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Christmas With The Duke
Ciara Harris hoped her first Christmas working back at Loughmore Castle would mark a fresh start, but Tom, now Duke of Bainsworth return threatens to uncover feelings she thought long-buried. Could a snowed in Christmas be a second chance?
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2018
6 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Katrina Cudmore
92 books46 followersCity loving, book addict, peony obsessive, Katrina Cudmore lives in Cork, Ireland with her husband, four active children and a very daft dog. A psychology graduate, with a M.Sc. in Human Resources Katrina spent many years working in multinational companies and can't believe she is lucky enough now to have a job that involves daydreaming about love and handsome men!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 17, 2018
If you are looking for a magical, romantic second chance at love Christmas story than this is the book to pick, it is just so very beautiful, moving, heart-warming a must read as Ciara and Tom reunite their love that had never faded over the years.
Ciara is back working at Loughmore Castle she is now a horticulturalist and is working to protect and bring back some very rare plants, Christmas is just about here and then Tom arrives and he is now The Duke of Bainsworth, he was the love of her life once but things didn’t end well can they be friends now, can she keep her feelings to herself, there is so much to work out and when they get snowed in, emotions run high.
Tom has come back to Loughmore Castle on a mission, yes he knows that Ciara is working there but he is determined that he will do what he must without getting involved again, or can he? Ciara is determined to change his mind on what he plans to do but she is also determined that that she will keep her distance emotionally, maybe that is right but being together again helps him open up about their past and hope for the future.
MS Cudmore writes a beautiful story, filled with emotion and a sensual pull that will pull a reader in and as with me I felt very close to Ciara and Tom and was cheering them on as they opened up their hearts to love again. The setting is just gorgeous and the ending magical, thank you MS Cudmore I loved this one and I highly recommend it to any romance reader that wants a HEA that will leave you smiling.
Ciara is back working at Loughmore Castle she is now a horticulturalist and is working to protect and bring back some very rare plants, Christmas is just about here and then Tom arrives and he is now The Duke of Bainsworth, he was the love of her life once but things didn’t end well can they be friends now, can she keep her feelings to herself, there is so much to work out and when they get snowed in, emotions run high.
Tom has come back to Loughmore Castle on a mission, yes he knows that Ciara is working there but he is determined that he will do what he must without getting involved again, or can he? Ciara is determined to change his mind on what he plans to do but she is also determined that that she will keep her distance emotionally, maybe that is right but being together again helps him open up about their past and hope for the future.
MS Cudmore writes a beautiful story, filled with emotion and a sensual pull that will pull a reader in and as with me I felt very close to Ciara and Tom and was cheering them on as they opened up their hearts to love again. The setting is just gorgeous and the ending magical, thank you MS Cudmore I loved this one and I highly recommend it to any romance reader that wants a HEA that will leave you smiling.
October 10, 2018
4.5 stars for "Christmas with the Duke" by Katrina Cudmore. This a Holiday romance that brings two people together and need to get to know one another again. Ciara Harris and Tom Benson grew up together at Loughmore castle. She was the grand daughter of the family that worked there, and he was the Duke's son. As they grew older their feelings for each other also grew. Life tore them apart many years ago but the death of Tom's father brought them back together. Ciara has her background in Horticulture and is working at Loughmore as a grounds keeper, and Tom is back to sell Loughmore due to his father's debts. As they reconnect so do their feelings. Both of them need to work on accepting who they are and they truly feel for each other.
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November 25, 2018Lots of yes: reunited lovers, snowbound over Christmas, being friends while tentatively repairing and extending their once broken trust in each other and themselves. This is the third book I've read by Cudmore, and I've quickly become a fan. Her stories are deeply romantic not because of tropes or angst or romantic fantasy, but because her character work is focused and nuanced, and in every book, it's been a joy watching her protagonists discover emotional honesty in themselves and each other. Ciara and Tom were thoughtfully drawn, making this an emotionally rich (without being angsty), satisfying story.
(Downsides: I could have done with a little less "but we servants love the aristocracy!!!" and I wish the heroine's gay friend was less of a stereotype.)
(Downsides: I could have done with a little less "but we servants love the aristocracy!!!" and I wish the heroine's gay friend was less of a stereotype.)
January 6, 2019
If you love, love, love Hallmark Christmas movies, then I’m positive you’ll be captivated by Christmas with the Duke by Katrina Cudmore!! Ciara and Tom are vibrant, full of life characters who you cannot help but adore. Ms. Cudmore pays much attention to detail and genuine emotions. Her writing is flawless and keeps you glued to the pages. Fast-paced, emotional and funny, Christmas with the Duke is the perfect Christmas treat!
Highly Recommended
4.5 Stars
Highly Recommended
4.5 Stars
January 15, 2019
An enchanting and engrossing contemporary romance about love lost and found set in a majestic castle in Ireland, Christmas with the Duke is a tender, heartwarming and searingly emotional tale from the immensely talented pen of Katrina Cudmore.
Loughmore Castle is a place full of painful memories from the past which Ciara Harris has not quite managed to put behind her. Heartbreak, loss and anguish are three emotions which Ciara associates with the Irish castle, however, she firmly believes that this is the place where she can heal from old wounds and move on with her life which was why she had accepted a job working as a horticulturist in the gardens of this beautiful estate. Ciara loves her job working in the grounds of beautiful Loughmore, has settled in her cottage and has made some wonderful new friends, however, her quiet life looks set to be turned upside down when Tom Benson, the Duke of Bainsworth, returns back home, bringing with him all the heart-wrenching memories of their forbidden love all those years ago…
Although Ciara had been a working class girl from Dublin and Tom the son and heir of the Duke of Bainsworth, as teenagers they had been firm friends – and their friendship had soon given way to a love that simply could not be denied. Yet, their love was not meant to be, and they had gone their separate ways. Still haunted by their illicit affection for one another and by what might have been, Tom and Ciara have never quite managed to get over the acrimonious end to their relationship, so when they find each again after all this time, all those old and never forgotten feelings come rushing back with a vengeance!
Ciara is stunned when the man she has never stopped loving strides back into her life, but the shocks just keep on coming when Tom announces that he is only back at Loughmore temporarily because he plans to sell the estate to concentrate on his thriving restaurant business. Ciara cannot bear the thought of anyone other than Tom living in Loughmore, but will she manage to make him change his mind? Or is Tom so determined to rid himself of Loughmore once and for all that he is simply not prepared to be persuaded otherwise – not even by her?
When a snowstorm forces the two of them into even closer proximity over Christmas, giving into temptation proves inevitable for them. As Ciara and Tom realise that they simply cannot bear the thought of spending another moment apart, will they find the courage to vanquish old ghosts and grab this unexpected second chance at happiness with both hands? Or are there simply too many obstacles standing in their way?
Katrina Cudmore’s books are pure magic and Christmas with the Duke is certainly no exception! A beautifully written and wonderfully rendered tale full of pathos, emotion and heart, Christmas with the Duke is a story about second chances, laying old ghosts to rest and the healing power of love that brought many a tear to my eye. Katrina Cudmore writes beautifully about redemption, letting go of the past and finding the courage to give love another try and readers are sure to fall in love with Ciara and Tom’s uplifting, emotional and wonderfully compelling love story.
Katrina Cudmore is an outstanding writer of contemporary romantic fiction and Christmas with the Duke is a first class tale that delivers on all counts!
Loughmore Castle is a place full of painful memories from the past which Ciara Harris has not quite managed to put behind her. Heartbreak, loss and anguish are three emotions which Ciara associates with the Irish castle, however, she firmly believes that this is the place where she can heal from old wounds and move on with her life which was why she had accepted a job working as a horticulturist in the gardens of this beautiful estate. Ciara loves her job working in the grounds of beautiful Loughmore, has settled in her cottage and has made some wonderful new friends, however, her quiet life looks set to be turned upside down when Tom Benson, the Duke of Bainsworth, returns back home, bringing with him all the heart-wrenching memories of their forbidden love all those years ago…
Although Ciara had been a working class girl from Dublin and Tom the son and heir of the Duke of Bainsworth, as teenagers they had been firm friends – and their friendship had soon given way to a love that simply could not be denied. Yet, their love was not meant to be, and they had gone their separate ways. Still haunted by their illicit affection for one another and by what might have been, Tom and Ciara have never quite managed to get over the acrimonious end to their relationship, so when they find each again after all this time, all those old and never forgotten feelings come rushing back with a vengeance!
Ciara is stunned when the man she has never stopped loving strides back into her life, but the shocks just keep on coming when Tom announces that he is only back at Loughmore temporarily because he plans to sell the estate to concentrate on his thriving restaurant business. Ciara cannot bear the thought of anyone other than Tom living in Loughmore, but will she manage to make him change his mind? Or is Tom so determined to rid himself of Loughmore once and for all that he is simply not prepared to be persuaded otherwise – not even by her?
When a snowstorm forces the two of them into even closer proximity over Christmas, giving into temptation proves inevitable for them. As Ciara and Tom realise that they simply cannot bear the thought of spending another moment apart, will they find the courage to vanquish old ghosts and grab this unexpected second chance at happiness with both hands? Or are there simply too many obstacles standing in their way?
Katrina Cudmore’s books are pure magic and Christmas with the Duke is certainly no exception! A beautifully written and wonderfully rendered tale full of pathos, emotion and heart, Christmas with the Duke is a story about second chances, laying old ghosts to rest and the healing power of love that brought many a tear to my eye. Katrina Cudmore writes beautifully about redemption, letting go of the past and finding the courage to give love another try and readers are sure to fall in love with Ciara and Tom’s uplifting, emotional and wonderfully compelling love story.
Katrina Cudmore is an outstanding writer of contemporary romantic fiction and Christmas with the Duke is a first class tale that delivers on all counts!
January 15, 2019
An enchanting and engrossing contemporary romance about love lost and found set in a majestic castle in Ireland, Christmas with the Duke is a tender, heartwarming and searingly emotional tale from the immensely talented pen of Katrina Cudmore.
Loughmore Castle is a place full of painful memories from the past which Ciara Harris has not quite managed to put behind her. Heartbreak, loss and anguish are three emotions which Ciara associates with the Irish castle, however, she firmly believes that this is the place where she can heal from old wounds and move on with her life which was why she had accepted a job working as a horticulturist in the gardens of this beautiful estate. Ciara loves her job working in the grounds of beautiful Loughmore, has settled in her cottage and has made some wonderful new friends, however, her quiet life looks set to be turned upside down when Tom Benson, the Duke of Bainsworth, returns back home, bringing with him all the heart-wrenching memories of their forbidden love all those years ago…
Although Ciara had been a working class girl from Dublin and Tom the son and heir of the Duke of Bainsworth, as teenagers they had been firm friends – and their friendship had soon given way to a love that simply could not be denied. Yet, their love was not meant to be, and they had gone their separate ways. Still haunted by their illicit affection for one another and by what might have been, Tom and Ciara have never quite managed to get over the acrimonious end to their relationship, so when they find each again after all this time, all those old and never forgotten feelings come rushing back with a vengeance!
Ciara is stunned when the man she has never stopped loving strides back into her life, but the shocks just keep on coming when Tom announces that he is only back at Loughmore temporarily because he plans to sell the estate to concentrate on his thriving restaurant business. Ciara cannot bear the thought of anyone other than Tom living in Loughmore, but will she manage to make him change his mind? Or is Tom so determined to rid himself of Loughmore once and for all that he is simply not prepared to be persuaded otherwise – not even by her?
When a snowstorm forces the two of them into even closer proximity over Christmas, giving into temptation proves inevitable for them. As Ciara and Tom realise that they simply cannot bear the thought of spending another moment apart, will they find the courage to vanquish old ghosts and grab this unexpected second chance at happiness with both hands? Or are there simply too many obstacles standing in their way?
Katrina Cudmore’s books are pure magic and Christmas with the Duke is certainly no exception! A beautifully written and wonderfully rendered tale full of pathos, emotion and heart, Christmas with the Duke is a story about second chances, laying old ghosts to rest and the healing power of love that brought many a tear to my eye. Katrina Cudmore writes beautifully about redemption, letting go of the past and finding the courage to give love another try and readers are sure to fall in love with Ciara and Tom’s uplifting, emotional and wonderfully compelling love story.
Katrina Cudmore is an outstanding writer of contemporary romantic fiction and Christmas with the Duke is a first class tale that delivers on all counts!
Loughmore Castle is a place full of painful memories from the past which Ciara Harris has not quite managed to put behind her. Heartbreak, loss and anguish are three emotions which Ciara associates with the Irish castle, however, she firmly believes that this is the place where she can heal from old wounds and move on with her life which was why she had accepted a job working as a horticulturist in the gardens of this beautiful estate. Ciara loves her job working in the grounds of beautiful Loughmore, has settled in her cottage and has made some wonderful new friends, however, her quiet life looks set to be turned upside down when Tom Benson, the Duke of Bainsworth, returns back home, bringing with him all the heart-wrenching memories of their forbidden love all those years ago…
Although Ciara had been a working class girl from Dublin and Tom the son and heir of the Duke of Bainsworth, as teenagers they had been firm friends – and their friendship had soon given way to a love that simply could not be denied. Yet, their love was not meant to be, and they had gone their separate ways. Still haunted by their illicit affection for one another and by what might have been, Tom and Ciara have never quite managed to get over the acrimonious end to their relationship, so when they find each again after all this time, all those old and never forgotten feelings come rushing back with a vengeance!
Ciara is stunned when the man she has never stopped loving strides back into her life, but the shocks just keep on coming when Tom announces that he is only back at Loughmore temporarily because he plans to sell the estate to concentrate on his thriving restaurant business. Ciara cannot bear the thought of anyone other than Tom living in Loughmore, but will she manage to make him change his mind? Or is Tom so determined to rid himself of Loughmore once and for all that he is simply not prepared to be persuaded otherwise – not even by her?
When a snowstorm forces the two of them into even closer proximity over Christmas, giving into temptation proves inevitable for them. As Ciara and Tom realise that they simply cannot bear the thought of spending another moment apart, will they find the courage to vanquish old ghosts and grab this unexpected second chance at happiness with both hands? Or are there simply too many obstacles standing in their way?
Katrina Cudmore’s books are pure magic and Christmas with the Duke is certainly no exception! A beautifully written and wonderfully rendered tale full of pathos, emotion and heart, Christmas with the Duke is a story about second chances, laying old ghosts to rest and the healing power of love that brought many a tear to my eye. Katrina Cudmore writes beautifully about redemption, letting go of the past and finding the courage to give love another try and readers are sure to fall in love with Ciara and Tom’s uplifting, emotional and wonderfully compelling love story.
Katrina Cudmore is an outstanding writer of contemporary romantic fiction and Christmas with the Duke is a first class tale that delivers on all counts!
October 2, 2018
A delightful holiday reunion! The magical setting of a castle decked out in Christmas delight is quick to whisk you into the holiday mindset. The characters were compelling, and I found myself following their story and hoping for a repair of the damage life did to their hearts years ago. Really liked Ciara and Tom together!
Years ago, teenage Ciara Harris and Tom Benson were the best of friends growing up around his family's castle and estate. Their young hearts drifted towards each other and they thought their love would last forever, but real life and the differences between them quickly tarnished the developing connection and they split up.
A dozen years later, horticulturist Ciara is back working at Loughmore Castle when Tom, now Duke of Bainsworth, makes an appearance. It doesn't take long for that old attraction to flare, and when they're snowed in together on Christmas Eve, the magic is too much to resist ... but can they persevere against all that split them up before?
Years ago, teenage Ciara Harris and Tom Benson were the best of friends growing up around his family's castle and estate. Their young hearts drifted towards each other and they thought their love would last forever, but real life and the differences between them quickly tarnished the developing connection and they split up.
A dozen years later, horticulturist Ciara is back working at Loughmore Castle when Tom, now Duke of Bainsworth, makes an appearance. It doesn't take long for that old attraction to flare, and when they're snowed in together on Christmas Eve, the magic is too much to resist ... but can they persevere against all that split them up before?
October 1, 2018
CHRISTMAS WITH THE DUKE by author Katrina Cudmore is an October 2018 release by Harlequin Romance series.
Ciara Harris has a teenage crush on Tom. And they had a passionate fling. But she was all grown up now and he was the Duke of Bainworth.
But meeting him again as she was working on his estate she found the attraction still burned bright for her. What about him? Did he still think of her?
Then they become snow-bound for Christmas. Would it bring them the previous closeness they had shared? Would it bring them close again? Dare she hope of a miracle?
CHRISTMAS WITH THE DUKE is a sweet and tender romance. Author Katrina Cudmore brought these two characters together despite all the odds they faced. Ciara was a strong and feisty heroine and Tom was her perfect match.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
Ciara Harris has a teenage crush on Tom. And they had a passionate fling. But she was all grown up now and he was the Duke of Bainworth.
But meeting him again as she was working on his estate she found the attraction still burned bright for her. What about him? Did he still think of her?
Then they become snow-bound for Christmas. Would it bring them the previous closeness they had shared? Would it bring them close again? Dare she hope of a miracle?
CHRISTMAS WITH THE DUKE is a sweet and tender romance. Author Katrina Cudmore brought these two characters together despite all the odds they faced. Ciara was a strong and feisty heroine and Tom was her perfect match.
Highly recommended for all readers of romance.
October 4, 2018
As teenagers Ciara and Tom had feelings for each other and thought love could survive anything and they would be together forever. However the difference in their life eventually squashed that. Tom grew up in his family's castle on their estate and Ciara lived a totally different lifestyle. Ciara believes the saying that you can't go home but goes there because now a horticulturist she is working at Loughmore Castle. The last person she wants to run into is Tom Benson, now the Duke of Bainsworth. She may have to change her thinking about not being able to go home as the magic of Christmas, getting snowed in together have them confront what split them apart in the past. A beautiful Christmas reunion story.
December 2, 2018
Ciara and Tom reunite after years of not seeing each other. They had a past affair. Young love. She was an employee of Loughmore Castle. She still is. He came down to sell it. She’s trying to save it for the other employees and the town. They still feel the passion. This book is about second chances and to get over the heartache of the past secret. It’s a well written and a feel good book.
February 17, 2022
Teenager sweethearts are reunited at Christmas. Tom has a more casual approach to the class system whereas Ciara as a worker for Tom's estate has had her family remind her of the class divide. As the couples attraction and past hurts collide during the festive season.
December 20, 2018
A lovely second-chance-at-love/Cinderella story. Tom is particularly nice as the hero, but with slight feet of clay. Enjoyed this, nice and festive as well.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews