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Those Scandalous Stricklands #0.5
Regency Christmas Wishes: Captain Grey's Christmas Proposal / Her Christmas Temptation / Awakening His Sleeping Beauty
Three Regency tales of festive wishes come true…
CAPTAIN GREY’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL by Carla Kelly
Captain Grey had been fighting malarial fever in Savannah when he met Theodora Winnings. He proposed by letter – but it’s taken ten years to receive her reply. The answer was ‘yes’! – but is she still free to become his Christmas bride?
HER CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION by Christine Merrill
Faith Strickland’s plan to marry to save her family backfires when notorious rake James Foley sets out to break her unhappy engagement. He’ll storm her twelfth night celebrations and scorch her into surrender!
AWAKENING HIS SLEEPING BEAUTY by Janice Preston
Lonely Diana Fleming knows handsome knights don't really exist. But can a festive kiss from the man she loves reawaken her frozen heart?
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2017
About the author
Carla Kelly
141 books807 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America's Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National Park Service as a ranger/historian at Fort Laramie National Historic Site did she get serious about her writing career. (Or as she would be the first to admit, as serious as it gets.)
Carla wrote a series of what she now refers to as the "Fort Laramie stories," which are tales of the men, women and children of the Indian Wars era in Western history. Two of her stories, A Season for Heroes and Kathleen Flaherty's Long Winter, earned her Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America. She was the second woman to earn two Spurs from WWA (which, as everyone knows, is all you need to ride a horse). Her entire Indian Wars collection was published in 2003 as Here's to the Ladies: Stories of the Frontier Army. It remains her favorite work.
The mother of five children, Carla has always allowed her kids to earn their keep by appearing in her Regencies, most notably Marian's Christmas Wish, which is peopled by all kinds of relatives. Grown now, the Kelly kids are scattered here and there across the U.S. They continue to provide feedback, furnish fodder for stories and make frantic phone calls home during the holidays for recipes. (Carla Kelly is some cook.)
Carla's husband, Martin, is Director of Theatre at Valley City State University, in Valley City, North Dakota. Carla is currently overworked as a staff writer at the local daily newspaper. She also writes a weekly, award-winning column, "Prairie Lite."
Carla only started writing Regencies because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars, which figures in many of her Regency novels and short stories. She specializes in writing about warfare at sea, and about the ordinary people of the British Isles who were, let's face it, far more numerous than lords and ladies.
Hobbies? She likes to crochet afghans, and read British crime fiction and history, principally military history. She's never happier than talking about the fur trade or Indian Wars with Park Service cronies. Her most recent gig with the National Park Service was at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site on the Montana/North Dakota border.
Here's another side to this somewhat prosaic woman: She recently edited the fur trade journal of Swiss artist Rudolf F. Kurz (the 1851-1852 portion), and is gratified now and then to be asked to speak on scholarly subjects. She has also worked for the State Historical Society of North Dakota as a contract researcher. This has taken her to glamorous drudgery in several national archives and military history repositories. Gray archives boxes and old documents make her salivate.
Her mantra for writing comes from the subject of her thesis, Robert Utley, that dean of Indian Wars history. He told her the secret to writing is "to put your ass in the chair and keep it there until you're done." He's right, of course.
Her three favorite fictional works have remained constant through the years, although their rankings tend to shift: War and Peace, The Lawrenceville Stories, and A Town Like Alice. Favorite historical works are One Vast Winter Count, On the Border with Mackenzie and Crossing the Line. Favorite crime fiction authors are Michael Connelly, John Harvey and Peter Robinson.
And that's all she can think of that would interest anyone. Carla Kelly is quite ordinary, except when she is sometimes prevailed upon to sing a scurrilous song about lumberjacks, or warble "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" in Latin. Then you m
Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America's Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National Park Service as a ranger/historian at Fort Laramie National Historic Site did she get serious about her writing career. (Or as she would be the first to admit, as serious as it gets.)
Carla wrote a series of what she now refers to as the "Fort Laramie stories," which are tales of the men, women and children of the Indian Wars era in Western history. Two of her stories, A Season for Heroes and Kathleen Flaherty's Long Winter, earned her Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America. She was the second woman to earn two Spurs from WWA (which, as everyone knows, is all you need to ride a horse). Her entire Indian Wars collection was published in 2003 as Here's to the Ladies: Stories of the Frontier Army. It remains her favorite work.
The mother of five children, Carla has always allowed her kids to earn their keep by appearing in her Regencies, most notably Marian's Christmas Wish, which is peopled by all kinds of relatives. Grown now, the Kelly kids are scattered here and there across the U.S. They continue to provide feedback, furnish fodder for stories and make frantic phone calls home during the holidays for recipes. (Carla Kelly is some cook.)
Carla's husband, Martin, is Director of Theatre at Valley City State University, in Valley City, North Dakota. Carla is currently overworked as a staff writer at the local daily newspaper. She also writes a weekly, award-winning column, "Prairie Lite."
Carla only started writing Regencies because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars, which figures in many of her Regency novels and short stories. She specializes in writing about warfare at sea, and about the ordinary people of the British Isles who were, let's face it, far more numerous than lords and ladies.
Hobbies? She likes to crochet afghans, and read British crime fiction and history, principally military history. She's never happier than talking about the fur trade or Indian Wars with Park Service cronies. Her most recent gig with the National Park Service was at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site on the Montana/North Dakota border.
Here's another side to this somewhat prosaic woman: She recently edited the fur trade journal of Swiss artist Rudolf F. Kurz (the 1851-1852 portion), and is gratified now and then to be asked to speak on scholarly subjects. She has also worked for the State Historical Society of North Dakota as a contract researcher. This has taken her to glamorous drudgery in several national archives and military history repositories. Gray archives boxes and old documents make her salivate.
Her mantra for writing comes from the subject of her thesis, Robert Utley, that dean of Indian Wars history. He told her the secret to writing is "to put your ass in the chair and keep it there until you're done." He's right, of course.
Her three favorite fictional works have remained constant through the years, although their rankings tend to shift: War and Peace, The Lawrenceville Stories, and A Town Like Alice. Favorite historical works are One Vast Winter Count, On the Border with Mackenzie and Crossing the Line. Favorite crime fiction authors are Michael Connelly, John Harvey and Peter Robinson.
And that's all she can think of that would interest anyone. Carla Kelly is quite ordinary, except when she is sometimes prevailed upon to sing a scurrilous song about lumberjacks, or warble "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" in Latin. Then you m
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 28, 2019
3,5 rounded to 4
Carla Kelly’s novella was my favorite. A Captain that has proposed by letter to a lady that had taken care of him during his convalescence and had received her answer, but eleven years too late.
Having spending all those years believing she did not return his feelings, the discovery that she had actually accepted him was overwhelming.
Resolute to find out how she fared and to apologize for never responding or returning for her he ends up in America, the place of his birth and where he last met her.
Turns out things were much more complicated than he thought they were, but Christmas is a time of miracles and happily ever afters.
The second novella started very good, but the rake was redeemed rather too quickly to my taste. The characters are interesting and I think they deserved a full length novel. Faith is in dire straights with her grandmother in risk of ending up in Newgate for pawing away entailed property. She decided to force honorable Mr. Fosberry into marriage by forging a compromising situation between the two. The problem is, by doing so, she broke the heart of a rake’s most favorite cousin (Bea), that was waiting for Mr. Fosberry’s proposal. James, the rake, decided to revenge his cousin and get back her intended by seducing cold and prim Faith and breaking her bethrodal.
The last story was about cousins Diana and Aaron finding love due to/ or despite of their meddling parents. It was my least favorite of the three because nothing much happens, but it is a sweet Christmas short story nonetheless.
Carla Kelly’s novella was my favorite. A Captain that has proposed by letter to a lady that had taken care of him during his convalescence and had received her answer, but eleven years too late.
Having spending all those years believing she did not return his feelings, the discovery that she had actually accepted him was overwhelming.
Resolute to find out how she fared and to apologize for never responding or returning for her he ends up in America, the place of his birth and where he last met her.
Turns out things were much more complicated than he thought they were, but Christmas is a time of miracles and happily ever afters.
The second novella started very good, but the rake was redeemed rather too quickly to my taste. The characters are interesting and I think they deserved a full length novel. Faith is in dire straights with her grandmother in risk of ending up in Newgate for pawing away entailed property. She decided to force honorable Mr. Fosberry into marriage by forging a compromising situation between the two. The problem is, by doing so, she broke the heart of a rake’s most favorite cousin (Bea), that was waiting for Mr. Fosberry’s proposal. James, the rake, decided to revenge his cousin and get back her intended by seducing cold and prim Faith and breaking her bethrodal.
The last story was about cousins Diana and Aaron finding love due to/ or despite of their meddling parents. It was my least favorite of the three because nothing much happens, but it is a sweet Christmas short story nonetheless.
December 22, 2019
One excellent story, one very good story, and one impossible-to-believe story. I especially enjoyed Carla Kelly’s story.
November 1, 2017
Naughtiness 3*
Utterly enchanting, absolutely loved all three stories very much indeed, the bookwas most definitely difficult to put down as all three manage to pull you in and keep you wanting to carry on so read this book in three fantastic stages.
As always I will never give spoilers but will tell some reasons why I loved each story.
Carla's Kelly's Captain Greys Christmas Proposal.
This story was so enchantingly beautiful and very well written, I believe this is one of the first if not the first book I've read by Carla. I found it fantastic and literally could not put it down till I'd finished the range of emotions and twists and turns as you literally find yourself rooting for our hero and heroine are very intense and very beautiful at the same time. I will most definitely be looking for more of Carla's books.
Her Christmas Temptation. By Christine Merrill
Another amazing book by Christine I knew damn well I wouldn't be able to put this one down without finishing it always happens when reading Christine books I've not had chance for a while so have alot of catching up to do with Christines books. This story had me hooked within pages and absolutely adored it felt strongly for all directly involved with our Hero and Heroine and most definitely adored the ending very much.
Awakening His Sleeping Beauty by Janice Preston.
Most definitely knew I wouldn't be able to put this down before I even started by now when I start a book by Janice you cannot put it down until it's finished, there's so many. Story Arcs beautiful entwined for this beautiful story along with festive cheer a true beauty within is released and blossoms after many years of being restricted. I must admit was weeping by the end in the most heartwarming way. The twists and turns and Arcs within Arcs very much keep you gripped till the very end truly lovely.
Over all this 3in1 is packed with three amazing stories not just Christmas in common but also show that love and Christmas makes the most precious stories where Love can conquer all and over come anything especially in the season when we have more magic than most other times of the year.
Thank you Carla, Christine and Janice for writing these beautiful stories they are amazing ladies xxxxxxx
Utterly enchanting, absolutely loved all three stories very much indeed, the bookwas most definitely difficult to put down as all three manage to pull you in and keep you wanting to carry on so read this book in three fantastic stages.
As always I will never give spoilers but will tell some reasons why I loved each story.
Carla's Kelly's Captain Greys Christmas Proposal.
This story was so enchantingly beautiful and very well written, I believe this is one of the first if not the first book I've read by Carla. I found it fantastic and literally could not put it down till I'd finished the range of emotions and twists and turns as you literally find yourself rooting for our hero and heroine are very intense and very beautiful at the same time. I will most definitely be looking for more of Carla's books.
Her Christmas Temptation. By Christine Merrill
Another amazing book by Christine I knew damn well I wouldn't be able to put this one down without finishing it always happens when reading Christine books I've not had chance for a while so have alot of catching up to do with Christines books. This story had me hooked within pages and absolutely adored it felt strongly for all directly involved with our Hero and Heroine and most definitely adored the ending very much.
Awakening His Sleeping Beauty by Janice Preston.
Most definitely knew I wouldn't be able to put this down before I even started by now when I start a book by Janice you cannot put it down until it's finished, there's so many. Story Arcs beautiful entwined for this beautiful story along with festive cheer a true beauty within is released and blossoms after many years of being restricted. I must admit was weeping by the end in the most heartwarming way. The twists and turns and Arcs within Arcs very much keep you gripped till the very end truly lovely.
Over all this 3in1 is packed with three amazing stories not just Christmas in common but also show that love and Christmas makes the most precious stories where Love can conquer all and over come anything especially in the season when we have more magic than most other times of the year.
Thank you Carla, Christine and Janice for writing these beautiful stories they are amazing ladies xxxxxxx
August 5, 2018
CAPTAIN GREY’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL by Carla Kelly: 4 stars
HER CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION by Christine Merrill: 2 stars
AWAKENING HIS SLEEPING BEAUTY by Janice Preston: 4 stars
HER CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION by Christine Merrill: 2 stars
AWAKENING HIS SLEEPING BEAUTY by Janice Preston: 4 stars
January 21, 2018
CAPTAIN GREY'S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL by Carla Kelly
Captain Grey had been fighting malarial fever in Savannah when he met Theodora Winnings. He proposed by letter--but it's taken ten years to receive her reply. The answer was "yes!"--but is she still free to become his Christmas bride?
Good second chance story. Jem is a captain in the Royal Navy who is currently at loose ends with the end of the war. While visiting a tavern that was used as a contact point during his career, he is given a letter that is more than ten years old, from a woman he had met while fighting a bout of malaria. Teddy had been a regular visitor to the hospital and eventually spent most of her time with Jem. After he had returned to his ship, he wrote and proposed to her, but never heard back. He did his best to move on, going on to have a successful career, but he never quite forgot her. He is stunned to receive the letter from her and discover that she had replied in the affirmative. Unfortunately, most of the rest of the letter is illegible due to damage, though she refers to something that she should have told him. Jem must decide if he wants to return to the United States and see if Teddy is still available.
Though Jem knows he should just let it go as a pleasant memory from the past, he can't. Something drives him to pursue his quest to see if he can find her. It isn't easy, and there are moments when he is tempted to give up. Eventually, his persistence pays off and he finds her, but there are huge changes from the woman he remembers. When Jem finds out Teddy's secret, it is a shock, but not one that will keep him from his goal.
Teddy has never forgotten Jem either. Her life has not been an easy one, and her memories of her time with him have been the bright spot in her existence. She is stunned by his reappearance and even more so when she discovers that he still wants her.
I really enjoyed the progress of the story. Jem's persistence in his search made me hope for his success. I loved the assistance that he received from the mysterious newspaper owner. Teddy's arrival was perfectly timed to just as Jem was ready to give up. It was sweet to see that the memories of their feelings for each other gave a boost to the rekindling of their relationship. I loved that Teddy's secret made no difference to Jem's love for her. I loved seeing Jem risk everything to achieve his dream of having Teddy in his life. How it happened had some interesting twists before they reached their happy ending.
I thoroughly enjoyed the mysterious Mr. Hollinsworth and his efforts to help Jem and Teddy. His cheerful and positive attitude was just what they needed at some of the darker moments of their quest to be together. I also liked the connection he appeared to have to Jem's longstanding conversations with "Sir". There were a lot of things that came together at the end, and Mr. Hollinsworth seemed to have a part in each of them.
HER CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION by Christine Merrill
Faith Strickland's plan to marry to save her family backfires when notorious rake James Leggett sets out to break her unhappy engagement. He'll storm her Twelfth Night celebrations and scorch her into surrender!
This one was okay. Faith is desperate to marry as a way to save her family and uses questionable methods to gain a fiancé. The man knows he's been manipulated and isn't happy, for he loves another, but is honorable. Cyril is present during the family Christmas party, but obviously unhappy. Faith isn't any happier, but determined to do what she must.
Enter James. He is well known as a rake and has even participated in several duels. His cousin Bea is the woman who Cyril truly loves. Though James is willing to marry Bea himself, he'd much rather find a way to untangle Cyril from his present circumstances. As he knows Faith's grandmother, he wangles an invite to the Christmas party, determined to break up the engagement.
The development of the relationship between James and Faith is interesting. Neither one comes across as a very nice person. James is a rake and he intends to use that reputation to gain his objective. He fully intends to behave in such a way toward Faith that she will look bad in front of Cyril and others, causing Cyril to break the engagement. He doesn't expect to be attracted and intrigued by Faith. Faith is bothered by James from the moment he arrived. He arouses feelings in her that make her realize just how much will be missing from her marriage to Cyril, but she stubbornly refuses to look at other options. It was fun to see James retain his intention, but also experience some guilt over what the results would likely be. He also unwillingly found himself contemplating the notion of marrying her himself; something that surprised and worried him. Faith did redeem herself somewhat at the end when she found out about Bea. The attraction between James and Faith comes to a head, amazing them both and leaving each in shock. There is some miscommunication that pulls them apart before they finally set things straight and realize that they belong together.
AWAKENING HIS SLEEPING BEAUTY by Janice Preston
Lonely Diana Fleming knows handsome knights don't really exist. But can a festive kiss from the man she loves reawaken her frozen heart?
Good story. Diana's life is pretty dreary, especially around Christmas time. Her younger brother died eight years ago, and since then her father hides out in his study and her mother dwells on her grief. Her mother has Diana bowing to her every demand. Neither Diana nor her mother is happy to hear that her father invited his cousin and her seven children to spend the holidays. Lavenham insists however, because the oldest son, Aaron, is now heir to the estate and it's time for him to become familiar with it.
Aaron isn't happy with the change to the usual Fleming family Christmas. He is used to coming home to his family and the same traditions, and doesn't want anyone changing things. Besides, he doesn't have that great an opinion of Diana, who he recalled as a mouse of a girl. But his mother insists, and off they all go. Neither Aaron nor Diana know that Sally and Lavenham plotted the whole visit with an eye to encouraging a match between them.
Now I will admit that neither Diana nor Aaron made the best first impression on me or each other. Diana doesn't seem to have any backbone at all when it comes to her mother. Yes, the woman is grieving, but she is sucking all the life out of Diana as well. Aaron just came across as a bit spoiled. He's been out of the army for several years and spends most of his time hanging out with his friends. To complain about his mother's plans seems selfish, especially since he will inherit that estate someday. When the Flemings arrive, Aaron thinks that Diana is still stiff and quiet, and Diana things that Aaron is arrogant and overbearing.
I enjoyed both the development of the relationship and the whole visit. Thanks to Diana's mother's excessive mourning, Diana had never experienced the usual Christmas traditions. After a bit of a rough start, Aaron gets into the Christmas spirit along with his brothers and sisters, and drags Diana right along with them. Besides all the fun of the traditions, there are also sparks between Aaron and Diana. I especially enjoyed the protectiveness he showed whenever Diana's mother would start in on her. I also liked the way that Diana started showing more spirit under Aaron's attention and the friendship with her other cousins. There were some sweet scenes as the sparks between them grew brighter. The only dark spot came when first Diana discovered the matchmaking plot and didn't know how to tell Aaron. Then he found out about it and was furious because of an earlier betrayal by a friend. Aaron behaved like a jerk, but fortunately came to his senses pretty quickly. Overall, a good story. I'd like to eventually see stories for Aaron's brothers and sisters too.
Captain Grey had been fighting malarial fever in Savannah when he met Theodora Winnings. He proposed by letter--but it's taken ten years to receive her reply. The answer was "yes!"--but is she still free to become his Christmas bride?
Good second chance story. Jem is a captain in the Royal Navy who is currently at loose ends with the end of the war. While visiting a tavern that was used as a contact point during his career, he is given a letter that is more than ten years old, from a woman he had met while fighting a bout of malaria. Teddy had been a regular visitor to the hospital and eventually spent most of her time with Jem. After he had returned to his ship, he wrote and proposed to her, but never heard back. He did his best to move on, going on to have a successful career, but he never quite forgot her. He is stunned to receive the letter from her and discover that she had replied in the affirmative. Unfortunately, most of the rest of the letter is illegible due to damage, though she refers to something that she should have told him. Jem must decide if he wants to return to the United States and see if Teddy is still available.
Though Jem knows he should just let it go as a pleasant memory from the past, he can't. Something drives him to pursue his quest to see if he can find her. It isn't easy, and there are moments when he is tempted to give up. Eventually, his persistence pays off and he finds her, but there are huge changes from the woman he remembers. When Jem finds out Teddy's secret, it is a shock, but not one that will keep him from his goal.
Teddy has never forgotten Jem either. Her life has not been an easy one, and her memories of her time with him have been the bright spot in her existence. She is stunned by his reappearance and even more so when she discovers that he still wants her.
I really enjoyed the progress of the story. Jem's persistence in his search made me hope for his success. I loved the assistance that he received from the mysterious newspaper owner. Teddy's arrival was perfectly timed to just as Jem was ready to give up. It was sweet to see that the memories of their feelings for each other gave a boost to the rekindling of their relationship. I loved that Teddy's secret made no difference to Jem's love for her. I loved seeing Jem risk everything to achieve his dream of having Teddy in his life. How it happened had some interesting twists before they reached their happy ending.
I thoroughly enjoyed the mysterious Mr. Hollinsworth and his efforts to help Jem and Teddy. His cheerful and positive attitude was just what they needed at some of the darker moments of their quest to be together. I also liked the connection he appeared to have to Jem's longstanding conversations with "Sir". There were a lot of things that came together at the end, and Mr. Hollinsworth seemed to have a part in each of them.
HER CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION by Christine Merrill
Faith Strickland's plan to marry to save her family backfires when notorious rake James Leggett sets out to break her unhappy engagement. He'll storm her Twelfth Night celebrations and scorch her into surrender!
This one was okay. Faith is desperate to marry as a way to save her family and uses questionable methods to gain a fiancé. The man knows he's been manipulated and isn't happy, for he loves another, but is honorable. Cyril is present during the family Christmas party, but obviously unhappy. Faith isn't any happier, but determined to do what she must.
Enter James. He is well known as a rake and has even participated in several duels. His cousin Bea is the woman who Cyril truly loves. Though James is willing to marry Bea himself, he'd much rather find a way to untangle Cyril from his present circumstances. As he knows Faith's grandmother, he wangles an invite to the Christmas party, determined to break up the engagement.
The development of the relationship between James and Faith is interesting. Neither one comes across as a very nice person. James is a rake and he intends to use that reputation to gain his objective. He fully intends to behave in such a way toward Faith that she will look bad in front of Cyril and others, causing Cyril to break the engagement. He doesn't expect to be attracted and intrigued by Faith. Faith is bothered by James from the moment he arrived. He arouses feelings in her that make her realize just how much will be missing from her marriage to Cyril, but she stubbornly refuses to look at other options. It was fun to see James retain his intention, but also experience some guilt over what the results would likely be. He also unwillingly found himself contemplating the notion of marrying her himself; something that surprised and worried him. Faith did redeem herself somewhat at the end when she found out about Bea. The attraction between James and Faith comes to a head, amazing them both and leaving each in shock. There is some miscommunication that pulls them apart before they finally set things straight and realize that they belong together.
AWAKENING HIS SLEEPING BEAUTY by Janice Preston
Lonely Diana Fleming knows handsome knights don't really exist. But can a festive kiss from the man she loves reawaken her frozen heart?
Good story. Diana's life is pretty dreary, especially around Christmas time. Her younger brother died eight years ago, and since then her father hides out in his study and her mother dwells on her grief. Her mother has Diana bowing to her every demand. Neither Diana nor her mother is happy to hear that her father invited his cousin and her seven children to spend the holidays. Lavenham insists however, because the oldest son, Aaron, is now heir to the estate and it's time for him to become familiar with it.
Aaron isn't happy with the change to the usual Fleming family Christmas. He is used to coming home to his family and the same traditions, and doesn't want anyone changing things. Besides, he doesn't have that great an opinion of Diana, who he recalled as a mouse of a girl. But his mother insists, and off they all go. Neither Aaron nor Diana know that Sally and Lavenham plotted the whole visit with an eye to encouraging a match between them.
Now I will admit that neither Diana nor Aaron made the best first impression on me or each other. Diana doesn't seem to have any backbone at all when it comes to her mother. Yes, the woman is grieving, but she is sucking all the life out of Diana as well. Aaron just came across as a bit spoiled. He's been out of the army for several years and spends most of his time hanging out with his friends. To complain about his mother's plans seems selfish, especially since he will inherit that estate someday. When the Flemings arrive, Aaron thinks that Diana is still stiff and quiet, and Diana things that Aaron is arrogant and overbearing.
I enjoyed both the development of the relationship and the whole visit. Thanks to Diana's mother's excessive mourning, Diana had never experienced the usual Christmas traditions. After a bit of a rough start, Aaron gets into the Christmas spirit along with his brothers and sisters, and drags Diana right along with them. Besides all the fun of the traditions, there are also sparks between Aaron and Diana. I especially enjoyed the protectiveness he showed whenever Diana's mother would start in on her. I also liked the way that Diana started showing more spirit under Aaron's attention and the friendship with her other cousins. There were some sweet scenes as the sparks between them grew brighter. The only dark spot came when first Diana discovered the matchmaking plot and didn't know how to tell Aaron. Then he found out about it and was furious because of an earlier betrayal by a friend. Aaron behaved like a jerk, but fortunately came to his senses pretty quickly. Overall, a good story. I'd like to eventually see stories for Aaron's brothers and sisters too.
January 1, 2018
I ordered this book because it had a story by Christine Merrill, who is fast becoming my author of the moment. I thoroughly enjoyed her "Ladies in disgrace" trilogy and was not disappointed with "Her Christmas temptation" - it was everything I enjoy about her writing - realistic characters contemporary with their era; moments of humour and fantastic tension between the two main characters. Definitely the best of the 3 stories in this collection.
My rating of 3 stars is for the collection overall. Janice Preston's " Awakening his sleeping beauty" was good but not great. I felt the characters lacked depth somehow and I wasn't really getting their attraction vibe. They almost felt a little bit too modern and could have appeared just as easily in a modern day scenario.
Contrary to many others who have reviewed this book, I did not enjoy Carla Kelly's contribution at all. It was all over the place and felt incredibly tacked together. I didn't get much feeling between the two characters except for the initial attraction they had had when the first met years ago. Way too many characters for a novella/short story and the "magical element" was just a bit too twee for me.
My rating of 3 stars is for the collection overall. Janice Preston's " Awakening his sleeping beauty" was good but not great. I felt the characters lacked depth somehow and I wasn't really getting their attraction vibe. They almost felt a little bit too modern and could have appeared just as easily in a modern day scenario.
Contrary to many others who have reviewed this book, I did not enjoy Carla Kelly's contribution at all. It was all over the place and felt incredibly tacked together. I didn't get much feeling between the two characters except for the initial attraction they had had when the first met years ago. Way too many characters for a novella/short story and the "magical element" was just a bit too twee for me.
January 3, 2019
This trio of novellas takes you very different directions for the holidays. "Captain Grey's Christmas Proposal" is the most ambitious and endearing - it's Christmas-focused only from certain perspectives (a bit of magical realism and deus ex machina lifting up from what could otherwise be a truly distressing story as you delve more and more into the obstacles to our HEA). Well worthwhile: with a hero returning to the new United States after years of service in the Royal Navy and a heroine who cannot reach out to him for reasons he never imagined, this novella is quite a different read from the conventional Christmas tale.
"Her Christmas Temptation" has a hero and heroine starting very much at odds, not in the Beatrice & Benedick fashion but aiming at quite cross-purposes. They're both a bit unlikable at the outset but as you see their reasons, you see their worth. Well-written slow-burn but the Christmas setting only factors into one plot point in any way so you can read it without any holiday burdens.
"His Sleeping Beauty" is the most conventionally Christmas tale and it is sometimes heavy-handed with the title metaphor. Diana is trapped away in her family's residence, waiting hand and foot on her demanding mother who still mourns the passing of her only son eight long years ago. The father and the mother of his distant heir conspire to bring their families together for the holidays, and there are many happy Christmas moments the family of seven children, visiting, bring. The novella probably could have benefited from a longer development. The resolution is rather rushed, but the romance is sweet and frothy: easy to enjoy.
"Her Christmas Temptation" has a hero and heroine starting very much at odds, not in the Beatrice & Benedick fashion but aiming at quite cross-purposes. They're both a bit unlikable at the outset but as you see their reasons, you see their worth. Well-written slow-burn but the Christmas setting only factors into one plot point in any way so you can read it without any holiday burdens.
"His Sleeping Beauty" is the most conventionally Christmas tale and it is sometimes heavy-handed with the title metaphor. Diana is trapped away in her family's residence, waiting hand and foot on her demanding mother who still mourns the passing of her only son eight long years ago. The father and the mother of his distant heir conspire to bring their families together for the holidays, and there are many happy Christmas moments the family of seven children, visiting, bring. The novella probably could have benefited from a longer development. The resolution is rather rushed, but the romance is sweet and frothy: easy to enjoy.
December 13, 2017
Three highly romantic and Christmassy stories from three great romance authors, each one is as different from the other’s and yet brought together in this anthology they become entwined and complement each other. Just as with the authors themselves, each author’s own unique writing style is obvious as you read from one story to the next they don’t over whelm each other, they complement each other beautifully.
In this anthology we have the best character’s, all need some Christmas cheer and season good spirits and that is exactly what they find in each of these stories.
Each story is beautifully crafted, they are fun, enchanting and Christmassy to the core. After reading Regency Christmas Wishes you closed the last page with a real, happy buzz, you get a real lovely message of how love can conquer all no matter what stands in our way.
This is such a feel good seasonal read and very recommended!
In this anthology we have the best character’s, all need some Christmas cheer and season good spirits and that is exactly what they find in each of these stories.
Each story is beautifully crafted, they are fun, enchanting and Christmassy to the core. After reading Regency Christmas Wishes you closed the last page with a real, happy buzz, you get a real lovely message of how love can conquer all no matter what stands in our way.
This is such a feel good seasonal read and very recommended!
December 8, 2017
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-GK
Reviewing 2 of the 3 novellas here:
Captain Grey's Christmas Proposal by Carla Kelly
Over ten years ago, Captain James "Jem" Grey was in a South Carolina hospital recovering from a serious case of malaria. A beautiful young woman named Theodora "Teddy" Winnings regularly visited the facility, and talked with, and read to the patients. Jem soon became quite fond of Teddy, and she began to spend most of her time visiting with him only. When Jem recovered enough to return to duty in the Royal Navy, he decided to write to Teddy and propose. When he never received a response, he did his best to put Teddy out of his mind.
The years have passed, and Jem is now about to become partner of a ship building business. His travels take him to a hotel in Plymouth, where the owner has cleared out an old box in storage, only to find a long forgotten letter underneath. The letter is for Jem, and it's in sad shape, but it's from Teddy. She responded to his letter, and the legible parts tell Jem that she accepted his proposal. There is more that has been obscured by water stains and time - all that Jem can make out is that there was something that Teddy felt she should have told him.
This letter hits Jem like a ton of bricks! What to do? Jem never married, but he never really forgot Teddy either. What did she possibly think when he never responded to her letter? No doubt she's married by now, and he should just leave it alone - but he can't. He travels to Charleston, and begins the process of tracking down his long lost love. The search is not easy or straight forward, but Jem finally finds her, and the shabby woman he finds is nothing like the well dressed young lady he remembers. When Jem learns what it is that Teddy referred to in her letter - the indecipherable thing that she should have told him, it turns out to be shocking, indeed.
Teddy has never married, but her secret means that there is a large impediment to their being together, if, indeed, Jem still wants to. It turns out that Jem is a very steadfast man who doesn't give up easily. He still wants Teddy, and it seems that she still wants him, so Jem begins to plan and plot, trying to find a way.
Carla Kelly has written a sweet and very unique second chance at love Christmas story with a hero willing to risk everything, and a heroine who is strong and determined. Their well deserved happy ever after may not have been achieved if they weren't helped along the way by a mysterious man - one who appears to possess Christmas magic, which he uses to aid their seemingly impossible cause. CAPTAIN GREY'S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL is a warm and satisfying read which will brighten up your holiday season.
******************************
Awakening His Sleeping Beauty by Janice Preston
Diana Fleming's life hasn't been the same since her younger brother died eight years ago. Her father buries himself in his office, while her mother generally stays in her own room, demanding that Diana attend to her constantly. There's no socializing, no joy, and certainly no Christmas celebration in this household. When Diana's father, Viscount Lavenham, surprisingly announces that his cousin is coming to visit, along with her seven children, Diana's mother is horrified, preferring to dwell in her grief and solitude. But for once, Lavenham won't give in to his wife's demands. He's determined that his distant cousins will spend the Christmas holidays with them.
Aaron Fleming is Diana's third or fourth cousin, and he's now heir to her father, since her brother died. Initially, he has no more desire to spend Christmas with Diana and her family, than she and her mother have for his family. Their first impression upon meeting for the first time in years doesn't change their opinions, as Aaron finds Diana stiff and quiet, while she finds him overbearing. Little do either of them know, but Aaron's mother and Diana's father arranged this holiday with the particular hope that they would make a match. Since Aaron is the heir, when Lavenham dies, Diana will be out of a home, and marriage between them sounds like an ideal solution.
After a rocky start, Diana finds that she is enjoying spending time with her numerous cousins. They revive Christmas traditions and the quiet and cold house starts to feel like a home again. Some shared mistletoe kisses with Aaron have Diana hoping that they may have a future together. Aaron is highly sensitive to being manipulated, as one of his best friends just tried to trick him into being compromised with his sister. Aside from that, Aaron is very stubborn, and when he learns of the plot between his mother and Diana's father, he storms out, even though he was starting to have genuine feelings for Diana.
Aaron is a hotheaded young man, and it seems that he will not be coerced in any way. If he can't make a choice of his own, he wants no part of it. Yet, as he thinks of Diana, and how she blossomed during the short time they spent together, and how sweet it was to kiss her, he wonders if he's making the right decision. Diana's mother literally sucked the life and vitality right out of her. It was wonderful to see her "awaken" again, and to see the sparkle and joy that was part of her personality before it was subdued. It was satisfying to watch Aaron start thinking about his own family, and what he really wants from life. He seemed to mature before my eyes and become the man who would take Diana to a happy future. Janice Preston neatly wrapped up the loose ends to show the two families bonding, and celebrating a Christmas that indicated a much brighter future for all of them. AWAKENING HIS SLEEPING BEAUTY is an enjoyable read, which I feel really captures the spirit of family and romantic love at Christmas time.
Reviewing 2 of the 3 novellas here:
Captain Grey's Christmas Proposal by Carla Kelly
Over ten years ago, Captain James "Jem" Grey was in a South Carolina hospital recovering from a serious case of malaria. A beautiful young woman named Theodora "Teddy" Winnings regularly visited the facility, and talked with, and read to the patients. Jem soon became quite fond of Teddy, and she began to spend most of her time visiting with him only. When Jem recovered enough to return to duty in the Royal Navy, he decided to write to Teddy and propose. When he never received a response, he did his best to put Teddy out of his mind.
The years have passed, and Jem is now about to become partner of a ship building business. His travels take him to a hotel in Plymouth, where the owner has cleared out an old box in storage, only to find a long forgotten letter underneath. The letter is for Jem, and it's in sad shape, but it's from Teddy. She responded to his letter, and the legible parts tell Jem that she accepted his proposal. There is more that has been obscured by water stains and time - all that Jem can make out is that there was something that Teddy felt she should have told him.
This letter hits Jem like a ton of bricks! What to do? Jem never married, but he never really forgot Teddy either. What did she possibly think when he never responded to her letter? No doubt she's married by now, and he should just leave it alone - but he can't. He travels to Charleston, and begins the process of tracking down his long lost love. The search is not easy or straight forward, but Jem finally finds her, and the shabby woman he finds is nothing like the well dressed young lady he remembers. When Jem learns what it is that Teddy referred to in her letter - the indecipherable thing that she should have told him, it turns out to be shocking, indeed.
Teddy has never married, but her secret means that there is a large impediment to their being together, if, indeed, Jem still wants to. It turns out that Jem is a very steadfast man who doesn't give up easily. He still wants Teddy, and it seems that she still wants him, so Jem begins to plan and plot, trying to find a way.
Carla Kelly has written a sweet and very unique second chance at love Christmas story with a hero willing to risk everything, and a heroine who is strong and determined. Their well deserved happy ever after may not have been achieved if they weren't helped along the way by a mysterious man - one who appears to possess Christmas magic, which he uses to aid their seemingly impossible cause. CAPTAIN GREY'S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL is a warm and satisfying read which will brighten up your holiday season.
******************************
Awakening His Sleeping Beauty by Janice Preston
Diana Fleming's life hasn't been the same since her younger brother died eight years ago. Her father buries himself in his office, while her mother generally stays in her own room, demanding that Diana attend to her constantly. There's no socializing, no joy, and certainly no Christmas celebration in this household. When Diana's father, Viscount Lavenham, surprisingly announces that his cousin is coming to visit, along with her seven children, Diana's mother is horrified, preferring to dwell in her grief and solitude. But for once, Lavenham won't give in to his wife's demands. He's determined that his distant cousins will spend the Christmas holidays with them.
Aaron Fleming is Diana's third or fourth cousin, and he's now heir to her father, since her brother died. Initially, he has no more desire to spend Christmas with Diana and her family, than she and her mother have for his family. Their first impression upon meeting for the first time in years doesn't change their opinions, as Aaron finds Diana stiff and quiet, while she finds him overbearing. Little do either of them know, but Aaron's mother and Diana's father arranged this holiday with the particular hope that they would make a match. Since Aaron is the heir, when Lavenham dies, Diana will be out of a home, and marriage between them sounds like an ideal solution.
After a rocky start, Diana finds that she is enjoying spending time with her numerous cousins. They revive Christmas traditions and the quiet and cold house starts to feel like a home again. Some shared mistletoe kisses with Aaron have Diana hoping that they may have a future together. Aaron is highly sensitive to being manipulated, as one of his best friends just tried to trick him into being compromised with his sister. Aside from that, Aaron is very stubborn, and when he learns of the plot between his mother and Diana's father, he storms out, even though he was starting to have genuine feelings for Diana.
Aaron is a hotheaded young man, and it seems that he will not be coerced in any way. If he can't make a choice of his own, he wants no part of it. Yet, as he thinks of Diana, and how she blossomed during the short time they spent together, and how sweet it was to kiss her, he wonders if he's making the right decision. Diana's mother literally sucked the life and vitality right out of her. It was wonderful to see her "awaken" again, and to see the sparkle and joy that was part of her personality before it was subdued. It was satisfying to watch Aaron start thinking about his own family, and what he really wants from life. He seemed to mature before my eyes and become the man who would take Diana to a happy future. Janice Preston neatly wrapped up the loose ends to show the two families bonding, and celebrating a Christmas that indicated a much brighter future for all of them. AWAKENING HIS SLEEPING BEAUTY is an enjoyable read, which I feel really captures the spirit of family and romantic love at Christmas time.
April 15, 2019
Carla Kelly is the only author (of these three) with which I am familiar. I picked up the book specifically because Carla Kelly's Christmas stories are always so enchanting.
Captain Grey's Christmas Proposal (Carla Kelly). Jem Gray fell in love with one of the people who helped the young British Naval lieutenant recover from malaria in Savannah. After returning to his ship, Gray sent a letter to Theodora Winnings, asking her to marry him. However, that was 11 years ago; the return letter was lost.
Now Captain Gray travels to Savannah to find out if Theodora has waited for him. But she is not there. What should he do? As usual, this is a delightful short story by Carla Kelly.
Her Christmas Temptation (Christine Merrill). Faith Strickland's plan to save her family by trapping a fiancee' falls apart when rake James Leggett decides to interfere. He invites himself to the family's Christmas celebrations and works to help Faith realize how unhappy she would be if she married the man she had trapped.
This is a very interesting story about something I'm sure happened frequently during that time -- a woman uses a man's sense of honor to ensnare him in marriage. However, there just didn't seem to have been enough time for this couple to have fallen in love, to my way of thinking.
Awakening His Sleeping Beauty (Janice Preston). What a unique storyline; I was fascinated by the cleverness of the author. Diana Fleming is a victim of her grieving mother. Simon has died 8 years before but his mother has become a near-invalid because of her unending grief. Diana does not plan to marry because she must pander to her mother's needs.
Her father invites another branch of the Fleming line (the eldest son will inherit the estate, etc.). With the boisterous siblings, Diana gets to see a different side of family life and to hope that she might wed one day. Overall 4.5 stars
Captain Grey's Christmas Proposal (Carla Kelly). Jem Gray fell in love with one of the people who helped the young British Naval lieutenant recover from malaria in Savannah. After returning to his ship, Gray sent a letter to Theodora Winnings, asking her to marry him. However, that was 11 years ago; the return letter was lost.
Now Captain Gray travels to Savannah to find out if Theodora has waited for him. But she is not there. What should he do? As usual, this is a delightful short story by Carla Kelly.
Her Christmas Temptation (Christine Merrill). Faith Strickland's plan to save her family by trapping a fiancee' falls apart when rake James Leggett decides to interfere. He invites himself to the family's Christmas celebrations and works to help Faith realize how unhappy she would be if she married the man she had trapped.
This is a very interesting story about something I'm sure happened frequently during that time -- a woman uses a man's sense of honor to ensnare him in marriage. However, there just didn't seem to have been enough time for this couple to have fallen in love, to my way of thinking.
Awakening His Sleeping Beauty (Janice Preston). What a unique storyline; I was fascinated by the cleverness of the author. Diana Fleming is a victim of her grieving mother. Simon has died 8 years before but his mother has become a near-invalid because of her unending grief. Diana does not plan to marry because she must pander to her mother's needs.
Her father invites another branch of the Fleming line (the eldest son will inherit the estate, etc.). With the boisterous siblings, Diana gets to see a different side of family life and to hope that she might wed one day. Overall 4.5 stars
July 21, 2018
Story # 1 was "Captain Grey's Christmas Proposal" by Carla Kelly. Captain James Gray goes back to America after 11 years to find the woman he left behind because of the war. Theodora Winnings is a mulatto. I lived this couple, even though some of what occurred in the story did not feel believable. BTW, Charleston, South Carolina, was at one time called Charles Town and later, Charlestown, but that ceased in 1783.
Story 2 is "Her Christmas Temptation" by Christine Merrill. This is the story of every good deed deserves fulfillment. James Leggett was going to propose to his cousin Beatrice, because Bea has not taken, by society standards. He proposes, but she refuses, saying she wishes to marry Cyril Fossbury. Relieved by not marrying someone he does not love, James decides to win Cyril for Bea, but Cyril has been tricked into marrying Faith Strickland. And so the game begins. One thing did bother me about the tale. The author uses the word "homosexual," which was not coined until the mid 1860s, long after the setting of this story.
Story 3 is "Awakening His Sleeping Beauty" by Janice Preston. Diana Fleming is the oldest of the Fleming children, thus, she must attend her demanding mother, who has worn black for 8 years - since her husband's passing. All the Flemings come to Lavenham Hall for Christmas. Aaron Fleming is not happy to be beset upon by another faction of the family. There are some phrases which do not fit the time period. People did not, for example, wish each other a "Merry Christmas," nor was mistletoe a part of the celebrations.
Story 2 is "Her Christmas Temptation" by Christine Merrill. This is the story of every good deed deserves fulfillment. James Leggett was going to propose to his cousin Beatrice, because Bea has not taken, by society standards. He proposes, but she refuses, saying she wishes to marry Cyril Fossbury. Relieved by not marrying someone he does not love, James decides to win Cyril for Bea, but Cyril has been tricked into marrying Faith Strickland. And so the game begins. One thing did bother me about the tale. The author uses the word "homosexual," which was not coined until the mid 1860s, long after the setting of this story.
Story 3 is "Awakening His Sleeping Beauty" by Janice Preston. Diana Fleming is the oldest of the Fleming children, thus, she must attend her demanding mother, who has worn black for 8 years - since her husband's passing. All the Flemings come to Lavenham Hall for Christmas. Aaron Fleming is not happy to be beset upon by another faction of the family. There are some phrases which do not fit the time period. People did not, for example, wish each other a "Merry Christmas," nor was mistletoe a part of the celebrations.
July 6, 2022
This was an ok collection for me. Contrary to some others, I felt Christine Merrill's story was the best one.
CAPTAIN GREY'S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL by Carla Kelly
I felt this one was kind of slow in some parts and I felt it was a "romantic" story vs "romance." Romantic for me is a love story, which this was. But romance is when you feel the attraction and tension and chemistry and this is where the story is a little lacking. We don't even have the two characters interacting with each other until the 6th chapter. As a story it was well written and there was some drama and suspense but as a romance, it fell short for me. And I felt we didn't need the intro at all - for me it did nothing to enhance the story.
HER CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION by Christine Merrill
I liked this story and you could see the chemistry between them and the tension between them. The sisters were interesting enough that I wouldn't mind seeing their own stories if they have them. I did not like, however, some of the scenes between them that felt more like he was taking advantage of her. But overall I enjoyed it.
AWAKENING HIS SLEEPING BEAUTY by Janice Preston
I don't know. There was just something about this story that didn't fit for me. The writing was good but again, I didn't feel much chemistry between the characters and the mother's behavior and Diana's and her father's reactions (for the most part) were irritating but they finally started growing a spine. So this one was my least favorite of the three. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't great.
CAPTAIN GREY'S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL by Carla Kelly
I felt this one was kind of slow in some parts and I felt it was a "romantic" story vs "romance." Romantic for me is a love story, which this was. But romance is when you feel the attraction and tension and chemistry and this is where the story is a little lacking. We don't even have the two characters interacting with each other until the 6th chapter. As a story it was well written and there was some drama and suspense but as a romance, it fell short for me. And I felt we didn't need the intro at all - for me it did nothing to enhance the story.
HER CHRISTMAS TEMPTATION by Christine Merrill
I liked this story and you could see the chemistry between them and the tension between them. The sisters were interesting enough that I wouldn't mind seeing their own stories if they have them. I did not like, however, some of the scenes between them that felt more like he was taking advantage of her. But overall I enjoyed it.
AWAKENING HIS SLEEPING BEAUTY by Janice Preston
I don't know. There was just something about this story that didn't fit for me. The writing was good but again, I didn't feel much chemistry between the characters and the mother's behavior and Diana's and her father's reactions (for the most part) were irritating but they finally started growing a spine. So this one was my least favorite of the three. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't great.
November 14, 2017
This read completes the second on my 2017 stack of Christmas books. The draw was my favorite author, Carla Kelly, as contributor in a group of three short Stories:
“Captain Grey’s Proposal” (Carla Kelly) was one of the BEST short Christmas stories I have ever read! A full 5 stars is this heart warmer that I will read over and over again for years to come. While Capt. Grey was fighting malaria during the civil War, he met a sweet angel that helped nurse him back to health. They fell in love at that moment in time, but were separated by distance and circumstance for ten years. Determination and a little help from strangers help the two meet once again.
Christine Merrill’s “Her Christmas Temptation” is a Regency holiday tale that uses manipulation of the festivities to switch dictated love into true love. Not a huge fan of this one as the manipulation definitely sunk to a level I don’t like in my holiday stories. Just ok, 2 stars.
“Awakening His Sleeping Beauty” by Janice Preston was good! Diana and her parents invite a distant cousin and his family to spend Christmas with them. Diana’s family estate is entailed to Aaron and this will be a good time for Aaron to learn the ropes of management for the Lavenham’s estate. Aaron hasn’t seen Diana for many years, and the little girl he remembered has turned into a lovely young woman. Diana is equally impressed… It was fun to enjoy the English traditions that are different than what we American readers are used to. 4 stars
February 27, 2018
mixed stories Well as snow falls in Ireland Christmas stories are somewhat apt.
The first story is one of a Naval Captain who remembers a woman who nursed him when he fell ill. 10 years later he gets the letter he was waiting for, much of it water damaged, but the gist of the letter is that she says yes. So he goes to find her and finds that things are more complicated than they seem. There's a fair bit of miraclous happenings and literal deus ex going on in this but it's not a bad story overall
Her Christmas Temptation by Christine Merrill is an entertaining story of a rake who goes to break an engagement for his beloved cousin and finds that maybe his motives aren't so clear. I really enjoyed this one.
Awakening his Sleeping Beauty by Janice Preston the Sleeping Beauty metaphor is stretched a little here but the story is good, an opressed heroine finding love and respect is always good.
Overall not bad and quite seasonally based, the last two are set during the 12 days of Christmas.
The first story is one of a Naval Captain who remembers a woman who nursed him when he fell ill. 10 years later he gets the letter he was waiting for, much of it water damaged, but the gist of the letter is that she says yes. So he goes to find her and finds that things are more complicated than they seem. There's a fair bit of miraclous happenings and literal deus ex going on in this but it's not a bad story overall
Her Christmas Temptation by Christine Merrill is an entertaining story of a rake who goes to break an engagement for his beloved cousin and finds that maybe his motives aren't so clear. I really enjoyed this one.
Awakening his Sleeping Beauty by Janice Preston the Sleeping Beauty metaphor is stretched a little here but the story is good, an opressed heroine finding love and respect is always good.
Overall not bad and quite seasonally based, the last two are set during the 12 days of Christmas.
November 28, 2020
Only Carla Kelly’s novella is worth five stars
Disappointing for Christmas stories. I love the first one by Carla Kelly; however, the next one was too much into sex (also not that interesting and not likable characters). I found the last one slow and didn’t keep my interest. Not romantic at all, in my opinion.
Disappointing for Christmas stories. I love the first one by Carla Kelly; however, the next one was too much into sex (also not that interesting and not likable characters). I found the last one slow and didn’t keep my interest. Not romantic at all, in my opinion.
October 21, 2025
5 stars for Carla Kelly
This was a wonderful, powerful love story set in the early 1800’s. Captain Grey, a British Naval officer, proposed by mail to a warm, kind woman he met in the United States. Eleven years later he is given a lost letter from her with her answer. The story is heartbreaking, whimsical and has the best ever Christmas ending.
This was a wonderful, powerful love story set in the early 1800’s. Captain Grey, a British Naval officer, proposed by mail to a warm, kind woman he met in the United States. Eleven years later he is given a lost letter from her with her answer. The story is heartbreaking, whimsical and has the best ever Christmas ending.
November 19, 2025
Disappointing
I didn't like the selfish, lustful character in the story by Janice Preston . It started out ok, language and suggestiveness increased though. I didn't feel like reading the other stories after that. Disappointing because I have really enjoyed many other clean regency romance collections.
I didn't like the selfish, lustful character in the story by Janice Preston . It started out ok, language and suggestiveness increased though. I didn't feel like reading the other stories after that. Disappointing because I have really enjoyed many other clean regency romance collections.
November 21, 2017
Rather a disappointing collection of stories. The first was too concentrated on the plot and not the romance, the second was marred by a printing mistake (word(s) missing) in a key scene which destroyed the mood and the final story was OK.
November 4, 2017
Three very entertaining stories.
Janice Preston's story was superb as always .
Also two new authors to me Carla Kelly and Christine Merrill who I shall certainly look out for more books by them.
This was a really enjoyable read.
Janice Preston's story was superb as always .
Also two new authors to me Carla Kelly and Christine Merrill who I shall certainly look out for more books by them.
This was a really enjoyable read.
November 17, 2017
Carla Kelly is my favorite.
Carla Kelly’s story was superbly done. The stories where there is gratuitous sex, were not my favorite. I forgot Harlequin sometimes has too much explicit writing sometimes.
Carla Kelly’s story was superbly done. The stories where there is gratuitous sex, were not my favorite. I forgot Harlequin sometimes has too much explicit writing sometimes.
November 18, 2017
Three stars only because of the Carla Kelly story - it's not her best, it's whimsical with Christmas "magic" but it has a great plot twist. The other two merit exactly 1 star each - or fewer if that was possible. It's the curse of anthologies.
October 28, 2017
I especially liked Her Christmas Temption by Christine Merrill. Charming and witty with a surprise ending.
November 16, 2017
An anthology of three Regency Era romances set during the Christmas holiday.
The one that takes place in America, deals with the subject of slavery.
The one that takes place in America, deals with the subject of slavery.
December 22, 2017
Loved the Carla Kelly story. 5 stars. Very memorable and sweet characters.
2nd story 1 star.
3rd story. 1 star. Also dumb.
2nd story 1 star.
3rd story. 1 star. Also dumb.
June 20, 2018
3 great Christmas stories
December 11, 2018
5 stars for Carla Kelly! I wasn't impressed by the other 2 stories, so overall I give the book a 3.
December 13, 2018
Story 1 - cute but too convoluted for a short christmas tale
story 2 - Very well done but more backstory was needed
story 3 - the best of the bunch!
story 2 - Very well done but more backstory was needed
story 3 - the best of the bunch!
December 18, 2018
A wonderful read
Each novel was amazing. I loved them all. It's definitely worth reading during the Christmas season. I will certainly read more books from these authors.
Each novel was amazing. I loved them all. It's definitely worth reading during the Christmas season. I will certainly read more books from these authors.
December 29, 2019
Three short stories about romance at Christmas. It is what one reads it for. Nothing notable or special. One does encounter that special romantic Old English Christmas.
March 17, 2020
Carla Kelly captures my imagination every time!
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