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Lady Wynwood’s Spies #0.5a
The Spinster's Christmas
A Regency romantic mystery
Prequel to the Lady Wynwood’s Spies series
Miranda Belmoore has never felt attuned to the rest of society. Her family has never understood her blunt speech and unwillingness to bow to conventional strictures, and so they have always made her feel that there is something wrong with her. Now as a poor relation in her cousin’s house, she makes plans to escape a life of drudgery and disdain from her own family members.
Naval Captain Gerard Foremont is having difficulty adjusting to life back on land, frustrated that his career has been cut short by his severely injured knee. Guilt haunts him as he sees the strain his long convalescence has had upon his parents. As they spend Christmastide with the Belmoores, he wants to help fulfill his mother’s wish to have her orphaned niece come to stay with them.
However, an enemy has infiltrated the family party, bent on revenge and determined that Twelfth Night will end in someone’s death …
Prequel to the Lady Wynwood’s Spies series
Miranda Belmoore has never felt attuned to the rest of society. Her family has never understood her blunt speech and unwillingness to bow to conventional strictures, and so they have always made her feel that there is something wrong with her. Now as a poor relation in her cousin’s house, she makes plans to escape a life of drudgery and disdain from her own family members.
Naval Captain Gerard Foremont is having difficulty adjusting to life back on land, frustrated that his career has been cut short by his severely injured knee. Guilt haunts him as he sees the strain his long convalescence has had upon his parents. As they spend Christmastide with the Belmoores, he wants to help fulfill his mother’s wish to have her orphaned niece come to stay with them.
However, an enemy has infiltrated the family party, bent on revenge and determined that Twelfth Night will end in someone’s death …
Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2015
220 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
Camille Elliot
22 books230 followersRegency romance with Zondervan under her pen name, Camille Elliot, Camy writes Christian romantic suspense with Love Inspired Suspense as Camy Tang.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 17, 2020
A delightful regency romance that introduces Camille Elliot's Lady Wynwood series. With almost the touch of a Cinderella tale, an orphaned young woman is taken in by her cousin and his shrewish wife who turns the young woman into an unpaid servant. When a childhood friend comes to visit for Christmas, strange events begin to occur and romance begins to fill the air.
This is a short novella but so filled with wonderful Christmas morsels, cozy mystery, an interesting cast of characters with a touch of romance that I couldn't put it down and finished it in one sitting. A short, very enjoyable Christmas read.
** I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review from the author. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
This is a short novella but so filled with wonderful Christmas morsels, cozy mystery, an interesting cast of characters with a touch of romance that I couldn't put it down and finished it in one sitting. A short, very enjoyable Christmas read.
** I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review from the author. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
December 5, 2022
About this book:
“Miranda Belmoore has never felt attuned to the rest of society. Her family has never understood her blunt speech and unwillingness to bow to conventional strictures, and so they have always made her feel that there is something wrong with her. Now as a poor relation in her cousin’s house, she makes plans to escape a life of drudgery and disdain from her own family members.
Naval Captain Gerard Foremont is having difficulty adjusting to life back on land, frustrated that his career has been cut short by his severely injured knee. Guilt haunts him as he sees the strain his long convalescence has had upon his parents. As they spend Christmastide with the Belmoores, he wants to help fulfill his mother’s wish to have her orphaned niece come to stay with them.
However, an enemy has infiltrated the family party, bent on revenge and determined that Twelfth Night will end in someone’s death …”
Series: Considered #0.5 (a prequel) in the “Lady Wynwood’s Spies” series.
Spiritual Content- Genesis 16:13 & Philippians 4:7 at the beginning; A couple Scriptures are quoted; A few Prayers & a blessing over food (mentioning being thankful for the Christ child); Going to a chapel; Talks about God, Jesus, & that He sees you; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Gerard asks Laura if his injury was God saying he needed humbling or was it a judgement (she responds that the Lord doesn’t punish in that way); Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of rectors; A few mentions of those & events in the Bible; A few mentions of sins; A couple mentions of churches & church going; A couple mentions of Miranda thinking about her secret (also called a “sin”) that no one can know (see Negative Content Spoiler); A mention of Laura appreciating a good confessional prayer; A mention of Gerard’s “unholy trinity” of anger, frustration, & bitterness; A mention of Paradise;
*Note: A couple mentions of demons in Gerard’s mind; A mention of someone saying “may we be blessed by the light of the Yule candle” after lighting it; A mention of a devilish glint in a woman’s eyes; A mention of a group of people sitting at the same time to prevent bad luck.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, a ‘good God’, a ‘good Lord’, a ‘oh, God’, and another possible curse/derogatory name is cut-off; A bit of eye rolling; Pain, Injuries, Fighting, Fights, Being attacked, & Biting an attacker (up to semi-detailed); Social drinking; Gerard doesn’t feel whole due to his injury; Gerard’s mother makes critical comments to him about his injury & is impatient towards him (Gerard doesn’t think he deserves his mother’s censure, but he knows that seeing him through his terrible moods since being hurt has been a strain on her; she later apologizes); Miranda says her parents didn’t care for her and she isn’t treated well by her cousin and his wife (verbally abusive and takes advantage of her, including a comment about her being “touched in the head” and a “madwoman”); Many mentions of pain, injuries, blood/bleeding, knives, a gunshot, being shot, being attacked, fights/fighting, & a death (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of wars, injuries, & deaths (including Gerard recalling how his injury happened, barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a nursery maid being physically abusive to Miranda when she was little and *Spoiler* ; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, foods/deserts made with alcohol, social drinking, a drunk/tipsy doctor, & taverns; Mentions of lies lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of fires during a game (“Snapdragon” where people each reach into a bowl that has rum-soaked raisins that have been set on fire), burns, & injuries; A few mentions of a bush that looks like the shape of poo; A couple mentions of a rumor of a maid that committed suicide due to the owner of the house they worked at; A couple mentions of drownings; A couple mentions of a possible murderer or thief; A couple mentions of people (including her own mother) equating “Miranda’s slowness of foot with slowness of mind”; A couple mentions of cigars; A couple mentions of gambling; A couple mentions of cheating at games; A mention of someone’s eyes looking like “those of the dead”; A mention of threating to cut someone’s tongue off; A mention of possibly being poisoned; A mention of a child grieving her mother; A mention of prejudice towards Gypsies; A couple mentions of throwing up & vomit; A mention of a child wetting the bed; A mention of poachers; A mention of someone saying that foreign dogs carry exotic diseases; A mention of the smell of a dead rat;
*Note: A couple mentions of Laura having to endure a horrific marriage to her late husband and she will not put herself under the control of a man again; A mention of Miranda only being able to reply on herself to save herself from her cousin’s wife’s plans (to send her as an unpaid nursery maid to a family member).
Sexual Content- A barely-above-not-detailed kiss, two semi-detailed kisses (one that includes her neck and jaw), and two detailed kisses (including one mention tongue); Recalling kisses (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss someone (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Warmth, Nearness, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace; Blushes; Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Gerard makes a comment about no women ever finding him such a bore that they fell asleep on his bed (as soon as his says that to Miranda, he realizes that it sounds wrong and didn’t mean it that way); A woman touches Gerard’s chest after spilling a drink on him (& lingers, barely-above-not-detailed); A child is told by their friend that “sometimes when grown-ups kiss, they make babies” and Laura corrects that “they most certainly do not make babies simply from kissing”; Mentions of kissing bough/mistletoe, kissing, kisses, & seeing a couple kiss; A few mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of a rumor of maids are said to be pregnant (implied due to the master of the house they worked at); A couple mentions of someone possibly orchestrating a scandalous situation to cause a couple to be forced to marry; A couple mentions of scandalous situations; A couple mentions of hearing that a woman died in a brothel as a sickly prostitute; A mention of Gerard thinking that while he stolen kisses from woman in different ports, he never compromised any of them and that several of the women were the ones to kiss him; A mention of a man losing all his hair from a disease he got from his mistress; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: In the illustrated edition, there are three kisses drawn out and also in some of the illustrations, Miranda’s dresses are quite form-fitting and accentuate her chest & in another illustration, she falls on top of Gerard; Miranda kicks an attacker between his legs (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of when Laura stuffed her chest with fabric and during a dance, one of the pieces fell out (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of a Gerard being in his shirtsleeves & his bare leg (which Miranda see, considered scandalous during the time period); A mention of men dancing shirtless on a boat; A mention of a man being hit by a woman’s cane in between his legs; A mention of a mother dying in childbirth.
-Miranda Belmoore
-Gerard Foremont
P.O.V. switches between them & Laura
Set in 1810
244 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star
Older High School Teens- One Star
My personal Rating- One Star
I felt very hopeful about this novella and was very excited to read the illustration edition of this book.
Unfortunately, my hopes were dashed.
After a few chapters in, I thought that I was just too tired to keep up with who all the many characters and their family trees, plus the unique writing style, so I promptly took a nap. Once waking up and rereading the first few chapters, though, I still struggled with those aspects.
I wanted to like Miranda and Gerard, but they both were too focused on their flaws and what they couldn’t do, which really brought down the book’s Christmassy cheer. There was a bit of faith content thanks to a side character (who is apparently more prevalent in the main books of this series), but it’s rushed for the main characters. Because of her, there are some conversations about God seeing them, but there’s no conclusion or fixing of their thoughts they had for the majority of the book.
Then the case of noble idiocy enters in (when one half of the couple thinks they’re not worthy of the other and says lies to hurt them and get the other one to leave them be) and it should be noted that I absolutely despise that cowardness.
Add in a tongue kiss and God’s name being used in vain (the context implies the phrases like “Good Lord” and “Good God” to be used as exclamations and therefore, in vain), and I am very disappointed in this book.
I don’t personally think this is the best option for Christmas books for the targets of BFCG (9-19), there’s many other better—and cleaner—options.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Miranda Belmoore has never felt attuned to the rest of society. Her family has never understood her blunt speech and unwillingness to bow to conventional strictures, and so they have always made her feel that there is something wrong with her. Now as a poor relation in her cousin’s house, she makes plans to escape a life of drudgery and disdain from her own family members.
Naval Captain Gerard Foremont is having difficulty adjusting to life back on land, frustrated that his career has been cut short by his severely injured knee. Guilt haunts him as he sees the strain his long convalescence has had upon his parents. As they spend Christmastide with the Belmoores, he wants to help fulfill his mother’s wish to have her orphaned niece come to stay with them.
However, an enemy has infiltrated the family party, bent on revenge and determined that Twelfth Night will end in someone’s death …”
Series: Considered #0.5 (a prequel) in the “Lady Wynwood’s Spies” series.
Spiritual Content- Genesis 16:13 & Philippians 4:7 at the beginning; A couple Scriptures are quoted; A few Prayers & a blessing over food (mentioning being thankful for the Christ child); Going to a chapel; Talks about God, Jesus, & that He sees you; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Gerard asks Laura if his injury was God saying he needed humbling or was it a judgement (she responds that the Lord doesn’t punish in that way); Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of rectors; A few mentions of those & events in the Bible; A few mentions of sins; A couple mentions of churches & church going; A couple mentions of Miranda thinking about her secret (also called a “sin”) that no one can know (see Negative Content Spoiler); A mention of Laura appreciating a good confessional prayer; A mention of Gerard’s “unholy trinity” of anger, frustration, & bitterness; A mention of Paradise;
*Note: A couple mentions of demons in Gerard’s mind; A mention of someone saying “may we be blessed by the light of the Yule candle” after lighting it; A mention of a devilish glint in a woman’s eyes; A mention of a group of people sitting at the same time to prevent bad luck.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, a ‘good God’, a ‘good Lord’, a ‘oh, God’, and another possible curse/derogatory name is cut-off; A bit of eye rolling; Pain, Injuries, Fighting, Fights, Being attacked, & Biting an attacker (up to semi-detailed); Social drinking; Gerard doesn’t feel whole due to his injury; Gerard’s mother makes critical comments to him about his injury & is impatient towards him (Gerard doesn’t think he deserves his mother’s censure, but he knows that seeing him through his terrible moods since being hurt has been a strain on her; she later apologizes); Miranda says her parents didn’t care for her and she isn’t treated well by her cousin and his wife (verbally abusive and takes advantage of her, including a comment about her being “touched in the head” and a “madwoman”); Many mentions of pain, injuries, blood/bleeding, knives, a gunshot, being shot, being attacked, fights/fighting, & a death (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of wars, injuries, & deaths (including Gerard recalling how his injury happened, barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a nursery maid being physically abusive to Miranda when she was little and *Spoiler* ; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, foods/deserts made with alcohol, social drinking, a drunk/tipsy doctor, & taverns; Mentions of lies lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of fires during a game (“Snapdragon” where people each reach into a bowl that has rum-soaked raisins that have been set on fire), burns, & injuries; A few mentions of a bush that looks like the shape of poo; A couple mentions of a rumor of a maid that committed suicide due to the owner of the house they worked at; A couple mentions of drownings; A couple mentions of a possible murderer or thief; A couple mentions of people (including her own mother) equating “Miranda’s slowness of foot with slowness of mind”; A couple mentions of cigars; A couple mentions of gambling; A couple mentions of cheating at games; A mention of someone’s eyes looking like “those of the dead”; A mention of threating to cut someone’s tongue off; A mention of possibly being poisoned; A mention of a child grieving her mother; A mention of prejudice towards Gypsies; A couple mentions of throwing up & vomit; A mention of a child wetting the bed; A mention of poachers; A mention of someone saying that foreign dogs carry exotic diseases; A mention of the smell of a dead rat;
*Note: A couple mentions of Laura having to endure a horrific marriage to her late husband and she will not put herself under the control of a man again; A mention of Miranda only being able to reply on herself to save herself from her cousin’s wife’s plans (to send her as an unpaid nursery maid to a family member).
Sexual Content- A barely-above-not-detailed kiss, two semi-detailed kisses (one that includes her neck and jaw), and two detailed kisses (including one mention tongue); Recalling kisses (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss someone (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Warmth, Nearness, & Smelling (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace; Blushes; Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Gerard makes a comment about no women ever finding him such a bore that they fell asleep on his bed (as soon as his says that to Miranda, he realizes that it sounds wrong and didn’t mean it that way); A woman touches Gerard’s chest after spilling a drink on him (& lingers, barely-above-not-detailed); A child is told by their friend that “sometimes when grown-ups kiss, they make babies” and Laura corrects that “they most certainly do not make babies simply from kissing”; Mentions of kissing bough/mistletoe, kissing, kisses, & seeing a couple kiss; A few mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of a rumor of maids are said to be pregnant (implied due to the master of the house they worked at); A couple mentions of someone possibly orchestrating a scandalous situation to cause a couple to be forced to marry; A couple mentions of scandalous situations; A couple mentions of hearing that a woman died in a brothel as a sickly prostitute; A mention of Gerard thinking that while he stolen kisses from woman in different ports, he never compromised any of them and that several of the women were the ones to kiss him; A mention of a man losing all his hair from a disease he got from his mistress; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: In the illustrated edition, there are three kisses drawn out and also in some of the illustrations, Miranda’s dresses are quite form-fitting and accentuate her chest & in another illustration, she falls on top of Gerard; Miranda kicks an attacker between his legs (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of when Laura stuffed her chest with fabric and during a dance, one of the pieces fell out (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of a Gerard being in his shirtsleeves & his bare leg (which Miranda see, considered scandalous during the time period); A mention of men dancing shirtless on a boat; A mention of a man being hit by a woman’s cane in between his legs; A mention of a mother dying in childbirth.
-Miranda Belmoore
-Gerard Foremont
P.O.V. switches between them & Laura
Set in 1810
244 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star
Older High School Teens- One Star
My personal Rating- One Star
I felt very hopeful about this novella and was very excited to read the illustration edition of this book.
Unfortunately, my hopes were dashed.
After a few chapters in, I thought that I was just too tired to keep up with who all the many characters and their family trees, plus the unique writing style, so I promptly took a nap. Once waking up and rereading the first few chapters, though, I still struggled with those aspects.
I wanted to like Miranda and Gerard, but they both were too focused on their flaws and what they couldn’t do, which really brought down the book’s Christmassy cheer. There was a bit of faith content thanks to a side character (who is apparently more prevalent in the main books of this series), but it’s rushed for the main characters. Because of her, there are some conversations about God seeing them, but there’s no conclusion or fixing of their thoughts they had for the majority of the book.
Then the case of noble idiocy enters in (when one half of the couple thinks they’re not worthy of the other and says lies to hurt them and get the other one to leave them be) and it should be noted that I absolutely despise that cowardness.
Add in a tongue kiss and God’s name being used in vain (the context implies the phrases like “Good Lord” and “Good God” to be used as exclamations and therefore, in vain), and I am very disappointed in this book.
I don’t personally think this is the best option for Christmas books for the targets of BFCG (9-19), there’s many other better—and cleaner—options.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
November 13, 2020
Lovely Christmas Regency novel. Miranda has gone from having a season to near servant. Childhood friend Gerard is injured from battle and a little bitter. Their romance is slow to build. Both wonderful characters.
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
November 3, 2015
This was a good book. The leading lady had such a sad life and with every page i just felt more and more sorry for her. The leading man was great and I loved how he came to her rescue over and over again. There were some added charcters that start the book and I thought that really odd but they come into play latter and there will be a second book and I think they are the charcters that bring the other love interests together in future stories so it made sense when I read the blip at the end.Very sweet love story set around Christmas time. I love a good regency read and this was well written and had a little danger there at the end that moved the story along really well. Clean
September 29, 2018
Squuueallll -- Regency + Mystery + Christmas!!!! I hope I can compose myself long enough to write this review! And there's definitely a Cinderella feel to this story as well. Not sure if it was written with a fairy tale retelling in mind, but I sure caught some similarities that increased my reader euphoria that much more. Eeeep!!!!
Gerard is the perfect tortured hero who matches wits with childhood friend Miranda. She has come upon hard times -- horrendously horrid, actually, as she is treated worse than a servant in her cousin's household. I do so love fuming over literary injustice and heaps are piled upon poor Miranda as she valiantly tries to see her way through.
And there's Gerard -- unexpectedly fighting more than friendly feelings though he's too broken by war to actually think something can come of it...until Miranda's life is threatened. Cue the attentively protective wounded hero who will stop at nothing to ensure the safety of his lady love. Be still my heart!
And if that isn't enough to curl your toes in Regency excitement, Elliott doesn't skimp on Old English Christmas traditions which lend a festive background to all the angst and romance. A spectacular holiday escape read!
Gerard is the perfect tortured hero who matches wits with childhood friend Miranda. She has come upon hard times -- horrendously horrid, actually, as she is treated worse than a servant in her cousin's household. I do so love fuming over literary injustice and heaps are piled upon poor Miranda as she valiantly tries to see her way through.
And there's Gerard -- unexpectedly fighting more than friendly feelings though he's too broken by war to actually think something can come of it...until Miranda's life is threatened. Cue the attentively protective wounded hero who will stop at nothing to ensure the safety of his lady love. Be still my heart!
And if that isn't enough to curl your toes in Regency excitement, Elliott doesn't skimp on Old English Christmas traditions which lend a festive background to all the angst and romance. A spectacular holiday escape read!
November 23, 2024
2.5 stars, sadly. I didn’t connect with the writing style at all and there were so many characters introduced all at once that it was hard to keep track of them all. I also wasn’t sold on the compatibility of this couple. They didn’t communicate very well and were both pretty flat characters.
December 1, 2020
Somehow, his touch made her feel more substantial than she usually did in this household. He knew her, he saw her, where everyone else tried to forget her.
The significance of being seen and known comes alive in The Spinster's Christmas by author Camille Elliot.
Now, as sweet as its fitting cover is, don't think this novel is all sweetness and holly and heart-flutters and nothing more. Miranda Belmoore and Captain Gerard Foremont are in for a Christmastide unlike anything they expected, and what could easily have been a nice but flimsy Regency tale is instead a rather gritty and passionate holiday story of danger and longing, with dashes of humor and irresistible grace.
The suspense comes on gradually, and the romance develops with a gentle yet intense quality that--well, romance enthusiast that I am, I'm not exactly the biggest "swooner" around, but I may have been surprised into a swoon this time. I appreciate a romance with some layering and substance to the chemistry, even a measure of unpredictability, and I found that here.
And then, well, "She had to believe. Thou God seest me." It's an inspiring theme that ties in beautifully.
Regency, suspense, and romance fans alike would do well to partake of this story, at "Christmastide" or any season of the year.
The significance of being seen and known comes alive in The Spinster's Christmas by author Camille Elliot.
Now, as sweet as its fitting cover is, don't think this novel is all sweetness and holly and heart-flutters and nothing more. Miranda Belmoore and Captain Gerard Foremont are in for a Christmastide unlike anything they expected, and what could easily have been a nice but flimsy Regency tale is instead a rather gritty and passionate holiday story of danger and longing, with dashes of humor and irresistible grace.
The suspense comes on gradually, and the romance develops with a gentle yet intense quality that--well, romance enthusiast that I am, I'm not exactly the biggest "swooner" around, but I may have been surprised into a swoon this time. I appreciate a romance with some layering and substance to the chemistry, even a measure of unpredictability, and I found that here.
And then, well, "She had to believe. Thou God seest me." It's an inspiring theme that ties in beautifully.
Regency, suspense, and romance fans alike would do well to partake of this story, at "Christmastide" or any season of the year.
October 29, 2015
Camy Tang posted this book on her blog on a weekly basis which I followed and read.
I really enjoyed this story. There was some mystery/action included in the story line kept me interested and intrigued.
It was fun to read this on an ongoing basis, thanks Camy for blogging this book :-)
I really enjoyed this story. There was some mystery/action included in the story line kept me interested and intrigued.
It was fun to read this on an ongoing basis, thanks Camy for blogging this book :-)
January 2, 2022
Review pending
December 31, 2018
I really enjoyed this Regency Christmas story, though I have to admit I was a bit confused about the main characters. I thought the main character was Lady Wynwood, but to be honest, she's kind of a side character. I mean, she's charming, to be sure, but this story is about Miranda and Gerard. Although both Miranda and Lady Wynwood are technically spinsters, so the title works both ways. Anyway, back to my thoughts of the book itself. Complete with an evocative atmosphere, a mystery, and some lovely romantic moments, this novella ticked all of my boxes for a Christmas read. I truly felt for both Miranda and Gerard. Their positions, especially during a time when spinsters and invalids were not thought well of by "polite" society, are heartbreaking. I was so happy by the story's end to see some of resolution in regards to relationships with their family members as well as those that treated them poorly due to their status or lack thereof. Lady Wynwood's part in the introduction to the story, as well as her part in the story as a whole, has me hoping that she too will one day find a happily-ever-after, although good for her for making her own happiness no matter what society says.
While I prefer Elliot's full length Regency novel, I'm glad I finally read this one as part of my Christmas reading this year. While I know that Camy Tang (Elliot) has more recently said she is working on some other genres, I do hope that she will eventually come back to add to the Lady Wynwood and Gentleman Quartet series.
While I prefer Elliot's full length Regency novel, I'm glad I finally read this one as part of my Christmas reading this year. While I know that Camy Tang (Elliot) has more recently said she is working on some other genres, I do hope that she will eventually come back to add to the Lady Wynwood and Gentleman Quartet series.
September 29, 2021
How do you find your place when your parents have died and left you penniless? Will your relatives still take you in and be kind, or will they treat you like dirt?
What happens when you’re injured and feel like less of a man that others can count on? When you remember the times when you were whole, can you still find love?
These are the struggles our two main characters are dealing with and so much more.
The author has a wonderful way with words and descriptions to help readers feel like they are right in the Regency time, with all the pomp and flair of the holidays and festivities.
I became aware of Camille Elliot’s contemporary romance books, and they were very humorous and delightful. Now, I think I might pick up more of her Regency time books, also.
I like her style of writing and the way things flow in her stories, they are written so well, that I don’t want to stop reading. I don’t want to put them down to go to work, make dinner for the family, or even to go to bed. I found I read way too late just to finish this book. I couldn’t help myself; it was that good!
I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend others to pick it up. It will be a sweet addition to your holiday reading.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
What happens when you’re injured and feel like less of a man that others can count on? When you remember the times when you were whole, can you still find love?
These are the struggles our two main characters are dealing with and so much more.
The author has a wonderful way with words and descriptions to help readers feel like they are right in the Regency time, with all the pomp and flair of the holidays and festivities.
I became aware of Camille Elliot’s contemporary romance books, and they were very humorous and delightful. Now, I think I might pick up more of her Regency time books, also.
I like her style of writing and the way things flow in her stories, they are written so well, that I don’t want to stop reading. I don’t want to put them down to go to work, make dinner for the family, or even to go to bed. I found I read way too late just to finish this book. I couldn’t help myself; it was that good!
I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend others to pick it up. It will be a sweet addition to your holiday reading.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 3, 2023
I loved this charming Regency Romance. I thought that the characters' struggles with their self-perceived flaws and shortcomings made them seem more realistic. Yes, their flaws were pointed out by some others, but there will always be people who love to point out what's "wrong" with us. The romance is clean (with a couple of descriptive kisses). The story is wonderfully written, and I highly recommend it!
July 12, 2015
My rating is for the version in the anthology Mistletoe Kisses not for the rewritten expected even better republished version to come out August 2015 which I plan on purchasing as well.
September 28, 2024
Dorsetshire, England
December 1810
Main Characters:
Miranda Belmoore: Poor relation to Sir Cecil
Gerard Foremont: Former naval captain
Lady Wynwood (Laura): Widow, "on the disagreeable side of 40"
Solomon Drydale: Eligible widower, Laura's long time friend
Sir Cecil Belmoore: Laura's cousin's son
Felicity Belmoore: Cecil’s wife, not a nice woman
Michael Colton-Jones: Gerard's cousin, bodyguard of sorts
A introduction (of sorts) to Lady Wynwood's Spies series set during a lengthy Christmas house party.
Miranda was considered a poor relation when she was left parentless and in debt. Her cousin took her in two years before, but his wife treats her no better than a house servant…worse actually, as she’s not paid
An old neighborhood friend returned, injured at sea, and is attending the party. He recognizes Miranda and strives to learn why she is not among the "guests” or part of the family gathering.
Meanwhile, someone seeks to do her harm.
A sweet novella, not very Christmassy, nor much of an introduction to the series. Only three people from the series are mentioned and there's little detail about them.
But the story around the two main characters and their likability is pretty good.
Ms. Elliot"s following books in the series are better, in my estimation.
And if you have an opportunity to listen to the audible version of this, don’t. The virtual voice in this book wasn’t well done. In the other books of the series the virtual voice is fantastic, just not this one.
December 1810
Main Characters:
Miranda Belmoore: Poor relation to Sir Cecil
Gerard Foremont: Former naval captain
Lady Wynwood (Laura): Widow, "on the disagreeable side of 40"
Solomon Drydale: Eligible widower, Laura's long time friend
Sir Cecil Belmoore: Laura's cousin's son
Felicity Belmoore: Cecil’s wife, not a nice woman
Michael Colton-Jones: Gerard's cousin, bodyguard of sorts
A introduction (of sorts) to Lady Wynwood's Spies series set during a lengthy Christmas house party.
Miranda was considered a poor relation when she was left parentless and in debt. Her cousin took her in two years before, but his wife treats her no better than a house servant…worse actually, as she’s not paid
An old neighborhood friend returned, injured at sea, and is attending the party. He recognizes Miranda and strives to learn why she is not among the "guests” or part of the family gathering.
Meanwhile, someone seeks to do her harm.
A sweet novella, not very Christmassy, nor much of an introduction to the series. Only three people from the series are mentioned and there's little detail about them.
But the story around the two main characters and their likability is pretty good.
Ms. Elliot"s following books in the series are better, in my estimation.
And if you have an opportunity to listen to the audible version of this, don’t. The virtual voice in this book wasn’t well done. In the other books of the series the virtual voice is fantastic, just not this one.
February 22, 2024
It's a Regency Romance where several characters, unlike many of the real English aristocrats of the Regency years, take their Christianity very seriously. Some of the extended family want to send Miranda, a poor orphan cousin, to stay in a house where she's likely to be molested. Miranda thinks she'd rather get work as a nurserymaid and appeals to more distant connections, Lady Wynwood and Gerard, to help her with that. As their adventures progress Gerard realizes that he's physically and financially fit to marry Miranda, but will his family accept her as financially fit to marry him?
How believable is the plot? How believable are the plots of Regency Romances generally? How believable is the real history of a period that had Napoleon, Dick Turpin, the great "English Eccentrics," and the rise of the United States in it? Most people who drop out of a tree don't drop into the arms of a friend waiting below, and if they do the force of gravity is the same as if they'd dropped onto the ground--but once in a while that stunt has been known to work. Anything that happens, say, one time in a thousand is probably acceptable in a Regency Romance.
This short novel's real reason for existing is to interest readers in buying longer stories about the further adventures of Lady Wynwood and her young friends and relatives. Works for me.
How believable is the plot? How believable are the plots of Regency Romances generally? How believable is the real history of a period that had Napoleon, Dick Turpin, the great "English Eccentrics," and the rise of the United States in it? Most people who drop out of a tree don't drop into the arms of a friend waiting below, and if they do the force of gravity is the same as if they'd dropped onto the ground--but once in a while that stunt has been known to work. Anything that happens, say, one time in a thousand is probably acceptable in a Regency Romance.
This short novel's real reason for existing is to interest readers in buying longer stories about the further adventures of Lady Wynwood and her young friends and relatives. Works for me.
October 19, 2022
I liked this book. I felt bad for Miranda as her own parents hadn't understood her and didn't really seem to love her. They died and Miranda had to go live with her cousin Cecil and his wife Felicity. Felicity seems to hate Miranda, treating her like less than a servant and giving her too many jobs to do. Plus she is always critical of her and plans to send her to another household as a nursery maid, despite the fact that the man of the house has been known to force himself on the maids. Thankfully several people are trying to help her, including Gerard Foremont who was a childhood friend. Gerard is a former Captain in the navy who was injured and has been home to recuperate.
It seems someone is trying to kidnap Miranda, and nearly succeeds. Gerard tries to protect her but is hindered by his injuries. He gets others involved just in time, as she is kidnapped.
During all the craziness, Gerard and Miranda start falling in love with each other. Some faith elements are discussed some. I loved how the story ended.
It seems someone is trying to kidnap Miranda, and nearly succeeds. Gerard tries to protect her but is hindered by his injuries. He gets others involved just in time, as she is kidnapped.
During all the craziness, Gerard and Miranda start falling in love with each other. Some faith elements are discussed some. I loved how the story ended.
November 18, 2025
Different time periods put different amounts of importance on different areas of life, character, money, looks, etc. Sometimes when I look back at different eras I have trouble understanding what was important at the time and why people might have acted or spoken as they did. Then I have to try to understand their point of view. This is an issue with Regency Era stories because many of their values were so different than today, and cannot be measured by today's standards. I think it is hard to understand those views of the place of the "poor relation" (many were treated very badly) or the importance of physical wholeness for a man, both very necessary in this story.
I found the story of Miranda and Gerard very engaging. I also enjoyed the look at the Christmas customs of the day even if I do not agree that they best represent the meaning I see in Christmas. I especially liked the role of Lady Wynwood as the catalyst of some of the important action, as others have suggested, somewhat like the fairy godmother in Cinderella. I found it a great Christmas read.
I found the story of Miranda and Gerard very engaging. I also enjoyed the look at the Christmas customs of the day even if I do not agree that they best represent the meaning I see in Christmas. I especially liked the role of Lady Wynwood as the catalyst of some of the important action, as others have suggested, somewhat like the fairy godmother in Cinderella. I found it a great Christmas read.
December 23, 2022
I enjoyed this story!
I enjoyed Miranda the most. She was dealt a very difficult hand in life. Her parents didn't understand her and died leaving her at the mercy of a horrible Uncle and hideous Aunt that treated her worse than they treated their servants. Yet, Miranda showed tremendous character and just was very relatable in her struggles and fears.
Gerard was adorable in a grumpy sort of way. He faced the hardship of a life changing injury that made him struggle with his "manhood." And like many men, he was frustrated and frustrating to those around him. Likewise, he dealt with the selfishness of the time and struggled with rejection.
The mystery around who was up to no good was interesting and I enjoyed watching it unfold. This story didn't give me the opportunity early on to try and solve it with the characters, but that was okay. It still made for an enjoyable Christmas read!
I enjoyed Miranda the most. She was dealt a very difficult hand in life. Her parents didn't understand her and died leaving her at the mercy of a horrible Uncle and hideous Aunt that treated her worse than they treated their servants. Yet, Miranda showed tremendous character and just was very relatable in her struggles and fears.
Gerard was adorable in a grumpy sort of way. He faced the hardship of a life changing injury that made him struggle with his "manhood." And like many men, he was frustrated and frustrating to those around him. Likewise, he dealt with the selfishness of the time and struggled with rejection.
The mystery around who was up to no good was interesting and I enjoyed watching it unfold. This story didn't give me the opportunity early on to try and solve it with the characters, but that was okay. It still made for an enjoyable Christmas read!
December 20, 2016
While I'm waiting for the sequel to Camille Elliot's Prelude for a Lord, I decided to indulge in a small Christmas novella she wrote. Spinster's Christmas is a sweet short read. The characters were loveable, but not quite as well developed as they could be, and there were so many of them I sometimes had difficulty remembering who was who. The mystery kept a good pace, though I would have liked a bit more foreshadowing.
Spinster's Christmas was not quite up to par with Prelude, but it is still a great book to curl up with on a cold winter evening with a hot mug of tea.
Spinster's Christmas was not quite up to par with Prelude, but it is still a great book to curl up with on a cold winter evening with a hot mug of tea.
February 3, 2022
What had they all fought for when there was still such injustice at home?
Captain Gerard Foremont of the Royal Navy had been injured in a battle and was now recuperating at home, after a lengthy stay in the hospital. Thinking to enjoy the Christmas time, he joins family and friends at Wintrell Hall. What he discovers makes him wonder why he went to war….
The heroine of this lovely Regency tale is Miranda, a servant who is not a servant. The injustice of the British class system is alive and well in 1810. If you are a poor relative, you cannot expect anything more than a roof over your head. The author very lovingly shows us the importance of not only being seen by others but more importantly by God. He knows us all and wants only the best for us.
This is the beginning of the Lady Wynwood’s Spies series. A most enjoyable, laugh out loud at times and thought provoking series.
Captain Gerard Foremont of the Royal Navy had been injured in a battle and was now recuperating at home, after a lengthy stay in the hospital. Thinking to enjoy the Christmas time, he joins family and friends at Wintrell Hall. What he discovers makes him wonder why he went to war….
The heroine of this lovely Regency tale is Miranda, a servant who is not a servant. The injustice of the British class system is alive and well in 1810. If you are a poor relative, you cannot expect anything more than a roof over your head. The author very lovingly shows us the importance of not only being seen by others but more importantly by God. He knows us all and wants only the best for us.
This is the beginning of the Lady Wynwood’s Spies series. A most enjoyable, laugh out loud at times and thought provoking series.
February 26, 2022
Captain Gerald Foremont had been injured during the battle on his ship had been sent home to recuperate. He and his parents were going to Sir Cecil Bellmore's house for Christmas. On the way just before getting to the house they saw Cecil's cousin Miranda Bellmore walking along the road and stopped to give her a ride. Cecil's wife Felicity us that Miranda for taking a ride. Ms. Elliott has written a wonderful little story with a happily ever after, after a number of trials and tribulations. I suggest you read the book is that the nice little book...
May 28, 2022
I truly enjoyed this Regency tale about a penniless lady of the gentry, Miranda who is forced to live with her cousin, Cecil upon her parent's death. She is treated no better than an unpaid servant. Gerard, a former Captain in the Navy is a childhood friend and they meet up to celebrate Christmas with their respective families at Christmas. They find out that they actually have romantic feelings for one another and the book has an intriguing twist with the mystery of who is trying to kill Miranda. The characters were well developed and the story kept my interest throughout. A good read.
July 15, 2023
A Christmas get-together brings together old friends, Miranda, a poor kin who is provided shelter but is treated like a servant and Captain Gerald Foremont who is recovering from a severe injury. Although still having fond feelings for one another, can each other's predicaments elicit more? In addition, someone is out to harm Miranda. This book is sweet and clean with a lovely enticing cover, well-written but has a somewhat fanciful plot in that an outside entity would constantly attack during a Christmas get-together. Though, a good bedtime read for those who enjoy a Regency romance.
June 27, 2020
Admittedly, I started this later last night. I spent most of the 15% of the book that I did read very confused about who people were and what was going on. This morning as I spent some time reading, I realized I was not enjoying the story at all. This is a DNF.
January 7, 2023
An excellent book!
I loved the characters in this book. The main character was a improvised lady living in her cousins house. The cousins wife was extremely mean and rude. She was saved by her childhood friend that she had a crush on as long as she could remember.
I loved the characters in this book. The main character was a improvised lady living in her cousins house. The cousins wife was extremely mean and rude. She was saved by her childhood friend that she had a crush on as long as she could remember.
June 4, 2025
The Spinster’s Christmas has lots of action and surprises. The main characters are interesting and kept me engaged throughout. I have totally enjoyed the first few books of this series.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from BookFunnel and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from BookFunnel and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
December 6, 2025
The last minute addition of the villain ridiculous
Seems as if Felicity wasn’t bad enough, the author had to wait until the last part of the book to dredge up a stupid situation from childhood.
Seems as if Felicity wasn’t bad enough, the author had to wait until the last part of the book to dredge up a stupid situation from childhood.
May 23, 2019
Good read
I really enjoyed this book and Camille Elliot is a great author I have enjoyed other of her books and look forward to reading some more.
I really enjoyed this book and Camille Elliot is a great author I have enjoyed other of her books and look forward to reading some more.
November 26, 2020
I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. Both MCs are really cute together and the plot was perfect for a quick Christmassy read.
December 11, 2020
In this book a woman, truly on the shelf at nearly thirty years old and further more the despised poor relation finds her true love with a former Captain of the Royal Navy. A short but intense read.
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