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How the Rogue Stole Christmas
She swore she'd never forgive him… but Christmas has other plans.
Lady Lily Marshall is no stranger to loneliness, but a Christmas visit to her family's estate is a welcome reprieve from her solitary life. Ever since her husband's disappearance on their wedding night eight years before, Lily has put on a brave face. But when her estranged husband shows up on her family's doorstep, she’ll have to pretend their marriage is picture perfect to keep the holiday from turning into a disaster.
Philip Marshall, the Earl of Whitby, spent eight years battling the demons that drove him away from the woman he loved. Finally strong enough to be the man she deserves, he’ll need a Christmas miracle to win her back.
Maybe it's the mistletoe or the holiday magic, but soon the reasons they were driven apart seem less compelling than the passion pulling them together, and Lily finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew about the man she married—and herself.
How the Rogue Stole Christmas is perfect for readers who want a powerful story of redemption and a hard-fought happily ever after. Read now!
Lady Lily Marshall is no stranger to loneliness, but a Christmas visit to her family's estate is a welcome reprieve from her solitary life. Ever since her husband's disappearance on their wedding night eight years before, Lily has put on a brave face. But when her estranged husband shows up on her family's doorstep, she’ll have to pretend their marriage is picture perfect to keep the holiday from turning into a disaster.
Philip Marshall, the Earl of Whitby, spent eight years battling the demons that drove him away from the woman he loved. Finally strong enough to be the man she deserves, he’ll need a Christmas miracle to win her back.
Maybe it's the mistletoe or the holiday magic, but soon the reasons they were driven apart seem less compelling than the passion pulling them together, and Lily finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew about the man she married—and herself.
How the Rogue Stole Christmas is perfect for readers who want a powerful story of redemption and a hard-fought happily ever after. Read now!
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2025
17 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Ginny B. Moore
10 books110 followersGinny was the kid who loved kissing scenes in movies and always rooted for Mulder and Scully to hook up. Her first piece of writing was a horrendous fanfic romance based on The Three Musketeers when she was thirteen that will never see the light of day.
Ginny started writing romance with purpose in 2021 to avoid doom-scrolling social media and has never stopped. To pay the bills, she is a middle school assistant principal and has been in education for fifteen years. Most of her writing is done on her phone or in the parking lot of her kids’ extracurricular activities.
When she is not writing, Ginny is a very slow long-distance runner or making a dent in her endless “to be read” list. She is the mother of three kids, two exceptionally stupid dogs, two codependent cats, and the grandmother to a hermit crab.
While she started writing during the pandemic, she has found it to be a new lifeline and form of self-care and has already planned her next five books in the series.
Ginny started writing romance with purpose in 2021 to avoid doom-scrolling social media and has never stopped. To pay the bills, she is a middle school assistant principal and has been in education for fifteen years. Most of her writing is done on her phone or in the parking lot of her kids’ extracurricular activities.
When she is not writing, Ginny is a very slow long-distance runner or making a dent in her endless “to be read” list. She is the mother of three kids, two exceptionally stupid dogs, two codependent cats, and the grandmother to a hermit crab.
While she started writing during the pandemic, she has found it to be a new lifeline and form of self-care and has already planned her next five books in the series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 19, 2025
Lily was left by her husband Phillip the day after their wedding for unknown reasons, and hasn't seen or heard from him in eight years, except! she started getting weekly letters from him three months ago. She's been doing fine, being the Countess and making excuses for his absence, running a stables and supporting her extended family when they were in danger of losing everything. Her sisters are all happily settled into their HEAs (as one would expect given they are the FMCs of the rest of the series) and she's alone. The entire family is gathered for the holidays, and who should come knocking at the door three days before Christmas but Phillip, with some 'splaining to do.
Turns out Phillip developed an addiction to opium after hitting the laudanum hard following an accident before their wedding. We rarely see addiction in historicals affecting the main characters, I can only think of Two Rogues Make a Right where it has featured before. In this case, Phillip thought his love and marriage to Lily would supplant his addiction, and when this magical thinking didn't work, took himself away out of self-loathing. "He wasn't worthy of anyone's love those days, let alone Lily's." Moore is unstinting in describing the failed attempts and frequent slips Phillip had with his recovery. "I'd gone to an institute in Germany seeking a cure, but it only made things worse. It wasn't the first time, and I was losing hope."
We see how the past years have weighed on Lily, she's carried the burden of Phillip's absence alone, and without any information to the contrary, felt he must have been so dissatisfied with their marriage that he decided to nope out. She's been in touch with his solicitor for financial outlays and the like, but has had no communication at all from him this entire time. That's the part that hurts the most, that Phillip didn't trust her or their love enough to tell her the truth. "You abandoned me when I most needed you, when you most needed me." Worse, family members have been in touch with him and kept it a secret from her. She has a lot of betrayal to overcome, and he has a lot of repair and atonement work to do.
Most of the novella is just that. He needs to explain to Lily and her family why he was away, and also demonstrate that he can be trusted to rejoin them. He has his grief of the pain he's caused and the years and traditions missed (there's a lovely scene where they are doing a family ritual at dinner, and we see his sorrow about not knowing about it). Lily justifiably has a lot of anger to work through, and has to take a leap of faith whether to let go of her anger and forgive him, and even if she does, to allow him to return.
It's definitely an open and painful point for Lily that he was well enough to check in with family and run some business affairs, but never reached out to her. Why didn't he ever even let her know he was ok? He justifies it that he needed the goal that he would be well enough to return to her, and if he told her of his struggles and she left him he'd be without hope. "If I lost you, I'd have nothing to fight for. You were keeping me alive." but as she points out to him "But you were killing me." What kind of groundwork he thought he was laying over the past three months with his cryptic contact with no explanation remains a mystery, because he had a steep hill to climb, but he made it. Also he wasn't honest and open with her, but she withheld information and actively lied to her family for years, "as one lie piled on top of the other" removing them as a potential source of support.
This is a lovely check in with the series regulars. It can be read as a stand along (shhhh, I haven't read this series yet, although now I will), but I'm sure the story is all the richer if we had the complete backstory and had seen their relationship develop in background all along. 4.5 stars rounded up for the audacity of the heavy subject brought beautifully home.
Thank you to the author for the arc.
Turns out Phillip developed an addiction to opium after hitting the laudanum hard following an accident before their wedding. We rarely see addiction in historicals affecting the main characters, I can only think of Two Rogues Make a Right where it has featured before. In this case, Phillip thought his love and marriage to Lily would supplant his addiction, and when this magical thinking didn't work, took himself away out of self-loathing. "He wasn't worthy of anyone's love those days, let alone Lily's." Moore is unstinting in describing the failed attempts and frequent slips Phillip had with his recovery. "I'd gone to an institute in Germany seeking a cure, but it only made things worse. It wasn't the first time, and I was losing hope."
We see how the past years have weighed on Lily, she's carried the burden of Phillip's absence alone, and without any information to the contrary, felt he must have been so dissatisfied with their marriage that he decided to nope out. She's been in touch with his solicitor for financial outlays and the like, but has had no communication at all from him this entire time. That's the part that hurts the most, that Phillip didn't trust her or their love enough to tell her the truth. "You abandoned me when I most needed you, when you most needed me." Worse, family members have been in touch with him and kept it a secret from her. She has a lot of betrayal to overcome, and he has a lot of repair and atonement work to do.
Most of the novella is just that. He needs to explain to Lily and her family why he was away, and also demonstrate that he can be trusted to rejoin them. He has his grief of the pain he's caused and the years and traditions missed (there's a lovely scene where they are doing a family ritual at dinner, and we see his sorrow about not knowing about it). Lily justifiably has a lot of anger to work through, and has to take a leap of faith whether to let go of her anger and forgive him, and even if she does, to allow him to return.
It's definitely an open and painful point for Lily that he was well enough to check in with family and run some business affairs, but never reached out to her. Why didn't he ever even let her know he was ok? He justifies it that he needed the goal that he would be well enough to return to her, and if he told her of his struggles and she left him he'd be without hope. "If I lost you, I'd have nothing to fight for. You were keeping me alive." but as she points out to him "But you were killing me." What kind of groundwork he thought he was laying over the past three months with his cryptic contact with no explanation remains a mystery, because he had a steep hill to climb, but he made it. Also he wasn't honest and open with her, but she withheld information and actively lied to her family for years, "as one lie piled on top of the other" removing them as a potential source of support.
This is a lovely check in with the series regulars. It can be read as a stand along (shhhh, I haven't read this series yet, although now I will), but I'm sure the story is all the richer if we had the complete backstory and had seen their relationship develop in background all along. 4.5 stars rounded up for the audacity of the heavy subject brought beautifully home.
Thank you to the author for the arc.
December 10, 2025
The MMC abandoned his wife the morning after their wedding to chase opium. His habit and attempts to get treatment had him moving around Europe without communicating with his wife for EIGHT YEARS. She has covered for him with her family the entire time, which is both extremely sad and very hard to believe. He shows up a couple days before Christmas to return to the fold. After she initial rejects him, the FMCs accepts him back after two days.
I love a redemption story, but this one really testing me.
I love a redemption story, but this one really testing me.
January 5, 2026
Ginny Moore has penned a beautifully complex story of heartache, hope and healing that made me feel everything - I laughed, I cried and I swooned. I'd like to, unofficially, change the title to 'How the Rogue Stole My Heart."
This isn't a typical sugar, spice and everything nice Christmas novella, it deals with addiction, abandonment and feelings of desolation. Philip has a lot of explaining to do and Lily has a lot she needs to forgive. It shows their emotional pain as a real and sometimes debilitating force, but one that can be overcome through connection, resilience and finding a reason to believe again. The vulnerability of both Lily and Philip is very impactful and signified the courage it took for them to face each other once again.
This story is not all bleakness though, we're welcomed into a festive, heartwarming family home with overly loud Christmas carols (For reasons! IYKYK), snowball fights, stringing popcorn, Snapdragon and plenty of mistletoe. I love how humor was threaded through the seriousness without being crass. Revisiting characters from the previous books felt like being with family and I was sighing over Ben once again. And oh the way I cried over Philips gift to Lily! I was falling for him throughout the story but this moment clinched it and Lily was given undeniable proof of his love and commitment to her.
The door is wide open in this story with a lot of time and pain to make up for. The mouth on this guy!! 🪭
What a bittersweet ending to a series I adored. Ginny once again proves why she's a favorite author of mine. Her unique perspectives immerse me and make me forget that I'm reading. She chooses the right words for the right moments every time. Every sentence lands and makes the story feel personal . I highly recommend anything and everything written by her.
I was honored to receive an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This isn't a typical sugar, spice and everything nice Christmas novella, it deals with addiction, abandonment and feelings of desolation. Philip has a lot of explaining to do and Lily has a lot she needs to forgive. It shows their emotional pain as a real and sometimes debilitating force, but one that can be overcome through connection, resilience and finding a reason to believe again. The vulnerability of both Lily and Philip is very impactful and signified the courage it took for them to face each other once again.
This story is not all bleakness though, we're welcomed into a festive, heartwarming family home with overly loud Christmas carols (For reasons! IYKYK), snowball fights, stringing popcorn, Snapdragon and plenty of mistletoe. I love how humor was threaded through the seriousness without being crass. Revisiting characters from the previous books felt like being with family and I was sighing over Ben once again. And oh the way I cried over Philips gift to Lily! I was falling for him throughout the story but this moment clinched it and Lily was given undeniable proof of his love and commitment to her.
The door is wide open in this story with a lot of time and pain to make up for. The mouth on this guy!! 🪭
What a bittersweet ending to a series I adored. Ginny once again proves why she's a favorite author of mine. Her unique perspectives immerse me and make me forget that I'm reading. She chooses the right words for the right moments every time. Every sentence lands and makes the story feel personal . I highly recommend anything and everything written by her.
I was honored to receive an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 28, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
Ginny b Moore I was not familiar with your game and I’ll be taking the adequate steps to remedy that starting right NOW.
The writing? The development? The romance? My god this was just achingly beautiful and so well done. I cannot wait to delve more into this series and start at the beginning.
Lily and Philip. These two both broke my heart and put it back together again. Philip left lily on their wedding night 8 years ago due to an opium addiction. In the 8 years of his absence he fought his addiction and the story starts with him coming home on Christmas, making amends and looking for forgiveness. I think Ginny did a really good job here, I was able to see both sides of the argument and in my opinion the grovel was done beautifully and she really handled the story with the utmost care and sensitivity.
I shed a few tears I won’t lie, this isn’t your run of the mill “fluffy and light” Christmas novella. It’s deeper, it’s harder but it’s brilliant in its execution and definitely deserves the space on your festive tbr.
Ginny b Moore I was not familiar with your game and I’ll be taking the adequate steps to remedy that starting right NOW.
The writing? The development? The romance? My god this was just achingly beautiful and so well done. I cannot wait to delve more into this series and start at the beginning.
Lily and Philip. These two both broke my heart and put it back together again. Philip left lily on their wedding night 8 years ago due to an opium addiction. In the 8 years of his absence he fought his addiction and the story starts with him coming home on Christmas, making amends and looking for forgiveness. I think Ginny did a really good job here, I was able to see both sides of the argument and in my opinion the grovel was done beautifully and she really handled the story with the utmost care and sensitivity.
I shed a few tears I won’t lie, this isn’t your run of the mill “fluffy and light” Christmas novella. It’s deeper, it’s harder but it’s brilliant in its execution and definitely deserves the space on your festive tbr.
November 26, 2025
The title is apt; How the Rogue Stole Christmas turns the world of Lady Lily upside down when her husband of eight years returns three days prior to Christmas to her family’s estate after an absence that left her questioning her marriage to the man she thought she knew. Like Lily, I think I’d slam the door in his face too—eight years is a very long time to not hear a peep from your husband of less than 24 hours!
So where has Philip, aka Whit, the Earl of Whitney been? Lily’s mind has run wild with every possible scenario, but an addiction to laudanum is the last thing she ever expects. Although much of the past is discussed, it’s what these characters choose to do in the present that makes this novella so good. It’s like seeing your childhood sweetheart years later; you’ve changed and they’ve changed so what happens to those feelings of love from “before”? Philip’s excuse is a forgivable one, but rightly so, Lily is furious that he was in contact with some of her relatives over the years, but allowing her mind to run wild with the worst possible reasons for Philip leaving. Philip has to earn Lily’s love again and it’s clear that he will do anything to convince her he’s clean now and here to stay. If you aren’t familiar with her work, Ginny Moore is REALLY good at writing physical intimacy and she definitely makes Philip work to satisfy Lily in every sense of the word. In a way it’s a version of a grovel, but I loved that Lily didn’t let him off the hook too quickly.
But back to the title— Philip really does win at Christmas with a spectacular surprise that shows not just his love for Lily, but for her family as well. This novella will give you all the wintery magical feels that we’ve come to associate with Christmastime. Because the entire clan is present for Christmas, it would probably help to read other books in this series of siblings, but I found that this can easily be a standalone as well. I’d definitely pick this up if you are looking for a spicy little holiday read that may pull at your heartstrings and can easily be read on a chilly afternoon. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5️⃣
Steam: 🪭🪭🪭
Pace: 💨
So where has Philip, aka Whit, the Earl of Whitney been? Lily’s mind has run wild with every possible scenario, but an addiction to laudanum is the last thing she ever expects. Although much of the past is discussed, it’s what these characters choose to do in the present that makes this novella so good. It’s like seeing your childhood sweetheart years later; you’ve changed and they’ve changed so what happens to those feelings of love from “before”? Philip’s excuse is a forgivable one, but rightly so, Lily is furious that he was in contact with some of her relatives over the years, but allowing her mind to run wild with the worst possible reasons for Philip leaving. Philip has to earn Lily’s love again and it’s clear that he will do anything to convince her he’s clean now and here to stay. If you aren’t familiar with her work, Ginny Moore is REALLY good at writing physical intimacy and she definitely makes Philip work to satisfy Lily in every sense of the word. In a way it’s a version of a grovel, but I loved that Lily didn’t let him off the hook too quickly.
But back to the title— Philip really does win at Christmas with a spectacular surprise that shows not just his love for Lily, but for her family as well. This novella will give you all the wintery magical feels that we’ve come to associate with Christmastime. Because the entire clan is present for Christmas, it would probably help to read other books in this series of siblings, but I found that this can easily be a standalone as well. I’d definitely pick this up if you are looking for a spicy little holiday read that may pull at your heartstrings and can easily be read on a chilly afternoon. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5️⃣
Steam: 🪭🪭🪭
Pace: 💨
November 15, 2025
After her husband left her on her wedding night, Lily has been Just Fine getting on with her husband's estate, horses, and her loving group of younger sisters. But Christmas does bring out all the emotion, and she’s feeling a little lonely this holiday season, especially after her estranged husband has been sending her weekly letters for months. And when he arrives on her family’s doorstep as they’re getting ready to celebrate Christmas, she may slam the door on his face, but he’s just happy to see her.
From the first minute these two are on page together, I’m obsessed. The longing and the hurt is so present, but their banter is delicious, and you can see the remnants of what they were in their courtship. Philip has a lot of atoning to do, but he’s so aware of it, and you can feel his guilt through the page. His struggle with addiction is something I rarely read about in HR, and it was such a unique way to create this separation between the pair. Knowing he had to fight in his recovery for her makes this all the more heartbreaking of a story. And makes you root for him even when you simultaneously get why Lily is slow to forgive. The forced proximity and the family holiday celebrations make this all the more of a treat and really pushes the two together. Lilly is forced to confront her feelings for Philip, and he’s forced to admit all the truths that he’s been hiding from her.
Ginny can write a book, and this conclusion to the Flower Sisters series was so well done. This one stands alone as a strong love story and Christmas novella. Lily and Philip are both so fleshed out from the moment they’re on the page, and I was hooked into their story so quickly. It made me giggle at times with the silly family antics, but also hit on some powerful emotions, and I was tearing up. A beautiful story of forgiveness and rediscovering the love you had.
5/5
Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book. Out 11/25.
From the first minute these two are on page together, I’m obsessed. The longing and the hurt is so present, but their banter is delicious, and you can see the remnants of what they were in their courtship. Philip has a lot of atoning to do, but he’s so aware of it, and you can feel his guilt through the page. His struggle with addiction is something I rarely read about in HR, and it was such a unique way to create this separation between the pair. Knowing he had to fight in his recovery for her makes this all the more heartbreaking of a story. And makes you root for him even when you simultaneously get why Lily is slow to forgive. The forced proximity and the family holiday celebrations make this all the more of a treat and really pushes the two together. Lilly is forced to confront her feelings for Philip, and he’s forced to admit all the truths that he’s been hiding from her.
Ginny can write a book, and this conclusion to the Flower Sisters series was so well done. This one stands alone as a strong love story and Christmas novella. Lily and Philip are both so fleshed out from the moment they’re on the page, and I was hooked into their story so quickly. It made me giggle at times with the silly family antics, but also hit on some powerful emotions, and I was tearing up. A beautiful story of forgiveness and rediscovering the love you had.
5/5
Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book. Out 11/25.
November 24, 2025
While holiday romance novellas can often be cloyingly saccharine, How the Rogue Stole Christmas tackled some serious issues, while providing plenty of holiday cheer and magic, as well as some super hot steam.
Not only was this book bittersweet because of the circumstances of the estranged central couple, but it is also the finale of a series I really enjoyed and am sad to say goodbye to. Lily has been lurking on the sidelines of her sisters’ stories, and now it’s finally her time to shine, and she definitely does. I loved Lily’s character, the mix of her confident businesswoman persona and her lonely, often understandably resentful inner self. Her husband is back to make amends and worship her, which is something Ginny B. Moore excels at; her heroines are always so amazing that the reader loves seeing them rightfully celebrated.
I liked the central romance and Philip’s attempts at winning back his wife, and I especially liked the steam in this one, which was really, really hot. However, had I not read the previous books in the series, I would’ve been a little lost. Not to say this can’t be read as a standalone, but given it dives into action right away, it really helps to know the other couples to appreciate their contribution. However, I suppose that's to be expected given this is the series finale.
Not only did this deal with crippling addiction, but it also made frequent references to the Waverly family’s financial struggles, which I appreciated. Despite that, the overall tone was joyful and festive, with many cute little scenes, such as the snowball fight and the game of snapdragon. Really charming and, again, really hot.
Huge thanks to Ginny B. Moore for the ARC.
Not only was this book bittersweet because of the circumstances of the estranged central couple, but it is also the finale of a series I really enjoyed and am sad to say goodbye to. Lily has been lurking on the sidelines of her sisters’ stories, and now it’s finally her time to shine, and she definitely does. I loved Lily’s character, the mix of her confident businesswoman persona and her lonely, often understandably resentful inner self. Her husband is back to make amends and worship her, which is something Ginny B. Moore excels at; her heroines are always so amazing that the reader loves seeing them rightfully celebrated.
I liked the central romance and Philip’s attempts at winning back his wife, and I especially liked the steam in this one, which was really, really hot. However, had I not read the previous books in the series, I would’ve been a little lost. Not to say this can’t be read as a standalone, but given it dives into action right away, it really helps to know the other couples to appreciate their contribution. However, I suppose that's to be expected given this is the series finale.
Not only did this deal with crippling addiction, but it also made frequent references to the Waverly family’s financial struggles, which I appreciated. Despite that, the overall tone was joyful and festive, with many cute little scenes, such as the snowball fight and the game of snapdragon. Really charming and, again, really hot.
Huge thanks to Ginny B. Moore for the ARC.
November 15, 2025
ARC REVIEW (thanks Ginny!)
I so love redemption stories and second chance romance! Addiction is such a rarely touched upon topic, especially in historical romance. I feel like Lily and Philip’s story deserved more than just a fluffy Christmas novella. Philip left for 8 years to battle his addiction without a word to lily after their wedding night. He returns a few days before Christmas and is determined to win her back. Lily has been so lonely watching all her sisters pair off and live their lives while she’s basically stuck in limbo. I just wanted more! More grovel, more explanation maybe some flashbacks to their courting. We’re told so much about their history and connection but it’s never actually shown.
I so love redemption stories and second chance romance! Addiction is such a rarely touched upon topic, especially in historical romance. I feel like Lily and Philip’s story deserved more than just a fluffy Christmas novella. Philip left for 8 years to battle his addiction without a word to lily after their wedding night. He returns a few days before Christmas and is determined to win her back. Lily has been so lonely watching all her sisters pair off and live their lives while she’s basically stuck in limbo. I just wanted more! More grovel, more explanation maybe some flashbacks to their courting. We’re told so much about their history and connection but it’s never actually shown.
November 23, 2025
How the Rogue Stole Christmas 3.5
This story follows Phillip and Lily as they reconnect after Phillip returns home from an eight–year struggle with addiction. The book does a strong job showing how addiction can impact a relationship, how fragile trust becomes and how difficult, yet necessary, it is to rebuild. I really appreciated the emotional honesty there.
Where it fell a little short for me was in the backstory. I wanted more depth—more of what happened during those lost years and more time exploring the healing between them.
Overall, it’s a heartfelt holiday second-chance romance with real, raw themes, but I found myself wishing it had gone deeper, but I understand it’s a Novella. I did enjoy reading it though and will read more from author 🥰 this was an arc read
This story follows Phillip and Lily as they reconnect after Phillip returns home from an eight–year struggle with addiction. The book does a strong job showing how addiction can impact a relationship, how fragile trust becomes and how difficult, yet necessary, it is to rebuild. I really appreciated the emotional honesty there.
Where it fell a little short for me was in the backstory. I wanted more depth—more of what happened during those lost years and more time exploring the healing between them.
Overall, it’s a heartfelt holiday second-chance romance with real, raw themes, but I found myself wishing it had gone deeper, but I understand it’s a Novella. I did enjoy reading it though and will read more from author 🥰 this was an arc read
December 5, 2025
I’m not crying, you’re crying 😭❤️🩹🎄
November 23, 2025
Lily & Philip – they met, fell madly in love, and he proposed – and then his father died and an accident happened. Through it all she remained by his side, but her love and care weren’t enough to save him from an opioid addiction.
Haunted and ashamed he disappeared – on their wedding night!
Humiliated and hurt she never told anyone...
Now, eight years later, he shows up unannounced at her family’s Christmas gathering. He may have finally found a way to fix himself, but will he be able to reassemble the broken pieces of his marriage?
Philip is on thin ice, and not only Lily, but her entire family puts him through the wringer. I loved how each sister and brother-in-law’s temperament shone through, her mother’s no-nonsense approach, the unfiltered curiosity of Marigold’s boys, and her aunt’s blatant little nudges. Even with a few tense moments, there was always warmth and joviality.
Overcoming addiction and its aftermath is a poignant theme for a Christmas story, but this one made it work! And not just because the seasonal spirit inspires hope and healing, or new beginnings. It’s an engaging emotional ride. He knows his mind, comes prepared to grovel, but she’s torn – and who can blame her? Her shield needs to break before they can move forward. The no-more-beds worked like a charm; it forced a proximity, confrontation and brutal honesty I really loved!
My only wish is for more time; three days is an awful short time to fix so much – even if they had eight years to digest it. I would have liked to be privy to a bit more of their conversations, it would have given us a bit more of his journey, more backdrop. I’m left feeling hungry for more – so many details, so little answers.
All in all this was a beautiful and moving way to close this altogether gorgeous series! I’ll miss the Waverly family, but I’m still secretly hoping to get Timothy & James’s story one day🤞🏼
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Haunted and ashamed he disappeared – on their wedding night!
Humiliated and hurt she never told anyone...
Now, eight years later, he shows up unannounced at her family’s Christmas gathering. He may have finally found a way to fix himself, but will he be able to reassemble the broken pieces of his marriage?
Philip is on thin ice, and not only Lily, but her entire family puts him through the wringer. I loved how each sister and brother-in-law’s temperament shone through, her mother’s no-nonsense approach, the unfiltered curiosity of Marigold’s boys, and her aunt’s blatant little nudges. Even with a few tense moments, there was always warmth and joviality.
Overcoming addiction and its aftermath is a poignant theme for a Christmas story, but this one made it work! And not just because the seasonal spirit inspires hope and healing, or new beginnings. It’s an engaging emotional ride. He knows his mind, comes prepared to grovel, but she’s torn – and who can blame her? Her shield needs to break before they can move forward. The no-more-beds worked like a charm; it forced a proximity, confrontation and brutal honesty I really loved!
My only wish is for more time; three days is an awful short time to fix so much – even if they had eight years to digest it. I would have liked to be privy to a bit more of their conversations, it would have given us a bit more of his journey, more backdrop. I’m left feeling hungry for more – so many details, so little answers.
All in all this was a beautiful and moving way to close this altogether gorgeous series! I’ll miss the Waverly family, but I’m still secretly hoping to get Timothy & James’s story one day🤞🏼
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
December 1, 2025
Ginny B. Moore never lets me down!!
I’d been curious for ages to see how this HEA would unfold. Lily’s distress has been there, etched into the margins of every previous book—alone, having once found her storybook hero only to have him ripped away, leaving her adrift again.
I never doubted I’d fall for Phillip (Ginny is simply incapable of writing anything but swoon-worthy men), but I was pleasantly surprised by the complexity and depth packed into this little novella.
On one side we have Lily, whose shame over her husband’s abandonment pushed her to isolate herself even further—cutting herself off from the support she would have had if she’d been honest with her family. What an achingly authentic, human response: bearing the weight alone because admitting the truth feels like one lash more than you can endure.
On the other side we have Phillip, who dealt an unthinkable emotional blow to his wife, knowing that to remain with her as he was would condemn her to even more pain, again and again. Hope—thin, fragile hope—was the only thing he had to carry him through his darkest days.
And now, he has to find a way to rebuild a marriage shattered by eight long years of silence.
Watching Lily and Phillip rediscover their connection and learn how to navigate the wounds left by his addiction and his desertion was both sweet and satisfying. And as a lovely gift on top of that emotional arc, we get to see all our favorite couples together at Christmas. I laughed. I remembered. I felt everything. It was the perfect ending to a beautiful series.
December 5, 2025
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2 🌶️🌶️
How the Rogue Stole Christmas by Ginny B. Moore is book five in historical romance series: The Flower Sisters series. It is a steamy Christmas novella. This is a standalone loves story that features some cameos from previous couples.
Lily and Philip’s story is a beautiful and complex story. It is full of heartache, hope, healing, angst, family, joy, and SPICE. This book will make you feel a range of feelings. This will make you swoon, laugh, and very possibly cry.
This is a second chance romance, “My Wife”, redemption novella with lots of Christmas magic.
This novella deals with abandonment and addiction as well as the feelings of desolation. It deals with Philip having to explain why he choose to leave her with NO explanation for eight years as well as Lily working through her feelings and emotions of betrayal while learning to forgive. Both, Lily and Philip, show their emotional pain while finding the courage to open up and be vulnerable with one another to move forward and rediscover the love that they had.
This novella also brings family holiday celebration and festivities such as a family home that is welcoming of overly loud Christmas carols, snowball fights, stringing popcorn, Snapdragons, and lots of mistletoe hung with care. The banter is great and the pace is perfect.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this early. Ginny B. Moore has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
If you haven’t read anything be her yet, you need to give her books a try.
ALL thoughts and opinions are my own!
2 🌶️🌶️
How the Rogue Stole Christmas by Ginny B. Moore is book five in historical romance series: The Flower Sisters series. It is a steamy Christmas novella. This is a standalone loves story that features some cameos from previous couples.
Lily and Philip’s story is a beautiful and complex story. It is full of heartache, hope, healing, angst, family, joy, and SPICE. This book will make you feel a range of feelings. This will make you swoon, laugh, and very possibly cry.
This is a second chance romance, “My Wife”, redemption novella with lots of Christmas magic.
This novella deals with abandonment and addiction as well as the feelings of desolation. It deals with Philip having to explain why he choose to leave her with NO explanation for eight years as well as Lily working through her feelings and emotions of betrayal while learning to forgive. Both, Lily and Philip, show their emotional pain while finding the courage to open up and be vulnerable with one another to move forward and rediscover the love that they had.
This novella also brings family holiday celebration and festivities such as a family home that is welcoming of overly loud Christmas carols, snowball fights, stringing popcorn, Snapdragons, and lots of mistletoe hung with care. The banter is great and the pace is perfect.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this early. Ginny B. Moore has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
If you haven’t read anything be her yet, you need to give her books a try.
ALL thoughts and opinions are my own!
January 1, 2026
“Her love alone didn’t heal him, but it proved he was worth fighting for.”
Marriage on the rocks during Christmas and I was sold before even starting it. I was a little curious though if all could be resolved within 200 pages. I thought it delivered on everything.
I loved the idea that this could’ve easily been a series reunion Christmas story showing the whole family together and happy. And it is for everyone except for Lily. I loved that premise and having it as a backdrop for Lily’s second chance on love with her estranged husband.
Sure it all occurs within three days but for me that means that their conversations aren’t beating around the bush. Philip and Lily are getting to the root of their issues. Lily has plenty of walls built that aren’t coming down easily and Philip’s addiction was thoughtfully discussed. Getting the backstory of their courtship and falling in love helped make it all work for me. With the addition of snowball fights, plenty of mistletoe, parlor games, and getting to have everyone under one roof it was so enjoyable.
Plus a nod to a future series in the epilogue, has me looking forward to what is next.
How the Rogue Stole Christmas is the fifth and last book in the Flower Sisters series.
There are three open door encounters. Each one was perfect and scorching hot.
Marriage on the rocks during Christmas and I was sold before even starting it. I was a little curious though if all could be resolved within 200 pages. I thought it delivered on everything.
I loved the idea that this could’ve easily been a series reunion Christmas story showing the whole family together and happy. And it is for everyone except for Lily. I loved that premise and having it as a backdrop for Lily’s second chance on love with her estranged husband.
Sure it all occurs within three days but for me that means that their conversations aren’t beating around the bush. Philip and Lily are getting to the root of their issues. Lily has plenty of walls built that aren’t coming down easily and Philip’s addiction was thoughtfully discussed. Getting the backstory of their courtship and falling in love helped make it all work for me. With the addition of snowball fights, plenty of mistletoe, parlor games, and getting to have everyone under one roof it was so enjoyable.
Plus a nod to a future series in the epilogue, has me looking forward to what is next.
How the Rogue Stole Christmas is the fifth and last book in the Flower Sisters series.
There are three open door encounters. Each one was perfect and scorching hot.
November 25, 2025
A Bridgerton-esque suoer spicy read. Lily was deserted after her wedding night by her husband eight years ago. Upon meeting her family for Christmas he shows up wanting her forgiveness. She has been taking care of his estate raising winning race horses and keeping things going but she’s very lonely and better. He has a lot of making up to do but he is determined to do so.
Now she has a lot of sisters for to be exact and they all seem to be very sexually active. One of my favorite scenes in the very beginning is where they are gathered all around singing Christmas carols her mother playing the piano. And her sister and her husband are upstairs making quite a ruckus. The louder they get , the louder the mother plays and sings -everyone is pretending they don’t hear it and their great aunt is absolutely delighted like she’s listening to a soap opera. it’s absolutely hysterical.
Anyhow Lily gives him three days to make sure her family has a perfect Christmas because they haven’t had one in a long time. He also has a lot of time to make up in bed with her as well and once he’s convinced her to let him start they get busy making up for lost time. This is definitely a happy ending kind of story and it is the kind of story I love.
Now she has a lot of sisters for to be exact and they all seem to be very sexually active. One of my favorite scenes in the very beginning is where they are gathered all around singing Christmas carols her mother playing the piano. And her sister and her husband are upstairs making quite a ruckus. The louder they get , the louder the mother plays and sings -everyone is pretending they don’t hear it and their great aunt is absolutely delighted like she’s listening to a soap opera. it’s absolutely hysterical.
Anyhow Lily gives him three days to make sure her family has a perfect Christmas because they haven’t had one in a long time. He also has a lot of time to make up in bed with her as well and once he’s convinced her to let him start they get busy making up for lost time. This is definitely a happy ending kind of story and it is the kind of story I love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2025
Phillip left the morning after their wedding without telling Lily and just a note. And was gone for 8 years without any letters to Lily until September before he returned just days before Christmas.
Lily being left on her wedding night and waking up to an empty bed and a note from her husband is devastated and left with questions of why and feeling that Phillip left because of her and not because of reasons that only Phillip knows about.
In the eight years that Phillip is gone, Lily makes a life for herself of breeding racehorses and taking care of country house where she lives with her staff and horses.
Meanwhile, Phillip is suffering from trying to find someone who will help him find way through his laudanum addiction so he can return to the woman he loves and feels worthy of calling her, wife.
Their meeting and much earned reconciliation is angsty but not too much. As a person who likes low angst, the level of angst was perfect!
I could not stop reading this story and kept turning the pages as I wanted to know how their story ended. It was steamy (steeeamy!!), lovely and a joy to read! It will be on my Christmas re-read list for years to come!!
Lily being left on her wedding night and waking up to an empty bed and a note from her husband is devastated and left with questions of why and feeling that Phillip left because of her and not because of reasons that only Phillip knows about.
In the eight years that Phillip is gone, Lily makes a life for herself of breeding racehorses and taking care of country house where she lives with her staff and horses.
Meanwhile, Phillip is suffering from trying to find someone who will help him find way through his laudanum addiction so he can return to the woman he loves and feels worthy of calling her, wife.
Their meeting and much earned reconciliation is angsty but not too much. As a person who likes low angst, the level of angst was perfect!
I could not stop reading this story and kept turning the pages as I wanted to know how their story ended. It was steamy (steeeamy!!), lovely and a joy to read! It will be on my Christmas re-read list for years to come!!
November 25, 2025
How the Rogue Stole Christmas by Ginny B. Moore is the final episode in the saga of the Flower Sisters. The series spans two continents, but it ends back in England where it began.
This is the story of Lily and Philip. Both characters have their vulnerabilities which are addressed with sensitivity and care. Philip’s addiction to laudanum after an injury is written in such a way that the reader can also use it to understand those who suffer from addiction(s) in the present day.
Their story is an inspiration for those who may be considering forgiving someone who has hurt them, whether inadvertently or intentionally. Both Lily and Philip are willing to try their best to make a go of their second chance.
I also loved how the characters of the extended family were woven in. Sometimes when authors try to do that it can seem gratuitous, but Ms. Moore’s usage of them is skillfully done.
I’m sad to see the series end, but I’m looking forward to see what she writes next!
I received an ARC. The opinions above are my own.
This is the story of Lily and Philip. Both characters have their vulnerabilities which are addressed with sensitivity and care. Philip’s addiction to laudanum after an injury is written in such a way that the reader can also use it to understand those who suffer from addiction(s) in the present day.
Their story is an inspiration for those who may be considering forgiving someone who has hurt them, whether inadvertently or intentionally. Both Lily and Philip are willing to try their best to make a go of their second chance.
I also loved how the characters of the extended family were woven in. Sometimes when authors try to do that it can seem gratuitous, but Ms. Moore’s usage of them is skillfully done.
I’m sad to see the series end, but I’m looking forward to see what she writes next!
I received an ARC. The opinions above are my own.
November 25, 2025
Ginny did an amazing job crafting a beautiful love story between two people torn apart by tragic circumstances. You can feel Lily and Phillip yearn for each other as they deal with the consequences of Phillip’s sudden departure eight years ago. The way Ginny approached Phillip’s addiction and struggle to get better had me reaching for the tissues. I’m glad Lily didn’t take him back right away, instead she was given the space to grieve what could have been and let down the walls she built around herself. When they finally talk and lay it all on the line, it is a heart wrenching but beautiful moment that has
you cheering for them. Phillip’s grand gesture and letters were simply beautiful. My only regret is that I did not read the
first four books, but this still stands well on its own. I can’t wait to read the rest of the Flower sisters book.
you cheering for them. Phillip’s grand gesture and letters were simply beautiful. My only regret is that I did not read the
first four books, but this still stands well on its own. I can’t wait to read the rest of the Flower sisters book.
November 25, 2025
The first two lines are lyrics to Christmas carols, the third line describes sex sounds. YES!, I thought- I have found the perfect holiday novella. It's not all good tidings and horniness, though- Philip has had a long struggle with addiction and is back to make it right. Lily isn't sure he can make it right. I was reading through tears at several points with the depth and realness of the emotions. So, if you like your holiday romances with plenty of spice, great writing, and a compelling story with compelling characters and you don't mind some angst and heaviness in the bargain, this is for you! I loved it and it will be on my annual re-read list.
I received an advance reader copy of this book.
I received an advance reader copy of this book.
November 30, 2025
How the Rogue Stole Christmas by Ginny M. Moore is exactly the kind of cozy-chaotic romance I want in December. The rogue is charming in that “I know I shouldn’t like you, but I absolutely do” way, and the heroine holds her own with sass, smarts, and a heart that’s way too big for her own good.
The chemistry is great, the banter is quick, and the holiday atmosphere makes everything feel extra warm and sparkly. There’s a nice balance of humor and emotion, and I loved watching the rogue slowly reveal the soft side he pretends he doesn’t have.
If you like festive romances with a dash of troublemaking, a lot of heart, and a hero who needs the holiday season to finally get his act together, this one is a really fun read. Perfect for curling up with on a snowy evening.
The chemistry is great, the banter is quick, and the holiday atmosphere makes everything feel extra warm and sparkly. There’s a nice balance of humor and emotion, and I loved watching the rogue slowly reveal the soft side he pretends he doesn’t have.
If you like festive romances with a dash of troublemaking, a lot of heart, and a hero who needs the holiday season to finally get his act together, this one is a really fun read. Perfect for curling up with on a snowy evening.
November 17, 2025
Fairly quick novella here. The whole family is gathered for Christmas and Lily’s estranged husband Philip shows up at the front door. He left her the day after their wedding eight years ago and has been in no contact with her this whole time. Turns out he’s been battling an opium addiction for all these years and is finally sober enough to return. He’s got a bit of groveling to do to win his wife back though. It was good to catch up with all the other sisters and their husbands and watch them support Lily. Just the right mix of steam and plot and of course, plenty of angst for a novella.
November 25, 2025
Loved Lily and Philip's second chance romance. Philip Marshall, the Earl of Whitby left his wife on the day of their wedding, only to return 8 years later. During those years Lily has had no idea where her errant husband has been, now with her family here for Christmas she must pretend that they are happily married and have not been estranged for 8 years. Can Phillip win back his wife's affections, love and trust especially when she has no idea why he left her on the first place. Will Phillip reveal all or will he hide behind his demons and false bravado.
December 8, 2025
This novella is thoroughly heartbreaking, but also uplifting. I felt for Philip who was struggling with an addiction, but I also found him hard to forgive, because he married Lily all the same and then just left without confiding his predicament. He didn’t trust her to love him enough and this is the most unforgivable thing for me. Yes, it would have been devastating for her, but she deserved to know. I’m happy the HEA is secured though because both deserved to be happy. Gorgeously written and the characters are vivid and very human.
December 16, 2025
When he ran after their wedding night eight years ago, only to show up at the family estate in time for Christmas…
This was the first historical I’d read in a while and it was the perfect reminder of the magic of the genre! There’s such a tease in so. many. layers. Second chance mixed with all the Christmas magic packed so much love and emotion into this novella — I will absolutely be devouring the rest of the Flowers Sisters!
You’ll Find —
Second Chance
Holiday Novella
“My Wife”
Redemption Arc
Christmas Magic
Thankful for the opportunity to read!
This was the first historical I’d read in a while and it was the perfect reminder of the magic of the genre! There’s such a tease in so. many. layers. Second chance mixed with all the Christmas magic packed so much love and emotion into this novella — I will absolutely be devouring the rest of the Flowers Sisters!
You’ll Find —
Second Chance
Holiday Novella
“My Wife”
Redemption Arc
Christmas Magic
Thankful for the opportunity to read!
December 1, 2025
I do love a good marriage in trouble. I had mixed feelings about Phillip. The entire backstory of his addiction was tragic for everyone involved. If I was Lily, I'd be mad too. But I think he ended up explaining himself very well and it was OK with her. He was a bit controlling in bed and there just was something about him that didn't sit well with me.
Thank you to Ginny B. Moore for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Thank you to Ginny B. Moore for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
November 25, 2025
Oh my word this series just gets better and better. I love how serious issues are handled and not swept under the carpet or instant forgiveness. The characters thoughts and feelings seem genuine while still sainting a Christmas romance. A perfect steamy Christmas read to warm you up.
December 8, 2025
A heartwarming story of redemption!
This was a beautiful, real, and raw story. It depicted the hardships of addiction and how it touches so many people who surround the one affected directly. I loved that Philip received his HEA in a loving and realistic way.
This was a beautiful, real, and raw story. It depicted the hardships of addiction and how it touches so many people who surround the one affected directly. I loved that Philip received his HEA in a loving and realistic way.
December 16, 2025
With a small page count, this novella still managed to convey a complete story with lots of feels. Though I haven't read this series before, I was able to follow along without issue (and I'm interested in reading more from this new-to-me author).
December 26, 2025
Alone/A Letter/A Return/A Family..
The marriage, a one night affair, was 8 years ago. Letters written but not all sent. But promises made & those remembered…An illness not everyone recovered from. But it’s Christmas & finally a step towards
Redemption & forgiveness & love!
The marriage, a one night affair, was 8 years ago. Letters written but not all sent. But promises made & those remembered…An illness not everyone recovered from. But it’s Christmas & finally a step towards
Redemption & forgiveness & love!
December 9, 2025
Whew, I was not emotionally stable enough to be reading this novella on public transport (when I started it) - I had to save it for my evening reading in the end and I'm glad I did because I cried loads. The scene with the letters and the ornaments broke me a little bit.
This novella packs a heck of an emotional punch for its length. It's a steamy, second chance story about forgiveness and it had me in bits.
After leaving his wife the night after they married and staying away for 8 years (8 years!) Philip has some explaining to do! I didn't know if the reason behind his absence could be satisfying enough to make be believe his resolve to fight for his wife and a future together, and to believe that Lily could forgive him. But it works! The reasoning was heartbreaking and it just made me so sad to think of all that wasted time for them.
I loved Philip's conviction and determination in proving to Lily that he'd changed and she could have faith in him. She's a stronger woman than me for loving him enough, even when she didn't want to, to take a risk and believe in him again.
My first read by Ginny B Moore but definitely not my last - I must catch up on the rest of the series because I was so intrigued by the insight into the rest of the family’s stories we got in here. You can definitely read it as a stand alone though!
This novella packs a heck of an emotional punch for its length. It's a steamy, second chance story about forgiveness and it had me in bits.
After leaving his wife the night after they married and staying away for 8 years (8 years!) Philip has some explaining to do! I didn't know if the reason behind his absence could be satisfying enough to make be believe his resolve to fight for his wife and a future together, and to believe that Lily could forgive him. But it works! The reasoning was heartbreaking and it just made me so sad to think of all that wasted time for them.
I loved Philip's conviction and determination in proving to Lily that he'd changed and she could have faith in him. She's a stronger woman than me for loving him enough, even when she didn't want to, to take a risk and believe in him again.
My first read by Ginny B Moore but definitely not my last - I must catch up on the rest of the series because I was so intrigued by the insight into the rest of the family’s stories we got in here. You can definitely read it as a stand alone though!
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