A Kiss for Hope: A Rogues to Riches Regency Holiday Novella

by Grace Burrowes

142 pages, Paperback

Published November 2, 2025

About the author

Grace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.

It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.

While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")

Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)

To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.

Reviews

[Mum · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read from a delightful author. The story had quite a bit of depth and complications. The characters were clearly drawn and heroes of previous novels made an appearance. It was a perfect Christmas read. It will be read again.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful tale for the Christmas season: a poor widow and her daughter, scrapping by, yet trying to help street urchins who have nothing. One blustery winter’s night comes Joshua Penrose, fresh off the ship from America, to her door demanding entrance. What to do? How does the widow respond to Joshua’s plight? What does Joshua do when he discovers his house has been overtaken by this widow and her daughter during his absence? A heart warming tale in which justice comes to the greedy stealing from widows, and happiness comes to a man whose heart was buried alongside his wife in America.

[Carol Ann Doveatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all stories by Grace Burrowes. This one was sweet, had depth, an adorable child who brings such joy to the book. A delightful read, that I will reread again for the holidays. Previous characters are highlighted and I do so like that.