groom (25), who is helping out as a footman at the duke's Christmas house party. The book is supposed to be a historical romance. Actually, it's so anachronistic that it would be more accurate to label it as a fantasy book.
It's not only the age gap and class difference thing, but the entire setup: A groom as a temporary footman in a duke's household, wearing a livery that threatens to pop open because he's so muscular. Footmen playing pranks in a duke's house. The FMC kissing the groom in the duke's hall right in front of another footman. Countess and groom having sex and a cozy bath in her room. The FMC not caring that the MMC is a servant. Both of them thinking if he'd disappear for two years and return wealthy, the class difference is forgotten.
Additionally, several annoyances (such as a kidnapping, heroic actions, the miracle healing of Kat's son, or the fastest proposal of all times) and silly observations (like "He rode very well. He sat upon the horse as if it was his own", or a mare lying around with her foal sleeping, "a perfect Christmas picture. Mother and newborn child.") made me despise the book. Everything about it felt stupid: the story, the main characters, the writing. And there’s not even an ounce of real Christmas vibe!
1.5
(Read in December 2025)
December 3, 2025
REVIEW
Rating: 4/5
POV: 3rd, dual
Tropes: Class Difference; Reverse Age Gap (7 years); Single Mom; Cinnamon Roll MMC; Opposites Attract; Christmas
Heat Level: 1/5
Kinks: N/A
Likes:
* Having Ash be a cinnamon roll hero perfectly balanced how stern the fmc was.
* Great chemistry and sexual tension
Dislikes:
* Well my typical dislike that I come across in Novellas, it was very instalove. It didn’t feel like a complete story.
Conclusion:
I went into this book blind and had such an ick when I realized the fact was older than the mmc and that she was a single mom… but I stuck it out and I’m so glad!
Those are two tropes I don’t like/prefer but this authors writing was so good that I was able to move past it! The fmc was stern, for understandable reasons, and the mmc was so soft and sweet (but super sexy!) that they really balanced each other out. I think I was able to get the sexiness from the mmc and see such good sexual chemistry because he was just so confident. I loved it!
It’s too bad it wasn’t a full length story BUT still a really enjoyable HR Christmas Novella. I definitely recommend.
4/5
Rating: 4/5
POV: 3rd, dual
Tropes: Class Difference; Reverse Age Gap (7 years); Single Mom; Cinnamon Roll MMC; Opposites Attract; Christmas
Heat Level: 1/5
Kinks: N/A
Likes:
* Having Ash be a cinnamon roll hero perfectly balanced how stern the fmc was.
* Great chemistry and sexual tension
Dislikes:
* Well my typical dislike that I come across in Novellas, it was very instalove. It didn’t feel like a complete story.
Conclusion:
I went into this book blind and had such an ick when I realized the fact was older than the mmc and that she was a single mom… but I stuck it out and I’m so glad!
Those are two tropes I don’t like/prefer but this authors writing was so good that I was able to move past it! The fmc was stern, for understandable reasons, and the mmc was so soft and sweet (but super sexy!) that they really balanced each other out. I think I was able to get the sexiness from the mmc and see such good sexual chemistry because he was just so confident. I loved it!
It’s too bad it wasn’t a full length story BUT still a really enjoyable HR Christmas Novella. I definitely recommend.
4/5
December 1, 2024
4.5🌟.
A sweet novella with depth, passion and love.
Newly widowed and freed from an abusive marriage, Lady Kat doesn’t have any plans to entangle in a relationship. But as they say fate, Ash happens! He was a hero with golden heart. Such a cinnamon roll hero! Kat was kinda opposite to him but they fit. Loved their connection.
I also enjoyed the sibling bond so much. They were an unusual bunch but so loyal towards each other.
Recommended and safe.
-Reverse age gap.
-Holiday novella.
-Single parent.
-TW and KU.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
A sweet novella with depth, passion and love.
Newly widowed and freed from an abusive marriage, Lady Kat doesn’t have any plans to entangle in a relationship. But as they say fate, Ash happens! He was a hero with golden heart. Such a cinnamon roll hero! Kat was kinda opposite to him but they fit. Loved their connection.
I also enjoyed the sibling bond so much. They were an unusual bunch but so loyal towards each other.
Recommended and safe.
-Reverse age gap.
-Holiday novella.
-Single parent.
-TW and KU.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
December 8, 2024
This was a super cute concept for a book however I didn't really feel connected to the characters nor did I like them very much. I loved the writing and would definitely read more from this author but I don't really think I would read anything else about these characters specifically.
January 21, 2025
Lady Katherine Colworth is a widow from a marriage of mental and physical abuse by her husband. Immediately drawn to Ash, her brother's groom, Katherine sees the man, not his position and makes the right decision for herself and her son. A difference in class and an older woman doesn't prevent Ash from following his heart. A very happy ending. Two tropes I enjoy reading.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
December 2, 2025
This was a first for me - a widowed countess falling for her brother’s groom - and it was perfectly dazzling! A splendid class-difference romance with a minor reverse age-gap, a grand knight-in-shining-armour moment and a very very steamy bathtub!
~ Katherine & Ashley ~
She’s a striking beauty recovering from an abusive marriage and nasty gossip surrounding her husband’s demise at her brother’s Christmas house party.
He’s a prime specimen of youthful male perfection, and that’s probably why he was recruited as an interim footman for the party.
They meet under less then ideal circumstances, but when he finally finds her to apologise, she has another plan for him... He has the magic touch when it comes to horses; maybe that same touch could do wonders for humans as well?
I love how simple and straightforward this romance is. No dancing around their mutual attraction - not that they immediately fall into each other’s arms, but they don’t fight it either, and as a single mom myself, I especially loved how naturally he takes to her young son.
It’s also not your standard sticky sweet romance; both Kat and her son were abused, and they’re both still struggling with the past, but Ash’s no pressure, no expectations approach works wonders.
The high-speed carriage chase scene was the perfect bit of thrill for this short story, and the cherry on top was most definitely Kat’s unique “thank you” - a scrumptious cherry indeed!
A brilliant little Christmas novella!
~ Katherine & Ashley ~
She’s a striking beauty recovering from an abusive marriage and nasty gossip surrounding her husband’s demise at her brother’s Christmas house party.
He’s a prime specimen of youthful male perfection, and that’s probably why he was recruited as an interim footman for the party.
They meet under less then ideal circumstances, but when he finally finds her to apologise, she has another plan for him... He has the magic touch when it comes to horses; maybe that same touch could do wonders for humans as well?
I love how simple and straightforward this romance is. No dancing around their mutual attraction - not that they immediately fall into each other’s arms, but they don’t fight it either, and as a single mom myself, I especially loved how naturally he takes to her young son.
It’s also not your standard sticky sweet romance; both Kat and her son were abused, and they’re both still struggling with the past, but Ash’s no pressure, no expectations approach works wonders.
The high-speed carriage chase scene was the perfect bit of thrill for this short story, and the cherry on top was most definitely Kat’s unique “thank you” - a scrumptious cherry indeed!
A brilliant little Christmas novella!
January 13, 2025
Lady Katherine Colworth is a widow from a marriage of mental and physical abuse by her husband. Immediately drawn to Ash, her brother's groom, Katherine sees the man, not his position and makes the right decision for herself and her son. A difference in class and an older woman doesn't prevent Ash from following his heart. A very happy ending. Two tropes I enjoy reading.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
December 28, 2022
An endearing story that sinks deep into the heart. Katherine Blakeley made a poor choice in her first marriage and has paid the price dearly. Broken and beaten down, she has retreated from life content to be just her and her son, as content as is possible anyway. Her family tries to pull her out of her misery with a house party, but Kat is no longer a part of that world. When Ashley Spencer is taken from the stables and forced to serve as a footman, he never would’ve suspected what he would find in the manor. It takes only one moment for him to fall. The story the follows is a beautiful second chance romance. Ash is everything kind & gentle, patient & loving, both with Kat & her son, Oliver. There were so many moments that touched me on such a deep level. But his declaration…swoon! He is everything Kat has always deserved and seeing her family support it proves what a wonderful family the Blakeley’s are. I am eager to read the next books in this series.
November 15, 2024
5 stars
A sweet Novella. It's set in a sort of Regecy time but I'm not convined it's all that historically accurate. I think the ton would have frowned on the marriage of a Countess to a groom however talented. If eventually he has his own stud farm perhaps this would be received better. I realised that I have read book three in this series so I'm going about this out of order. The other thing that worried me was her son Oliver. If she was the countess then he was the Earl and I would have thought that her brother-in-law would then have been his guardian. In those days they also had funny rules about the Countesses portion should she remarry but then perhaps as a Duke's daughter she got her substantial dowry back.
On the whole I did like this book and am looking forward to reading book 2 The passion was well written and came towards the end of the book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
A sweet Novella. It's set in a sort of Regecy time but I'm not convined it's all that historically accurate. I think the ton would have frowned on the marriage of a Countess to a groom however talented. If eventually he has his own stud farm perhaps this would be received better. I realised that I have read book three in this series so I'm going about this out of order. The other thing that worried me was her son Oliver. If she was the countess then he was the Earl and I would have thought that her brother-in-law would then have been his guardian. In those days they also had funny rules about the Countesses portion should she remarry but then perhaps as a Duke's daughter she got her substantial dowry back.
On the whole I did like this book and am looking forward to reading book 2 The passion was well written and came towards the end of the book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2024
A lovely little historical romance, easily read in 1 sitting.
Lady Katherine Colworth's is recently widowed, and rumours are going wild that she's the one who did it. To be fair, it wasn't exactly a happy marriage.
She's gone to spend Christmas with her brother the duke, and meets a deeply unsuitable (but very handsome groom)...
A little love, a little kidnapping and some witty banter make for a nice introduction to the Blakely Manor series. I personally prefer the author's full length books (including the rest of this series), as I'm not big on insta-love, but this is still very fun and a good introduction to the series. Can absolutely recommend if you're looking for a light and fun historical romance!
Lady Katherine Colworth's is recently widowed, and rumours are going wild that she's the one who did it. To be fair, it wasn't exactly a happy marriage.
She's gone to spend Christmas with her brother the duke, and meets a deeply unsuitable (but very handsome groom)...
A little love, a little kidnapping and some witty banter make for a nice introduction to the Blakely Manor series. I personally prefer the author's full length books (including the rest of this series), as I'm not big on insta-love, but this is still very fun and a good introduction to the series. Can absolutely recommend if you're looking for a light and fun historical romance!
November 28, 2024
A very enjoyable novella. The Countess's Christmas Groom is the beginning of the new series Blakeley Manor. Fenna Edgewood are always interesting with unconventional characters with diversity personalities who manage to grow and yet retain their individualities which captivates you from the beginning until the very end. It's emotional ride that keeps you turning the pages.
December 27, 2022
Delightful, heartwarming romance!
Kat is the widowed elder sister of a young duke who is contemplating her attraction to a young man who is far more than his current station would imply. Ash works on her family's estate as a groom, but his family's history is far more complicated than it would first appear. The attraction between these two was undeniable, bringing them together in a splendid love story that defies convention and proves that love truly can conquer all.
This story begins a new series that thoughtfully crosses class lines and elevates character over pride and status. In each subsequent book, we learn more and more about the Spencer family and their generational history with the Blakeley family. I highly recommend reading this before starting the series with Lady Briar Weds the Scot.
Kat is the widowed elder sister of a young duke who is contemplating her attraction to a young man who is far more than his current station would imply. Ash works on her family's estate as a groom, but his family's history is far more complicated than it would first appear. The attraction between these two was undeniable, bringing them together in a splendid love story that defies convention and proves that love truly can conquer all.
This story begins a new series that thoughtfully crosses class lines and elevates character over pride and status. In each subsequent book, we learn more and more about the Spencer family and their generational history with the Blakeley family. I highly recommend reading this before starting the series with Lady Briar Weds the Scot.
December 13, 2022
This is a fun and brief story of insta-love between the widowed sister of a duke and a groom. Although my emotions were never fully engaged, due to the brevity of the story, I think, the sense of suspense was palpable. I felt on edge, worrying about Ash and what might happen to him. Also, despite Kat being the one who’d suffered a great loss and experienced great pain, I felt it easier to relate to Ash as a regular human being. I suspect that with time, Kat would have grown on me, but as I mentioned, the story was not long enough for that. I enjoyed it and it makes a nice addition to this anthology.
December 2, 2022
The only good that came from Lady Katherine Colworth’s marriage is her son, Oliver. Ashley Spencer is a groom on her family estate. He is, as her brother puts it, a wonder with horses. They were taken with each other the moment they set eyes on each other. Of course, there is not a chance they can ever be together, is there? Ash is coming to love Pippa and Oliver. When danger strikes out at them, he proves himself more than worthy. Wonderful story.
December 4, 2022
This is a wonderfully sweet story of an abused wife and son who find love in the most unlikely of places. I love how Ash found himself hoaxed into being in the wrong place at the right time. Would love to have seen Howard’s face when faced with the result of his bully tactics! Oliver was adorable and it was a thrill ride to see him protected by Ash. Loved this story…part of Naughty and Nice Anthology.
March 4, 2023
A dare gone right
Ash Spencer is a groom masquerading as a foot man at a party! Kat aka Countess aka Dukes older sister has a son that needs gentle handling! Howard who is a slimy one has put Ash in awkward situations!
Kat aka Katherine is torn between retribution and chemistry! Ash proves he is excellent with Kat's son and gentle with her as well! But when danger strikes Ash shows he is all male and can keep them safe! Bravo!
Ash Spencer is a groom masquerading as a foot man at a party! Kat aka Countess aka Dukes older sister has a son that needs gentle handling! Howard who is a slimy one has put Ash in awkward situations!
Kat aka Katherine is torn between retribution and chemistry! Ash proves he is excellent with Kat's son and gentle with her as well! But when danger strikes Ash shows he is all male and can keep them safe! Bravo!
June 22, 2023
A very intertaining series
Blakeney Manor series has been very intertaining, and it was difficult to get to a stopping point. Many times I felt I was present and experiencing the events first hand. Fenna Edgewood tells a story well; making you understand the structure of what being a Duke meant to the Blakeley family. It is refreshing to see the Duke make decisions based on human feelings repeatedly instead of being steadfast in what the upper ruling class would think.
Blakeney Manor series has been very intertaining, and it was difficult to get to a stopping point. Many times I felt I was present and experiencing the events first hand. Fenna Edgewood tells a story well; making you understand the structure of what being a Duke meant to the Blakeley family. It is refreshing to see the Duke make decisions based on human feelings repeatedly instead of being steadfast in what the upper ruling class would think.
June 21, 2023
Though short, this story says all it has to in a very entertaining way and I simply love the interaction between each of the characters.
What I am really loving about these stories is the family bonds and the caring each member has for the others.
So happy that Kat and Ash finally got their happy every after.
What I am really loving about these stories is the family bonds and the caring each member has for the others.
So happy that Kat and Ash finally got their happy every after.
May 2, 2023
Excellent.
Fenna Edgewood writes a good novel.
I have previously read Lady Blair Weds the Scot, the first novel in the Blakeley Manor series.
This prelude is a good foundation for the series and if possible I would suggest it were read first.
Fenna Edgewood writes a good novel.
I have previously read Lady Blair Weds the Scot, the first novel in the Blakeley Manor series.
This prelude is a good foundation for the series and if possible I would suggest it were read first.
March 23, 2023
Ash and Kat's story
A short story that sets off the Blakely Manor series. A sweet couple and an enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
A short story that sets off the Blakely Manor series. A sweet couple and an enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
December 6, 2024
4.5/5 stars!
Fenna Edgewood does the near impossible: makes a novella feel like a novel...never rushed...fully formed...and a beautiful and satisfying experience!
Kat is disgraced and returns home to her family after a tragedy befalls her elderly husband. Speculation is that she ended his life. Ash is a groom, most comfortable and confident in the stables of Kat's family's sprawling estate. He's best known as the man who can comfort and create trust with horses who have suffered emotional distress. Kat and Ash should never have met, but a Christmas house party requires one more footman, and Ash is enlisted to help. The chance encounter that follows begins the kind of magic and romance that every historical romance reader adores!
I LOVED this novella! My common complaint with novellas is that they didn't feel long enough. I don't know how Edgewood did it, but this felt like such a fully fleshed out, complete story! I fell HARD for Ash (AKA Ashley Spencer), the handsome cinnamon roll who is six years Kat's junior. The love scene was so tender and emotional. The way that Kat's son Oliver is incorporated into the story was fantastic. And there were exciting scenes as well! This novella has it ALL!!
The glimpses we saw of the people who exist downstairs versus upstairs reminded me of Downton Abbey, which I loved. It's so refreshing and unusual in the realm of historical romance! In fact, the rest of the Blakely Manor series promises more stories that explore romances between the two families of different classes. This was book one, and it has most definitely me got me hooked for the rest of the series!
Trigger warning: physical abuse (before story begins), child abuse (before story begins)
I'd like to thank Starwater Press and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Fenna Edgewood does the near impossible: makes a novella feel like a novel...never rushed...fully formed...and a beautiful and satisfying experience!
Kat is disgraced and returns home to her family after a tragedy befalls her elderly husband. Speculation is that she ended his life. Ash is a groom, most comfortable and confident in the stables of Kat's family's sprawling estate. He's best known as the man who can comfort and create trust with horses who have suffered emotional distress. Kat and Ash should never have met, but a Christmas house party requires one more footman, and Ash is enlisted to help. The chance encounter that follows begins the kind of magic and romance that every historical romance reader adores!
I LOVED this novella! My common complaint with novellas is that they didn't feel long enough. I don't know how Edgewood did it, but this felt like such a fully fleshed out, complete story! I fell HARD for Ash (AKA Ashley Spencer), the handsome cinnamon roll who is six years Kat's junior. The love scene was so tender and emotional. The way that Kat's son Oliver is incorporated into the story was fantastic. And there were exciting scenes as well! This novella has it ALL!!
The glimpses we saw of the people who exist downstairs versus upstairs reminded me of Downton Abbey, which I loved. It's so refreshing and unusual in the realm of historical romance! In fact, the rest of the Blakely Manor series promises more stories that explore romances between the two families of different classes. This was book one, and it has most definitely me got me hooked for the rest of the series!
Trigger warning: physical abuse (before story begins), child abuse (before story begins)
I'd like to thank Starwater Press and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
February 5, 2025
The Countess and the Groom
“The Countess’s Christmas Groom” written by Fenna Edgewood is book one in a four book series. This Regency Romance novella centers around a forbidden romance between a widowed countess, Kat, and stable servant, Ashley (usually called Ash) Spenser, a groom renowned for his treatment of horses. Kat and her son Oliver are visiting her childhood home for the Christmas season where she encounters Ash, temporarily assigned as a footman due to the house party. I enjoyed this fast moving story. The forbidden romance between the two main characters is a successful plot device especially because the countess was a widow. I appreciated Kat being about five years older than Ash and that the age difference wasn’t an issue for him. Just enough attraction and steam between Kat and Ash to spice up the story. I also liked Oliver, a sweet, yet traumatized young boy. Kat had turned to Ash for help, hoping Ash could help Oliver heal from his traumatic experiences with horses and his father. There is a bit of suspense in the story, with rumors floating around noble society that Kat had killed her husband. A solid beginning to the Blakeley Manor series about the unusual romantic entanglements of its inhabitants with love being more important than social status. I recommend this Christmas romance that could be read and enjoyed year round. I’m looking forward to Kat’s sister Briar and her adventures in the next installment of the series.
“The Countess’s Christmas Groom” written by Fenna Edgewood is book one in a four book series. This Regency Romance novella centers around a forbidden romance between a widowed countess, Kat, and stable servant, Ashley (usually called Ash) Spenser, a groom renowned for his treatment of horses. Kat and her son Oliver are visiting her childhood home for the Christmas season where she encounters Ash, temporarily assigned as a footman due to the house party. I enjoyed this fast moving story. The forbidden romance between the two main characters is a successful plot device especially because the countess was a widow. I appreciated Kat being about five years older than Ash and that the age difference wasn’t an issue for him. Just enough attraction and steam between Kat and Ash to spice up the story. I also liked Oliver, a sweet, yet traumatized young boy. Kat had turned to Ash for help, hoping Ash could help Oliver heal from his traumatic experiences with horses and his father. There is a bit of suspense in the story, with rumors floating around noble society that Kat had killed her husband. A solid beginning to the Blakeley Manor series about the unusual romantic entanglements of its inhabitants with love being more important than social status. I recommend this Christmas romance that could be read and enjoyed year round. I’m looking forward to Kat’s sister Briar and her adventures in the next installment of the series.
November 30, 2022
This was far from being a bad book. It just didn’t fire on all cylinders for me. I liked the class difference (she is a countess, he a groomsman) and the fact that she was seven years older than he. I liked that Katherine was a widow with a son and that their only escape from the brute was his untimely death. People thought she’d killed him and the rumors ensued, but that just goes to show what happens when people don’t check their facts and assume too much.
Ash was above all of that. He fell head-over-heel in love with Kat and was very good to her son. I liked his frank nature and the no-holds-barred when it came to declaring his love for a woman who was above him. It didn’t matter to either of them nor anybody. It was just accepted.
Maybe that’s where the story lost me. There was no angst or drama with the reality that countesses didn’t marry groomsmen or any servants. They may have had rendezvous and clandestine trysts, but marriage wasn’t usually on the table without a lot of discussion, debate, and societal repercussions, whether she is a widow or not.
Regardless, the story was pretty good. I liked Kat. I liked Ash. I liked them as individuals and I liked them together. The pace was even and the one love scene was PG13.
Not bad. Not bad at all.
*I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.
Ash was above all of that. He fell head-over-heel in love with Kat and was very good to her son. I liked his frank nature and the no-holds-barred when it came to declaring his love for a woman who was above him. It didn’t matter to either of them nor anybody. It was just accepted.
Maybe that’s where the story lost me. There was no angst or drama with the reality that countesses didn’t marry groomsmen or any servants. They may have had rendezvous and clandestine trysts, but marriage wasn’t usually on the table without a lot of discussion, debate, and societal repercussions, whether she is a widow or not.
Regardless, the story was pretty good. I liked Kat. I liked Ash. I liked them as individuals and I liked them together. The pace was even and the one love scene was PG13.
Not bad. Not bad at all.
*I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.
December 5, 2024
This historical romance was lighthearted yet emotional, featuring a cinnamon-roll MMC, a forbidden romance, and a bit of a reverse age gap.
Katherine Colworth was a young lady grieving the loss of her parents when she made the mistake of marrying her now-deceased husband. After a prank gone wrong, Katherine encounters one of her brother's footmen, Ashley Spencer. Rather than have him fired, Katherine asks him to help her son, Oliver, with his fear of horses. As Ash and Katherine get to know each other better, their forbidden attraction grows deeper.
This story was so sweet. While Katherine was attending her families Christmas party, you could feel her spark missing. It's no wonder considering the trauma that her late husband put her and her son through. When Ash came into both of their lives, you could feel that enjoyment for life came back to them. Oliver is adorable, and his love for horses was obvious, although he was intimidated by them for good reason. Ash was so patient and gentle with Oliver as he became comfortable around the beautiful creatures.
The romance between Katherine and Ash was slow, passionate, and deep.
I highly recommend this novella for readers of historical romance looking for a lighthearted read with a bit of spice with a touch of Christmas.
age gap • cinnamon roll • christmas • forbidden romance • historical romance • novella
Katherine Colworth was a young lady grieving the loss of her parents when she made the mistake of marrying her now-deceased husband. After a prank gone wrong, Katherine encounters one of her brother's footmen, Ashley Spencer. Rather than have him fired, Katherine asks him to help her son, Oliver, with his fear of horses. As Ash and Katherine get to know each other better, their forbidden attraction grows deeper.
This story was so sweet. While Katherine was attending her families Christmas party, you could feel her spark missing. It's no wonder considering the trauma that her late husband put her and her son through. When Ash came into both of their lives, you could feel that enjoyment for life came back to them. Oliver is adorable, and his love for horses was obvious, although he was intimidated by them for good reason. Ash was so patient and gentle with Oliver as he became comfortable around the beautiful creatures.
The romance between Katherine and Ash was slow, passionate, and deep.
I highly recommend this novella for readers of historical romance looking for a lighthearted read with a bit of spice with a touch of Christmas.
age gap • cinnamon roll • christmas • forbidden romance • historical romance • novella
December 8, 2024
This is such a sweet historical fiction Christmastime story! A touch of mystery to go with a forbidden love and a reverse age gap that has so much heart, and some very rewarding spice!
The FMC is Lady Katherine Colworth who has recently returned home to Blakely Manor, her family estate, for Christmas.
As a recent widow, Katherine is the subject of quite a bit of gossip surrounding the death of her husband. There are intimations that she may hold responsibility in his demise. In reality, her former husband was exceptionally cruel to both her and their young son. She is a shell of her former self and prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
The MMC is Ashley Spencer. He is a recently hired and temporary stable hand working off a debt, suddenly reassigned to footman. After a prank goes very wrong, Katherine makes his acquaintance. Instead of having him fired, she requests that he assist her son, Oliver, overcome his fear of horses.
The two feel a spark almost immediately but Ash is very aware of the impossibility and impropriety of his attraction. Lady Katherine finds herself a bit emboldened and wants to be with him. Their struggle to fight emotion and the true, deep love they share is palpable! It’s a great kickoff to the Blakely Manor series!
The FMC is Lady Katherine Colworth who has recently returned home to Blakely Manor, her family estate, for Christmas.
As a recent widow, Katherine is the subject of quite a bit of gossip surrounding the death of her husband. There are intimations that she may hold responsibility in his demise. In reality, her former husband was exceptionally cruel to both her and their young son. She is a shell of her former self and prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
The MMC is Ashley Spencer. He is a recently hired and temporary stable hand working off a debt, suddenly reassigned to footman. After a prank goes very wrong, Katherine makes his acquaintance. Instead of having him fired, she requests that he assist her son, Oliver, overcome his fear of horses.
The two feel a spark almost immediately but Ash is very aware of the impossibility and impropriety of his attraction. Lady Katherine finds herself a bit emboldened and wants to be with him. Their struggle to fight emotion and the true, deep love they share is palpable! It’s a great kickoff to the Blakely Manor series!
December 10, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful novella with its Christmas house party, class difference, reverse age difference and reverse grumpy-sunshine tropes. The plot is heart-warming and has a touch of suspense, a few steamy love scenes and very likeable characters. Kat is grumpy and a jaded heroine and Ash is a sweet cinnamon roll hero and perfect for her. I also liked the other unconventional Blakeley family members.
Lady Katherine „Kat“ Colworth, née Blakeley, is wrongly suspected of murdering her abusive husband. To facilitate her return to society, her brother Edmund, the Duke of Dareford, organises a Christmas house party, which she tries to avoid as she would rather spend her stay in seclusion.
Handsome Ash enjoys being a groom and loves his work with horses. Unfortunately, however, he has to stand in as temporary footman during the house party due to a lack of staff and is put in a compromising position by his colleagues through pranks.
But instead of getting him fired, Lady Katherine, to whom he is attracted, asks him to help with her son, who is afraid of riding, and Kat is also drawn to the younger groom...
If you like quick to read romances with a happy ending against all odds, you will certainly enjoy this novella.
Lady Katherine „Kat“ Colworth, née Blakeley, is wrongly suspected of murdering her abusive husband. To facilitate her return to society, her brother Edmund, the Duke of Dareford, organises a Christmas house party, which she tries to avoid as she would rather spend her stay in seclusion.
Handsome Ash enjoys being a groom and loves his work with horses. Unfortunately, however, he has to stand in as temporary footman during the house party due to a lack of staff and is put in a compromising position by his colleagues through pranks.
But instead of getting him fired, Lady Katherine, to whom he is attracted, asks him to help with her son, who is afraid of riding, and Kat is also drawn to the younger groom...
If you like quick to read romances with a happy ending against all odds, you will certainly enjoy this novella.
December 11, 2025
Sometimes, all you need for Christmas is a house party, a hot groom hired as a temporary footman, and a little prank. Ash is great with horses (corollary: also great with kids), but not so great at knowing when his fellow employees are tricking him into going into a hot widowed countess's room at night. He thinks he's going to lose his job, but Kat instead has him atone for his minor transgression by babysitting her son in the stables. (OK, actually, her son is totally traumatized by horses and Ash is helping him get over his fears. But also, he's babysitting.)
This hit all the right spots for us as a winter love story: Ash is super sweet, Kat is wounded but healing, and their class difference/experience gap (it's not an age gap, she's just 5 years older than he is) is handled perfectly.
The only issue? Laine had to award a low Candy Cane Rating of 1.5. It is ostensibly Christmas AND there is a house party, but there is no mistletoe, no gift giving, no Christmas-related cheer. If the book had been titled "The Countess's Wintertime Groom" it would work just as well.
11-Word Summaries:
Laine: Marry in haste, ensure he's good with horses and it's fine.
Meg: It’s The Horse Whisperer, Regency style, now with a younger man.
This hit all the right spots for us as a winter love story: Ash is super sweet, Kat is wounded but healing, and their class difference/experience gap (it's not an age gap, she's just 5 years older than he is) is handled perfectly.
The only issue? Laine had to award a low Candy Cane Rating of 1.5. It is ostensibly Christmas AND there is a house party, but there is no mistletoe, no gift giving, no Christmas-related cheer. If the book had been titled "The Countess's Wintertime Groom" it would work just as well.
11-Word Summaries:
Laine: Marry in haste, ensure he's good with horses and it's fine.
Meg: It’s The Horse Whisperer, Regency style, now with a younger man.
December 18, 2022
A short, sweet, and spicy regency novella
Fenna has done it again! She’s made me fall in love with yet another regency couple! I read Briar’s book first and just had to know the story of Ash + Kat ♥️
What I loved
🐴 super quick read (124 pages)
🐴 sooo many great tropes! Older woman, age difference, class difference, single mother, reverse grumpy sunshine, HEA
🐴 FMC - Kat - in her 30s, a suspected murderer, rough around the edges
🐴MMC - Ash - 25, a sweet manly man, a miracle worker with animals and kids, fiercely protective, falls first, and PHEW 😮💨
🐴 Oliver - the sweetest, smartest kid who has been through so much but shows such resiliency
Why not 5 stars?
❗️My only complaint is that I wish it was a full novel so I could’ve had more time with Ash, Kat, and Oliver.
I would’ve loved to really WATCH their love grow and read more of their specific interactions instead of just hearing that they happened
⚠️ TW ⚠️
Contains spoilers
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.
.
.
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.
.
- domestic abuse - a memory mentioned
- child abuse - 1 incident mentioned
- kidnapping - 1 incident, resolved quickly
Fenna has done it again! She’s made me fall in love with yet another regency couple! I read Briar’s book first and just had to know the story of Ash + Kat ♥️
What I loved
🐴 super quick read (124 pages)
🐴 sooo many great tropes! Older woman, age difference, class difference, single mother, reverse grumpy sunshine, HEA
🐴 FMC - Kat - in her 30s, a suspected murderer, rough around the edges
🐴MMC - Ash - 25, a sweet manly man, a miracle worker with animals and kids, fiercely protective, falls first, and PHEW 😮💨
🐴 Oliver - the sweetest, smartest kid who has been through so much but shows such resiliency
Why not 5 stars?
❗️My only complaint is that I wish it was a full novel so I could’ve had more time with Ash, Kat, and Oliver.
I would’ve loved to really WATCH their love grow and read more of their specific interactions instead of just hearing that they happened
⚠️ TW ⚠️
Contains spoilers
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
- domestic abuse - a memory mentioned
- child abuse - 1 incident mentioned
- kidnapping - 1 incident, resolved quickly
November 21, 2024
I rather enjoyed The Countess’s Christmas Groom, a somewhat unlikely, class-defying, historical romance. There's a little intrigue, a kidnapping, a chase on horseback and a little nip of spice (though surprisingly little Christmas - this is wintery rather than all-out festive).
Kat, a widow, attends her brother's Christmas house party in an unenthusiastic attempt to redeem herself in society despite the whispers that she must have murdered her older husband.
Meanwhile, Ash, one of the grooms, has been coerced into service in the house just for the party, and the other servants aren't happy about his presence.
Not only is Kat a Lady interested in a servant, she is also seven years older (my favourite!). So many opportunities for scandal. Despite this, the story is low-angst and zips along with a feel-good factor. Ash is a delightful hero who is open and communicates clearly, there's no misinterpreting his feelings and he's straightforward with her brother and sister too.
A lovely quick read.
Kat, a widow, attends her brother's Christmas house party in an unenthusiastic attempt to redeem herself in society despite the whispers that she must have murdered her older husband.
Meanwhile, Ash, one of the grooms, has been coerced into service in the house just for the party, and the other servants aren't happy about his presence.
Not only is Kat a Lady interested in a servant, she is also seven years older (my favourite!). So many opportunities for scandal. Despite this, the story is low-angst and zips along with a feel-good factor. Ash is a delightful hero who is open and communicates clearly, there's no misinterpreting his feelings and he's straightforward with her brother and sister too.
A lovely quick read.
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