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The Heart of a Duke #7
To Wed His Christmas Lady
She’s longing to be loved:
Lady Cara Falcot has only served one purpose to her loathsome father—to increase his power through a marriage to the future Duke of Billingsley. As such, she's built protective walls about her heart, and presents an icy facade to the world around her. Journeying home from her finishing school for the Christmas holidays, Cara's carriage is stranded during a winter storm. She’s forced to tarry at a ramshackle inn, where she immediately antagonizes another patron—William.
He's avoiding his duty in favor of one last adventure:
William Hargrove, the Marquess of Grafton has wanted only one thing in life—to avoid the future match his parents would have him make to a cold, duke’s daughter. He’s returning home from a blissful eight years of traveling the world to see to his responsibilities. But when a winter storm interrupts his trip and lands him at a falling-down inn, he’s forced to share company with a commanding Lady Cara who initially reminds him exactly of the woman he so desperately wants to avoid.
A Christmas snowstorm ushers in the spirit of the season:
At the holiday time, these two people who despise each other due to first perceptions are offered renewed beginnings and fresh starts. As this gruff stranger breaks down the walls she’s built about herself, Cara has to determine whether she can truly open her heart to trusting that any man is capable of good and that she herself is capable of love. And William has to set aside all previous thoughts he’s carried of the polished ladies like Cara, to be the man to show her that love.
*** Please note, this is an approximately 48,000 word novella.
Lady Cara Falcot has only served one purpose to her loathsome father—to increase his power through a marriage to the future Duke of Billingsley. As such, she's built protective walls about her heart, and presents an icy facade to the world around her. Journeying home from her finishing school for the Christmas holidays, Cara's carriage is stranded during a winter storm. She’s forced to tarry at a ramshackle inn, where she immediately antagonizes another patron—William.
He's avoiding his duty in favor of one last adventure:
William Hargrove, the Marquess of Grafton has wanted only one thing in life—to avoid the future match his parents would have him make to a cold, duke’s daughter. He’s returning home from a blissful eight years of traveling the world to see to his responsibilities. But when a winter storm interrupts his trip and lands him at a falling-down inn, he’s forced to share company with a commanding Lady Cara who initially reminds him exactly of the woman he so desperately wants to avoid.
A Christmas snowstorm ushers in the spirit of the season:
At the holiday time, these two people who despise each other due to first perceptions are offered renewed beginnings and fresh starts. As this gruff stranger breaks down the walls she’s built about herself, Cara has to determine whether she can truly open her heart to trusting that any man is capable of good and that she herself is capable of love. And William has to set aside all previous thoughts he’s carried of the polished ladies like Cara, to be the man to show her that love.
*** Please note, this is an approximately 48,000 word novella.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2015
469 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
About the author
Christi Caldwell
136 books2,558 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Judith McNaught's "Whitney, My Love!" for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her notes and pick up her laptop to try her hand at romance. She believes the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before crafting them a well deserved happily ever after!
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 8, 2018
3.5 Sterne!
Eine schöne, kurzweilige weihnachtliche Liebesgeschichte, in der man sich für ein paar kostbare Stunden verlieren kann.
Wer auf der Suche nach einer passenden Lektüre für die Feiertage ist und sich an etwas vorhersehbaren Geschichten nicht stört, der hat in diesem Buch sicherlich einen geeigneten Kandidaten gefunden.
(Es ist nicht nötig, vorher die anderen Teile der Reihe zu lesen.)
Eine schöne, kurzweilige weihnachtliche Liebesgeschichte, in der man sich für ein paar kostbare Stunden verlieren kann.
Wer auf der Suche nach einer passenden Lektüre für die Feiertage ist und sich an etwas vorhersehbaren Geschichten nicht stört, der hat in diesem Buch sicherlich einen geeigneten Kandidaten gefunden.
(Es ist nicht nötig, vorher die anderen Teile der Reihe zu lesen.)
November 23, 2015
When an author takes a character from a previous book, who is hateful and pretentious and then transforms her into a loveable heroine with such finesse, this is a story worth reading from an author who should be on your must read list. Such is the case with TO WED HIS CHRISTMAS LADY by Christi Caldwell.
As the story begins, Lady Cara Falcot awaits at her finishing school for her father's carriage to retrieve her on the cusp of the Christmas holidays. But that carriage never comes and the lady who has already built a wall of ice around her heart, continues on. Lady Cara's father once again has put yet another ache in her already tender heart.When she takes a carriage borrowed from another family, she ends up in a snow storm, stranded at an inn with people she would normally never consort with.
William Hargrove, the Marquess of Grafton has spent the last eight years shirking his familial duty. Betrothed to a woman he holds in dislike has him escaping England to live before he is tied down in an unhappy marriage. His sojourn is up and upon his return to England, Will winds up caught in the snowstorm and seeking refuge at an inn. William is already present when a difficult young lady comes to the inn an causes upheaval immediately. Will finds the lady to be a nuisance, but of course there is always a story behind the facade.
Neither William nor Cara realize that they are betrothed to one another, each keeping their identities to themselves. During their stay at the inn, the pair aggravate one another while they become acquainted with one another and the realization that underneath the cool exteriors they present, is a person worth knowing. But William knows he has a bride waiting for him and Cara's fiance awaits her as well, so there is little or no future for the couple who soon find themselves with deep feelings for one another. William helps open Cara's heart that has been hidden by years of disappointment but will opening that heart only lead to it breaking when she loses Will?
I have to tell you that Lady Cara was truly a despicable character in Christi Caldwell's TO LOVE A LORD. The challenge of taking that despicable character and making the reader actually come to like her is one this author achieved with this wonderfully told story. There is definitely a lesson to be learned. Sometimes the facade presented hides the truth and with a little care and understanding that facade melts away leaving a wonder to be beheld. Such is the tale of William and Cara.
As the story begins, Lady Cara Falcot awaits at her finishing school for her father's carriage to retrieve her on the cusp of the Christmas holidays. But that carriage never comes and the lady who has already built a wall of ice around her heart, continues on. Lady Cara's father once again has put yet another ache in her already tender heart.When she takes a carriage borrowed from another family, she ends up in a snow storm, stranded at an inn with people she would normally never consort with.
William Hargrove, the Marquess of Grafton has spent the last eight years shirking his familial duty. Betrothed to a woman he holds in dislike has him escaping England to live before he is tied down in an unhappy marriage. His sojourn is up and upon his return to England, Will winds up caught in the snowstorm and seeking refuge at an inn. William is already present when a difficult young lady comes to the inn an causes upheaval immediately. Will finds the lady to be a nuisance, but of course there is always a story behind the facade.
Neither William nor Cara realize that they are betrothed to one another, each keeping their identities to themselves. During their stay at the inn, the pair aggravate one another while they become acquainted with one another and the realization that underneath the cool exteriors they present, is a person worth knowing. But William knows he has a bride waiting for him and Cara's fiance awaits her as well, so there is little or no future for the couple who soon find themselves with deep feelings for one another. William helps open Cara's heart that has been hidden by years of disappointment but will opening that heart only lead to it breaking when she loses Will?
I have to tell you that Lady Cara was truly a despicable character in Christi Caldwell's TO LOVE A LORD. The challenge of taking that despicable character and making the reader actually come to like her is one this author achieved with this wonderfully told story. There is definitely a lesson to be learned. Sometimes the facade presented hides the truth and with a little care and understanding that facade melts away leaving a wonder to be beheld. Such is the tale of William and Cara.
November 29, 2015
This is a nice Christmas novella and I enjoyed it very much. The hero, Will, is returning home after years of traveling to wed Lady Clarisse, the daughter of his mother's best friend. He remembers her as a difficult child and is not too happy about his parents pushing this marriage on him. He uses a snowstorm as a delay and stays at a nearby inn.
Clarisse, who sometimes uses her mother's pet name Cara, is stuck at finishing school as her father, a Duke, forgot to send a carriage for her. She borrows a carriage from a schoolmate but the snow forces her to stay at the same inn as Will. She is not a likable heroine until you realize how miserable her childhood was.
Neither of them know the real identity of the other and fall in love. I will not write plot spoilers. It is a novella worth reading and I recommend it.
Clarisse, who sometimes uses her mother's pet name Cara, is stuck at finishing school as her father, a Duke, forgot to send a carriage for her. She borrows a carriage from a schoolmate but the snow forces her to stay at the same inn as Will. She is not a likable heroine until you realize how miserable her childhood was.
Neither of them know the real identity of the other and fall in love. I will not write plot spoilers. It is a novella worth reading and I recommend it.
November 3, 2019
This was a really cute book. One reviewer said Will was an ass in the beginning, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Cara was the ass for almost the entire book. He was only calling her out in the beginning because she was being impossibly rude and unfeeling. But all-in-all it was a good story and I couldn’t help but like both of them.
They were snowed-in at the Fox and Hare and in 3 days’ time they fell in love.
No sex but lots of desire, and that was fine with me. Nothing worse than sex in a novella. There’s just not enough room for that in so few pages.
As to the narration: Tim Campbell is one of the best male narrators. He's one of the reasons I listen to CC's books. He has the girls sounding like girls. It's better than a female narrator making the hero sound like a girl. UGH!
They were snowed-in at the Fox and Hare and in 3 days’ time they fell in love.
No sex but lots of desire, and that was fine with me. Nothing worse than sex in a novella. There’s just not enough room for that in so few pages.
As to the narration: Tim Campbell is one of the best male narrators. He's one of the reasons I listen to CC's books. He has the girls sounding like girls. It's better than a female narrator making the hero sound like a girl. UGH!
November 30, 2018
4.5 Sterne für eine zuckersüße, tiefgründige, wenn auch etwas vorhersehbare Weihnachtsgeschichte, die mein Herz höher schlagen ließ und mich in eine andere Welt entführte.
November 10, 2020
Eine schöne leichter Liebesroman.
November 12, 2015
So you know as soon as I saw that Christi Caldwell was releasing another book, I am all over that in a heartbeat…especially when it’s a Christmas Story. To make it even better the heroine in this book is called Cara!!!
Lady Clarisse Falcot (but prefers to be called Cara) feels like the most hated women in the world! She is defiantly is the most hated girl in the finishing school her overbearing father has sent her too! But now it’s the Christmas Holidays and the school is closing for the break, but her Father the Duke of Ravenscourt has forgotten all about her and has failed to send a coach to collect her. So now the headmistress has asked a classmate who hates her to take her home. But after being made to feel uncomfortable, Lady Cara borrows the coach until she gets stuck in the snow storm and is forced to take shelter at an Inn.
William Hargrove, the Marquess of Grafton has been summoned home to be married, after 10 years of being allowed to live free. But now he is back and is being forced to marry Lady Clarisse Falcot; who in his opinion is the most horrible, spoilt and cold women in all of England. But thankfully he has been given a small reprieve courtesy of a snow storm, now he is stuck at an Inn, with a beautiful but cold woman, called Lady Cara.
Over these few days, both Will and Cara show their true-selves to each other, without letting them know who they truly are! But what will happen when the snow clears…
I don't think I have related to a character, as much as I related to Lady Cara and not just because of the name. Cara's character brings up a lot of feelings from my younger years (except the whole Duke/lady thing) and at one point I had to put the book down and cry buckets, because it moved me that much! But by the end of the story I can honestly say I was in love with this book.
So let's get to the nitty gritty of the book shall we! The writing, plot and characters are simply divine! The only thing I wish for is a guest appearance from these two in the future.
With all that being said I give To Wed His Christmas Lady 10 out of 10
Lady Clarisse Falcot (but prefers to be called Cara) feels like the most hated women in the world! She is defiantly is the most hated girl in the finishing school her overbearing father has sent her too! But now it’s the Christmas Holidays and the school is closing for the break, but her Father the Duke of Ravenscourt has forgotten all about her and has failed to send a coach to collect her. So now the headmistress has asked a classmate who hates her to take her home. But after being made to feel uncomfortable, Lady Cara borrows the coach until she gets stuck in the snow storm and is forced to take shelter at an Inn.
William Hargrove, the Marquess of Grafton has been summoned home to be married, after 10 years of being allowed to live free. But now he is back and is being forced to marry Lady Clarisse Falcot; who in his opinion is the most horrible, spoilt and cold women in all of England. But thankfully he has been given a small reprieve courtesy of a snow storm, now he is stuck at an Inn, with a beautiful but cold woman, called Lady Cara.
Over these few days, both Will and Cara show their true-selves to each other, without letting them know who they truly are! But what will happen when the snow clears…
I don't think I have related to a character, as much as I related to Lady Cara and not just because of the name. Cara's character brings up a lot of feelings from my younger years (except the whole Duke/lady thing) and at one point I had to put the book down and cry buckets, because it moved me that much! But by the end of the story I can honestly say I was in love with this book.
So let's get to the nitty gritty of the book shall we! The writing, plot and characters are simply divine! The only thing I wish for is a guest appearance from these two in the future.
With all that being said I give To Wed His Christmas Lady 10 out of 10
November 11, 2018
It was long-winded for a whirlwind romance.
William was an ass in the beginning. A true gentleman wouldn't speak like that to any woman, and in public no less.
There was an incongruity in chapter 2. If Cara's mother died when she was 7 years old, how can she have memories of her mother at 13?
What was Cara's purpose for destroying the carriage? When all she decided was to go back to the finishing school instead to her father's estate. She could simply instruct the driver to bring her to the school, you know. I find this part stupid. It was like the author just forced this in order to have the succeeding scenes.
Lastly, what happened after epilogue? Were Cara and Jane Munroe, her half-sister, able to reconcile? I don't like it when some things were left hanging.
William was an ass in the beginning. A true gentleman wouldn't speak like that to any woman, and in public no less.
There was an incongruity in chapter 2. If Cara's mother died when she was 7 years old, how can she have memories of her mother at 13?
What was Cara's purpose for destroying the carriage? When all she decided was to go back to the finishing school instead to her father's estate. She could simply instruct the driver to bring her to the school, you know. I find this part stupid. It was like the author just forced this in order to have the succeeding scenes.
Lastly, what happened after epilogue? Were Cara and Jane Munroe, her half-sister, able to reconcile? I don't like it when some things were left hanging.
December 7, 2019
Would have been better as a full length I wanted more!!!
I really liked the premise of this book and it was begging to be drawn out and have more tension and excitement but it ended up being super breezy sweet and easy. No steam in this one either.
I really liked the premise of this book and it was begging to be drawn out and have more tension and excitement but it ended up being super breezy sweet and easy. No steam in this one either.
December 13, 2021
I’m obsessed with plots where the hero despised the heroine at first glance.
I loved heroines who were unfairly judged, misunderstood, wrongly perceived … and as such, successfully erected a wall to keep herself from being hurt even further. She became a loner.
Cara had effectively established herself the perfect façade of a remote ice princess. She had no friends, and nobody liked her.
I absolutely LOVED her!!!
Not only was she beautiful, she’s smart and she’s actually gentle and kindhearted. However, her father (and society)’s expectation forced her to don an indifferent character – for she was the daughter of a mighty duke.
Cara always knew she’s betrothed to a duke’s son but she secretly wished she could evade marrying him for she did not know him.
And the hero, Will? I simply adore him. He’s unapologetic, fierce and true to his heart. Despite being a future duke, he despise the ton’s way of life. That’s why he spent many years as a soldier, only to return as his father had summoned him to wed his betrothed; a lady who was conspicuously disdainful and full of scorn – exactly like the ladies of the ton.
The couple met at an inn – stuck due to a terrible winter storm. Unaware of each other’s identify – and detested each other at first glace – they began to form a connection. Turned out Cara was not the selfish lady Will thought she was initially. And Will was not the pompous arrogant man she thought him to be.
And alas, they fell in love. (Yes, this was a quick story hence they fell in love within a mere few days). But because they did not reveal their identities, they only caught glimpses of each other’s characters; not completely grasping each other's personalities.
It was angsty (for there were suspicions). And I liked it a lot. I loved the ending, too. It was so good.
For the first time in her life after her mother’s death, Cara knew love.
Even though this was a quick read. I simply enjoyed it. Very much. Bravo, Ms. Caldwell.
I loved heroines who were unfairly judged, misunderstood, wrongly perceived … and as such, successfully erected a wall to keep herself from being hurt even further. She became a loner.
Cara had effectively established herself the perfect façade of a remote ice princess. She had no friends, and nobody liked her.
I absolutely LOVED her!!!
Not only was she beautiful, she’s smart and she’s actually gentle and kindhearted. However, her father (and society)’s expectation forced her to don an indifferent character – for she was the daughter of a mighty duke.
Cara always knew she’s betrothed to a duke’s son but she secretly wished she could evade marrying him for she did not know him.
And the hero, Will? I simply adore him. He’s unapologetic, fierce and true to his heart. Despite being a future duke, he despise the ton’s way of life. That’s why he spent many years as a soldier, only to return as his father had summoned him to wed his betrothed; a lady who was conspicuously disdainful and full of scorn – exactly like the ladies of the ton.
The couple met at an inn – stuck due to a terrible winter storm. Unaware of each other’s identify – and detested each other at first glace – they began to form a connection. Turned out Cara was not the selfish lady Will thought she was initially. And Will was not the pompous arrogant man she thought him to be.
And alas, they fell in love. (Yes, this was a quick story hence they fell in love within a mere few days). But because they did not reveal their identities, they only caught glimpses of each other’s characters; not completely grasping each other's personalities.
It was angsty (for there were suspicions). And I liked it a lot. I loved the ending, too. It was so good.
For the first time in her life after her mother’s death, Cara knew love.
Even though this was a quick read. I simply enjoyed it. Very much. Bravo, Ms. Caldwell.
July 3, 2022
actual rating: 3.5 stars
No one likes a self-centered snob and I’m glad that William called out that behaviour right from the beginning. We know our female lead as the lady who bullied Jane and caused her to be sacked. However, soon, we realise that Cara’s behaviours are a result of her upbringing by a cruel and unfeeling father. The few nights at the inn, isolated from the world, with just Will and the owners of the inn, have Cara the freedom she desired and showed her how different she can be if she tried. I adored this short story between Will and Cara. The two found each other in the end even though they didn’t want to be in the first place.
No one likes a self-centered snob and I’m glad that William called out that behaviour right from the beginning. We know our female lead as the lady who bullied Jane and caused her to be sacked. However, soon, we realise that Cara’s behaviours are a result of her upbringing by a cruel and unfeeling father. The few nights at the inn, isolated from the world, with just Will and the owners of the inn, have Cara the freedom she desired and showed her how different she can be if she tried. I adored this short story between Will and Cara. The two found each other in the end even though they didn’t want to be in the first place.
March 6, 2019
Finally! A heroine unlike the others 3.5 stars
November 16, 2015
A couple of days ago I read and reviewed a New York Time and USA Today contemporary romance that had shoddy and haphazard character development, but paired it with inferno sex scenes. In one months time it has over seven hundred reviews on Amazon. I am still perplexed that a book could make a bestseller list with such an inconsistent story. Then I pick up Christi Caldwell's To Wed His Christmas Lady and am blown away by the solid character development, and the fully formed story, and this is a novella. In To Wed His Christmas Lady, two characters who are both dreading their futures stumble upon each other while trapped, during a blizzard, in an inn at Christmastide time. The two romantic protagonist aren't looking for romance or love, in fact they are both hiding from their lives. The emotions of these characters Will and Cara resonated with such depth, that on was instantly connected to them and pulled into her story from the start. They learn that love can make you the person you were meant to be. I then start to wonder what the romance reading public really wants from their books? As an author Caldwell should be on every blasted bestseller list, and anyone can who knows me can tell you I am not a butt kissing fangirl reviewer. I don't fangirl about authors, I enjoy the books those authors provide. Caldwell's stories are always well plotted and her characters are fully developed; they are actually shaped by backstories that she provides in detail. Which made me understand why Cara or Will does something in the novella. Caldwell is also true to her characters and I have never had an 'out left field' plot 'curve ball' throw by this author. I am perplexed that we readers reward authors who write killer sex scene only, but can't write a complete story to save their souls. Where Caldwell grabs onto the my very soul and makes me laugh, cry, and fall in love, as she envelopes me in her detailed and complete story. She provides me fully formed wonderful characters, who are real humans with emotions and are not caricatures of people.This review was originally posted on Literati Literature Lovers
November 23, 2015
The Ice Princess – that’s how she’s known. Cold, unemotional, cruel all words used to describe Lady Clarissa Falcot. Born a daughter of a Duke her only purpose is to further his connections (& she has already been promised to a stuffy, self-absorbed son of a Duke) & he has raised her to scorn anyone beneath her station. Since the death of her mother that is the only way she knows how to act. Besides – being the ice princess allows her to protect herself from being hurt. Or so she’d like to think. All that goes to hell in a handbasket when her father has forgotten her, again, at Christmas.
Being forced by the headmistress of the finishing school to travel with another student then using that family’s coach to travel home to her father Clarissa dreads every turn of the coaches wheels carrying her closer to her cold, empty home. But mother nature (& possible fate) have other ideas. Stuck in a snowdrift Clarissa, her maid & the coachman are forced to find refuge in a worn down inn. Upon arriving Clarissa makes demands of the coachman to return to the coach to retrieve her belongings only to be confronted by a brute calling her a brat & refusing to let the coachman leave.
William Hargrove, Marquess of Grafton, has been reminded of the bargain he made with his father – unfettered travel for a few years then return to wed the god daughter of his mother. A girl he remembers as being cold & cruel. That & worse are what the rumors have said about his intended.
Close to home the weather turns nasty & William makes the decision to return to the little inn he recently passed for shelter (& prolong the inevitable a little longer). There he encounters a lady exactly like the woman he is to wed & gives her a hard time about her attitude & treatment of her servants.
Over the next few days William learns there is more to the Ice Princess than she lets on & Clarissa learns to open herself to things beyond what she’s been taught. Oh but there is a revelation to come & can William accept what he learns? Will Clarissa realize that she can change for the better?
Christi Caldwell writes an excellent story of a heroine who is emotionally broken & might possible find the means to heal. She will have you laughing & crying all while cheering for a happily ever after. She proves once again why she’s one of my favorite authors!
Being forced by the headmistress of the finishing school to travel with another student then using that family’s coach to travel home to her father Clarissa dreads every turn of the coaches wheels carrying her closer to her cold, empty home. But mother nature (& possible fate) have other ideas. Stuck in a snowdrift Clarissa, her maid & the coachman are forced to find refuge in a worn down inn. Upon arriving Clarissa makes demands of the coachman to return to the coach to retrieve her belongings only to be confronted by a brute calling her a brat & refusing to let the coachman leave.
William Hargrove, Marquess of Grafton, has been reminded of the bargain he made with his father – unfettered travel for a few years then return to wed the god daughter of his mother. A girl he remembers as being cold & cruel. That & worse are what the rumors have said about his intended.
Close to home the weather turns nasty & William makes the decision to return to the little inn he recently passed for shelter (& prolong the inevitable a little longer). There he encounters a lady exactly like the woman he is to wed & gives her a hard time about her attitude & treatment of her servants.
Over the next few days William learns there is more to the Ice Princess than she lets on & Clarissa learns to open herself to things beyond what she’s been taught. Oh but there is a revelation to come & can William accept what he learns? Will Clarissa realize that she can change for the better?
Christi Caldwell writes an excellent story of a heroine who is emotionally broken & might possible find the means to heal. She will have you laughing & crying all while cheering for a happily ever after. She proves once again why she’s one of my favorite authors!
January 23, 2016
3.5*
This is my first Christi Caldwell book and it won't be my last. I have to admit that at first I thought I was not going to like the book. It moved slow and I lost interest, but the more I read I got intrigued. Then of course when I should be in bed I got sucked headlong into it and could NOT put it down. I love a good Christmas romance they are usually light and cheerful stories. Will and Cara's story however had some lighter moments but at the heart of it was gut wrenching emotional story of a young girls loveless upbringing that turned her into what appeared as a unfeeling spiteful person. Will however saw below the surface to the real person. It was emotional to read as Cara began to become the person she'd buried so deep she never believed excited. Will is a very compassionate and insightful and honorable man. He saw the beautiful person Cara was and wanted more. Believe me when I say you will need tissues. A lot of tissues!
This is my first Christi Caldwell book and it won't be my last. I have to admit that at first I thought I was not going to like the book. It moved slow and I lost interest, but the more I read I got intrigued. Then of course when I should be in bed I got sucked headlong into it and could NOT put it down. I love a good Christmas romance they are usually light and cheerful stories. Will and Cara's story however had some lighter moments but at the heart of it was gut wrenching emotional story of a young girls loveless upbringing that turned her into what appeared as a unfeeling spiteful person. Will however saw below the surface to the real person. It was emotional to read as Cara began to become the person she'd buried so deep she never believed excited. Will is a very compassionate and insightful and honorable man. He saw the beautiful person Cara was and wanted more. Believe me when I say you will need tissues. A lot of tissues!
November 16, 2015
To Wed His Christmas Lady by Christi Caldwell is a wonderful read. Will and Cara's story is entertaining. Ms Caldwell has delivered a well written book with characters that may not start off as lovable but by the end of the book you love them anyway. Along with the great characters, this book has drama and a bit of humor. To Wed His Christmas Lady is fairly short, perfect for those with limited time for reading. It is also a clean read, no sex scenes. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Christi Caldwell in the future. To Wed His Christmas Lady is book 7 in The Heart Of A Duke Series, but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
November 18, 2015
Loved it!
I loved this book! It is such a sweet story! I love Christi's imperfect characters. I would definitely recommend this book!
I loved this book! It is such a sweet story! I love Christi's imperfect characters. I would definitely recommend this book!
November 26, 2018
Eine sehr schöne Weihnachtsgeschichte der Autorin, die in einem historischen Setting angelegt wurde.
Die beiden Hauptprotagonisten lernen sich zufällig in einem Wirtshof kennen und lieben. Alles geht sehr schnell voran, denn das Buch ist als eine Novelle angelegt.
Persönlich fand ich die Handlung sehr unterhaltsam und nett zu lesen. Es ist eine sehr schöne Liebesgeschichte, die toll amüsiert. Viele Dinge waren etwas vorhersehbar, was mich aber jetzt nicht grob gestört hatte, denn in diesem Genre sind viele Bücher sehr ähnlich. Ob es jetzt realistisch ist, dass sich jemand innerhalb von zwei Tagen, sich so total verliebt, muss jeder für sich selber entscheiden.
Das Setting in dem Wirtshaus hat mir gut gefallen und ich fand auch auch, bedingt durch die winterliche Beschreibung, dass das Feeling für diese Jahreszeit sehr gut hervorgekommen ist. Wirklich gelungen.
Die beiden Hauptprotagonisten fand ich toll beschrieben. Beide wirkten sehr unterschiedlich. Wir haben da Will, der sehr sympathisch auf mich. Er wirkte sehr weltgewandt, da er viel gereist ist, allerdings ist es nun so, dass er heiraten muss. Wirklich ein netter Typ. Cara war mir zu Beginn nicht sympathisch. Sie machte einen sehr kalten Eindruck, aber man erfährt im Laufe der Geschichte mehr über sie und hat so vielleicht etwas mehr Verständnis für sie.
Die Schreibweise war locker und flüssig. Das Buch hat sich sehr gut lesen lassen und man konnte der Handlung gut folgen, denn alles war wunderbar verständlich. Schade fand ich, dass manche Dinge, etwas oberflächlich geblieben sind.
Das Cover finde ich sehr nett und passend zur Geschichte.
Zur Autorin:
USA-Today-Bestseller-Autorin Christi Caldwell entdeckte die Welt der historischen Liebesromane durch Judith McNaughts »Sturm der Leidenschaft«. Eines Tages saß sie in ihrem Apartment an der University of Connecticut und beschloss, ihre Skripte beiseitezulegen, ihren Laptop zu holen und sich selbst an einem Roman zu versuchen. Sie glaubt fest daran, dass die besten Helden und Heldinnen die mit Fehlern sind, und sie genießt es sehr, sie ein wenig zu quälen, bevor sie sie mit einem wohlverdienten Happy End belohnt.
Quelle: Amazon
Fazit:
4 von 5 Sterne. Nette Wintergeschichte. Unterhaltsam und amüsant. Kann ich weiterempfehlen.
Die beiden Hauptprotagonisten lernen sich zufällig in einem Wirtshof kennen und lieben. Alles geht sehr schnell voran, denn das Buch ist als eine Novelle angelegt.
Persönlich fand ich die Handlung sehr unterhaltsam und nett zu lesen. Es ist eine sehr schöne Liebesgeschichte, die toll amüsiert. Viele Dinge waren etwas vorhersehbar, was mich aber jetzt nicht grob gestört hatte, denn in diesem Genre sind viele Bücher sehr ähnlich. Ob es jetzt realistisch ist, dass sich jemand innerhalb von zwei Tagen, sich so total verliebt, muss jeder für sich selber entscheiden.
Das Setting in dem Wirtshaus hat mir gut gefallen und ich fand auch auch, bedingt durch die winterliche Beschreibung, dass das Feeling für diese Jahreszeit sehr gut hervorgekommen ist. Wirklich gelungen.
Die beiden Hauptprotagonisten fand ich toll beschrieben. Beide wirkten sehr unterschiedlich. Wir haben da Will, der sehr sympathisch auf mich. Er wirkte sehr weltgewandt, da er viel gereist ist, allerdings ist es nun so, dass er heiraten muss. Wirklich ein netter Typ. Cara war mir zu Beginn nicht sympathisch. Sie machte einen sehr kalten Eindruck, aber man erfährt im Laufe der Geschichte mehr über sie und hat so vielleicht etwas mehr Verständnis für sie.
Die Schreibweise war locker und flüssig. Das Buch hat sich sehr gut lesen lassen und man konnte der Handlung gut folgen, denn alles war wunderbar verständlich. Schade fand ich, dass manche Dinge, etwas oberflächlich geblieben sind.
Das Cover finde ich sehr nett und passend zur Geschichte.
Zur Autorin:
USA-Today-Bestseller-Autorin Christi Caldwell entdeckte die Welt der historischen Liebesromane durch Judith McNaughts »Sturm der Leidenschaft«. Eines Tages saß sie in ihrem Apartment an der University of Connecticut und beschloss, ihre Skripte beiseitezulegen, ihren Laptop zu holen und sich selbst an einem Roman zu versuchen. Sie glaubt fest daran, dass die besten Helden und Heldinnen die mit Fehlern sind, und sie genießt es sehr, sie ein wenig zu quälen, bevor sie sie mit einem wohlverdienten Happy End belohnt.
Quelle: Amazon
Fazit:
4 von 5 Sterne. Nette Wintergeschichte. Unterhaltsam und amüsant. Kann ich weiterempfehlen.
December 22, 2018
Bei dem Buch handelt es sich um eine kurzweilige und flüssig zu lesende Weihnachtsgeschichte, die mir eigentlich ganz gut gefallen hat. Die Handlung ist recht unterhaltsam und die Liebesgeschichte ganz interessant.
Schon von Anfang an weiß man, wie die Geschichte ausgehen wird. Die Geschichte wird abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Cara und von Will erzählt, sodass man beide Personen gut kennen lernt. Die anderen Personen agieren eher im Hintergrund und sind für die Geschichte nicht wichtig. Man erfährt über sie auch eher weniger.
Störend fand ich, das die beiden nicht einen Moment darüber nachgedacht haben, ob ihr Gegenüber die Person ist, vor der sie schon seit Jahren weglaufen. Erst nach 85% erkennt sie, wer er wirklich ist und welch Wunder, sie reagiert nicht so, wie man es sich wünschen würde (das Buch hat ja doch noch ein paar Seiten). Er kommt natürlich noch später drauf und das auch nur Mithilfe seiner Mutter. Trotz alles gibt es ein Happy End, was man ja von Anfang an schon gewusst hat.
Anfangs ist Cara eine kaltherzige, gemeine und unfreundliche Dame, die einer mag. Will schafft es jedoch innerhalb von nur drei Tagen ihren Charakter und ihr Verhalten grundlegend zu ändern. Dies fand ich sehr unlogisch und einfach zu schnell.
Ich bedanke mich bei NetGalley.de und dem Verlag für das Rezensionexemplar.
Fazit
Für Zwischendurch kann ich das Buch empfehlen, aber die Geschichte ist nicht sehr anspruchsvoll.
Schon von Anfang an weiß man, wie die Geschichte ausgehen wird. Die Geschichte wird abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Cara und von Will erzählt, sodass man beide Personen gut kennen lernt. Die anderen Personen agieren eher im Hintergrund und sind für die Geschichte nicht wichtig. Man erfährt über sie auch eher weniger.
Störend fand ich, das die beiden nicht einen Moment darüber nachgedacht haben, ob ihr Gegenüber die Person ist, vor der sie schon seit Jahren weglaufen. Erst nach 85% erkennt sie, wer er wirklich ist und welch Wunder, sie reagiert nicht so, wie man es sich wünschen würde (das Buch hat ja doch noch ein paar Seiten). Er kommt natürlich noch später drauf und das auch nur Mithilfe seiner Mutter. Trotz alles gibt es ein Happy End, was man ja von Anfang an schon gewusst hat.
Anfangs ist Cara eine kaltherzige, gemeine und unfreundliche Dame, die einer mag. Will schafft es jedoch innerhalb von nur drei Tagen ihren Charakter und ihr Verhalten grundlegend zu ändern. Dies fand ich sehr unlogisch und einfach zu schnell.
Ich bedanke mich bei NetGalley.de und dem Verlag für das Rezensionexemplar.
Fazit
Für Zwischendurch kann ich das Buch empfehlen, aber die Geschichte ist nicht sehr anspruchsvoll.
December 12, 2021
Das Buch ist vor allem am Anfang echt cool, Cara ist mal was anderes, darin dass sie wirklich ziemlich unausstehlich ist. Ich mochte den Schreibstil und der Konflikt war irgendwie cool, aber ich muss sagen, im Laufe der Geschichte wurde es mir einfach zu sehr "Der Mann rettet sie durch Liebe". Vor allem die letzten Kapitel waren was das angeht irgendwie zu kitschig für mich.
Außerdem habe ich das hier als Weihnachtsbuch gelesen, aber Weihnachten spielt einfach fast gar keine Rolle? Und der Plot hätte genau so gut an einem zufälligen Wintertag stattfinden können? Als Weihnachtsbuch also ziemlich enttäuschend.
Und diese Leute sind viel zu oft, dünn angezogen im Schnee, ohne stark zu frieren. Wie können die da ne Stunde stehen und reden?
Ach und nach 18 Jahren in dem man Gefühle unterdrückt hat es sich echt unrealistisch angefühlt, dass Cara nur wegen William plötzlich selbstbewusst wird?
Sind 3 Sterne, weil ich es die meiste Zeit über mochte, aber das Ende macht es mir unmöglich dieses Buch zu empfehlen oder weitere in der Reihe zu lesen xD
Außerdem habe ich das hier als Weihnachtsbuch gelesen, aber Weihnachten spielt einfach fast gar keine Rolle? Und der Plot hätte genau so gut an einem zufälligen Wintertag stattfinden können? Als Weihnachtsbuch also ziemlich enttäuschend.
Und diese Leute sind viel zu oft, dünn angezogen im Schnee, ohne stark zu frieren. Wie können die da ne Stunde stehen und reden?
Ach und nach 18 Jahren in dem man Gefühle unterdrückt hat es sich echt unrealistisch angefühlt, dass Cara nur wegen William plötzlich selbstbewusst wird?
Sind 3 Sterne, weil ich es die meiste Zeit über mochte, aber das Ende macht es mir unmöglich dieses Buch zu empfehlen oder weitere in der Reihe zu lesen xD
March 14, 2023
The 7th book in the series. The h Lady Clarisse Falcot Duke of Ravenhursts daughter and the H William Hargrove, Marquess of Grafton the heir of the Duke of Billingsley. Clarisee was forgotten by her father at Christmas and ended up being driven by another of the girls at the Belden Finishing School. The driver was taking her home when a snowstorm hit and they ended up at the same Inn as William. They didn't tell each other their true names and fell in love. Once Clarisse found out who William was and that he truly didn't want to marry her, she gave him her treasured heart necklace and gave him a fake name. She told him to break if off with Clarisse. He talked to his parents and his mother recognized the necklace as Clarisse's and told him. He went to find her and ask her to marry him. Epilogue: She goes to her half sisters house to apologize for having her sacked from Beldons' finishing school. This was a novella and I gave it three stars.
December 22, 2023
Unexpected!
I loved this little novella! When self-centered Cara is forgotten at school during Christmas by her equally horrible father, we don’t have much sympathy for her. Then her borrowed carriage is stuck in a snowstorm and she’s stranded at a run-down inn with a mysterious man she thinks is a commoner. In no hurry to go home to a cold house, a cold father, and the equally cold Duke-in-waiting whom she’s supposed to marry.
Will is returning home after an 8-year absence to fulfill his duties and marry the selfish little miss his father has picked out for him. He’s stopped in his tracks by the same snowstorm, and the lonely woman he sees behind the blustery façade.
Throughout the snowstorm, Will and Cara get to know each other and inevitably fall in love. But what will they do about each of their commitments? This was unexpectedly heartwarming and fun!
I loved this little novella! When self-centered Cara is forgotten at school during Christmas by her equally horrible father, we don’t have much sympathy for her. Then her borrowed carriage is stuck in a snowstorm and she’s stranded at a run-down inn with a mysterious man she thinks is a commoner. In no hurry to go home to a cold house, a cold father, and the equally cold Duke-in-waiting whom she’s supposed to marry.
Will is returning home after an 8-year absence to fulfill his duties and marry the selfish little miss his father has picked out for him. He’s stopped in his tracks by the same snowstorm, and the lonely woman he sees behind the blustery façade.
Throughout the snowstorm, Will and Cara get to know each other and inevitably fall in love. But what will they do about each of their commitments? This was unexpectedly heartwarming and fun!
October 25, 2018
So sehr ich Christi Caldwells Bücher liebe, dieses hat mich auf Deutsch leider gar nicht verzaubert, zudem muss ich leider sagen, dass mir in etwa ab der Hälfte des Buches die Protagonistin so richtig auf den Keks gegangen ist. Die Dialoge waren monoton - dank der Übersetzung - und auch die Handlung teilweise etwas platt.
Eine nette Sache, aber nicht das, was ich sonst von Caldwell gewöhnt bin!
*I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Eine nette Sache, aber nicht das, was ich sonst von Caldwell gewöhnt bin!
*I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
March 5, 2019
I thought this was a very entertaining read. Will and Cara both had secrets which added so much to their "love at first sight" meeting at an inn while stranded during a snow storm. I loved Will from the beginning but it took a while for Cara to win me over.
I enjoyed this Christmas story with some adventures, bantering, love and romance. I highly recommend this book and this whole series.
I enjoyed this Christmas story with some adventures, bantering, love and romance. I highly recommend this book and this whole series.
November 5, 2019
Sweet
This is a tender Christmas tale of a woman who became an ice princess to protect herself from feelings. Her bad behavior is called out by a stranger who makes her question how she has lived for the past decade. They are stranded in the same inn during a blizzard, giving them time to get to know each other. It's a quick read that's sweet.
This is a tender Christmas tale of a woman who became an ice princess to protect herself from feelings. Her bad behavior is called out by a stranger who makes her question how she has lived for the past decade. They are stranded in the same inn during a blizzard, giving them time to get to know each other. It's a quick read that's sweet.
July 21, 2019
Love, love, love
The only thing missing?
A proper ending.
Our heroine was pretty mean to several people her whole life but she doesn't really apologize to those she should in the end. Would have loved to see that because she intended to do so, at least that's what she hinted at.
Anyways, great plot, shows us what misconceptions, what pride, what prejudice may lead to.
Lovely main characters. No intimate relations (except for kissss) before they promise themselves to each other.
Recommend x10
The only thing missing?
A proper ending.
Our heroine was pretty mean to several people her whole life but she doesn't really apologize to those she should in the end. Would have loved to see that because she intended to do so, at least that's what she hinted at.
Anyways, great plot, shows us what misconceptions, what pride, what prejudice may lead to.
Lovely main characters. No intimate relations (except for kissss) before they promise themselves to each other.
Recommend x10
February 13, 2023
2.5 Stars
Short and light story to read, extra point for that. Most of the story I forgot that she's Clarisse Falcot, the Duke of Ravenscourt's daughter and the boring Jane (to love a Lord) horrible stepsister. So it wasn't bad.
Short and light story to read, extra point for that. Most of the story I forgot that she's Clarisse Falcot, the Duke of Ravenscourt's daughter and the boring Jane (to love a Lord) horrible stepsister. So it wasn't bad.
December 27, 2017
Enjoyed it
April 2, 2019
Meh. Wouldn't read it again
April 3, 2019
This story surprises me with its warmth and sincerity. A rare treasure!
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