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The Unexpected Guest: A de Burgh Novella
Christmas at Campion Castle
With so many of his seven sons scattered, the holiday holds little joy for the Earl of Campion until the arrival of an intriguing young widow.
Lady Warwick trusts no man, even the legendary Campion. But a winter storm forces her to seek shelter at his castle, where the festivities—and her enigmatic host—are like nothing she has ever known.
Can the Twelve Days of Christmas thaw Campion’s famous reserve and melt the lady’s heart?
“Deborah Simmons is a talented writer whose stories I always look forward to reading—and this one is no exception.” — All About Romance
Two-time RITA Finalist Deborah Simmons is a USA Today bestselling author of romances originally published by Avon, Harlequin, and Berkley, as well as an indie romantic comedy. Visit her at DeborahSimmons.com.
With so many of his seven sons scattered, the holiday holds little joy for the Earl of Campion until the arrival of an intriguing young widow.
Lady Warwick trusts no man, even the legendary Campion. But a winter storm forces her to seek shelter at his castle, where the festivities—and her enigmatic host—are like nothing she has ever known.
Can the Twelve Days of Christmas thaw Campion’s famous reserve and melt the lady’s heart?
“Deborah Simmons is a talented writer whose stories I always look forward to reading—and this one is no exception.” — All About Romance
Two-time RITA Finalist Deborah Simmons is a USA Today bestselling author of romances originally published by Avon, Harlequin, and Berkley, as well as an indie romantic comedy. Visit her at DeborahSimmons.com.
84 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 1999
56 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Simmons
157 books204 followersDeborah Simmons is the author of twenty-five historical romances and novellas, published by Avon, Berkley, and Harlequin.
A native midwesterner, Simmons graduated cum laude from Wittenberg University and was a journalist before turning to fiction. Her first book, Heart's Masquerade, was published by Avon in 1989 and was followed by a number of Harlequin Historicals, including a USA Today Bestselling anthology. Her 2003 release, A Man of Many Talents, was a launch title for Berkley's Sensation imprint.
Two of her books have been finalists in the Romance Writers of America's annual RITA competition for excellence: The Gentleman Thief in 2001 and A Lady of Distinction in 2005.
Simmons has sold two million books in North America, and her work has been translated and published in twenty-four foreign countries, including illustrated editions in Japan. She is a member of RWA, Novelists Inc., and the Author's Guild.
"I like to think of my stories as adventures," Simmons says. Most take place in Regency or Medieval England, such as her popular series on the thirteen century de Burgh family. But no matter what the setting, you'll find interesting characters, romance, humor, and mystery.
A native midwesterner, Simmons graduated cum laude from Wittenberg University and was a journalist before turning to fiction. Her first book, Heart's Masquerade, was published by Avon in 1989 and was followed by a number of Harlequin Historicals, including a USA Today Bestselling anthology. Her 2003 release, A Man of Many Talents, was a launch title for Berkley's Sensation imprint.
Two of her books have been finalists in the Romance Writers of America's annual RITA competition for excellence: The Gentleman Thief in 2001 and A Lady of Distinction in 2005.
Simmons has sold two million books in North America, and her work has been translated and published in twenty-four foreign countries, including illustrated editions in Japan. She is a member of RWA, Novelists Inc., and the Author's Guild.
"I like to think of my stories as adventures," Simmons says. Most take place in Regency or Medieval England, such as her popular series on the thirteen century de Burgh family. But no matter what the setting, you'll find interesting characters, romance, humor, and mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 21, 2019
A Little Holiday Gem
Recently, Deborah Simmons released one of her short stories to electronic format: The Unexpected Guest. The Unexpected Guest is part of her deBurgh family series. Thanks to the procrastination or whatever of the publisher, Ms. Simmons does not own alllll of her deBurgh books. As with numerous other authors, there doesn’t seem to be a logical reason for publishers retaining ownership. Especially, when publishers are just sitting on the books and not doing anything with them. I am not going to tell you who the publisher is, but their initials start with an H and end with a N. My mother had a saying that expresses my thoughts, but I’m toooo polite to repeat it. However, it had something to do with a pot and getting off it.
Anyway, back to Ms. Simmons’ The Unexpected Guest. The Unexpected Guest is a short story that takes place at Christmas time. I thought this story was charming when I first read it in 1999, and I’m happy to report that it still shines. The Unexpected Guest is about the deBurgh brother’s father Campion, and Lady Joy Warwick. I remember thinking when I read the other books in the series that their father was a scene-stealer. I always thought he deserved a romance of his own and not a flashback to one of his dead wives. I was tickled pink when Ms. Simmons came out with a story for him in 1999, and even more so when it turned out to be some mighty fine writing.
If you are in the mood for a good holiday romance book, I highly recommend this one. I think I shall revisit the rest the deBurghs. Sometimes it's nice to curl up with some old friends.
KaysBl0g
Recently, Deborah Simmons released one of her short stories to electronic format: The Unexpected Guest. The Unexpected Guest is part of her deBurgh family series. Thanks to the procrastination or whatever of the publisher, Ms. Simmons does not own alllll of her deBurgh books. As with numerous other authors, there doesn’t seem to be a logical reason for publishers retaining ownership. Especially, when publishers are just sitting on the books and not doing anything with them. I am not going to tell you who the publisher is, but their initials start with an H and end with a N. My mother had a saying that expresses my thoughts, but I’m toooo polite to repeat it. However, it had something to do with a pot and getting off it.
Anyway, back to Ms. Simmons’ The Unexpected Guest. The Unexpected Guest is a short story that takes place at Christmas time. I thought this story was charming when I first read it in 1999, and I’m happy to report that it still shines. The Unexpected Guest is about the deBurgh brother’s father Campion, and Lady Joy Warwick. I remember thinking when I read the other books in the series that their father was a scene-stealer. I always thought he deserved a romance of his own and not a flashback to one of his dead wives. I was tickled pink when Ms. Simmons came out with a story for him in 1999, and even more so when it turned out to be some mighty fine writing.
If you are in the mood for a good holiday romance book, I highly recommend this one. I think I shall revisit the rest the deBurghs. Sometimes it's nice to curl up with some old friends.
KaysBl0g
December 11, 2024
A delightful Christmas appetizer for the De Burgh series which now has to be added to my Want To Read list
December 10, 2024
Well-written novella about a party of travelers caught in a blizzard and took refuge at the Campion Castle. Lady Warwick a widow from a childhood marriage was impressed by the castle despite no Christmas decorations as a reprieve from her own manse that she had been chatelaine for many years. Not wanting to give up her independence, she chose to remain unmarried until she met Campion who was twice widowed and had 7 sons. Little did she expect it but it resulted in an attraction; something Campion was determined not to pursue. However, making a difference at the castle resulted in an expected conclusion. A bit of explicit steaminess but otherwise a worthwhile read.
November 26, 2024
I haven't read the rest of the series and I don't think that you need to in order to enjoy this novella. In short, I liked everything but Joy. I couldn't warm up to her, and if I had to read one more time about how she lifted her chin, I was going to scream. In fact, her chin was mentioned 20 times in a novella that is less than 100 pages long.
December 8, 2024
Family, seduction, Attraction:
A delightful Christmas story that was a treat that I received from the authors newsletter.
Interesting characters and a good plot. Short and simple story.
Desire was present but lacking in sizzle.
I look forward to reading more of this authors stories as this is the first time I had read anything by her.
A delightful Christmas story that was a treat that I received from the authors newsletter.
Interesting characters and a good plot. Short and simple story.
Desire was present but lacking in sizzle.
I look forward to reading more of this authors stories as this is the first time I had read anything by her.
January 18, 2021
Love Deborah Simmons. I liked "The Unexpected Guest" especially. I particularly enjoy stories where the love interest is mature. I'd almost call this a "save the damsel" book, but the heroine is too strong for that.
December 31, 2024
Most delightful
I found a sweet, but determined book. The characters both strong, independent people.
A strange desire for Joy. A mystery Campion couldn’t solve until last.
Beautiful.
I found a sweet, but determined book. The characters both strong, independent people.
A strange desire for Joy. A mystery Campion couldn’t solve until last.
Beautiful.
April 16, 2019
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Letto e recensito da Iaia
Questo romanzo è breve e tratta la storia tra Lady Joy Warwick e Fawke De Burgh, Lord Campion, padre di 7 figli maschi di cui 3 già da noi conosciuti.
Il protagonista, capostipite dei De Burgh, è ancora un uomo valido, sano, pieno di vigore e di bell'aspetto e mai avrebbe pensato di risposarsi per la terza volta; lei è una giovane vedova che non vuole rinunciare alla sua indipendenza. Eppure il loro incontro provoca nei due un certo coinvolgimento.
Nonostante la mia simpatia nei riguardi di questa famiglia, stavolta devo dire che il racconto l'ho trovato piatto e lento. Certo, Lord Campion è un uomo ancora bello e prestigioso, ma l'autrice non mi ha fatto inchiodare al romanzo.
La mia opinione, spinta anche ad avere un occhio di riguardo nei confronti di questa saga, arriva a stento a 3 stelline.
Letto e recensito da Iaia
Questo romanzo è breve e tratta la storia tra Lady Joy Warwick e Fawke De Burgh, Lord Campion, padre di 7 figli maschi di cui 3 già da noi conosciuti.
Il protagonista, capostipite dei De Burgh, è ancora un uomo valido, sano, pieno di vigore e di bell'aspetto e mai avrebbe pensato di risposarsi per la terza volta; lei è una giovane vedova che non vuole rinunciare alla sua indipendenza. Eppure il loro incontro provoca nei due un certo coinvolgimento.
Nonostante la mia simpatia nei riguardi di questa famiglia, stavolta devo dire che il racconto l'ho trovato piatto e lento. Certo, Lord Campion è un uomo ancora bello e prestigioso, ma l'autrice non mi ha fatto inchiodare al romanzo.
La mia opinione, spinta anche ad avere un occhio di riguardo nei confronti di questa saga, arriva a stento a 3 stelline.
March 3, 2022
Brilliant and heart warming
I really like Deborah Simmons books. They make me want to read more. There is love, warmth, humour and sometimes danger and justice in the end . Great feel good reads!
I really like Deborah Simmons books. They make me want to read more. There is love, warmth, humour and sometimes danger and justice in the end . Great feel good reads!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews