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And a Pigeon in a Pear Tree
When stuffy Benjamin Priske, Baron Saxelby, heir to the Earl of Widcome arrives at Castle Keyvnor, he not only falls in love at first sight, but is accidentally mistaken for his valet. As he spends time with Henrietta, the witty, beautiful, and self-assured granddaughter of the castle housekeeper, he’s increasingly reluctant to reveal his true identity and spoil the most remarkable days of his life. Can Benjamin overcome his rigid nature, embrace the magical nature of Keyvnor castle, and maybe indulge in a fairytale romance all of his own?
98 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2019
29 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Kate Pearce
151 books1,834 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce was born in England in the middle of a large family of girls and quickly found that her imagination was far more interesting than real life. After acquiring a degree in history and barely escaping from the British Civil Service alive, she moved to California and then to Hawaii with her kids and her husband and set about reinventing herself as a romance writer.
She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.
She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 31, 2020
A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY
This is a fun story with two people, Henrietta and Benjamin, meeting late at night when he shows up at Keyvnor Castle. Henrietta will assume he is a valet and show him to servant’s quarters. He is so tired; he just needs sleep and does not correct her. But the next day will have him carrying on the rouse of being a valet for a Lord.
The story was originally in a collection, Christmas at Castle Keyvnor, book four Tempted at Christmas. Ms. Kate Pearce has re-released it as a single book. Take a titled gentleman and a housekeeper's granddaughter, and you will have a delightful tale.
Henrietta's life was following her father on battlefields, and into places a girl should never go. She learned to be wise to remain safe, and it was after her father remarried that she is sent away to school. With her father's death, a request to come to London and meet his solicitor, she will be in route and need a few days before completing her journey. A trip to see her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Bray, will set this tale in motion.
Benjamin Priske, Baron Saxelby, and heir to the Earl of Widcome will arrive at Castle Keyvnor, covered in mud and mistaken for a servant. He is so tired; he doesn’t argue, just needing sleep. The next day, Henrietta won’t let him explain, and it just seems easier to continue as she assumes.
The story will have these two getting to know each other because there are no boundaries between commoners and betters. It will have them enamored with one another—but what happens when the truth is revealed? For the first time in Benjamin’s life, he has relaxed and not thought of his pending obligations—experiencing adventures. He will also discover how easily those of royalty are oblivious to the commoners around them.
Another fun feature in this story is the ghost who inhabits Castle Keyvnor—especially Benedict Nankevis, who fancies himself a matchmaker. Will one ghost and a couple find happiness?
“Speak wisely, my friend or thou wilt lose the fair maiden.”
This is a fun story with two people, Henrietta and Benjamin, meeting late at night when he shows up at Keyvnor Castle. Henrietta will assume he is a valet and show him to servant’s quarters. He is so tired; he just needs sleep and does not correct her. But the next day will have him carrying on the rouse of being a valet for a Lord.
The story was originally in a collection, Christmas at Castle Keyvnor, book four Tempted at Christmas. Ms. Kate Pearce has re-released it as a single book. Take a titled gentleman and a housekeeper's granddaughter, and you will have a delightful tale.
Henrietta's life was following her father on battlefields, and into places a girl should never go. She learned to be wise to remain safe, and it was after her father remarried that she is sent away to school. With her father's death, a request to come to London and meet his solicitor, she will be in route and need a few days before completing her journey. A trip to see her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Bray, will set this tale in motion.
Benjamin Priske, Baron Saxelby, and heir to the Earl of Widcome will arrive at Castle Keyvnor, covered in mud and mistaken for a servant. He is so tired; he doesn’t argue, just needing sleep. The next day, Henrietta won’t let him explain, and it just seems easier to continue as she assumes.
The story will have these two getting to know each other because there are no boundaries between commoners and betters. It will have them enamored with one another—but what happens when the truth is revealed? For the first time in Benjamin’s life, he has relaxed and not thought of his pending obligations—experiencing adventures. He will also discover how easily those of royalty are oblivious to the commoners around them.
Another fun feature in this story is the ghost who inhabits Castle Keyvnor—especially Benedict Nankevis, who fancies himself a matchmaker. Will one ghost and a couple find happiness?
“Speak wisely, my friend or thou wilt lose the fair maiden.”
March 7, 2021
A really engaging historical romance romance novella by a favourite author of mine, set in a spooky castle at Christmas - complete with ghosts. Excellent historical details and a lovely slow burn, yet steamy romance that is paced nicely for such a short story and ends with some steamy, well written scenes. It ends abruptly, but with a HEA. 3.5 stars.
December 16, 2021
Novela corta navideña.
La trama es original. Nos presenta a Henrietta, una protagonista diferente, viuda pero joven, que supo mantenerse a sí misma a pesar de la guerra y de las dificultades económicas. En visperas de navidad visita a su abuela, que es ama de llaves del castillo de Keyvnor, con el plan de hacer una pequeña escala hasta enero para luego tomar un puesto de institutriz en otro lugar. La abuela la acepta a regañadientes, siempre que ayude en el servicio. Esta reacción poco amable nos conducirá a conocer el complejo pasado de Henrietta.
El protagonista es Benjamin, el estirado barón Saxelby, que llega al castillo como invitado a una boda que se celebrará en esos días. Por distintas circunstancias, Benjamin es confundido con un sirviente y él mantendrá la confusión porque está un poco cansado de la etiqueta... y porque le echó el ojo a Henrietta.
Así que la historia transcurre, no en los grandes salones sino en el área de servicio: cocinas, establo, etc. donde el barón trabajará como un peón mas, reflexionando cómo es la vida de los sirvientes.
Y bueno, pasa o que tiene que pasar y todos felices.
Serían en realidad 3 estrellas y media porque no hay grandes conflictos (pero los hay) pero la autora logra una bonita historia diferente que se disfruta.
Quizás me hubiera gustado un final un poco más jugado y no tan "políticamente correcto"
Siempre es un placer para mi leer a KP
La trama es original. Nos presenta a Henrietta, una protagonista diferente, viuda pero joven, que supo mantenerse a sí misma a pesar de la guerra y de las dificultades económicas. En visperas de navidad visita a su abuela, que es ama de llaves del castillo de Keyvnor, con el plan de hacer una pequeña escala hasta enero para luego tomar un puesto de institutriz en otro lugar. La abuela la acepta a regañadientes, siempre que ayude en el servicio. Esta reacción poco amable nos conducirá a conocer el complejo pasado de Henrietta.
El protagonista es Benjamin, el estirado barón Saxelby, que llega al castillo como invitado a una boda que se celebrará en esos días. Por distintas circunstancias, Benjamin es confundido con un sirviente y él mantendrá la confusión porque está un poco cansado de la etiqueta... y porque le echó el ojo a Henrietta.
Así que la historia transcurre, no en los grandes salones sino en el área de servicio: cocinas, establo, etc. donde el barón trabajará como un peón mas, reflexionando cómo es la vida de los sirvientes.
Y bueno, pasa o que tiene que pasar y todos felices.
Serían en realidad 3 estrellas y media porque no hay grandes conflictos (pero los hay) pero la autora logra una bonita historia diferente que se disfruta.
Quizás me hubiera gustado un final un poco más jugado y no tan "políticamente correcto"
Siempre es un placer para mi leer a KP
August 6, 2025
I didn’t like this as much as the other Castle Keyvnor book by this author. I just found it hard to believe he could keep up the charade of being a servant as long as he did. I could see him being somewhat enamored with her - she’s pretty, strong and has an interesting life story. But besides his being handsome and well spoken why is she in love with him?
I also wish the ending was different as well instead of a more “to be continued” feel even though you know they’ll end up together you want to SEE them end up together.
I also wish the ending was different as well instead of a more “to be continued” feel even though you know they’ll end up together you want to SEE them end up together.
February 20, 2020
A novella length Christmas romance. Henrietta is the granddaughter of Castle Keyvnor's housekeeper. Henrietta is a widow, and will be spending Christmas at the estate. When Benjamin Priske, Baron Saxelby, arrives in the middle of the night, Henrietta mistakes him for the Baron's valet. Benjamin loves how Henrietta is kind to him when she thinks that he is a valet. Your typical happily ever after romance.
November 27, 2021
Simply heartwarming
It is the shortest of all the books I've ever read but one of my favourites by far! It was very easy read and very enjoyable. I love the heroine and her character as well as Benjamin's personality. They were meant for each other.
And even tho the story was short it didn't feel rushed at all! I would love to read about their meeting in London and beginning of life together tho <3
Loved it!!
It is the shortest of all the books I've ever read but one of my favourites by far! It was very easy read and very enjoyable. I love the heroine and her character as well as Benjamin's personality. They were meant for each other.
And even tho the story was short it didn't feel rushed at all! I would love to read about their meeting in London and beginning of life together tho <3
Loved it!!
November 26, 2020
Magical; just oozes charm!
A great little find that flows and ebbs beautifully. Full of heart, wit and dazzling chemistry that really gets under your skin to the point of tears. Benjamin and Henrietta's tale in all its delightful escapism is just perfect for anyone wanting a quick read, brimming with rich characters and warmth that can be enjoyed in a few hours!
A great little find that flows and ebbs beautifully. Full of heart, wit and dazzling chemistry that really gets under your skin to the point of tears. Benjamin and Henrietta's tale in all its delightful escapism is just perfect for anyone wanting a quick read, brimming with rich characters and warmth that can be enjoyed in a few hours!
March 2, 2021
A sweet novella showing the consequences of making assumptions. Two people who fall in love but think they can never be together are given hope in a letter. Fun to read.
March 26, 2023
Nice book..recommend
January 8, 2021
This takes us behind the scenes of a house party for a wedding. Benjamin is enlightened about life downstairs as it's assumed he's his own valet - and then he falls in love in the process. I found this to be a well-done short and entertaining story.
November 3, 2020
He got his girl. A lovely HEA story. 5☆
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews