Mrs. Brown and the Christmas Gift

Dazzling Debutantes #5

by C.N. Jarrett

A wounded blacksmith. A woman with a past. A Christmas Eve encounter that could change everything.She has a past she must keep hidden. He has a past he longs to forget. But the magic of the festive season may open their hearts to love.

She will not repeat her past mistakes...
Caroline Brown once made a choice she deeply regrets, costing her the trust of a dear friend. Now, she is determined to build a new life as the owner of a thriving dressmaking shop in the bustling town of Chatternwell. Love is not in her plans—especially not with the brooding blacksmith across the street. But when the local doctor seeks her help on Christmas Eve, she cannot refuse.

He has sworn to keep his distance...
William Jackson has kept to himself ever since returning home from war. The spirited dressmaker down the street is a distraction he does not need—until an injury on Christmas Eve leaves him in her care. Her kindness and quiet strength unsettle him in ways he never expected.

Can the spirit of Christmas bring healing, hope, and the courage to open their hearts?

Mrs. Brown and the Christmas Gift is the delightful fifth book in the Dazzling Debutantes series of clean Regency romance books. If you enjoy honorable heroes, spirited heroines, and heartfelt journeys toward love, then you will be enchanted by Jarrett’s charming novel. This story may be enjoyed as a standalone.

Buy Mrs. Brown and the Christmas Gift for a tale of holiday magic today!What to
✔️ Kissing
✔️ No Cursing
✔️ Closed Door After Marriage

Included Historical Romance
✔️ Working-Class Heroine / Self-Made Woman
✔️ Grumpy Blacksmith / Soft on the Inside Hero
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Christmas Romance / Holiday Setting


What Readers Are ★★★★★ "One of the best Christmas romances I have ever read!" - Marion L.
★★★★★ "Not only is this my all-time favorite Christmas historical romance, this is one of my favorite historical romances ever. It is dreamy and Christmasy and beautiful and full of gorgeous dresses." - hhbennett25
★★★★★ "The chemistry between these two just leapt off the page! Grand book!!" - txyankeeny
★★★★★ "I love both Caroline and William. They are complex characters with complex emotional baggage from their separate pasts." - E Prime

Genres: Christmas, Historical Romance

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 23, 2025

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet retelling of the 3 ghosts from a Christmas carol. I thought the retelling was creative and liked how the author wrote the scene. I do wish the story was a bit more realistic. A woman of that time period, especially one who has a secret, would not have acted in the way she did. If you look beyond it not being realistic, it is a sweet story of healing. It is nice to see Mrs. Brown have a good turn too.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, touching romance as Caroline meets William, the local blacksmith and tends to him after he fell. Caroline paid for her past mistakes with Lord Saunton by becoming a modiste and has not forgiven herself. William is struggling with his guilt at the death of his cousin at Waterloo. A sweet, Christmas romance of redemption.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice regency romance! This does have some similarities with A Christmas Carol, with the dreams. But, there is much more to the story. What I love is learning all the particulars about this era. Did not know that folks had to ‘buy’ their seat in a pew. If they didn’t, they stood! This is a sweet story. I will read more by this author.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline and William . . .

Caroline Brown is sad to be leaving her position at Baydon Hall. The housekeeper Mrs. Harris has been asked to find her another place to go. Caroline is shamed for her behavior in being caught kissing the Earl of Saunton in the barn, a betrayal of her good friend to satisfy her own desperate weakness for attention. Worse yet, she was caught by Miss Annabel Ridley herself in the arms of the lady’s betrothed! And of course the Earl would not defend Caroline.

Two years later, Caroline had become the owner of a millinery shop, making interest-free payments on a loan provided by Lord Saunton who had apologized for disrupting her life. And her former friend Miss Annabel, had married the Duke of Halmesbury instead. Caroline now lived in Chatternwell and was respected and never again would she risk forming an attachment that might destroy everything she had built. Caroline noticed a little girl who often looked in her shop windows. When the girl began to cry, Caroline went outside to comfort her and bring her inside for a cup of tea. Her mother was sending her away to work as a washerwoman, but her mom was sick and needs Annie to be there for her. So Caroline offered her a job as her apprentice so she could stay in town and care for her mom. And she let her pick a ribbon to hold her hair back. William Jackson, the local blacksmith, had seen little Annie Greer start to cry and watched the two of them. War had taught him to live by logic and keep emotion away, although he still felt guilt over convincing his cousin Charles to join the army with him, and takes the blame for his death. Eventually his curiosity about the modiste had William stopping in to ask questions. He owns the largest smithy in Chatternwell with numerous journeymen and apprentices in his employ, and he is recognized for his excellent work. He came to Caroline’s shop to buy a gift for an older neighbor. Caroline
appreciated his quiet strength but needed to keep her distance to uphold her reputation. And he needed to keep his distance from her or the emotions he tightly shut down would come surging back. But when an injury on Christmas Eve brings them together, both feel drawn to the other. Will the spirit of Christmas provide the necessary healing and courage these loving generous souls need to finally forgive themselves and open their hearts up to each other?

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline Brown is determined to leave her past mistakes behind and focus on her thriving dressmaking shop in Chatternwell—love isn't part of the plan. But when a Christmas Eve emergency draws her into the life of William Jackson, a brooding blacksmith haunted by his own past, their guarded hearts begin to thaw. As the magic of the festive season unfolds, can they find the courage to embrace love, healing, and hope?

She has a past she must keep hidden. He has a past he'd rather forget. But the magic of the season may open their hearts to love.

I really enjoyed this heartfelt Christmas story. Caroline, burdened by regrets from her past, pours herself into her work as a seamstress, keeping people at a distance. That changes on Christmas Eve when an unexpected emergency leads her to care for William Jackson, a brooding blacksmith with his own emotional scars.

William and Caroline are a couple you can't help but root for. Both have been shaped by their history, hesitant to open up to love. Yet, as they're drawn together, their walls begin to crumble. Their journey is one of reflection, forgiveness, and discovering that they're more than just the sum of their past mistakes. While Caroline tends to William's sprained ankle, they share honest conversations that reveal their true hearts. Their connection and chemistry was heartfelt and genuine.

This story beautifully blends sadness with warmth, romance, and even a delightful surprise. It’s a tale of redemption and the ripple effect of personal change—how one person’s growth can inspire others. I especially appreciated the theme of forgiveness, something we often overlook in today’s world.

The nods to Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol were subtle yet impactful, adding an extra layer of depth to this lovely holiday read. A beautifully written Christmas story of love and redemption that I wholeheartedly recommend.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blacksmith And Sunshine

I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet and clean grumpy-sunshine, forced proximity historical romance novella that put me right in Christmas spirit. It’s definitely one of the best Christmas romances I have ever read! The very well written plot is heartwarming and touching and has „A Christmas Carol“ vibes. I love the author's narrative style, she has an extraordinary way of conveying the feelings of her characters. Through emotional insights and inner monologues, the inner struggles of the troubled protagonists become very tangible. I particularly enjoyed William's dream sequences and his 'aha'-moments.

After her scandalous behavior with Lord Saunton, housemaid Caroline Brown feels ashamed and guilty for her past mistakes and betrayal of her childhood friend. When Saunton subsequently tries to compensate her for the disgrace she suffered, Caroline is able to fulfil her dream of opening her own modiste shop in Chatternwell, with him as a silent investor, but is determined not to let anyone get close to her in future and to protect her reputation.
William Jackson, the local blacksmith, blames himself for the death of his cousin in the war. He still suffers from his loss and his feelings of guilt and emotionally numb, William prefers a detached life of self-imposed isolation.
When William is injured on Christmas Day, Caroline is the only person who can look after him. During their forced closeness, their mutual attraction and compassion grows, and Caroline shows William a new perspective on life as he helps her come to terms with her past...

All in all, a charming and moving historical Christmas romance novella that is well worth reading, set in a working-class environment with endearing protagonists and great character development and which I am happy to recommend!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[HfbR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Caroline Brown, a modiste, and William Jackson, the local blacksmith. We previously met Caroline in the very first book of the Dazzling Debutantes series when she was caught by her friend in an intimate encounter in the stables with her friend’s betrothed. Two years later she has moved on with her life and now owns her own shop, but she is reluctant to get too close to anyone again so works hard and avoids making friends because of her intense feelings of guilt. William is a blacksmith in the family business that he took over from his uncle and aunt. He feels responsible for their only son’s death at Waterloo after they both enlisted together, and he deals with his guilt by working hard and keeping to himself. When fate throws Caroline and William together on Christmas Eve, can they overcome their respective guilty pasts and embrace a brighter future together……….

This is another well written and well researched book, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It’s not essential to have read the first four books as Caroline’s past is covered in an early chapter, but all four are excellent stories so well worth a read. Although the time span of the story is relatively short, there’s a lot going on with good insights into how each character has been affected by the past and struggles to deal with their feelings. There’s some interesting snippets of history too, which adds to a good story for me. I look forward to reading more by this author and hopefully revisiting some great characters too.

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

[Helen]

Redemption is at the heart of this fifth book in the Dazzling Debutantes series.

William Jackson, blacksmith, has closed himself off from relationships after his cousin (and best friend) Charles was killed at Waterloo. Although Charles was determined to enter the army with or without William, William feels guilty that he hadn't been able to save Charles.

Caroline Brown, once a maid to Annabel Ridley, had engaged in a dalliance with the Earl of Staunton, then Annabel's betrothed. Annabel dismissed Caroline, broke her engagement with the earl--and proceeded to marry his cousin, the Duke of Halmesbury.

Although dismissed from service, Caroline left with references and found a position in another household and then apprenticed to be a modiste. With the financial assistance from the reformed Earl of Staunton, who is trying to make restitution to all he harmed, Caroline is able to set up her own shop in a small village. She is determined never to let another man into her life--or her heart.

A Christmas Eve accident places William and Caroline together for the holidays and begins the process of forgiveness--each for himself/herself and in Caroline's case, seeking Annabel's forgiveness as well.

There's a hint of the supernatural with three dreams featuring the past, present and future. (No ghosts, Mr. Scrooge.) But the characters are earth-bound and sympathetic.

Because of Caroline's limited presence in Miss Ridley and the Duke, this book can stand alone.

I appreciate the author's historical notes at the end of the book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about forgiveness and redemption. Caroline, the town’s new modiste, has not forgiven herself for an incident that happened two years ago, and vowed to steer clear of all men. William, the town blacksmith, returned from the war a changed man. Having watched his cousin die in battle, and being the bearer of such news to his family, William decided to shut down all his emotons and never let anybody else get close to him. That all changed when he first saw Caroline. What follows is a heartfelt story wherein Caroline and William both discover that they are capable of, and deserve love. William has a series of dreams, in which Caroline takes on the role of the three ghosts from A Christmas Carol, and he gets a new perspective on his past, present and future. It is creative, clever, and remarkably well done. Caroline gets her much needed closure on her previous incident of betrayal, opening her up to future possibilities. This story has so many touching and heartbreaking moments. The characters are varied and strong, and Annie adds some much needed leavity with her contagious exuberance. I enjoyed taking this emotional journey as I watched William and Caroline bring out the best in each other. I love that Caroline got her happy ending and was able to extinguish the guilt from her past actions. Such a good series!.

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

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right out if possible I would give more than the 5 stars allowed to the book and the rest of this fantastic author's series. Absolutely loved this story. We meet Caroline again in her own story , having made appearances in other ones. She is now the owner of her own dress shop and addresses herself as Mrs. Caroline Brown. She feels that it stops people from asking about her past or finding out what really happened to ruin her. She was ruined when she kissed an Earl who was suppose to be marrying her friend. He shows back up and wants to make amends by giving her money instead she takes it as a loan. Making things right for the wrong he did her. William is the village Blacksmith and running from his on past- war, death of his friend and cousin and PTSD. He likes to help an older woman that lives by him and doesn't have a lot of funds. He waits for her to leave on the Christmastide to repair her roof. As he finishes he falls off the ladder and hurts his ankle. With no one around to help , the village doctor asks her to care for him. She does and both are able to help one another thru their secrets. Has lots of love, secrets, dreams, hopes, fear, and just a sweet hopeful romantic story. Fits in nicely with the rest stories with more to come. Always glad to see the characters from other stories return and join into these stories. Would recommend to everyone.

I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved reading C.N. Jarrett’s Dazzling Debutante series. Each book has had its own charm, and all of the stories are stand-alone, but the characters are connected. This book was particularly delightful and even a bit magical. It tells the story of the fallen Caroline Brown, who was dismissed from her service to her employer for dallying with a rakish count. She has started her life over in a new town as a modiste, making beautiful dresses for the local women. She catches the eye of the town’s successful blacksmith, William Jackson, but is determined not to be drawn into another disastrous relationship. However, the magic and beauty of Christmas seem to want them together when she becomes the only person who can help him after he is injured in an accident on Christmas Eve.

Jarrett weaves a sweet and very romantic story of how the couple overcomes their fears and shadows to find love. She uses the magic of William’s dreams and the beauty of Caroline’s singing and humming to create a wistful and dreamy world where they come to learn about each other. This is such a beautiful book and perhaps my favorite of the series so far. (And they have all been great.) I enjoyed seeing inside the lives of people who aren’t royalty and how they navigate the complex world of Regency society. This is a wonderful book to read, whether it is Christmas or the middle of summer!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[AF Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

What can I say, I’m a sucker for Christmas stories. And this was an interesting retelling of the trials of Ebeneezer Scrooge. It was sweet, absolutely unrealistic – but it was sweet. So it passed some time which is never a bad thing especially with nice characters and a nice enough book. Would I read the ones that come next – no, not if it was this kind of vapid. And I didn’t think there was enough of a story fleshing out of the characters to make it something, I’d want to send to all my friends or my fellow readers. But the characters, as they were drawn were predictably nice – the man in the most curmudgeonly, nice way, and the wounded wren of a woman who just needed to be loved and understood– was nice enough. I like happy endings and this one had a nice happy ending. It’s sort of the equivalent of having a reading kind of snack as opposed to a reading kind of meal.
So if you’re looking for an all engrossing read, this absolutely is not it. But if you’re looking for read that you can pick up and put down at doctors appointments or sitting in the car waiting to pick your kids up from school – this is a nice one.

[Ruth Coulson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another book in the Dazzling Debutantes series, although it does not deal with a debutante as such. Instead it is about everyday people going about their everyday lives. This is actually quite unusual for a book of the Regency type. and contributes to its allure. It is possible to get tired of stories involving balls and parties, beautiful women and charming men, money being thrown around like water. Those things are delightful, but it is wonderful to see a different side of the times.

Caroline Brown, who has a dressmaking business believes she has a stained past, having enjoyed a few stolen kisses with a nobleman. I feel sure most women will see why that raised my hackles, as she is blamed for the transgression by all. No thought at the time of the perfidy of the nobleman!
Caroline has largely lived this down and is enjoying a certain amount of success. So now she meets William, the blacksmith. He also has a past, and there you have the tension of the story. How is it worked out?

Despite being part of a series, this book is completely stand alone.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although reading a Christmas themed book in June might be a little strange but hey that is completely okay. Anyways this lovely short lenghed Regency is surely to make you smile. It tells the tale a two young souls as they try to move forward and find romance after several bad experiences.
Caroline Brown ended up causing scandal when she was caught in the arms of a engaged lord. Not only did she lose her job but also a really good friend. However, after giving herself the chance to redeem herself she becomes a very successful dressmaker. She also gives a young girl who lives nearby a job to improve her skills.
One night she accompanies the Doctor on an emergency and from there she meets the blacksmith William who has kept to himself since the war. She then ends up being his caretaker for the time being. As the two get to know each other they wonder if either one can admit their feelings after being damaged by the past.
I received an arc copy from booksirens and all opinions are of my own.

[Patti Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent edition to the Dazzling Debutantes series. While it is book 5 in the series you do not need to read the other books to enjoy this story. This is the story of Caroline and William. Both of these characters suffer from guilt due to circumstances from earlier events in their lives. Caroline from being caught in a compromising position with her best friends betrothed. William for surviving the war while his cousin who joined the war because of him did not. They have both decided to never allow themselves to get close to someone and decide to work hard and steer clear of any entanglements. These plans go awry when Caroline helps the local Dr. make a call on William after an injury. I also enjoy the way Jarrett uses elements from The Christmas Carol in this story to help William and Caroline find redemption and each other.

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

[Pam Watmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely book with no swearing and reminded me of Charles Dickens Christmas Carol. Both William theBlacksmith and Caroline, dressmaker live in the same town and are both regretting their pasts. On Christmas Eve, the Blacksmith has a fall from a ladder and needs somebody to care for him until he is better. The local Doctor implores Caroline look after him although they only know each other by sight and it would ruin her reputation if she was sent be alone with him without a chaperone. After much debate she agrees to stay with William providing nobody finds out. This book is about caring for other people, being brave enough to do "the right thing" regardless of the consequences and learning to let go of the past. The main part of the story is over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It is a love story with a difference . It is a lovely old fashioned theme book but delightful to read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Southern Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun to see this series come full circle with the maid, Caroline, who caused Annabel to break her betrothal with the Earl because she caught them in a compromising position in the stables. Both William and Caroline has pasts they want to forget, but struggle to move in life as a result. The theme of redemption and forgiveness (mostly of self) are continued as they learn to deal with their feelings of the past as it pertains to the future. Parts of the story are very reminiscent of a Christmas Carol. I love that they helped each other through the process to find comfort, peace and happiness with each other. I also enjoyed the authors notes at the end which explained some of her research for the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Barbara Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgetting the Past and Finding Forgiveness!

"Mrs. Brown and the Christmas Gift" is Book 5 of the Dazzling Debutantes series, written by C. N. Jarrett. This book is a beautiful love story featuring Caroline Brown and William Jackson. She is a modiste, seamstress, and he is the town blacksmith. Each of them has a past they can't seem to forget, and each of them must come to terms with their pasts, and find forgiveness within their hearts and souls. There are several individuals who help them, including Annie, a young girl who Caroline hires on as her apprentice, and Annabel, the Duchess of Halmesbury. This book truly proves that you need to forgive yourself for past deeds before anyone else can forgive you. I gave this book a much deserved 5 star rating. I received an advanced reader's copy and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a heart-warming, uplifting Christmas novella, then try this one. It doesn't have to be read at Christmas of course, I didn't, but will probably reread it during the festive period. It's a story of 2 people suffering from guilt (one justified, one not) leading to redemption and forgiveness and the ability to allow themselves to love again. If that sounds a bit grim, it isn't - it's an easy and enjoyable read, with light shades of 'A Christmas Carol' by Dickens. It's stand alone and there's no need to have read 'Miss Ridley and the Duke' or any of the other books in the series, but if you have, you'll find out what became of Caroline and it finishes off the series very nicely.

I was lucky to receive a free advance review copy and am happy to leave this voluntary review. A lovely Christmas story.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story of regret, reflection, forgiveness, and love. William and Caroline are so much more than the past that haunts them. They are caring, charitable, and generous. Their wishes to be alone begin to crumble when they are thrown together on Christmas. While Caroline tends his sprained ankle, they talk and come to know more about each other. Will they be able to break out of their shells? Can they help each other heal, and find love? The heartwarming story has sadness, but it also has fun, romance, reconciliation, a magnificent surprise, and a hint at what might come next in the series. An enjoyable story.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Ruxi Avram · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review
Such a lovely story! I generally enjoy Regency inspired novels, and am familiar with the genre, and I can say this book is really well written and the author did her homework on the trades and on the history of the period.

The story is clean, delightful even! I couldn't put it down! The characters are well written and the fact that William falls first for Caroline and is willing to do anything for her wellbeing is a really nice touch!

I will most likely pick up all the books from the Dazzling Debutantes series, as I enjoyed reading this gem!

Thank you, C.N. Jarrett for the possibility to read this lovely book in advance! It is the kind of book that feels like a patch for the soul!

[Becky Davison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delightful Christmas addition to the Dazzling Debutantes series. The writing was excellent, and the chemistry between William and Caroline was warm and heartfelt. I loved how the author wove aspects of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol into the storyline. It added a wonderful charm to the story. This is also a lovely story of forgiveness and redemption for both the main characters, which only added to the wonder of the Christmas theme. I love this series of C. N. Jarrett and am looking forward to the next one.

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

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful historical romance was a feel-good read that transported me to a world of sweetness and romance. It reminded me of a heartwarming version of “A Christmas Carol,” and I thoroughly enjoyed the way the characters complemented each other due to their shared past regrets. Historical Regency Christmas is my favorite time to read about, as it immerses me in its rich traditions. The novel was a healing and uplifting experience that left me feeling happy and content.

I want to express my gratitude to BookSirens for providing me with an advance review copy, which I received for free. I am writing this review voluntarily and without any compensation.

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This clean historical romance has definite references to Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. There are several things that point to the original tale that parallel in this story. However, the way the main characters work out their troubles and come to a marriage in the end clearly makes this romance novel! The themes of repentance and forgiveness are clear in the story, too. There is a lot of kissing, but nothing beyond that, which made it easier to finish the book. At the end, there is a little teaser (there’s no cliffhanger, though) of what the next book in the series might hold, which I’m now anxious to read!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Caroline Brown has a secrets, secrets that keeps her away from men, until William Jackson is injured and she must help him recover. William suffers from guilt of his cousin's death. He has nightmares almost every night. Caroline helps him to forgive himself and takes away his nightmares. Dreams of a life with Caroline is what he wants, but once she confesses her secrets, he will do whatever he can to help her to accept his proposal. A clean sweet romance with kisses only. An enjoyable series with an overlap of characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Booksirens.

[Mary Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accurately written series.

I have spent the last year reading Georgian and regency romances.
Not the famous ones the kindle unlimited ones.
My working life has been working in an English paladin mansion, learning the history of it's inhabitants, from documentation held at the mansion and in the local history library.
I have read much misinformation, from calling trousers 'pants' to giving the heroine the freedom to move around society with no staff or chaperone.
I found this series well researched and although a set of stories, I became invested in the characters and could imagine them in the world I have found in my research.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs. Brown and the blacksmith frustrated me to no end with their back and forth and lack of true communication. How could one tell what the other wanted with all their poor communication. They had instant chemistry, and enjoyed being together. The heroine thinks she's irretrievably damaged from a past liason. The blacksmith won't be stopped that easily. See how far he'll go to capture his lady love. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs Brown and the Christmas Gift is Book 5 in the Dazzling Debutante by C N Jarrett. I have enjoyed each book in this series. I believe that the author has moved from book 1 to 5 building the story while adding characters and family members. This is Caroline and William's romance; and, each is wounded and they feel not allowed the joy of marriage. The Epilogue was perfect in completing this story while laying the foundation for Book 6, Miss Abbott and the Suspect Lord. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[C.Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One aspect of this series that resonated with me was the profound impact one person's changed behavior had on others, prompting them to reassess their lives and strive for positive change. The narrative was full circle, commencing with Caroline's ill-fated choice and concluding with her story of redemption. I appreciated how the characters were able to forgive each other and, in turn, spread forgiveness to others. Regrettably, this is an uncommon occurrence in today's society, where malice often dominates. Nevertheless, this series was a refreshing and welcome change, and I would certainly recommend it.

I was given an advanced copy of this book for free, and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.

[Leann Arave · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a charming holiday Novella. The story is part of a series that could be read as a standalone, but better if read in order. It is the story of Caroline, a former handimaid turned modiste and William a blacksmith. Caroline was a side character in one of the former books and it was nice to have her story. This story takes place during Christmastide, and has “A Christmas Carol” theme. It is a sweet romance, some holiday charm, and a redemption of past mistakes. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.