What do you think?
Rate this book
Lady Charlotte's Christmas Vigil
Lady Charlotte clings to one dream—to see the splendor of Rome before settling for life as the spinster sister of an earl. But now her feckless brother forces her to wait again, stranded in Venice when he falls ill, halfway to the place of her dreams. She finds the city damp, moldy, and riddled with disease.
As a physician, Salvatore Caresini well knows the danger of putrid fever. He lost his young wife to it, leaving him alone to care for their rambunctious children. He isn’t about to let the lovely English lady risk her life nursing her brother.
But Christmas is coming, that season of miracles, and with it, perhaps, lessons for two lonely that love heals the deepest wounds and sometimes the deepest dreams aren’t what we expect.
As a physician, Salvatore Caresini well knows the danger of putrid fever. He lost his young wife to it, leaving him alone to care for their rambunctious children. He isn’t about to let the lovely English lady risk her life nursing her brother.
But Christmas is coming, that season of miracles, and with it, perhaps, lessons for two lonely that love heals the deepest wounds and sometimes the deepest dreams aren’t what we expect.
92 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2017
35 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Warfield
56 books346 followersCaroline Warfield is the pseudonym of a writer who wishes she had walked through fascinating times in the shoes of one of her characters—but which one?
Caro has at various times been an army brat, a librarian, a poet, a raiser of children, a nun, a bird watcher, an Internet and Web services manager, a conference speaker, an indexer, a tech writer, a genealogist, and, of course, a romantic. She has sailed through the English channel while it was still mined from WWII, stood on the walls of Troy, searched Scotland for the location of an entirely fictional castle (and found it), climbed the steps to the Parthenon, floated down the Thames from the tower to Greenwich, shopped in the Ginza, lost herself in the Louvre, gone on a night tour of the Singapore zoo, walked in the Black Forest, and explored the underground cistern of Istanbul.
By far the biggest adventure has been forty-five years of marriage to a prince among men.
She sits in front of a keyboard at a desk surrounded by windows, looks out at the trees and imagines. Her greatest joy is when one of those imaginings comes to life on the page and in the imagination of her readers.
Caro has at various times been an army brat, a librarian, a poet, a raiser of children, a nun, a bird watcher, an Internet and Web services manager, a conference speaker, an indexer, a tech writer, a genealogist, and, of course, a romantic. She has sailed through the English channel while it was still mined from WWII, stood on the walls of Troy, searched Scotland for the location of an entirely fictional castle (and found it), climbed the steps to the Parthenon, floated down the Thames from the tower to Greenwich, shopped in the Ginza, lost herself in the Louvre, gone on a night tour of the Singapore zoo, walked in the Black Forest, and explored the underground cistern of Istanbul.
By far the biggest adventure has been forty-five years of marriage to a prince among men.
She sits in front of a keyboard at a desk surrounded by windows, looks out at the trees and imagines. Her greatest joy is when one of those imaginings comes to life on the page and in the imagination of her readers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 7, 2017
Series: None – Stand Alone Novella
Publication Date: 10/20/17
This is a very sweet and clean novella.
The story opens in November of 1818 with a man being dumped on the threshold of his lodgings in Venice, Italy. He’s unconscious and smells of the sewer. This is our introduction to the ne’er do-well brother of Lady Charlotte (Lottie) Tyree. He is David Tyree, Earl of Ambler who is on his grand tour and Charlotte is accompanying him because she’s always wanted to see Rome and he wanted to give her that. However, he has spent all of his time drinking and carousing and has seen none of the sights they were there to see.
The cause of David’s wet condition was the canal – he had decided to swim it just as George Gordon, Lord Byron had done. When he developed a very high fever, Charlotte sought out the services of a physician, Salvatore Caresini (Salvo). The diagnosis was dire – few survived putrid fever at that time.
Charlotte was determined to nurse him rather than leaving it to the doctor and his assistant. The doctor was just as determined that the only person near David would be his assistant, Giacomo because he had immunity to the disease. You have two very stubborn, protective and determined people coming together and they have to find a way to help each other and save lives.
Salvo physically removes Lottie from the rooms her brother is staying in and locks her out. He then takes her to stay at his own home with his mother and children. You will love the children – they are unruly, holy terrors. The children don’t know what to make of Lottie and the mother doesn’t trust her – after all her son is a very good looking widower!
When more and more cases of the fever show up Salvo asks Lottie to do her best to keep his children away from the market where it is ripe to catch the disease and to see that his mother only uses fruits and vegetables brought in from outside the city and only water from the well is used for cleaning. Even the well water must be boiled before drinking. She does her very best, but the disease still strikes the doctor’s home. Lottie does all she can to nurse the children she’s come to love and to nurse her brother as well.
What a lovely story of different classes and religions coming together to find love and happiness. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 10/20/17
This is a very sweet and clean novella.
The story opens in November of 1818 with a man being dumped on the threshold of his lodgings in Venice, Italy. He’s unconscious and smells of the sewer. This is our introduction to the ne’er do-well brother of Lady Charlotte (Lottie) Tyree. He is David Tyree, Earl of Ambler who is on his grand tour and Charlotte is accompanying him because she’s always wanted to see Rome and he wanted to give her that. However, he has spent all of his time drinking and carousing and has seen none of the sights they were there to see.
The cause of David’s wet condition was the canal – he had decided to swim it just as George Gordon, Lord Byron had done. When he developed a very high fever, Charlotte sought out the services of a physician, Salvatore Caresini (Salvo). The diagnosis was dire – few survived putrid fever at that time.
Charlotte was determined to nurse him rather than leaving it to the doctor and his assistant. The doctor was just as determined that the only person near David would be his assistant, Giacomo because he had immunity to the disease. You have two very stubborn, protective and determined people coming together and they have to find a way to help each other and save lives.
Salvo physically removes Lottie from the rooms her brother is staying in and locks her out. He then takes her to stay at his own home with his mother and children. You will love the children – they are unruly, holy terrors. The children don’t know what to make of Lottie and the mother doesn’t trust her – after all her son is a very good looking widower!
When more and more cases of the fever show up Salvo asks Lottie to do her best to keep his children away from the market where it is ripe to catch the disease and to see that his mother only uses fruits and vegetables brought in from outside the city and only water from the well is used for cleaning. Even the well water must be boiled before drinking. She does her very best, but the disease still strikes the doctor’s home. Lottie does all she can to nurse the children she’s come to love and to nurse her brother as well.
What a lovely story of different classes and religions coming together to find love and happiness. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
October 7, 2017
Recieved in return for an honest review.
Naughtiness 1*
As always beautiful story and even more magical in a Christmas setting, absolutely adore it and hope I see more of them in the future.
As always I will not give spoilers you already have lots of teasing in the blurb, what I will say is that this adorable story had me enchanted from the get go. Due to family I had to put the book down for a while but then came right back and finished it, truly glad I did definitely a magic in the air and that along with love blossoming was perfect, there is a huge range of emotions as you are drawn in with each part of the book you feel how they feel, fear what they fear but also love what they love.
I am very much a believer in love being the best medicine this beautiful story definitely is a true example of how magical love can be and definitely the best medicine the world has.
Thank you so much Caroline for writing this beautiful book and for making it possible to read it
Naughtiness 1*
As always beautiful story and even more magical in a Christmas setting, absolutely adore it and hope I see more of them in the future.
As always I will not give spoilers you already have lots of teasing in the blurb, what I will say is that this adorable story had me enchanted from the get go. Due to family I had to put the book down for a while but then came right back and finished it, truly glad I did definitely a magic in the air and that along with love blossoming was perfect, there is a huge range of emotions as you are drawn in with each part of the book you feel how they feel, fear what they fear but also love what they love.
I am very much a believer in love being the best medicine this beautiful story definitely is a true example of how magical love can be and definitely the best medicine the world has.
Thank you so much Caroline for writing this beautiful book and for making it possible to read it
November 10, 2017
Lady Charlotte, unmarried and slightly on the shelf, is on a trip to Europe with her immature younger brother, who decides to emulate Lord Byron by swimming in the disease-ridden canals of Venice. Naturally he contracts putrid fever. Charlotte searches out a doctor to save his (worthless) life. Naturally the doctor is a youngish widower with children. Yep, we're going there, no surprise.
Rather uneventful story but it's sweet. Warfield's writing is always competent and the setting is different from the usual Regencies. There's a warm, slightly Christmassy tone to it and the price is right.
Rather uneventful story but it's sweet. Warfield's writing is always competent and the setting is different from the usual Regencies. There's a warm, slightly Christmassy tone to it and the price is right.
August 25, 2018
She grabbed the chance to see the splendors of the continent by following her brother on his tour. Little did she know he’d turn into wastrel and brings disease to their door, at Christmastime no less, effectively halting their trip short of the one city she most wanted to see.
He’s dealt with this disease before, has seen the devastation it brings and has suffered his own loss because of it. As he is called to attend a young Englishman he finds there is a resurgence and a very tempting English lady who tries his patience and ignites his soul.
What could be nicer than a love story at Christmas? Having that love story being written by the talented Caroline Warfield. Add in some rambunctious children, a worried Mother, and a little Christmas magic and you have a 5+ star read.
He’s dealt with this disease before, has seen the devastation it brings and has suffered his own loss because of it. As he is called to attend a young Englishman he finds there is a resurgence and a very tempting English lady who tries his patience and ignites his soul.
What could be nicer than a love story at Christmas? Having that love story being written by the talented Caroline Warfield. Add in some rambunctious children, a worried Mother, and a little Christmas magic and you have a 5+ star read.
November 19, 2017
Charlotte and Salvo
Venice is generally romanticized beyond belief in literature. In this novella, Caroline Warfield describes it in such a realistic manner that it is the last place I'd want to be in the year 1818.
Lady Charlotte has tagged along with her younger brother, the Earl of Ambler, on his Grand Tour. Might I add, her immature and irresponsible brother. She knows that she only has a future as an unmarried spinster aunt on the horizon. She has accepted this eventuality and only wishes to see Rome before she chucks it all in for a life of bland desperation.
Circumstances beyond her control bring a local doctor, Salvatore, into her life along with his elderly besom of a mother, 6 year old twin terrors and a pouty 11 year old daughter. As they are forced to live and work together in the midst of a health crisis in the area, love reluctantly blossoms.
As always, Warfield's prose, plotting and pacing were excellent. I could see, smell and taste the environment in which she set this novella. I started to feel myself sicken at the idea of the filth of the canal. That's talent!
Warfield added one sentence that tied this story into all of her others and made my heart do a flip flop. I immediately knew that all would be well.
I recommend this story to any and all who enjoy historical romance in an atypical environment far from the ballrooms of the ton. You will truly enjoy it!
Venice is generally romanticized beyond belief in literature. In this novella, Caroline Warfield describes it in such a realistic manner that it is the last place I'd want to be in the year 1818.
Lady Charlotte has tagged along with her younger brother, the Earl of Ambler, on his Grand Tour. Might I add, her immature and irresponsible brother. She knows that she only has a future as an unmarried spinster aunt on the horizon. She has accepted this eventuality and only wishes to see Rome before she chucks it all in for a life of bland desperation.
Circumstances beyond her control bring a local doctor, Salvatore, into her life along with his elderly besom of a mother, 6 year old twin terrors and a pouty 11 year old daughter. As they are forced to live and work together in the midst of a health crisis in the area, love reluctantly blossoms.
As always, Warfield's prose, plotting and pacing were excellent. I could see, smell and taste the environment in which she set this novella. I started to feel myself sicken at the idea of the filth of the canal. That's talent!
Warfield added one sentence that tied this story into all of her others and made my heart do a flip flop. I immediately knew that all would be well.
I recommend this story to any and all who enjoy historical romance in an atypical environment far from the ballrooms of the ton. You will truly enjoy it!
October 5, 2017
This was my first book by Caroline Warfield and I enjoyed it very much. It has a feisty heroine and an overprotective hero who saw the errors of his ways by the end of the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoy historical romance.
September 1, 2018
Short, but sweet. A beautiful story. First I’ve read by this author.
December 8, 2018
A soft 5
Nice warm predictable story. Not very long but that's probably a plus at this time of the year. You can still get your reading fix without getting behind on your Christmas bucket list.
Nice warm predictable story. Not very long but that's probably a plus at this time of the year. You can still get your reading fix without getting behind on your Christmas bucket list.
October 20, 2017
Lady Charlotte’s Christmas Vigil is a sweet Regency romance, short enough to read when you have an hour to spare, but long enough to have some substance. The story line is believable and if you have ever been to Venice, you will know that although conditions have improved considerably since 1818, getting caught in a winter fog is no joke. Summer or winter, Venice does not lend itself to good health and the story therefore has a firm basis for Charlotte’s crisis. I loved Charlotte’s independent spirit and the fact that she was able to rise to the occasion to do whatever was necessary to ensure her recalcitrant brother received the care given to him by Dr Salvatore Caresini, better known as Salvo to his family and friends. Salvo was obviously under tremendous stress, trying to juggle rampant disease in the city and an out of control household. Although short tempered and somewhat overbearing, Charlotte nevertheless saw the man behind the harsh attitude. However culture, nationality and social order all stood between Charlotte and Salvo and the reader has to wonder whether they will be able to work through all the difficulties facing them to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion. A most enjoyable read. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
January 20, 2018
Lady Charlotte Tyree has long dreamed of visiting Rome. Since she has no marital prospects, the likelihood of her dream coming true seemed very distant. So she took matters into her own hands and tagged along on her brother's Grand Tour. Now in Venice, her foolish brother, David, decides to take a swim in the canal, causing him to come down with putrid fever from the filthy water.
Desperate to save her brother's life, Charlotte arranges for Dr. Salvatore Caresini to attend to him. Salvo is sadly overworked, trying to take care of patients during this epidemic, while also trying to maintain his household, which includes his mother and his three children. Salvo insists that Charlotte stay away from her brother so she doesn't become infected. He lost his own wife to the disease, and doesn't want to see the same fate befall Charlotte.
Charlotte temporarily enters the chaos that is Salvo's house, and begins to create some semblance of order, while she wins the affections of his family. Soon she wins the respect and affection of Salvo, as well. This novella is a short, sweet, and easy read that shows how even the worst of situations can lead to unexpected joy, especially at Christmastime.
Desperate to save her brother's life, Charlotte arranges for Dr. Salvatore Caresini to attend to him. Salvo is sadly overworked, trying to take care of patients during this epidemic, while also trying to maintain his household, which includes his mother and his three children. Salvo insists that Charlotte stay away from her brother so she doesn't become infected. He lost his own wife to the disease, and doesn't want to see the same fate befall Charlotte.
Charlotte temporarily enters the chaos that is Salvo's house, and begins to create some semblance of order, while she wins the affections of his family. Soon she wins the respect and affection of Salvo, as well. This novella is a short, sweet, and easy read that shows how even the worst of situations can lead to unexpected joy, especially at Christmastime.
November 19, 2017
Good story overall
Caroline Warfield’s “Lady Caroline’s Christmas Vigil” was an entertaining story. The plot was interesting and the author’s writing and characters kept me wanting to read more. I would have given the story four stars but for the following; there were enough typos and grammatical errors in the writing that could not be ignored. Also, Ms. Warfield chose to mention that the hero of the story experienced an erection during some interactions between himself and the heroine. This may not bother some readers, but I feel like it was totally unnecessary to write that into the story, especially if it’s supposed to be a clean read. The insertion of this arousal detracted from the story for me. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and generally speaking, I did enjoy the story. I will read some of her other works, which hopefully will be without the foibles that were in this story.
Caroline Warfield’s “Lady Caroline’s Christmas Vigil” was an entertaining story. The plot was interesting and the author’s writing and characters kept me wanting to read more. I would have given the story four stars but for the following; there were enough typos and grammatical errors in the writing that could not be ignored. Also, Ms. Warfield chose to mention that the hero of the story experienced an erection during some interactions between himself and the heroine. This may not bother some readers, but I feel like it was totally unnecessary to write that into the story, especially if it’s supposed to be a clean read. The insertion of this arousal detracted from the story for me. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and generally speaking, I did enjoy the story. I will read some of her other works, which hopefully will be without the foibles that were in this story.
March 24, 2021
4.5 STARS
I felt a connection to this couple - enjoyed their honest talks and how she handled his kids and the H's mom.
This has a touch of Christmas. She is forced to stay with the doctor's family as a fever/disease is holding the city. She can't stay with her brother because he is sick with it. She soon has the household with wild children under control and it felt right how she handled the situation.
They fall quietly under each other's spell out of mutual respect, caring etc. They felt right together. This is a clean story with one mention about body part and kisses. I didn't find it offensive but that is such a personal choice.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA and a touch of Christmas. I found the story very unique and enjoyable. I received this free for reading a story I purchased. All opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
I felt a connection to this couple - enjoyed their honest talks and how she handled his kids and the H's mom.
This has a touch of Christmas. She is forced to stay with the doctor's family as a fever/disease is holding the city. She can't stay with her brother because he is sick with it. She soon has the household with wild children under control and it felt right how she handled the situation.
They fall quietly under each other's spell out of mutual respect, caring etc. They felt right together. This is a clean story with one mention about body part and kisses. I didn't find it offensive but that is such a personal choice.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA and a touch of Christmas. I found the story very unique and enjoyable. I received this free for reading a story I purchased. All opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
October 24, 2017
I first read this as a beta reader, and have just finished the published version with even more of a contented sigh. Caroline Warfield knows the art of creating heroines you want to cheer on and heroes to sigh for. Poor Salvo, with his bruised heart, his unruly children, and his overworked mother. And Lottie, whose dream was Rome but who took her responsibilities to heart, even when she didn't ask for them.
These two should never have met, and having met, should have parted again. They came from different worlds; they didn't belong together. Except that they did. The final scene, particularly when Lottie dictated how things were to be, is an especial favourite. No spoilers, but read this book. You'll be glad you did.
These two should never have met, and having met, should have parted again. They came from different worlds; they didn't belong together. Except that they did. The final scene, particularly when Lottie dictated how things were to be, is an especial favourite. No spoilers, but read this book. You'll be glad you did.
November 19, 2017
This is the first book I have ever read by this author and I must say Ms. Warfield is a true story-teller. It is amazing how much information she put into this novella; from the description of Venice and the different-from-our's holiday traditions to the characters with enough substance to make us care for them. I loved the strong heroine and the over-worked short-tempered hero. I truly enjoyed reading this book. It might be short but it's very sweet and a perfect Christmas read.
January 29, 2024
Маленька новела про те, як англійський шибеник гепнувся у канал у Венеції, позакладавшись з лордом Байроном, а тепер сестрі перед Різдвом треба його лікувати від лихоманки. На допомогу летить чорнобровий місцевий лікар-удовець, у нього діти, випічка, родинний затишок і всяке таке помічне, тому і братик одужає, і кохання знайдеться. Нічого видатного, але симпатично. Хоча для підвищення рейтингу можна було б лорда Байрона пустити на сторінки у його хуліганській особі, а не обмежитись згадкою.
October 30, 2017
An unlikely Love Story
Lady Charlotte chaperones her undisciplined brother but has no chaperone of her own. Her life long dream is to go to Rome but her brother falls I'll with the dreaded fever in Venice and Charlotte seeks the care of a handsome young doctor who has unruly children and a nosy mother
Lady Charlotte chaperones her undisciplined brother but has no chaperone of her own. Her life long dream is to go to Rome but her brother falls I'll with the dreaded fever in Venice and Charlotte seeks the care of a handsome young doctor who has unruly children and a nosy mother
January 4, 2023
This is a cute, short read. I loved Charlotte and Salvatore – they are interesting characters and their chemistry on page is good. Their romance is sweet and had me cheering for them. The story takes place over a period of time and felt both well done and complete. I enjoyed the secondary characters, especially the children.
November 22, 2017
A great short story, long on sentiment and a sweet romance. I loved the rambunctious family and the slow way Lottie becomes a part of it. A sexy, serious, handsome Italian doctor makes for a fabulous hero and the descriptions of Venice make you feel as if you are there.
February 1, 2021
A Little Gem
Perfect short Christmas read. The situation is believable, the characters subtlety but thoroughly drawn, and the sense of place is palpable. The joy of Christmas leapt out of the page.
Perfect short Christmas read. The situation is believable, the characters subtlety but thoroughly drawn, and the sense of place is palpable. The joy of Christmas leapt out of the page.
January 24, 2018
Sweet novella
Spinster's brother gets ill in Venice. Handsome widowed physician attends him. Very minor character development. Venice in 1818 described. Filthy!
Spinster's brother gets ill in Venice. Handsome widowed physician attends him. Very minor character development. Venice in 1818 described. Filthy!
July 7, 2018
A bit strange
This was really odd, not at all romantic or even very descriptive, it felt more like a documentary than a love story. No atmosphere or feelings if what happens next?
This was really odd, not at all romantic or even very descriptive, it felt more like a documentary than a love story. No atmosphere or feelings if what happens next?
November 27, 2025
Sweet
Another wonderful story by 1 of my favorite authors.This is not the 1st time I have read this story and it's certainly won't be the last.Every Christmas I reread my favorite anthology and novellas.
Another wonderful story by 1 of my favorite authors.This is not the 1st time I have read this story and it's certainly won't be the last.Every Christmas I reread my favorite anthology and novellas.
October 16, 2017
Caroline Warfield has written another magical and tender book. It's one that will leave you longing to visit Venice and yearn to experience Rome as the heroine, Lady Charlotte wants to. It is all she has ever wanted or dreamed of, but sometimes, fate has a different plan.
When her foolish brother contracts black fever in Venice, her plans for Rome are postponed. Thankfully, Salvatore Ceresini, a widowed doctor with an overworked mother and three unruly children, agrees to treat her brother and take Charlotte in as her brother recovers. It was interesting seeing Charlotte take on some of the household and family responsibilities. Although having grown up in pampered surroundings, she is strong and not afraid of hard work.
With Ms. Warfield's vivid descriptions of settings and characters, I could easily visualize them as I read each page. She is a master at writing that way.
This is truly a wonderful book!
When her foolish brother contracts black fever in Venice, her plans for Rome are postponed. Thankfully, Salvatore Ceresini, a widowed doctor with an overworked mother and three unruly children, agrees to treat her brother and take Charlotte in as her brother recovers. It was interesting seeing Charlotte take on some of the household and family responsibilities. Although having grown up in pampered surroundings, she is strong and not afraid of hard work.
With Ms. Warfield's vivid descriptions of settings and characters, I could easily visualize them as I read each page. She is a master at writing that way.
This is truly a wonderful book!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews