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Empire State #3.5
Christmas at Whitefriars
Mary Beckwith lives in a magnificent English castle during the twilight years of the gilded age. With the help of an American millionaire, she has succeeded in renovating her beloved Whitefriars castle into a splendid estate just in time for Christmas.
From across the ocean, millionaire Everett Wooten has spent a fortune propping up Whitefriars to add modern conveniences and rebuild crumbling old walls. Even though he’s never met Mary, they have enjoyed a lively business correspondence over the nine years they have been working toward a renovation. Now he has finally come to see Mary and the castle in person, but nothing is as he was led to believe.
Mary and Everett try to find a way forward, but red-blooded American entrepreneurship doesn’t always mingle with blue-blooded English tradition. Can a Manhattan business tycoon and an English lady come to an accord, or will their joint venture in Whitefriars result in heartbreak for them both?
From across the ocean, millionaire Everett Wooten has spent a fortune propping up Whitefriars to add modern conveniences and rebuild crumbling old walls. Even though he’s never met Mary, they have enjoyed a lively business correspondence over the nine years they have been working toward a renovation. Now he has finally come to see Mary and the castle in person, but nothing is as he was led to believe.
Mary and Everett try to find a way forward, but red-blooded American entrepreneurship doesn’t always mingle with blue-blooded English tradition. Can a Manhattan business tycoon and an English lady come to an accord, or will their joint venture in Whitefriars result in heartbreak for them both?
151 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2019
122 people are currently reading
901 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
December 28, 2019
A feel-good Xmas story, plain and simple. Emphasis on plain. Enjoy on an afternoon with a cup of tea, and speaking of tea, this story just wasn't my particular cup. Honestly, I'd give this only 3.5 stars if I could.
Despite the ambiance of the awesome manor home during the Christmas season, I just didn't connect with the main characters. The heroine's change of heart near the end didn't seem to be triggered by anything in particular. Just shazam, gonna change now. And the hero was kind of a sissy boy in some respects. But feel free to chalk that up to me preferring manly men who error on the dark and brooding side of the spectrum.
My favorite part of the story was the house. Whoa baby, I'd LOVE to live in a castle like that, so it was fun to visit it via fiction.
All in all, if you're looking for a breezy Christmas tale, you should give this one a chance and just call me the Grinch.
Despite the ambiance of the awesome manor home during the Christmas season, I just didn't connect with the main characters. The heroine's change of heart near the end didn't seem to be triggered by anything in particular. Just shazam, gonna change now. And the hero was kind of a sissy boy in some respects. But feel free to chalk that up to me preferring manly men who error on the dark and brooding side of the spectrum.
My favorite part of the story was the house. Whoa baby, I'd LOVE to live in a castle like that, so it was fun to visit it via fiction.
All in all, if you're looking for a breezy Christmas tale, you should give this one a chance and just call me the Grinch.
October 30, 2019
Originally posted on Inkwell Inspirations
“The rest of her life awaited, and she had no idea what it would look like but had faith that it would be good.”
With captivating characters and a beautifully written story, award winning author Elizabeth Camden delights readers in her newest historical fiction novella, Christmas at Whitefriars. This Christmas novella features the heroine Mary Beckwith, who is the sister of Colin Beckwith from Elizabeth Camden’s Empire State series. Readers will enjoy the cameo appearances of several beloved characters from the Empire State series as they visit Mary at Whitefriars castle in England, but it is not essential to the storyline of Christmas at Whitefriars to have read the Empire Series first. After reading Christmas at Whitefriars, readers who want to discover more about Mary’s in-laws will also enjoy the earlier books in the series.
Christmas at Whitefriars begins in Yorkshire, England in 1912 as Mary Beckwith has been overseeing renovations to the Whitefriars castle, which has been in her family for generations. With the financial contributions of American businessman Everett Wooten, Whitefriars has received funds for needed repairs over the years. However, when Everett finally visits the castle, he is shocked at the condition and insists that changes need to be made immediately, much to Mary’s dismay.
Elizabeth Camden creates realistic characters who deal with issues that many readers can relate to such as panic attacks, anxiety, and struggles with social interactions. From the desire to be brave and overcome her lifelong fears, Mary becomes stronger as she ultimately takes the courageous steps to achieve her dreams. As Mary and Everett experience the delicious taste and flavor of freshly baked gingerbread in Christmas at Whitefriars, readers will be inspired to bake their own gingerbread for the holiday season or even just as a treat to indulge in while reading this novella! Christmas at Whitefriars is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction with light romance and readers who enjoyed Elizabeth Camden’s Empire State series.
I received a complimentary copy of this novella from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
“The rest of her life awaited, and she had no idea what it would look like but had faith that it would be good.”
With captivating characters and a beautifully written story, award winning author Elizabeth Camden delights readers in her newest historical fiction novella, Christmas at Whitefriars. This Christmas novella features the heroine Mary Beckwith, who is the sister of Colin Beckwith from Elizabeth Camden’s Empire State series. Readers will enjoy the cameo appearances of several beloved characters from the Empire State series as they visit Mary at Whitefriars castle in England, but it is not essential to the storyline of Christmas at Whitefriars to have read the Empire Series first. After reading Christmas at Whitefriars, readers who want to discover more about Mary’s in-laws will also enjoy the earlier books in the series.
Christmas at Whitefriars begins in Yorkshire, England in 1912 as Mary Beckwith has been overseeing renovations to the Whitefriars castle, which has been in her family for generations. With the financial contributions of American businessman Everett Wooten, Whitefriars has received funds for needed repairs over the years. However, when Everett finally visits the castle, he is shocked at the condition and insists that changes need to be made immediately, much to Mary’s dismay.
Elizabeth Camden creates realistic characters who deal with issues that many readers can relate to such as panic attacks, anxiety, and struggles with social interactions. From the desire to be brave and overcome her lifelong fears, Mary becomes stronger as she ultimately takes the courageous steps to achieve her dreams. As Mary and Everett experience the delicious taste and flavor of freshly baked gingerbread in Christmas at Whitefriars, readers will be inspired to bake their own gingerbread for the holiday season or even just as a treat to indulge in while reading this novella! Christmas at Whitefriars is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction with light romance and readers who enjoyed Elizabeth Camden’s Empire State series.
I received a complimentary copy of this novella from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
October 18, 2019
Christmas at Whitefriars by Elizabeth Camden is about a crumbling Castle in Yorkshire, England in 1912.
Elizabeth Camden is a favorite author writing in my favorite genre.
This was an enjoyable trip back into the first part of the 20th Century when Americans wanted to invest in English culture.
Mary Beckwith has stayed in England to oversee the family estate while her brother, Colin from Ms. Camden’s Empire State series, has married a girl from America. Christmas brings the siblings and a few in-laws together for the holidays as well as a meeting with a partner and rich businessman, Everett Wooten. Soon there are clashes over terms of a contract that is keeping Whitefriars afloat.
With her signature details of historic places and apt plotting of an interesting story, Ms. Camden captured me from the first. The renovation of a cavernous and drafty old castle was just my cup of tea. Mary’s emotions and struggles came through as very realistic. This story nicely compliments the Empire State series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Elizabeth Camden is a favorite author writing in my favorite genre.
This was an enjoyable trip back into the first part of the 20th Century when Americans wanted to invest in English culture.
Mary Beckwith has stayed in England to oversee the family estate while her brother, Colin from Ms. Camden’s Empire State series, has married a girl from America. Christmas brings the siblings and a few in-laws together for the holidays as well as a meeting with a partner and rich businessman, Everett Wooten. Soon there are clashes over terms of a contract that is keeping Whitefriars afloat.
With her signature details of historic places and apt plotting of an interesting story, Ms. Camden captured me from the first. The renovation of a cavernous and drafty old castle was just my cup of tea. Mary’s emotions and struggles came through as very realistic. This story nicely compliments the Empire State series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
December 3, 2019
Christmas At Whitefriars is a wonderful blend of love, showing your vulnerabilities and making sacrifices for those you love. I guess you could say both Mary and Edmund are odd or awkward, but when they come together they complement each other in so many ways. Better together than alone. Mary's quirks and Edmunds stiffness showed their personalities but it also endeared me more to them than I first thought possible when I first met them at the beginning of this novella. The more time they spent together, the more I wanted to stay and spend more time getting to know them.
January 3, 2023
Safe, no sex, minimal drama. Personally, I just didn’t connect with the story, especially the heroine. I thought she made a lot of bad decisions which were endlessly irritating. It’s an ok novella, just not my personal preference.
December 26, 2019
A Sweet Christmas Novella
I loved this novella! Mary and Everett were great characters and the storyline was one I enjoyed immensely. Everett’s hidden talent was fun and added a nice element to the story. This is going on my favorite list for sure.
I loved this novella! Mary and Everett were great characters and the storyline was one I enjoyed immensely. Everett’s hidden talent was fun and added a nice element to the story. This is going on my favorite list for sure.
November 10, 2019
Christmas at Whitefriars was an absolutely wonderful novella that's sure to delight fans of historical romance. With the shorter length, I was afraid I wouldn't like this one as much as Camden's previous books. But I had nothing to worry about. For a novella, there was a lot packed into it. It was a full and complete story that didn't feel too short at all.
This is a companion novella to Camden's Empire State series. Mary is the sister of Colin Beckwith from A Dangerous Legacy. I loved revisiting beloved characters. It stands alone perfectly fine, though, so no need to worry if you haven't read that series. But I'm sure you'll be clamoring to get your hands on them after finishing this one.
I liked Mary right off the bat and the more I got to know her, the more I admired her. Her anxiety and panic attacks were super relatable for me. I thought she handled things with such grace though. Now Everett, on the other hand, was a bit of a conundrum. Described by others as an oddball, stick-in-the-mud, and all about business, I was not expecting to like him as much as I did upon introduction. But my goodness, I did! He's so serious and gruff at times, but there's an endearing quality about him that's hard to resist. And when more was revealed about him, I understood him a lot better and could even relate to him.
Christmas at Whitefriars is right up there with my other favorite Camden titles. I loved it so much. As soon as I finished it, I wanted to read it all over again. It was just that good. I can't recommend it highly enough.
This is a companion novella to Camden's Empire State series. Mary is the sister of Colin Beckwith from A Dangerous Legacy. I loved revisiting beloved characters. It stands alone perfectly fine, though, so no need to worry if you haven't read that series. But I'm sure you'll be clamoring to get your hands on them after finishing this one.
I liked Mary right off the bat and the more I got to know her, the more I admired her. Her anxiety and panic attacks were super relatable for me. I thought she handled things with such grace though. Now Everett, on the other hand, was a bit of a conundrum. Described by others as an oddball, stick-in-the-mud, and all about business, I was not expecting to like him as much as I did upon introduction. But my goodness, I did! He's so serious and gruff at times, but there's an endearing quality about him that's hard to resist. And when more was revealed about him, I understood him a lot better and could even relate to him.
Christmas at Whitefriars is right up there with my other favorite Camden titles. I loved it so much. As soon as I finished it, I wanted to read it all over again. It was just that good. I can't recommend it highly enough.
December 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this novella. It's an addition to the author's' Empire State' series but you don't need to have read those books as prep for this one. However, if you have, you'll enjoy gathering together with some familiar faces over the Christmas season. :-)
Loved the Whitefriars (English estate) setting and its history. Camden brings it all to life through Mary. She's passionate about her home and her ancestry and yearns to be as courageous and innovative as those who came before. But...and there's always a but in a story, isn't there? Since this is a novella, I can't reveal too much without posting spoilers so you'll just have to read Christmas at Whitefriars to discover Mary's unique set of stumbling blocks.
Everett makes for a swoonworthy hero -- though he's misunderstood at first. And, honestly, these two are at such odds over so many important issues that I couldn't see how the author would manage to bring them together for a happily ever after by the end...but she did! And quite magnificently.
I listened to the audio book (on sale at Chirp right now) and enjoyed Pearl Hewitt's narration...except, she does a really dreadful American accent. The characters have an exaggerated rounded out kind of drawl that didn't fit the station of the characters at all. Think working man/woman Brooklyn accent when it should be more refined, precise upper class diction. And all the Americans spoke the same way. I think this is the only American accent this narrator does, because I've listened to other books she has narrated and all the American characters sound exactly the same. So it kinda threw me off at times...but not enough to spoil the 'read.'
Loved the Whitefriars (English estate) setting and its history. Camden brings it all to life through Mary. She's passionate about her home and her ancestry and yearns to be as courageous and innovative as those who came before. But...and there's always a but in a story, isn't there? Since this is a novella, I can't reveal too much without posting spoilers so you'll just have to read Christmas at Whitefriars to discover Mary's unique set of stumbling blocks.
Everett makes for a swoonworthy hero -- though he's misunderstood at first. And, honestly, these two are at such odds over so many important issues that I couldn't see how the author would manage to bring them together for a happily ever after by the end...but she did! And quite magnificently.
I listened to the audio book (on sale at Chirp right now) and enjoyed Pearl Hewitt's narration...except, she does a really dreadful American accent. The characters have an exaggerated rounded out kind of drawl that didn't fit the station of the characters at all. Think working man/woman Brooklyn accent when it should be more refined, precise upper class diction. And all the Americans spoke the same way. I think this is the only American accent this narrator does, because I've listened to other books she has narrated and all the American characters sound exactly the same. So it kinda threw me off at times...but not enough to spoil the 'read.'
November 22, 2020
It's 1912 in Yorkshire England, and Mary Beckwith is continuing with restoration of her family's castle, Whitefriars. Much of the restoration has been funded by Everett Wooten, a wealthy New Yorker, in turn for the use of a picture of Whitefriars on the front of their exclusive food products. But will Everett understand the further restorations Mary wants to do?
This is the last book in the Empire series, and although I have only read the first book, I did not have any trouble following the storyline in this novella. I am sure I missed some of the back story of family situations in book 2 and 3, but it did not impede my enjoyment of this book. Both Mary and Everett have unique characteristics that make them somewhat loners. Yet they somehow managed to click through their love of the history of Whitefriars. Everett's assistance in helping Mary's agoraphobia as well as her understanding of Everett's very strange bet with his father brought both of them closer together. Is it possible that paper bags and gingerbread will bring them together?
Quick, easy, enjoyable Christmas read.
This is the last book in the Empire series, and although I have only read the first book, I did not have any trouble following the storyline in this novella. I am sure I missed some of the back story of family situations in book 2 and 3, but it did not impede my enjoyment of this book. Both Mary and Everett have unique characteristics that make them somewhat loners. Yet they somehow managed to click through their love of the history of Whitefriars. Everett's assistance in helping Mary's agoraphobia as well as her understanding of Everett's very strange bet with his father brought both of them closer together. Is it possible that paper bags and gingerbread will bring them together?
Quick, easy, enjoyable Christmas read.
November 17, 2019
3.5 stars
All of the "feels" of her ancestral home have pitted Mary Beckwith against an investor whose feelings seem to hover continually over his bottom line. When Everett Wooten makes an unexpected stop in England, determined to thwart Mary's efforts to lease space in the newly rennovated portions of Whitefriars, her unexpected invitation to spend Christmas at the castle threaten to send both of their lives in an entirely new direction.
What common ground can they possbily find? Surely it cannot be as simple as paper bags and gingerbread.
What an enchanting visit with some of the author's most beloved characters during the most wonderful time of the year; Christmas at Whitefriars.
All of the "feels" of her ancestral home have pitted Mary Beckwith against an investor whose feelings seem to hover continually over his bottom line. When Everett Wooten makes an unexpected stop in England, determined to thwart Mary's efforts to lease space in the newly rennovated portions of Whitefriars, her unexpected invitation to spend Christmas at the castle threaten to send both of their lives in an entirely new direction.
What common ground can they possbily find? Surely it cannot be as simple as paper bags and gingerbread.
What an enchanting visit with some of the author's most beloved characters during the most wonderful time of the year; Christmas at Whitefriars.
November 2, 2019
Mary Beckwith is trying to renovate Whitefriars castle, her childhood home. It’s a huge undertaking and she is trying to do it on her own with occasional advice and yearly allowance from American businessman Everett Wooten. The funding never seems to be enough and Mary plans to rent out rooms to earn extra money. She is working hard to get the rooms ready for the paying guests. Going through mail, she discovers that Mr Wooten is in York, an hour’s carriage ride from the castle, waiting to speak to her about a possible breach of contract with his luxury food supply company. He considers the taking in of paying guests to be destroying his company’s exclusive food label named Whitefriars.
In the running up to Christmas, Mary and her brother Colin Beckwith, goes to York to meet with Mr. Wooten. She finds it very challenging to go anywhere outside the castle grounds because of her anxiety disorder. Surprisingly she finds Mr. Wooten to be very understanding and supportive as she has an anxiety attack in the York hotel lobby. After the meeting, she invites him to Whitefriars to look at his investment and the state of the castle after nine years of renovation. He is unimpressed with his first impression of the castle and totally opposed to taking in paying guests.
Christmas is Mary’s favorite time of year because this is when her family comes from America for their once-a-year holiday. I am thrilled to be back in the Beckwith and Drake family universe which I got to know in The Empire State Series. I get to learn more about what has happened to them all since my last read. I enjoy the Christmas theme and the development of relationships, especially between Mary and Everett Wooten, but also between secondary characters.
Christmas at Whitefriars is highly recommended for fans of Elizabeth Camden’s works, especially for readers of The Empire State series. This story is also highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction.
(All opinions in this review are my own)
In the running up to Christmas, Mary and her brother Colin Beckwith, goes to York to meet with Mr. Wooten. She finds it very challenging to go anywhere outside the castle grounds because of her anxiety disorder. Surprisingly she finds Mr. Wooten to be very understanding and supportive as she has an anxiety attack in the York hotel lobby. After the meeting, she invites him to Whitefriars to look at his investment and the state of the castle after nine years of renovation. He is unimpressed with his first impression of the castle and totally opposed to taking in paying guests.
Christmas is Mary’s favorite time of year because this is when her family comes from America for their once-a-year holiday. I am thrilled to be back in the Beckwith and Drake family universe which I got to know in The Empire State Series. I get to learn more about what has happened to them all since my last read. I enjoy the Christmas theme and the development of relationships, especially between Mary and Everett Wooten, but also between secondary characters.
Christmas at Whitefriars is highly recommended for fans of Elizabeth Camden’s works, especially for readers of The Empire State series. This story is also highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction.
(All opinions in this review are my own)
December 23, 2023
1912
Whitefriars Castle (somewhere in England)
The castle Mary Beckwith loved so much, the one in which she grew up, had been under renovations for nine years, repairing centuries of decay. The castle was chosen by an American company to be the symbol for their labels, so making it livable and the interior slightly more modern were renovations for which the millionaire, Everette Wooten, was willing to spend a fortune.
*******************************************
Slightly unbelievable in places brought the star rating down a bit. The chemistry between the two main characters was questionable. Then a severe phobia one character had ended up to be far too easily handled.
But this was a pleasant novella, and it was fun to reconnect with characters from another of Ms. Camden's series.
Whitefriars Castle (somewhere in England)
The castle Mary Beckwith loved so much, the one in which she grew up, had been under renovations for nine years, repairing centuries of decay. The castle was chosen by an American company to be the symbol for their labels, so making it livable and the interior slightly more modern were renovations for which the millionaire, Everette Wooten, was willing to spend a fortune.
*******************************************
Slightly unbelievable in places brought the star rating down a bit. The chemistry between the two main characters was questionable. Then a severe phobia one character had ended up to be far too easily handled.
But this was a pleasant novella, and it was fun to reconnect with characters from another of Ms. Camden's series.
October 29, 2019
"It can be frightening to step out into something new. I've been knocked down, but then comes the time to crawl back up onto your feet, start walking, then running, and don't stop until you get where you need to be."
Elizabeth Camden masterfully weaves history, especially the lesser known history, with beautifully crafted fiction in all of her books and this novella is another clear example of her superb storytelling that will draw you into the heart of 1912 Yorkshire, England. Fans of her writing will appreciate the return of characters from her Empire State series and continuation of food industry theme from her latest novel The Spice King.
Set in a crumbling castle and its estate in Whitefriars around Christmastime, the story depicts much beauty and awe of the surroundings and time period yet there is also fear as the American investor Everett comes to inspect the Whitefriars. Everett is a different kind of a hero, socially awkward and straight-laced and often too business-minded, but he falls hard for Mary. Mary, the caretaker of the estate, is sunshine and optimism but plagued by agorphobia. As Everett and Mary spend time with each other and Mary's extended family, they surprise themselves with new discoveries and growth.
If you enjoy historical fiction, you will so enjoy this sweet novella, even if you haven't read any of Elizabeth Camden's previous books. I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Elizabeth Camden masterfully weaves history, especially the lesser known history, with beautifully crafted fiction in all of her books and this novella is another clear example of her superb storytelling that will draw you into the heart of 1912 Yorkshire, England. Fans of her writing will appreciate the return of characters from her Empire State series and continuation of food industry theme from her latest novel The Spice King.
Set in a crumbling castle and its estate in Whitefriars around Christmastime, the story depicts much beauty and awe of the surroundings and time period yet there is also fear as the American investor Everett comes to inspect the Whitefriars. Everett is a different kind of a hero, socially awkward and straight-laced and often too business-minded, but he falls hard for Mary. Mary, the caretaker of the estate, is sunshine and optimism but plagued by agorphobia. As Everett and Mary spend time with each other and Mary's extended family, they surprise themselves with new discoveries and growth.
If you enjoy historical fiction, you will so enjoy this sweet novella, even if you haven't read any of Elizabeth Camden's previous books. I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
December 24, 2023
I enjoyed this story very much! I've read a handful of Camden's books, including all three of the books in the "Empire State" series that this Christmas novella is tied to. It was fun to catch some mentions of characters I knew already.
Something that has been consistent with her stories is that I *always* love the well-researched history she includes, but can often have issues with some aspect of the romance. Usually it's personal disagreements with how the couple conducts themselves in the relationship, their personalities/attitudes, or sometimes they fall in love faster than I would prefer when they barely know each other, etc. Well, I'm happy to say that I actually didn't have a problem with the romance in this story! One thing that helped tons was that the romantic couple knew each other already on the level of having years of business correspondences before meeting in person. I also really liked that they made each other better as they discovered each other's worlds. Mary had a severe anxiety problem. It was at the point that she didn't want to leave Whitefriars for any reason or she'd have multiple panic attacks just riding the train. I loved that Everett took her problem seriously, and while he couldn't "fix" it, he did help her discover new ways to cope so that she could choose not to be a prisoner in her own home anymore. This included a way to help her physically deal with her hyperventilation, but also getting her mind and spirit focused on Christ instead of her fear. I especially appreciated the ending when Mary took a big step to do something new. Her panic attacks didn't magically disappear, but with her new coping methods, she was able to move forward anyway, and gradually improve over time.
Everett had ways that he grew and changed, too, but Mary's journey was definitely the most impactful for me as someone who had dealt with anxiety (not crippling like hers, but present) and has family members who deal with it too.
And the historical aspects of the story were highly enjoyable as always.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It was just right for Christmas and the romance finally hit the right notes for me.
5 stars.
Content Advisory:
An adult story that is appropriate for teens and adults.
Language:
None
Sexual/Romance:
Attraction between a man and woman and a brief kiss or two. Nothing actually sexual occurs.
Violence:
None.
Spiritual:
Faith threads are woven throughout as our main characters learn to rely on God more.
Something that has been consistent with her stories is that I *always* love the well-researched history she includes, but can often have issues with some aspect of the romance. Usually it's personal disagreements with how the couple conducts themselves in the relationship, their personalities/attitudes, or sometimes they fall in love faster than I would prefer when they barely know each other, etc. Well, I'm happy to say that I actually didn't have a problem with the romance in this story! One thing that helped tons was that the romantic couple knew each other already on the level of having years of business correspondences before meeting in person. I also really liked that they made each other better as they discovered each other's worlds. Mary had a severe anxiety problem. It was at the point that she didn't want to leave Whitefriars for any reason or she'd have multiple panic attacks just riding the train. I loved that Everett took her problem seriously, and while he couldn't "fix" it, he did help her discover new ways to cope so that she could choose not to be a prisoner in her own home anymore. This included a way to help her physically deal with her hyperventilation, but also getting her mind and spirit focused on Christ instead of her fear. I especially appreciated the ending when Mary took a big step to do something new. Her panic attacks didn't magically disappear, but with her new coping methods, she was able to move forward anyway, and gradually improve over time.
Everett had ways that he grew and changed, too, but Mary's journey was definitely the most impactful for me as someone who had dealt with anxiety (not crippling like hers, but present) and has family members who deal with it too.
And the historical aspects of the story were highly enjoyable as always.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It was just right for Christmas and the romance finally hit the right notes for me.
5 stars.
Content Advisory:
An adult story that is appropriate for teens and adults.
Language:
None
Sexual/Romance:
Attraction between a man and woman and a brief kiss or two. Nothing actually sexual occurs.
Violence:
None.
Spiritual:
Faith threads are woven throughout as our main characters learn to rely on God more.
April 12, 2020
This was a decently developed novella. It wasn't terribly deep, hence the two star (as opposed to my highest ever 3 star rating for a shorter work), but it was a nice way to pass the time. The hero was very wonderful and the heroine wasn't half bad either. I appreciated a clean story where the hero wasn't a reformed rake and was a genuinely decent person. The idea that both main characters had some degree of social anxiety also really spoke to the time in which we're living in. Finally, it was nice to see the main characters again of the previous books of this series. Overall, a sweet way to end this series.
October 15, 2019
I loved this book!! I can relate to Mary. I got teary eyed a few times. This was a very quick easy read for me. I finished it in one sitting. I love Elizabeth's books!
*Thank you for the advanced ebook* all opinions are my own.
*Thank you for the advanced ebook* all opinions are my own.
December 26, 2019
A delightful Christmas novella all about fellowship and romance! I enjoyed the setting and charming history that went with it, and the awkwardly shy hero paired with the pleasant heroine who had to overcome a few things herself (loved how that was portrayed!).
December 23, 2022
It was a fine story, with a happy ending!
I really enjoyed the history and the character development!!
While Mary’s slight resentment towards her brother for leaving was totally understandable, it never felt like it was truly resolved. It made their little scrapes kind of annoying and their relationship felt stilted.
I love that Elizabeth always writes characters with differences, things that make them tick a little different. While I don’t always enjoy the character per say, I love that no one is cookie cutter!
Overall it was cute!
3/5 stars
I really enjoyed the history and the character development!!
While Mary’s slight resentment towards her brother for leaving was totally understandable, it never felt like it was truly resolved. It made their little scrapes kind of annoying and their relationship felt stilted.
I love that Elizabeth always writes characters with differences, things that make them tick a little different. While I don’t always enjoy the character per say, I love that no one is cookie cutter!
Overall it was cute!
3/5 stars
January 26, 2022
3.45... Almost 4 :) This is just a novella size and Camden does a great job making a believable story and characters with the small space a novella offers. It was fun to see some of the other characters I got to know in her other books.
July 26, 2022
This is probably one of the better novellas I have read. Coming in ~150 pages you still get a somewhat complete story for a specific time period over Christmas.
Mary lives and maintains the historic Whitefriars estate in England. Everett is the American investor who has bought the license to use their image on his food products.
Can a country girl with a heart for the history of her home and a city-boy with business acumen come to see eye to eye on anything? They have more in common than they realize.
Mary lives and maintains the historic Whitefriars estate in England. Everett is the American investor who has bought the license to use their image on his food products.
Can a country girl with a heart for the history of her home and a city-boy with business acumen come to see eye to eye on anything? They have more in common than they realize.
November 19, 2023
1912 Yorkshire, England
Sweet Christmas novella with a beloved family estate in disrepair as a central focus.
Sweet Christmas novella with a beloved family estate in disrepair as a central focus.
December 21, 2025
A charming Christmas story where two antagonists, an Englishwoman and a wealthy American, find common ground while renovating an old English manor, and fall in love.
October 29, 2019
Christmas at Whitefriars: A Novella
Elizabeth Camden
https://m.facebook.com/ElizabethCamden/
Release date 10/29/2019
Blurb :
Mary Beckwith lives in a magnificent English castle during the twilight years of the gilded age. With the help of an American millionaire, she has succeeded in renovating her beloved Whitefriars castle into a splendid estate just in time for Christmas.
From across the ocean, millionaire Everett Wooten has spent a fortune propping up Whitefriars to add modern conveniences and rebuild crumbling old walls. Even though he’s never met Mary, they have enjoyed a lively business correspondence over the nine years they have been working toward a renovation. Now he has finally come to see Mary and the castle in person, but nothing is as he was led to believe.
Mary and Everett try to find a way forward, but red-blooded American entrepreneurship doesn’t always mingle with blue-blooded English tradition. Can a Manhattan business tycoon and an English lady come to an accord, or will their joint venture in Whitefriars result in heartbreak for them both?
My review :
Can two persons have a common future when they live apart with an ocean separating them ...
I discovered Mrs Elizabeth Camden’s work with her last release The Spice King, and I was hooked by her way with words and details.
With this Christmastide themed tale, I felt like I was visiting a place like Downtown Abbey, more on the impoverished side.
I loved the many descriptions of the property, its history and the many events the dwelling have seen unfold between its walls.
Mary is a kind lonesome soul, why she even more appreciate the end of the years when her family comes to visit her.
Her agoraphobia having impeded her from leaving her birthplace. Probably why she tries to recreated in her own way, a warm-hearted environment.
Everett is business-focused, his awkwardness in society preventing him to meddling in, why his father’s enterprise has become the center of his life.
Still he has his own secret garden, and for Mary, he will be ready to share it with her kin.
It was just so sweet to see them interact, they have both their own impediment to living a socially normal life but together they do not feel the discomfort they usually have.
Still their homes and working places are thousands of miles apart, so will the sentiments that arise during their short time together be enough for them to find a mean to give a chance to their relationship.
Mrs Camden has lovingly crafted a warm tale of love giving us the necessary strength to face our fear if it must be.
5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Elizabeth Camden
https://m.facebook.com/ElizabethCamden/
Release date 10/29/2019
Blurb :
Mary Beckwith lives in a magnificent English castle during the twilight years of the gilded age. With the help of an American millionaire, she has succeeded in renovating her beloved Whitefriars castle into a splendid estate just in time for Christmas.
From across the ocean, millionaire Everett Wooten has spent a fortune propping up Whitefriars to add modern conveniences and rebuild crumbling old walls. Even though he’s never met Mary, they have enjoyed a lively business correspondence over the nine years they have been working toward a renovation. Now he has finally come to see Mary and the castle in person, but nothing is as he was led to believe.
Mary and Everett try to find a way forward, but red-blooded American entrepreneurship doesn’t always mingle with blue-blooded English tradition. Can a Manhattan business tycoon and an English lady come to an accord, or will their joint venture in Whitefriars result in heartbreak for them both?
My review :
Can two persons have a common future when they live apart with an ocean separating them ...
I discovered Mrs Elizabeth Camden’s work with her last release The Spice King, and I was hooked by her way with words and details.
With this Christmastide themed tale, I felt like I was visiting a place like Downtown Abbey, more on the impoverished side.
I loved the many descriptions of the property, its history and the many events the dwelling have seen unfold between its walls.
Mary is a kind lonesome soul, why she even more appreciate the end of the years when her family comes to visit her.
Her agoraphobia having impeded her from leaving her birthplace. Probably why she tries to recreated in her own way, a warm-hearted environment.
Everett is business-focused, his awkwardness in society preventing him to meddling in, why his father’s enterprise has become the center of his life.
Still he has his own secret garden, and for Mary, he will be ready to share it with her kin.
It was just so sweet to see them interact, they have both their own impediment to living a socially normal life but together they do not feel the discomfort they usually have.
Still their homes and working places are thousands of miles apart, so will the sentiments that arise during their short time together be enough for them to find a mean to give a chance to their relationship.
Mrs Camden has lovingly crafted a warm tale of love giving us the necessary strength to face our fear if it must be.
5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
November 8, 2019
I'm at a loss for words. The Lord and I had a nice little conversation tonight. I think he nudged me to read this sweet novella as a reminder from Him that He will always be by my side no matter what my circumstances are.
Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid I put my trust in you.
I know for me, this is hard to do. I'm sure it is for you readers out there too. Especially if you are going through changes in your life like Mary did. But I also like this saying when Evertte was talking to Mary about making a big change in her life.
He said " It can be frightening to step out into something new. I've been knocked down, but then comes time to crawl back up onto your feet, start walking, and then running and don't stop until you get to where you need to be." Such wonderful advice!!
Mary was afraid of change until a wonderful man came along. I think that God puts us where we need to be even if it's scary at times. I've been there many times and I'm sure that it won't be the last. I'm not exactly fond of changes either but sometimes it's for the best.
I'm about to undergo some changes myself and believe me, I'm not thrilled but with the Lord's help I know I will be ok.
I love this author and I've followed her for some time now. I love learning history from her and this sweet novella is no exception.
I love the messages she weaves throughout her novels.
I try to never miss any of her books because of the lessons she teaches. She many interesting topics in her books!
I strongly recommend this book!
My thanks for a complimentary copy of this sweet book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid I put my trust in you.
I know for me, this is hard to do. I'm sure it is for you readers out there too. Especially if you are going through changes in your life like Mary did. But I also like this saying when Evertte was talking to Mary about making a big change in her life.
He said " It can be frightening to step out into something new. I've been knocked down, but then comes time to crawl back up onto your feet, start walking, and then running and don't stop until you get to where you need to be." Such wonderful advice!!
Mary was afraid of change until a wonderful man came along. I think that God puts us where we need to be even if it's scary at times. I've been there many times and I'm sure that it won't be the last. I'm not exactly fond of changes either but sometimes it's for the best.
I'm about to undergo some changes myself and believe me, I'm not thrilled but with the Lord's help I know I will be ok.
I love this author and I've followed her for some time now. I love learning history from her and this sweet novella is no exception.
I love the messages she weaves throughout her novels.
I try to never miss any of her books because of the lessons she teaches. She many interesting topics in her books!
I strongly recommend this book!
My thanks for a complimentary copy of this sweet book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
October 23, 2019
Wonderfully descriptive, this Christmas novella is just what your holiday season needs. When family and friends join together to celebrate, the family business must be addressed, making this holiday memorable. In addition, at this estate all the characters are quite the characters! Between these unique characters and the setting, Camden creates an atmosphere that makes me want to visit the Whitefriars estate. Of course, the author’s romantic scenes make me smile. Although this holiday romance is delightful, there are obstacles along the way. I liked how faith lessons propelled the main character to make decisions regarding her relationships and her beloved estate. Whitefriars itself has such interesting history. I enjoyed the bits of culture and history weaved through this engaging story. To me, that is the heart of Camden’s writing and probably the biggest reason that I pick up her books. This novella is related to two books in the Empire State Series, however the story can be read by itself. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are mine own.
November 2, 2019
From the castle renovations (both those completed and those on the list) to the food to the wonderful characters, Christmas at Whitefriars is the perfect gift for fans of Elizabeth Camden.
Catch up with some fictional friends from Camden’s Empire State trilogy while spending time at the castle made famous from gourmet food labels.
Mary and Everett are opposites in so many ways but they quickly grow to appreciate them in each other. Kindhearted Mary loves her quiet country home and experiences severe anxiety when in the city. Manhattan dweller Everett is detail-oriented, focused on business, and a world traveler. Can love overcome the separation of their worlds?
Do yourself a favor and gift yourself this Christmas novella to cozy up with this holiday season.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Catch up with some fictional friends from Camden’s Empire State trilogy while spending time at the castle made famous from gourmet food labels.
Mary and Everett are opposites in so many ways but they quickly grow to appreciate them in each other. Kindhearted Mary loves her quiet country home and experiences severe anxiety when in the city. Manhattan dweller Everett is detail-oriented, focused on business, and a world traveler. Can love overcome the separation of their worlds?
Do yourself a favor and gift yourself this Christmas novella to cozy up with this holiday season.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
December 17, 2021
This was a cute little novella. Once again, Elizabeth Camden did a good job channeling the time period. I don’t know how she does it, but every time I read something by her, I am transported to another time period. The romance was very quick (being as this is a novella, that’s not unexpected), but this was still a fun read.
December 18, 2024
A lovely Christmas story about an ancient castle in England and a girl who has to fight debilitating panic attacks in order to live a full life.
November 6, 2025
What a perfectly sweet historical Christmas romance!! The romance was achingly sweet and slow, this book brought a tear to my eyes more than once.
I loved the way that Everett and Mary both saw themselves as misfits but fully embraced on another’s quirks, they were the perfect pairing! The whole book has the cozy Christmas feeling you want in a Christmas story, the audio was fantastic.
Can be read as a complete stand alone, I haven’t read any of the other books in this series and had no trouble following the plot. An easy five star read, definitely won’t be my last from Elizabeth Camden!
I loved the way that Everett and Mary both saw themselves as misfits but fully embraced on another’s quirks, they were the perfect pairing! The whole book has the cozy Christmas feeling you want in a Christmas story, the audio was fantastic.
Can be read as a complete stand alone, I haven’t read any of the other books in this series and had no trouble following the plot. An easy five star read, definitely won’t be my last from Elizabeth Camden!
January 1, 2021
What a lovely return to Whitefriars! Visiting with familiar characters and wondering the grounds with new interest was a great treat this season.
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