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Patience for Christmas
A friendly holiday competition turns steamy in this Regency romance novella from the New York Times bestselling author of My One and Only Duke.
Previously published in Virtues of Christmas.
Advice columnist Patience Friendly's relationship with her stubborn, overbearing publisher, Dougal MacHugh, is anything but cordial. Dougal challenges Patience to take on a rival columnist in a holiday advice-a-thon, and sparks fly clear up to the mistletoe hanging from every rafter. Will Patience follow the practical guidance of her head or the passionate advice of her heart?
Previously published in Virtues of Christmas.
Advice columnist Patience Friendly's relationship with her stubborn, overbearing publisher, Dougal MacHugh, is anything but cordial. Dougal challenges Patience to take on a rival columnist in a holiday advice-a-thon, and sparks fly clear up to the mistletoe hanging from every rafter. Will Patience follow the practical guidance of her head or the passionate advice of her heart?
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2016
141 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
190 books2,918 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 29, 2018
Patience for Christmas by Grace Burrowes is a regency romance novella set during the Christmas holiday season. This romance has actually been published before as part of the Virtues of Christmas holiday novella collection and is now being published on it’s own.
Patience Friendly is unlike other young ladies of her time and has taken a job as an advice columnist a the local paper determined to support herself. Patience’s publisher, Dougal MacHugh, has come up with a project for her for the holiday season in writing a holiday advice-a-thon in response to a rival columnist.
The set up in this one has Patience losing her place in society but showing her strength and determination to survive on her own. Both Patience and Dougal were both likable right away and nice to see come together in the story. There are some steamier moments in the story between the characters and overall a nice little historical holiday romance.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Patience Friendly is unlike other young ladies of her time and has taken a job as an advice columnist a the local paper determined to support herself. Patience’s publisher, Dougal MacHugh, has come up with a project for her for the holiday season in writing a holiday advice-a-thon in response to a rival columnist.
The set up in this one has Patience losing her place in society but showing her strength and determination to survive on her own. Both Patience and Dougal were both likable right away and nice to see come together in the story. There are some steamier moments in the story between the characters and overall a nice little historical holiday romance.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
December 2, 2019
“Someday, Dougal wanted her to look at him the way she regarded that last half crumpet.”
It’s December and that means I crave holiday/winter wonderland reads and this delivered on those feels I wanted :) A 4 star read that had snowflakes falling, sexual tension, and mistletoe lurking!
Full review can be read at Historical Romance Magazine
I enjoyed this story with some Easy Turtle Cheesecake Fudge
no-way-jose
June 13, 2024No rating, DNF too early. I read enough though to know that the heroine is just not my type.
The writing is completely fine, the storyline a very cute and original plot....
I did not find the hero to be the grumpy, overly serious type that was described and told to us. But I did find the heroine to be extremely uptight, overly independent and bit of sour grapes.
This short holiday story would have been perfect for me had the heroine been a bit more sunny and charming with her witty dialogue, instead of leaning towards the always on the defense of being independent to the point of being rude.
Still on the hunt for the perfect Christmas romance story...
The writing is completely fine, the storyline a very cute and original plot....
I did not find the hero to be the grumpy, overly serious type that was described and told to us. But I did find the heroine to be extremely uptight, overly independent and bit of sour grapes.
This short holiday story would have been perfect for me had the heroine been a bit more sunny and charming with her witty dialogue, instead of leaning towards the always on the defense of being independent to the point of being rude.
Still on the hunt for the perfect Christmas romance story...
September 26, 2018
Sweet novella about an advice column writer and her publisher. Patience Friendly is a friend of Megan, Elizabeth, Charlotte and Anwen Wyndham (nieces of the Duke from the Wyndham Series) but has lost her position in society after her father spent the family money and her fiancé decided to pretend he never proposed to her.
Dougal MacHugh is a ruthless publisher (or so we initially think) that will do anything to increase his profits and sell more of his papers.
Both hero and heroine are wonderful, inteligent and lovely. The dialogues are witty and, although it is a short story, the romance is believable and sweet.
Great read!
Dougal MacHugh is a ruthless publisher (or so we initially think) that will do anything to increase his profits and sell more of his papers.
Both hero and heroine are wonderful, inteligent and lovely. The dialogues are witty and, although it is a short story, the romance is believable and sweet.
Great read!
November 24, 2019
Patience for Christmas was a wonderful read that’s just the thing to get you in the mood for the holidays.
Patience Friendly may no longer be accepted in polite society after her father lost the family fortune but she won’t let that stop her from finding a way to survive. Writing as an advice columnist under a pseudonym, Patience enjoys her work with the exception of her overbearing publisher, Dougal MacHugh. After Dougal challenges Patience to take on a rival columnist, the two begin to spend a lot of time together and it doesn’t take long for sparks to begin to fly.
Patience and Dougal’s relationship is initially a bit adversarial as Patience believes Dougal cares about nothing but his profits and Dougal has a tendency to intentionally rile Patience’s temper. I liked watching the two get to know one another more during the advice-a-thon and I loved seeing how well they played ideas off of one another. The forced proximity trope is one of my favorites in romances and this novella had hints of that which I loved. There is a secret that Dougal is keeping from Patience that causes some tension once revealed, but I liked how it proved to be a clever twist that ultimately moved the story forward.
Overall Patience for Christmas was the perfect holiday read and I loved the crossover with the characters from her Windham Brides series. I definitely recommend this novella if you’re looking for a quick and fun holiday read.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Patience Friendly may no longer be accepted in polite society after her father lost the family fortune but she won’t let that stop her from finding a way to survive. Writing as an advice columnist under a pseudonym, Patience enjoys her work with the exception of her overbearing publisher, Dougal MacHugh. After Dougal challenges Patience to take on a rival columnist, the two begin to spend a lot of time together and it doesn’t take long for sparks to begin to fly.
Patience and Dougal’s relationship is initially a bit adversarial as Patience believes Dougal cares about nothing but his profits and Dougal has a tendency to intentionally rile Patience’s temper. I liked watching the two get to know one another more during the advice-a-thon and I loved seeing how well they played ideas off of one another. The forced proximity trope is one of my favorites in romances and this novella had hints of that which I loved. There is a secret that Dougal is keeping from Patience that causes some tension once revealed, but I liked how it proved to be a clever twist that ultimately moved the story forward.
Overall Patience for Christmas was the perfect holiday read and I loved the crossover with the characters from her Windham Brides series. I definitely recommend this novella if you’re looking for a quick and fun holiday read.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
January 7, 2020
Reviewed for THC Reviews
Patience for Christmas is a holiday-themed novella about a bluestocking advice columnist and her publisher. The two have historically been at odds with one another, but not nearly as much as she’s been at odds with a competing advice columnist. Her publisher believes that he can exploit their rivalry to sell more newspapers if they publish daily columns, doling out wise counsel on all things Christmas for the two weeks leading up to the holiday. Together they work hard to complete the endeavor, while falling in love. But what will happen when she discovers his big secret?
Patience was born a well-bred lady, but her father was a profligate spender. Just as she was about to make a good match with a viscount with whom she thought she was in love, her suitor discovered that she had no inheritance and dropped her cold, leaving her reputation ruined. If not for the kindness of her grandmother, she would have had nothing, but luckily the old woman left Patience everything she owned, including a small townhouse. Patience didn’t start out as a bluestocking, but the hardships she endured taught her that she couldn’t rely on the men in her life for anything. So she vowed to do whatever it took to remain independent. The fiery spinster earns her living by writing an advice column as a character named Mrs. Horner, and Mrs. Horner’s Corner has thus far been extremely well-received by the citizens of London. But three months earlier, a competing columnist named Professor Pennypacker emerged and has been her nemesis ever since. Now her publisher, Dougal MacHugh, with whom she’s also usually at odds, wants her to answer letters daily throughout the holiday season in something of a back-and-forth exchange with Pennypacker. Knowing the extra funds will help greatly, she agrees, and as she works with Dougal almost day and night for two weeks, she finds that the man is a lot more likable than she originally thought and soon falls for him. I admired Patience’s spunkiness and her willingness to stand up for herself. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind and gives Dougal a run for his money, but at the same time she’s kind and compassionate toward others and has the heart of an activist.
Scotsman Dougal is a former school teacher who used his inheritance to start a publishing house with dreams of someday printing educational books and materials at a low cost so that they can be accessible to everyone. Things didn’t exactly go as planned, though. As it turns out, Mrs. Horner’s Corner took off and is now the thing that makes him the most money, so he comes up with his scheme to sell even more papers over the holiday season. He genuinely admires Patience and seems to enjoy locking horns with her. I think he was starting to have deeper feelings for her before the story begins, but it’s working closely with her on a daily basis that really solidifies those emotions. By the time Christmas comes, he’s more than ready to propose, but there’s a little matter of a big secret he’s been keeping from her. Dougal is a man I admired for his ability to see and appreciate the value in a woman’s mind. He views Patience as his equal, and when she finally confides her past to him, he’s incensed on her behalf that the viscount would leave her like he did. I also thought that his dream was an admirable one, and I felt that with Patience by his side, he just might achieve it in the future.
Overall, Patience for Christmas was a fun, enjoyable novella. The supporting cast was very likable and Dougal’s cat, George was cute. I was amused by the advice columnist rivalry that had people buying broadsheets like gangbusters. I also enjoyed the meeting of the minds that occurs between Dougal and Patience, and how they gain a new respect for one another. Where I thought the story faltered a bit was in the romance itself. These two characters have an intellectual connection in spades, and I do love seeing that in a hero and heroine’s relationship. However, it didn’t fully translate into an emotional one. They’re very matter-of-fact with each other about nearly everything to do with their romantic connection, including the decision to share a bed. Even the one love scene is IMHO rather bland and lacking genuine passion. Otherwise, though, I felt that the story was well-written. It was my first read by Grace Burrowes, and it was good enough to leave me open to trying more of her work in the future, but I do hope that she steps up the romance a bit more in her other stories. I read Patience for Christmas as a bonus novella in the back of Elizabeth Hoyt’s latest release, Not the Duke’s Darling, but it appears to have been originally published in the anthology, The Virtues of Christmas, and has also been released as a stand-alone ebook.
Patience for Christmas is a holiday-themed novella about a bluestocking advice columnist and her publisher. The two have historically been at odds with one another, but not nearly as much as she’s been at odds with a competing advice columnist. Her publisher believes that he can exploit their rivalry to sell more newspapers if they publish daily columns, doling out wise counsel on all things Christmas for the two weeks leading up to the holiday. Together they work hard to complete the endeavor, while falling in love. But what will happen when she discovers his big secret?
Patience was born a well-bred lady, but her father was a profligate spender. Just as she was about to make a good match with a viscount with whom she thought she was in love, her suitor discovered that she had no inheritance and dropped her cold, leaving her reputation ruined. If not for the kindness of her grandmother, she would have had nothing, but luckily the old woman left Patience everything she owned, including a small townhouse. Patience didn’t start out as a bluestocking, but the hardships she endured taught her that she couldn’t rely on the men in her life for anything. So she vowed to do whatever it took to remain independent. The fiery spinster earns her living by writing an advice column as a character named Mrs. Horner, and Mrs. Horner’s Corner has thus far been extremely well-received by the citizens of London. But three months earlier, a competing columnist named Professor Pennypacker emerged and has been her nemesis ever since. Now her publisher, Dougal MacHugh, with whom she’s also usually at odds, wants her to answer letters daily throughout the holiday season in something of a back-and-forth exchange with Pennypacker. Knowing the extra funds will help greatly, she agrees, and as she works with Dougal almost day and night for two weeks, she finds that the man is a lot more likable than she originally thought and soon falls for him. I admired Patience’s spunkiness and her willingness to stand up for herself. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind and gives Dougal a run for his money, but at the same time she’s kind and compassionate toward others and has the heart of an activist.
Scotsman Dougal is a former school teacher who used his inheritance to start a publishing house with dreams of someday printing educational books and materials at a low cost so that they can be accessible to everyone. Things didn’t exactly go as planned, though. As it turns out, Mrs. Horner’s Corner took off and is now the thing that makes him the most money, so he comes up with his scheme to sell even more papers over the holiday season. He genuinely admires Patience and seems to enjoy locking horns with her. I think he was starting to have deeper feelings for her before the story begins, but it’s working closely with her on a daily basis that really solidifies those emotions. By the time Christmas comes, he’s more than ready to propose, but there’s a little matter of a big secret he’s been keeping from her. Dougal is a man I admired for his ability to see and appreciate the value in a woman’s mind. He views Patience as his equal, and when she finally confides her past to him, he’s incensed on her behalf that the viscount would leave her like he did. I also thought that his dream was an admirable one, and I felt that with Patience by his side, he just might achieve it in the future.
Overall, Patience for Christmas was a fun, enjoyable novella. The supporting cast was very likable and Dougal’s cat, George was cute. I was amused by the advice columnist rivalry that had people buying broadsheets like gangbusters. I also enjoyed the meeting of the minds that occurs between Dougal and Patience, and how they gain a new respect for one another. Where I thought the story faltered a bit was in the romance itself. These two characters have an intellectual connection in spades, and I do love seeing that in a hero and heroine’s relationship. However, it didn’t fully translate into an emotional one. They’re very matter-of-fact with each other about nearly everything to do with their romantic connection, including the decision to share a bed. Even the one love scene is IMHO rather bland and lacking genuine passion. Otherwise, though, I felt that the story was well-written. It was my first read by Grace Burrowes, and it was good enough to leave me open to trying more of her work in the future, but I do hope that she steps up the romance a bit more in her other stories. I read Patience for Christmas as a bonus novella in the back of Elizabeth Hoyt’s latest release, Not the Duke’s Darling, but it appears to have been originally published in the anthology, The Virtues of Christmas, and has also been released as a stand-alone ebook.
December 27, 2020
I generally enjoy feuding editors/columnists (or producers/on air talent if it's a modern interpretation). I really liked this, expecially the first half. The strength of this is Patience and Hugh's discussions, as they argue about the best course fo action to make her column profitable. The book clearly sets up the fact that even though they often disagree, they respect each other. I'm even okay with the source of drama:
I buy most of the journey they go on. Where I tuned out is
So I docked a star. Because I feel the first half of this is better than the second.
I buy most of the journey they go on. Where I tuned out is
So I docked a star. Because I feel the first half of this is better than the second.
December 28, 2020
If you are looking for a quick, sweet historical romance that takes place over the holidays then go no further!
Patience and Dougal were adorable. Even in the compressed timeline of a novella, the relationship arc for these two was immensely satisfying for me. Starting from a not quite enemy but definitely not friends work relationship, Patience manages to enchant Dougal. Both work hard for what they have and I just wish I could be a fly on the wall for their deeper conversations.
I fully intend to pick up The Trouble with Dukes as soon as I have a free moment (and my library hold comes in).
Patience and Dougal were adorable. Even in the compressed timeline of a novella, the relationship arc for these two was immensely satisfying for me. Starting from a not quite enemy but definitely not friends work relationship, Patience manages to enchant Dougal. Both work hard for what they have and I just wish I could be a fly on the wall for their deeper conversations.
I fully intend to pick up The Trouble with Dukes as soon as I have a free moment (and my library hold comes in).
December 28, 2018
Checked this out on a lark due to the title. Read on the plane while on the way to visit my in-laws for Christmas. I haven't read any Burrowes before, but if her full length novels are as good as this novella, then I need to check out her backlist. Solid, well told story of writer and her publisher and how they fall in love. Despite the short length, the story is well developed. Good Christmas surprise.
January 6, 2019
I'm not much of a Grace Burrowes fan, but this was Christmas-themed and free in the back of Elizabeth Hoyt's latest, so I gave it a whirl. I'm glad I did. It was extremely predictable but still a cute read; the H/h were likeable, and you were rooting for them. You can read it alone, but I suspect that the secondary characters are part of a series. Only drawbacks were the obsession of crumpets and treats. It was a bit much. All in all though, it was fun.
January 19, 2019
A cute novella, but fairly standard plot and characters. While the writing was good, the chemistry didn’t really zing for me. Amusing but not fabulous.
August 6, 2021
Skimmed it. Just couldn't get into it.
January 15, 2019
Received in exchange for a honest review.
This is fun, entertaining and at times flirty.
The attraction between Dougal and Patience is wrought with tension but there. They are really fun to read about. Patience the lady who gives sound advice for women and men and is driven batty by her publisher Dougal. Dougal who admits his attraction, does something crazy to keep her from going away and his gamble almost ends disastrous.
Patience was steady and hard working. She learns so much about Dougal as they work together over the holidays on the advice-a-thon. This closeness has them become closer and act on the attraction only Dougal does have a secret. And it can destroy things for him.
Love how Dougal changes and Patience becomes stronger and stands up for himself. Towards the end Patience frustrated me because yes she has a right to be angry but she did something as well and it was in line with Dougal’s. So she should be angry but not indignant and push him away. That was the only time I got frustrated. i thought she was going to far. So glad Dougal doesn’t sit back and take it to heart.
The story is well written, entertaining and fun. The characters are ones you instantly like and connect with and the romance was fun and sweet.
This is fun, entertaining and at times flirty.
The attraction between Dougal and Patience is wrought with tension but there. They are really fun to read about. Patience the lady who gives sound advice for women and men and is driven batty by her publisher Dougal. Dougal who admits his attraction, does something crazy to keep her from going away and his gamble almost ends disastrous.
Patience was steady and hard working. She learns so much about Dougal as they work together over the holidays on the advice-a-thon. This closeness has them become closer and act on the attraction only Dougal does have a secret. And it can destroy things for him.
Love how Dougal changes and Patience becomes stronger and stands up for himself. Towards the end Patience frustrated me because yes she has a right to be angry but she did something as well and it was in line with Dougal’s. So she should be angry but not indignant and push him away. That was the only time I got frustrated. i thought she was going to far. So glad Dougal doesn’t sit back and take it to heart.
The story is well written, entertaining and fun. The characters are ones you instantly like and connect with and the romance was fun and sweet.
April 11, 2022
Un delicioso relato corto navideño ambientado en el mundillo editorial de la Regencia. Siempre es de agradecer un cambio de ambientación, algo no tan trillado.
Patience Friendly escribe consejos en una gacetilla, cuyo editor es Dougal MacHugh. No se llevan del todo bien, pero Patience acepta los retos que le plantea Dougal. Él la fuerza a pensar más, de manera que la convierte en mejor escritora. El contacto más intenso hace que aflore la inclinación que Dougal (es evidente) ha tenido por ella desde hace tiempo. Es Patience la que debe reconsiderar su vida, y empezar a ver a Dougal con otros ojos. Lo que más me gustó fue ese personaje escocés, Dougal, un poco gruñón y algo agarrado. Cuando un empleado suyo le reprocha que sea un tipo taciturno, él replica algo así como «Soy escocés. Se me permite ser taciturno».
Una historia muy agradable de leer, es hasta cuqui.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
Patience Friendly escribe consejos en una gacetilla, cuyo editor es Dougal MacHugh. No se llevan del todo bien, pero Patience acepta los retos que le plantea Dougal. Él la fuerza a pensar más, de manera que la convierte en mejor escritora. El contacto más intenso hace que aflore la inclinación que Dougal (es evidente) ha tenido por ella desde hace tiempo. Es Patience la que debe reconsiderar su vida, y empezar a ver a Dougal con otros ojos. Lo que más me gustó fue ese personaje escocés, Dougal, un poco gruñón y algo agarrado. Cuando un empleado suyo le reprocha que sea un tipo taciturno, él replica algo así como «Soy escocés. Se me permite ser taciturno».
Una historia muy agradable de leer, es hasta cuqui.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
February 23, 2020
3.5 stars...Historical romance isn’t my usual genre, but this had great reviews so I thought why not.
Overall, I enjoyed this more than I expected to! I really enjoyed the banter between the characters and the build up of the story. I thought there was great chemistry and the story flowed and made sense.
Definitely a nice light, quick, fun read.
Overall, I enjoyed this more than I expected to! I really enjoyed the banter between the characters and the build up of the story. I thought there was great chemistry and the story flowed and made sense.
Definitely a nice light, quick, fun read.
November 3, 2019
I immediately fell in love with Grace, who is strong enough to make her own way during Victorian England. Dougal took a bit more time but I eventually came to like him too! The story was quite engaging, although it left me wanting more!
March 9, 2019
I enjoyed the freshness of this story: a Scottish newspaper publisher and the former-lady-turned advice columnist heroine. Likeable characters and lots of warmth.
March 8, 2021
3.5🌟
Mehr als das diese Kurzgeschichte süß war kann ich nicht sagen 🤷♀️ ich fand die Idee gut und auch die beiden Protagonisten haben mir gut gefallen aber es war auch nichts besonderes 🙊
Mehr als das diese Kurzgeschichte süß war kann ich nicht sagen 🤷♀️ ich fand die Idee gut und auch die beiden Protagonisten haben mir gut gefallen aber es war auch nichts besonderes 🙊
December 31, 2020
Read as a end-of-book extra in "Not the Duke's Darling" Greycourt 01 by Elizabeth Hoyt.
What a find! Well done, dear author. Well done!
What a find! Well done, dear author. Well done!
December 31, 2018
This is an entertaining historical Christmas novella by an author I really like. My rating 4.5.
Patience is a determined young woman supporting herself by writing an advise column. A past betrayal by a young man has left her cautious of men and a natural champion for women. Patience’s columns have been getting a rival opinion from Professor Pennypacker.
Her publisher, Scottish, stubborn and overbearing Dougal MacHugh, challenges Patience to take on twelve days of advice against her rival. It would mean extra income for the publisher and the Patience too, even if it will cut into other activities.
Dougal sets out to work side by side with Patience to help choose the letters and get the columns completed. They banter with their opinions growing closer and closer while spending long hours working together. But Dougal has a secret that could cause a major backfire.
I totally enjoyed these feisty characters and the love that blossomed between them. The secret (easily guessed) is revealed to the reader long before it is inevitably revealed to Patience. The tension builds as the passion develops between the couple and we wait to see how Patience will respond to Dougal’s secret.
I enjoy Ms. Burrowes' writing style and this novella didn’t disappoint as I was thoroughly entertained. I recommend this as a quick, delightful Christmas romance. I recommend this author to readers who enjoy good historical romance with some heat but not too steamy.
Source: NetGalley.
Patience is a determined young woman supporting herself by writing an advise column. A past betrayal by a young man has left her cautious of men and a natural champion for women. Patience’s columns have been getting a rival opinion from Professor Pennypacker.
Her publisher, Scottish, stubborn and overbearing Dougal MacHugh, challenges Patience to take on twelve days of advice against her rival. It would mean extra income for the publisher and the Patience too, even if it will cut into other activities.
Dougal sets out to work side by side with Patience to help choose the letters and get the columns completed. They banter with their opinions growing closer and closer while spending long hours working together. But Dougal has a secret that could cause a major backfire.
I totally enjoyed these feisty characters and the love that blossomed between them. The secret (easily guessed) is revealed to the reader long before it is inevitably revealed to Patience. The tension builds as the passion develops between the couple and we wait to see how Patience will respond to Dougal’s secret.
I enjoy Ms. Burrowes' writing style and this novella didn’t disappoint as I was thoroughly entertained. I recommend this as a quick, delightful Christmas romance. I recommend this author to readers who enjoy good historical romance with some heat but not too steamy.
Source: NetGalley.
January 3, 2019
This is a fun Christmas novella featuring practical, no-nonsense advice columnist Patience Friendly and her ambitious Scottish editor Dougal MacHugh. Patience's advice to letter writers has increased the circulation of Dougal's newspaper greatly, especially since a rival paper is publishing advice from a so-called Professor. Dougal thinks it would be a great stunt for the holidays to publish 12 days of advice columns, which means Patience will have to work practically day and night to read through letters, formulate her advice, and write the responses. Working so closely with Dougal and the other employees at the paper opens up a whole new world to Patience. She usually spends her days alone at home trying to make ends meet as economically as possible, with an occasional visit to her friends for tea, gossip, and baking. Is it the close quarters, the shared goal, or the mistletoe that has her viewing Dougal in a whole new light?
I really enjoyed the insight into the life of a woman trying to make it on her own in the Regency era and the look inside the news sheets of the day. The romance that developed between Dougal and Patience was fun, sweet, and spicy. This was an additional story in with Elizabeth Hoyt's "Not the Duke's Darling."
I really enjoyed the insight into the life of a woman trying to make it on her own in the Regency era and the look inside the news sheets of the day. The romance that developed between Dougal and Patience was fun, sweet, and spicy. This was an additional story in with Elizabeth Hoyt's "Not the Duke's Darling."
January 6, 2019
Patience Friendly has been dealt a serious setback when she was younger. A betrothal that left her ruined when the viscount denied ever proposing after he found out she was not a heiress. In the past 10 years she has done everything she could to support herself. Her latest effort is with publisher Dougal MacHugh where she writes an advice column. When Dougal suggests a way to increase readership and thus her wages, Patience agrees, but what she doesn't know about Dougal could definitely test her trust issues with men once again.
I enjoyed this novella and especially loved the arguments and counter arguments for each letter Patience answered. There are no glittering ballrooms or soirees in the story and it was refreshing to see what happens with the opportunities available to a young woman who has been jilted. When Patience and Dougal begin to see each other in a different light, Ms. Burrowes pulls the reader in even more to see how it will all end. I loved the twist in the story. It was well done. This is a quick read and fans of regency romances will definitely enjoy this story.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review and was not obligated to leave a review.
I enjoyed this novella and especially loved the arguments and counter arguments for each letter Patience answered. There are no glittering ballrooms or soirees in the story and it was refreshing to see what happens with the opportunities available to a young woman who has been jilted. When Patience and Dougal begin to see each other in a different light, Ms. Burrowes pulls the reader in even more to see how it will all end. I loved the twist in the story. It was well done. This is a quick read and fans of regency romances will definitely enjoy this story.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review and was not obligated to leave a review.
December 16, 2018
This tells of Patience Friendly who writes an advice column for Douglas MacHugh’s publishing house in order to make ends meet. MacHugh has asked Patience to write extra columns for Christmas in a literary match-up against rival advice columnist Professor Pennypacker.
I loved this book! It starts with a scene featuring the Wyndham ladies before they were married so I have to assume this book was meant to be from before the Wyndham series. The inclusion of these beloved characters only improved the book more.
By chapter two I was laughing. This book contains humor, warmth and intrigue- a perfect mix in fact!
I also liked how the traditional roles were slightly altered and Patience was represented as a woman with fabulous business acumen and MacHugh was a strong enough man to allow that and even to encourage it.
This book is a lovely, quick read for the holidays!
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book! It starts with a scene featuring the Wyndham ladies before they were married so I have to assume this book was meant to be from before the Wyndham series. The inclusion of these beloved characters only improved the book more.
By chapter two I was laughing. This book contains humor, warmth and intrigue- a perfect mix in fact!
I also liked how the traditional roles were slightly altered and Patience was represented as a woman with fabulous business acumen and MacHugh was a strong enough man to allow that and even to encourage it.
This book is a lovely, quick read for the holidays!
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2018
Please see all of my reviews on my blog at https://www.robinlovesreading.com.
What a delightful story. Patience Friendly is an advice columnist and steps up to the challenge against a rival columnist per the advice of her boss Douglas McHugh. Can they create more columns than ever before without tearing each other’s throats out?
During that era, it was not common for most women to have to work to support themselves, but that is what Patience must do. What is wonderful is that she excels at her job. Douglas loves the incredible talent that Patience has. How far can her push her, however?
Although hard work is key, the two share a mutual attraction. This brief regency romance has emotion, passion and humor. Crumpets anyone? 🙂
This novella was a bonus story in Not the Duke’s Darling by Elizabeth Hoyt.
Many thanks to Forever for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
What a delightful story. Patience Friendly is an advice columnist and steps up to the challenge against a rival columnist per the advice of her boss Douglas McHugh. Can they create more columns than ever before without tearing each other’s throats out?
During that era, it was not common for most women to have to work to support themselves, but that is what Patience must do. What is wonderful is that she excels at her job. Douglas loves the incredible talent that Patience has. How far can her push her, however?
Although hard work is key, the two share a mutual attraction. This brief regency romance has emotion, passion and humor. Crumpets anyone? 🙂
This novella was a bonus story in Not the Duke’s Darling by Elizabeth Hoyt.
Many thanks to Forever for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
January 23, 2020
This was included as a bonus story in Elizabeth Hoyt's mass market paperback of Not the Duke's Darling.
This was a fun Christmas read.
Patience, the daughter of a aristocratic younger son, was taken advantage of by her "fiancée" 10 years ago. The plan was for her to marry well, which didn't happen. Her father managed to squander almost everything and her mother sold off everything she could, and bought her brother a commission.
So, now she spends her days writing an advice column, being "mad" at her boss and obsessing over her response(s) to her male competitor.
But, her boss has feelings for her, that he acted on, by kissing Patience under the mistletoe, and now he is trying to keep his distance, but Patience on the other hand wants him to kiss her again.
This was a fun Christmas read.
Patience, the daughter of a aristocratic younger son, was taken advantage of by her "fiancée" 10 years ago. The plan was for her to marry well, which didn't happen. Her father managed to squander almost everything and her mother sold off everything she could, and bought her brother a commission.
So, now she spends her days writing an advice column, being "mad" at her boss and obsessing over her response(s) to her male competitor.
But, her boss has feelings for her, that he acted on, by kissing Patience under the mistletoe, and now he is trying to keep his distance, but Patience on the other hand wants him to kiss her again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2018
Patience is a friend of the Windham sisters so there is a tie in to the Windham series. It is set before any of the sisters marry. Patience was ruined and makes her living writing for a local paper. She has an advice column and now there is a compensation between her column and on in another paper. There are two secrets in play and a building romance between the owners of the to columns. I loved how Patience grew and became more independent and how her boss reacted to her growth. A really nice Christmas romance with just a little tension to go with the romance.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
October 4, 2020
Patience for Christmas is my first xmas novel(la) of the season. This short tale is the story of a publisher and his star advice columnist who fall in love.
First, Christmas novels tend to be super cheesy and this book was not. The heroine had a crew of friends and a job. For a historical romance, this is pretty great. Problem is, given the novella format, the problem appeared and was wrapped up very quickly. Too fast to be believable though who is reading a historical romance with such ridiculous requirements. There was also nearly nothing about Christmas so the title really did not deliver. It was a decent story but also a bit silly.
First, Christmas novels tend to be super cheesy and this book was not. The heroine had a crew of friends and a job. For a historical romance, this is pretty great. Problem is, given the novella format, the problem appeared and was wrapped up very quickly. Too fast to be believable though who is reading a historical romance with such ridiculous requirements. There was also nearly nothing about Christmas so the title really did not deliver. It was a decent story but also a bit silly.
January 17, 2021
This is the first book that I have read from this author and I found it charming. Spinster Patience Friendly, having been shunned by society, lives in the home she inherited from her grandmother and supports herself with writing her column, Mrs. Horner's Corner. As readership rises, her publisher,
Scot Dougal MacHugh sets up a competition between her column, and that of a rival , Professor Pennypacker. As they spend more time together, working on her column, both their lives become livelier and richer, but Dougal is holding something back. Love the back and forth between the principals.
Scot Dougal MacHugh sets up a competition between her column, and that of a rival , Professor Pennypacker. As they spend more time together, working on her column, both their lives become livelier and richer, but Dougal is holding something back. Love the back and forth between the principals.
January 7, 2024
1. Historical: a mention of Mary Wollstonecraft's treatise.
2. Romance: RED FLAG: Employer / employee + he lied to her before they started working together on a giant project. He kept her away from her friends. Also unsure about the physical description of the Employer, Dougall. Most of the other review have barely mentioned this lie. Then when she finds out, she says she lied too?
3. Patience's backstory was very good however. And her friends were very nice.
4. Spice: one spice. I think. Not sure.
2. Romance: RED FLAG: Employer / employee + he lied to her before they started working together on a giant project. He kept her away from her friends. Also unsure about the physical description of the Employer, Dougall. Most of the other review have barely mentioned this lie. Then when she finds out, she says she lied too?
3. Patience's backstory was very good however. And her friends were very nice.
4. Spice: one spice. I think. Not sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2019
I received an Advance Reader Copy of the book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Patience for Christmas was my first book by Grace Burrowes but it won't be my last. While it's a bit lower on the heat spectrum than most of the historical romances I've read, the story is sweet, engrossing, and heartfelt. Patience and Dougal are such great counterpoints for each other and their chemistry and banter are everything! What really impressed me about this story is the attention and care that was put into every single character featured in the book - even when the side characters where on the page, I was totally engrossed in the story. I can't wait to read more from Grace Burrowes; she left a great first impression on me with this delightful novella. 4 out of 5 wine glasses.
Patience for Christmas was my first book by Grace Burrowes but it won't be my last. While it's a bit lower on the heat spectrum than most of the historical romances I've read, the story is sweet, engrossing, and heartfelt. Patience and Dougal are such great counterpoints for each other and their chemistry and banter are everything! What really impressed me about this story is the attention and care that was put into every single character featured in the book - even when the side characters where on the page, I was totally engrossed in the story. I can't wait to read more from Grace Burrowes; she left a great first impression on me with this delightful novella. 4 out of 5 wine glasses.
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