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The Sommersby Brides #1.5 Included
Convenient Christmas Brides: The Captain's Christmas Journey / The Viscount's Yuletide Betrothal / One Night Under the Mistletoe
A convenient arrangement
Three festive Regency romances…
In The Captain’s Christmas Journey by Carla Kelly, Captain Everard is escorting Verity to her governess job—and for propriety’s sake that means a convenient engagement! In Louise Allen’s The Viscount’s Yuletide Betrothal , Eleanor advertises for a “suitable” gentleman to pose as her betrothed over Christmas. And in Laurie Benson’s novella, Juliet’s One Night Under the Mistletoe leads to a marriage of convenience with handsome former love Lord Montague…
Three festive Regency romances…
In The Captain’s Christmas Journey by Carla Kelly, Captain Everard is escorting Verity to her governess job—and for propriety’s sake that means a convenient engagement! In Louise Allen’s The Viscount’s Yuletide Betrothal , Eleanor advertises for a “suitable” gentleman to pose as her betrothed over Christmas. And in Laurie Benson’s novella, Juliet’s One Night Under the Mistletoe leads to a marriage of convenience with handsome former love Lord Montague…
284 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 16, 2018
142 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Carla Kelly
138 books802 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 45 reviews
July 24, 2020
Carla Kelly and Louise Allen are at the top of their game. Their Christmas stories had everything I could wish for: lovely characters and heart warming plot that captured the pairing of the holiday season. I’m glad I picked up this collection - I will enjoy reading these stories again around Christmas.
Benson’s story is another matter entirely. Hackneyed plot, pasteboard characters that have little to recommend them and writing style with a distinctly modern feel. A timely reminder for me to steer clear of her full length novels.
Benson’s story is another matter entirely. Hackneyed plot, pasteboard characters that have little to recommend them and writing style with a distinctly modern feel. A timely reminder for me to steer clear of her full length novels.
December 28, 2018
The Captain’s Christmas Journey (Carla Kelly)- 2 stars. A bit contrived plot wise, but decent character development, cute banter, an h who isn’t a hormonal mess, and an H who doesn’t seem like a rake. All intimacy off page, clean content, and safe.
The Viscount’s Yuletide Proposal (Louise Allen)- 1.75 stars. Same as the previous story- a bit contrived, but cute enough. No intimate scenes and the language was clean. I especially like that the hurt pride didn’t drag on for long and was overcome by both MCs, not just one or the other. However, the ending was too abrupt and I must admit, the mention of certain, ahem, anatomical parts lowered my opinion of tris story. It was unnecessary.
One Night Under the Mistletoe (Laurie Benson)- 1.5 stars. I enjoy a good second chance story as much as the next romance reader, but this one came up short. For a second chance romance to be enjoyable, there just needs to be more development for me to care about the characters, and since I didn't read the first book of this series, I might have missed the boat on this one. It bothered me that the so called hero in this story spent four years kissing scores of OW in an attempt to find someone who made him feel as incredible as the heroine. I'm not sure if he slept with any of these OW, but he mentions having had sex with a few women in his time and apparently, in so-called Romancelandia, four years is a long time for an attractive man of means to be celibate. All this is to say, who knows? I'm not sure if I can recommend this to my safety gang friends. The writing was engaging enough, but the story itself missed the mark.
The Viscount’s Yuletide Proposal (Louise Allen)- 1.75 stars. Same as the previous story- a bit contrived, but cute enough. No intimate scenes and the language was clean. I especially like that the hurt pride didn’t drag on for long and was overcome by both MCs, not just one or the other. However, the ending was too abrupt and I must admit, the mention of certain, ahem, anatomical parts lowered my opinion of tris story. It was unnecessary.
One Night Under the Mistletoe (Laurie Benson)- 1.5 stars. I enjoy a good second chance story as much as the next romance reader, but this one came up short. For a second chance romance to be enjoyable, there just needs to be more development for me to care about the characters, and since I didn't read the first book of this series, I might have missed the boat on this one. It bothered me that the so called hero in this story spent four years kissing scores of OW in an attempt to find someone who made him feel as incredible as the heroine. I'm not sure if he slept with any of these OW, but he mentions having had sex with a few women in his time and apparently, in so-called Romancelandia, four years is a long time for an attractive man of means to be celibate. All this is to say, who knows? I'm not sure if I can recommend this to my safety gang friends. The writing was engaging enough, but the story itself missed the mark.
September 27, 2018
One Night Under The Mistletoe is book two in The Sommersby Brides series, which for those who haven’t read the first one yet (I highly recommend that you do) is a mini series which follows three sister’s in their pursuit of finding their happily ever after, even if they don’t realise they are looking for it, and that is exactly what you can expect with this one. Ms Benson really has become my go-to author for tender and sensual romances that take, not just the character’s on a journey of discovery to find their happy ever after but also the reader.
When I heard that Laurie Benson was writing a story in a Christmas anthology, I was very excited to see what would come out of it and I was not disappointed with this. I particularly like the fact that instead of writing a stand-a-lone to go in this anthology – which a lot of other authors would have done – Ms Benson chose to carry on the Sommersby Bride series.
Montague is in search of the perfect kiss, a kiss that will blow his mind. He has kissed a lot of women in his life, but he has only ever had a mind blowing, great kiss just once, and since that day he has tried to find a woman who can match and then hopefully he will find the wife that he knows deep down he needs. He doesn’t find anything like the kiss he wants, but what he does find in a secluded library at a ball changes his life forever.
Juliet is quietly reading in the library when she is come upon by the deadly handsome Monty. She remembers when they shared a secret kiss and like Monty she has never really been able to move on from it, only that the man himself broke her heart so terribly she can’t allow herself to love him again.
An innocent and unexpected encounter, forces them to do exactly what neither of them want; to find themselves in Marriage of Convenience. Juliet thinks that this is it, she is stuck in a loveless marriage. Without giving too much away, I love how they begin to reconnect with each other and it is very lovely seeing how they begin to see one an other as more than just a ball and chain. Their road to happily ever after isn’t an easy one as at first their relationship is strained, but the magic of Christmas allows them to finally find what they are both so desperately wanting.
This ticks all boxes for me wonderfully, romantically challenged character’s, beautiful story that enchants and entertains, plus a flawless Christmassy setting that is magical and season wrapped up with that Benson gift to make the reader fall in love. The only downside is that I would have liked it to go on a little longer, which is always the case with novella’s, but this really set’s us up for the next sister’s story. I am really looking forward to seeing where Ms Benson will take Lizzie, she was the sister that I was intrigued by from day one.
A wonderfully seasonal, ever so romantic and magical story that will leave you feeling all warm and ready to put up your own Mistletoe
When I heard that Laurie Benson was writing a story in a Christmas anthology, I was very excited to see what would come out of it and I was not disappointed with this. I particularly like the fact that instead of writing a stand-a-lone to go in this anthology – which a lot of other authors would have done – Ms Benson chose to carry on the Sommersby Bride series.
Montague is in search of the perfect kiss, a kiss that will blow his mind. He has kissed a lot of women in his life, but he has only ever had a mind blowing, great kiss just once, and since that day he has tried to find a woman who can match and then hopefully he will find the wife that he knows deep down he needs. He doesn’t find anything like the kiss he wants, but what he does find in a secluded library at a ball changes his life forever.
Juliet is quietly reading in the library when she is come upon by the deadly handsome Monty. She remembers when they shared a secret kiss and like Monty she has never really been able to move on from it, only that the man himself broke her heart so terribly she can’t allow herself to love him again.
An innocent and unexpected encounter, forces them to do exactly what neither of them want; to find themselves in Marriage of Convenience. Juliet thinks that this is it, she is stuck in a loveless marriage. Without giving too much away, I love how they begin to reconnect with each other and it is very lovely seeing how they begin to see one an other as more than just a ball and chain. Their road to happily ever after isn’t an easy one as at first their relationship is strained, but the magic of Christmas allows them to finally find what they are both so desperately wanting.
This ticks all boxes for me wonderfully, romantically challenged character’s, beautiful story that enchants and entertains, plus a flawless Christmassy setting that is magical and season wrapped up with that Benson gift to make the reader fall in love. The only downside is that I would have liked it to go on a little longer, which is always the case with novella’s, but this really set’s us up for the next sister’s story. I am really looking forward to seeing where Ms Benson will take Lizzie, she was the sister that I was intrigued by from day one.
A wonderfully seasonal, ever so romantic and magical story that will leave you feeling all warm and ready to put up your own Mistletoe
January 20, 2019
It always is sad moment really when rating a novel so low! There’s so much that goes into the process of creating/writing/editing etc., but I just could not get into these 3 novellas! I finished the second one by Louisa Allen as I have read others by her & loved them! Just the magic, spark, chemistry and just enjoyable factor that was sadly missing I felt in these three novellas!!!!
December 18, 2018
“The Captain’s Christmas Journey” 5 stars. Carla Kelly
Captain Joseph Everard has the task of returning the belongings of one of his fallen crewmen to his heartbroken family. With time on his hands, the Captain embarks on the sad journey and agrees to spend a few days with the parents and sister of Lieutenant David Newsome. Just so happens lovely Varity and the Captain seem to hit it off and there is another intriguing journey ahead for both of them. Absolutely delightful and fun is this touching Christmas story from my favorite author, Carla Kelly!
“the Viscount’s Yuletide Betrothal” 4 stars. Louise Allen
Always a fun plot, well-to-do Eleanor requires the assistance of a believable man willing to pose as her betrothed at her family Christmas party. With nothing better to do and drawn by curiosity and the need of some cash, Captain Andrew Padgett Stanton applies and is accepted for the holiday drama. What they don’t expect is attraction squirms its way into the drama.
“One Night Under the Mistletoe” 2 stars. Laurie Benson
Caught in a compromising situation, Lord Montague and Juliett are forced to marry to save their reputations. They are not unacquainted but are actually former ‘companions’ that were in love several years previous. Both have bitter memories which make the forced union rather uncomfortable. Just wasn’t to my liking; too much bitterness between the two. Wouldn’t read this one again.
November 1, 2018
One Night Under The Mistletoe by Laurie Benson is book two in The Sommersby Bride Series and a magical story for the Christmas Season. The Elusive perfect Kiss. How hard is it to find and what to do when you find it? Monty had only experienced it once with Juliet several years ago. He had not found it with another even though he had tried. But with a twist of fate while at a ball, he comes upon Juliet in the library, where she had escaped for some solitude. Unfortunately she was still wounded from their last encounter and was leery of him. So what could possibly happen? As the strictures of the day dictated, they were found together and ended up in a marriage of convenience!
Could they be happy together? I could not wait to find out and see if the Christmas Season could bring their hearts together.
Laurie Benson has written a tender story that pulled me in from the beginning. The characters come to life and I could almost see the surroundings and feel the snow. Prepare to be enchanted and only want to read more by this author!! I loved it and recommend to all who love historical romance!
Could they be happy together? I could not wait to find out and see if the Christmas Season could bring their hearts together.
Laurie Benson has written a tender story that pulled me in from the beginning. The characters come to life and I could almost see the surroundings and feel the snow. Prepare to be enchanted and only want to read more by this author!! I loved it and recommend to all who love historical romance!
December 9, 2018
Captain's Christmas Journey: I read everything by Carla Kelly, who was the reason I checked this one out. And it was great! Verity's brother's captain comes to give his condolences on her brother's death, escorts her to her new job, and romance ensues. Funny and sweet!
Viscounts Yuletide Betrothal: Eleanor needs to get her annoying uncle to back off her little brother, and advertises for a fake fiancee: romance ensues. Sweet, funny and charming.
One Night Under the Mistletoe: Former flames are found in a compromising situation and are forced to marry, can they overcome their hurt and anger and let romance ensue? Duh! Juliet was a delight, and I enjoyed them both. I felt very badly for Lizzy, and am assuming she'll get a romance novel of her own very soon.
Viscounts Yuletide Betrothal: Eleanor needs to get her annoying uncle to back off her little brother, and advertises for a fake fiancee: romance ensues. Sweet, funny and charming.
One Night Under the Mistletoe: Former flames are found in a compromising situation and are forced to marry, can they overcome their hurt and anger and let romance ensue? Duh! Juliet was a delight, and I enjoyed them both. I felt very badly for Lizzy, and am assuming she'll get a romance novel of her own very soon.
December 29, 2020
Three stories - The Captain’s Christmas Journey (Carla Kelly) is a typical Kelly plot with a Naval officer and a practical miss who recognize the quality of the other and the comfort they find together leading to a HEA (5 stars). The Viscount’s Yuletide Betrothal (Louise Allen) has a returned Captain waiting to get his inheritance, accepting a position as pretend fiance to help a woman save her brother from being sent to sea. She hates fortune hunters and he has limited funds, the main issue (4 stars). One Night Under the Mistletoe reunites a couple who fell in love too young and she felt betrayed when he backed out of the relationship (3 stars).
December 18, 2024
This is a collection of three Regency novellas about Christmas pairings that begin as ordinary instances of propinquity and develop into something more. My favorite is the backward Romeo-Juliet story about what might have been if one had “chickened out” as a teenager but regretted it for years. What about second chances? Can the lovers meet again as adults and make it work?
December 16, 2024
Cute stories. The order they appear is my favourite to to least-liked.
December 18, 2018
Mom and I loved how well written the stories were and mom felt it worked perfectly in with Christmas. Each one bringing the Holiday magic that comes with this time of year.
November 28, 2018
Disappointed
Even Carla Kelly couldn't save this book. Though as usual hers was the best of the lot. Three rather mediocre stories with dreary overtones.
Even Carla Kelly couldn't save this book. Though as usual hers was the best of the lot. Three rather mediocre stories with dreary overtones.
April 15, 2019
This is a Mills and Boon historical romance displaying the talents of Carla Kelly, Louise Allen and Laurie Benson.
The Captains Christmas Journey (Carla Kelly). This author often writes about sea captains on land during the Napoleonic Wars. However, this one has an interesting twist that makes it fresh and totally enjoyable.
Captain Joe Everard has gone to see the parents of his second lieutenant who was killed at Trafalgar (while he is waiting for his ship to be repaired). He offers to take Verity Newsome, sister of his dead officer, to her new position on the mail coach. However, things don't work out how they planned.
The Viscount's Yuletide Betrothal (Louise Allen). Eleanor Jordan needs a suitable gentleman to act as her betrothed for Christmas. Her uncle has decided to send her brother to the navy and he wants to go to university. Eleanor hopes her 'betrothed' can convince her uncle to change his mind.
This is a sweet, sentimental story that is a joy to read.
One Night Under the Mistletoe (Laurie Benson). This story wasn't worth reading; it was very uninteresting.
The Captains Christmas Journey (Carla Kelly). This author often writes about sea captains on land during the Napoleonic Wars. However, this one has an interesting twist that makes it fresh and totally enjoyable.
Captain Joe Everard has gone to see the parents of his second lieutenant who was killed at Trafalgar (while he is waiting for his ship to be repaired). He offers to take Verity Newsome, sister of his dead officer, to her new position on the mail coach. However, things don't work out how they planned.
The Viscount's Yuletide Betrothal (Louise Allen). Eleanor Jordan needs a suitable gentleman to act as her betrothed for Christmas. Her uncle has decided to send her brother to the navy and he wants to go to university. Eleanor hopes her 'betrothed' can convince her uncle to change his mind.
This is a sweet, sentimental story that is a joy to read.
One Night Under the Mistletoe (Laurie Benson). This story wasn't worth reading; it was very uninteresting.
January 17, 2019
The Carla Kelly is good, as hers usually are. The second story was also good. The third one was just stupid - every dumb cliche about having to marry.
November 5, 2018
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-P1
THE CAPTAIN’S CHRISTMAS JOURNEY by Carla Kelly
4.5, kisses
Captain Joseph Everard of the Royal Navy has a sad duty to perform while on leave, but it’s one that he’s been tasked with far too many times. One of his men, Lieutenant Newsome, was killed during battle, and he will be bringing his personal effects to his family. It’s the Christmas season, and most of his men are overjoyed for the leave and the chance to spend the holiday with wives and families. But Joseph has no family, and he wonders what it would be like to know he had someone waiting at home for him every time he returned from the sea. Verity Newsome, brother of the dead sailor, has recently lost her teaching position, and is about to accept another. Since both she and Joseph will be traveling by coach, Joseph offers to escort her. Verity has no financial need to work, but she feels a desire to be useful, and Joseph greatly admires her character. There is an instant rapport between Verity and Joseph, and both are sad that they will have to part so soon. Joseph knows that Verity is a strong woman, the kind who is perfect for a man who is often away at sea, the kind it would be so lovely to come home to. Circumstances (or, perhaps a little Christmas miracle?) seem to keep ensuring that Joseph and Verity spend more and more time together, growing closer and even falling in love. THE CAPTAIN’S CHRISTMAS JOURNEY is a warm and lovely romance with a hero and heroine who are not youngsters, which I love. I was left smiling, as I imagined many happy homecomings over the years for Joseph and Verity.
THE VISCOUNT’S YULETIDE BETROTHAL by Louise Allen
4, kisses
Soldier Drew Stanton is about to inherit the title of Viscount Ravencroft, but in the meantime, he is living on a shoestring budget until all the paperwork is complete. He is desperate enough to answer an advertisement for a temporary position that will tide him over until he takes possession of his estate and funds. Ellie Jordan is an heiress, who needs to present a temporary fiancé to her family over the Christmas holidays, in the hope of convincing her uncle to change his way of thinking about his plans for her younger brother. Drew and Ellie concoct their story, with only Ellie’s siblings in on the masquerade. As Drew and Ellie pretend to be engaged and in love, their touches and embraces don’t seem to be pretend at all. When it seems that they may be on a path to a real love, Ellie finds out that Drew is about to inherit a title, and she fears he may be a fortune hunter. Ellie also has unfortunate birth circumstances, and that surely means she’s not suited to be the wife of a titled gentleman. Will Ellie and Drew come to realize that their love is strong enough to overcome these obstacles? THE VISCOUNT’S YULETIDE BETROTHAL is a sweet romance with strong characters, who perhaps have a bit too much pride. The family holiday celebration is prevalent and joyful and fun to read. I love the way author Louise Allen resolved this story, with both Ellie and Drew deciding that they had to be together.
ONE NIGHT UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Laurie Benson
4, warm
Four years ago, when Montague (Monty) Pearce and Juliet Sommersby first met, they were very young, yet felt an intense and immediate attraction toward each other. After just a short week of secret meetings and a stolen kiss, Monty proposes. When Juliet’s guardian firmly refuses the match, Monty’s pride suffers a great blow. He refuses Juliet’s pleas to elope, and ends their relationship in a very direct and hurtful way. Juliet’s love soon turns to hate as she watches Monty, seemingly unaffected, go on with his life. Monty convinced himself that what he felt for Juliet surely wasn’t love, yet he’s never been able to find another woman whose kiss affects him the way Juliet’s did. As he sneaks away for another assignation, he’s shocked to find Juliet at the rendezvous instead. Even worse, they are found alone, and totally compromised. Neither wants marriage, but they have no choice if they are to avoid social ruin. Yet, a Christmas miracle occurs as they gather mistletoe to decorate the family home. Seeking shelter from a mishap forces them to spend time together in close proximity, and finally they talk, and love, and make a new beginning. ONE NIGHT UNDER THE MISTLETOE is a warm holiday romance with both a second chance at love, and marriage of necessity, two of my very favorite tropes rolled into one. Monty and Juliet were so young when they first fell madly in love, and perhaps their second chance will be much sweeter and stronger.
THE CAPTAIN’S CHRISTMAS JOURNEY by Carla Kelly
4.5, kisses
Captain Joseph Everard of the Royal Navy has a sad duty to perform while on leave, but it’s one that he’s been tasked with far too many times. One of his men, Lieutenant Newsome, was killed during battle, and he will be bringing his personal effects to his family. It’s the Christmas season, and most of his men are overjoyed for the leave and the chance to spend the holiday with wives and families. But Joseph has no family, and he wonders what it would be like to know he had someone waiting at home for him every time he returned from the sea. Verity Newsome, brother of the dead sailor, has recently lost her teaching position, and is about to accept another. Since both she and Joseph will be traveling by coach, Joseph offers to escort her. Verity has no financial need to work, but she feels a desire to be useful, and Joseph greatly admires her character. There is an instant rapport between Verity and Joseph, and both are sad that they will have to part so soon. Joseph knows that Verity is a strong woman, the kind who is perfect for a man who is often away at sea, the kind it would be so lovely to come home to. Circumstances (or, perhaps a little Christmas miracle?) seem to keep ensuring that Joseph and Verity spend more and more time together, growing closer and even falling in love. THE CAPTAIN’S CHRISTMAS JOURNEY is a warm and lovely romance with a hero and heroine who are not youngsters, which I love. I was left smiling, as I imagined many happy homecomings over the years for Joseph and Verity.
THE VISCOUNT’S YULETIDE BETROTHAL by Louise Allen
4, kisses
Soldier Drew Stanton is about to inherit the title of Viscount Ravencroft, but in the meantime, he is living on a shoestring budget until all the paperwork is complete. He is desperate enough to answer an advertisement for a temporary position that will tide him over until he takes possession of his estate and funds. Ellie Jordan is an heiress, who needs to present a temporary fiancé to her family over the Christmas holidays, in the hope of convincing her uncle to change his way of thinking about his plans for her younger brother. Drew and Ellie concoct their story, with only Ellie’s siblings in on the masquerade. As Drew and Ellie pretend to be engaged and in love, their touches and embraces don’t seem to be pretend at all. When it seems that they may be on a path to a real love, Ellie finds out that Drew is about to inherit a title, and she fears he may be a fortune hunter. Ellie also has unfortunate birth circumstances, and that surely means she’s not suited to be the wife of a titled gentleman. Will Ellie and Drew come to realize that their love is strong enough to overcome these obstacles? THE VISCOUNT’S YULETIDE BETROTHAL is a sweet romance with strong characters, who perhaps have a bit too much pride. The family holiday celebration is prevalent and joyful and fun to read. I love the way author Louise Allen resolved this story, with both Ellie and Drew deciding that they had to be together.
ONE NIGHT UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Laurie Benson
4, warm
Four years ago, when Montague (Monty) Pearce and Juliet Sommersby first met, they were very young, yet felt an intense and immediate attraction toward each other. After just a short week of secret meetings and a stolen kiss, Monty proposes. When Juliet’s guardian firmly refuses the match, Monty’s pride suffers a great blow. He refuses Juliet’s pleas to elope, and ends their relationship in a very direct and hurtful way. Juliet’s love soon turns to hate as she watches Monty, seemingly unaffected, go on with his life. Monty convinced himself that what he felt for Juliet surely wasn’t love, yet he’s never been able to find another woman whose kiss affects him the way Juliet’s did. As he sneaks away for another assignation, he’s shocked to find Juliet at the rendezvous instead. Even worse, they are found alone, and totally compromised. Neither wants marriage, but they have no choice if they are to avoid social ruin. Yet, a Christmas miracle occurs as they gather mistletoe to decorate the family home. Seeking shelter from a mishap forces them to spend time together in close proximity, and finally they talk, and love, and make a new beginning. ONE NIGHT UNDER THE MISTLETOE is a warm holiday romance with both a second chance at love, and marriage of necessity, two of my very favorite tropes rolled into one. Monty and Juliet were so young when they first fell madly in love, and perhaps their second chance will be much sweeter and stronger.
December 16, 2019
One disappointing apple doesn't spoil this bunch, but it does bring down the overall star rating.
The Captain's Christmas Journey - Carla Kelly - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ms. Kelly is an icon in traditional Regency romance, and she doesn't disappoint with this story. Captain Everard makes the difficult journey to deliver one of his crew member's final mementos to his family at Christmastime. The good Captain has no family of his own, and feels adrift during the holidays, so when he finds Davey Newsome's family as wonderful as the impish man himself was, he allows himself to be persuaded to stay for the holiday season. Verity Newsome, Davey's sister, is destined for a governess position on a faraway estate, and when she's called over early, Captain Evarard agrees to escort her. Everyone they encounter on the journey assumes that they are married, and they begin to wonder if there's something to that...
Though a bit contrived (and with very obvious matchmaking family members meddling in due course), this was a lovely, warm story about a man who realizes what he doesn't have, and a woman daring to wonder about what she could. It made me feel ooey-gooey on the inside, exactly what I want when reading holiday-set stories.
The Viscount's Yuletide Betrothal - Louise Allen - ⭐⭐⭐1/2
Captain Andrew Pagett Stanton, the 'Vagabond Viscount,' is at a loss. He has just inherited a wholly unwanted and impoverished title and he has no idea how he's going to come up with the money to restore the estate. Having no other family, he's staying with his friend in London when he comes across an interesting advertisement: a lady advertising for a holiday-season betrothed, complete with room, board, and payment in full at the end. Eleanor Jordan is the oldest of a set of siblings and is doing her best to wind their way through Society. Her younger twin sisters are due to come out next year, but more pressing is the matter of her younger brother, Theo. He has accepted a position at university against his guardian's wishes, and Ellie is hoping to find a man to pretend to be her betrothed who can help convince said guardian that university is the right path for Theo, instead of the Navy.
Drew leaves off the fact that he's just inherited a title when he interviews with Ellie; otherwise, they seem to fit each others' bill rather perfectly. Ellie has been burned by fortune hunters in the past and has no allusions about actually finding a husband. Drew moves into the Jordan household temporarily and plays his part to perfection for the various relatives, all the while falling in love with Ellie herself. All that's left is to convince her that their feelings for each other aren't merely a dream.
I knocked a couple of stars off of this because there was some unnecessary drama at the end. Said drama would've been more fitting if this was a full-length novel, but it was too much for the constraints of a novella. If not for that, it would've gotten at least 4 stars. Ms. Allen is a strong writer and I've enjoyed her work in the past because she pens the perfect blend of authentic historical detail and simmering passions.
One Night Under the Mistletoe - Laurie Benson - ⭐
This one was the stinker for me. I should've known I was in for a rough ride with the author's note, which was basically, "what would've happened if Romeo & Juliet hadn't run away together immediately?" I'm no fan of R&J as some sort of all-fired tragic romance, and unfortunately, I was not a fan of this story. Our heroine, Juliet, was a completely immature, petulant, childish wretch. She hates the hero, Monty, for romancing her for a week four years ago and then, when his proposal is shot down by her guardian, not agreeing to run off and elope with her 18-year-old self. Four years later, they are locked into a library at a ball together and compromised, thus completely ruining her reputation. Of course they must marry. (Of course!) No matter that her sister is married to his brother already, Society dictates, and whatnot. Juliet hangs on to her hatred and mistrust of Monty even though he's given her no reason that I can see for those hard feelings.
This novella is part of a series, and maybe if you're coming into it with that backstory, this will resonate for you. For me, it just fell flat. Most of the story is spent trying to get these two in the sack, but if they don't trust or even like each other, what is the point of that? Unless you're writing erotica, a novella of nothing but sexytimes just leaves me cold.
I skimmed this story, rolled my eyes at Juliet's antics after the sex, and decided that this author is not for me.
The Captain's Christmas Journey - Carla Kelly - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ms. Kelly is an icon in traditional Regency romance, and she doesn't disappoint with this story. Captain Everard makes the difficult journey to deliver one of his crew member's final mementos to his family at Christmastime. The good Captain has no family of his own, and feels adrift during the holidays, so when he finds Davey Newsome's family as wonderful as the impish man himself was, he allows himself to be persuaded to stay for the holiday season. Verity Newsome, Davey's sister, is destined for a governess position on a faraway estate, and when she's called over early, Captain Evarard agrees to escort her. Everyone they encounter on the journey assumes that they are married, and they begin to wonder if there's something to that...
Though a bit contrived (and with very obvious matchmaking family members meddling in due course), this was a lovely, warm story about a man who realizes what he doesn't have, and a woman daring to wonder about what she could. It made me feel ooey-gooey on the inside, exactly what I want when reading holiday-set stories.
The Viscount's Yuletide Betrothal - Louise Allen - ⭐⭐⭐1/2
Captain Andrew Pagett Stanton, the 'Vagabond Viscount,' is at a loss. He has just inherited a wholly unwanted and impoverished title and he has no idea how he's going to come up with the money to restore the estate. Having no other family, he's staying with his friend in London when he comes across an interesting advertisement: a lady advertising for a holiday-season betrothed, complete with room, board, and payment in full at the end. Eleanor Jordan is the oldest of a set of siblings and is doing her best to wind their way through Society. Her younger twin sisters are due to come out next year, but more pressing is the matter of her younger brother, Theo. He has accepted a position at university against his guardian's wishes, and Ellie is hoping to find a man to pretend to be her betrothed who can help convince said guardian that university is the right path for Theo, instead of the Navy.
Drew leaves off the fact that he's just inherited a title when he interviews with Ellie; otherwise, they seem to fit each others' bill rather perfectly. Ellie has been burned by fortune hunters in the past and has no allusions about actually finding a husband. Drew moves into the Jordan household temporarily and plays his part to perfection for the various relatives, all the while falling in love with Ellie herself. All that's left is to convince her that their feelings for each other aren't merely a dream.
I knocked a couple of stars off of this because there was some unnecessary drama at the end. Said drama would've been more fitting if this was a full-length novel, but it was too much for the constraints of a novella. If not for that, it would've gotten at least 4 stars. Ms. Allen is a strong writer and I've enjoyed her work in the past because she pens the perfect blend of authentic historical detail and simmering passions.
One Night Under the Mistletoe - Laurie Benson - ⭐
This one was the stinker for me. I should've known I was in for a rough ride with the author's note, which was basically, "what would've happened if Romeo & Juliet hadn't run away together immediately?" I'm no fan of R&J as some sort of all-fired tragic romance, and unfortunately, I was not a fan of this story. Our heroine, Juliet, was a completely immature, petulant, childish wretch. She hates the hero, Monty, for romancing her for a week four years ago and then, when his proposal is shot down by her guardian, not agreeing to run off and elope with her 18-year-old self. Four years later, they are locked into a library at a ball together and compromised, thus completely ruining her reputation. Of course they must marry. (Of course!) No matter that her sister is married to his brother already, Society dictates, and whatnot. Juliet hangs on to her hatred and mistrust of Monty even though he's given her no reason that I can see for those hard feelings.
This novella is part of a series, and maybe if you're coming into it with that backstory, this will resonate for you. For me, it just fell flat. Most of the story is spent trying to get these two in the sack, but if they don't trust or even like each other, what is the point of that? Unless you're writing erotica, a novella of nothing but sexytimes just leaves me cold.
I skimmed this story, rolled my eyes at Juliet's antics after the sex, and decided that this author is not for me.
January 1, 2020
I ordered this collection because I'm a big Carla Kelly fan. And so it wasn't surprising that I found her story the best of this volume of three Christmas-themed novella-length Regency-set romances.
Kelly's story, "The Captain's Christmas Journey," features a naval captain who, while his ship is in harbor for repairs, visits the family of one of his fallen officers to offer his condolences, only to discover that the family is in such financial straits that the remaining daughter is about to leave to become a governess. The Captain, Joe Everard, gets drawn into/agrees to accompany the daughter to her destination, in the guise of her husband to protect her reputation. But the deception may come to haunt them when a snowstorm strands them both at the home where Verity Newsome is to work...
What appeals to me about Kelly's work is that her characters always feel like grown-ups, not silly things that get into trouble over silly misunderstandings. And they're always nice and kind. Which is true of both Joe and Verity. 4 stars
Louisa Allen's story, "The Viscount's Yuletide Betrothal," also features a fake relationship—this one between an heiress, Eleanor ("Ellie") Jordan, who advertises for a gentleman to play her fiancé so she can assure her uncle that her brother will have an adequate male role model while he is overseas and so will not be sent away to serve in the navy; and Andrew ("Drew") Padgett Stanton, an army captain who has inherited a title but who has no family with whom to share it. As Andrew plays the role of gentleman to perfection, and because he and Ellie are immediately physically attracted to one another, ("it is not his fault that he is making me feel positively... wanton") and Drew is also attracted to Ellie's family (three other siblings) and their preparations for Christmas, their fake relationship begins to feel more and more appealing, in spite of their determination to not fall for one another. Because "magic happens at Christmas..." More conventional than Kelly's story, and more based on physical attraction than on the sense that these two people have truly fallen in love with one another. 2.5 stars
Laurie Benson's "One Night under the Mistletoe" relies on the past lovers reunited trope rather than the fake relationship trope. Lady Juliet Sommersby was prepared to run away to Gretna Green with Lord Montague Pearce after her guardian refused to allow Monty to court her after only a week's short acquaintance, but Monty thought better of the plan and told her he didn't love her. But fours years later, when the two get stuck in a library together during a ball, Juliet's current family insists that the two wed to avoid social ruin. Despite arguing against it, Juliet eventually says "OK, I'll do it." After marrying (but before consummating), the two get lost and stranded while searching for greenery with which to decorate the house for Christmas. And then what usually happens in a "stranded" romance does... 2.5
Kelly's story, "The Captain's Christmas Journey," features a naval captain who, while his ship is in harbor for repairs, visits the family of one of his fallen officers to offer his condolences, only to discover that the family is in such financial straits that the remaining daughter is about to leave to become a governess. The Captain, Joe Everard, gets drawn into/agrees to accompany the daughter to her destination, in the guise of her husband to protect her reputation. But the deception may come to haunt them when a snowstorm strands them both at the home where Verity Newsome is to work...
What appeals to me about Kelly's work is that her characters always feel like grown-ups, not silly things that get into trouble over silly misunderstandings. And they're always nice and kind. Which is true of both Joe and Verity. 4 stars
Louisa Allen's story, "The Viscount's Yuletide Betrothal," also features a fake relationship—this one between an heiress, Eleanor ("Ellie") Jordan, who advertises for a gentleman to play her fiancé so she can assure her uncle that her brother will have an adequate male role model while he is overseas and so will not be sent away to serve in the navy; and Andrew ("Drew") Padgett Stanton, an army captain who has inherited a title but who has no family with whom to share it. As Andrew plays the role of gentleman to perfection, and because he and Ellie are immediately physically attracted to one another, ("it is not his fault that he is making me feel positively... wanton") and Drew is also attracted to Ellie's family (three other siblings) and their preparations for Christmas, their fake relationship begins to feel more and more appealing, in spite of their determination to not fall for one another. Because "magic happens at Christmas..." More conventional than Kelly's story, and more based on physical attraction than on the sense that these two people have truly fallen in love with one another. 2.5 stars
Laurie Benson's "One Night under the Mistletoe" relies on the past lovers reunited trope rather than the fake relationship trope. Lady Juliet Sommersby was prepared to run away to Gretna Green with Lord Montague Pearce after her guardian refused to allow Monty to court her after only a week's short acquaintance, but Monty thought better of the plan and told her he didn't love her. But fours years later, when the two get stuck in a library together during a ball, Juliet's current family insists that the two wed to avoid social ruin. Despite arguing against it, Juliet eventually says "OK, I'll do it." After marrying (but before consummating), the two get lost and stranded while searching for greenery with which to decorate the house for Christmas. And then what usually happens in a "stranded" romance does... 2.5
October 4, 2018
Three fantastic authors, a gorgeous cover and three fabulous stories makes an absolutely perfect Christmas Anthology!
I was very excited to be able to read this considering the authors involved are some of my favorite authors I've had the pleasure of reading from before. What makes this even more special is that author Laurie Benson's story, One Night Under the Mistletoe is the second book in The Sommersby Brides Series. Although it can be read as a stand alone story, I highly recommend reading the entire series based on three sisters who end up finding their HEA.
Laurie Benson - One Night Under the Mistletoe (The Sommersby Brides #2): 5 stars
Montague our hero is the youngest brother of the heroes from One Week to Wed & An Uncommon Duke. Our heroine Juliet is the youngest sister of the heroine from One Week to Wed. So we've had the pleasure of seeing these two characters before and also saw that something was amiss between them. An accidental encounter in a library winds these two up in a marriage of convenience. Although this is a novella, author Laurie Benson did a fantastic job as always of giving us their back story and a fabulous story forward for these two to finally resolve their past and end up with a beautiful HEA. Add the Christmas season and several familiar well loved characters from previous stories and you end up with a perfect story!
Carla Kelly - The Captain’s Christmas Journey: 5 stars
Captain Joe Everard is returning his young lieutenant's personal belongings to his family after he was killed in the Battle of Trafalgar. As the family grieves for their only son, they ask a favor of the Captain to escort their only daughter Verity to her governess job and for propriety's sake they ask that they pretend to be engaged. Joe and Verity were a great couple. Joe is a slightly older hero being 40 and Verity is considered a spinster at 30. As these two go on their journey to Verity's employment, feelings begin to stir between them. Add a wartime journal and some special Christmas magic and you end up with a beautiful love story out of a tragic event.
Louise Allen - The Viscount’s Yuletide Betrothal: 5 stars
Captain Andrew Padgett Stanton a veteran of Waterloo is back in England awaiting confirmation to be named as Viscount Ravencroft so that the land and money he has inherited will finally be under his control. As he waits, he's short on money and living with a friend until an advertisement in the Morning Post catches his eye. Eleanor our heroine has advertised for a “suitable” gentleman to pose as her betrothed over Christmas. As these two start to realize that their feelings are becoming real, a misunderstanding takes place.... With wonderful secondary characters and the hope of the season will these two end up with a HEA?
I was very excited to be able to read this considering the authors involved are some of my favorite authors I've had the pleasure of reading from before. What makes this even more special is that author Laurie Benson's story, One Night Under the Mistletoe is the second book in The Sommersby Brides Series. Although it can be read as a stand alone story, I highly recommend reading the entire series based on three sisters who end up finding their HEA.
Laurie Benson - One Night Under the Mistletoe (The Sommersby Brides #2): 5 stars
Montague our hero is the youngest brother of the heroes from One Week to Wed & An Uncommon Duke. Our heroine Juliet is the youngest sister of the heroine from One Week to Wed. So we've had the pleasure of seeing these two characters before and also saw that something was amiss between them. An accidental encounter in a library winds these two up in a marriage of convenience. Although this is a novella, author Laurie Benson did a fantastic job as always of giving us their back story and a fabulous story forward for these two to finally resolve their past and end up with a beautiful HEA. Add the Christmas season and several familiar well loved characters from previous stories and you end up with a perfect story!
Carla Kelly - The Captain’s Christmas Journey: 5 stars
Captain Joe Everard is returning his young lieutenant's personal belongings to his family after he was killed in the Battle of Trafalgar. As the family grieves for their only son, they ask a favor of the Captain to escort their only daughter Verity to her governess job and for propriety's sake they ask that they pretend to be engaged. Joe and Verity were a great couple. Joe is a slightly older hero being 40 and Verity is considered a spinster at 30. As these two go on their journey to Verity's employment, feelings begin to stir between them. Add a wartime journal and some special Christmas magic and you end up with a beautiful love story out of a tragic event.
Louise Allen - The Viscount’s Yuletide Betrothal: 5 stars
Captain Andrew Padgett Stanton a veteran of Waterloo is back in England awaiting confirmation to be named as Viscount Ravencroft so that the land and money he has inherited will finally be under his control. As he waits, he's short on money and living with a friend until an advertisement in the Morning Post catches his eye. Eleanor our heroine has advertised for a “suitable” gentleman to pose as her betrothed over Christmas. As these two start to realize that their feelings are becoming real, a misunderstanding takes place.... With wonderful secondary characters and the hope of the season will these two end up with a HEA?
December 1, 2018
This book contains 3 short stories
The captains Christmas journey by Carla Kelly
Verity is starting her governess job and is being escorted by captain Everard, but for proprietys sake that means a convenient engagement.
Captain Everard is a royal navy captain returning from the battle of trafalgar. He travels to deliver fallen solders Davids effects back to his family where he meets Verity, David's sister. He then finds himself wondering what a life would be like settled down with Verity.
The viscount yuletide betrothal by Louise Allen
Eleanor advertises for a suitable gentleman to pose as her betrothed over Christmas.
Captain drew padgett is just back from the war and awaiting to collect his inheritance he has been left. In need of a place to stay and low on cash drew answers Eleanors advert. Drew has to help Eleanor convince her uncle not to send her brother to join the navy.
Being betrothed to Eleanor for real slowly starts to appeal to drew. Small touches and a kiss start to stir feeling in them both.
Julies one night under the mistletoe by Laurie Benson
A former lover, the handsome lord Montague and a marriage of convenience what's not to love. When juliet and monty are cought trapped in a room together they have no other option but to get married. However juliet and monty have a past. Although they both still have hidden feelings for each other can juliet ever forgive and trust monty again.
I really enjoyed these short stories. It is my first time reading anything from all 3 off the authors. If I had to choose a fravourite it would be juliet one night under the mistletoe. The way Laurie Benson writes drew me in more and her story was the one I couldn't put down. I loved the chemistry between juliet and monty.
I would definitely recommend this book. If like myself you are new to there work then short stories like these are perfect. After reading juliets one night under the mistletoe I then went and ordered more byou Laurie Benson as I enjoyed her writting so much.
The captains Christmas journey by Carla Kelly
Verity is starting her governess job and is being escorted by captain Everard, but for proprietys sake that means a convenient engagement.
Captain Everard is a royal navy captain returning from the battle of trafalgar. He travels to deliver fallen solders Davids effects back to his family where he meets Verity, David's sister. He then finds himself wondering what a life would be like settled down with Verity.
The viscount yuletide betrothal by Louise Allen
Eleanor advertises for a suitable gentleman to pose as her betrothed over Christmas.
Captain drew padgett is just back from the war and awaiting to collect his inheritance he has been left. In need of a place to stay and low on cash drew answers Eleanors advert. Drew has to help Eleanor convince her uncle not to send her brother to join the navy.
Being betrothed to Eleanor for real slowly starts to appeal to drew. Small touches and a kiss start to stir feeling in them both.
Julies one night under the mistletoe by Laurie Benson
A former lover, the handsome lord Montague and a marriage of convenience what's not to love. When juliet and monty are cought trapped in a room together they have no other option but to get married. However juliet and monty have a past. Although they both still have hidden feelings for each other can juliet ever forgive and trust monty again.
I really enjoyed these short stories. It is my first time reading anything from all 3 off the authors. If I had to choose a fravourite it would be juliet one night under the mistletoe. The way Laurie Benson writes drew me in more and her story was the one I couldn't put down. I loved the chemistry between juliet and monty.
I would definitely recommend this book. If like myself you are new to there work then short stories like these are perfect. After reading juliets one night under the mistletoe I then went and ordered more byou Laurie Benson as I enjoyed her writting so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2019
"Captain's Christmas Journey" by Carla Kelly: Captain Joseph Everard going to the home of his deceased Lt. David Newsome to return his effects. Verity Newsome must travel for new employment. The valiant Captain decides to accompany her to see that she gets there safely. I loved this story because it was about everyday English people, not the ton.
"The Viscount's Yuletide Betrothal" by Louise Allen: The new Lord Burnham/Captain Padgett was never supposed to inherit the title. He got the title but needed funds for repairs to his estate, etc. Miss Ellie Jordan advertised for a fake fiance for Christmas. She needs to keep her young brother safe to pursue his chosen profession. Captain Padgett and Miss Jordan strike a bargain. One that will give the entire family a happy ending.
"One Night Under the Mistletoe" by Laurie Benson: Lord Montague Pearce has searched for years to find "that someone who can give him a soul searching kiss". An assignation goes awry as the one woman whose kiss he could never forget ends up in the library instead of the heiress he thought he would meet there. Lady Juliet Sommersby is the one whose kiss he has always dreamed about. It's all about the mistletoe kisses. Laurie Benson is a new author to me. I did not want to put this story down.
"The Viscount's Yuletide Betrothal" by Louise Allen: The new Lord Burnham/Captain Padgett was never supposed to inherit the title. He got the title but needed funds for repairs to his estate, etc. Miss Ellie Jordan advertised for a fake fiance for Christmas. She needs to keep her young brother safe to pursue his chosen profession. Captain Padgett and Miss Jordan strike a bargain. One that will give the entire family a happy ending.
"One Night Under the Mistletoe" by Laurie Benson: Lord Montague Pearce has searched for years to find "that someone who can give him a soul searching kiss". An assignation goes awry as the one woman whose kiss he could never forget ends up in the library instead of the heiress he thought he would meet there. Lady Juliet Sommersby is the one whose kiss he has always dreamed about. It's all about the mistletoe kisses. Laurie Benson is a new author to me. I did not want to put this story down.
September 23, 2018
One Night Under the Mistletoe is the second story in The Sommersby Brides series and what a delightful continuation.
Laurie Benson’s writing makes for an effortless read and her story telling is truly spell binding; I didn’t want to put this book down. She has written a beautiful story about learning to trust again and finding true love buried under conflict and misunderstanding.
Juliet and Montague get caught in a way that leads them straight to the altar and they begin a journey of rediscovery with each other during the charming time of a snowy Christmas in the English countryside.
The chemistry between the two perfectly crafted characters grabs the reader’s attention right from the very first scene and holds it throughout with exceptionally crafted scenes and enchantingly picturesque settings. The feel of a snowy Christmas was almost tangible as I read this, making me feel as if I was right there.
The end crept up onto me too soon, but it was as delightful as I expected. Fab job Ms. Benson; I find I quickly run out of superlatives when it comes to your books.
Laurie Benson’s writing makes for an effortless read and her story telling is truly spell binding; I didn’t want to put this book down. She has written a beautiful story about learning to trust again and finding true love buried under conflict and misunderstanding.
Juliet and Montague get caught in a way that leads them straight to the altar and they begin a journey of rediscovery with each other during the charming time of a snowy Christmas in the English countryside.
The chemistry between the two perfectly crafted characters grabs the reader’s attention right from the very first scene and holds it throughout with exceptionally crafted scenes and enchantingly picturesque settings. The feel of a snowy Christmas was almost tangible as I read this, making me feel as if I was right there.
The end crept up onto me too soon, but it was as delightful as I expected. Fab job Ms. Benson; I find I quickly run out of superlatives when it comes to your books.
December 14, 2021
A collection of three regency novellas set around the holiday time. It was a nice light read, perfect for a depressing day.
'The Captain's Christmas' journey I enjoyed the most. A fake betrothal and a soldier home from the war, I really like how it dealt with both the hero and heroine's grief and loss. Kudos to the match making parents.
'The Viscount's Yuletide Betrothal' was another fake betrothal story. A fun story although I felt that the conflict at the end was a little forced. I really like the heroine, she was capable and feisty and the hero was a sweety.
Finally, 'One Night Under the Mistletoe' deals with a marriage of convenience. Ex-lovers are caught in a compromising situation due to a faulty door so end up having to marry to save the heroine's reputation. Only, she hates the hero after her broke her heart 4 years prior and he has to fight for their future.
All in all a sweet, light and fluffy read which was exactly what I was in the mood for.
'The Captain's Christmas' journey I enjoyed the most. A fake betrothal and a soldier home from the war, I really like how it dealt with both the hero and heroine's grief and loss. Kudos to the match making parents.
'The Viscount's Yuletide Betrothal' was another fake betrothal story. A fun story although I felt that the conflict at the end was a little forced. I really like the heroine, she was capable and feisty and the hero was a sweety.
Finally, 'One Night Under the Mistletoe' deals with a marriage of convenience. Ex-lovers are caught in a compromising situation due to a faulty door so end up having to marry to save the heroine's reputation. Only, she hates the hero after her broke her heart 4 years prior and he has to fight for their future.
All in all a sweet, light and fluffy read which was exactly what I was in the mood for.
October 10, 2018
One Night Under the Mistletoe is a beautiful novella about the power of love and second chances. Perfectly romantic and wonderfully evocative of Christmas. The story is laced with touches of humour as well as the desperation when faced with the dilemma of what you thought you wanted and what society dictates you must have. The wedding scene is just inspired and a touch of genius. The author’s deft hand details the growing intimacy between Juliet and Monty. As usual, Ms Benson adds her dashes of historical detail which transport you back in time.
If you love historical romance, look no further. I highly recommend this book.
If you love historical romance, look no further. I highly recommend this book.
October 25, 2018
I have read One Night Under the Mistletoe so far but look forward to reading the rest of the stories. One Night Under the Mistletoe was a touching second chance/reunion story. Juliet was hurt by Monty's rejection years earlier when a mistake by Monty leads to marriage. As they worked through their fears and pain, with truth between them, they find their way back into each others hearts. This was a wonderful read, tears included. I loved both characters. I highly recommend this story, which is the second story in the Sommersby Brides series.
I received an ARC of this story through the author, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received an ARC of this story through the author, and this is my unsolicited review.
October 28, 2018
Regency romance, Christmas themed and then add in one of my favourite authors (Laurie Benson) and I could not wait to read this.
Laurie Benson's second story of the Sommersby Brides series called One Night Under The Mistletoe was thoroughly enjoyed. Her stories are always written so well, that as you read you can feel the chemistry between the two main characters.
The Captain's Christmas Journey by Carla Kelly and The Viscount's Yuletide Betrothal by Louise Allen were also well written.
Laurie Benson's second story of the Sommersby Brides series called One Night Under The Mistletoe was thoroughly enjoyed. Her stories are always written so well, that as you read you can feel the chemistry between the two main characters.
The Captain's Christmas Journey by Carla Kelly and The Viscount's Yuletide Betrothal by Louise Allen were also well written.
July 17, 2022
The Captain’s Christmas Journey by Carla Kelly - 4 stars
The Viscount’s Yuletide Betrothal by Louise Allen - 4 stars
One Night Under the Mistletoe by Laurie Benson - 1 star
The h meets the H as an 18 yr old and they fall in love over one week. H is denied permission to marry h and leaves. Over the next 4 years, H chases everything in a skirt and h becomes angry and bitter. Finally H and h meet again, are found in a compromising situation and have to marry. Apparently they overcome bitterness and hurt feelings in two days for a HEA.
The Viscount’s Yuletide Betrothal by Louise Allen - 4 stars
One Night Under the Mistletoe by Laurie Benson - 1 star
The h meets the H as an 18 yr old and they fall in love over one week. H is denied permission to marry h and leaves. Over the next 4 years, H chases everything in a skirt and h becomes angry and bitter. Finally H and h meet again, are found in a compromising situation and have to marry. Apparently they overcome bitterness and hurt feelings in two days for a HEA.
November 15, 2018
Carla Kelly never disappoints, and this is no exception. Her wonderful Captain warmed my heart. His clear eyed view of navy life, more than matched by heroine's courageous independence, led to a most satisfying conclusion. Her fellow authors are **almost** up to her weight (no one can quite match her).
I devoured this book in one reading.
I devoured this book in one reading.
December 16, 2018
As usual, mine is an unpopular opinion. My ranking is:
The Viscount’s Yuletide Betrothal ★★★½ - yet another enjoyable Louise Allen story
One Night Under the Mistletoe ★★★½ - not as good as the other one, but nice couple
The Captain’s Christmas Journey ★★★ - my first Carla Kelly... a little boring tbh
The Viscount’s Yuletide Betrothal ★★★½ - yet another enjoyable Louise Allen story
One Night Under the Mistletoe ★★★½ - not as good as the other one, but nice couple
The Captain’s Christmas Journey ★★★ - my first Carla Kelly... a little boring tbh
December 28, 2018
An anthology of three Regency Era romances that are all set during the Christmas season.
One Night Under the Mistletoe by Laurie Benson is the only one that provides a year: 1819. It's also the steamist story in the collection.
One Night Under the Mistletoe by Laurie Benson is the only one that provides a year: 1819. It's also the steamist story in the collection.
July 16, 2019
This was not only the second book in the Laurie Benson series, but also a Christmas anthology with another novella by a favorite author, Louis Allen. What wasn't to like? Enjoyed each story, especially since I was reading them during a July heat wave.
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