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A Christmas Romance
On the night before Christmas…Office clerk Theodosia Chapman’s can-do attitude and sunny disposition have got her through even the most trying of times. So when her only remaining family withdraw their offer for her to spend Christmas with them, she won’t let it get her down. It looks as if she’ll be spending the festive season alone, until handsome physician Hugo Bentinck arrives on her doorstep on Christmas Eve and whisks her into his world! And Theodosia’s about to find that his love for her is for Christmas — and forever.
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 1999
177 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Betty Neels
568 books419 followersEvelyn Jessy "Betty" Neels was born on September 15, 1910 in Devon to a family with firm roots in the civil service. She said she had a blissfully happy childhood and teenage years.(This stood her in good stead later for the tribulations to come with the Second World War). She was sent away to boarding school, and then went on to train as a nurse, gaining her SRN and SCM, that is, State Registered Nurse and State Certificate of Midwifery.
In 1939 she was called up to the Territorial Army Nursing Service, which later became the Queen Alexandra Reserves, and was sent to France with the Casualty Clearing Station. This comprised eight nursing sisters, including Betty, to 100 men! In other circumstances, she thought that might have been quite thrilling! When France was invaded in 1940, all the nursing sisters managed to escape in the charge of an army major, undertaking a lengthy and terrifying journey to Boulogne in an ambulance. They were incredibly fortunate to be put on the last hospital ship to be leaving the port of Boulogne. But Betty's war didn't end there, for she was posted to Scotland, and then on to Northern Ireland, where she met her Dutch husband. He was a seaman aboard a minesweeper, which was bombed. He survived and was sent to the south of Holland to guard the sluices. However, when they had to abandon their post, they were told to escape if they could, and along with a small number of other men, he marched into Belgium. They stole a ship and managed to get it across the Channel to Dover before being transferred to the Atlantic run on the convoys. Sadly he became ill, and that was when he was transferred to hospital in Northern Ireland, where he met Betty. They eventually married, and were blessed with a daughter. They were posted to London, but were bombed out. As with most of the population, they made the best of things.
When the war finally ended, she and her husband were repatriated to Holland. As his family had believed he had died when his ship went down, this was a very emotional homecoming. The small family lived in Holland for 13 years, and Betty resumed her nursing career there. When they decided to return to England, Betty continued her nursing and when she eventually retired she had reached the position of night superintendent.
Betty Neels began writing almost by accident. She had retired from nursing, but her inquiring mind had no intention of vegetating, and her new career was born when she heard a lady in her local library bemoaning the lack of good romance novels. There was little in Betty's background to suggest that she might eventually become a much-loved novelist.
Her first book, Sister Peters in Amsterdam, was published in 1969, and by dint of often writing four books a year, she eventually completed 134 books. She was always quite firm upon the point that the Dutch doctors who frequently appeared in her stories were *not* based upon her husband, but rather upon an amalgam of several of the doctors she met while nursing in Holland.
To her millions of fans around the world, Betty Neels epitomized romance. She was always amazed and touched that her books were so widely appreciated. She never sought plaudits and remained a very private person, but it made her very happy to know that she brought such pleasure to so many readers, while herself gaining a quiet joy from spinning her stories. It is perhaps a reflection of her upbringing in an earlier time that the men and women who peopled her stories have a kindliness and good manners, coupled to honesty and integrity, that is not always present in our modern world. Her myriad of fans found a warmth and a reassurance of a better world in her stories, along with characters who touched the heart, which is all and more than one could ask of a romance writer. She received a great deal of fan mail, and there was always a comment upon the fascinating places she visited in her stories. Quite often those of her fans fortunate enough to visit Ho
In 1939 she was called up to the Territorial Army Nursing Service, which later became the Queen Alexandra Reserves, and was sent to France with the Casualty Clearing Station. This comprised eight nursing sisters, including Betty, to 100 men! In other circumstances, she thought that might have been quite thrilling! When France was invaded in 1940, all the nursing sisters managed to escape in the charge of an army major, undertaking a lengthy and terrifying journey to Boulogne in an ambulance. They were incredibly fortunate to be put on the last hospital ship to be leaving the port of Boulogne. But Betty's war didn't end there, for she was posted to Scotland, and then on to Northern Ireland, where she met her Dutch husband. He was a seaman aboard a minesweeper, which was bombed. He survived and was sent to the south of Holland to guard the sluices. However, when they had to abandon their post, they were told to escape if they could, and along with a small number of other men, he marched into Belgium. They stole a ship and managed to get it across the Channel to Dover before being transferred to the Atlantic run on the convoys. Sadly he became ill, and that was when he was transferred to hospital in Northern Ireland, where he met Betty. They eventually married, and were blessed with a daughter. They were posted to London, but were bombed out. As with most of the population, they made the best of things.
When the war finally ended, she and her husband were repatriated to Holland. As his family had believed he had died when his ship went down, this was a very emotional homecoming. The small family lived in Holland for 13 years, and Betty resumed her nursing career there. When they decided to return to England, Betty continued her nursing and when she eventually retired she had reached the position of night superintendent.
Betty Neels began writing almost by accident. She had retired from nursing, but her inquiring mind had no intention of vegetating, and her new career was born when she heard a lady in her local library bemoaning the lack of good romance novels. There was little in Betty's background to suggest that she might eventually become a much-loved novelist.
Her first book, Sister Peters in Amsterdam, was published in 1969, and by dint of often writing four books a year, she eventually completed 134 books. She was always quite firm upon the point that the Dutch doctors who frequently appeared in her stories were *not* based upon her husband, but rather upon an amalgam of several of the doctors she met while nursing in Holland.
To her millions of fans around the world, Betty Neels epitomized romance. She was always amazed and touched that her books were so widely appreciated. She never sought plaudits and remained a very private person, but it made her very happy to know that she brought such pleasure to so many readers, while herself gaining a quiet joy from spinning her stories. It is perhaps a reflection of her upbringing in an earlier time that the men and women who peopled her stories have a kindliness and good manners, coupled to honesty and integrity, that is not always present in our modern world. Her myriad of fans found a warmth and a reassurance of a better world in her stories, along with characters who touched the heart, which is all and more than one could ask of a romance writer. She received a great deal of fan mail, and there was always a comment upon the fascinating places she visited in her stories. Quite often those of her fans fortunate enough to visit Ho
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 16, 2016
Of all the Christmas romances by Betty Neels that I have read so far, this one is my favorite.
I liked Theodosia Chapman.
She had common sense, had a sweet personality and saw goodness in others. She didn't whine, pout or act vindictive even though she had sufficient reason to do so. Her parents had died from influenza; she lived in a tiny bed-sitter with her cat, Gustavus. Her job took up most of her time. When she had a free moment she would read a library book, listen to music on the radio or take the bus and visit with her close-fisted spinster-aunts.
She performed clerical work for the senior dietician, a gruff woman, at St. Alwyn's hospital. She first met Professor Hugo Bendinck when he overheard a staff member listening to Theodosia's instructions. Her supervisor insisted that the woman change his diet plans for one of his patients. What could have been a very uncomfortable moment for Theo was smoothed over by the RDD's soothing presence.
Within a short period of time in a nectarous but practical way, he became her champion.
Welcome to the World Of Betty Neels.
I liked Theodosia Chapman.
She had common sense, had a sweet personality and saw goodness in others. She didn't whine, pout or act vindictive even though she had sufficient reason to do so. Her parents had died from influenza; she lived in a tiny bed-sitter with her cat, Gustavus. Her job took up most of her time. When she had a free moment she would read a library book, listen to music on the radio or take the bus and visit with her close-fisted spinster-aunts.
She performed clerical work for the senior dietician, a gruff woman, at St. Alwyn's hospital. She first met Professor Hugo Bendinck when he overheard a staff member listening to Theodosia's instructions. Her supervisor insisted that the woman change his diet plans for one of his patients. What could have been a very uncomfortable moment for Theo was smoothed over by the RDD's soothing presence.
Within a short period of time in a nectarous but practical way, he became her champion.
Welcome to the World Of Betty Neels.
December 12, 2019
It's not often that I read books published by Mills and Boon, but I really enjoyed A Christmas Romance. It was a short, sweet and heartfelt listen. Not steamy whatsoever. Loved meeting the main characters Theodosia and Hugo who work together at the same hospital (she a nurse, he being her boss) and their growing connection for one another. Quick and festive listen!
December 6, 2018
I read this book to remember my mom during the holidays. She enjoyed Betty Neels and she and I read a lot of her books back when I was in high school and college. So I may have read this book before. It’s hard to tell because Neels’s books were always about a shy, quiet nurse who meets a big, handsome, wealthy Dutch doctor. We always laughed about that. Merry Christmas, Mom!
January 29, 2019
What a charmingly old-fashioned little story! It read like it was written in the early 20th or late 19th century. It reminded me of Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. I wanted to try a Betty Neels book because many seem to love her so. Now I know why.
May 9, 2022
Theodosia is a sweet natured young girl friday at the hospital. She couldn't even afford nursing school, being an orphan with only a couple rather nasty maiden aunts for relatives.
When the Doctor meets her at the hospital, he finds himself thinking of her coppery hair and good spirits. He finds himself creating opportunities to spend time with her.
It was cute how he falls for her first and is worried about scaring her off before he can woo her. She is very conscious of their class differences.
Nothing really happens, not even any OP drama really. Not much anyways.
And yet, it was a nice quiet read about two thoughtful people falling in love.
Safety is impeccable.
When the Doctor meets her at the hospital, he finds himself thinking of her coppery hair and good spirits. He finds himself creating opportunities to spend time with her.
It was cute how he falls for her first and is worried about scaring her off before he can woo her. She is very conscious of their class differences.
Nothing really happens, not even any OP drama really. Not much anyways.
And yet, it was a nice quiet read about two thoughtful people falling in love.
Safety is impeccable.
December 13, 2018
12/13/2018. This is without a doubt by favorite Christmas story by Betty Neels. There is just so much Neelsian goodness packed into this 117-page novella!
***
Theodosia Campbell is a hospital clerk with no family except for her ginger cat, Gustavus, and two elderly great-aunts. One day while running errands for her grouchy boss, she meets Professor Hugo Bentinck. She immediately likes him; for his part, he is equally attracted to her, especially her pert manner and her bright ginger hair.
He makes a point of seeing her "accidentally" as often as he can, giving her lifts to Finchingfield where the great-aunts live, and rides to the hospital in inclement weather and, dancing with her at the hospital ball.
He invites her and Gustavus for outings and to go to the dogs' home to pick up George, a lab who belonged to a friend who went to Australia and had to leave him behind. There is a small mutt who has become attached to George; when Hugo sees the look on Theodosia's face, he knows he will adopt the little dog, too, just to make her happy. By now, Hugo knows he only wants to make her happy for the rest of their lives.
Christmas is fast approaching and Theodosia expects to go to Finchingfield for the holiday. When she gets a last-minute letter from the aunts retracting their invitation (in favor of some old friends), Theodosia tries to make the best of it for herself and Gustavus. The scene where she returns from doing her meager Christmas shopping, and announces to Gustavus that she has bought him a present and that he has bought her one makes me cry. EVERY.SINGLE.TIME.
There is a minor misunderstanding when Theodosia sees Hugo with his arm around a woman (it's actually his sister), and she jumps to the conclusion that he is engaged to this woman. It's a forgiveable error, IMO, because Hugo had recently told Theodosia that he was planning to be married (meaning to her, of course).
Often, we get the Declaration and Proposal and the Sealed-with-A-Kiss and bam - the end. This time, we get a brief but very satisfying tableau of Hugo taking Theodosia home, with church bells ringing out Christmas Day in the background, and it is just lovely. LOVELOVELOVE this one!
***
Theodosia Campbell is a hospital clerk with no family except for her ginger cat, Gustavus, and two elderly great-aunts. One day while running errands for her grouchy boss, she meets Professor Hugo Bentinck. She immediately likes him; for his part, he is equally attracted to her, especially her pert manner and her bright ginger hair.
He makes a point of seeing her "accidentally" as often as he can, giving her lifts to Finchingfield where the great-aunts live, and rides to the hospital in inclement weather and, dancing with her at the hospital ball.
He invites her and Gustavus for outings and to go to the dogs' home to pick up George, a lab who belonged to a friend who went to Australia and had to leave him behind. There is a small mutt who has become attached to George; when Hugo sees the look on Theodosia's face, he knows he will adopt the little dog, too, just to make her happy. By now, Hugo knows he only wants to make her happy for the rest of their lives.
Christmas is fast approaching and Theodosia expects to go to Finchingfield for the holiday. When she gets a last-minute letter from the aunts retracting their invitation (in favor of some old friends), Theodosia tries to make the best of it for herself and Gustavus. The scene where she returns from doing her meager Christmas shopping, and announces to Gustavus that she has bought him a present and that he has bought her one makes me cry. EVERY.SINGLE.TIME.
There is a minor misunderstanding when Theodosia sees Hugo with his arm around a woman (it's actually his sister), and she jumps to the conclusion that he is engaged to this woman. It's a forgiveable error, IMO, because Hugo had recently told Theodosia that he was planning to be married (meaning to her, of course).
Often, we get the Declaration and Proposal and the Sealed-with-A-Kiss and bam - the end. This time, we get a brief but very satisfying tableau of Hugo taking Theodosia home, with church bells ringing out Christmas Day in the background, and it is just lovely. LOVELOVELOVE this one!
December 23, 2023
Probably my favorite Betty, a Christmas reread I always try to fit in! I found out on Christmas Eve that I have shingles, and yes they are very uncomfortable - this short, sweet, lovely story is the perfect antidote to a painful end to a difficult year. Thank you, Betty Neels, for your loving, kind, old-fashioned stories; many of them are similar, but I don’t care - my favorites are comforting, relaxing brain candy when I need it most!
December 24, 2025
This Christmas, I decided to visit an old friend. Many years ago when I was in my late teens and early twenties, I often read Harlequin romances and Betty Neels was one of my favorite authors. This piece runs 88 pages, shorter than her usual novel, more like novella length. It was originally published in 1999, just two years before her death, so it is certainly understandable if she was slowing down a little at that point.
The story follows Neels' usual formula of a shy but plucky young woman in a somewhat menial position falling in love with a man, usually a doctor, seemingly far beyond her reach. But of course the man is charmed by her artlessness and vulnerability and immediately falls for her, something that is evident to the reader but not to the guileless heroine. This story is set at Christmas and is definitely worth reading if you like stories that hark back to a simpler time with characters that may be a little too good to be true but are definitely heartwarming and comforting to read about in these days of strife and adversity.
The story follows Neels' usual formula of a shy but plucky young woman in a somewhat menial position falling in love with a man, usually a doctor, seemingly far beyond her reach. But of course the man is charmed by her artlessness and vulnerability and immediately falls for her, something that is evident to the reader but not to the guileless heroine. This story is set at Christmas and is definitely worth reading if you like stories that hark back to a simpler time with characters that may be a little too good to be true but are definitely heartwarming and comforting to read about in these days of strife and adversity.
March 29, 2021
Still a favorite!
One of my favorites by Betty. I loved the hero and heroine in this one.
One of my favorites by Betty. I loved the hero and heroine in this one.
February 22, 2025
I loved this sweet story that ended on Christmas Eve. Theodosia (!!!) and Hugo along with dogs George and Max and cat Gustavus. She works in the hospital dietitian office and he’s an English doctor/professor. Very sweet!
December 18, 2018
One of Betty's best Christmas novellas.
Theodosia is lovely, practical and upbeat, despite her circumstances. Our Rich Dutch Doctor, Hugo, is wonderful. There's a romantic misunderstanding, a pair of very self-centered great aunts (Theodosia's), a gorgeous sister (Hugo's), a cat (Theodosia's), dogs(Hugo's), a medical emergency, and more all deftly woven into a compact version of Betty's full-length books. I loved every minute spent reading it.
ETA 12/17/2018--just finished my annual re-read. This story always makes me so happy.
Theodosia is lovely, practical and upbeat, despite her circumstances. Our Rich Dutch Doctor, Hugo, is wonderful. There's a romantic misunderstanding, a pair of very self-centered great aunts (Theodosia's), a gorgeous sister (Hugo's), a cat (Theodosia's), dogs(Hugo's), a medical emergency, and more all deftly woven into a compact version of Betty's full-length books. I loved every minute spent reading it.
ETA 12/17/2018--just finished my annual re-read. This story always makes me so happy.
December 18, 2023
This was a delightful little quick read. I recommend it as a pick me up if you need it during this holiday season.
This was perfectly done for what it was— there was no gameplaying and the h doesn’t make herself miserable by refusing the kindnesses that are repeatedly given by the H. Also, the H doesn’t delude himself about his feelings for the h. He goes from liking her, to seeking out her company, to missing her when she’s gone, to realizing that he’s in love with her and pursuing her. No real OW, no pushing her away rudely because he doesn’t accept his feelings, planning a wedding without letting her know, etc. No belaboring the point that she is not quite pretty, although of course the description always makes her sound pretty (her flaws are a full mouth and a slightly tipped up nose, with those deformities topped by beautiful eyes and gorgeous ginger hair).
There are several animals that play a role, and a charming moment when the happy couple, who have newly declared their love for each other, are packing her things so that she can stay with his family over the holidays. Her landlady learns of their engagement and wishes them well, “and all them animals” since they are accompanied by two dogs and a cat on their errand.
This was perfectly done for what it was— there was no gameplaying and the h doesn’t make herself miserable by refusing the kindnesses that are repeatedly given by the H. Also, the H doesn’t delude himself about his feelings for the h. He goes from liking her, to seeking out her company, to missing her when she’s gone, to realizing that he’s in love with her and pursuing her. No real OW, no pushing her away rudely because he doesn’t accept his feelings, planning a wedding without letting her know, etc. No belaboring the point that she is not quite pretty, although of course the description always makes her sound pretty (her flaws are a full mouth and a slightly tipped up nose, with those deformities topped by beautiful eyes and gorgeous ginger hair).
There are several animals that play a role, and a charming moment when the happy couple, who have newly declared their love for each other, are packing her things so that she can stay with his family over the holidays. Her landlady learns of their engagement and wishes them well, “and all them animals” since they are accompanied by two dogs and a cat on their errand.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2022
A fun little holiday romance featuring an elegant English doctor and a ginger-haired hospital clerk. I think Betty outdid herself. It’s mildly funny at times, and just so heartwarming, balanced perfectly with poignancy.
Excerpt, at the dog shelter /kennels:
Theodosia said, ‘That little dog, he looks so sad …’ The attendant laughed. ‘He’s been George’s shadow ever since he came; can’t bear to be parted from him. They eat and sleep together, too. Let’s hope someone wants him. I doubt it—he came in off a rubbish dump.’
The professor was looking at Theodosia; he knew with resigned amusement that he was about to become the owner of the little dog. She wasn’t going to ask, but the expression on her face was eloquent.
###
Awww! Lovely moment. I also enjoyed Theo’s easygoing way with her somewhat unpleasant boss, Miss Prescott. Loved her outspoken landlady. And definitely, I loved Hugo, ripping up the dietician’s note, making up excuses for driving Theo to see her aunts, and — later — wanting to rage at them for hurting his darling Theodosia.
Merry Christmas indeed, and many more to come, for Hugo, Theodosia, Max & Gustavus.
Excerpt, at the dog shelter /kennels:
Theodosia said, ‘That little dog, he looks so sad …’ The attendant laughed. ‘He’s been George’s shadow ever since he came; can’t bear to be parted from him. They eat and sleep together, too. Let’s hope someone wants him. I doubt it—he came in off a rubbish dump.’
The professor was looking at Theodosia; he knew with resigned amusement that he was about to become the owner of the little dog. She wasn’t going to ask, but the expression on her face was eloquent.
###
Awww! Lovely moment. I also enjoyed Theo’s easygoing way with her somewhat unpleasant boss, Miss Prescott. Loved her outspoken landlady. And definitely, I loved Hugo, ripping up the dietician’s note, making up excuses for driving Theo to see her aunts, and — later — wanting to rage at them for hurting his darling Theodosia.
Merry Christmas indeed, and many more to come, for Hugo, Theodosia, Max & Gustavus.
August 16, 2022
Adorable, angst-free, insult-free Betty Neels romance.
Personally I thought I had read every single Betty Neels romance out there, but I hadn’t read this one and for me it’s 5 Betty Stars™️, which are different from regular stars but just as meaningful. It is admittedly very short but it’s a story about down-on-her-luck yet happy-go-lucky Theodosia who works as a clerk in the same hospital as medical Professor Hugo Bentinck. They bump into each other and though she’s not a dramatically beautiful Neelsian heroine, she charms him by treating him like a regular person rather than an eminent professor. Moreover, he has some humility left in him unlike a typical Neelsian hero and takes her familiarity in the friendly spirit in which it is meant, rather than trying to lower her. This was an absolute light-hearted, comforting, calming pleasure to read even though it does have some themes of abandonment and an eau de toxic positivity about it, I really liked it and it’s now one of my Neelsian faves!
Personally I thought I had read every single Betty Neels romance out there, but I hadn’t read this one and for me it’s 5 Betty Stars™️, which are different from regular stars but just as meaningful. It is admittedly very short but it’s a story about down-on-her-luck yet happy-go-lucky Theodosia who works as a clerk in the same hospital as medical Professor Hugo Bentinck. They bump into each other and though she’s not a dramatically beautiful Neelsian heroine, she charms him by treating him like a regular person rather than an eminent professor. Moreover, he has some humility left in him unlike a typical Neelsian hero and takes her familiarity in the friendly spirit in which it is meant, rather than trying to lower her. This was an absolute light-hearted, comforting, calming pleasure to read even though it does have some themes of abandonment and an eau de toxic positivity about it, I really liked it and it’s now one of my Neelsian faves!
October 27, 2021
Very typical Neels, except the doctor is British. Theodosia lives in a one-room apartment with her cat. Her days are spent working with the crabby woman who heads the dietary department of a big London hospital, occasional weekends with two great aunts who aren't so great. The novella is set in the season leading up to Christmas, but there's only a little bit of hoiday fun in it. One of the nicest features is that we get to see the doctor's feelings toward Theo grow into love. There's nothing special here, but for fans of Betty it has all the elements they're looking for, just in a smaller package.
November 3, 2025
Short and sweet holiday Betty classic that has one of my all-time favorite Betty moments when the professor adopts a second dog because of the look on Theodosia's face.
Le swoon.
Le swoon.
December 23, 2021
A happy smile of a book.
December 7, 2025
Just what I wanted! Everything simple and sweet.
December 31, 2025
This was so sweet! A perfect way to end the reading year.
March 10, 2017
Lovable heroine with a really nice hero.
October 25, 2018
For an excellent plot summary, please see Pamela Shropshire’s review.
I’m not usually a fan of Betty Neels’ romances. Her authoritarian, enigmatic doctors tend to be a little too remote for me, and they treat her dreadful OWs so politely it’s no wonder her downtrodden heroines scuttle back to their lonely garrets to nurse their broken hearts. But this charming novella doesn’t have room for an actual OW, and the doctor is only stupidly enigmatic once before he does something quite remarkable.
The book may have a pub date of 1999, but it is timelessly vintage. The characters are delightfully old-fashioned, and Hugo’s courtship was everything doting and proper: he squired not only the heroine but also her cat Gustavus everywhere they needed to go. Their happily ever after is going to be so cozy and snuggly.
I’m not usually a fan of Betty Neels’ romances. Her authoritarian, enigmatic doctors tend to be a little too remote for me, and they treat her dreadful OWs so politely it’s no wonder her downtrodden heroines scuttle back to their lonely garrets to nurse their broken hearts. But this charming novella doesn’t have room for an actual OW, and the doctor is only stupidly enigmatic once before he does something quite remarkable.
The book may have a pub date of 1999, but it is timelessly vintage. The characters are delightfully old-fashioned, and Hugo’s courtship was everything doting and proper: he squired not only the heroine but also her cat Gustavus everywhere they needed to go. Their happily ever after is going to be so cozy and snuggly.
December 13, 2018
Predictable, but still enjoyable.
It's typical Betty Neels fare, Doctor falls for lowly hospital staff, who is a kind-heart girl, with inner beauty and little family to speak of. Throw in the usual mix-up due to unfortunate events, a chaste kiss here and there, and the hero saving the damsel from a lonely Christmas, and you have a heart-warming holiday read.
It's typical Betty Neels fare, Doctor falls for lowly hospital staff, who is a kind-heart girl, with inner beauty and little family to speak of. Throw in the usual mix-up due to unfortunate events, a chaste kiss here and there, and the hero saving the damsel from a lonely Christmas, and you have a heart-warming holiday read.
September 17, 2018
A Christmas romance
I only recently started reading Betty Neels and for the most part I enjoy her books. The romance follows a formula and you can pretty much guess what's going to happen but the stories are sweet and the characters enjoyable. This story is short, took less then two hours to read, but was worth the effort. One of my complaints with Neels books is that the endings seem abrupt but that didn't really happen here. Maybe because the story was short the ending felt right.
I only recently started reading Betty Neels and for the most part I enjoy her books. The romance follows a formula and you can pretty much guess what's going to happen but the stories are sweet and the characters enjoyable. This story is short, took less then two hours to read, but was worth the effort. One of my complaints with Neels books is that the endings seem abrupt but that didn't really happen here. Maybe because the story was short the ending felt right.
December 1, 2018
Ebook
Grade: B
Not a review, just some thoughts for personal reference. Spoilers.
I won't do a summary since other reviewers have handled that. If I forget which book this is, I'll rely on them. And I will forget. Neels's books have a formula, with few variations, and this novella is no exception. And it's not a slam to mention the formulaic nature of Neels's writing because her formula works. A reader knows exactly what to expect, and that can be very comforting. And that's what this book was for me: A short, sweet holiday comfort read. Thank you, Betty Neels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2021
Sweet and romantic
These books are simple and sweet. None of the drama that’s been a requirement in a lot of my reads. Betty wrote pure romance, sweet and short.
It’s a nice change to be honest and it takes one back to a simpler time we’re the leads had manners and values.
It may not be for everyone but I love this author.
It’s a yes from me.
These books are simple and sweet. None of the drama that’s been a requirement in a lot of my reads. Betty wrote pure romance, sweet and short.
It’s a nice change to be honest and it takes one back to a simpler time we’re the leads had manners and values.
It may not be for everyone but I love this author.
It’s a yes from me.
January 18, 2024
Super sweet romance.
February 15, 2022
"Un romance navideño"( figura como historia corta de Harlequin internacional ).
Que hermosa, emotiva y oportuna novela de Betty... La historia se centra en Theodosia Chapman una joven sensata de ojos grises y cabello rubio de unos veintitantos años que vive sola ( huérfana de padres y con un par de tías mayores un tanto especiales) junto a su gato Gustavus. Ella trabaja como asistente de una severa jefa en un hospital. Allí conoce a Hugo Bendinck un reconocido y prestigioso doctor quien se encuentra impresionado con la sencillez y humildad de la muchacha.
Es está novela un clásico dentro del canon Betty con todos los elementos que la caracterizan:
El ambiente navideño
La joven huérfana, solitaria y humilde
El doctor
El gato como única compañía
La modesta vivienda de la joven
Las horribles, egoístas y ancianas tías de turno
El auto Bentley
Las mascotas
Lo positivo de esta novela corta es que se arriesga bastante para ser Betty,hay besos y eso se agradece.El protagonista es frío y directo pero cálido.Se sabe enamorado desde el comienzo y lo demuestra con palabras y hechos.
Novela altamente recomendable!
Que hermosa, emotiva y oportuna novela de Betty... La historia se centra en Theodosia Chapman una joven sensata de ojos grises y cabello rubio de unos veintitantos años que vive sola ( huérfana de padres y con un par de tías mayores un tanto especiales) junto a su gato Gustavus. Ella trabaja como asistente de una severa jefa en un hospital. Allí conoce a Hugo Bendinck un reconocido y prestigioso doctor quien se encuentra impresionado con la sencillez y humildad de la muchacha.
Es está novela un clásico dentro del canon Betty con todos los elementos que la caracterizan:
El ambiente navideño
La joven huérfana, solitaria y humilde
El doctor
El gato como única compañía
La modesta vivienda de la joven
Las horribles, egoístas y ancianas tías de turno
El auto Bentley
Las mascotas
Lo positivo de esta novela corta es que se arriesga bastante para ser Betty,hay besos y eso se agradece.El protagonista es frío y directo pero cálido.Se sabe enamorado desde el comienzo y lo demuestra con palabras y hechos.
Novela altamente recomendable!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2023
Professor Hugo Bentinck and Theodosia Chapman
Professor Hugo Bentinck and Theodosia Chapman
As always, I so enjoy reading anything and everything written by the lovely Betty Neels who retired from nursing and spent the rest of her life into her ninetieth year writing lovely sweet romance full of innocent young British women who fall for large very tall immense heroes usually hailing from Friesland in the Netherlands, sometimes not. Lovely stories like this one full of beautiful scenes, Betty’s descriptive power taking you out of your world and into the story, onto the page, where you feel like you are actually there, in a room of a vintage Victorian home, on a hillside in Holland, in an English garden, on a boat in the midst of the Netherlands, in a fog.. you can’t wait to read the next one! Two lovely characters like the ginger haired Theodosia Chapman and tall handsome Professor Hugo Bentinck with their misunderstandings and angst and longing for what might be, it will melt your heart on their journey into love and HEA.
Professor Hugo Bentinck and Theodosia Chapman
As always, I so enjoy reading anything and everything written by the lovely Betty Neels who retired from nursing and spent the rest of her life into her ninetieth year writing lovely sweet romance full of innocent young British women who fall for large very tall immense heroes usually hailing from Friesland in the Netherlands, sometimes not. Lovely stories like this one full of beautiful scenes, Betty’s descriptive power taking you out of your world and into the story, onto the page, where you feel like you are actually there, in a room of a vintage Victorian home, on a hillside in Holland, in an English garden, on a boat in the midst of the Netherlands, in a fog.. you can’t wait to read the next one! Two lovely characters like the ginger haired Theodosia Chapman and tall handsome Professor Hugo Bentinck with their misunderstandings and angst and longing for what might be, it will melt your heart on their journey into love and HEA.
September 22, 2021
Bizarrely for a book, this story had NO conflict driving it. Good old Betty went out on a limb here, having a heroine who was "almost pretty" and who *wasn't* a nurse (though she still worked in a hospital) and the tall, broad-shouldered doctor had brown hair this time and WAS NOT DUTCH!!! Maybe all those changes were enough for her to handle, so she decided to lay no obstacles in this couple's path. And I mean zero.
They like each other right off the bat and they grow fonder and fonder of each other, and then he does his usual Betty-Neals no-proposal proposal, in which he basically tells her they're going to get married. There's a cat and some dogs and that about covers it.
What saves it from being three stars is that, like all Betty Neels books, this was a pleasant time away from the real world, and I was interested enough in the heroine's humdrum life to want to spend time with her. Plus, it helped the believability of the story that she wasn't plain as a sack of potatoes.
They like each other right off the bat and they grow fonder and fonder of each other, and then he does his usual Betty-Neals no-proposal proposal, in which he basically tells her they're going to get married. There's a cat and some dogs and that about covers it.
What saves it from being three stars is that, like all Betty Neels books, this was a pleasant time away from the real world, and I was interested enough in the heroine's humdrum life to want to spend time with her. Plus, it helped the believability of the story that she wasn't plain as a sack of potatoes.
June 18, 2023
Refreshing!
This story is very refreshing. Theodosia isn't a nurse, but she does work at the hospital. She meets Max by chance, and he immediately sets out to win her over. She's just a happy lady who has had little luck in life but stays happy and thankful for what she has. Max finds ways to spend time with her without her suspecting what he's really doing. She doesn't fob him off..... she tries a couple of times. He doesn't have another girl in the background causing problems. Nothing like that. They have a misunderstanding towards the end, of course, but Mrs. Neels is very quick to explain what's happening to the reader. Of course everything works out. This book moves quickly since there isn't a lot of drama to it. It's just a nice, calm, very sweet love story!
This story is very refreshing. Theodosia isn't a nurse, but she does work at the hospital. She meets Max by chance, and he immediately sets out to win her over. She's just a happy lady who has had little luck in life but stays happy and thankful for what she has. Max finds ways to spend time with her without her suspecting what he's really doing. She doesn't fob him off..... she tries a couple of times. He doesn't have another girl in the background causing problems. Nothing like that. They have a misunderstanding towards the end, of course, but Mrs. Neels is very quick to explain what's happening to the reader. Of course everything works out. This book moves quickly since there isn't a lot of drama to it. It's just a nice, calm, very sweet love story!
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