American ballet sensation, Miss Serendipity Shaw, has traveled to England with her parents at the invitation of the Duchess of Abernathy and her husband, Mr. Lewis Duffield. She came to perform and experience an English Christmastide, but when she meets the dashing and brooding Earl of Dayton, everything changes.
Wesley Jackson, Earl of Dayton, has never been a fan of the Christmas season. When his close friend, Lord Luvington, urges him to attend a Christmas house party, he accepts the invitation despite his reservations. Little does he know there will be an irresistible American beauty in residence—one whose sweet smile threatens all of his well-constructed defenses.
Determined to bring the magic of Christmas into the earl's life, Serendipity takes every opportunity to do so. The more time she spends with him, the farther in love, she falls. She never planned to give Wesley her heart. But now that she has, she means to have his in return.
Amanda Mariel, an accomplished wordsmith, holds dual master's degrees in liberal arts and education, specializing in the captivating realms of history and literature. Beyond her academic pursuits, she embraces the joyful chaos of motherhood, tending to both her cherished teenagers and her trio of adored fur babies. Among them, a noble Bernese Mountain Dog named Blaze, and two cats of distinct character, Ezra and Puff, share their home.
A USA Today Bestselling luminary, Amanda Mariel conjures vivid tapestries of eras long past, drawing inspiration from the languid cadence of days gone by. With pen poised and imagination unfurled, she traverses the annals of time, weaving tales that illuminate historical landscapes with finesse and flair. Her creative spirit finds respite in reading, traversing new horizons through travel, and capturing moments through the lenses of both her camera and artistic endeavors. Yet, it is in the embrace of family that she finds her truest sanctuary.
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American ballet sensation, Miss Serendipity Shaw, has travelled to England at the invitation of the Duchess of Abernathy and her husband, Mr. Lewis Duffield. She came to perform and experience an English Christmastide, but when she meets the dashing and brooding Earl of Dayton, everything changes. Wesley Jackson, Earl of Dayton, has never been a fan of the Christmas season. When his close friend Lord Luvington urges him to attend a Christmas house party, he accepts the invitation despite his reservations. Determined to bring the magic of Christmas into the earl’s life, Serendipity takes every opportunity to do so. A charming & engrossing lunchtime read. Wesley & Serendipity were attracted to each other from their first meeting & they fell in love at the house party. I loved how Wesley gradually embraced the Christmas spirit, with their visit to the orphanage being the icing on the cake. A fun, entertaining read that made me smile My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The joy of Christmas abounds as American, Serendipity Shaw comes to England to visit one of her parent's closest friends, the Duchess of Abernathy.
Coming from a wealthy family, she is a beautiful ballerina and performs and that is when Wesley spots her. When they are later thrown together at a house party, she is determined to bring the Christmas spirit to him.
American ballet dancer, Miss Serendipity Shaw, is invited to England by the Duchess of Abernathy and her husband, Mr. Lewis Duffield. At a Christmas house party, she meets Wesley Jackson, the Earl of Dayton, who doesn’t particularly care for Christmas and only attended at the urging of a friend. Serendipity wants to change his mind and attitude, so she spends time with him. But instead, she finds that she is the one who is falling for him. Can her bubbly personality win his heart before she has to return home? Or will this visit just be a fleeting memory?
While I enjoyed the story as a whole I have to admit to feeling frustrated by the ending. Was it the intent of the author to make this a HFN or are the readers to just assume it is a HEA for Serendipity and Wexley? Therein lies the problem. There were just too many questions left unanswered and I tend to need my historical romances tied up with nice, neat bows that leave me, as a reader happy and satisfied upon finishing the book. It is not like Wexley can just hop onto a plane and follow Serendipity to America and even if he made the arduous trip from England who would handle all of his responsibilities to his title? Yes, a good steward could handle the estate for a while but that arrangement would only work for so long and would only cover part of the duties Wexley would have as an Earl and a peer of the realm. IMHO the story was sweet and romantic but unfortunately incomplete. It would have benefited greatly if it had been a little longer or with an epilogue to give the reader some sense of closure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was surprised by how much I liked the beginning of this story. I had to read one other novella by this author and thought that she did an info dump in that one—the greatest dreaded flaw of the short story or novella—at the start of that one. I was expecting the same here but was delighted to just see her jumping to the action, showing us the hero's reaction to the meet-cute. As a grammar nerd, I also appreciated that the author understands how to use the subjunctive correctly! The romantic arc seemed rushed to me, as it often does in short-form fiction. I was a bit disappointed by the abrupt end that didn't truly tie up all the threads of the story into a neat bow. We don't really know what happens with the couple at the end. A short epilogue could have solved that. This is a super quick read, somewhere between an extended short story and a short novella. It could easily be read during lunch at work or on a couple of breaks.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Wesley Jackson (Earl of Dayton) is blind-sided by his instant attraction to the ballet dancing American, Serendipity Shaw, when she performs at a private event. What follows is an unspoken battle between his determination to resist not only the lovely Miss Shaw, but also any attempt to engage with the Christmas cheer she has committed to enjoy.
Serendipity is not deterred by this curmudgeonly Christmas attitude, and rises to the challenge, determined that Wesley shall participate and even enjoy some of the activities.
This short tale is a lovely and lively story of the Earl's conflict about his duties and his developing love, as Christmas traditions, feelings and entertainment slowly thaw and unlock his heart. Serendipity is a lovely character, and I fully enjoyed the way she dared, badgered and enticed Wesley to take part in the seasonal activities, and her refusal to give in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I pre-ordered this back in February because this author is one of my favorites. The price is right at only $.99 and I didn’t know the page count when I bought it. The is less than 50 pages and ends on e-reader at 74% rest is blurb for the nest book in series.
I think this is my 3rd book of the series written by different authors -stand alone. This is my favorite of what I read but ends abruptly. I only hope I haven’t pre-ordered anymore because they are very short and either character’s not developed or stories end before we know what is happening.
This story I liked both the H/h and the author made me feel I understood them so felt a connection. This is clean with only one kiss. There is romance and it does build slowly. This says something about this author’s talent what she conveys in a few pages.
No cheating, some unanswered questions. We don’t know if the H went back permanently to America to follow her. What did he do with his estates? Did she come back to England? We do have romance, HEA and clean. (ljb)
Miss Serendipity Shaw has been invited to stay with raveled to England the Duchess of Abernathy and her husband, Mr. Lewis Duffield. So that she can experience an English Christmas, but when she meets the Earl of Dayton, everything changes.
Wesley Jackson, Earl of Dayton, has never been a fan of the Christmas, so when he is invited to spend Christmas with his close friend Lord Luvington at the Duchess of Abernathy's house party, he rather reluctantly accepts despite the fact that Christmas is not is favorite time of the year.
However he can not seem to resist spending time with the American beauty who he cannot seem to resist and threatens to bring down all walls he has built up around himself. The more time they spend together, the more she falls in love with Wesley, but can she win his heart and if she can do they have a future together when they live on opposite sides of an ocean.
Another charming addition to the 12 Days of Christmas series. Serendipity is an American ballet dancer and has been invited to England to perform. She is excited because she will also get the chance to experience an English Christmastide. While there, she meets Wesley, Earl of Dayton. Both are extremely attracted to each other, but Wesley is such a sourpuss when it comes to Christmas. Serendipity decides she will do everything she can to change his mind. This was a fun and entertaining read and I enjoyed seeing Wesley slowly come around and start to embrace the holiday spirit. A very sweet and charming short story that brought a smile to my face. I would definitely recommend for a short and sweet read over a lunchtime break or a quick story before bed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
American ballet sensation, Miss Serendipity Shaw, has traveled to England with her parents at the invitation of the Duchess of Abernathy and her husband, Mr. Lewis Duffield. She came to perform and experience an English Christmastide, but when she meets the dashing and brooding Earl of Dayton, everything changes.
Wesley Jackson, Earl of Dayton, has never been a fan of the Christmas season. Though his BFF, Lord Luvington, insists he comes to their Christmas house party,. Wesley except but has serious. What he doesn't expect is to find the irresistible American beauty in residence Who's charm, Charisma &sweet smile threatens all of his well-constructed defenses.
Miss Serendipity Shaw, is determined to bring the magic of Christmas into the Earl of Dayton's heart. What she doesn't expect is to fall for him while doing so. Once she does she will do everything she can to make him hers. With her determination, kindness & love of the holiday season, she melts his exterior mask. Can Wesley's life of prim & proper turn into joy for the holiday season? Will he allow the love of a good woman to change his heart about Christmas & the rest of his life?
Dancing with Serendipity, the ninth book in the Twelve Days of Christmas series, is a splendid novella about how one person’s joy can thaw even the most hardened heart! American heiress and ballet dancer Serendipity Shaw is experiencing her first English Christmas, at the home of friends. Wesley Jackson, Earl of Dayton, hates Christmas, but agreed to attend a holiday house party with his friend Lord Luvington. Serendipity is determined to bring out the holiday spirit in Dayton, no matter what it takes. These two characters are meant for each other, I love it!
Extremely short but encaptures the spirit and magic of Christmas beautifully. Serendipity and Wesley's tale is heart warming, sweet and full of fun. Perfect for an hour of pure joyful escapism. I really did love experiencing Wesley's awakening to the joys of Christmas and Serendipity's drive to peel away each brooding and serious layer to reveal the soft heart and warmth of the man beneath. Lighthearted and immeasurably lovely, despite being in desperate need of an epilogue due to its abrupt ending!
Serendipity is a beautiful American ballerina and a friend of Grace and Lewis Duffield. She is in England visiting for Christmastide because her father is traveling on business. She meets Wesley Jackson, Earl of Dayton, a man completely taken by her, but no fan of Christmas. Serendipity considers this a challenge. Can this sprite from America change his mind about Christmas? Will this two find their Christmas miracle? Short and Sweet. I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
This was a very sweet instant-love story set during a Christmas house party. Serendipity, an American ballet dancer, meets Wexley, a grumpy Earl who has never enjoyed Christmas, and their contrast makes for a charming pairing.
I would have given this four stars, but the ending felt very abrupt and didn’t answer all the questions I had or fully deliver a complete HEA. That said, it was still an enjoyable, festive read with a lovely premise.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Delightful tale A truly delightful tale for the holiday season it is a quick read so must be careful not to write too much and spoil it for others. I loved the characters and the story it put a smile on my face and the will to go bake some more cookies. This is the book to pick up for a fun and quick read I know I am glad I did. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Regency Christmas story with great characters, romance and intrigue. She was an acclaimed American ballet dancer and was brought to England. She was invited to a house party and there things changed for her. She fell in love with an English Earl of Dayton who came to the house party but never enjoyed Christmas. They had complications, but the ending was great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A delightful short story that will leave you smiling:) When Serendipity meets Wesley and finds out he doesn't care for Christmas, it's up to her to show him how wonderful Christmas traditions can be! Falling in love is an added bonus:)
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Wesley has never had a childhood or adulthood celebrating Christmas! Serendipity has a loving fun Christmas all her life! Wesley is reluctantly drawn into celebrating traditions! Serendipity is equally drawn to him sensing he has lacked love and appreciation for "normal" Christmas! Can they find away to make this feeling last year around?
Well written, fast paced novella. This story takes place during a Christmas holidays. Both Wesley and Serendipity are invited to the same house party. She challenges him to have some Christmas fun. So starts the feelings that they both discover and a happy ending for them both. Would strongly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
season of joy Is there a better time of the year than christmastime to find healing, joy and love? The atmosphere of friendship supporting the budding relationship between Serendipity and Wesley warmed my heart. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A quick, sweet little ditty wherein Serendipity, a peppy twenty year old American charms, badgers and conjoles Wesley, the Earl of Dayton into participating in Christmas activities for the first time in his life. And he finds out that he loves it and her...and the feeling is most definitely mutual! Sigh!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Although this was short, I liked the interactions between Wesley and Serendipity, and how the author used their thoughts to make it all come together for the reader. This story will give you the warm fuzzies.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is another brilliantly written story in a great series. The plot is a fast journey to love, and the characters are amazing. This is a great book for anybody who loves clean historical romances.
I enjoyed the couple getting to know each other. I just wish it had been longer, I wanted more. I guess this way you can make up your own happily ever after ending. Fun quick Christmas story.
This was a short insta-lust romance when Wesley saw Serendipity dancing ballet that turned later to love when he spends time with her sleigh riding, snowball fighting, singing, playing games, and visiting orphans to help Wesley find joy in the holidays.
Book nine in the 12 Day of Christmas, A Ladies and Scoundrels Novella series a well written very short Christmas story. American ballet sensation, Miss Serendipity Shaw and Wesley Jackson, Earl of Dayton's story. I did find it ended abruptly, but still a good story.
A sweetly thrilling, emotional and action packed holiday adventure filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. Was a edge of your seat and heartwarming read from beginning to end.
She has arrived in England to perform for them but she finds him. They will spend time together and an attraction starts. Where will it go? Can it go anywhere? See if they make a couple
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wonderful historical romance book. The holidays always add an unexpected twist. Entertaining and interesting characters. Some twists and turns with plenty of drama. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.