Miss Stanton's Unexpected Christmas

by M.M. Wakeford

Can two hearts wounded by the past find the courage to love again?

Beth Stanton has never been one to sit quietly on the sidelines. Warm-hearted, with a mind very much her own, she has returned to England for Christmas, only to find herself at odds with the infuriating Edwin Morton.

Both have their sights set on the same property: Beth to further her charitable ambitions; Edwin to build a factory. However, the stern widower soon discovers that Beth Stanton is not one to back down.

Edwin was betrayed once by a woman he thought he knew, and he has no intention of marrying again. He has a daughter to raise and a future to build for them both. The last thing he needs is a lively young heiress who challenges his every opinion and awakens feelings he thought long buried.

As Christmas approaches, rivalry gives way to an attraction neither can easily deny. But with the past standing between them and a glittering winter ball on the horizon, both must decide whether they dare to risk their hearts once more.

A sweet, feel-good Victorian Christmas novella. Part of the Stanton Legacy series, though it can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Romance

Kindle Edition

Expected publication December 1, 2026

About the author

M.M. Wakeford lives with her husband and son in a London terraced house that gathers dust while she loses herself in her writing. A lifelong reader of romantic novels, she writes in many genres including contemporary, sci-fi and historical romance.

Her stories capture that heady feeling of falling in love, with emotionally rich characters whose journey to a happily ever after is lined with dilemmas, desire and difficult choices. If you're looking for a page turning romance with high emotion and a good dose of spice, you're in the right place.

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Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for a copy of this short story and this is my freely given opinion.

This is a Christmas themed Victorian romance that belongs in the Stanton Legacy series, though it could be enjoyed as a stand alone. The youngest Stanton, Beth, has grown up, though she was part of the journey to England many years before, at the young age of 14, to meet her ailing grandfather, the Earl of Stanton. Since then, she had returned to Ohio, allowing her English estate, and inheritance from her grandfather, to be managed by her cousin Daniel and his steward.

At the age of 27, she decides to travel with her aunt and uncle to England again, to celebrate the winter holidays with their family members who have chosen to live in England, including her sisters Grace and Bella. Beth is still single, after silently suffering a love lost because of the war, and when she arrives, she discovers that Bella has plans to matchmake.

This s a much sweeter, gentler story than the others in the series, and is a second chance at love, enemies to lovers, and a bit of grumpy-sunshine story as Beth is introduced to industrialist Edwin Morton, a widower and single father, made cynical and distrusting of love after his own experiences. He and Beth but heads over many things, including over a piece of property they both end up competing over for their individual aims, and battling their attraction to each other.

This is sweet, Christmas themed, and with a satisfactory HEA, and it was lovely to see the youngest Stanton settled, and revisit other familiar faces from the series and how they and their families are doing. Just a pleasing satisfying read.

4 stars out of 5

[Phoebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE GOOD: This was so short, and yet Wakeford managed to establish the setting very well. I felt cold and festive reading this, and I understood the time period perfectly. Beth is a very naive heroine, but she has a determined streak and doesn't let anyone sway her mind, so she works as a protagonist. The split perspective was nicely done.

THE BAD: Working class people are treated as props in this story in a way that really stuck out to me; I understand the limitations of historical romance, but other books have managed to discuss class disparity in a way that doesn't feel so dismissive. Also, this says it can be read as a standalone, but despite what some other reviews say, I definitely lost track of who was who and how everyone knew each other. I also didn't understand why Beth and Edwin liked each other - she declares her undying love after maybe 10 conversations and one dance. Even if it has to be off-page, more development was needed.

CONCLUSION: If you've read the other books in the series and you're looking for a quick festive read, this might be worth picking up. Unfortunately, it wasn't for me.

[Renee Ferritto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, sweet Regency Christmas story. From America to England, Beth Stanton visits family for a cozy Christmas celebration. Her cousin plays matchmaker by introducing Beth to Edwin Morton, a widower with a daughter. Neither wishes to marry. Beth wants to use her English inheritance to help the poor by purchasing a workhouse and converting it into a Almshouse, decent living quarters and available education opportunities. Edwin needs the land for a railway to his new planned factory. With time, both parties come to a contract agreement and an HEA.

I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen Grá · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a standalone novella in a wider series of books about a regency family based between America and their native England. I haven't read any of the previous books, but that didn't really pose a problem as any background needed was given.
For a short book, it took me a while to get into proceedings and ultimately the sociopolitical nature of the story was more interesting than the romance, which felt overly dramatic for what was an otherwise grounded story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Stardust Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet Christmas romance! I loved the festive atmosphere, the characters, and the little sparks between Beth and Edwin. Their story had just the right amount of tension, misunderstandings, and romance to keep me interested. I especially enjoyed watching their feelings develop despite their differences. It was a lovely, cozy holiday read with a heartwarming feel and a perfect reminder that love can come when you least expect it. Definitely a nice book to curl up with during the Christmas season! 🎄❤️

[Glad · Rating 2.25 out of 5]

A cute and charming Regency romance featuring the classic sunshine-meets-grump trope! The story is lighthearted, fun to read, and delivers exactly what you hope for: a sweet romance and a happy ending. A lovely, feel-good read when you’re in the mood for something light and entertaining!

Thanks Netgalley for providing me with an ARC copy.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet Christmas novella with another of the Stanton family. I thought Beth's story was touching. When she lives, she holds bit very dear. Her character is well developed, and she is strong willed and trusts herself. Edwin is grumpy. He is strong willed as well. Together there is a battle of wills. It was an easy, quick read and very enjoyable!

[Joanna Z-F · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, for a copy of this earc novella. I have never read from this author, and I'm not a huge historical romance, but I thought this was cute. It was a great quick read and a lot happened in a short period of time, and the characters were fun.