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Christmastide With His Countess
Scarlett Tannon, Countess of Oxford, has not seen her husband since their wedding four months ago — which is exactly what she wanted. Schooled by her mother’s experiences, Scarlett carefully guards her heart from any man, most especially her handsome and charming husband. She vows she will never suffer the heartbreak of her mother. Instead, she shares her love and gifts with those less fortunate than herself, including the tenants of her husband’s lands — tenants he has ignored for too long.
Hunter Tannon, the Earl of Oxford, is devoted to his role in the House of Lords, determined to make a difference for those who are affected by his work there. Rejected by his bride, he leaves her on his country estate and puts her from his mind as he focuses on what really matters: political decisions. Until one day, his steward sends him an urgent summons to return his home in the country, a summons that Hunter cannot ignore or refuse.
No sooner has he returned, at the beginning of the Christmastide season, than Hunter finds himself stayed by a snowstorm. He is surprised when he sees his wife’s frosty exterior beginning to melt, revealing a mysterious and sensual woman underneath. Will days together, in the presence of sleigh rides, mistletoe, and the Christmas spirit, drive them apart forever, or reveal to them a love they never thought possible?
For readers 18+ due to some steamy scenes.
Hunter Tannon, the Earl of Oxford, is devoted to his role in the House of Lords, determined to make a difference for those who are affected by his work there. Rejected by his bride, he leaves her on his country estate and puts her from his mind as he focuses on what really matters: political decisions. Until one day, his steward sends him an urgent summons to return his home in the country, a summons that Hunter cannot ignore or refuse.
No sooner has he returned, at the beginning of the Christmastide season, than Hunter finds himself stayed by a snowstorm. He is surprised when he sees his wife’s frosty exterior beginning to melt, revealing a mysterious and sensual woman underneath. Will days together, in the presence of sleigh rides, mistletoe, and the Christmas spirit, drive them apart forever, or reveal to them a love they never thought possible?
For readers 18+ due to some steamy scenes.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2018
449 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Ellie St. Clair
231 books374 followersEllie St. Clair writes heartwarming Regency romances with spirited heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, and happily ever afters. Her passion for history shines through in richly drawn characters and romances brimming with irresistible tension.
A former journalist with an incurable love of history, she is the author of popular series such as Remingtons of the Regency and The Bluestocking Scandals. She lives in Saskatchewan, Canada, with her husband and three children.
When she isn’t crafting romantic tales or keeping up with her kids, she’s mainlining coffee, sweating it out on her Peloton, valiantly attempting to keep her plants alive, planning her next dog rescue, or dreaming of lake escapes.
Ellie loves corresponding with readers, so visit her website, email her, sign up for her newsletter or join her Facebook group for exclusive content, giveaways, and sneak peeks at upcoming books.
Contact her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/elliestclair, and sign up for her mailing list at http://www.elliestclair.com/subscribe.
A former journalist with an incurable love of history, she is the author of popular series such as Remingtons of the Regency and The Bluestocking Scandals. She lives in Saskatchewan, Canada, with her husband and three children.
When she isn’t crafting romantic tales or keeping up with her kids, she’s mainlining coffee, sweating it out on her Peloton, valiantly attempting to keep her plants alive, planning her next dog rescue, or dreaming of lake escapes.
Ellie loves corresponding with readers, so visit her website, email her, sign up for her newsletter or join her Facebook group for exclusive content, giveaways, and sneak peeks at upcoming books.
Contact her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/elliestclair, and sign up for her mailing list at http://www.elliestclair.com/subscribe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
December 11, 2024
⭐⭐⭐
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
A little bit of a unique idea that it is the heroine that fights her feelings and fights against love.
Some parts in the beginning of the story were a little interesting.
A rather good hero.
A heroine with crooked teeth.
(It is so unusual to read about that in any romance genre/book… but also in historical romance books… so so many of these characters in historical romance books have perfect straight teeth and pearly white teeth … like they are in modern times or/and are Hollywood actors. 😀 🤦♀️🙄)
Christmas vibes.
➖ What I disliked:
The heroes cold and awful parents.
The heroines bitter and pessimistic mother.
The heroine was kind of annoying and unlikable.
(She was shrewish and unfriendly towards the hero among other things.… and really treats him badly…. The hero also has his issues but he tries to make the best of the situation. )
Plot-holes and believability/plausibility issues.
(Everything with the heroines and heroes parents and what they had done and how the had meddled and continued trying to meddle and sabotage their marriage was just glossed over and swept under the rug.
And why would the main characters want to have such cold and toxic and negative people around their child?
And why would the heroes parents be interested in their grandchild when they had shown no care or interest for their own children… it makes no sense?… especially when you factor in other things such as their view on children in general and so many other things.
The “villain” was never really dealt with and it was never mentioned what happened to him and what consequences/punishment he got for what he did to the heroine.
That the heroine would so easily forgive and trust the woman that was very flirtatious and clingy towards the hero… and after how she talked about the heroines and heroes marriage and what she wanted from/with the hero etc.)
Both main characters were somewhat immature/emotionally immature.
(The heroines trust issues were OTT and she listened a little too much to her mother for being a adult woman…. So she was also a little too wishy-washy with her feelings…. And in some ways a little bitter.
The hero had fear of rejection and he was also a little too absent minded and overly focused on his work with the House of Lords… which was really detrimental to his marriage.)
The couples miscommunications and misunderstandings.
(They tried to communicate which was good …. but it was like they did not really listen to each other so the result just became about miscommunications/misunderstandings.)
A little anachronistic here and there.
(Not too much … but the things that were anachronistic …. were rather jarring….
Such as using matches to light lanterns/candles …. matches were not invented until 1826 … this book takes place 1813/1814…. And the use of the word sexy … that word was not in use until the 1890’s and again this book takes place in 1813/1814.
And as a whole the vocabulary was too modern day American.)
The romantic build-up and chemistry was not very convincing and also lacked depth…. And from the heroes side the insta-love was rushed and forced.
And too much of the relationship and attraction between the main characters was based on the physical and there was way too little emotional development.
Disjointed.
(The scene with the “villain” at the end of the book is weird and feels out of place and rather contrived.)
The ending is kind of rushed and everything is solved too easily and too quickly.
Many parts were formulaic.
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice of the hero.
(Hero= tall, muscular, very handsome)
December 4, 2018
Heroine with trust issues
Okay I understood this heroine. Her Father married the mother but he was a playboy. It broke her Mother's heart when a day after they married he was already sleeping with his mistress. He was never faithful and the heroine watched her Mother's pain and disillusionment consume her. She gets married to the H and she pretty much pushed him away. He is in London for four months and he comes home for Christmas visit because his wife is annoying his steward. She loves his tenants and the steward is treating them terribly. The H comes home and sees what is going on. He falls in love with the heroine even though she is a little prickly. I loved watching them fall in love. I was glad he was faithful while they were apart and didn't let her attitude make him betray his vows. I loved the entire story. Great ending.
Okay I understood this heroine. Her Father married the mother but he was a playboy. It broke her Mother's heart when a day after they married he was already sleeping with his mistress. He was never faithful and the heroine watched her Mother's pain and disillusionment consume her. She gets married to the H and she pretty much pushed him away. He is in London for four months and he comes home for Christmas visit because his wife is annoying his steward. She loves his tenants and the steward is treating them terribly. The H comes home and sees what is going on. He falls in love with the heroine even though she is a little prickly. I loved watching them fall in love. I was glad he was faithful while they were apart and didn't let her attitude make him betray his vows. I loved the entire story. Great ending.
July 1, 2025
This is my 40th book by Ellie St. Clair. I picked up 1 book in late 2017, then 2 more in 2018 and then not again until May 2022. She is quickly becoming a favorite. I just happen to run across this book when searching for new reads.
I really liked this story a lot. I enjoyed Scarlett and Hunter and their personalities. I liked them getting to know one another and learning to get over their fears, especially Scarlett. I could have strangled their parents though. They just made me want to scream. So frustrating. Overall a cute read and I enjoyed it.
I really liked this story a lot. I enjoyed Scarlett and Hunter and their personalities. I liked them getting to know one another and learning to get over their fears, especially Scarlett. I could have strangled their parents though. They just made me want to scream. So frustrating. Overall a cute read and I enjoyed it.
October 28, 2018
I found this a good book. I really liked both Hunter and Scarlett. They had an arranged marriage but lived apart for the first 3 months of their marriage and came together for Christmas. Their chemistry was evident from the start. The villains were well written with not too much to stop the flow of the book.
November 15, 2018
This is the kind of story that I absolutely love to read this time of year. Scarlett and Hunter's story begins when they meet for the first time at their arranged wedding ceremony and then Hunter leaves for 4 months before coming back during Christmastide. That's when the fun begins....learning to spend time together and getting to know each other, not an easy feat for Scarlett who was always told by her mother not to trust a man's love and faithfulness. Both the hero and heroine are such wonderful characters and you can't help but cheer them on. Highly recommend this book!!
December 28, 2019
Decent novella. I wish it had been longer so the characters could have been developed more, but I enjoyed it.
February 14, 2021
Pretty fun Holiday novella.
The one thing I didn't quite like was how quickly hero fell in love with the heroine; they were married, yes - but they didn't know each other or even spend much time together. Forced proximity trope was nice, and the holiday/winter scenery added extra spark to the story.
3+/5 stars
The one thing I didn't quite like was how quickly hero fell in love with the heroine; they were married, yes - but they didn't know each other or even spend much time together. Forced proximity trope was nice, and the holiday/winter scenery added extra spark to the story.
3+/5 stars
November 7, 2018
4.5 Stars
Scarlett Tannon, Countess of Oxford, has not seen her husband since their wedding day in August four months ago which is exactly what she wanted. She’s spent her time getting to know the tenants of her husband’s lands. Hunter Tannon, the Earl of Oxford, is devoted to his role in the House of Lords, determined to make a difference for those who are affected by his work there. Until one day, his steward sends him an urgent summons to return his home in the country. No sooner has he returned, at the beginning of the Christmastide season, than Hunter finds himself stayed by a snowstorm. He is surprised when he sees his wife’s frosty exterior beginning to melt, revealing a mysterious and sensual woman underneath.
A well written engrossing read of an arranged marriage where they met at the alter, also two people both with their fears that they are loathe to let go. I really liked both Hunter & Scarlett two people who for different reasons hadn’t had happy childhoods & they took those insecurities to their marriage. The attraction was there from the start but the joy of the book was how they worked towards their HEA. I found myself once again engrossed in a book by the author & read it in two sittings. I particularly liked their gifts to each other, definite lump in the throat moments.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Scarlett Tannon, Countess of Oxford, has not seen her husband since their wedding day in August four months ago which is exactly what she wanted. She’s spent her time getting to know the tenants of her husband’s lands. Hunter Tannon, the Earl of Oxford, is devoted to his role in the House of Lords, determined to make a difference for those who are affected by his work there. Until one day, his steward sends him an urgent summons to return his home in the country. No sooner has he returned, at the beginning of the Christmastide season, than Hunter finds himself stayed by a snowstorm. He is surprised when he sees his wife’s frosty exterior beginning to melt, revealing a mysterious and sensual woman underneath.
A well written engrossing read of an arranged marriage where they met at the alter, also two people both with their fears that they are loathe to let go. I really liked both Hunter & Scarlett two people who for different reasons hadn’t had happy childhoods & they took those insecurities to their marriage. The attraction was there from the start but the joy of the book was how they worked towards their HEA. I found myself once again engrossed in a book by the author & read it in two sittings. I particularly liked their gifts to each other, definite lump in the throat moments.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 11, 2018
I admired the heroine, Lady Scarlett. For she had to overcome years of indoctrined misconceptions and fear of marriage. She had an arranged marriage and never met her groom until the day of her wedding. After her wedding, she treated her husband, Lord Hunter, abominably. She acted like a harridan and pushed him away. Hunter grew up with unloving parents who treated him and his sister, Lavinia, with nothing but distain. Scarlett grew up with a loving mother, and she knew that her father, in his own way loved her too. Hunter had enough of a life full of rejection and longed for a loving relationship with his wife, but she would not have him. When Hunter returned from a length stay in London, he came home to Wintervale. Oh... was he in for a surprise. Even though Scarlett tried to keep Hunter at a distance with her icy demeanor, she was getting to know him better and he was getting to know her too. I loved that the story covers the obstacles they both faced because of their upbringing and that they did it together was a beautiful thing to read about. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2018
As with all of Ellie St.Clair's books this was a delight to read and the Christmas theme makes you warm with holiday spirit. Scarlett was being married to a man she had never met, her father arranged this and so it would happen no matter how she felt, Hunter never took time to find a wife he was just to busy in the House of Lords trying to fix the world he lived in, so accepted the marriage her father agreed to. Scarlett refused to try and make this marriage work and ended up sending Hunter back to London refusing to go with him. Hunter is busy as always when he receives a missive from his estate manager Mr. Stone asking him to return home. He arrives home just before a snowstorm and is forced to stay until the roads clear. Christmas magic is in the air Scarlett's favorite time of year, Hunter has never celebrated Christmas before but goes a long with his wife's desire to celebrate it. They slowly get to know each other and like what they find but Hunter needs to find the reason his wife always pulls away from. Read this book and find some Christmas magic of your own.
November 12, 2018
This was a really good holiday read with wonderful main characters & secondary characters - some likable & some not so much. She has not seen her husband since she first met him & married him in August - 4 months ago. Now Scarlett Tannon, Countess of Oxford, has just what she wanted - her husband in London, she at his country estate where she can become familiar with the house, servants & the tenants of her husband's lands. Hunter Tannon, the Earl of Oxford, left his new wife shortly after discovering she would have nothing to do with him & he goes back to London to fulfill his position in the House of Lords. He is very dedicated to fighting for children's work rights, among others. His steward writes to Hunter & request his presence back in the country. Hunter goes and then all the fun begins. This is full of fun, misunderstandings, meddling parents on both sides, romance, humor, some spice & most important a HEA. I highly recommend this read to all historical romance readers - you will love it!
November 10, 2018
AN INCREDIBLY SATISFYING READ!!!
Oh my! Such a wonderfully touching tale. With all the unpredictable twists and events it's easy to get lost in this engaging storyline with an incredible plot that seems as effortless as breathing. This is one exciting, fast paced, action packed, hard hitting, pulse racing, heart pounding, page turning, smooth flowing tale that's as captivating as it is riveting. With an endless amount of drama, mystery, intrigue and suspense it keeps your focus on the pages and frozen to your seat. A plethora of emotions in a whirlwind of activities and happenstance it pulls this wonderfully well matched couple together and shows that miracles do happen. Ellie did a amazing job bringing this read to life beautifuly. Fantastic job Ellie, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
Oh my! Such a wonderfully touching tale. With all the unpredictable twists and events it's easy to get lost in this engaging storyline with an incredible plot that seems as effortless as breathing. This is one exciting, fast paced, action packed, hard hitting, pulse racing, heart pounding, page turning, smooth flowing tale that's as captivating as it is riveting. With an endless amount of drama, mystery, intrigue and suspense it keeps your focus on the pages and frozen to your seat. A plethora of emotions in a whirlwind of activities and happenstance it pulls this wonderfully well matched couple together and shows that miracles do happen. Ellie did a amazing job bringing this read to life beautifuly. Fantastic job Ellie, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
October 26, 2018
The story of Scarlett and Hunter is very well written in that it keeps your attention and you want to know what happens next. This author has a way with her writings that tends to draw the reader into the story almost as if you were a participant. The first time they meet each other is at the alter just before they say their vows. Hunter is obsessed with his work in the House of Lords to the point that he had his father find him a bride. Scarlett whose father betrayed her mother in their marriage is afraid to get close to Hunter. There is a HEA but a lot happens before this comes about. They each learn that marriage is about compromising on both sides. I loved this story and would highly recommend it as a great read.
Love the cover.
Love the cover.
December 10, 2018
Scarlett and Hunter find themselves married to strangers. Hunter takes it in stride and tries to make the best of the situation, while Scarlett treats Hunter atrociously.
I have to say that it took me a bit to warm up to Scarlett. Neither of them chose the other, but she made the situation worse by not even trying to get to know Hunter.
Then, I found out her reasoning. That made me understand, but still not necessarily like her decisions.
Hunter had some flaws also. He was a workaholic. I know it seems weird to say in a historical, but he was. He was also a blind fool, when it came to certain social situations.
At the end of the day though, I liked the story. I will definitely read more by this author.
I have to say that it took me a bit to warm up to Scarlett. Neither of them chose the other, but she made the situation worse by not even trying to get to know Hunter.
Then, I found out her reasoning. That made me understand, but still not necessarily like her decisions.
Hunter had some flaws also. He was a workaholic. I know it seems weird to say in a historical, but he was. He was also a blind fool, when it came to certain social situations.
At the end of the day though, I liked the story. I will definitely read more by this author.
November 3, 2018
Wonderful Regency tale of second chances. Scarlett and Hunter are involved in a typical arranged marriage, meeting for the first time at the church altar. Unfortunately, both characters have pasts that seem to push them away from each other. Hunter heads back to London and Scarlett remains at their country estate. When circumstances bring Hunter back to the Country, can he finally win over Scarlett and prove that she can trust him not to hurt her? It is true, Christmas does bring miracles! I loved this story and empathized with both characters. The storyline was brilliant and kept my interest all the way through. I highly recommend this book to Regency Lovers.
November 13, 2018
Hunter and Scarlett are joined by an arranged marriage, their first glimpses of one another at their wedding ceremony. Both are attractive people, but beauty/handsomeness do not necessarily make a great marriage, Both come to this marriage with personal issues which must be solved before they can love and trust each other. The characters are great, the storyline interesting and it is well written. I received an advanced copy of this story for review, and I am voluntarily leaving a review, and my opinions are my own. I have read other stories from this author, and they have always been great reads.
November 15, 2018
Ellie St. Clair has once again done a great job with the storyline and characters of this book. Scarlett Tannon, Countess of Oxford marries Hunter, the Duke of Oxford not exactly by choice. His main interest is in Parliament and when he finds himself not exactly warming up to his new wife, he leaves for London. After not seeing his wife for 4 months, he's summoned home due to abnormalities in his finances. Once home for the Christmastide season, they end up snowed in and against Scarlett's better judgement, start to grow close. With many trials and tribulations, they find that marriage can be the perfect thing. I voluntarily read this as an ARC
March 4, 2019
I really wanted to like this book. It was pretty much period correct as far as I can tell, with the exception of using matches to light candles. Not sure if matches had been invented in 1813. It was well written, other than telling us at least ten times that the H had blue-green eyes.
The H was likeable and loyal, and seemed an earnest fellow. The h was so bitter towards the arranged marriage (because of her father's infidelity) that I just couldn't stand her. She was selfish and foolish.
*SPOILER* The scene near the end when the fired steward, Mr. Stone, makes an appearance, was so contrived as to be laughable.
The H was likeable and loyal, and seemed an earnest fellow. The h was so bitter towards the arranged marriage (because of her father's infidelity) that I just couldn't stand her. She was selfish and foolish.
*SPOILER* The scene near the end when the fired steward, Mr. Stone, makes an appearance, was so contrived as to be laughable.
November 12, 2018
Scarlett’s marriage to Hunter, Lord Oxford was arranged by their parents against her will. She sees how sad her mother is married to a man she loves who does not love her and refuses to give any man that power over her. Scarlett shuts herself off from Hunter telling him to leave her alone at their country estate and go to London without her. But Hunter is not her father, but he has to work to woo her and earn her trust. There were plenty of funny and sexy moments in this holiday Regency romance.
October 31, 2018
The story of Scarlett and Hunter is an interesting one. They met at the altar on the day of their wedding. Not a good start as far as arranged marriages go. Hunter is suitably perplexed at behaviour of his new countess. Scarlett is a difficult as she can be. How can this possible work? A summons from his steward brings him back from London and a snowstorm keeps him there. I enjoyed both characters banter. The pace of the story was good. Great story!
November 12, 2018
Another brilliant book by Ellie. Scarlett and Hunter have an arranged marriage and don't meet until their wedding. They then live apart for three months while Hunter is away in London. He arrives home for Christmas. Scarlett has vowed she won't give her heart to any man as her mother was treated badly by her father. Despite many twists in the story everything turns out well in the end for Scarlett and Hunter. This is another wonderful read by Ellie. I loved it.
November 15, 2018
Ms. St. Clair has yet again delivered a lovely romance! Two stubborn people both set in their ways, both scared of getting hurt, married off to each other. Will the fear of heartache and rejection keep them apart?
This book touched me as the characters are well written and you feel the emotions they go through. Because of their past, a possible great love may not be reached and this has you yearning to help them. Enjoyed every page of this book!!!!
This book touched me as the characters are well written and you feel the emotions they go through. Because of their past, a possible great love may not be reached and this has you yearning to help them. Enjoyed every page of this book!!!!
December 14, 2018
An arranged marriage, a cold wife, a husband in despair. After 3 months apart he returns home and tries to woo his wife. As Christmas draws near and he gets involved in her Christmas spirit, her heart starts to melt and maybe Christmas will bring the love they both need. A lovely story. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
November 18, 2018
Very good book :)
December 27, 2020
I wanted to give this book a 4 starts but I really hated the heroine like 3/4 of the book so I was like okay maybe 3.5 cuz the hero, Hunter, is ideal. However there are certain parts to this book that are so underdeveloped which is why it’s a lackluster 3 starts. But I will say the snow and Christmas atmosphere are well done, so if that is what you are looking for then give it a try.
incoherent spoiler thoughts:
- Scarlett is a brat. genuinely.
(She lets her daddy/mommy issue to be cold to her husband, which was a premise I quite was looking forward too, but she’s so entitled it actually made me so mad. I usually like the heroine of books and I can quite understand their mistakes/actions but Scarlett was so infuriating at times. For example, the couple has been apart for four months since the day they got married... so they quite literally don’t know each other at all. But once the hero, Hunter comes back, Scarlett is upset that he is choosing to believe his steward over her... but MAAM any sane person would.... y’all are quite literally STRANGERS. Her entitlement was very bothersome to deal with at first.
- hunter says I love you way too quickly
(He said it and believed it way too quickly for my liking as there was no development whatsoever... I was like sir what do you like about her exactly???? Also I wish his daddy and mommy issues were more developed it really didn’t make sense to me)
- scarlett’s mom was annoying, yes she wants her daughter to be cautious of men, not make the same mistake she did but CMON I assume you want your daughter to be happy nonetheless....
- I did like some things however including the ideals of Scarlett and Hunter: both charitable and wanting to help the helpless. A theme I wish was more apparent in historical romances.
- I also liked how Scarlett helped Hunter celebrate Christmas, I just really liked Hunters character overall.
Okay overall, just a very okay read, wish it was more developed.
incoherent spoiler thoughts:
- Scarlett is a brat. genuinely.
(She lets her daddy/mommy issue to be cold to her husband, which was a premise I quite was looking forward too, but she’s so entitled it actually made me so mad. I usually like the heroine of books and I can quite understand their mistakes/actions but Scarlett was so infuriating at times. For example, the couple has been apart for four months since the day they got married... so they quite literally don’t know each other at all. But once the hero, Hunter comes back, Scarlett is upset that he is choosing to believe his steward over her... but MAAM any sane person would.... y’all are quite literally STRANGERS. Her entitlement was very bothersome to deal with at first.
- hunter says I love you way too quickly
(He said it and believed it way too quickly for my liking as there was no development whatsoever... I was like sir what do you like about her exactly???? Also I wish his daddy and mommy issues were more developed it really didn’t make sense to me)
- scarlett’s mom was annoying, yes she wants her daughter to be cautious of men, not make the same mistake she did but CMON I assume you want your daughter to be happy nonetheless....
- I did like some things however including the ideals of Scarlett and Hunter: both charitable and wanting to help the helpless. A theme I wish was more apparent in historical romances.
- I also liked how Scarlett helped Hunter celebrate Christmas, I just really liked Hunters character overall.
Okay overall, just a very okay read, wish it was more developed.
November 26, 2023
A steamy story in places. A marriage agreed by parents and couple have never really met. Hunter is always engrossed in his work in parliament. Scarlett enjoys being active and ensuring people are okay. Due to how her parents marriage was she hates London so stays in the country and vows never to become enamoured of Hunter, who actually finds her attractive but wants her to follow him to London as he’s so busy. Snow prevents him returning to London and so they spend Christmas together.
Firstly let’s get my pet hate out of the way - names! Hunter and Scarlett are not regency names! I found Hunter’s character to be very self absorbed - little time for anything but his work in parliament. That work is admirable but going to London for a meeting on Christmas Eve and then apparently staying there even though his wife of a few months is in the country sums it up. He has also let his own estate slide, and is totally unaware of his steward’s activities, even though he campaigns against child labour. Scarlett meanwhile is keen to see the estate running well and everyone from servants to tenants are well, as well as other charitable activities.
I liked the story, despite the names, though I would also liked to have heard more of what happened to the steward.
Firstly let’s get my pet hate out of the way - names! Hunter and Scarlett are not regency names! I found Hunter’s character to be very self absorbed - little time for anything but his work in parliament. That work is admirable but going to London for a meeting on Christmas Eve and then apparently staying there even though his wife of a few months is in the country sums it up. He has also let his own estate slide, and is totally unaware of his steward’s activities, even though he campaigns against child labour. Scarlett meanwhile is keen to see the estate running well and everyone from servants to tenants are well, as well as other charitable activities.
I liked the story, despite the names, though I would also liked to have heard more of what happened to the steward.
November 26, 2019
Enjoyable Story
I have had this book since last year and have only just decided to read it, what a gem I have missed. The characters Hunter and Scarlett (although I do wonder about the names!) are endearing characters, particularly when Scarlett gets her act together. It is a wonder they have turned out to be so pleasant with the parents they have, Hunter's being totally obnoxious and Scarlett's mother being a bit of a wet blanket, worn down by her husband's philandering ways. Winter's initiation into Christmas festivities was sweet and Scarlett's initiation into 'love' despite her mother's interfering ways was endearing. All in all a lovely story, well written and flowed well, with a few modern phrases but these didn't spoil the story.
I would recommend this book, and I will now get on and read Ellie's story for this Christmas.😊
I have had this book since last year and have only just decided to read it, what a gem I have missed. The characters Hunter and Scarlett (although I do wonder about the names!) are endearing characters, particularly when Scarlett gets her act together. It is a wonder they have turned out to be so pleasant with the parents they have, Hunter's being totally obnoxious and Scarlett's mother being a bit of a wet blanket, worn down by her husband's philandering ways. Winter's initiation into Christmas festivities was sweet and Scarlett's initiation into 'love' despite her mother's interfering ways was endearing. All in all a lovely story, well written and flowed well, with a few modern phrases but these didn't spoil the story.
I would recommend this book, and I will now get on and read Ellie's story for this Christmas.😊
December 2, 2018
A truly Charming Love Story
I enjoyed this story so much. I liked it from beginning to the HEA ending. The hero Hunter turned out to be a very honest, kind, loving, and very tender lover. He had a very difficult childhood, but overcame it, to be a very lovable man. The heroine started out to be a not very likable person. She started out with a very difficult life. Scarlett evolved to be a very loving good person. The relationship started from a very rocky beginning. Was so enjoyable to see it turn into a story of soulmates. It had just the right amount of sensuality. It had a villain, to make it interesting. This is one of my favorite love stories. It even had Christmas a tale in it. I do highly recommend it. I enjoy this author’s books, and look forward to next one.
I enjoyed this story so much. I liked it from beginning to the HEA ending. The hero Hunter turned out to be a very honest, kind, loving, and very tender lover. He had a very difficult childhood, but overcame it, to be a very lovable man. The heroine started out to be a not very likable person. She started out with a very difficult life. Scarlett evolved to be a very loving good person. The relationship started from a very rocky beginning. Was so enjoyable to see it turn into a story of soulmates. It had just the right amount of sensuality. It had a villain, to make it interesting. This is one of my favorite love stories. It even had Christmas a tale in it. I do highly recommend it. I enjoy this author’s books, and look forward to next one.
December 6, 2020
Can an arranged marriage work?
This is a sweet, with just a hint of spice, Christmas tale that reunites the four month married but estranged couple Scarlett and Hunter. Can the mystery and joy of the holiday season spark a relationship between the couple? Is this parental arranged marriage doomed to failure? Ellie St. Clair does a wonderful job of creating believable characters and instilling them with just the right amount of angst to give the story a poignancy and ultimately a lovely happily ever after ending. I really enjoyed the setting, the Christmas time season and the romance created in this Regency themed historical romance. An uplifting story for the holiday season.
This is a sweet, with just a hint of spice, Christmas tale that reunites the four month married but estranged couple Scarlett and Hunter. Can the mystery and joy of the holiday season spark a relationship between the couple? Is this parental arranged marriage doomed to failure? Ellie St. Clair does a wonderful job of creating believable characters and instilling them with just the right amount of angst to give the story a poignancy and ultimately a lovely happily ever after ending. I really enjoyed the setting, the Christmas time season and the romance created in this Regency themed historical romance. An uplifting story for the holiday season.
December 23, 2020
Christmastide With His Countess: Hunter and Scarlett
Bit of a misnomer, since Hunter hasn't inherited the title yet, and therefore she isn't a countess, right?
Still loved the story. Enemies-to-lovers combined with forced proximity is possibly my favorite trope framework. Adding in main characters who are already married makes it even more delicious. I especially appreciated that while the MCs are wounded and reluctant to open their hearts, there wasn't too much wishy-washy behavior.
Still have questions, though, including what happened to Stone? Did the tenants get a better deal and begin to prosper? Will Hunter's parents ever get any comeuppance? Was Lady Raymond sincere in her apology?
Bit of a misnomer, since Hunter hasn't inherited the title yet, and therefore she isn't a countess, right?
Still loved the story. Enemies-to-lovers combined with forced proximity is possibly my favorite trope framework. Adding in main characters who are already married makes it even more delicious. I especially appreciated that while the MCs are wounded and reluctant to open their hearts, there wasn't too much wishy-washy behavior.
Still have questions, though, including what happened to Stone? Did the tenants get a better deal and begin to prosper? Will Hunter's parents ever get any comeuppance? Was Lady Raymond sincere in her apology?
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