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Snowbound Regency Christmas
Three heart-warming forced proximity romance novellas to cosy up with this festive season
Three snow-kissed Regency romances
In one festive volume!
In A Christmas Houseguest by Carla Kelly, when a snowstorm stops their mailcoach, Rosie offers a fellow passenger sanctuary at her farm. War-weary from the navy, Andy will find his Christmas angel hard to leave…
In Their Yuletide Reunion by Joanna Johnson, rejecting Lieutenant Fitzjames’s proposal is Jane’s greatest regret. Now, her future is in peril. Until an unexpected Christmas invitation leads to a second chance!
In The Christmas Husband Charade by Samantha Hastings, Devin finds himself snowed in with Julia—the woman who jilted his brother! When he is forced to masquerade as her husband, their mutual hatred evolves into an irresistible connection…
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Three snow-kissed Regency romances
In one festive volume!
In A Christmas Houseguest by Carla Kelly, when a snowstorm stops their mailcoach, Rosie offers a fellow passenger sanctuary at her farm. War-weary from the navy, Andy will find his Christmas angel hard to leave…
In Their Yuletide Reunion by Joanna Johnson, rejecting Lieutenant Fitzjames’s proposal is Jane’s greatest regret. Now, her future is in peril. Until an unexpected Christmas invitation leads to a second chance!
In The Christmas Husband Charade by Samantha Hastings, Devin finds himself snowed in with Julia—the woman who jilted his brother! When he is forced to masquerade as her husband, their mutual hatred evolves into an irresistible connection…
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published November 25, 2025
55 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Carla Kelly
137 books805 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America's Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National Park Service as a ranger/historian at Fort Laramie National Historic Site did she get serious about her writing career. (Or as she would be the first to admit, as serious as it gets.)
Carla wrote a series of what she now refers to as the "Fort Laramie stories," which are tales of the men, women and children of the Indian Wars era in Western history. Two of her stories, A Season for Heroes and Kathleen Flaherty's Long Winter, earned her Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America. She was the second woman to earn two Spurs from WWA (which, as everyone knows, is all you need to ride a horse). Her entire Indian Wars collection was published in 2003 as Here's to the Ladies: Stories of the Frontier Army. It remains her favorite work.
The mother of five children, Carla has always allowed her kids to earn their keep by appearing in her Regencies, most notably Marian's Christmas Wish, which is peopled by all kinds of relatives. Grown now, the Kelly kids are scattered here and there across the U.S. They continue to provide feedback, furnish fodder for stories and make frantic phone calls home during the holidays for recipes. (Carla Kelly is some cook.)
Carla's husband, Martin, is Director of Theatre at Valley City State University, in Valley City, North Dakota. Carla is currently overworked as a staff writer at the local daily newspaper. She also writes a weekly, award-winning column, "Prairie Lite."
Carla only started writing Regencies because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars, which figures in many of her Regency novels and short stories. She specializes in writing about warfare at sea, and about the ordinary people of the British Isles who were, let's face it, far more numerous than lords and ladies.
Hobbies? She likes to crochet afghans, and read British crime fiction and history, principally military history. She's never happier than talking about the fur trade or Indian Wars with Park Service cronies. Her most recent gig with the National Park Service was at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site on the Montana/North Dakota border.
Here's another side to this somewhat prosaic woman: She recently edited the fur trade journal of Swiss artist Rudolf F. Kurz (the 1851-1852 portion), and is gratified now and then to be asked to speak on scholarly subjects. She has also worked for the State Historical Society of North Dakota as a contract researcher. This has taken her to glamorous drudgery in several national archives and military history repositories. Gray archives boxes and old documents make her salivate.
Her mantra for writing comes from the subject of her thesis, Robert Utley, that dean of Indian Wars history. He told her the secret to writing is "to put your ass in the chair and keep it there until you're done." He's right, of course.
Her three favorite fictional works have remained constant through the years, although their rankings tend to shift: War and Peace, The Lawrenceville Stories, and A Town Like Alice. Favorite historical works are One Vast Winter Count, On the Border with Mackenzie and Crossing the Line. Favorite crime fiction authors are Michael Connelly, John Harvey and Peter Robinson.
And that's all she can think of that would interest anyone. Carla Kelly is quite ordinary, except when she is sometimes prevailed upon to sing a scurrilous song about lumberjacks, or warble "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" in Latin. Then you m
Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America's Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National Park Service as a ranger/historian at Fort Laramie National Historic Site did she get serious about her writing career. (Or as she would be the first to admit, as serious as it gets.)
Carla wrote a series of what she now refers to as the "Fort Laramie stories," which are tales of the men, women and children of the Indian Wars era in Western history. Two of her stories, A Season for Heroes and Kathleen Flaherty's Long Winter, earned her Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America. She was the second woman to earn two Spurs from WWA (which, as everyone knows, is all you need to ride a horse). Her entire Indian Wars collection was published in 2003 as Here's to the Ladies: Stories of the Frontier Army. It remains her favorite work.
The mother of five children, Carla has always allowed her kids to earn their keep by appearing in her Regencies, most notably Marian's Christmas Wish, which is peopled by all kinds of relatives. Grown now, the Kelly kids are scattered here and there across the U.S. They continue to provide feedback, furnish fodder for stories and make frantic phone calls home during the holidays for recipes. (Carla Kelly is some cook.)
Carla's husband, Martin, is Director of Theatre at Valley City State University, in Valley City, North Dakota. Carla is currently overworked as a staff writer at the local daily newspaper. She also writes a weekly, award-winning column, "Prairie Lite."
Carla only started writing Regencies because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars, which figures in many of her Regency novels and short stories. She specializes in writing about warfare at sea, and about the ordinary people of the British Isles who were, let's face it, far more numerous than lords and ladies.
Hobbies? She likes to crochet afghans, and read British crime fiction and history, principally military history. She's never happier than talking about the fur trade or Indian Wars with Park Service cronies. Her most recent gig with the National Park Service was at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site on the Montana/North Dakota border.
Here's another side to this somewhat prosaic woman: She recently edited the fur trade journal of Swiss artist Rudolf F. Kurz (the 1851-1852 portion), and is gratified now and then to be asked to speak on scholarly subjects. She has also worked for the State Historical Society of North Dakota as a contract researcher. This has taken her to glamorous drudgery in several national archives and military history repositories. Gray archives boxes and old documents make her salivate.
Her mantra for writing comes from the subject of her thesis, Robert Utley, that dean of Indian Wars history. He told her the secret to writing is "to put your ass in the chair and keep it there until you're done." He's right, of course.
Her three favorite fictional works have remained constant through the years, although their rankings tend to shift: War and Peace, The Lawrenceville Stories, and A Town Like Alice. Favorite historical works are One Vast Winter Count, On the Border with Mackenzie and Crossing the Line. Favorite crime fiction authors are Michael Connelly, John Harvey and Peter Robinson.
And that's all she can think of that would interest anyone. Carla Kelly is quite ordinary, except when she is sometimes prevailed upon to sing a scurrilous song about lumberjacks, or warble "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" in Latin. Then you m
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 10, 2025
This review is for the third story in the book, The Christmas Husband by Samantha Hastings.
What happens when you find yourself traveling home after being away for a long time, while the coach gets stuck in the mail and the people you're traveling with are questionable and the brother of the man you called off your betrothal with? Julia is trying to make the best of her situation and not betray confidences. And yet she's going to need the protection of Devin before her journey is over. Will he be willing to help her? Or will his frustrations and prejudices of the past get in the way?
This fake marriage story showed lots of heart with Julia's character. I loved her sweet and compassionate nature. Devin had some personal hurdles he had to work through in regard to Julia but I really liked seeing his POV and gaining his thoughts and perspective verses Julia's and then having those differences being resolved. These two have quite the chemistry together. Even though they are trying to deny it. Along with their chemistry, their wit and banter kept me giggling and laughing out loud. These two find themselves in a spot of trouble and will need all of their sensibilities to make it through.
I wasn't familiar with one of the other authors in this collection so I wasn't quite sure about content as this is a Harlequin published novella. Carla Kelly is a familiar author to me and I might read her novella and come back to review it if I do.
Content for Samantha Hastings's novella: The characters are pretending to be married for Julia's protection so they do share a room at the inn together since there is only one room available for the two of them. There is some stolen glances as each other is changing which has the characters thoughts thinking about that but isn't too detailed. Some innuendos. Some aspects pushed my personal boundaries. Kind of spoiler alert ahead so don't read this is you don't want to know *****************************There is a gay couple that is only mentioned near the end of the book. ***************************************************
I received a copy from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
What happens when you find yourself traveling home after being away for a long time, while the coach gets stuck in the mail and the people you're traveling with are questionable and the brother of the man you called off your betrothal with? Julia is trying to make the best of her situation and not betray confidences. And yet she's going to need the protection of Devin before her journey is over. Will he be willing to help her? Or will his frustrations and prejudices of the past get in the way?
This fake marriage story showed lots of heart with Julia's character. I loved her sweet and compassionate nature. Devin had some personal hurdles he had to work through in regard to Julia but I really liked seeing his POV and gaining his thoughts and perspective verses Julia's and then having those differences being resolved. These two have quite the chemistry together. Even though they are trying to deny it. Along with their chemistry, their wit and banter kept me giggling and laughing out loud. These two find themselves in a spot of trouble and will need all of their sensibilities to make it through.
I wasn't familiar with one of the other authors in this collection so I wasn't quite sure about content as this is a Harlequin published novella. Carla Kelly is a familiar author to me and I might read her novella and come back to review it if I do.
Content for Samantha Hastings's novella: The characters are pretending to be married for Julia's protection so they do share a room at the inn together since there is only one room available for the two of them. There is some stolen glances as each other is changing which has the characters thoughts thinking about that but isn't too detailed. Some innuendos. Some aspects pushed my personal boundaries. Kind of spoiler alert ahead so don't read this is you don't want to know *****************************There is a gay couple that is only mentioned near the end of the book. ***************************************************
I received a copy from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
December 16, 2025
Review for the Christmas Houseguest, which I listened to on audio. It was very typical Carla Kelly. But to be honest, the naval descriptions, and some of the saccharine plot points got a little boring. Overall it was a sweet closed door Christmas novella.
Review for Their Yuletide Reunion. 3.5 stars. Sweet but insubstantial Christmas novella with a second chance theme. Jane rejected Duncan's marriage proposal 3 years earlier because she wanted to take care of her aunt. Now Duncan's back, but Jane thinks he won't want her because her face is scarred. Some very sweet moments, but either it should have been shorter, or the space used for more character development with their past. Closed door.
Review for The Christmas Husband Charade. 3.5 stars. Although there was nothing remarkable about the set up-we’ve seen one room at the inn a billion times-I was in the mood for this fluffy story. A fun read but about 2/3 of the way through the plotting became clumsy and the resolution was slightly unsatisfying. Also the author could have spent more time on character development than rehashing the same details about the past. Closed door.
Review for Their Yuletide Reunion. 3.5 stars. Sweet but insubstantial Christmas novella with a second chance theme. Jane rejected Duncan's marriage proposal 3 years earlier because she wanted to take care of her aunt. Now Duncan's back, but Jane thinks he won't want her because her face is scarred. Some very sweet moments, but either it should have been shorter, or the space used for more character development with their past. Closed door.
Review for The Christmas Husband Charade. 3.5 stars. Although there was nothing remarkable about the set up-we’ve seen one room at the inn a billion times-I was in the mood for this fluffy story. A fun read but about 2/3 of the way through the plotting became clumsy and the resolution was slightly unsatisfying. Also the author could have spent more time on character development than rehashing the same details about the past. Closed door.
December 10, 2025
Three novellas. Three couples. Three snowstorms determined to play matchmaker.
A Christmas Houseguest by Carla Kelly—I had a little trouble getting into this one, as it takes place after the Napoleonic Wars and I needed something light and fluffy. It's a sweet story about a young soldier with PTSD who finds love. It's a story with caring people, but not your typical Christmas romance.
Their Yuletide Reunion by Joanna Johnson—This is a new-to-me author, and I really enjoyed this story. Second-chance romance is one of my favorite tropes and I loved that Duncan and Jane were willing to open their hearts and give each other a second chance. The sledging scenes were so much fun, it made me want to join in.
The Christmas Husband Charade by Samantha Hastings—This is an enemies-to-love mixed with a single-bed romance. Julia had called off her betrothal to Devin's brother, so he's not very happy to be sharing a coach with her on the way home for Christmas. Snowed in at an inn with limited available rooms, they end up pretending to be married. Of course, because of the forced proximity, their feelings toward each other begin to change. The characters have great chemistry and I loved the banter between them.
Content: There is a mention of a gay couple towards the end of the story.
I received a paperback copy from one of the authors. All opinions in this review are my own.
A Christmas Houseguest by Carla Kelly—I had a little trouble getting into this one, as it takes place after the Napoleonic Wars and I needed something light and fluffy. It's a sweet story about a young soldier with PTSD who finds love. It's a story with caring people, but not your typical Christmas romance.
Their Yuletide Reunion by Joanna Johnson—This is a new-to-me author, and I really enjoyed this story. Second-chance romance is one of my favorite tropes and I loved that Duncan and Jane were willing to open their hearts and give each other a second chance. The sledging scenes were so much fun, it made me want to join in.
The Christmas Husband Charade by Samantha Hastings—This is an enemies-to-love mixed with a single-bed romance. Julia had called off her betrothal to Devin's brother, so he's not very happy to be sharing a coach with her on the way home for Christmas. Snowed in at an inn with limited available rooms, they end up pretending to be married. Of course, because of the forced proximity, their feelings toward each other begin to change. The characters have great chemistry and I loved the banter between them.
Content: There is a mention of a gay couple towards the end of the story.
I received a paperback copy from one of the authors. All opinions in this review are my own.
January 9, 2026
The festivities continue with another lovely collection. I was touched when Rosie made an instant and deep connection with Andy due to a snowstorm. The feelings of home and family during the holidays made an impact on my heart. A second chance at love, while enjoying the celebrations of the season with young children, made the romance between Duncan and Jane a treasure. A snowed-in, forced proximity situation between Devin and Julia (his brother’s ex-fiance) was the perfect ending to this set. Enemies to love with the undercurrents of attraction is a splendid cap of a beautiful set of Christmas stories.
I adored the uniqueness of each tale and felt immersed in the plots. This is a great one to add to your holiday or winter reading list.
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
I adored the uniqueness of each tale and felt immersed in the plots. This is a great one to add to your holiday or winter reading list.
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
November 21, 2025
A fun collection of Christmas Regency romance novellas!
I received an ARC from the publisher and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the publisher and all opinions are my own.
November 30, 2025
A Christmas Houseguest by Carla Kelly
This is a very dear story of surviving hardships in war and how unexpected love can find you. The MMC faces PTSD after surviving as a prison of war. The patience and devotion our FMC has is beautiful! I loved Andy’s Christmas wish and Rosie’s acceptance of Andy. The “untraditional” Christmas is absolutely heartwarming.
Content: mild bible swears
Their Yuletide Reunion by Joanna Johnson
A beautiful second chance love that will sweep you off your feet! The sledging and snow angels were so sweet! I truly enjoyed how Duncan did not let Jane’s scarred face take away from his love for her and how he gave Jane a second chance and allowed his heart to be open to her again.
Content: mild bible swears
The Christmas Husband Charade by Samantha Hastings
A hilarious, witty, and banter filled enemies to flirtatious friends to more!! The name calling and forced proximity of a one bedroom made this story utterly swoony! Devin and Julia’s relationship goes through so much. The prejudices against each other created the base of an amazing enemies to more story. When their mail coach gets snowed in, they are forced into tight quarters, and their thoughts about each other get drastically changed.
Content: steamy not spicy kissing scene, and mention of same sex couple.
These novellas were an absolute delight and quick read for this Christmas season!
Thank you to the authors and publisher for my gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a very dear story of surviving hardships in war and how unexpected love can find you. The MMC faces PTSD after surviving as a prison of war. The patience and devotion our FMC has is beautiful! I loved Andy’s Christmas wish and Rosie’s acceptance of Andy. The “untraditional” Christmas is absolutely heartwarming.
Content: mild bible swears
Their Yuletide Reunion by Joanna Johnson
A beautiful second chance love that will sweep you off your feet! The sledging and snow angels were so sweet! I truly enjoyed how Duncan did not let Jane’s scarred face take away from his love for her and how he gave Jane a second chance and allowed his heart to be open to her again.
Content: mild bible swears
The Christmas Husband Charade by Samantha Hastings
A hilarious, witty, and banter filled enemies to flirtatious friends to more!! The name calling and forced proximity of a one bedroom made this story utterly swoony! Devin and Julia’s relationship goes through so much. The prejudices against each other created the base of an amazing enemies to more story. When their mail coach gets snowed in, they are forced into tight quarters, and their thoughts about each other get drastically changed.
Content: steamy not spicy kissing scene, and mention of same sex couple.
These novellas were an absolute delight and quick read for this Christmas season!
Thank you to the authors and publisher for my gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 29, 2025
A Christmas houseguest by Carla Kelly
For some reason, I had a hard time getting into the story, but I’m glad I stuck with it. It really turned out to be a great uplifting and charming read. I really enjoyed the characters of Andrew and Rosie. They are the salt of the Earth type of people.
Their Yuletide reunion by Joanna Johnson
I loved this story, the selfless Jane and the dashing Duncan make the most beautiful couple. I thought of how we all are affected by our scars, visible and invisible, but we must look past them and see the person underneath. Delightful story.
The Christmas husband charade by Samantha Hastings
This was a charming and delightful story. I loved the plot and the execution. There were a couple of scenes that pushed the boundaries of my liking as far as descriptive intimate exchanges. There is also a same sex couple, which I saw coming, but didn’t think it would manifest itself. I did enjoy the Characters and how they related to each other and Julia’s grit to take charge of her own life. I absolutely loved the witty banter. Devin was the perfect gentleman when he remembers his manners.
Overall, i thought it was an enjoyable holiday anthology.
For some reason, I had a hard time getting into the story, but I’m glad I stuck with it. It really turned out to be a great uplifting and charming read. I really enjoyed the characters of Andrew and Rosie. They are the salt of the Earth type of people.
Their Yuletide reunion by Joanna Johnson
I loved this story, the selfless Jane and the dashing Duncan make the most beautiful couple. I thought of how we all are affected by our scars, visible and invisible, but we must look past them and see the person underneath. Delightful story.
The Christmas husband charade by Samantha Hastings
This was a charming and delightful story. I loved the plot and the execution. There were a couple of scenes that pushed the boundaries of my liking as far as descriptive intimate exchanges. There is also a same sex couple, which I saw coming, but didn’t think it would manifest itself. I did enjoy the Characters and how they related to each other and Julia’s grit to take charge of her own life. I absolutely loved the witty banter. Devin was the perfect gentleman when he remembers his manners.
Overall, i thought it was an enjoyable holiday anthology.
December 28, 2025
I spent the month reading these fun stories!
Carla Kelly is a fave of mine of mine and this story did not disappoint! I think she writes military men the BEST! I loved the story and especially loved the leading man! Great connection and understanding between the characters!
Joanna Johnson is new to me and I was impressed! I enjoyed the way we learn as a reader, to see beyond the outside! These characters were adorable and I will be looking for more books by this author!
Samantha Hastings always writes great sparks and banter between her characters. Loved the name-calling and misunderstandings. There was a bit more titillation in this story than the others! I was fine with it, but worth mentioning! Also there is a mention of a gay couple, very brief towards the end, but also worth pointing out. Oh and the brief explanation of the meaning of the name-calling…perfect!
I thought the compilation was lovely and grateful for the opportunity to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
Carla Kelly is a fave of mine of mine and this story did not disappoint! I think she writes military men the BEST! I loved the story and especially loved the leading man! Great connection and understanding between the characters!
Joanna Johnson is new to me and I was impressed! I enjoyed the way we learn as a reader, to see beyond the outside! These characters were adorable and I will be looking for more books by this author!
Samantha Hastings always writes great sparks and banter between her characters. Loved the name-calling and misunderstandings. There was a bit more titillation in this story than the others! I was fine with it, but worth mentioning! Also there is a mention of a gay couple, very brief towards the end, but also worth pointing out. Oh and the brief explanation of the meaning of the name-calling…perfect!
I thought the compilation was lovely and grateful for the opportunity to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
December 18, 2025
Snowbound Regency Christmas features three stories that showcase couples and how they unexpectedly find love in surprising ways.
In A Christmas Houseguest by Carla Kelly, there is a story of a snowbound young soldier with PTSD. He ends up at the home of a caring family who show him great kindness, and there he meets the beautiful Rose. This novella was a very touching story.
In Their Yuletide Reunion by Joanna Johnson, we find a story of second chances. Jane and Duncan both have things to work through before love comes again. There is a theme of accepting one another despite their flaws. This was a sweet story.
In The Christmas Husband Charade by Samantha Hastings, it is an enemies-to-lovers novella. There is also a lot of humor in the witty banter that takes place between Devon and Julia. The forced proximity theme also plays a large hand where they both are stranded in an inn during a fierce snowstorm. With a stormy past, they soon learn that there is more to the person than they previously thought they knew.
Snowbound Regency Christmas is a sweet collection of non-typical, clean love stories. These fast reads are ones to pick up and read at the end of a cold winter's day.
In A Christmas Houseguest by Carla Kelly, there is a story of a snowbound young soldier with PTSD. He ends up at the home of a caring family who show him great kindness, and there he meets the beautiful Rose. This novella was a very touching story.
In Their Yuletide Reunion by Joanna Johnson, we find a story of second chances. Jane and Duncan both have things to work through before love comes again. There is a theme of accepting one another despite their flaws. This was a sweet story.
In The Christmas Husband Charade by Samantha Hastings, it is an enemies-to-lovers novella. There is also a lot of humor in the witty banter that takes place between Devon and Julia. The forced proximity theme also plays a large hand where they both are stranded in an inn during a fierce snowstorm. With a stormy past, they soon learn that there is more to the person than they previously thought they knew.
Snowbound Regency Christmas is a sweet collection of non-typical, clean love stories. These fast reads are ones to pick up and read at the end of a cold winter's day.
December 21, 2025
With a busy holiday season, it’s nice to pick up a novella that’s easily enjoyed in one sitting. Snowbound Regency Christmas combines the talents of Carla Kelly, Joanna Johnson, & Samantha Hastings in a unique, romantic collection. A naval officer recently freed from captivity, a scarred woman looking for a second chance at love, & two enemies snowed in at an inn all get to experience the romance of the holiday.
In A Christmas Houseguest by Carla Kelly Navy office Andrew Hadfield escaped the French only to be trapped by a snowstorm. On his way to Endicott to find a friend’s widow, a blizzard forces his coach to a stop. When Rosie, a kind, beautiful passenger offers him shelter at her family farm, he readily agrees. As an orphan, he revels in the feeling of home & family at the farm & falls in love with Rosie who listens to his harrowing tales & helps him find healing. I enjoyed seeing Andrew experience all the joys of Christmas & the forthright Rosie who understands just what he needs.
Their Yuletide Reunion by Joanna Johnson was my favorite of the collection. After Jane Stockwell’s aunt passes away, she’s forced to leave her home by her greedy cousin. But, with the surprising return of Lt. Duncan Fitzjames whose proposal Jane rejected years ago, she has a chance to be near the only man she’s ever loved when he invites her to spend Christmas with his family. After a carriage accident left her scarred & her rejection of his proposal, she wonders if she’ll ever have another chance with Duncan. I loved this story! Duncan’s worried about another rejection & Jane doesn’t think she’s worthy of his love. I enjoyed seeing these two get another chance at love while enjoying all the Christmas festivities with Duncan’s little nieces.
In The Christmas Husband Charade by Samantha Hastings, Devin Ballantine finds himself snowed in at an inn with his brother’s former fiancée. Forced to share a room, these two enemies find a growing attraction between them. I enjoyed the sizzling romance, witty banter, & Devin overcoming his anger towards Julia when he finally understands why she rejected his brother.
Recommend to closed door Regency fans. I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily. 3.5-4 stars
CW: some mild swearing, innuendo, sensuality, & a gay couple
In A Christmas Houseguest by Carla Kelly Navy office Andrew Hadfield escaped the French only to be trapped by a snowstorm. On his way to Endicott to find a friend’s widow, a blizzard forces his coach to a stop. When Rosie, a kind, beautiful passenger offers him shelter at her family farm, he readily agrees. As an orphan, he revels in the feeling of home & family at the farm & falls in love with Rosie who listens to his harrowing tales & helps him find healing. I enjoyed seeing Andrew experience all the joys of Christmas & the forthright Rosie who understands just what he needs.
Their Yuletide Reunion by Joanna Johnson was my favorite of the collection. After Jane Stockwell’s aunt passes away, she’s forced to leave her home by her greedy cousin. But, with the surprising return of Lt. Duncan Fitzjames whose proposal Jane rejected years ago, she has a chance to be near the only man she’s ever loved when he invites her to spend Christmas with his family. After a carriage accident left her scarred & her rejection of his proposal, she wonders if she’ll ever have another chance with Duncan. I loved this story! Duncan’s worried about another rejection & Jane doesn’t think she’s worthy of his love. I enjoyed seeing these two get another chance at love while enjoying all the Christmas festivities with Duncan’s little nieces.
In The Christmas Husband Charade by Samantha Hastings, Devin Ballantine finds himself snowed in at an inn with his brother’s former fiancée. Forced to share a room, these two enemies find a growing attraction between them. I enjoyed the sizzling romance, witty banter, & Devin overcoming his anger towards Julia when he finally understands why she rejected his brother.
Recommend to closed door Regency fans. I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily. 3.5-4 stars
CW: some mild swearing, innuendo, sensuality, & a gay couple
January 22, 2026
Have you ever been stranded by a snowstorm? I was once stranded at Detroit Metro airport for three days during a blizzard.
Snowbound Regency Christmas is three novellas including:
“A Christmas Houseguest” by Carla Kelly
Sailing Master Andrew Hadfield is back in England after two years being held captive by the French. He is searching for the widow of a comrade to tell her the details of her husband’s death. When his mail coach is caught in a snowstorm, fellow passenger, Rosie, takes him back to her family farm to stay and recover. Will love find a way for two people who have given up on love?
“Their Yuletide Reunion” by Joanna Johnson
In the past, Jane had to say no to a proposal from Lt. Duncan Fitzjames due to family obligations. Her feeling for him have not changed. Now that her Great Aunt Deborah has passed away, her future is uncertain. With Duncan back in town, will there be a second chance for love?
“The Christmas Husband” Charade by Samantha Hastings
On a mail coach, Devin finds himself traveling with a woman he despises. Julia jilted his brother years before. Julia has been punished and sent away as a governess. When they are snowed in and trapped at an inn, they must pretend to be married in order to have a safe place to stay and to protect Julia’s reputation. Will the forced proximity cause them to come to a better understanding and perhaps find love?
My thoughts on these novellas:
• I loved all three of these stories. They were cozy and great escapism reading.
• All three stories were forced proximity romances. I also enjoyed the second chance romance and shades of Persuasion by Jane Austen in “Their Yuletide Reunion.”
• This was a clean read.
• Each story was unique and kept me engaged throughout!
• The first story also have a PTSD storyline.
• I read this book quickly.
Overall, Snowbound Regency Christmas has three great Regency romance novellas that were a perfect comfort read on a cold winter’s night.
Book Source: Purchased from Amazon.com
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2026...
Snowbound Regency Christmas is three novellas including:
“A Christmas Houseguest” by Carla Kelly
Sailing Master Andrew Hadfield is back in England after two years being held captive by the French. He is searching for the widow of a comrade to tell her the details of her husband’s death. When his mail coach is caught in a snowstorm, fellow passenger, Rosie, takes him back to her family farm to stay and recover. Will love find a way for two people who have given up on love?
“Their Yuletide Reunion” by Joanna Johnson
In the past, Jane had to say no to a proposal from Lt. Duncan Fitzjames due to family obligations. Her feeling for him have not changed. Now that her Great Aunt Deborah has passed away, her future is uncertain. With Duncan back in town, will there be a second chance for love?
“The Christmas Husband” Charade by Samantha Hastings
On a mail coach, Devin finds himself traveling with a woman he despises. Julia jilted his brother years before. Julia has been punished and sent away as a governess. When they are snowed in and trapped at an inn, they must pretend to be married in order to have a safe place to stay and to protect Julia’s reputation. Will the forced proximity cause them to come to a better understanding and perhaps find love?
My thoughts on these novellas:
• I loved all three of these stories. They were cozy and great escapism reading.
• All three stories were forced proximity romances. I also enjoyed the second chance romance and shades of Persuasion by Jane Austen in “Their Yuletide Reunion.”
• This was a clean read.
• Each story was unique and kept me engaged throughout!
• The first story also have a PTSD storyline.
• I read this book quickly.
Overall, Snowbound Regency Christmas has three great Regency romance novellas that were a perfect comfort read on a cold winter’s night.
Book Source: Purchased from Amazon.com
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2026...
January 3, 2026
This anthology was just such a pleasant December/January read. Each novella had a lovely, completely romance that took place over a very snowy Christmas, and I loved that theme! The variety in the stories and the characters was lovely; each had unique characters and a variety of tropes. Carla Kelly’s romance centered around a very considerate meet cute and a Christmas rescue, with more mature romantic leads. Joanna Johnson’s second chance romance was a beautiful example of why I prefer this trope in historical romances; the circumstances gave such a compelling reason for why the second chance was needed and for why communication was so spotty. Samantha Hastings’ enemies-to-lovers was my favorite of the set! The banter between Julia and Devin was top notch, and the circumstances of their being forced to spend time together were just such fun!
Thank you to @samanthahastingsauthor and the publisher for the paperback ARC; all opinions are my own.
Thank you to @samanthahastingsauthor and the publisher for the paperback ARC; all opinions are my own.
December 8, 2025
I only read the Carla Kelly story, and I highly enjoyed it. It was a quick and easy read with a charming heroine, and a navy hero who had been through way too much fighting Napoleon. I loved Rose's compassion, and her father and aunt were amazingly kind people. I just wanted to see Andrew happy. He was so thoughtful, trying to go find his late friend's widow. Having him recover and stay with Rose and her family worked out well for everyone, since the two end up happily married, saving a woman and a little girl in the process. It was emotionally touching, but sweet at the same time. The other two stories may be read eventually, but the plots didn't suit my current mood.
January 23, 2026
Different
Nice to read stories about less elevated people, women who are useful, men who sail, farm, practice law, and are less than titled lords (earls, dukes, barons). They still have to deal with the travel and living conditions - snowbound indeed - of the 18th century. And still suffer from the human problems arising from not communicating honestly with each other. There would be no stories if they did. It's nice to be able to count on a happy ending.
Nice to read stories about less elevated people, women who are useful, men who sail, farm, practice law, and are less than titled lords (earls, dukes, barons). They still have to deal with the travel and living conditions - snowbound indeed - of the 18th century. And still suffer from the human problems arising from not communicating honestly with each other. There would be no stories if they did. It's nice to be able to count on a happy ending.
December 11, 2025
I love regency Christmas collections/anthologies because you get several treats in one.
❄️A Christmas Houseguest by Carla Kelly was a little hard to get into, but was a sweet story nonetheless. Andrew suffers PTSD and struggles with being called a hero. Rose and her family are really caring and supportive of him, helping him through his pain and finding joy again.
❄️Their Yuletide Reunion by Joanna Johnson was tender and sweet. Jane has suffered greatly, choosing to help her beloved aunt, but breaking her heart in the process. I loved the reconnection of Jane and Duncan and his unfailing support for her. Shining light on inward beauty and grace over outward.
❄️The Christmas Husband Charade by Samantha Hastings was a fun treat of enemy to lovers, forced proximity, and fake relationship with a diverse group of characters snowed in together. It was enjoyable to watch them all make the best of their predicament and discover first impressions aren’t always correct. No matter what Devin thought of Julia, he was protective of her and I loved that. Although it was small, Joshua’s storyline wasn’t one I enjoyed.
⚠️Content: a minor character in a same sex relationship.
Thank you to Samantha Hastings for the paperback copy. All opinions are my own.
❄️A Christmas Houseguest by Carla Kelly was a little hard to get into, but was a sweet story nonetheless. Andrew suffers PTSD and struggles with being called a hero. Rose and her family are really caring and supportive of him, helping him through his pain and finding joy again.
❄️Their Yuletide Reunion by Joanna Johnson was tender and sweet. Jane has suffered greatly, choosing to help her beloved aunt, but breaking her heart in the process. I loved the reconnection of Jane and Duncan and his unfailing support for her. Shining light on inward beauty and grace over outward.
❄️The Christmas Husband Charade by Samantha Hastings was a fun treat of enemy to lovers, forced proximity, and fake relationship with a diverse group of characters snowed in together. It was enjoyable to watch them all make the best of their predicament and discover first impressions aren’t always correct. No matter what Devin thought of Julia, he was protective of her and I loved that. Although it was small, Joshua’s storyline wasn’t one I enjoyed.
⚠️Content: a minor character in a same sex relationship.
Thank you to Samantha Hastings for the paperback copy. All opinions are my own.
December 13, 2025
Really enjoyed the first and last story.
The middle story was a little dreary. I'm not a fan of the big fan or the You deserve better then me trope. Also I don't think mommy should have to be called in at the last minute to straighten out your love life.
All in all though I'd certainly buy the book again. So 4 stars it is.
The middle story was a little dreary. I'm not a fan of the big fan or the You deserve better then me trope. Also I don't think mommy should have to be called in at the last minute to straighten out your love life.
All in all though I'd certainly buy the book again. So 4 stars it is.
December 24, 2025
Snowbound Regency Christmas by Carla Kelly, Joanna Johnson, Samantha Hasting is out now. This delightful book has three Regency Christmas stories!
This was just the thing for me to read right before Christmas. The stories were easy to read, romantic, historical, and perfect for the holiday season. It was delightful to celebrate Christmas in Regency England, meet engaging characters, and I enjoyed learning the Christmas traditions of that time period.
I recommend this as a wonderful Holiday read or anytime you want to indulge in a Regency Romance.
I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.
This was just the thing for me to read right before Christmas. The stories were easy to read, romantic, historical, and perfect for the holiday season. It was delightful to celebrate Christmas in Regency England, meet engaging characters, and I enjoyed learning the Christmas traditions of that time period.
I recommend this as a wonderful Holiday read or anytime you want to indulge in a Regency Romance.
I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.
December 2, 2025
Great book! I enjoyed all three holiday romances.
December 11, 2025
I enjoyed The Christmas Husband Charade the best!
December 14, 2025
A Christmas Houseguest: DNFed it. I was bored.
Their Yuletide reunion: 3 stars
The Christmas Husband Charade: 4 stars
Their Yuletide reunion: 3 stars
The Christmas Husband Charade: 4 stars
December 19, 2025
3.5 stars
December 27, 2025
A seasonal read
This was a very seasonal regency read ( the second story felt more early Victorian than regency) and was a nice way to spend time over the holidays with my feet up.
This was a very seasonal regency read ( the second story felt more early Victorian than regency) and was a nice way to spend time over the holidays with my feet up.
January 8, 2026
Carla Kelly only
January 19, 2026
This took me nearly a month to read -- I kept getting distracted. :(
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