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Dr. Benjamin Bones Mysteries #2.5
Dr. Bones and the Christmas Wish
Dr. Benjamin Bones had no opinion on Christmas. That is to say, he had no polite opinion on Christmas. His actual opinion, the one he knew better than to say aloud, was that Christmas was a disappointment, a raising of hopes only to dash them, a festival of flash and dazzle which, come January, was hard to pay for and even harder to justify. That was Christmas: disappointment, with a price tag.
So begins Dr. Bones and the Christmas Wish , a charming romantic short story set in the tiny Cornish village of Birdswing, 1939. Readers who enjoyed the Dr. Benjamin Bones Mysteries, Marriage Can Be Murder (#1) and Divorce Can Be Deadly (#2), will adore this holiday tale of love lost and love found featuring Dr. Bones and Lady Juliet.
So begins Dr. Bones and the Christmas Wish , a charming romantic short story set in the tiny Cornish village of Birdswing, 1939. Readers who enjoyed the Dr. Benjamin Bones Mysteries, Marriage Can Be Murder (#1) and Divorce Can Be Deadly (#2), will adore this holiday tale of love lost and love found featuring Dr. Bones and Lady Juliet.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2016
About the author
Emma Jameson
34 books516 followersEmma Jameson writes the kind of mysteries readers devour—smart, romantic, sharply funny, and impossible to put down. It’s why her books have sold over one million copies worldwide and built a fiercely loyal international readership.
A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Emma is best known for her beloved Lord & Lady Hetheridge series, where sharp wit meets murder in elegant British settings. Her character-driven stories blend suspense, romance, and a touch of humor—creating mysteries that feel as immersive as they are addictive. Her novel London Blue was recently named a Gold Medal Finalist in the Crime Fiction Indie Gold Awards.
A lifelong Anglophile (though not actually British), Emma brings England vividly to life on the page. When she’s not writing, she serves three demanding cats who believe they are in charge—and are probably right.
A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Emma is best known for her beloved Lord & Lady Hetheridge series, where sharp wit meets murder in elegant British settings. Her character-driven stories blend suspense, romance, and a touch of humor—creating mysteries that feel as immersive as they are addictive. Her novel London Blue was recently named a Gold Medal Finalist in the Crime Fiction Indie Gold Awards.
A lifelong Anglophile (though not actually British), Emma brings England vividly to life on the page. When she’s not writing, she serves three demanding cats who believe they are in charge—and are probably right.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 11, 2018
As novellas go, this is the best I've read. I love the characters of Lady Juliet and Dr. Bones. This one had a good story and "things" progressed. Usually, a novella avoids anything happening that could change the continuation of the series, as many readers skip these short half books. Props to Emma Jameson!
April 26, 2019
Me Jameson continues to amaze me. This is a very short novella but it's so satisfying to read.
May 9, 2024
Well, this is really two individual short stories with the doctor and the 'Lady' being solving mysteries. I really like their characters, the H is observant and transitions into 'doctor' mode seamlessly. He's polite, clever and quietly unyielding. The h is lovable even as she quietly hates herself.
December 20, 2017
Very enjoyable! This was more a short story but still quite fun and gave me more time with these wonderful characters in a pretty perfect cozy setting!
December 25, 2016
Yes! You will definitely want to get right into this lovely short story after finishing Divorce Can Be Deadly in this series.
It is Christmas time in Birdswing, and Dr. Bones feels compelled to walk into a store where an interesting character has an even more interesting chest - filled with all kinds of interesting items. He is joined in the store by his neighbor, Mrs. Parry, who seeks to find a mermaid for her dear friend Mrs. Smith. Dr. Bones and Mrs. Parry find the mermaid - which turns into a "road trip" for him and Lady Juliet as they honor the wishes of Mrs. Smith, who is too ill to leave her bed.
I was very satisfied with this novella after finishing the second book in the series; and if you have been reading the series, you will enjoy it as well, and will love how it ends.
If you haven't read the series, then you need to get on it!
It is Christmas time in Birdswing, and Dr. Bones feels compelled to walk into a store where an interesting character has an even more interesting chest - filled with all kinds of interesting items. He is joined in the store by his neighbor, Mrs. Parry, who seeks to find a mermaid for her dear friend Mrs. Smith. Dr. Bones and Mrs. Parry find the mermaid - which turns into a "road trip" for him and Lady Juliet as they honor the wishes of Mrs. Smith, who is too ill to leave her bed.
I was very satisfied with this novella after finishing the second book in the series; and if you have been reading the series, you will enjoy it as well, and will love how it ends.
If you haven't read the series, then you need to get on it!
July 28, 2017
This story is set in Birdswing, a tiny village
of Cornwall. The year is 1939. Dr Benjamin
Bones has been set here to serve during
World War ll.
Dr Bones is not a big fan of Christmas. He
believes...quote " Christmas is a
disappointment, with a price tag."
0ne day Dr Bones and his neighbor, Mrs Parry
visit a store. The owner is away. An entertaining
man is there with a treasure chest of goods.
Mrs Parry is looking for a mermaid to give her
friend. She finds one in the shop. Dr Bones
finds an antique and unique compass which
the man gives to him with the condition that
Dr Bones granted a wish asked of him.
This leads to an interesting tale of mermaids
and love ones lost at sea. It also leads to an
unexpected wish, trip and romantic tale.
An enjoyable short story with a unusual tale.
of Cornwall. The year is 1939. Dr Benjamin
Bones has been set here to serve during
World War ll.
Dr Bones is not a big fan of Christmas. He
believes...quote " Christmas is a
disappointment, with a price tag."
0ne day Dr Bones and his neighbor, Mrs Parry
visit a store. The owner is away. An entertaining
man is there with a treasure chest of goods.
Mrs Parry is looking for a mermaid to give her
friend. She finds one in the shop. Dr Bones
finds an antique and unique compass which
the man gives to him with the condition that
Dr Bones granted a wish asked of him.
This leads to an interesting tale of mermaids
and love ones lost at sea. It also leads to an
unexpected wish, trip and romantic tale.
An enjoyable short story with a unusual tale.
November 25, 2017
So I much happens in so little time
I have enjoyed this series very much. But I was a bit surprised that so much happened in so little in so little time. I can't say what without including a spoiler. I hope this little review will encourage readers to purchase the book.
I have enjoyed this series very much. But I was a bit surprised that so much happened in so little in so little time. I can't say what without including a spoiler. I hope this little review will encourage readers to purchase the book.
August 4, 2021
This should have been the 2nd installments' epilogue! FINALLY we get something resembling romance in this series! Also after everything that happened there (hint hint as to NOT read this one before reading the two full length novels - "Marriage Can Be Murder" and "Divorce Can Be Deadly") seeing Ben and Juliet rekindle their relationship and even aspire to more was the sweet promise I needed when I finished the (previous) book.
This one had a very different vibe then the previous two. It's not a mystery, as Emma puts it, this is about PEOPLE. It started with a very magical second hand shop where both Ben and his nosy neighbor find what they were searching for, even if Ben isn't a believer in Christmas. Turns out the 'pass it forward' that starts that day (rather night) continues on to a few more people in the small Cornish village of Birdswing.
Both Juliet and Ben felt a bit "different" in this one. For Ben it's the resolve he IS interested in Juliet and he understands her circumstance with Ethan Bolivar - her (ex)husband - and can see past it. After what he went through with Penny (his now dead wife) being about to see Juliet as a love prospect shows he can look outside of the box when needed. Juliet have been dealing with change herself with the makeover her mother offered her - and surprisingly enough she accepted. Looking (more) feminine makes her feel more confident, and in a way more grounded in herself. I think like Ben she realized she can be who she wants to be even if not how she expected it (if it makes any sense).
While mystery isn't my "go-to" genre, I enjoyed the two full length novels and was glad Emma is adding more romantic vibes into it. With the mutual interest from both parties throughout both novels (naturally in the 2nd more than the 1st) I felt like I NEEDED the romance with every page turned. Maybe that's why this short novella felt a bit short for me and I would have preferred it to be an epilogue (especially with everything that happened and how it affected Ben and Juliet's relationship). Emma says she intends to write short (non mystery) in-between novellas under "Magic of Cornwall". There is already another one called "Dr. Bones and the Lost Love Letter" but sadly the 3rd (full length) installment (Friendship Can Be Fatal) isn't out yet.
More Reviews HERE
This one had a very different vibe then the previous two. It's not a mystery, as Emma puts it, this is about PEOPLE. It started with a very magical second hand shop where both Ben and his nosy neighbor find what they were searching for, even if Ben isn't a believer in Christmas. Turns out the 'pass it forward' that starts that day (rather night) continues on to a few more people in the small Cornish village of Birdswing.
Both Juliet and Ben felt a bit "different" in this one. For Ben it's the resolve he IS interested in Juliet and he understands her circumstance with Ethan Bolivar - her (ex)husband - and can see past it. After what he went through with Penny (his now dead wife) being about to see Juliet as a love prospect shows he can look outside of the box when needed. Juliet have been dealing with change herself with the makeover her mother offered her - and surprisingly enough she accepted. Looking (more) feminine makes her feel more confident, and in a way more grounded in herself. I think like Ben she realized she can be who she wants to be even if not how she expected it (if it makes any sense).
While mystery isn't my "go-to" genre, I enjoyed the two full length novels and was glad Emma is adding more romantic vibes into it. With the mutual interest from both parties throughout both novels (naturally in the 2nd more than the 1st) I felt like I NEEDED the romance with every page turned. Maybe that's why this short novella felt a bit short for me and I would have preferred it to be an epilogue (especially with everything that happened and how it affected Ben and Juliet's relationship). Emma says she intends to write short (non mystery) in-between novellas under "Magic of Cornwall". There is already another one called "Dr. Bones and the Lost Love Letter" but sadly the 3rd (full length) installment (Friendship Can Be Fatal) isn't out yet.
More Reviews HERE
October 4, 2018
Truly Magic
I've been reading all of these wonderful books, Dr Bones Mysteries, and have so thoroughly been enjoying them! The characters are so well written it makes you want to look them up to see where they are now well their descendants. I love all these book written in this time period. With all the hope that whatever war is ahead will soon be over. England suffered so with both the Great War & WWII. Without giving away anything I just want to say I hope the romance of Dr Bones & Juliet will continue in the future books. I think I cried almost all the way through this book, it was such a magical Christmas story for them both! I'm off to read the next in this series & hungry for the next with hopes of them continuing on! Please , please, continue these delightful books of both the Dr Bones mysteries, & the Magic of Cornwall. Thank you!
I've been reading all of these wonderful books, Dr Bones Mysteries, and have so thoroughly been enjoying them! The characters are so well written it makes you want to look them up to see where they are now well their descendants. I love all these book written in this time period. With all the hope that whatever war is ahead will soon be over. England suffered so with both the Great War & WWII. Without giving away anything I just want to say I hope the romance of Dr Bones & Juliet will continue in the future books. I think I cried almost all the way through this book, it was such a magical Christmas story for them both! I'm off to read the next in this series & hungry for the next with hopes of them continuing on! Please , please, continue these delightful books of both the Dr Bones mysteries, & the Magic of Cornwall. Thank you!
September 10, 2022
Another foray into Ben and Julie's sweet romance
I have so enjoyed Emma Jameson's books about Dr. Bones and Juliet's life in the village of Birdswing. From her wonderful writing you feel as if you know these people, see their lives played out. You can see the love that grows between Ben and Juliet in spite of the roadblocks that life keeps throwing at them. The only drawback I see to these books is that, by her own admittance, MS Jameson writes slowly and I read so quickly that I am so ready for the fourth book. Love, love this series and this author!
I have so enjoyed Emma Jameson's books about Dr. Bones and Juliet's life in the village of Birdswing. From her wonderful writing you feel as if you know these people, see their lives played out. You can see the love that grows between Ben and Juliet in spite of the roadblocks that life keeps throwing at them. The only drawback I see to these books is that, by her own admittance, MS Jameson writes slowly and I read so quickly that I am so ready for the fourth book. Love, love this series and this author!
August 2, 2020
Dr. Bones and his neighbor visit a store in Cornwall which is run by a little elfin man. The doctor is drawn to an antique compass, and trys to bargain down the price. The elfin man finally agrees on the condition that in exchange, Dr. Bones must grant the next wish to the next person he hears expressing it. Dr. Bones is reminiscent of Dicken's Scrooge and the story is set in England during WWI.
July 2, 2024
Dr. Benjamin Bones Mysteries do entertain. Visiting the time of 1940 England in the small village of Birdswing through two short stories in one volume had me smiling and frowning and nodding my head and sometimes wanting to weep a bit. That is how well author Emma Jameson evokes village life and an England fighting off Germany's determination to take over Europe. This is a series I may yet continue and not only because I am intrigued about Dr. Bones and Lady Juliet.
December 6, 2025
Next level for Dr Bones and Lady Juliette
If you like historical novella whodunits, these should please you. Set in Cornwall at the time of WWII, these two shorts take Dr Bones’ and Lady Juliette’s story to the next level.
The only reason I give them 4 stars rather than 5 is because I like stories more fleshed out than a short story can do. The second novella about the love letter has a nice twist to it.
If you like historical novella whodunits, these should please you. Set in Cornwall at the time of WWII, these two shorts take Dr Bones’ and Lady Juliette’s story to the next level.
The only reason I give them 4 stars rather than 5 is because I like stories more fleshed out than a short story can do. The second novella about the love letter has a nice twist to it.
March 22, 2017
This novella by Emma Jameson was a satisfying entry to the Dr. Bones Cornwall series. Dr. Bones is devastated to learn that his not-so-secret love, Lady Juliet, has reconciled with her absent husband. Although Juliet's mother has confided that the reconciliation is a sham, it doesn't help that Dr. Bones has another secret to keep.
It's a sad Christmas for him, but an encounter with an elfin man leads him to an old woman - a patient - who tells Dr. Bones the sad tale of her estranged son and of her desire to reconcile with her son's wife.
As it happens, Lady Juliet accompanies him on his trip of mercy to Plymouth and on the beach after they give a memorial for the dead son (and his wife, who regrettably died as well) to complete the promise made to Dr. Bones' patient, he reveals his knowledge of her pretense, and they share a sweet moment together.
It's a sad Christmas for him, but an encounter with an elfin man leads him to an old woman - a patient - who tells Dr. Bones the sad tale of her estranged son and of her desire to reconcile with her son's wife.
As it happens, Lady Juliet accompanies him on his trip of mercy to Plymouth and on the beach after they give a memorial for the dead son (and his wife, who regrettably died as well) to complete the promise made to Dr. Bones' patient, he reveals his knowledge of her pretense, and they share a sweet moment together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2017
A short offering continues the tale
This short story picks up soon after Book 2 in the Dr. Bones series, and does indeed answer at least one burning question for the anxious readers - you'll have to read it to find out which one! But the main thing, is it any good? And yes, it is, it's another successful foray for Ben and Juliet, so well done, and on to the next page-turner!
This short story picks up soon after Book 2 in the Dr. Bones series, and does indeed answer at least one burning question for the anxious readers - you'll have to read it to find out which one! But the main thing, is it any good? And yes, it is, it's another successful foray for Ben and Juliet, so well done, and on to the next page-turner!
January 2, 2018
Dr. Benjamin Bones finds an antique compass in an odd little shop and the proprietor offers to sell it to him if the doctor will agree to grant a wish for a person who asks for one. A strange bargain, but I was very happy to read this story since I was quite put off by the last entry in the series and this novella provides a more satisfactory ending.
December 18, 2022
Dr Bones & Lady Juliette
I put off reading this book as it is the last in the series. And I did not want to see the end of these characters. I was pleasantly surprised to see there will be a fourth book! This series is my feel good books. I love the era it takes me too. I cannot wait to see what will be in store for us next!
I put off reading this book as it is the last in the series. And I did not want to see the end of these characters. I was pleasantly surprised to see there will be a fourth book! This series is my feel good books. I love the era it takes me too. I cannot wait to see what will be in store for us next!
December 29, 2024
This was cute and there was sort of a mystery solved but not really a mystery. I AM glad I picked this up though as it seems to be one of two short stories before the next in series and they covered some ground that I might have been confused about when the mystery resumes. It was also a surprisingly short, light read.
February 6, 2017
Lovely Christmas story
This is a lovely Christmas story. A little mystery , a little sadness, some love, some promises kept. A mysterious elf and mermaids . Wwhat else do you need for a story that rivals the original brothers Grimm?. A delight.
This is a lovely Christmas story. A little mystery , a little sadness, some love, some promises kept. A mysterious elf and mermaids . Wwhat else do you need for a story that rivals the original brothers Grimm?. A delight.
July 6, 2018
Pages come to life
Ms. Jameson brings you visually and emotionally into the picture. I usually prefer contemporary works, but this author brings so much life into her stories that you have to appreciate them.
Ms. Jameson brings you visually and emotionally into the picture. I usually prefer contemporary works, but this author brings so much life into her stories that you have to appreciate them.
June 28, 2019
Lovely novella
Am eagerly awaiting the next one in the series, as well as the next full length book. Am enjoying Dr Bones, Juliet, and the other characters in this series very much.
Am eagerly awaiting the next one in the series, as well as the next full length book. Am enjoying Dr Bones, Juliet, and the other characters in this series very much.
September 21, 2022
I would have preferred a full novel, but I'll take what I can get. I really like this series and this short story adds to the character development, as well as the cultural lore of Cornwall. There isn't any mystery, though. Still, I'm definitely going to read 2.6 while I impatiently wait for #3.
September 24, 2022
Great story
I love these stories and can't wait to get the next book.
The characters are fun and entertaining and I love the setting in Cornwall.
The mysteries are fun to try and figure out.
I love these stories and can't wait to get the next book.
The characters are fun and entertaining and I love the setting in Cornwall.
The mysteries are fun to try and figure out.
October 14, 2022
I have beco.e addicted to Benja.in Bones Mysteries.
Delightful, fun and charming . I can highly recommend these mysteries.
I usually like them a little grittier but liked 1'2' and 3 so much I intend to go
Directly to number 4.
Delightful, fun and charming . I can highly recommend these mysteries.
I usually like them a little grittier but liked 1'2' and 3 so much I intend to go
Directly to number 4.
September 11, 2023
Bones Takes A Holiday
This was a wonderful read. I felt it broke up the usual narrative between Dr Bones and Juliet, but in a good way. It also filled in a lot of gaps I had. I'm ready to go to the next installment in this series.
This was a wonderful read. I felt it broke up the usual narrative between Dr Bones and Juliet, but in a good way. It also filled in a lot of gaps I had. I'm ready to go to the next installment in this series.
May 1, 2024
I enjoyed all of the Dr. Bones books.
The characters are so well fleshed out. Dr. Bones and Lady Juliet are having grand times despite all their difficulties. I would recommend these books to any reader, and am looking forward to the next book 'Bones buried deep'.
The characters are so well fleshed out. Dr. Bones and Lady Juliet are having grand times despite all their difficulties. I would recommend these books to any reader, and am looking forward to the next book 'Bones buried deep'.
May 25, 2024
I know I tried to read this before but this time I had already read Dr. Benjamin Bones Books 1 and 2 and was ready for the romance in this one. So it all made sense and it was very sweet and heart warming and now on to the Lost Letter Book.
January 17, 2017
Short but good.
As suggested by the author, this short story is quite satisfying if read in order after the first two Dr Bones stories.
As suggested by the author, this short story is quite satisfying if read in order after the first two Dr Bones stories.
May 9, 2017
I tried but . . .
I'd been enjoying Dr Bones and the gang very much, but this story didn't work for me. The mermaids, leprechaun... The story needed a harder edge somewhere, it was a chick flick.
I'd been enjoying Dr Bones and the gang very much, but this story didn't work for me. The mermaids, leprechaun... The story needed a harder edge somewhere, it was a chick flick.
November 27, 2017
Delightful, too short!
Dr Benjamin Bones is a joy to read! I hope there are plenty more books ahead for him and his character s.
Dr Benjamin Bones is a joy to read! I hope there are plenty more books ahead for him and his character s.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews