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The Wallflower's Mistletoe Wedding
A country Christmas at Barton Park.
Rose Parker is a self-proclaimed wallflower — but she’s always dreamed of dancing with Captain Harry St George…
Once, Harry wouldn’t even have noticed Rose. But after a hard war, he knows he’s a different man. Shy, sweet Rose intrigues him — but he must marry a rich bride to save his mortgaged estates, and Rose is no heiress. Now, more than ever, Harry needs the magic of a mistletoe kiss…
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2017
18 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Amanda McCabe
259 books166 followersaka Laurel McKee (Amanda Carmack)
Amanda wrote her first romance at the age of sixteen--a vast historical epic starring all her friends as the characters, written secretly during algebra class (and her parents wondered why math was not her strongest subject...)
She's never since used algebra, but her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in Oklahoma with a menagerie of two cats, a Pug, and a very bossy miniature Poodle, along with far too many books.
When not writing or reading, she loves taking dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network--even though she doesn't cook.
Amanda wrote her first romance at the age of sixteen--a vast historical epic starring all her friends as the characters, written secretly during algebra class (and her parents wondered why math was not her strongest subject...)
She's never since used algebra, but her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in Oklahoma with a menagerie of two cats, a Pug, and a very bossy miniature Poodle, along with far too many books.
When not writing or reading, she loves taking dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network--even though she doesn't cook.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 23, 2017
I've given this a C at AAR.
The Wallflower’s Mistletoe Wedding is a pleasant, light-hearted story set in an English country home at Christmastime in which two lonely people find love amid the hustle and bustle of a family house party. It’s an easy read to which the word ‘nice’ can be frequently applied; the hero and heroine are nice people, their hostess is nice, the hostesses children are nice, the book as a whole is nice… I think you can see where I’m going with this. It’s one of those books that has nothing wrong with it, but which isn’t going to set the world alight, either.
In the prologue – which is set three years before the rest of the story – Miss Rose Parker, her mother and younger sister, Lily, are attending a summer party at Barton Park the large estate owned by their cousins, the Bancroft family. The recent death of Mr. Parker has left them with large debts which meant they had to leave their home in order to repay them. They live quietly in a small cottage, but the Bancrofts continue to invite them to Barton Park from time to time, and it’s at this particular gathering that Rose first meets Captain Harry St. George, the handsome but somewhat retiring owner of the neighbouring estate, Hilltop Grange. Harry and Rose talk briefly, dance together and recognise that they have made some sort of connection; and Rose, normally a very pragmatic young woman, starts to dream, just this once, of a different life and a home of her own. Sadly, however, her girlish musings soon come to an end when she overhears that the Captain is to marry the lovely and sophisticated Miss Helen Layton.
Moving forward three years, we find Rose living with her overbearing Aunt Sylvia as her paid companion. Rose’s sister, Lily, married the man she loves – the local curate – and now has two small children, and their mother continues to live in her tiny cottage; the money Rose earns in her position is enough to make sure she can live reasonably comfortably. Sylvia is cantankerous and exacting, so Rose can’t deny the relief she feels when she receives a letter from her cousin Jane inviting her to Barton Park for Christmas, ostensibly to help with the children and give them some music tuition.
Harry St. George has left the army, no longer eligible for active service following the loss of one eye. All the while he was in the army, he dreamed of coming home to Hilltop Grange and living the quiet life of a gentleman farmer, but with the place in a serious state of disrepair, it seems he will have to marry for money if he is to restore it and fulfil his responsibilities to his dependents. His brother Charles reminds him that Lady Fallon – formerly Miss Layton, who married a much older man shortly after Harry embarked on his most recent stint in the army – is now a widow and has been left very well provided for; perhaps she may be the solution to Harry’s money worries.
When Rose and Harry are reunited at Barton Park, it’s almost as if the intervening years have never happened, and they very quickly pick up where they left off, conversing easily and without embarrassment or any of that stiltedness that often attends the building of a new friendship. Rose and Harry are decent, intelligent and compassionate people and developing emotional connection between them is well drawn. Their romance is sweet and tender, and there’s no question they are perfect for each other – apart from the fact that Rose hasn’t a penny to her name and Harry needs money.
While the couple is falling more and more deeply into love, the author is also setting up a potential romance between Charles and Helen, both of whom are obviously dragging a lot of emotional baggage and who were – at times – more interesting than the two principals. I assume their story will be told in a future book. In the final stages of this one, Ms. McCabe employs one of my least favourite plot points, the ‘I love you too much to ruin your life by marrying you’ cliché, and the only point of conflict in the romance – Rose’s lack of funds – is easily solved by the wave of the fairy godmother’s wand (or in this case, an aunt’s sweep of the pen). On the plus side, however, the author does a terrific job of describing the Christmas parlour games and traditions, the decorations and the food, injecting her gathering with an engaging degree of Yuletide spirit and cheer.
The Wallflower’s Mistletoe Wedding is a well-written story which is ultimately somewhat bland. As I said at the beginning, it’s not bad, but it’s not especially memorable either, and I suspect that its low-angst, low-drama storytelling may appeal to some readers more than others.
The Wallflower’s Mistletoe Wedding is a pleasant, light-hearted story set in an English country home at Christmastime in which two lonely people find love amid the hustle and bustle of a family house party. It’s an easy read to which the word ‘nice’ can be frequently applied; the hero and heroine are nice people, their hostess is nice, the hostesses children are nice, the book as a whole is nice… I think you can see where I’m going with this. It’s one of those books that has nothing wrong with it, but which isn’t going to set the world alight, either.
In the prologue – which is set three years before the rest of the story – Miss Rose Parker, her mother and younger sister, Lily, are attending a summer party at Barton Park the large estate owned by their cousins, the Bancroft family. The recent death of Mr. Parker has left them with large debts which meant they had to leave their home in order to repay them. They live quietly in a small cottage, but the Bancrofts continue to invite them to Barton Park from time to time, and it’s at this particular gathering that Rose first meets Captain Harry St. George, the handsome but somewhat retiring owner of the neighbouring estate, Hilltop Grange. Harry and Rose talk briefly, dance together and recognise that they have made some sort of connection; and Rose, normally a very pragmatic young woman, starts to dream, just this once, of a different life and a home of her own. Sadly, however, her girlish musings soon come to an end when she overhears that the Captain is to marry the lovely and sophisticated Miss Helen Layton.
Moving forward three years, we find Rose living with her overbearing Aunt Sylvia as her paid companion. Rose’s sister, Lily, married the man she loves – the local curate – and now has two small children, and their mother continues to live in her tiny cottage; the money Rose earns in her position is enough to make sure she can live reasonably comfortably. Sylvia is cantankerous and exacting, so Rose can’t deny the relief she feels when she receives a letter from her cousin Jane inviting her to Barton Park for Christmas, ostensibly to help with the children and give them some music tuition.
Harry St. George has left the army, no longer eligible for active service following the loss of one eye. All the while he was in the army, he dreamed of coming home to Hilltop Grange and living the quiet life of a gentleman farmer, but with the place in a serious state of disrepair, it seems he will have to marry for money if he is to restore it and fulfil his responsibilities to his dependents. His brother Charles reminds him that Lady Fallon – formerly Miss Layton, who married a much older man shortly after Harry embarked on his most recent stint in the army – is now a widow and has been left very well provided for; perhaps she may be the solution to Harry’s money worries.
When Rose and Harry are reunited at Barton Park, it’s almost as if the intervening years have never happened, and they very quickly pick up where they left off, conversing easily and without embarrassment or any of that stiltedness that often attends the building of a new friendship. Rose and Harry are decent, intelligent and compassionate people and developing emotional connection between them is well drawn. Their romance is sweet and tender, and there’s no question they are perfect for each other – apart from the fact that Rose hasn’t a penny to her name and Harry needs money.
While the couple is falling more and more deeply into love, the author is also setting up a potential romance between Charles and Helen, both of whom are obviously dragging a lot of emotional baggage and who were – at times – more interesting than the two principals. I assume their story will be told in a future book. In the final stages of this one, Ms. McCabe employs one of my least favourite plot points, the ‘I love you too much to ruin your life by marrying you’ cliché, and the only point of conflict in the romance – Rose’s lack of funds – is easily solved by the wave of the fairy godmother’s wand (or in this case, an aunt’s sweep of the pen). On the plus side, however, the author does a terrific job of describing the Christmas parlour games and traditions, the decorations and the food, injecting her gathering with an engaging degree of Yuletide spirit and cheer.
The Wallflower’s Mistletoe Wedding is a well-written story which is ultimately somewhat bland. As I said at the beginning, it’s not bad, but it’s not especially memorable either, and I suspect that its low-angst, low-drama storytelling may appeal to some readers more than others.
December 27, 2017
A gloriously romantic Regency tale that is absolutely impossible to put down, The Wallflower’s Mistletoe Wedding is a charming historical treat readers are simply going to love.
Rose Parker is a shy, plain and sensible wallflower who is used to putting other people first and herself last. After her father’s death, Rose had to be strong for her mother and sister’s sake and she has done her utmost to ensure that her family do not suffer unduly after the discovery of her father’s many debts. Poor Rose has had to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of her family, however, she does derive comfort from one night she had spent dancing in the arms of the dashing Captain Harry St. George – even though she is perfectly aware that a future for the two of them is out of the question for Harry needs to marry an heiress to rescue the flagging fortunes of his family estate and Rose, in order to make ends meet, needs to work as a companion to her formidable Aunt Sylvia!
Harry had once had high hopes of marrying Lady Helen Fallon and restoring his family estate to its former glory, but unfortunately Helen had refused to wait for him and she got married to another, leaving him scratching his head wondering how he was going to rescue the dilapidated family seat and the livelihoods of the many people living on his estate. Knowing that he must marry an heiress, Harry knows that he must be sensible and find a suitable bride who is wealthy enough to save his estate from ruin – so why can’t he stop thinking about the intriguing but penniless Rose Parker?
When fate thrusts the two of them together, Harry knows that he should give Rose a wide berth and focus on rescuing his estate. But every single woman he comes across pales into insignificance when compared to Rose. When fighting off their feelings for one another proves impossible, Harry and Rose find themselves at a crossroads, but will they choose their heads over their hearts? Will Harry’s duty to his estate cost him his heart’s desire? And is Rose willing to spend the rest of her life wondering what might have been, if only she had the courage to fight for the man she loves?
The Wallflower’s Mistletoe Wedding is sheer romance reading perfection from start to finish! A tender, heartwarming and irresistible historical romance fans of Mary Balogh are simply going to devour, The Wallflower’s Mistletoe Wedding is a touching and mesmerizing tale about two kindred spirits who find one another and triumph against all the obstacles standing in their way that is sure to bring a tear to even the most jaded of eyes.
I absolutely loved Captain Harry St. George who was a dashing, sensitive and charismatic hero who stole my heart and Rose is a simply wonderful heroine who reminded me of Elinor Dashwood with her selflessness, goodness and love for others. I also thoroughly enjoyed the sub-plot involving Lady Helen Fallon and hope that she pops up in other stories as she is a fascinating character.
A spellbinding romantic read that I highly recommend, The Wallflower’s Mistletoe Wedding continues to cement Amanda McCabe’s standing as a superb writer of historical romance!
Rose Parker is a shy, plain and sensible wallflower who is used to putting other people first and herself last. After her father’s death, Rose had to be strong for her mother and sister’s sake and she has done her utmost to ensure that her family do not suffer unduly after the discovery of her father’s many debts. Poor Rose has had to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of her family, however, she does derive comfort from one night she had spent dancing in the arms of the dashing Captain Harry St. George – even though she is perfectly aware that a future for the two of them is out of the question for Harry needs to marry an heiress to rescue the flagging fortunes of his family estate and Rose, in order to make ends meet, needs to work as a companion to her formidable Aunt Sylvia!
Harry had once had high hopes of marrying Lady Helen Fallon and restoring his family estate to its former glory, but unfortunately Helen had refused to wait for him and she got married to another, leaving him scratching his head wondering how he was going to rescue the dilapidated family seat and the livelihoods of the many people living on his estate. Knowing that he must marry an heiress, Harry knows that he must be sensible and find a suitable bride who is wealthy enough to save his estate from ruin – so why can’t he stop thinking about the intriguing but penniless Rose Parker?
When fate thrusts the two of them together, Harry knows that he should give Rose a wide berth and focus on rescuing his estate. But every single woman he comes across pales into insignificance when compared to Rose. When fighting off their feelings for one another proves impossible, Harry and Rose find themselves at a crossroads, but will they choose their heads over their hearts? Will Harry’s duty to his estate cost him his heart’s desire? And is Rose willing to spend the rest of her life wondering what might have been, if only she had the courage to fight for the man she loves?
The Wallflower’s Mistletoe Wedding is sheer romance reading perfection from start to finish! A tender, heartwarming and irresistible historical romance fans of Mary Balogh are simply going to devour, The Wallflower’s Mistletoe Wedding is a touching and mesmerizing tale about two kindred spirits who find one another and triumph against all the obstacles standing in their way that is sure to bring a tear to even the most jaded of eyes.
I absolutely loved Captain Harry St. George who was a dashing, sensitive and charismatic hero who stole my heart and Rose is a simply wonderful heroine who reminded me of Elinor Dashwood with her selflessness, goodness and love for others. I also thoroughly enjoyed the sub-plot involving Lady Helen Fallon and hope that she pops up in other stories as she is a fascinating character.
A spellbinding romantic read that I highly recommend, The Wallflower’s Mistletoe Wedding continues to cement Amanda McCabe’s standing as a superb writer of historical romance!
June 1, 2018
The Wallflower’s Mistletoe Wedding by Amanda McCabe is a little predictable but I truly didn’t mind. It was light-hearted and romantic. There isn’t a lot of drama and it is easy to follow. The story was very well written and the characters were well developed. The characters seem real and there is a depth to them that draws you in. Rose is maybe not the most interesting heroine, she is plain, sensible, kind and selfless but is very easy to like. Then there is Harry, who is the hero of this story. What I really liked about him was his positive attitude. Even though he suffered an injury during the war and came back to his home in shambles, he takes everything in stride. He is quite fascinating. Rose and Harry are perfect for one another and I found their story to be romantic and sweet. Overall a wonderful and enjoyable story.
June 22, 2021
Entertaining and delightful. The Wallflower’s Mistletoe Wedding is filled to the brim with charming characters, lovely writing and a Christmas setting perfect for our lucky couple to find their happily-ever- after. Rose Parker is wallflower with little hope for future personal happiness given her circumstances when she meets Harry a gentleman and a wound warrior who needs a wife of means to save his families crumbling estate. I really liked Harry and Rose as they were both nice people. Their relationship developed sweetly and was very romantic. How will it work out? Will there be snow, mistletoe and a fairy godmother?
I didn't realize it was 3rd in a series and it read well as a standalone. A little Christmas in a hot summer was just what I needed. Looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
I didn't realize it was 3rd in a series and it read well as a standalone. A little Christmas in a hot summer was just what I needed. Looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
April 2, 2021
There were some great parts to this story, and some parts that I didn't love. Don't expect historical accuracy here.
Still, we have a plot that's not overly complicated and realistic. I appreciated that. Does Rose seem a little too good to be true at times? Sure. Are Harry's war experiences a bit underplayed? Definitely.
It's a sweet romance and honestly, I liked that about it. I don't need raging passion, but a sweet romance between two kind and deserving characters was so good for me. Some of the development of the romance took me out of the story, because it's something I would expect in an inferno passion type story and not the sweet romance it was. It was a matchstick trying to be a towering inferno. I know this is the fourth time I've said sweet romance, but I don't mean it as a backhanded compliment or sly dig, but as something I enjoyed.
We have lots of family vibes going on, which I love. I'm a sucker for the one big happy family trope. I haven't read Emma or Jane's novels, and just realized their names might have meaning... I also thought that Charlie's story would be wrapped up in this one, but I guess he got his own book.
Still, we have a plot that's not overly complicated and realistic. I appreciated that. Does Rose seem a little too good to be true at times? Sure. Are Harry's war experiences a bit underplayed? Definitely.
It's a sweet romance and honestly, I liked that about it. I don't need raging passion, but a sweet romance between two kind and deserving characters was so good for me. Some of the development of the romance took me out of the story, because it's something I would expect in an inferno passion type story and not the sweet romance it was. It was a matchstick trying to be a towering inferno. I know this is the fourth time I've said sweet romance, but I don't mean it as a backhanded compliment or sly dig, but as something I enjoyed.
We have lots of family vibes going on, which I love. I'm a sucker for the one big happy family trope. I haven't read Emma or Jane's novels, and just realized their names might have meaning... I also thought that Charlie's story would be wrapped up in this one, but I guess he got his own book.
November 21, 2017
At first I was bewildered with the plethora of characters introduced in this book, fast discovering that this is the third book in a series 'The Bancrofts of Barton Park'. However, McCabe's writing skill ensure you knew who was who, and after a while it didn't matter. The story concentrated on Rose, an impoverished cousin to the Bancrofts, and Captain Harry St. George, newly returned from the horrors of war, a neighbour to the Bancrofts. It all came together rather well, and I suspect the next story in this series will be Harry's brother. Lovely and festive.
December 21, 2019
Awww, so lovely reading a little romance at Christmas! This is a great tale of a man and a woman who are afted to meet again, rescue each other, conquer demons, and make the world feel better for anyone who reads it!
Well-written, great characterization and plenty of Christmas spirit, this is a Christmas Regency must-read!
Well-written, great characterization and plenty of Christmas spirit, this is a Christmas Regency must-read!
November 22, 2017
The story is set in 1820. While at a Christmas gathering, Captain Harry St. George
gets reaquanted with Rose Parker, a woman he briefly met five years ago.
Some of the story line reminded me of the classic movie: The Enchanted Cottage.
gets reaquanted with Rose Parker, a woman he briefly met five years ago.
Some of the story line reminded me of the classic movie: The Enchanted Cottage.
November 25, 2018
really lovely and gentle story that brings you straight into the minds of the main characters and the wonderful heart warming romance they discover. Both characters simply fall in love with realistic difficulties along the way and they're nice to each other! I can't count how many romances I've read where the hero is so horrible to the heroine that you can't help but wonder how she ever falls in love with him. I don't mind a bit of brooding and harry st George does have a brooding side, but this is a really nice book that always makes me smile. so get a cuppa and curl up and have a read!
April 22, 2023
4.5
A joyous romantic tale. A Cinderella, Beast, and fairy godmother all smushed together. Quite enjoyable.
I was only disappointed in the lack of found treasure close to the summerhouse. And the misplaced h.e.a. of Charles and Hele.
A joyous romantic tale. A Cinderella, Beast, and fairy godmother all smushed together. Quite enjoyable.
I was only disappointed in the lack of found treasure close to the summerhouse. And the misplaced h.e.a. of Charles and Hele.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2018
A good regency romance.
December 24, 2018
A very sweet holiday read, even though the princess Leia hair buns on the cover disturbed me every time I saw it.
December 31, 2019
Ajalooline armastusromaan, kus Rose leiab lõpuks ka oma õnne.
February 9, 2020
A sweet tale, with adorable characters, minimal angst, no steam
September 2, 2025
Amanda McCabe has delivered a truly enchanting holiday romance with The Wallflower's Mistletoe Wedding. This book is an absolute delight from start to finish, earning a well-deserved five stars.
What a treat it was to return to the charming world of Barton Park and revisit the characters from the Bancrofts Of Barton Park series. The familiar setting and faces made this feel like coming home for the holidays, and it was so enjoyable to see how everyone was doing.
Rose and Harry's story is the heart of this book, and I simply adored their journey. As a self-proclaimed wallflower, Rose is sweet and sensible, but she holds a quiet strength that truly shines. Harry's return from war has changed him, allowing him to see Rose's true worth beyond the glitter of a society debutante. Their romance is a beautiful example of finding love in unexpected places and seeing beyond superficial appearances. The conflict between Harry's need to save his mortgaged estates and his growing affection for Rose adds just enough tension to keep you turning the pages, while the holiday setting and the promise of a mistletoe kiss create a perfectly magical atmosphere.
Like many fans of this wonderful series, I am now eagerly hoping for more. I would absolutely love to see Lady Helen Fallon and Harry's brother, Charles St George, get their own story next. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a heartwarming, character-driven historical romance.
What a treat it was to return to the charming world of Barton Park and revisit the characters from the Bancrofts Of Barton Park series. The familiar setting and faces made this feel like coming home for the holidays, and it was so enjoyable to see how everyone was doing.
Rose and Harry's story is the heart of this book, and I simply adored their journey. As a self-proclaimed wallflower, Rose is sweet and sensible, but she holds a quiet strength that truly shines. Harry's return from war has changed him, allowing him to see Rose's true worth beyond the glitter of a society debutante. Their romance is a beautiful example of finding love in unexpected places and seeing beyond superficial appearances. The conflict between Harry's need to save his mortgaged estates and his growing affection for Rose adds just enough tension to keep you turning the pages, while the holiday setting and the promise of a mistletoe kiss create a perfectly magical atmosphere.
Like many fans of this wonderful series, I am now eagerly hoping for more. I would absolutely love to see Lady Helen Fallon and Harry's brother, Charles St George, get their own story next. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a heartwarming, character-driven historical romance.
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December 28, 2017I really enjoyed this Christmas party. Rose and Harry are a delight to get to know and they both deserve their HEA. Getting there was a pleasure to read. ~ Kim
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January 14, 2018Keeper!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews