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Her Christmas Earl
A Regency Novella
No good deed goes unpunished…
To save her hen-witted sister from scandal, Philippa Sanders ventures into a rake’s bedroom—and into his power. Now her reputation hangs by a thread and only a hurried marriage can rescue her. Is the Earl of Erskine the heartless libertine the world believes? Or will Philippa discover unexpected honor in a man notorious for his wild ways?
Blair Hume, the dissolute Earl of Erskine, has had his eye on the intriguing Miss Sanders since he arrived at this deadly dull house party. Now a reckless act delivers this beguiling woman into his hands as a delightful Christmas gift. Is fate offering him a fleeting Yuletide diversion? Or will this Christmas Eve encounter spark a passion that lasts a lifetime?
No good deed goes unpunished…
To save her hen-witted sister from scandal, Philippa Sanders ventures into a rake’s bedroom—and into his power. Now her reputation hangs by a thread and only a hurried marriage can rescue her. Is the Earl of Erskine the heartless libertine the world believes? Or will Philippa discover unexpected honor in a man notorious for his wild ways?
Blair Hume, the dissolute Earl of Erskine, has had his eye on the intriguing Miss Sanders since he arrived at this deadly dull house party. Now a reckless act delivers this beguiling woman into his hands as a delightful Christmas gift. Is fate offering him a fleeting Yuletide diversion? Or will this Christmas Eve encounter spark a passion that lasts a lifetime?
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2014
51 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Anna Campbell
91 books1,574 followersI've written 53 bestselling historical romances: 11 multi-award winning books for Hachette Grand Central Publishing and Avon HarperCollins, and more than 40 as an independently published author, These include my popular series The Sons of Sin (6 books), The Dashing Widows (7 books), The Lairds Most Likely (10 books), A Scandal in Mayfair (4 books), and Scoundrels of Mayfair (4 books). My new series, Cinderellas of Mayfair, launched with Sir Hugo Seeks a Wife in 2025.
When I'm not touring the world seeking inspiration for my passionate stories, I live on the beautiful east coast of Australia.
I've always been a voracious reader and I delve into many different genres, as you'll see if you check out my books list. Favorite authors include Dorothy Dunnett, Elly Griffiths, K.J. Charles, and Loretta Chase.
My website is http://www.annacampbell.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annacampbell...
Twitter: AnnaCampbellOz
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Campbell/...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/anna-...
I love to hear from readers and you can contact me on AnnaCampbellOz@hotmail.com
When I'm not touring the world seeking inspiration for my passionate stories, I live on the beautiful east coast of Australia.
I've always been a voracious reader and I delve into many different genres, as you'll see if you check out my books list. Favorite authors include Dorothy Dunnett, Elly Griffiths, K.J. Charles, and Loretta Chase.
My website is http://www.annacampbell.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annacampbell...
Twitter: AnnaCampbellOz
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Campbell/...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/anna-...
I love to hear from readers and you can contact me on AnnaCampbellOz@hotmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
December 26, 2015
His Scottish accent gets thicker with emotion.
Another winner with Her Christmas Earl. I'm on a roll with Anna Campbell's Christmas novellas. They're a bargain, give me everything I need in a historical romance and HOT!! We sort of met Phillippa in the last novella A Pirate For Christmas, when her cousin married. Phillippa's mum and sister did not leave me overly impressed, so I was very interested to see how this one played out.
Phillippa has always been in her beautiful sister, Amelia's, shadow. Between her ghastly mother expecting her to run the estates and Amelia's self-serving needs, she feels plain, unloved and used. When Amelia gets herself into a bad situation at the house party they're at, she makes Phillippa fix the problem. Her "fixing" the problem, leads her to the Earl of Erskine's bedroom and a change to her future.
Blair is a good looking man who enjoys life, partying and women. When he finds the little mouse who's stolen his attention for the last three days, in his bedroom, he can't help but take advantage of the situation.
I loved that the rake came good and it was the plain Jane, Phillippa, that grabs his attention. Not a lot of angst but plenty of emotion and steamy scenes that helped to see the connection between the characters. Another quick and enjoyable read with a Scottish Earl and his wee lassy finding love at Christmas.
To buy Her Christmas Earl from Amazon for under $1.00 -http://amzn.to/1R8j7nC
Another winner with Her Christmas Earl. I'm on a roll with Anna Campbell's Christmas novellas. They're a bargain, give me everything I need in a historical romance and HOT!! We sort of met Phillippa in the last novella A Pirate For Christmas, when her cousin married. Phillippa's mum and sister did not leave me overly impressed, so I was very interested to see how this one played out.
Phillippa has always been in her beautiful sister, Amelia's, shadow. Between her ghastly mother expecting her to run the estates and Amelia's self-serving needs, she feels plain, unloved and used. When Amelia gets herself into a bad situation at the house party they're at, she makes Phillippa fix the problem. Her "fixing" the problem, leads her to the Earl of Erskine's bedroom and a change to her future.
Blair is a good looking man who enjoys life, partying and women. When he finds the little mouse who's stolen his attention for the last three days, in his bedroom, he can't help but take advantage of the situation.
I loved that the rake came good and it was the plain Jane, Phillippa, that grabs his attention. Not a lot of angst but plenty of emotion and steamy scenes that helped to see the connection between the characters. Another quick and enjoyable read with a Scottish Earl and his wee lassy finding love at Christmas.
To buy Her Christmas Earl from Amazon for under $1.00 -http://amzn.to/1R8j7nC
September 2, 2020
Ovo je kratka i zabavna romantična novela. Jako mi se svidelo što se priča završila na istom mestu gde je sve počelo. :)
September 23, 2018
Nice to see the average looking, ordinary girl next door type of heroine get the hot guy !
February 7, 2015
This was a charming marriage of convenience story from one of my favourite authors who never disappoints.
I loved watching both Blair and Philippa discovering so many things about each other but also about themselves during the course of the story.
Blair’s decadent life style has begun to pall and he feels he is simply going through the motions. When he meets Philippa, she is unlike any woman he has ever met and he is totally captivated by this small, bossy woman who makes him want to be a better man. I love how his actions show him to be honourable and caring. When they are caught in a compromising situation, he steps up to defend Philippa’s honour, saying she is blameless and offering marriage. His anger against her family for belittling her makes him swear that she will never feel insignificant again. I also love him for making her feel like a “goddess”.
Philippa has always regarded herself as unremarkable and is content to be the mainstay of the family, managing the farm and the household. However, I love how being with Blair makes her question that belief and encourages her to take the first step towards independence even though it means an uncertain future with Blair. I could also relate to Philippa’s yearning to be wicked just once in her life. If you think you are going back to a boring country existence, why not enjoy Blair’s rakish skills? I was pleased that the trust that had grown between Philippa and Blair couldn’t be broken by her sister’s devious manipulations. I don’t think I would have been quite so willing to forgive Amelia as Philippa was!
The love scene was handled delicately and I loved the fact that Blair felt like a novice too.
How strange to recognise that despite his experience, tonight he was a novice like his bride. Never had getting everything right mattered so much.
He was perfectly in tune to his wife’s fears and, despite his own desires, he was willing to take things slowly, even retreat to the next room but fortunately he doesn’t have to…
“You don’t want to sleep alone in a strange place? I can understand that”
Her eyes flashed with annoyance, surprising him. “No, I don’t want to sleep alone. But that’s not what I meant.”
“What do you mean?”
Her lips tightened with displeasure. “You’re the blasted rake. You work it out.”
This novella was a delightful start to my Christmas reading.
REVIEW RATING: 4/5 STARS
I loved watching both Blair and Philippa discovering so many things about each other but also about themselves during the course of the story.
Blair’s decadent life style has begun to pall and he feels he is simply going through the motions. When he meets Philippa, she is unlike any woman he has ever met and he is totally captivated by this small, bossy woman who makes him want to be a better man. I love how his actions show him to be honourable and caring. When they are caught in a compromising situation, he steps up to defend Philippa’s honour, saying she is blameless and offering marriage. His anger against her family for belittling her makes him swear that she will never feel insignificant again. I also love him for making her feel like a “goddess”.
Philippa has always regarded herself as unremarkable and is content to be the mainstay of the family, managing the farm and the household. However, I love how being with Blair makes her question that belief and encourages her to take the first step towards independence even though it means an uncertain future with Blair. I could also relate to Philippa’s yearning to be wicked just once in her life. If you think you are going back to a boring country existence, why not enjoy Blair’s rakish skills? I was pleased that the trust that had grown between Philippa and Blair couldn’t be broken by her sister’s devious manipulations. I don’t think I would have been quite so willing to forgive Amelia as Philippa was!
The love scene was handled delicately and I loved the fact that Blair felt like a novice too.
How strange to recognise that despite his experience, tonight he was a novice like his bride. Never had getting everything right mattered so much.
He was perfectly in tune to his wife’s fears and, despite his own desires, he was willing to take things slowly, even retreat to the next room but fortunately he doesn’t have to…
“You don’t want to sleep alone in a strange place? I can understand that”
Her eyes flashed with annoyance, surprising him. “No, I don’t want to sleep alone. But that’s not what I meant.”
“What do you mean?”
Her lips tightened with displeasure. “You’re the blasted rake. You work it out.”
This novella was a delightful start to my Christmas reading.
REVIEW RATING: 4/5 STARS
September 7, 2016
If the set-up of this Christmas novella seems familiar, it’s because Anna Campbell originally wrote the opening pages of this story back in 2012 in response to a prompt by a blogger, which was - “A Wardrobe Malfunction on Christmas Eve”. She says she “immediately fell in love with the characters and their dilemma” and Her Christmas Earl is the resulting story.
Philippa Sanders has lived her life in the background, eclipsed by her elder sister’s golden beauty and relegated to a position of unimportance by her domineering mother. It’s Christmas Eve, and the ladies are guests at the annual house-party held by Philippa’s uncle, where her sister is about to announce her betrothal to a worthy young man. But Amelia is not content with this arrangement, and has determined instead on attracting the notice of the young, handsome and rakish Earl of Erskine. To this effect, she pens him a rather explicit letter which she realises too late could have serious repercussions should its contents be made public.
Amelia sends Philippa to retrieve the letter. Not happy about it but seeing no alternative, Philippa sneaks into Erskine’s room but her search is interrupted when the gentleman himself returns unexpectedly. She hides in the dressing-room, only to be confronted by a shirtless and rather annoyed earl who decides she needs to be taught a lesson on the subject of the dangers of breaking into a gentleman’s room. Unfortunately, the lesson backfires when the lock on the door jams and the pair wind up locked inside a dark, confined space.
Erskine is immediately impressed with Philippa’s calm acceptance of their situation. Where another young lady might have screamed blue murder, Philippa very sensibly hands him a coat for warmth and then settles in with him to wait for someone to open the door. During the course of their conversation, he reveals that he has noticed her far more than it appears she has noticed him – something which wounds his manly pride just a bit – and Philippa is astonished to think that such a gorgeous specimen of manhood could possibly have taken an interest in her rather than her lovely sister.
Of course, disaster eventually strikes when the door is opened, and things progress from there as one might expect. There is a big brouhaha which ends with Erskine’s asking Philippa’s uncle for her hand, and preparations begin for a hasty wedding. Philippa is miserable, hating the idea that she has trapped a man into marriage, and comes up with a plan to get them out of it. But to her amazement, Erskine won’t be dissuaded!
I confess, I’m rather a fan of the compromised-into-marriage trope, and this one pushed all my buttons. And not only that, we have a rakish hero who is getting a bit tired of life as a Jack-the-Lad and a heroine who is constantly overlooked because she’s not as obvious a beauty as her spoiled sister. Icing on the Christmas cake as far as I’m concerned!
But what, in the hands of a lesser author, could have been a trite little non-story is turned into something considerably more than that by Ms. Campbell, who manages to give a surprising depth to her protagonists in a very short space of time. In fact, almost the last third of the novella is devoted to Erskine and Philippa’s wedding night, but it’s much more than just an extended sex-scene. It contributes to the development of the relationship between the newly-married pair and serves to shed more light on their emotions and characters.
Erskine is utterly charming, a man who is coming to realise that it’s time to grow up and assume his responsibilities as both an earl and as a man. He’s intrigued by and attracted to Philippa’s intelligence and strength of character, and wishes very much to show her the best of himself. Philippa’s conditioning and insecurities lead her to believe their marriage is not something Erskine would have wished for himself, but fortunately – and possibly because of the constraints of a limited page-count – she doesn’t spend too much time wallowing in self-pity, but rather allows herself to see the good man that her new husband undoubtedly is, and to give him her love and trust.
Her Christmas Earl is very well-written and thoroughly enjoyable. It’s funny, tender and warm, and I’d certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good story that can be read in under an hour or so.
[One small caveat – on my Kindle, the novella itself ends at around the 75% mark with the rest of the space devoted to excerpts from two of Ms Campbell’s other titles.]
Philippa Sanders has lived her life in the background, eclipsed by her elder sister’s golden beauty and relegated to a position of unimportance by her domineering mother. It’s Christmas Eve, and the ladies are guests at the annual house-party held by Philippa’s uncle, where her sister is about to announce her betrothal to a worthy young man. But Amelia is not content with this arrangement, and has determined instead on attracting the notice of the young, handsome and rakish Earl of Erskine. To this effect, she pens him a rather explicit letter which she realises too late could have serious repercussions should its contents be made public.
Amelia sends Philippa to retrieve the letter. Not happy about it but seeing no alternative, Philippa sneaks into Erskine’s room but her search is interrupted when the gentleman himself returns unexpectedly. She hides in the dressing-room, only to be confronted by a shirtless and rather annoyed earl who decides she needs to be taught a lesson on the subject of the dangers of breaking into a gentleman’s room. Unfortunately, the lesson backfires when the lock on the door jams and the pair wind up locked inside a dark, confined space.
Erskine is immediately impressed with Philippa’s calm acceptance of their situation. Where another young lady might have screamed blue murder, Philippa very sensibly hands him a coat for warmth and then settles in with him to wait for someone to open the door. During the course of their conversation, he reveals that he has noticed her far more than it appears she has noticed him – something which wounds his manly pride just a bit – and Philippa is astonished to think that such a gorgeous specimen of manhood could possibly have taken an interest in her rather than her lovely sister.
Of course, disaster eventually strikes when the door is opened, and things progress from there as one might expect. There is a big brouhaha which ends with Erskine’s asking Philippa’s uncle for her hand, and preparations begin for a hasty wedding. Philippa is miserable, hating the idea that she has trapped a man into marriage, and comes up with a plan to get them out of it. But to her amazement, Erskine won’t be dissuaded!
I confess, I’m rather a fan of the compromised-into-marriage trope, and this one pushed all my buttons. And not only that, we have a rakish hero who is getting a bit tired of life as a Jack-the-Lad and a heroine who is constantly overlooked because she’s not as obvious a beauty as her spoiled sister. Icing on the Christmas cake as far as I’m concerned!
But what, in the hands of a lesser author, could have been a trite little non-story is turned into something considerably more than that by Ms. Campbell, who manages to give a surprising depth to her protagonists in a very short space of time. In fact, almost the last third of the novella is devoted to Erskine and Philippa’s wedding night, but it’s much more than just an extended sex-scene. It contributes to the development of the relationship between the newly-married pair and serves to shed more light on their emotions and characters.
Erskine is utterly charming, a man who is coming to realise that it’s time to grow up and assume his responsibilities as both an earl and as a man. He’s intrigued by and attracted to Philippa’s intelligence and strength of character, and wishes very much to show her the best of himself. Philippa’s conditioning and insecurities lead her to believe their marriage is not something Erskine would have wished for himself, but fortunately – and possibly because of the constraints of a limited page-count – she doesn’t spend too much time wallowing in self-pity, but rather allows herself to see the good man that her new husband undoubtedly is, and to give him her love and trust.
Her Christmas Earl is very well-written and thoroughly enjoyable. It’s funny, tender and warm, and I’d certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good story that can be read in under an hour or so.
[One small caveat – on my Kindle, the novella itself ends at around the 75% mark with the rest of the space devoted to excerpts from two of Ms Campbell’s other titles.]
January 3, 2015
Ugh. I hate to give an Anna Campbell book less than four stars. I think I was just underwhelmed. I mean, this is like one of my fave themes, spinster and rogue. But I didn't get as involved emotionally with this story. It's a pretty good short Christmas romance, that I expected to like this more than I did. Don't get me wrong. Erskine has had a thing for Phillipa since they first met, intrigued by this quiet wallflower. Phillipa looks down her nose at Erskine because he's a notorious rake. Apparently her sister wrote a steamy letter to him, and Phillipa enters the tiger's lair to get it back, but ends up locked in a cupboard with him, leading to a compromising position. Marriage is required, and Erskine is actually looking forward to it. That sounds pretty scrumptious. But it didn't come off as well as I expected.
I think I wasn't in the mood for such a self-deprecating heroine. She wouldn't believe that Erskine was into her! While I can understand the reasons for her low self-esteem, I wish she had made the most of having such a sexy hubby who couldn't get enough of her instead of being so 'woe is me'. That brings me to another area that I was disappointed. Usually Campbell rocks the love scenes. These weren't quite as sizzling as she typically manages. Maybe I just wasn't feeling it when I read this.
I admit it might be my mood right now. I'm still grieving and adjusting to things right now, so that does impact you when you are trying to focus on a book. I will try to read this again when I'm in more of receptive mood. I definitely don't want to miss out on Erskine's reformed rake sexiness.
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.
I think I wasn't in the mood for such a self-deprecating heroine. She wouldn't believe that Erskine was into her! While I can understand the reasons for her low self-esteem, I wish she had made the most of having such a sexy hubby who couldn't get enough of her instead of being so 'woe is me'. That brings me to another area that I was disappointed. Usually Campbell rocks the love scenes. These weren't quite as sizzling as she typically manages. Maybe I just wasn't feeling it when I read this.
I admit it might be my mood right now. I'm still grieving and adjusting to things right now, so that does impact you when you are trying to focus on a book. I will try to read this again when I'm in more of receptive mood. I definitely don't want to miss out on Erskine's reformed rake sexiness.
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.
December 8, 2022
Es una novela corta, teóricamente navideña, que fue ganadora del Ella Award (Premio a la novela corta del año) de Romance Writers of Australia.
Philippa se mete en la alcoba de un libertino para salvar a su hermana.No obstante, las cosas no salen como ella se esperaba.
La parte navideña la podemos obviar,porque excepto porque la escena principal sucede en Nochebuena,no hay nada de la época. Si me dice que sucede la noche de San Juan, me hubiera funcionado igual.
