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Mistletoe for Felicity

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Will two lonely hearts find unexpected love amidst an arranged marriage? Perhaps, with a little Christmas magic, anything is possible…

Felicity Wren, a woman without family, is bound by societal expectations and a lonely past. Theodore “Tad” Hartford, the son of a successful merchant, is an outsider to the world of nobility. Their arranged marriage, a means to secure Felicity’s future and Tad’s ascension in Society, begins as a duty but quickly becomes something more.

As December unfolds, Tad and Felicity explore the boundaries of their relationship, moving from uncertainty to trust. From building snowmen with village children to hosting a Christmas ball. They journey together through the joys and complexities of newlyweds, discovering the magic of Christmas.

But can two such different people come to truly care for one another? Felicity’s strength, grace, and heartfelt laughter captivate Tad, while his kindness, determination, and love for the simple things enchant Felicity. Yet, doubts linger. Does she love him, or is she merely playing the role of a dutiful wife? Can he truly belong to the world she was born into?

A gentle Christmas romance brings their story to a beautiful conclusion, where love triumphs over doubt, and joy is found in the most unexpected places. Unwrap this sweet, closed-door Regency romance and discover a cozy Christmas tale that will warm your heart.

Audible Audio

Published December 9, 2023

65 people are currently reading
375 people want to read

About the author

Sally Britton

47 books1,265 followers
Sally Britton is sixth generation Texan, received her BA in English forever ago, and reads voraciously. She started her writing journey at the tender age of fourteen on an electric typewriter, and she’s never looked back.

Sally lives in Oklahoma with her husband, four children, and their overly energetic Australian Shepherds, cat, and snake named Nancy. She loves researching, hiking, and eating too much chocolate.

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5 stars
180 (36%)
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150 (30%)
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119 (24%)
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33 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
Profile Image for N.
142 reviews109 followers
November 21, 2023
Only a fellow romance reader can truly fathom the level of enthusiasm I feel for a marriage of convenience that starts with the awkward, tentative hope of practicality nuptials taking place from Page 1. Not to mention the unbridled joy of a beloved author writing your favorite trope in all its magnificience, but make it set in a Regency Christmas postcard.

Oh my winter wonderland, this was achingly sweet. Just, must read for whenever you feel like floating around on clouds of swoon-inducing sugar plums. In my eternal optimist head, this is how all arranged marriages end up: they just happen to be exactly, perfectly complementary and, after a few highly surmountable bumps and with a little bit of understanding and mutual support, they banter off into the sunset with the kismet of it all. *sigh* They all end up like this, right?

As often our favorite tropes make us into finicky tough customers, I am very particular about my marriage of convenience pacing. But here, just as always, I marvel at how happy Ms. Britton’s progression choices make me, especially getting us there in this shorter format. Plus so many utterly lovely moments with all the holiday magical whimsy.

Tale as old as time: Alone in the world, she needs a rich husband’s protection, and he wants/needs her aristocratic lineage to ascend from workaholic nouveau riche merchant to not-so-leisurely gentleman. Duty calls, let’s put on that ball and chain with a class difference stranger, by all means. Tad is the laser-focused numbers guy who has a whole new world open up to him when his main concerns of crunching figures and shipping schedules shift to overthinking himself into knots about his new wife. Ah, the self-made man and the self-doubt, coiled so tightly and being so endearingly counterproductive in his reactions to her attempts at drawing closer. Turned into a blushing, hot-and-cold bumbler, she’d be justified in telling him to just stick to his ledgers, and yet lonely soul/ buyoant fairy Felicity works on coaxing out both his playful side and his inner-poet. Ugh, they’re just so cute together. The true partnership. The gestures. The declarations. This is when the bantering into the snow-glistening sunset comes in.

So grateful to the author for an ARC! Christmas came early, but I already started my next wishlist: Gimme the Deerwoods, gimme Lord William’s HEA at a Winterway reunion house party!

Content notes: Kissing Only. Vague preoccupation with consummation, married intimacy very vaguely implied. Teensy married innuendo. Mention of infertility (not main character). Mention of parent loss grief.
Profile Image for Drache.... (Angelika) .
1,533 reviews223 followers
November 3, 2023
4,5 stars.
A lovely and heartwarming christmas - novel, perfect for a winter day, with a cup of hot chocolate and a warm blanket.

Tad and Felicity both long to make their marriage of convenience work. They are both unsure one of the other, but dertermined to get to know each other better, and both are willing to believe in love.

This is the 17. book I've read by Sally Britton, and her beautiful writing style shines through. The pace is slow, the story calm and sweet, with just a touch of magic.

I got an arc through the author's instagram, thanks!
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,886 reviews208 followers
November 19, 2023
What an absolutely delightful Christmas novella! I love that Tad and Felicity very clearly entered a marriage of convenience right as the story began. It was so sweet to watch as they both navigated the uncertainty of beginning a life together when they had only met the day before the wedding. Both of their hearts yearned to get to know each other in order to grow their marriage from one of convenience, to friendship, and hopefully to a love connection.

The author captured their feelings of uncertainty so well. They would take steps toward getting to know each other, and then Tad would question if he was worthy of Felicity, as well of his new place in society. I adored the way these two cared for each other as they began to get to know each other as husband and wife.

The author established a wonderful community and I was happy to read, in the author’s note, that there may be more books written in this setting. I would love that! This story was captivating from start to finish and I will happily reread it in the future.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Jeann.
44 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2023
Mistletoe for Felicity starts with an arranged marriage between an Earl’s orphaned daughter raised by her grandmother and the son of a merchant who’s new to the life of a gentleman. The dual POV gives us an inside look at the emotional struggle each takes to find a place with the other and welcome love into their lives. This sweet, clean, romantic story will take you into the Christmas season with a warm heart and a wish to emulate Felicity’s willingness to serve her community.
In the past, I’ve loved many of Sally’s books and own a couple of complete series, but I have an issue with this story. It reads like a novella trying to be a novel, bringing a few lulls in the story where an exciting incident could’ve pulled the couple together a little better.
This book is for you if you love a cinnamon roll MMC, strangers to lovers, and arranged marriage tropes! It’ll help readers prepare for long winter nights, glowing fires, and Christmas.
Profile Image for Mattie (Honeycomb Stories).
82 reviews8 followers
November 13, 2023
The Christmas reading extravaganza continues! This time I picked up Sally Britton's upcoming release Mistletoe for Felicity. It's always fun to visit the regency period for Christmas and I loved the spin that Sally gave us. Instead of being in the midst of London or a huge house party we are in the cutest little village that I would personally love to live in!

We get to see all of the Christmas season magic. There's the fabulous Christmas ball (of course) but there's also the building of snowman, ice skating, drinking cider, and my personal favorite reading by the fireplace. Sally even gave us some actual Hallmark level Christmas magic...minus the extra cheesiness.

I loved this novel so much and could go on about it for days. Make sure to add it to your list for this holiday season because you are going to LOVE it!

For a more indepth reivew and to see all of the book content head on over to the blog, link in bio.

Mistletoe for Felicity releases on November 20, 2023.
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,523 reviews332 followers
November 20, 2023
It seems that most relationships start with meeting, falling in love and then entering into a marriage, but with the marriage of convenience trope, everything is all mixed up and almost backwards.

This story starts with a wedding, but luckily, there is an instant interest and a bolt of attraction. Felicity is beautiful and sweet, and I loved how she was so invested in trying to make this arrangement a good thing. Tad is dashing and charming, but a little bit hesitant–almost shy–but he’s ever the gentleman.

Through a series of holiday events and daily routines, this couple navigates a fledgling relationship that is adorable and perfect in all the ways. It was such a pleasing experience to watch everything unfold in such a natural and tender way.

Sally Britton always does a fantastic job of drawing a reader in with emotion and I loved this book! Bring on the mistletoe.

Content: mild romance between a married couple (kisses, implied relations)

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Profile Image for Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club).
617 reviews
November 15, 2023
'His life followed a structured cadence--every moment, every action calculated, measured. And here she was, presenting a melody he wasn't sure he knew how to dance to. But oh, how he wanted to learn.'

Where are my marriage of convenience readers at?

If you're looking for the sweetest love story that involves marriage of convenience, a Christmas setting and a book that wont take you all month to read...this is the one you're looking for!

There is a gentleness to these characters that hits the spot this time of year. I loved their interactions, their desire to WANT the marriage to work out and worked towards that.

It's sweet, not overly long, and an all around feel-good kind of book!

Thanks to the author for the copy.

All thoughts in this review are my own.

Content: death of family members, marriage of convenience, overcoming insecurities, wholesome characters, kisses, mention of intimacy between a married man and woman (no specific details).
Profile Image for Jesica.
919 reviews10 followers
January 7, 2024
"Remember, my dear, life is a series of fleeting moments. When you find a spark of joy, even if it's as delicate as a snowflake or a butterfly's wing, embrace it. It is in those brief moments that we truly live."

Awww this was the perfect way to end my 2023 reading with a sweet regency Christmas read. This is a marriage of convenience done right! I loved Felicity & Tad… they both want more than a marriage of convenience they want connection & love. I loved the way they navigated getting to know each other despite their insecurities. They both were willing to be vulnerable & chose to trust each other their hearts. It’s the perfect Christmas read full of mistletoe, snowmen, ice skating & a little Christmas Magic! If you looking for a quick read that will put you in the Christmas Spirit then look no further.
Profile Image for Kristy.
1,758 reviews10 followers
November 13, 2023
A lovely arranged marriage regency romance, set around Christmas.
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It was fun to see Tad and Felicity get to know each other and grow into their new relationship.
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The Christmas setting was a nice perk and made for some sweet scenes.
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If you need a sweet holiday romance, this might be for you.
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"Remember, my dear, life is a series of fleeting moments. When you find a spark of joy, even if it's as delicate as a snowflake or a butterfly's wing, embrace it. It is in those brief moments that we truly live."
.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
798 reviews370 followers
November 6, 2023
Who loves arranged marriage stories? I know I do! And this one is a Christmas Regency Story! Yay! This story starts off with the wedding ceremony. So, we get the rest of the book for them to get to know each other and fall in love. Tad is so sweet and a little nervous and shy with his new wife. Felicity helps him become more comfortable and discover that he doesn't have to be serious all the time and can still have time to dream. I loved watching them get to know one another better and become more comfortable. One of my favorite parts was when Felicity and Tad build snowmen with the village children. Felicity and Tad are an adorable couple and I love all their special moments together. There may be even a little Christmas magic involved. That ending was fantastic! Overall, a great, Christmas Regency Romance! I definitely recommend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Meg.
1,169 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2024
This book is the perfect book to read in December while curled up with some hot chocolate! Felicity and Tad have an arranged marriage, and this is the story of how they get to know each other and learn to trust and love one another. It's full of Christmas cheer and the sweetest love story! I will definitely be adding this one to my Christmas book favorites!
Profile Image for RD.
817 reviews18 followers
December 21, 2024
The story is sweet, simple, and tender. It is also a bit average in plot and characters.
Profile Image for Jessica Tracy.
710 reviews
December 16, 2024
If you love clean, Hallmark level Christmas cheesy romance, AND regency books this is probably right up your alley. I do enjoy Britton's other books pretty well across the board, but this one was a huge exception. Perhaps because it is very the sappy holiday romance type.

While I will fully admit I am definitely more of a grinch when it comes to Christmas, I just couldn't take the saccharine holiday spirit dripping from every chapter. Plus there was basically no balance to the storyline of this overly sweet book. No real struggle or grit the characters faced other than awkwardness. It was pretty flatline and had me turning up the readback speed so I could just hurry up and finish.

Content Warnings: clean closed door novel. Married couple snuggle in bed a few times, and a kiss is portrayed. Very clean though with nothing graphic, although sex is eventually implied but not stated. I would rate this appropriate for 17-18+ readers depending.
Profile Image for Kirsten Anderson.
355 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2025
mistletoe for felicity
3 ✨

overview: it was short and sweet but didn’t really hold my attention.

characters: I liked the characters and villagers, plus the children.

romance: Felicity and Theo’s connection is so sweet, hesitant, and tender. Their tension is innocent and soft longing.

✨ marriage of convenience
✨ strangers to lovers
✨ “my wife”

writing: easy to read, fast paced but still feels meandering and cozy.

atmosphere: a grand manor, frosted gardens, a hand painted landscape, a vibrant village.

The sky had deepened into dusky shades of purples and blues, with the last traces of sunlight dipping below the horizon.

season: late autumn, early winter.

———

content: language (n/a). sexual (innocent touches and kisses, NO SPICE). other (the tiniest bit of magic lol).

———

💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3
1 review
November 20, 2023
What a wonderful Christmas story with all the joy one would expect from reading a book by Sally Britton! In today's busy, mixed up world, it is so wonderful that we have her to take us away to a charming winter village where everyone is so kind to one another. Felicity and Tad are a couple that we would all like to emulate in our relationships. From their wedding day of an arranged marriage, they are nothing less than kind to one another. It is such a sweet story that you find yourself wondering when the villian will appear and you will just have to read this magical book to see if one does appear, and learn where the magic is.
Profile Image for Anna (The_Reading_Pantry).
366 reviews59 followers
December 16, 2023
Anyone in the mood for a good marriage of convenience? 😉 This sweet story by Sally Britton has all the feels!!! It’s a super quick read at almost 200 pages.

This is the perfect read for the holidays because it has everything to do with the magic of Christmas and how two people can find companionship and love. I appreciated how the story gradually unfurled and it wasn’t the instant passion but rather a slow burn of finding their footing in a new marriage with a total stranger.

All the feels for this one!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Kerry Dunn.
918 reviews40 followers
December 27, 2023
“He would take the steps needed to bridge the distance between them, to explore the complex tapestry of emotions that bound them. He could learn to read the ledger of her heart, no matter how unfamiliar the language might seem.”⁣

This was a cozy, sweet, Regency romance filled with so much Christmas goodness. The marriage of convenience trope where two people learn about each other and slowly fall in love was tender and charming. The stakes were low, the snowy Christmas vibes were vibing, and the two main characters were darling.
Profile Image for Shauna.
1,426 reviews13 followers
November 17, 2023
This was such a sweet romance that unfolded so beautifully. I love a story when the couple starts out married and this brought all those tender feelings to the front of my mind.

The town is picturesque and literally feels like an old fashioned Christmas movie with snowmen, dancing, and blackberry tarts.

When a convenient marriage takes both of them by surprise Felicity patiently gets to know her husband and waits for Tad to love her. It’s just so sweet.

A bit of Christmas magic with town folks to know and I’m hoping a glimpse of future stories!
Profile Image for Melissa.
552 reviews
November 20, 2023
Sally Britton is one of my go-to authors for sweet, low-angst romance, so I was super excited to snag a review copy of Mistletoe for Felicity! This book was the perfect treat to start off my Christmas reading. It was cozy and full of seasonal charm. 🎄 Tad and Felicity are both sweet and caring people and together they make a perfect match! There were also a few hints about some characters that made me long to read more in this series. I definitely recommend this book if you are looking for something to get you into the holiday mood.

I received a digital review copy from the author but a positive review was not required. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Ammie.
251 reviews4 followers
December 5, 2024
4/⭐️ This is a sweet Christmas novella and I enjoyed the regency aspect of it. Think Bridgerton but very demure with closed door romance.

This had lots of pining and the MCs getting to learn each other as a newly married couple. It gets you in the Christmas spirit and is very romantic.

Only slight critique is there were parts of it that didn’t feel organic to the story but other than that enjoyable. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Tricia Anson.
554 reviews54 followers
December 3, 2024
What an absolute treat this novella was—especially on audio. A marriage of convenience story between two wonderful people, seeing them navigate their new roles to each other and society as they fall in love was a delight! Yet another win for book club with the @swoony_reads_society!
Profile Image for Jessica.
326 reviews35 followers
December 25, 2023
What a sweet Christmas romance! I enjoyed this book alot. Definitely recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars!!
Profile Image for Molly.
319 reviews2 followers
December 10, 2025
This was fine. I wanted to love it but honestly I found the writing to be a little lackluster or even dull at times. The characters lacked depth, despite an attempt to expand on their backstories and interpersonal relationships, they just ended up feeling flat and a little one-dimensional. They never resolved any conflicts or family issues, and they kept having the “seeds of doubt sown” and resolved but with no real exploration of why their feelings changed- just that they had to, so they did. Also many of the characters spoke the same, or their was matchy-matchy inner dialogue between the main characters, and it didn’t feel intentional. The writing felt a little lacking at times in general, and overly saccharine even for a Christmas romance. Overall it was a perfectly acceptable Christmas regency romance novella, but nothing groundbreaking here. I will say one thing I did especially like was that the author placed lots of emphasis in seeking and sharing goodness, charity, and just overall kindness especially during the Christmas season. Generosity and friendliness is something to be admired in this book which I loved. Also I enjoyed the way the scenery/hollow was written.
Profile Image for Annette ~ wellstothebellsbee.
549 reviews5 followers
December 17, 2024
NARRATION LIKES
🌟🌟🌟

STORY LIKES
🌟🌟🌟

SPICE
🌶️ —

RECOMMEND
💳 sure

I definitely think there is an audience who’ll enjoy this novella. It’s short and the characters are endearing. I do believe the audiobook version makes this story more enjoyable. I don’t know that I would have read it otherwise.

Also, I listened to/read this novella as part of book club.
Profile Image for Marilee .
1,462 reviews234 followers
October 22, 2023
This Christmas regency romance is positively cozy and delightful!

Though entering into a marriage of convenience with a near stranger, Elizabeth longs for love and connection with her new husband.

Despite his attraction to Elizabeth, Tad wonders if two people from different backgrounds can truly find happiness together.

As Tad and Elizabeth spend time together and feel the magic of the Christmas season, they discover what happens when they give love a chance.

What to love:
Marriage of convenience
Regency era
Christmas/winter time
Building snowmen
The mistletoe
The chemistry and the kisses!
The ice skating
Tad taking care of Felicity
Hint of Christmas magic

This charming story is low on angst but high on the sweet romance. Tad and Elizabeth have chemistry from the very beginning and oh my, so many adorable scenes together! So many happy sighs watching all those little moments turn into something so much more.

I highly recommend you grab a cup of cocoa, a cozy blanket, and pick up this charming holiday romance that you will have you believing in true love and the magic of Christmas. 10/10, this book needs to be on your Christmas reading list this year!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
Profile Image for Ashlee.
458 reviews13 followers
March 2, 2024
Oh my! Mistletoe for Felicity is such a magical story! I felt like I was wrapped in a warm, cozy blanket made of an amazing Christmas regency romance. Honestly, I was sad when it was over because I wanted so much more story. I could have gladly kept reading about Tad and Felicity for a book at least twice the length of this one. Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes and this story featured the trope so well. 

The chemistry and slow burning was just gently squeezing my heart! Wowza! Like, it was just so amazing. Just all the tummy and heart flutters. Swoon. I love marriage of convenience because I love when my romance novels end in marriage and this step is already done with this trope early on so then it's just watching them give in to love. I also love the different level of intimacy these couples can have as they live and do life together. Of course, this book keeps it clean in content but there's still that deep level of intimacy. 

Not only is the love story amazing but I just enjoyed overall how cozy this book felt. There was lots of snow day references between ice skating and snowmen building as well as fun Christmas activities like a ball and of course mistletoe. It was like drinking a warm cup of cocoa in book form. I'd highly recommend you add this to your Christmas TBR. Or your any time TBR to be honest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews

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