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Captain Kempton's Christmas
Lieutenant Philip Kempton and Anna Tremayne fall in love during one idyllic summer fortnight. When he’s summoned to rejoin his ship, Anna promises to wait for him.
While he’s at sea, she marries someone else.
Now she's widowed and he's Captain Kempton. When they meet again, can they put aside betrayal and rekindle their love?
A sweet second-chance Christmas novella.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2019
92 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Davis
20 books123 followersI was born in England, near the Welsh border, and lived in several places while I was growing up, including a spell in Singapore and in Malta. Malta was where I got hooked on historical romances - my parents rented a furnished house, and the owners had left most of their books there, including a whole set of Georgette Heyer novels.
Loving Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, I longed to write similar novels myself. I toyed with the idea several times over the years, but real life intervened and I've had several careers, including as a non-fiction author under another name. That wasn’t quite the writing career I had in mind…
So here I am, finally publishing my stories. I hope you enjoy them!
Loving Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, I longed to write similar novels myself. I toyed with the idea several times over the years, but real life intervened and I've had several careers, including as a non-fiction author under another name. That wasn’t quite the writing career I had in mind…
So here I am, finally publishing my stories. I hope you enjoy them!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 26, 2020
A sweet and romantic second chance novella
It is a novella and I read it in one seating. Phillip met Anna in his uncle’s house and they had an immediate connection, but he was about to be sent to war in a couple of weeks.
In spite of their short acquaintance, Phillip asks Anna to wait for him.
A few months later he hears that she married an old titled man and he hates her for the betrayal.
The story has a flair of Persuasion (Philip is in the navy and the heroine is named Anna) but the story is different.
I like the characters a lot and I wish it was a full novel so there would be more space for development.
This author writes beautifully and I’m looking forward for more books by her.
It is a novella and I read it in one seating. Phillip met Anna in his uncle’s house and they had an immediate connection, but he was about to be sent to war in a couple of weeks.
In spite of their short acquaintance, Phillip asks Anna to wait for him.
A few months later he hears that she married an old titled man and he hates her for the betrayal.
The story has a flair of Persuasion (Philip is in the navy and the heroine is named Anna) but the story is different.
I like the characters a lot and I wish it was a full novel so there would be more space for development.
This author writes beautifully and I’m looking forward for more books by her.
November 18, 2019
I did enjoy this story set around the Christmas period. Anna and Philip were engaging characters. Anna has a great sense of duty and put her responsibilities before her own desires. Philip and Anna have a few misunderstandings to clear up before they can be a chance of a happy ending. This is a short but satisfying story.
April 14, 2020
"Had he forgotten her so completely? Was that why he'd never answered her letters?"
In the long and lonely months while Anna Tremayne, now the recently widowed Lady Anna Radnor, had waited for word from Philip it had certainly felt like she had been forgotten.
Forgotten her? How Captain Philip Kempton wished he could forget the woman who had broken his heart. Anna had promised him she would wait, but not five minutes after he had put out to sea, Anna had married Lord Radnor, a man three times her age. At least now he knew what Anna really was — a fortune hunter.
An unfortunate set of circumstances means that Philip and Anna would be under the same roof this Christmas. Philip is determined to avoid her at all costs. However, what his head tells him to do and what his heart demands are two very different things altogether.
From a chance meeting at the Blue Bell Inn to the declaration of their long-suppressed love. Captain Kempton's Christmas by Jayne Davis is a tender, emotional story set within the romantic backdrop of a Regency Christmas.
With careful attention to the festive historical detail, this charming novella is perfect for a cold winter's day. The narrative is fresh and compelling, which made this story absolutely irresistible. This book is a real Christmas treat for fans of Regency Romance.
Anna is a fabulous heroine. She tries to keep her feelings for Philip concealed beneath her calm and composed exterior. However, every time Anna glances his way, she feels the grief of a long lost love. With Philip's cold indifference and the fact that he had never read her letters so had no understanding as to why she had married Lord Radnor, Anna cannot enjoy the holiday season. If they are both to move on with their lives, he needs to know the truth. I thought Anna's portrayal was superb. Anna had taken a massive burden of responsibility onto her shoulders, and she had to make an informed decision on what was best for her and her family. Her despair at Philip's apparent indifference was heart-rendering. Anna was a character that I came to care about a great deal.
Philip is a dashing Navy Captain, but he is also a man who has been deeply hurt. When he had received a letter from his Aunt Beth, informing him that Anna was nothing but a fortune hunter, he had not wanted to read a letter from Anna that explained her reasons for doing so. His battered heart and his misplaced pride meant that the heartache these two protagonists go through could have been avoided. Despite this, I really liked Philip. He is dashing, handsome, and a man of deep feelings and integrity, despite his somewhat shaky beginning!
This novella is a tangled web of lies and misunderstandings. The story's crucial turning point is a moment of shocking revelation as to who really sent Philip the letter that so cruelly condemned his beloved and why.
I enjoyed every minute of Captain Kempton's Christmas by Jayne Davis. I was enchanted from the opening sentence to the very last full stop.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
November 16, 2020
Not looking forward to the Christmas festivities, Captain Philip Kempton is heading for his Aunt Beth’s for the duration. Unknown to the Captain, she has also invited Anna. Four years ago, Anna said she would wait for him – but promptly wed someone else the moment he went to sea. Now a widow, Anna discovers how much she hurt Philip, but the guests are arriving and the couple of misplaced lovers must struggle to control their feelings while in the company of others, all of whom are supposed to be having a good time.
This is a sweet, predictable romance, but for all that it is a charming and enjoyable read. We know everything will be fine in the end, but it is entertaining to discover how we get to that point with these two delightful people. The family and guests also create an enjoyable background to a somewhat typical Christmas where not everyone is as congenial as perhaps they should be.
The Christmas setting was well done – ideal for a comfortable, cosy Yule Tide read. The paperback would make an ideal stocking filler for readers who enjoy a quick-read romantic tale.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
This is a sweet, predictable romance, but for all that it is a charming and enjoyable read. We know everything will be fine in the end, but it is entertaining to discover how we get to that point with these two delightful people. The family and guests also create an enjoyable background to a somewhat typical Christmas where not everyone is as congenial as perhaps they should be.
The Christmas setting was well done – ideal for a comfortable, cosy Yule Tide read. The paperback would make an ideal stocking filler for readers who enjoy a quick-read romantic tale.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
December 21, 2022
This novella was a nice Christmas second chance romance. The setup reminded me of
Persuasion
by Jane Austen, but the resolution was too pat, too easy in comparison with Austen. No psychological depth in this sugary story, no depth of any kind. Just a surface plotline with no complex emotions. As soon as the hero and the heroine had a chance to talk, all their complications and misunderstandings were resolved.
But despite the simplified, shallow quality of the story and the characters, it was a pleasant and easy read.
But despite the simplified, shallow quality of the story and the characters, it was a pleasant and easy read.
November 18, 2019
Second chance holiday historical romance
There are many stories on the theme of lovers who break promises. And, odd as it many seem, sometimes the one who breaks the promise has good reason. Time doesn't go backwards, and there are no do-overs. But, for one fortunate couple, a Christmas invitation opens the door to a second chance. Lovely descriptions of holiday celebrations and bittersweet flashbacks tell the story of Philip and Anna's tender, sedate Regency-era romance. Jayne Davis writes it flawlessly. This is a voluntary ARC review
There are many stories on the theme of lovers who break promises. And, odd as it many seem, sometimes the one who breaks the promise has good reason. Time doesn't go backwards, and there are no do-overs. But, for one fortunate couple, a Christmas invitation opens the door to a second chance. Lovely descriptions of holiday celebrations and bittersweet flashbacks tell the story of Philip and Anna's tender, sedate Regency-era romance. Jayne Davis writes it flawlessly. This is a voluntary ARC review
January 9, 2023
Il natale del capitano Kempton è una novella natalizia di Jayne Davis, uscita lo scorso mese per la Vintage editore, con la traduzione di Anna Maria Corda. Abbiamo due protagonisti: Anna e il capitano Philip Kempton, che si alternano nel racconto.
Siamo al 23 dicembre 1814, Philip viaggia a cavallo verso la tenuta della zia Beth, che lo ha invitato a trascorrere il natale assieme ai parenti. In una locanda dove consuma un pasto frugale incontra la giovane Anna, una sua vecchia conoscenza, un suo vecchio amore. Anche Anna si sta recando alla villa della zia Beth, spera che il soggiorno le renda possibile il dialogo con Philip e la resa dei conti per sistemare le cose tra di loro.
Infatti i due si sono conosciuti quattro anni prima e si sono innamorati durante due settimane di vacanze estive; prima che Philip dovesse ripartire per il mare aveva strappato la promessa alla sua amata di aspettarlo. Ma qualche tempo dopo Anna era convolata a nozze con un uomo molto più anziano di lei e molto ricco. Anna aveva scritto a Philip per spiegargli le sue motivazioni, ma l’uomo aveva ricevuto una lettera precedentemente, scritta dalla zia Beth, che lasciava intendere che il matrimonio della giovane fosse stato fatto per interesse. L’onore della donna era così stato macchiato ai suoi occhi, al punto da spingerlo a bruciare le lettere ricevute successivamente spedite da Anna.
Ora che è trascorso del tempo e il marito è anche morto, il cuore di Anna palpita ancora, assieme alla speranza di essere compresa e di fare pace con l’uomo. Alla tenuta oltre a loro ci sono anche i cugini più piccoli di Philip e Thalia, una giovane in età da marito, che sembra aver messo gli occhi su di lui.
Tra continui rinvii, equivoci svelati, passeggiate in campagna lungo il sentiero dei ricordi e l’intervento salvifico degli zii, che come due angeli custodi vegliano su di loro, Philip e Anna si alternano nei racconti.
Così scopriamo le ragioni che hanno spinto una giovane Anna a convolare a nozze, non per egoismo o per fame di ricchezza, ma per tutta una serie di perdite e circostanze che l’hanno portata a pensare prima alla felicità e sicurezza dei cuginetti a lei cari e di cui sentiva la responsabilità. Saltano fuori le bugie e gli inganni perpetrati da una giovane mente che subdolamente ha agito nel corso degli anni, tutto nel clima di festa natalizia in cui la famiglia si ritrova.
Non mancano gli elementi sensoriali che indicano i sentimenti e il desiderio che spinge i due innamorati sfortunati a volersi e amarsi ancora dopo tempo, memori del tempo trascorso insieme.
Il natale del Capitano Kempton di Jayne Davis diventa così una lettura piacevole per questo periodo di ultimi festeggiamenti natalizi, regalandoci una bella storia d’amore che ricorda le armosfere austeniane di Persuasione e i romanzi ottocenteschi inglesi.
Siamo al 23 dicembre 1814, Philip viaggia a cavallo verso la tenuta della zia Beth, che lo ha invitato a trascorrere il natale assieme ai parenti. In una locanda dove consuma un pasto frugale incontra la giovane Anna, una sua vecchia conoscenza, un suo vecchio amore. Anche Anna si sta recando alla villa della zia Beth, spera che il soggiorno le renda possibile il dialogo con Philip e la resa dei conti per sistemare le cose tra di loro.
Infatti i due si sono conosciuti quattro anni prima e si sono innamorati durante due settimane di vacanze estive; prima che Philip dovesse ripartire per il mare aveva strappato la promessa alla sua amata di aspettarlo. Ma qualche tempo dopo Anna era convolata a nozze con un uomo molto più anziano di lei e molto ricco. Anna aveva scritto a Philip per spiegargli le sue motivazioni, ma l’uomo aveva ricevuto una lettera precedentemente, scritta dalla zia Beth, che lasciava intendere che il matrimonio della giovane fosse stato fatto per interesse. L’onore della donna era così stato macchiato ai suoi occhi, al punto da spingerlo a bruciare le lettere ricevute successivamente spedite da Anna.
Ora che è trascorso del tempo e il marito è anche morto, il cuore di Anna palpita ancora, assieme alla speranza di essere compresa e di fare pace con l’uomo. Alla tenuta oltre a loro ci sono anche i cugini più piccoli di Philip e Thalia, una giovane in età da marito, che sembra aver messo gli occhi su di lui.
Tra continui rinvii, equivoci svelati, passeggiate in campagna lungo il sentiero dei ricordi e l’intervento salvifico degli zii, che come due angeli custodi vegliano su di loro, Philip e Anna si alternano nei racconti.
Così scopriamo le ragioni che hanno spinto una giovane Anna a convolare a nozze, non per egoismo o per fame di ricchezza, ma per tutta una serie di perdite e circostanze che l’hanno portata a pensare prima alla felicità e sicurezza dei cuginetti a lei cari e di cui sentiva la responsabilità. Saltano fuori le bugie e gli inganni perpetrati da una giovane mente che subdolamente ha agito nel corso degli anni, tutto nel clima di festa natalizia in cui la famiglia si ritrova.
Non mancano gli elementi sensoriali che indicano i sentimenti e il desiderio che spinge i due innamorati sfortunati a volersi e amarsi ancora dopo tempo, memori del tempo trascorso insieme.
Il natale del Capitano Kempton di Jayne Davis diventa così una lettura piacevole per questo periodo di ultimi festeggiamenti natalizi, regalandoci una bella storia d’amore che ricorda le armosfere austeniane di Persuasione e i romanzi ottocenteschi inglesi.
December 27, 2019
If I could save time in a bottle.
Royal Captain Lieutenant Philip Kempton is set to visit his aunt Beth and the rest of his family for Christmas. What he doesn't know is Anna Tremayne will also attend. Anna and Philip had a brief love affair before he was deployed back to his battleship. Before leaving Philip asks Anna to wait for him. She agrees. A few months later Philip then receives a letter telling him Anna has married. Heartbroken he tries to forget Anna until he meets her again these years later at his aunt's house at Christmas where he and Anna learn the truth about how they were deceived. This is the second book I've read by this author and I love it. It is short and sweet. It reminded me of Jane Austen's Persuasion but it was different. Where we know that Jane's aunt "persuaded." Jane to not accept the captain's proposal, in "Captain Kempton's Christmas." They were forces beyond their control who were keeping Philip and Anna apart. This story was short and lovely told. There is no explicit sex scene however, sex is implied by the slightest touch, a look, a smile a lingering kiss of her hand and light banter which I found very sexy, it reminded me of the old Doris Day and Rock Hudson movies of the sixties. Lol. Like I said this is the second book I've read by this author and will not be my last. I have two books of hers already set to read on my kindle. I am a fan. Lol. I received a complimentary copy by this author in exchange for an honest review.
Royal Captain Lieutenant Philip Kempton is set to visit his aunt Beth and the rest of his family for Christmas. What he doesn't know is Anna Tremayne will also attend. Anna and Philip had a brief love affair before he was deployed back to his battleship. Before leaving Philip asks Anna to wait for him. She agrees. A few months later Philip then receives a letter telling him Anna has married. Heartbroken he tries to forget Anna until he meets her again these years later at his aunt's house at Christmas where he and Anna learn the truth about how they were deceived. This is the second book I've read by this author and I love it. It is short and sweet. It reminded me of Jane Austen's Persuasion but it was different. Where we know that Jane's aunt "persuaded." Jane to not accept the captain's proposal, in "Captain Kempton's Christmas." They were forces beyond their control who were keeping Philip and Anna apart. This story was short and lovely told. There is no explicit sex scene however, sex is implied by the slightest touch, a look, a smile a lingering kiss of her hand and light banter which I found very sexy, it reminded me of the old Doris Day and Rock Hudson movies of the sixties. Lol. Like I said this is the second book I've read by this author and will not be my last. I have two books of hers already set to read on my kindle. I am a fan. Lol. I received a complimentary copy by this author in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2019
Captain Philip Kempton is dreading Christmas at his Aunt Beth’s. She’s also invited Anna, who vowed four years ago to wait for him, then married someone else. Anna is widowed now, but Philip is bitter she broke her promise, and Anna is hurt he believes she did it for money. As the guests gather holly and ivy and the smell of gingerbread fills the air, Philip and Anna struggle with the feelings they still have for each other.
The plot is worked out carefully, and we slowly learn the truth behind Anna’s marriage. There are still hurdles to cross, though, for the lovers, and matters are not completely resolved until the last few pages.
I enjoyed reading about more mature lovers for a change, and the Christmas setting was invoked well. The scene referencing Shakespeare’s All’s Well was a clever touch, too. A sweet, thoughtful read for the winter season.
The plot is worked out carefully, and we slowly learn the truth behind Anna’s marriage. There are still hurdles to cross, though, for the lovers, and matters are not completely resolved until the last few pages.
I enjoyed reading about more mature lovers for a change, and the Christmas setting was invoked well. The scene referencing Shakespeare’s All’s Well was a clever touch, too. A sweet, thoughtful read for the winter season.
January 6, 2023
Premetto che il voto è rapportato ad un tipo di lettura leggera, dolce e natalizia in quanto si parla di una storia d’amore travagliata e che trova il lieto fine a Natale. Da subito si capisce che ci sono state terze persone che si sono intromesse sia nel volervi ricongiungere come la sia Beth e sia nel farli allontanare. I protagonisti sono entrambi dolcissimo e carinissimi. Super innamorati ma come spesso accade non si ha il coraggio di parlarsi. Ho apprezzato tantissimo anche i personaggi intorno, si respirava amore in quellla casa, il natale unisce davvero. Un libro che dona pace e serenità, ve lo consiglio. Secondo me va letto anche in un momento diverso dal Natale per sentire quel calore in qualsiasi momento dell’anno
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2024
What a Christmas gift!
This is an utterly delightful, heartwarming, and beautiful story.
It is an interesting thought that the postal service to ships at the time, was lengthy and fraught with loss and delays. Today of course, we have more or less instant communication.
In this case, letters that took months to reach their destination were thought to have not arrived, ignored & not answered, and one that did was maliciously written and others intercepted.
Thankfully misunderstandings are explained and a ‘happy ever after’ is achieved for two characters who fully deserve it
Highly recommended
This is an utterly delightful, heartwarming, and beautiful story.
It is an interesting thought that the postal service to ships at the time, was lengthy and fraught with loss and delays. Today of course, we have more or less instant communication.
In this case, letters that took months to reach their destination were thought to have not arrived, ignored & not answered, and one that did was maliciously written and others intercepted.
Thankfully misunderstandings are explained and a ‘happy ever after’ is achieved for two characters who fully deserve it
Highly recommended
November 18, 2021
A Tale Worth Being Told
There are many Regency romances and there are many adventures set in the Royal Navy of the Napoleonic era. There are very few that combine the two. It’s not hard to understand why—long absences, and not a lot of money for most families. Still, the author told this tale well and it was one I was eager to read.
There are many Regency romances and there are many adventures set in the Royal Navy of the Napoleonic era. There are very few that combine the two. It’s not hard to understand why—long absences, and not a lot of money for most families. Still, the author told this tale well and it was one I was eager to read.
December 20, 2022
Does their love still live.
Captain Kempton's Christmas by Jayne Davis is a well written and sweet novella. Both of the lead characters are likable, even as they both muddle their way through past misunderstandings. In the end, with patience and love they forge the beginnings of a new future.
Content 411: This novella is clean and sweet. It is suitable for any age reader.
Captain Kempton's Christmas by Jayne Davis is a well written and sweet novella. Both of the lead characters are likable, even as they both muddle their way through past misunderstandings. In the end, with patience and love they forge the beginnings of a new future.
Content 411: This novella is clean and sweet. It is suitable for any age reader.
Read
January 2, 2025If you are looking for a smutty Christmas read this book is NOT for you! This is a very rated G Christmas romance. True to its 1814 setting. This read was a great way to end the Christmas Reading Season. I really enjoyed this old fashioned romance story. It included all these things that true love stories have, trials, tribulation, and life long love.
May 23, 2025
This is a good story
I spent 32 years with the US Army- sometimes
a long way from my family. My 3 children have US Army ID cards- my two daughters married military men; my son is US Army.
The author has touched on some elements of military service. This is a good story- I recommend it.
I spent 32 years with the US Army- sometimes
a long way from my family. My 3 children have US Army ID cards- my two daughters married military men; my son is US Army.
The author has touched on some elements of military service. This is a good story- I recommend it.
December 23, 2019
Great love story
I enjoyed this book because Navy life is part of me because even in modern times it is hard being separated from ones family. I spent the first 18 years as a New wife and my husband was at sea a lot. It was a lot harder with sailing ships i am sure.
I enjoyed this book because Navy life is part of me because even in modern times it is hard being separated from ones family. I spent the first 18 years as a New wife and my husband was at sea a lot. It was a lot harder with sailing ships i am sure.
November 12, 2020
It’s probably unfair to rate this as only ok, but I think I was more in the mood for something dramatic. The little bit of angst there is felt more technical than anything - slowly unraveling the very pedestrian reasons she married, and the hero had forgiven her pretty early on. Not bad, though.
May 19, 2021
Wonderful Story !
Wonderful story that doesn't disappoint!
As a Navy wife, I can understand how Anna felt. Anna had to think about the children and their futures.
Phillip was willing to listen and understand Anna's explanation.
I highly recommend this book.
Wonderful story that doesn't disappoint!
As a Navy wife, I can understand how Anna felt. Anna had to think about the children and their futures.
Phillip was willing to listen and understand Anna's explanation.
I highly recommend this book.
December 31, 2022
This is a charming, well-written story about a couple who get a second chance at love. I particularly enjoyed how skillfully the author wove together scenes from the present and past. All in all, a very satisfying read for a winter's evening. I look forward to reading more by the author.
September 27, 2024
Pleasant Christmas tale
Jayne Davis never misses. Her narratives are satisfying and original. Also pleasingly well-written. This story of love and misunderstanding with the necessary HEA is most enjoyable.
Jayne Davis never misses. Her narratives are satisfying and original. Also pleasingly well-written. This story of love and misunderstanding with the necessary HEA is most enjoyable.
November 26, 2019
Just OK. Since this is a novella, the characterization wasn't that great, but the story was simple and easy enough.
September 26, 2020
Hard work
Unfortunately not one of her best books, was a bit far fetched and didn't hold my attention at all, outcome was obvious and characters had no dimension . Disappointing .
Unfortunately not one of her best books, was a bit far fetched and didn't hold my attention at all, outcome was obvious and characters had no dimension . Disappointing .
January 26, 2021
Captain Kempton's Christmas by Jayne Davis has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award.
www.chillwithabook.com
www.chillwithabook.com
November 2, 2021
3.5 stars. Simple, sweet story. Not deep, but nice enough.
January 27, 2022
Typical 2nd chance romance, not particularly exciting.
April 14, 2022
It was just ok, not very eventful and the moments that required more emotion fell flat
August 16, 2022
2.5 stars rounded to 3.
December 23, 2022
2.5 Everything was good the plot the characters. However, it's just too much to happen in such a short story.
December 24, 2022
A cozy Christmas treat
Very straightforward, quick moving action,a but clumsy due to its short length. But a nice book to read in a day while drinking some tea or coco.
Very straightforward, quick moving action,a but clumsy due to its short length. But a nice book to read in a day while drinking some tea or coco.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews