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Christmas at Devil's Gate
Christmas at Devil's Gate is a lighthearted Regency romantic adventure.
Miss Honour Fitzroy is fleeing from Sir Robert Fitzroy, as her cousin is trying to force her into marrying his son. Major, Lord Ralph Duval, is recuperating from a sabre wound that almost killed him.
When her carriage breaks an axle in the snow, she is obliged to take refuge at the house she believes is called Devil's Gate. Will Ralph be able to keep her safe, or is he the biggest danger to her?
Miss Honour Fitzroy is fleeing from Sir Robert Fitzroy, as her cousin is trying to force her into marrying his son. Major, Lord Ralph Duval, is recuperating from a sabre wound that almost killed him.
When her carriage breaks an axle in the snow, she is obliged to take refuge at the house she believes is called Devil's Gate. Will Ralph be able to keep her safe, or is he the biggest danger to her?
84 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2017
57 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Fenella J. Miller
151 books149 followersFenella Jane Miller was born in the Isle of Man. Her father was a Yorkshire man and her mother the daughter of a Rajah. She has worked as a nanny, cleaner, field worker, hotelier, chef, secondary and primary teacher and is now a full time writer.
She has over twenty five Regency romantic adventures published plus one Jane Austen re-telling and one YA romantic fantasy.
see also Fenella-Jane Miller
She has over twenty five Regency romantic adventures published plus one Jane Austen re-telling and one YA romantic fantasy.
see also Fenella-Jane Miller
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 12, 2017
Reviewed at Heart Full of Christmas
A large part of my personal Christmas reading enjoyment comes from discovering so many Christmas Romances across the various genre that I enjoy. Discovering new-to-me authors is a gift I give to myself this time of year. So I was quite pleased to find Christmas at Devil’s Gate.
Honour is mere weeks from her birthday when she shall gain control of her sizable inheritance. Unfortunately, until that time she is on the run from an unscrupulous and rather nasty uncle who is determined to control her vast fortunes by marrying her to his son. That is so not going to happen. At least, if Honour has anything to say about it. Being out in a very bad snow storm was not the wisest decision, but if Honour is to avoid a kidnapping and forced marriage she needs to put miles between herself and her uncle. A broken axle will change her direction, and perhaps change the course of her life as well.
As Ralph is recuperating at his estates from a very bad war injury, he is counting the day until he can return to battle. The season means little to him, this place holds such bad memories that he’s only opened up the bare minimum of rooms for his recovery. The last thing he expected was a young miss climbing over the locked gate at the end of his drive… or the mayhem that this lovely young woman is about to bring to his life.
I enjoyed Honor and Ralph’s story very much. Two extremely strong willed, stubborn people, each fully expecting their decisions to be immediately acted upon – not second guessed by another. Their story flows smoothly from madcap introduction, to attraction, to danger and perhaps a happy ending neither had seen for themselves before they met. I don’t write this often for I’m usually content with the story the author has given me, yet I would have enjoyed a slight epilogue on this story – but that’s my own wish. I would recommend Christmas at Devil’s Gate to any Historical or Regency Romance reader who enjoys a lively plot, strong characters and a sense of danger.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
A large part of my personal Christmas reading enjoyment comes from discovering so many Christmas Romances across the various genre that I enjoy. Discovering new-to-me authors is a gift I give to myself this time of year. So I was quite pleased to find Christmas at Devil’s Gate.
Honour is mere weeks from her birthday when she shall gain control of her sizable inheritance. Unfortunately, until that time she is on the run from an unscrupulous and rather nasty uncle who is determined to control her vast fortunes by marrying her to his son. That is so not going to happen. At least, if Honour has anything to say about it. Being out in a very bad snow storm was not the wisest decision, but if Honour is to avoid a kidnapping and forced marriage she needs to put miles between herself and her uncle. A broken axle will change her direction, and perhaps change the course of her life as well.
As Ralph is recuperating at his estates from a very bad war injury, he is counting the day until he can return to battle. The season means little to him, this place holds such bad memories that he’s only opened up the bare minimum of rooms for his recovery. The last thing he expected was a young miss climbing over the locked gate at the end of his drive… or the mayhem that this lovely young woman is about to bring to his life.
I enjoyed Honor and Ralph’s story very much. Two extremely strong willed, stubborn people, each fully expecting their decisions to be immediately acted upon – not second guessed by another. Their story flows smoothly from madcap introduction, to attraction, to danger and perhaps a happy ending neither had seen for themselves before they met. I don’t write this often for I’m usually content with the story the author has given me, yet I would have enjoyed a slight epilogue on this story – but that’s my own wish. I would recommend Christmas at Devil’s Gate to any Historical or Regency Romance reader who enjoys a lively plot, strong characters and a sense of danger.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
December 3, 2023
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content Warnings: This book contains small talk of execution by hanging, along with correct time period sexism.
Summary
In this very short and sweet romance novel, we meet Miss Honour Fitzroy who is on the run from her cousin Sir Edward Fitzroy. Her cousin is trying to force her into a marriage with his son in order to gain access to her large fortune. Miss Honours’ horse-drawn carriage breaks down during dangerous weather. She, along with her maid, manage to make it to a house they believe is called “Devil’s Gate”. The Estate is owned by a wounded soilder who swears to protect Miss Honour no matter the cost.
She feared that she had walked into a different kind of danger coming here, as her host was an extremely attractive gentleman – far too charming as far as she was concerned.
PAGE 82 – CHRISTMAS AT DEVIL’S GATE BY FENELLA J. MILLER
Review
I typically don’t read romance books. However, this short read was a pleasant one! Additionally, I rarely read books set this far back in time, and yet I adored it for that reason! There is something so romantic about the slow pace of life back then. I will warn, due to the time era, there are many old gender roles and sexist stereotypes. However, I believe that is to be expected and made it further more realistic. I read this book in two days (with a high needs two year old and a busy schedule that says a lot!) My biggest con with this read was the ending needed to be longer, I felt. I wish I could have known how things played out a little more dept.
Conclusion
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, fast paced, time period romance book. If you are looking for something to read while you are inbetween larger novels, or you dont have much patience or time, then this is a great book. If you have the understanding of what this read is: a short romance story with not much time for a long plot, then you will not be disappointed. I only wish I could have been reading it during the winter in front of a grand fire place to assist with setting the mood.
Review written by Alyssa Dyann
Content Warnings: This book contains small talk of execution by hanging, along with correct time period sexism.
Summary
In this very short and sweet romance novel, we meet Miss Honour Fitzroy who is on the run from her cousin Sir Edward Fitzroy. Her cousin is trying to force her into a marriage with his son in order to gain access to her large fortune. Miss Honours’ horse-drawn carriage breaks down during dangerous weather. She, along with her maid, manage to make it to a house they believe is called “Devil’s Gate”. The Estate is owned by a wounded soilder who swears to protect Miss Honour no matter the cost.
She feared that she had walked into a different kind of danger coming here, as her host was an extremely attractive gentleman – far too charming as far as she was concerned.
PAGE 82 – CHRISTMAS AT DEVIL’S GATE BY FENELLA J. MILLER
Review
I typically don’t read romance books. However, this short read was a pleasant one! Additionally, I rarely read books set this far back in time, and yet I adored it for that reason! There is something so romantic about the slow pace of life back then. I will warn, due to the time era, there are many old gender roles and sexist stereotypes. However, I believe that is to be expected and made it further more realistic. I read this book in two days (with a high needs two year old and a busy schedule that says a lot!) My biggest con with this read was the ending needed to be longer, I felt. I wish I could have known how things played out a little more dept.
Conclusion
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, fast paced, time period romance book. If you are looking for something to read while you are inbetween larger novels, or you dont have much patience or time, then this is a great book. If you have the understanding of what this read is: a short romance story with not much time for a long plot, then you will not be disappointed. I only wish I could have been reading it during the winter in front of a grand fire place to assist with setting the mood.
Review written by Alyssa Dyann
July 21, 2018
Honour Fitzroy's coach breaks an axel. She and her maid ride the horses (which would be difficult without saddles or proper clothing to set astride) to seek help. They find a house, but she must climb over the fence to get in. She becomes stuck. Major Ralph Duval is recovering from a saber wound, and although he rescues her, he swoons from his wound; therefore, it is she who rescues him. Honour is attempting to hide away so she will not be made to marry Robert. Sir Edward Fitzroy wants his son Robert to claim Honour's inheritance. And so our tale begins.
I liked the tale and would have given it a higher score, except for the ending, which was summed up in less than 25 words. The author never explains how Ralph can take away Fitzroy's estates and send the man to America. If Robert Fitzroy is sent away, his property would go into abeyance. Even if Robert is in America, he inherits. The author says there was a will leaving everything to Honour. If this were so, her uncle would have been ejected from the estate when she reached her majority, and another man (man of business, her husband, male relative) would have advised her in the running of the estate. There are gaping holes in the plot line.
Also, as this is "romance," the reader expects a certain amount of sexual tension to build between the hero and heroine. That did not happen.
I liked the tale and would have given it a higher score, except for the ending, which was summed up in less than 25 words. The author never explains how Ralph can take away Fitzroy's estates and send the man to America. If Robert Fitzroy is sent away, his property would go into abeyance. Even if Robert is in America, he inherits. The author says there was a will leaving everything to Honour. If this were so, her uncle would have been ejected from the estate when she reached her majority, and another man (man of business, her husband, male relative) would have advised her in the running of the estate. There are gaping holes in the plot line.
Also, as this is "romance," the reader expects a certain amount of sexual tension to build between the hero and heroine. That did not happen.
December 18, 2017
Perfect mix of drama, mystery and, of course Love!
This book starts with a blast and carries thru the entire book! No lag, greatly drawn characters, attention closely paid to the era and such a delightful read! The mystery woven throughout kept me so interested, I finished it in one sitting! This is a new author to me, which says much for the 65yrs I've been reading! I'm interested in every genre, mystery, gothic, sci first Bible, even encyclopedias! It takes much to keep me focused without a break. I even have several "reads" simultaneously! I've owned, enjoyed and shared thousands of books! When I find satisfying authors, I promptly have to read ALL they've put to page! My favorite gift has been my Kindle and it carries over 400 books, with more I've deleted! So, Bravo!!
This book starts with a blast and carries thru the entire book! No lag, greatly drawn characters, attention closely paid to the era and such a delightful read! The mystery woven throughout kept me so interested, I finished it in one sitting! This is a new author to me, which says much for the 65yrs I've been reading! I'm interested in every genre, mystery, gothic, sci first Bible, even encyclopedias! It takes much to keep me focused without a break. I even have several "reads" simultaneously! I've owned, enjoyed and shared thousands of books! When I find satisfying authors, I promptly have to read ALL they've put to page! My favorite gift has been my Kindle and it carries over 400 books, with more I've deleted! So, Bravo!!
March 21, 2018
I thought the premise of this novella was great. The author's way of writing dialogue was not to my taste. I felt the book was almost all talk with action that was hard to believe.
*SPOILERS*
This h! She is a Mary Sue to the enth degree, besides being over-managing and a crack shot to boot. She can manage a household, ride a horse, offer veterinary services to a bitch in distress, shoot a musket, etc etc etc. But at the abrupt end, she pops into bed with the Major like a common tart. And he could have been a better-developed character. I particularly hated the way he called the h "sweetheart" all the time. I kept inadvertantly seeing him as Humphrey Bogart and not a Regency era soldier.
*SPOILERS*
This h! She is a Mary Sue to the enth degree, besides being over-managing and a crack shot to boot. She can manage a household, ride a horse, offer veterinary services to a bitch in distress, shoot a musket, etc etc etc. But at the abrupt end, she pops into bed with the Major like a common tart. And he could have been a better-developed character. I particularly hated the way he called the h "sweetheart" all the time. I kept inadvertantly seeing him as Humphrey Bogart and not a Regency era soldier.
December 6, 2017
This is the story of two people who meet, quite literally, by colliding into each other. Both Honour and Ralph can be domineering characters and this makes for an entertaining read. This is a good paced story, with elements of danger and romance. Just the story to read whilst curled up in a cosy chair.
November 7, 2020
A delightful seasonal story
This is a brilliantly written delightful seasonal story that will keep you entertained on dark nights. The plot is full of intrigue and suspense. The characters are portrayed with the necessary strength to overcome their obstacles. This is a great book for all those who love clean historical romances that have plenty of twists and turns.
This is a brilliantly written delightful seasonal story that will keep you entertained on dark nights. The plot is full of intrigue and suspense. The characters are portrayed with the necessary strength to overcome their obstacles. This is a great book for all those who love clean historical romances that have plenty of twists and turns.
April 24, 2018
Christmas At Devil's Gate
A delightful story about a heiress whose guardian wants to force her to marry his son. She escapes and is rescued by a wounded war hero.
A delightful story about a heiress whose guardian wants to force her to marry his son. She escapes and is rescued by a wounded war hero.
February 26, 2020
Book review and book request
I love delightful fast reads. This book was very good. Will read others too
Can you add Miss Shaw and the doctor to the Kindle list, please? Thank you.
I love delightful fast reads. This book was very good. Will read others too
Can you add Miss Shaw and the doctor to the Kindle list, please? Thank you.
April 9, 2025
Review
This was the best! Both main characters were strong and straight forward, witty and intelligent. I loved the way they interacted!
This was the best! Both main characters were strong and straight forward, witty and intelligent. I loved the way they interacted!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews