The Duke’s Christmas Remedy: A Historical Regency Romance Novel

by Amanda Stones

“I did not intend to fall in love tonight, Miss Finch. I merely intended to survive the snow...” When Graham Dandy, the impeccably proper Duke of Halverton, is stranded by a blizzard at a modest country inn on his way home for Christmas, he expects discomfort, inconvenience, and the loss of his dignity, not a collision with the most disarming woman he has ever met.

Ariana Finch, the apothecary’s quick-witted and fiercely capable daughter, has come to the Swan and Crown to tend the winter ailments of its guests. She has no patience for arrogance, no fear of a title, and absolutely no intention of surrendering her room simply because a duke demands it. Yet when necessity forces them into reluctant proximity, sharing space, work, and far more conversation than proprietary recommends, their banter softens into warmth neither expected.

As the snow deepens and Christmas draws near, the duke who has always lived by duty finds himself longing for something wildly a woman who challenges him, a life filled with purpose, and a love he never believed possible. But when the storm breaks and obligations call him back to Halverton Hall, Graham must choose between the life he was born to and the woman who has quietly claimed his heart.

Can a Duke trust love over duty?

Let this delightful Regency Christmas romance charm you with lively characters, heartfelt twists, and a touch of holiday sparkle. “The Duke’s Christmas Remedy” brings glittering balls, stolen mistletoe kisses, and a love that glows warmer than a winter hearth.

Perfect for readers who adore cozy holiday magic, irresistible tension, and a guaranteed happily ever after, no cheating, no cliffhangers, just pure Christmas joy.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

Reviews

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a great story showing what love and support can overcome. This is a great Christmas story overcoming social differences, class and bring well needed change. Graham is the Duke of Halverson and has barely been living in the present since coming back from the war. He mourns all the fellows that didn’t make it home; a lot were friends. He is doing what is expected of him, his duties as a Duke. But, has no real interest in life itself. Until he ends up at a very rough Inn during a blizzard and meets Ariana Finch. His life will never be the same! Aria is the daughter of an apothecary and a better doctor them most in London. She has the best room in the end which just means it has heat and windows that don’t leak. She refuses to give it up to the duke! She is stubborn and is there to treat people who need her. As these two lock horns and then more both will learn that social rules and society is not what life should be all about. Both will have to change a lot and overcome a lot. Secrets come out along with dreams and longings. There will be a lot of give and take on both sides along with a growing friendship and love. Great read for the Christmas season and what it really should be about. I loved it, there is a wonderful set of characters to help and challenge them too. Jameson, the valet is a hoot! The inn owner, Mr. Bartlesby and his wife, the mysterious Gerald (wish we would have got to meet him). The story would not be as great without Lady Elsbeth Danbury, his godmother, what a lady. If you like second chances, class difference along with snobs and tons of undercurrents with our couple, this is the book for you. It's wonderful. Grab a cup of your Favorite hot drink and lose yourself to another time and place. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion, and am freely giving it.

[Denise Irvine-Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Non-Formulaic

I enjoyed the fact that this story did not follow the ubiquitous “beastly peer” boiler plate of the recent spat historical romances. The story was one of a usual courtship, full of humour in the writing.

Now for the detractions from this story:

It was in critical need of proper editing. One particular standout was the puzzling occurrence of the word “quill” at odd moments in the story. It took me a while to decipher that it occurred wherever the letters “pen” should have been, i.e. quillinsular for peninsular. Many chapters were haunted by the “quill” apparition.

I had a difficult time pin pointing the era where the story takes place. The thirty year old hero was a veteran of the peninsular wars. Queen Victoria was supposedly the monarch on the throne as the story unfolds. That being the case the hero would logically be in his late forties to earthly fifties or older. The peninsular wars ended in 1814. Queen Victoria began her reign in 1837.

What was an entertaining story was marred by the noted detractions above. However, overall it was an enjoyable read, if a somewhat disappointing one. Perhaps to rush to get the “Christmas” story out for a deadline was responsible, but I would have enjoyed this much more had more care been taken.

In general I do not write critiques on the romances I read as so many of them are formulaic and obviously capitalizing on the popularity of the genre. I adhere to the principle of not saying anything if I cannot be kind. However, this story was so refreshing and had so much promise that I think my critique may be useful. With proper editing and research it could have been worthy of Heyer and others of her standard.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seemed I spent most of the Christmas holiday this year wandering through one slow, uninteresting historical romance after another until I found this one. It was SO good. The intelligent banter, great characters, etc. all were a delight. I took a star off for the proofreader. There were enough oddball words in sentences that took me completely out of the story and wondered how on earth that got there. Also, typos. However, The story was so much fun I kept on and am so glad I did. This is the best Historical Romance I read in the 2025 Holiday season and am sorry I didn’t find it at the beginning of the season instead of after.

As far as I know, this is the first book I have read by this author and am so excited to see she has lots more so look forward to enjoying more of her books. This story is exactly what was intended, a “take me away from it all” romance with people who had intelligence. Thank you!

[Nancy T Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Duke/A Snowstorm/A Christmas

Ariana meets Duke Graham at a country inn during a snowstorm as she’s trained to help care for illness.
She gives orders & he follows Helping her, Duke or not. She’s also
Invited to the manor for Christmas along with many others who seem appalled that she’s not titled. Little does she know that her position & life is about to change as she must trust herself & the Duke. He will not back down from his love for her!

[Kathryn DeSmet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke's Christmas Remedy

A truly delightful book that captivates readers from the very first page, offering an immersive and enchanting literary experience that leaves a lasting impression on the mind and heart. Its compelling narrative, rich character development, and masterful storytelling transport readers into a world of imagination and emotion, making it an exceptional and memorable read. True love finds the way.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good Christmas read as it brings out all that love can overcome. The hero is all duty as he is ridden with survivor's guilt from the war. The heroine is consumed with duty also as she administers to the needs of the sick. Together they butt heads at the beginning which can be humorous at times. The secondary characters help to make an interesting storyline.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story. Although I'd have preferred more romance than so much emphasis on the medical aspect and it' effects on the main characters. Sometimes the 'worthiness' was extensive in my opinion. Also, there wasn't much detail and time given for the Christmas season. Overall, I enjoyed most of the book.

[Melanie Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

This story was so beautiful and touching. I love it when a book makes me laugh and cry and get angry and laugh and cry some more. I really loved how the story played out I love that the characters took the hard path and succeeded.

[Geri Yaccarino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual storyline but beautiful

Best book ever beautifully written.
Not the same old storyline but a novel of real love and understanding what women went through in the years before emancipation.

[Bonnie Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story, poor editing

This book either needs an editor for the AI or AI as an editor. Examples, squill/spent, quilled/opened, exquilsive, and sentences containing phrases like "allow me to assist you me help," distracted the reader throughout.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ariana and Graham

This is a moving and unconventional love story. I enjoyed it and was certainly pulled into and invested in the story. I felt like it was a bit too long. It definitely needs a good proofreader.

[Cindy Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes up for the first one!

This book is teeming with human interaction, humor, wit, and human consequences. It moves at a fast pace that keeps your attention and makes you want to keep reading until the end! Excellent and entertaining!

[kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was it realistic? No. Was it plausible? No. Was it well edited? God no. Was it a fun read? Yes. Did everybody get their HEA. Most definitely. So a soft 4 stars for an easy fun read with some laughable typos. But this book is not for the purist of the genre.

[Laura Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just everybody being snarky about everything.