El resto me ha gustado. Es una novela corta liviana,sencilla,entretenida, con un libertino reformado y una chica sensata y con poca tontería. Todo muy racional,pero con pasión.
Lo he disfrutado, leeré más de la autora
Philippa se mete en la alcoba de un libertino para salvar a su hermana.No obstante, las cosas no salen como ella se esperaba.
La parte navideña la podemos obviar,porque excepto porque la escena principal sucede en Nochebuena,no hay nada de la época. Si me dice que sucede la noche de San Juan, me hubiera funcionado igual.
El resto me ha gustado. Es una novela corta liviana,sencilla,entretenida, con un libertino reformado y una chica sensata y con poca tontería. Todo muy racional,pero con pasión.
Lo he disfrutado, leeré más de la autora
Want to read
December 1, 2014Kindle Deal – just $0.99! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O...
Blurb…
No good deed goes unpunished…
To save her hen-witted sister from scandal, Philippa Sanders ventures into a rake’s bedroom—and into his power. Now her reputation hangs by a thread and only a hurried marriage can rescue her. Is the Earl of Erskine the heartless libertine the world believes? Or will Philippa discover unexpected honor in a man notorious for his wild ways?
Blair Hume, the dissolute Earl of Erskine, has had his eye on the intriguing Miss Sanders since he arrived at this deadly dull house party. Now a reckless act delivers this beguiling woman into his hands as a delightful Christmas gift. Is fate offering him a fleeting Yuletide diversion? Or will this Christmas Eve encounter spark a passion that lasts a lifetime?
Blurb…
No good deed goes unpunished…
To save her hen-witted sister from scandal, Philippa Sanders ventures into a rake’s bedroom—and into his power. Now her reputation hangs by a thread and only a hurried marriage can rescue her. Is the Earl of Erskine the heartless libertine the world believes? Or will Philippa discover unexpected honor in a man notorious for his wild ways?
Blair Hume, the dissolute Earl of Erskine, has had his eye on the intriguing Miss Sanders since he arrived at this deadly dull house party. Now a reckless act delivers this beguiling woman into his hands as a delightful Christmas gift. Is fate offering him a fleeting Yuletide diversion? Or will this Christmas Eve encounter spark a passion that lasts a lifetime?
September 21, 2019
1.5 stars.
Too many mentions of the H’s rake past for me to enjoy. I wanted to like it for the MCs made a very sweet couple, but I just couldn’t get past all the mentions of the H’s experience.
Too many mentions of the H’s rake past for me to enjoy. I wanted to like it for the MCs made a very sweet couple, but I just couldn’t get past all the mentions of the H’s experience.
December 15, 2017
Overshadowed by her beautiful but nasty sister and her overbearing mother, Philippa Sanders was not enjoying herself at her uncle's Christmas house party. When her sister commits a social fax pas of writing naughty things to Blair Hume, the dissolute Earl of Erskine, Philippa must save her from herself. No good deed goes unpunished and Philippa is caught with him, in his bedroom. Can anyone say "shotgun wedding"? Luckily for Philippa this rake can be reformed.
3 1/2-Stars
3 1/2-Stars
June 24, 2015
Terrific..
YAY! A story where the groom was found in the sister’s arms by the soon-to-be bride and she didn’t haul-ass out of the room crying like an idiot, not really knowing what happened. Philippa actually stood there and figured out the whole mess when Blair asked her to trust him. It was so awesome I can’t believe I wasn’t going to have to go through page after page of him groveling and trying like crazy to simply talk to her. It was quite marvelous. I truly felt as if I’d read a 300 page novel without all the long drawn out angst and misunderstandings.
However, the only two worth having in the book were Blair and Philippa. Her family was just horrible: Mrs. Sanders (Mother) was such a witch. Uncle Theodore was a drunk and Amelia (sister) was a conniving biotch.
There was some wonderful sexual tension in this book and then a sweet, and explicit, love scene. I enjoyed every second of this little novella.
YAY! A story where the groom was found in the sister’s arms by the soon-to-be bride and she didn’t haul-ass out of the room crying like an idiot, not really knowing what happened. Philippa actually stood there and figured out the whole mess when Blair asked her to trust him. It was so awesome I can’t believe I wasn’t going to have to go through page after page of him groveling and trying like crazy to simply talk to her. It was quite marvelous. I truly felt as if I’d read a 300 page novel without all the long drawn out angst and misunderstandings.
However, the only two worth having in the book were Blair and Philippa. Her family was just horrible: Mrs. Sanders (Mother) was such a witch. Uncle Theodore was a drunk and Amelia (sister) was a conniving biotch.
There was some wonderful sexual tension in this book and then a sweet, and explicit, love scene. I enjoyed every second of this little novella.
November 23, 2014
1.5
Usually when you finish a historical romance, it is satisfactory. The villains, if there are any, get punished more often than not. Horrible family members get what they deserve or at least something close to it.
This is not that kind of story. Here horrible people either get the next best thing (sibling) or are left alone (cousin). Philippa's mother doesn't give her more obedient and better daughter the benefit of the doubt, but starts making her life miserable. The only decent person in the story apart from Philippa is the Earl himself.
The only reason I am not rating this lower are the two main characters (Earl in particular) and the original way they got in the mess.
Usually when you finish a historical romance, it is satisfactory. The villains, if there are any, get punished more often than not. Horrible family members get what they deserve or at least something close to it.
This is not that kind of story. Here horrible people either get the next best thing (sibling) or are left alone (cousin). Philippa's mother doesn't give her more obedient and better daughter the benefit of the doubt, but starts making her life miserable. The only decent person in the story apart from Philippa is the Earl himself.
The only reason I am not rating this lower are the two main characters (Earl in particular) and the original way they got in the mess.
January 14, 2016
What a fabulous novella! Like all fantastic novellas, the big downside is that it is a novella, and thus far too short. ::sigh:: The first section of the book when they are stuck in the closet together is basically one huge quote-worthy section; delicious chapter after delicious chapter!
Highly, highly recommend. Blair, the hero, is fantastic and dreamy; he's so sweet and good to Philippa. And while Philippa is a "plain Jane" who is badly treated by her family, looked down upon, and a shy, quiet wallflower, she has backbone and gumption. She doesn't back down and is not afraid of speaking her thoughts and being open and honest with Blair, which I appreciated.
Another thing I liked was that while she's attracted to Blair, it's not the whole melt-in-a-puddle-at-his-feet-because-he's-gorgeous type thing, that we see too often; she realizes she's attracted to him and is curious about that, but it didn't feel cheap or silly or any of those annoying things.
Can't wait to read this again at a future date!
Some of My Favorite Quotes
Some Great Outtakes From Stuck-in-the-Closet Section
Quick Facts
Heroine: Miss Philippa Sanders, 20 years old
Hero: Blair Hume, Lord Erskine (Earl), 28 years old
Setting: Hartley Manor, Wiltshire, Christmas Eve, 1823
(Written January 11, 2016)
Highly, highly recommend. Blair, the hero, is fantastic and dreamy; he's so sweet and good to Philippa. And while Philippa is a "plain Jane" who is badly treated by her family, looked down upon, and a shy, quiet wallflower, she has backbone and gumption. She doesn't back down and is not afraid of speaking her thoughts and being open and honest with Blair, which I appreciated.
Another thing I liked was that while she's attracted to Blair, it's not the whole melt-in-a-puddle-at-his-feet-because-he's-gorgeous type thing, that we see too often; she realizes she's attracted to him and is curious about that, but it didn't feel cheap or silly or any of those annoying things.
Can't wait to read this again at a future date!
Some of My Favorite Quotes
He fought to calm his breathing. This uncompromising girl tested his temper. Nobody tested his temper. He never cared enough about anything to get angry.
(Location 639)
He should laugh, tease, treat her lightly, keep her guessing. But instead his words rang with unstrategic truth. “I remember everything you’ve ever said to me.”
(Location 700)
He’d called her a sparrow. If he made the slightest untoward movement, his wild bird would fly away into the forest and he’d never find her again. And the strangest result of the last days was the certainty that if Miss Philippa Sanders left his life, it would be immeasurably poorer.
(Location 722)
[This is the love declaration, so hiding it in case you don't want to see it]
(Location 1319)
Some Great Outtakes From Stuck-in-the-Closet Section
"You're so deuced convinced that nobody notices you."
"Nobody does." Not a hint of self-pity.
"I did."
"Really?" She didn't bother to hide her skepticism.
"Really."
"You hardly spoke to me."
He smiled into the darkness, encouraged to hear she'd paid that much attention. "Whenever I approached you, you regarded me with complete disdain."
"I didn't," she said, shocked.
"You don't approve of me, Miss Sanders."
"I don't know you."
"No, you don't."
[...]
He admitted the truth, even if it made him feel like an awkward schoolboy instead of a worldly man with a history of too many lovers. "I always wanted the chance to talk to you."
The disbelief in her short laugh roused another of those unwelcome pangs in his chest. She was so convinced that she was of negligible interest.
[...]
"I don't need light to see you. I've observed you very closely indeed, my lovely shy bird. From the moment I first saw you."
She tugged her hand free. "That can't be true."
"Of course it's true." She heard the smile in his voice. If she'd thought that musical baritone appealing before, now she was close to melting into a pool of honey.
"Prove it."
She didn't know why she pushed this. Did she really want to prove that he lied about seeing her? Something inside her blossomed at the idea that amongst the glittering throng at her uncle's Christmas party, this experienced man had singled her out.
"Yesterday, you wore a green dress. Today you're wearing a blue one. Whenever I've seen you, you've had a simple gold locket around your neck."
Shock jammed her response in her throat. Still he sounded like he smiled. She wished he wouldn't. She also wished she wasn't disappointed when he didn't try to recapture her hand.
"Shall I continue?" he asked gently.
Quick Facts
Heroine: Miss Philippa Sanders, 20 years old
Hero: Blair Hume, Lord Erskine (Earl), 28 years old
Setting: Hartley Manor, Wiltshire, Christmas Eve, 1823
(Written January 11, 2016)
November 29, 2014
Philippa Sanders has not had it easy. Her family is spiteful and unkind to her and despite all of this, she still tries to protect them. The start of this novella shows Philippa stealing into a rake's bedroom to retrieve a love letter her sister wrote that could land them all into scandal. For her risk, Philippa is caught and ultimately rewarded with a beautiful, happy marriage.
Philippa is an unassuming woman who displays flashes of strength despite growing up unloved and unappreciated. Blair, the Earl of Erskine, is not the rake everyone thinks he is. When he is given the unexpected gift of marriage to a generous, true hearted woman, he doesn't balk, but instead embraces his new life with enthusiasm. Blair was wonderfully romantic...I'm not sure how he could have created such a nasty reputation since he was such a good person. Philippa instinctively senses the chivalrous streak and places her trust in Blair, laying the foundation for a solid marriage. And let's not forget, a good chunk of this story takes place while locked in a dressing room....interesting setting, indeed!
This was a tight, emotionally charged, and beautifully done novella. While not hugely Christmasy despite the time when it takes place, it has the emotions of love, trust, and new beginnings....all things that are what I look for in my stories this time of year. This was a great way to spend a lazy Saturday morning and I highly recommend spending the 99 cents. 5 stars.
Philippa is an unassuming woman who displays flashes of strength despite growing up unloved and unappreciated. Blair, the Earl of Erskine, is not the rake everyone thinks he is. When he is given the unexpected gift of marriage to a generous, true hearted woman, he doesn't balk, but instead embraces his new life with enthusiasm. Blair was wonderfully romantic...I'm not sure how he could have created such a nasty reputation since he was such a good person. Philippa instinctively senses the chivalrous streak and places her trust in Blair, laying the foundation for a solid marriage. And let's not forget, a good chunk of this story takes place while locked in a dressing room....interesting setting, indeed!
This was a tight, emotionally charged, and beautifully done novella. While not hugely Christmasy despite the time when it takes place, it has the emotions of love, trust, and new beginnings....all things that are what I look for in my stories this time of year. This was a great way to spend a lazy Saturday morning and I highly recommend spending the 99 cents. 5 stars.
December 26, 2014
This is a short but amazing story I started reading and couldn't put it down.
Philippa is plain and invisible. The earl has noticed her, but never spook to her during the house party. On christmas eve Philippa has to find a note that her sister has written to the earl. When she is looking for it, she is caught by the earl and they end up locked in a closet. After they are discovered they are forced to marry. The earl has to convince Philippa it's the right thing.
The story ends a year later, on the same day, locked in the same closet.
Philippa is plain and invisible. The earl has noticed her, but never spook to her during the house party. On christmas eve Philippa has to find a note that her sister has written to the earl. When she is looking for it, she is caught by the earl and they end up locked in a closet. After they are discovered they are forced to marry. The earl has to convince Philippa it's the right thing.
The story ends a year later, on the same day, locked in the same closet.
November 15, 2014
Christmas is coming, and that means a flurry of Christmassy reads, which I always enjoy. This Regency novella is one you can easily find time to read among the rush and bustle. It's the old whoops-I-have-been-compromised theme done brilliantly well by Anna. She never writes 'ordinary', it is always beautifully done and wonderfully romantic. In this instance, shy, quiet Philippa accidentally gets caught in the Earl of Erskine's dressing room, and it all goes on from there to the HEA. Lovely.
January 3, 2016
The wall-flower and the rake scenario has been a favorite with me since my teen years, but in the wrong hands I'm easily offended. Luckily, Anna Campbell is a great author and provides great insight into the burgeoning relationship Philippa and Blair embark upon. And, of course, there is more so give it a read on a snowy day.
November 13, 2014
Anna Campbell is a hit-or-miss author for me, it seems. I've read some other stuff from her that I just didn't like very much, but this novella is sweet and entertaining. Good holiday romance reading.
October 28, 2014
A lovely little dose of Regency Christmas cheer. I suspect this is my favourite so far of Anna Campbell's romance novellas!
November 2, 2014
I loved it!!! Short but not too short. A complete, satisfying, wonderful story.
December 24, 2014
The cover is horrible, but don't judge a book by its cover cause this is actually an enjoyable, cute little Christmas read:)
November 21, 2020
A pleasant Regency holiday romance. It met my expectations for a holiday read. Enjoyable. If you like Regency romance and/or holiday romance, you can't go wrong with this book or this author.
October 28, 2014
Such a wonderful novella with a true sense of romance for both characters. Rather than using a set-up of reunited lovers to quicken the pace of the relationship, Ms. Campbell has her Hero and heroine meet and get to know each other through the course of the story. There are no false declarations of love after only being together for a day or even a week. What this story truly shows is how much trust and being open with someone will lead to love and all the amazing things that come from it. I enjoyed seeing just how much Philippa grows as a woman in just a short space of time, finding her own maturity and independence even while being unsure about her future with Erskine. Erskine’s seduction of Philippa is perfect as he senses just how much to take from her and then he is willing to give back, both physically and emotionally. There were so many great moments of clarity for both characters that as a reader it was very easy to see them building the foundations of a true love for one another even in their earliest moments in the locked dressing room.
December 7, 2014
This is a really sweet story of the quiet unassuming heroine being trapped in a compromising position with a rake. Philippa has been conned into retrieving a compromising letter sent by her hen-witted but very pretty sister to Blair, a rake with a reputation.
Unfortunately, Blair chooses Christmas Eve to leave the carousing early, catching Philippa in the act of searching his room. They end up trapped in the small dressing room and thus we have an opportunity to get to know each other.
I loved the way they talked to each other and learned things not only about each other but about themselves. Philippa is the browbeaten younger sister and through her association with Blair, she becomes stronger and he finds a new purpose in life.
A short story but well done and the rapport quite believable. I couldn't give this five stars because it didn't move me as emotionally as The Winter Wife novella which is one of my favourite Christmas stories.
Unfortunately, Blair chooses Christmas Eve to leave the carousing early, catching Philippa in the act of searching his room. They end up trapped in the small dressing room and thus we have an opportunity to get to know each other.
I loved the way they talked to each other and learned things not only about each other but about themselves. Philippa is the browbeaten younger sister and through her association with Blair, she becomes stronger and he finds a new purpose in life.
A short story but well done and the rapport quite believable. I couldn't give this five stars because it didn't move me as emotionally as The Winter Wife novella which is one of my favourite Christmas stories.
March 14, 2016
A bit predictable, but fun - definitely worth the 99c.
December 19, 2014
This is a fun read, sweet and sexy. I love Philippa, and her story of the 'little sparrow' who captures the libertine Earl, despite all her attempts not to.
July 19, 2021
A bit of Christmas Eve sneaking about, a locked door situation, and an inflammatory letter lead to a bit of Christmas magic for a rake and a proper miss.
Her Christmas Earl was a short, engaging holiday time novella that had it's light bantering moments, but managed to dig deeper by presenting a young woman who has been neglected by her mother and kept in a spoilt sister's shadow so that she doesn't see her own worth. Meanwhile, a man who has been content to drift through life and it's pleasures has been figuring out that raking about is not who and what he really is. On a quick glance, they appear to be incompatible, but the author invites the reader to see them truly and yearn for them to work through the difficulties.
I loved seeing Blair tenderly and carefully work to ease Phillipa's fears, misconceptions, and guilt. She has to work harder to accept because she has been put down so long. Her determination to trust him when he asks it of her even in the face of overwhelming feelings of inadequacy and guilt and even through the mischief-making scheming of someone nearby was precious to see.
All in all, it was a quick, spicy, but thoroughly romantic historical holiday romance.
Her Christmas Earl was a short, engaging holiday time novella that had it's light bantering moments, but managed to dig deeper by presenting a young woman who has been neglected by her mother and kept in a spoilt sister's shadow so that she doesn't see her own worth. Meanwhile, a man who has been content to drift through life and it's pleasures has been figuring out that raking about is not who and what he really is. On a quick glance, they appear to be incompatible, but the author invites the reader to see them truly and yearn for them to work through the difficulties.
I loved seeing Blair tenderly and carefully work to ease Phillipa's fears, misconceptions, and guilt. She has to work harder to accept because she has been put down so long. Her determination to trust him when he asks it of her even in the face of overwhelming feelings of inadequacy and guilt and even through the mischief-making scheming of someone nearby was precious to see.
All in all, it was a quick, spicy, but thoroughly romantic historical holiday romance.
November 30, 2021
A lovely short story for Christmas. I really enjoyed the sweet sincerity of the characters; there was a dramatic element, but everyone behaved in a believable manner.
April 28, 2017
4.5 Stars
December 18, 2023
La Navidad no es exactamente lo más importante en este libro, pero es una historia entretenida que me atrapó desde las primeras líneas.
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