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Maids Under the Mistletoe #1
A Countess For Christmas
Emma Carmichael is shocked when she sees who she's waitressing for at a lavish party–Jack Westwood, the new Earl of Redminster. Her new life comes crashing down when Jack announces to the world that they're married! Jack has never forgotten his first love despite the tragedy that tore them apart. When the paparazzi cameras intrude, he proposes they live as man and wife until the fuss dies down. Emma feels like Cinderella, masquerading as his countess…only, behind closed doors, their marriage feels tantalisingly real…
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2016
18 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Christy McKellen
120 books158 followersFormerly a Video and Radio Producer, Christy now spends her time writing provocative, passionate, seductive romance. When she’s not writing, she can be found enjoying life with her husband and three children, walking for pleasure and researching other people’s deepest secrets and desires.
You can find out more about her books at www.christymckellen.com
You can find out more about her books at www.christymckellen.com
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 24 reviews
December 29, 2016
4 Sweet Reunion Stars!
Just what I needed this Christmas. The story of A Countess for Christmas is another one of those royal romance books that are all things sweet and are quite simply difficult to resist.
Emma Carmichael has been married to the Earl of Redminster Jack Westwood. However, their marriage was a secret. They were both so young when they made such a sudden decision to settle down and because of an unfortunate event, they were forced to separate but weren't able to end their marriage. Now six years later, they met again when Emma worked as a waitress at a party and unexpectedly saw Jack.
I love Christmas romances and so are getting-back-together stories. Add the fact that it's written by Christy McKellen who has always been writing beautiful Harlequin stories, so this book was definitely a win. Our heroine Emma was likeable. She was not annoying and she made such good decisions all throughout the book. Jack was also a swoon-worthy male lead. Always such a gentleman and passionate when it comes to his feelings to Emma.
I also loved their conversations in this book and the way both characters made me feel connected to them. All in all, this book was a delightful quick read with a wholly satisfying ending. While a little cliché was thrown in some places, this was simply designed to make the reader feel good especially when it's read on Christmas Day.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!
Thank you to Christy McKellen for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Just what I needed this Christmas. The story of A Countess for Christmas is another one of those royal romance books that are all things sweet and are quite simply difficult to resist.
Emma Carmichael has been married to the Earl of Redminster Jack Westwood. However, their marriage was a secret. They were both so young when they made such a sudden decision to settle down and because of an unfortunate event, they were forced to separate but weren't able to end their marriage. Now six years later, they met again when Emma worked as a waitress at a party and unexpectedly saw Jack.
I love Christmas romances and so are getting-back-together stories. Add the fact that it's written by Christy McKellen who has always been writing beautiful Harlequin stories, so this book was definitely a win. Our heroine Emma was likeable. She was not annoying and she made such good decisions all throughout the book. Jack was also a swoon-worthy male lead. Always such a gentleman and passionate when it comes to his feelings to Emma.
I also loved their conversations in this book and the way both characters made me feel connected to them. All in all, this book was a delightful quick read with a wholly satisfying ending. While a little cliché was thrown in some places, this was simply designed to make the reader feel good especially when it's read on Christmas Day.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!
Thank you to Christy McKellen for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 16, 2017
Emma Carmichael is a waitress living paycheck to paycheck. Jack Westwood is the Earl of Redminster, recently returned to England. When he sees Emma for the first time in six years, being manhandled by her boss, he demands that the lecherous boss leave his wife alone. Yes! That's right. They actually married six years ago, but the marriage fell apart when Emma's father died, leaving her family in severe debt and plagued by scandal. She didn't follow him to his new job in America, and he was upset that she wouldn't put her husband first. With the paparazzi taking a keen interest in the announcement of this unknown marriage, they agree to put on a show and pretend to be happily married until the interest dies down.
Inoffensive fluff! There's not much here to pick apart. But I'll still give it a go! I got tired of hearing about how old and world weary our protagonists were, considering she was only 24 and he was only 27! What I would give to be that young again! If they're that beaten down by life at that young age, I had trouble believing they could foresee positive prospects for the future. I was particularly annoyed by the final Big Barrier to their happiness. Emma just randomly decides that remaining with Jack will only break her heart again. It doesn't make much sense. I actually had to go back and re-read her reasoning behind walking out on their marriage! It's that flimsy!
All in all, no real oomph, but it was a pleasant way to pass the time.
Inoffensive fluff! There's not much here to pick apart. But I'll still give it a go! I got tired of hearing about how old and world weary our protagonists were, considering she was only 24 and he was only 27! What I would give to be that young again! If they're that beaten down by life at that young age, I had trouble believing they could foresee positive prospects for the future. I was particularly annoyed by the final Big Barrier to their happiness. Emma just randomly decides that remaining with Jack will only break her heart again. It doesn't make much sense. I actually had to go back and re-read her reasoning behind walking out on their marriage! It's that flimsy!
All in all, no real oomph, but it was a pleasant way to pass the time.
November 12, 2016
A Countess for christmas is a second chance love story. Emma and Jack were each others first loves.
Fate tore them apart when Emma's father was found to be a conman. Passing away soon after.
Emma's mother falls apart, leaving Emma in charge of everything. While working as a maid, Emma comes into contact with Jack again. Back again in England as the new Earl of Redminster, the paparazzi go wild for the story of Jack and Emma. Forcing them to live together as man and wife until the fuss dies down. Then they can go there seperate ways.
Living in such close quarters, feelings rebloom between them. Can Emma work out her issues to reach her happy ending? Loved the book, its a sweet romance set at my favourite time of the year.
Fate tore them apart when Emma's father was found to be a conman. Passing away soon after.
Emma's mother falls apart, leaving Emma in charge of everything. While working as a maid, Emma comes into contact with Jack again. Back again in England as the new Earl of Redminster, the paparazzi go wild for the story of Jack and Emma. Forcing them to live together as man and wife until the fuss dies down. Then they can go there seperate ways.
Living in such close quarters, feelings rebloom between them. Can Emma work out her issues to reach her happy ending? Loved the book, its a sweet romance set at my favourite time of the year.
July 4, 2018
Emma is working as a maid for an obnoxious gentleman (and I use that term loosely) who’s hosting a party for the well-to-do when she sees the one man she’s ever loved: Jack Westwood. Panic sets in and one thing leads to another, Jack comes to her rescue and announces to the world that they’re secretly married.
Jack hasn’t stopped thinking about Emma since that fateful day six years ago when she crushed his very soul. He’s hurting and wants to make her pay but can’t bring himself to do it. Now, thanks to his protective nature, the press as well as his parents, are demanding to know the truth. He hatches a plan and Emma reluctantly agrees to publicly become his wife. Can the two of them put aside their attraction and be husband/wife in name only or will love break down the walls around their hearts?
I love reading second chance romances and I instantly connected with Emma. Imagine living in high society of Britain only to have your father pass away when you’re eighteen, leaving you and your mother in dire straits, up to your eyeballs in scandal and mounting debts. Your mother is ill and can’t even get out of bed. The last thing on your mind is love and romance. This is what happened six years ago to Emma.
Told from both perspectives, the reader gets to see what both Jack and Emma are thinking. I didn’t care for the constant conflict and Jack’s parents annoyed me to no end. While Jack and Emma dance around their mutual physical attraction for 90% of the book and don’t trust each other until the very end, I enjoyed both characters. They bring out the best in each other and that’s all I want in a Harlequin romance.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Books for giving me a complimentary ARC for me to read and review.
My Rating: 4 stars
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
Jack hasn’t stopped thinking about Emma since that fateful day six years ago when she crushed his very soul. He’s hurting and wants to make her pay but can’t bring himself to do it. Now, thanks to his protective nature, the press as well as his parents, are demanding to know the truth. He hatches a plan and Emma reluctantly agrees to publicly become his wife. Can the two of them put aside their attraction and be husband/wife in name only or will love break down the walls around their hearts?
I love reading second chance romances and I instantly connected with Emma. Imagine living in high society of Britain only to have your father pass away when you’re eighteen, leaving you and your mother in dire straits, up to your eyeballs in scandal and mounting debts. Your mother is ill and can’t even get out of bed. The last thing on your mind is love and romance. This is what happened six years ago to Emma.
Told from both perspectives, the reader gets to see what both Jack and Emma are thinking. I didn’t care for the constant conflict and Jack’s parents annoyed me to no end. While Jack and Emma dance around their mutual physical attraction for 90% of the book and don’t trust each other until the very end, I enjoyed both characters. They bring out the best in each other and that’s all I want in a Harlequin romance.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Books for giving me a complimentary ARC for me to read and review.
My Rating: 4 stars
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
September 30, 2016
I love Christmas stories and I love stories that are a magical reunion between two people who loved one another when they were young and then life and tragedy get in the way and part them but true love and life has a way of bringing them back together in such a beautiful way.
Emma Carmichael had everything growing up a loving family part of the privileged she mixed in the highest circles she was a real lady and fell in love with her best friend’s brother and Earl no less Jack, but they were both young and eloped but before they had a chance to let anyone know tragedy strikes and Emma is left to make repatriation for her father’s mistakes. Her life changes dramatically she takes on a job as a waitress and never goes back to Jack, that is until she meets him at a party she is working at six years later that spark is still there she has never forgotten him.
Jack Westwood is from the upper class and appearances mean everything to his strict family but he wants to expand his wings and move to America and start his own business. When he falls very deeply for his sister’s friend Emma she encourages him to follow his dreams and they marry with plans to go together but life doesn’t turn out that way and Jack gets on with his life in The States but never forgets his wife.
This story has everything that a true romantic wants in a fabulous story it is a reunion story a bit of a Cinderella story with a hero who is so loving and caring and strong and Emma is just an amazingly strong heroine one who has the back bone to stand up to the people she thought were her friends. I highly recommend this fast paced romance it ticks all of the boxes for a must read.
Emma Carmichael had everything growing up a loving family part of the privileged she mixed in the highest circles she was a real lady and fell in love with her best friend’s brother and Earl no less Jack, but they were both young and eloped but before they had a chance to let anyone know tragedy strikes and Emma is left to make repatriation for her father’s mistakes. Her life changes dramatically she takes on a job as a waitress and never goes back to Jack, that is until she meets him at a party she is working at six years later that spark is still there she has never forgotten him.
Jack Westwood is from the upper class and appearances mean everything to his strict family but he wants to expand his wings and move to America and start his own business. When he falls very deeply for his sister’s friend Emma she encourages him to follow his dreams and they marry with plans to go together but life doesn’t turn out that way and Jack gets on with his life in The States but never forgets his wife.
This story has everything that a true romantic wants in a fabulous story it is a reunion story a bit of a Cinderella story with a hero who is so loving and caring and strong and Emma is just an amazingly strong heroine one who has the back bone to stand up to the people she thought were her friends. I highly recommend this fast paced romance it ticks all of the boxes for a must read.
February 13, 2017
Plot: 3/5 (rushed ending)
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5
May 1, 2025
Libri da bicicletta . Carini non impegnaviti su audible
Read
February 24, 2017Miniseries: Maids Under the Mistletoe
June 18, 2017
Content: Brief sex scene between a married couple
January 8, 2017
Heartwarming, emotional and oh so irresistible, A Countess for Christmas is the latest mesmerizing novel from the gifted pen of fast rising star Christy McKellen.
Emma Carmichael’s life was once as close to perfect as it was possible to get. She had money, connections, a wonderful family, great friends and Jack, her handsome, rich, charismatic and titled husband. But her perfect world had come crashing down around her ears when her father’s sudden death had plunged her family into more debt than she knew what to do with. With money in short supply, a multitude of debts to pay and all her so-called friends turning their backs on her, Emma had found herself forced to choose between her family and her husband. Unwilling to burden Jack with her problems, she had had no other option but to walk away from her marriage and to make a new life for herself. However, forgetting her husband proved easier said than done…
With no money and next to no qualifications, Emma needed to get herself a job – fast! Luckily for her, she had quickly found employment working for Maids in Chelsea, a domestic service company with a very exclusive clientele. Although working as a housekeeper was not exactly what Emma had envisaged doing with her life, the job helped to provide her with a steady income to pay off her debts, as well as with a group of wonderful friends who had been there for her when she needed them most. When she had walked out on Jack, Emma had thought that that chapter of her life was closed forever, but when he is a guest at a party she is waitressing at, she is absolutely flabbergasted when he announces to all and sundry that she is his wife!
Jack has never managed to forgive Emma for walking out on him in the first few months of their marriage. Burying himself in his work and in his new life in America has not helped him keep his heartbreak away nor has it made him forget that he is still madly in love with his wife. When he witnesses her being harassed at a party, Jack’s protective instincts kicked in immediately and taking her to safety seemed the most natural thing to do. With the press determined to uncover the truth behind their relationship, Jack and Emma find themselves with no other choice but to play along for the cameras and act like a happily married couple. However, their masquerade soon begins to feel very real…
Is it going to be second time lucky for Jack and Emma? Or has too much water gone under the bridge for the two of them to ever be happy together again?
Sensitively written, wonderfully moving and impossible to put down, A Countess for Christmas is a beautifully layered, highly poignant and emotionally compelling romantic tale that will tug at your heartstrings and keep readers engrossed from beginning to end. A terrific story about second chances, fresh starts and healing from old wounds, A Countess for Christmas ticks all the right boxes with its captivating blend of richly drawn characters, emotional tension and poignant romance.
Christy McKellen continues to get better and better with every book she writes and I cannot wait for the next release by this outstanding writer of romantic fiction
Emma Carmichael’s life was once as close to perfect as it was possible to get. She had money, connections, a wonderful family, great friends and Jack, her handsome, rich, charismatic and titled husband. But her perfect world had come crashing down around her ears when her father’s sudden death had plunged her family into more debt than she knew what to do with. With money in short supply, a multitude of debts to pay and all her so-called friends turning their backs on her, Emma had found herself forced to choose between her family and her husband. Unwilling to burden Jack with her problems, she had had no other option but to walk away from her marriage and to make a new life for herself. However, forgetting her husband proved easier said than done…
With no money and next to no qualifications, Emma needed to get herself a job – fast! Luckily for her, she had quickly found employment working for Maids in Chelsea, a domestic service company with a very exclusive clientele. Although working as a housekeeper was not exactly what Emma had envisaged doing with her life, the job helped to provide her with a steady income to pay off her debts, as well as with a group of wonderful friends who had been there for her when she needed them most. When she had walked out on Jack, Emma had thought that that chapter of her life was closed forever, but when he is a guest at a party she is waitressing at, she is absolutely flabbergasted when he announces to all and sundry that she is his wife!
Jack has never managed to forgive Emma for walking out on him in the first few months of their marriage. Burying himself in his work and in his new life in America has not helped him keep his heartbreak away nor has it made him forget that he is still madly in love with his wife. When he witnesses her being harassed at a party, Jack’s protective instincts kicked in immediately and taking her to safety seemed the most natural thing to do. With the press determined to uncover the truth behind their relationship, Jack and Emma find themselves with no other choice but to play along for the cameras and act like a happily married couple. However, their masquerade soon begins to feel very real…
Is it going to be second time lucky for Jack and Emma? Or has too much water gone under the bridge for the two of them to ever be happy together again?
Sensitively written, wonderfully moving and impossible to put down, A Countess for Christmas is a beautifully layered, highly poignant and emotionally compelling romantic tale that will tug at your heartstrings and keep readers engrossed from beginning to end. A terrific story about second chances, fresh starts and healing from old wounds, A Countess for Christmas ticks all the right boxes with its captivating blend of richly drawn characters, emotional tension and poignant romance.
Christy McKellen continues to get better and better with every book she writes and I cannot wait for the next release by this outstanding writer of romantic fiction
October 18, 2016
After the death of her father and the rise is debt to pay Emma is trying to live day by day paying all the debts and taking care of her more.Its while waitressing at a party that was very much like her old life and she sees someone else from her old life - Her husband. They haven't seen each other in a while due to differences and life choices and when the secret comes out that they are married the paparazzi is close on their heels. Now they are going to pay happy couples to get people to back off but its hard to keep the feelings they once had at bay. They have a deadline and it'll only get in the say.
Overall I thought that this was a nice book. It was enjoyable I just wished that there was more to it to make it truly unique I feel like I've read many others books like this. Also it says Christmas in the title. Nothing really to back up the whole christmas time other then someone mentioning how nice to decorations were and the mention of a mistletoe. I'm a sucker for christmas time holiday romances and thought that this book would fit that fix but no. Not really a holiday book. I thought that they were at least going to mention some type of Christmas / Winter activity they would do together. So if you are looking towards this book from that aspect I wouldn't recommend it. I liked how protective Jack was and I did thought it was nice seeing the old emotions they had and the reasons why things ended. Overall it was a nice story.
Overall I thought that this was a nice book. It was enjoyable I just wished that there was more to it to make it truly unique I feel like I've read many others books like this. Also it says Christmas in the title. Nothing really to back up the whole christmas time other then someone mentioning how nice to decorations were and the mention of a mistletoe. I'm a sucker for christmas time holiday romances and thought that this book would fit that fix but no. Not really a holiday book. I thought that they were at least going to mention some type of Christmas / Winter activity they would do together. So if you are looking towards this book from that aspect I wouldn't recommend it. I liked how protective Jack was and I did thought it was nice seeing the old emotions they had and the reasons why things ended. Overall it was a nice story.
May 5, 2020
Una non-storia che non riesce neanche a creare la più piccola sorpresa e che procede soltanto in base a un irragionevole senso del sacrificio della protagonista che vi si immola per un insano senso del “meglio soffrire oggi piuttosto che domani anche se, in realtà, non so se domani dovrò soffrire”.
Meglio farne a meno.
Meglio farne a meno.
September 22, 2016
To be completely honest - this story confused the heck out of me. It felt as though the author was caught in between genres. On one hand you have modern day elements like cell phones and internet paparazzi blogs - and then on the other - you have concerns about the family image, and titles like Earl and Marquess. It was almost as though the author themselves weren't sure what time period they wanted to be in.
The writing itself wasn't bad, however despite that I couldn't find myself invested in these characters when it takes them until almost the end of the story to finally give in to their mutual attraction. I felt like there was no real character or relationship growth within this story - and that just made it unbelievable to be. After six years - they would be different people. And the author never really seemed to expand upon that. In fact, it was in my opinion, treated like nothing had changed. I would have rather been given a longer book that fully explores them finding their way back to one another rather than the short story that we were given.
Overall, I do believe that this book may still appeal to some people, and I would give this author another chance.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
The writing itself wasn't bad, however despite that I couldn't find myself invested in these characters when it takes them until almost the end of the story to finally give in to their mutual attraction. I felt like there was no real character or relationship growth within this story - and that just made it unbelievable to be. After six years - they would be different people. And the author never really seemed to expand upon that. In fact, it was in my opinion, treated like nothing had changed. I would have rather been given a longer book that fully explores them finding their way back to one another rather than the short story that we were given.
Overall, I do believe that this book may still appeal to some people, and I would give this author another chance.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
October 3, 2016
A Countess for Christmas by Christy McKellen is the first book in the 'Maids Under the Mistletoe' series. The story is a dramatic concoction of emotions and is riveting from start to finish. The characters were imperfect people yet likable in their unique way.
Emma Carmichael did not have a bed of roses life. But because of her past she has remained strong over the years and kept working hard to achieve her ambitions in life. Everything begins to unravel when she comes in contact with Jack Westwood at a party hosted by her boss. Behold, Jack isn't just any man. He is now an Earl and also her secret husband! Meanwhile, Jack hadn't expected to see Emma at the party so clearly he is shocked. They are however put in a tough spot when the media discovers the truth about their relationship. Jack has a solution. They should live together and that is where all the real drama begins!
Want to know what happens between Emma and Jack? Then grab a copy of this book to find out.
Recommended
4 Stars
October 14, 2016
I'm going to be upfront here and claim a vested interest. I wrote the fourth book in the Maids in Chelsea series and I count Christy, Kandy and Scarlet as friends not just fellow writers. But I forgot all about that when I dived into this series. I've just finished writing a book and needed a bit of fairy tale escapism before immersing myself in the next. I didn't expect that escapism from the Maids in Chelsea series simply because I already knew the storyline in each of the books. Turns out it didn't matter. There's a huge difference between an outline and a finished book and no outline could convey the warmth, the humour and the gorgeous Christmassy magic that suffuses each of these books. Reunions, Cinderella type transformations, second chances, stony hearts, gorgeous heroes (Greek, Scottish and aristocratic), snow, castles, fancy Balls, gorgeous clothes, poignancy, tenderness, sensuality, warm friendships and three wonderful heroines. If you want some fairy tale Christmas romance this series then I can't recommend this series enough.
October 29, 2016
A Countess for Christmas by Christy McKellen
Christy McKellen wrote the perfect love story that no matter what true love will prevail. First in the series “Maids Under the Mistletoe" .
I have always loved book by this author and this one did not fail to keep me hooked till the end. Emma Carmichael life was far from easy while Jack Westwood was now an Earl and well the marriage between the 2 was still valid.
Emma was shocked to find that the party that she was a server at that Jack was there. Her boss dared to get too friendly with her in front of him and he made the shocking statement of that Emma was his wife.
Emma’s dad had died and she was left with taking care of her mother and taking care of all her dad’s debt, which were many. To banks, friends, family.
Want to see what else happens in this delightful story about 2 people who get married too young, separate and well you need to read the book to find out if love prevails.
Christy McKellen wrote the perfect love story that no matter what true love will prevail. First in the series “Maids Under the Mistletoe" .
I have always loved book by this author and this one did not fail to keep me hooked till the end. Emma Carmichael life was far from easy while Jack Westwood was now an Earl and well the marriage between the 2 was still valid.
Emma was shocked to find that the party that she was a server at that Jack was there. Her boss dared to get too friendly with her in front of him and he made the shocking statement of that Emma was his wife.
Emma’s dad had died and she was left with taking care of her mother and taking care of all her dad’s debt, which were many. To banks, friends, family.
Want to see what else happens in this delightful story about 2 people who get married too young, separate and well you need to read the book to find out if love prevails.
September 30, 2016
In the first book of a new "Maids Under the Mistletoe" series, Christy McKellen brings us a sweet reunion story! The characters are easy to connect with and had me hoping for a happily ever after from the beginning.
Emma Carmichael has had a rough few years, and she can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel when she's suddenly thrust into turmoil again! She never expected to be serving drinks at a party her boss was hosting to Jack Westwood, the new Earl of Redminster ... and her secret husband!
Jack is shocked to see Emma after all of these years and mistakenly announces to the party that they are married. When the press catches wind of it and madness ensues, Jack recommends they appear to be living as man and wife until it dies down. As they try to fight the feelings that never died between them, will they realize that they are still meant to be?
Emma Carmichael has had a rough few years, and she can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel when she's suddenly thrust into turmoil again! She never expected to be serving drinks at a party her boss was hosting to Jack Westwood, the new Earl of Redminster ... and her secret husband!
Jack is shocked to see Emma after all of these years and mistakenly announces to the party that they are married. When the press catches wind of it and madness ensues, Jack recommends they appear to be living as man and wife until it dies down. As they try to fight the feelings that never died between them, will they realize that they are still meant to be?
October 2, 2016
What could be worse after a life of substance finding your father is in debt and dies leaving you to repay them working by as a maid? It is working a party and finding the husband you left 6 years prior when he had an opportunity for a job and Emma felt she needed to stay with her Mom. Emma Carmichael cannot believe she has been confronted with her husband Jack Westwood who has come to her aid where he announces to everyone she is his wife. Love never died for him and admits to himself that she broke his heart, so he finds a way to try to win her back and so goes a special story of second chances. Can Emma allow herself to admit she loves Jack and pick up where they left off or let fear keep her from finding happiness. Ms. McKellen has written a wonderful edition to the Maids under the mistletoe series and you will find yourself cheering them both on. A keeper
October 20, 2016
A COUNTESS FOR CHRISTMAS by author Christy McKellen is an October 2016 release by Harlequin Romance series.
Emma Carmichael was making a living as a waitress. And in the middle of a misunderstanding at her job when Jack Westwood announces that she is his wife.
So to dodge the cameras and paparazzi they start staying together to present a united front. But could Emma really ask for divorce now that she has realized she had never stopped loving Jack?
And would Jack walk away now from Emma after realizing the mistakes he did in the past?
A COUNTESS FOR CHRISTMAS is a sweet romance about second chances and past regrets. Author Christy McKellen brought this strong heroine in Emma, who readers would love. Emma takes the challenges life throws at her and still manages to move on. And a swoon-worthy hero in Jack.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
Emma Carmichael was making a living as a waitress. And in the middle of a misunderstanding at her job when Jack Westwood announces that she is his wife.
So to dodge the cameras and paparazzi they start staying together to present a united front. But could Emma really ask for divorce now that she has realized she had never stopped loving Jack?
And would Jack walk away now from Emma after realizing the mistakes he did in the past?
A COUNTESS FOR CHRISTMAS is a sweet romance about second chances and past regrets. Author Christy McKellen brought this strong heroine in Emma, who readers would love. Emma takes the challenges life throws at her and still manages to move on. And a swoon-worthy hero in Jack.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
February 14, 2017
This was a cute story. Emma is a maid, working to pay off her father's debts. Much to her dismay, someone from her past appears at a party she's working at and proceeds to announce quite loudly that she's his wife. A media circus drives them to pretend that they're really a happy couple. Their past is a bit murky, and I was angry that they never resolved their issues, just letting their relationship drift an ocean apart for six years. I found myself yelling at them to just talk already; just say how you feel. It sure brought out some strong emotions in me. I very much enjoyed the story.
I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2023
Six years ago Jack and Emma got married but a day later Emma's father died leaving her with her grieving mum and a mountain of debt and distances herself from Jack and breaking both their hearts. The story starts when Emma is serving at a party for entitled jerk Jolyn and unexpectedly her gaze meets Jack's sending her world into a talespin. Especially when Jack defends her against Jolyn's advances. Jack and Emma End up sharing house due to media frenzy and each protect themselves by withholding how they feel about the other but present unified front in public. Love the pacing of the book and Emma's Mum's sage advice to her
October 11, 2016
"A Countess for Christmas" by Christy McKellen is the first book in the series 'Maids Under the Mistletoe.' I enjoyed reading this book, and it is a pretty quick read about the story of Emma Carmichael and Jack Westwood. Emma works hard to achieve her goals in life and Jack is the new Earl of Redminster. It also appears that they were secretly married 6 years ago. Their story has some twists and turns since they are thrown together once again when she is working as a waitress for a function in his honor.
September 13, 2016
This was a cute & fast read for me, but I agree with other poster who said it felt almost like a historical novel then a current read. All in all, I enjoyed it and would recommend to all who want an escape for a few hours.
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