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Belles of Christmas #3
The Earl's Mistletoe Match
Going near mistletoe with a charming earl is dangerous…and so is falling in love with him.
Deemed a spinster, Olivia Lockwood has found a new purpose in to help her cousin Esther shine. A companion, a friend, and a chaperone, Olivia takes great care to help Esther navigate the often treacherous roads of society, and to see past the false charms of the earl, Lord Whitfield, who is bent on securing Esther’s hand—and dowry—in marriage. Olivia knows the heartbreak that flirtatious men can cause, so when Esther’s parents force her to attend the Christmas masquerade ball knowing Lord Whitfield will be in attendance, Olivia will stop at nothing to keep him away from her cousin...even if it means she must impersonate her.
Andrew Dawson, the Earl of Whitfield, cannot back down from a challenge, nor can he bear to disappoint his family. When his friend dares him to steal a kiss under the mistletoe, he sees no better choice than the woman his parents intend for him, Miss Esther Lockwood. His attempt, however, is greeted by a most unwilling miss, one with more pluck than he remembered seeing in Esther. Intrigued and hopeful, he chooses to spend the holidays at his country estate where he will have the chance to discover more about the woman he plans to marry. But when he finds himself drawn to her fiery cousin instead, he questions his ability to meet his family’s expectations.
As Olivia continues to hide her identity and heart, Lord Whitfield hides his true feelings. Torn between loyalty and desire, will they both claim love for themselves, or will they do as they have always done—leave it behind?
Book 3 in the Belles of Christmas series, The Earl's Mistletoe Match is a standalone Regency holiday romance. The series can be enjoyed in any
Unmasking Lady Caroline by Mindy Burbridge Strunk, Book 1
Goodwill for the Gentleman by Martha Keyes, Book 2
The Earl's Mistletoe Match by Ashtyn Newbold, Book 3
Nine Ladies Dancing by Deborah M. Hathaway, Book 4
A Duke for Lady Eve by Kasey Stockton, Book 5
Deemed a spinster, Olivia Lockwood has found a new purpose in to help her cousin Esther shine. A companion, a friend, and a chaperone, Olivia takes great care to help Esther navigate the often treacherous roads of society, and to see past the false charms of the earl, Lord Whitfield, who is bent on securing Esther’s hand—and dowry—in marriage. Olivia knows the heartbreak that flirtatious men can cause, so when Esther’s parents force her to attend the Christmas masquerade ball knowing Lord Whitfield will be in attendance, Olivia will stop at nothing to keep him away from her cousin...even if it means she must impersonate her.
Andrew Dawson, the Earl of Whitfield, cannot back down from a challenge, nor can he bear to disappoint his family. When his friend dares him to steal a kiss under the mistletoe, he sees no better choice than the woman his parents intend for him, Miss Esther Lockwood. His attempt, however, is greeted by a most unwilling miss, one with more pluck than he remembered seeing in Esther. Intrigued and hopeful, he chooses to spend the holidays at his country estate where he will have the chance to discover more about the woman he plans to marry. But when he finds himself drawn to her fiery cousin instead, he questions his ability to meet his family’s expectations.
As Olivia continues to hide her identity and heart, Lord Whitfield hides his true feelings. Torn between loyalty and desire, will they both claim love for themselves, or will they do as they have always done—leave it behind?
Book 3 in the Belles of Christmas series, The Earl's Mistletoe Match is a standalone Regency holiday romance. The series can be enjoyed in any
Unmasking Lady Caroline by Mindy Burbridge Strunk, Book 1
Goodwill for the Gentleman by Martha Keyes, Book 2
The Earl's Mistletoe Match by Ashtyn Newbold, Book 3
Nine Ladies Dancing by Deborah M. Hathaway, Book 4
A Duke for Lady Eve by Kasey Stockton, Book 5
180 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
April 8, 2020
'Deemed a spinster, Olivia Lockwood has found a new purpose in life: to help her cousin Esther shine. A companion, a friend, and a chaperone, Olivia takes great care to help Esther navigate the often treacherous roads of society, and to see past the false charms of the earl, Lord Whitfield, who is bent on securing Esther’s hand—and dowry—in marriage. Olivia knows the heartbreak that flirtatious men can cause, so when Esther’s parents force her to attend the Christmas masquerade ball knowing Lord Whitfield will be in attendance, Olivia will stop at nothing to keep him away from her cousin...even if it means she must impersonate her.
Andrew Dawson, the Earl of Whitfield, cannot back down from a challenge, nor can he bear to disappoint his family. When his friend dares him to steal a kiss under the mistletoe, he sees no better choice than the woman his parents intend for him, Miss Esther Lockwood. His attempt, however, is greeted by a most unwilling miss, one with more pluck than he remembered seeing in Esther. Intrigued and hopeful, he chooses to spend the holidays at his country estate where he will have the chance to discover more about the woman he plans to marry. But when he finds himself drawn to her fiery cousin instead, he questions his ability to meet his family’s expectations.
As Olivia continues to hide her identity and heart, Lord Whitfield hides his true feelings. Torn between loyalty and desire, will they both claim love for themselves, or will they do as they have always done—leave it behind?'
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2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 stars.
The Earl's Mistletoe Match is the third book in the Belles of Christmas series. This book is written by Ashtyn Newbold, but each book in the series is written by a different author. All of them are of novella length and, as each book also focuses on unrelated chracters, it is not necessary to read them in sequential order. They can all serve as stand-alones.
My feelings toward this book are...meh, just meh. I am largely indifferent to this book as a whole. I didn't feel invested in any of the characters really, all of them were so passive in regards to their own futures, allowing others to dictate their actions. And although I could sympathize with their reasoning, it just didn't work for me.
Everyone was behaving in a strage balance of self-presevation and self-sacrifice. Risking their happiness in order to allow another to be happy in their place and shielding themelves from heart-ache by avoiding romantic attachment. But these conflicting actions don't really work hand-in-hand and so everything was drawn out far more than necessary. Plus basically every character having parents that don't care about their happiness? Can we have some variety in this stoyline please?
It was a short book, so I don't feel like reading this book was a waste of my time per se, but I could have done without it. Which for the sake of honesty, I could say about all the books in this series that I have read thus far. Each one of these books plays fast and loose with the strict rules of the time in which they take place. As much as I could normally make my peace with this for the sake of the story, it really started to bother me. That being said, I think I am going to take a break from this series. I'm not set against reading more of these books, but I think I might just wait until the holiday season is upon us again and see if maybe I feel a bit more charitable toward them.
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I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
Andrew Dawson, the Earl of Whitfield, cannot back down from a challenge, nor can he bear to disappoint his family. When his friend dares him to steal a kiss under the mistletoe, he sees no better choice than the woman his parents intend for him, Miss Esther Lockwood. His attempt, however, is greeted by a most unwilling miss, one with more pluck than he remembered seeing in Esther. Intrigued and hopeful, he chooses to spend the holidays at his country estate where he will have the chance to discover more about the woman he plans to marry. But when he finds himself drawn to her fiery cousin instead, he questions his ability to meet his family’s expectations.
As Olivia continues to hide her identity and heart, Lord Whitfield hides his true feelings. Torn between loyalty and desire, will they both claim love for themselves, or will they do as they have always done—leave it behind?'
_______________________________
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 stars.
The Earl's Mistletoe Match is the third book in the Belles of Christmas series. This book is written by Ashtyn Newbold, but each book in the series is written by a different author. All of them are of novella length and, as each book also focuses on unrelated chracters, it is not necessary to read them in sequential order. They can all serve as stand-alones.
My feelings toward this book are...meh, just meh. I am largely indifferent to this book as a whole. I didn't feel invested in any of the characters really, all of them were so passive in regards to their own futures, allowing others to dictate their actions. And although I could sympathize with their reasoning, it just didn't work for me.
Everyone was behaving in a strage balance of self-presevation and self-sacrifice. Risking their happiness in order to allow another to be happy in their place and shielding themelves from heart-ache by avoiding romantic attachment. But these conflicting actions don't really work hand-in-hand and so everything was drawn out far more than necessary. Plus basically every character having parents that don't care about their happiness? Can we have some variety in this stoyline please?
It was a short book, so I don't feel like reading this book was a waste of my time per se, but I could have done without it. Which for the sake of honesty, I could say about all the books in this series that I have read thus far. Each one of these books plays fast and loose with the strict rules of the time in which they take place. As much as I could normally make my peace with this for the sake of the story, it really started to bother me. That being said, I think I am going to take a break from this series. I'm not set against reading more of these books, but I think I might just wait until the holiday season is upon us again and see if maybe I feel a bit more charitable toward them.
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I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
December 8, 2023
Sweet short Christmas story.
January 3, 2020
I like the way Ashtyn writes a regency. She is a good author and there are some good moments. This was a good one for the holiday's. I am trying to drag them out a little longer:} I like books that keep you guessing and you have no idea how these two are ever going to over come the obstacles put in their way but then they do and it all wraps up nicely. This one had a bit of an unbelievable ending but hey.. It's a Christmas miracle!
December 26, 2022
So cute! I love a female main character that can engage in verbal sparring and Esther and Andrew were so well-matched. Lots of cute, swoony moments and the mistaken identity was such a fun way to start the book! This was short and sweet and would definitely pick up again. 4.5 stars
May 26, 2020
It wasn't bad. A pleasant read. Overall just a little too light for me and it lacked the author's usually very detailed character studies.
January 4, 2022
.
This was a clean and quirky tale that includes deception and unexpected romance during the Christmas holiday season.
Even though it is the third book of the series, it is able to stand on its own and deliver a H.E.A.
The series can be enjoyed in any order:
Unfortunately, I do not currently own a copy of the book. However, it was available through Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program. And it is is still available, if anyone is interested in reading it now!
This was a clean and quirky tale that includes deception and unexpected romance during the Christmas holiday season.
Even though it is the third book of the series, it is able to stand on its own and deliver a H.E.A.
The series can be enjoyed in any order:
Unfortunately, I do not currently own a copy of the book. However, it was available through Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program. And it is is still available, if anyone is interested in reading it now!
December 25, 2024
Lovely in every sense…
Many happy sighs are inside my heart. The main characters were wonderful and charming and it didn’t take long before I despised Aunt Emma and Olivia’s parents. Sweet romance for the win.
Many happy sighs are inside my heart. The main characters were wonderful and charming and it didn’t take long before I despised Aunt Emma and Olivia’s parents. Sweet romance for the win.
December 26, 2024
Such a cute novella. I really enjoyed it.
December 17, 2019
Believe it or not, this was my very first Christmas romance! Considering I’m an avid reader, I’m surprised it’s taken me so long to read one. Perhaps it’s because I’m very much a mood reader, and in my mind I can only be in the mood to read a holiday romance during the Christmas season, and in the past I’ve simply been preoccupied with other books when it came around. Whatever the case, The Earl’s Mistletoe Match was the perfect book to take me on my maiden voyage into this delightful genre, especially because I love Ashtyn Newbold’s work.
I loved the premise that set up this charming story: Olivia takes her cousin’s place and dances with her intended at a masquerade ball in order to discern his true character and put him off if he’s undeserving of her tender cousin’s heart so that Olivia can protect her cousin from the heartache she herself experienced years ago. Andrew is entertaining the idea of the match solely out of duty, but to his surprise, he finds himself charmed by his masked dance partner; she’s far more interesting and intriguing than the shy girl he remembers. His interest ruins Olivia’s schemes to put off the suitor she deems unworthy of her cousin, and the scheme unravels further when during the Christmas holiday their switch is not only discovered, but the two begin to fall in love with one another, which puts Andrew in a difficult situation considering he’s supposed to marry Esther, not Olivia.
This was such a fun read! I love the author’s writing style and the way she develops her plots and characters. The story was engaging, the romance that unfolded delightful, and I adored both Olivia and Andrew. She was such a caring person, while he was thoroughly charming. Their interactions were fun and witty and I loved seeing them together as their romance developed and they overcame the obstacles keeping them apart. I also enjoyed the secondary romance between Olivia’s shy cousin, Esther, and Andrew’s friend. I also loved how all the characters found the courage to stand up against the pressures and expectations of others in order to follow their hearts.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Earl’s Mistletoe Match, especially considering I read it as snow fell outside my window and I was surrounded by Christmas lights and decorations; it added to the holiday spirit woven throughout the novel and made an even more pleasant reading experience. While this was my first Christmas, it certainly won’t be my last.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. I regret it took me so long to read and review it, but I had to wait until the Christmas season.
I loved the premise that set up this charming story: Olivia takes her cousin’s place and dances with her intended at a masquerade ball in order to discern his true character and put him off if he’s undeserving of her tender cousin’s heart so that Olivia can protect her cousin from the heartache she herself experienced years ago. Andrew is entertaining the idea of the match solely out of duty, but to his surprise, he finds himself charmed by his masked dance partner; she’s far more interesting and intriguing than the shy girl he remembers. His interest ruins Olivia’s schemes to put off the suitor she deems unworthy of her cousin, and the scheme unravels further when during the Christmas holiday their switch is not only discovered, but the two begin to fall in love with one another, which puts Andrew in a difficult situation considering he’s supposed to marry Esther, not Olivia.
This was such a fun read! I love the author’s writing style and the way she develops her plots and characters. The story was engaging, the romance that unfolded delightful, and I adored both Olivia and Andrew. She was such a caring person, while he was thoroughly charming. Their interactions were fun and witty and I loved seeing them together as their romance developed and they overcame the obstacles keeping them apart. I also enjoyed the secondary romance between Olivia’s shy cousin, Esther, and Andrew’s friend. I also loved how all the characters found the courage to stand up against the pressures and expectations of others in order to follow their hearts.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Earl’s Mistletoe Match, especially considering I read it as snow fell outside my window and I was surrounded by Christmas lights and decorations; it added to the holiday spirit woven throughout the novel and made an even more pleasant reading experience. While this was my first Christmas, it certainly won’t be my last.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. I regret it took me so long to read and review it, but I had to wait until the Christmas season.
December 27, 2024
a sweet story of seeking one’s own happiness
Like all of Newbold’s books, this story was full of characters learning their own worth and seeking their own happiness. I really enjoyed it.
Like all of Newbold’s books, this story was full of characters learning their own worth and seeking their own happiness. I really enjoyed it.
December 15, 2023
Cute Christmas regency fluff
December 17, 2025
Maybe 4.5⭐️ but I loved it! All 4 main characters were great in their own right.
December 23, 2019
I have been reading these stories completely out of sequence so I can honestly say that they’re fine to read as stand-alone books.
For some reason I didn’t enjoy this story as much as I have others written by this author. I’m not sure what about it made me feel this way. The storyline was enjoyable and the main characters were all engaging and lovable... except for the “villains”, as it were. I think I would have liked more interactions between the key characters. It was just too fast paced for my liking... but, of course, this is hard to do with a novella. Regardless, this is a sweet, clean and quick wholesome read. I received my copy free from the author with no obligation to leave a review.
For some reason I didn’t enjoy this story as much as I have others written by this author. I’m not sure what about it made me feel this way. The storyline was enjoyable and the main characters were all engaging and lovable... except for the “villains”, as it were. I think I would have liked more interactions between the key characters. It was just too fast paced for my liking... but, of course, this is hard to do with a novella. Regardless, this is a sweet, clean and quick wholesome read. I received my copy free from the author with no obligation to leave a review.
November 10, 2019
Absolutely delightful! Miss Olivia Lockwood, Miss Esther Lockwood, Lord Whitfield, and Mr. Fusgrove have weaseled their merry little way into my heart. I enjoyed each character and I enjoyed how they interacted with one another throughout the entirety of the book.
“One did not trust a fine dish in the hands of a careless child. It was to be locked up in the cupboard, out of reach and out of sight..”
“Love was meant to be untethered to expectations and approval. It was unconditional.”
I ❤️ Ashtyn Newbolds writing style! At this point, I would recommend any of her books.
“One did not trust a fine dish in the hands of a careless child. It was to be locked up in the cupboard, out of reach and out of sight..”
“Love was meant to be untethered to expectations and approval. It was unconditional.”
I ❤️ Ashtyn Newbolds writing style! At this point, I would recommend any of her books.
November 16, 2021
In protecting her cousin, Olivia pretends to be her for one dance and attracts the attention of Lord Whitfield (Andrew).
I liked the idea of this story and it was going good BUT it ended really abruptly and lost some of the romance that I usually find in these books. I feel like Andrew came around to fast (in the forest) and it kind of threw me and then.... it was over, nice and clean with a bow. It just left me wanting...
I liked the idea of this story and it was going good BUT it ended really abruptly and lost some of the romance that I usually find in these books. I feel like Andrew came around to fast (in the forest) and it kind of threw me and then.... it was over, nice and clean with a bow. It just left me wanting...
November 15, 2019
I loved this book so much! I have been in a book slump and haven’t been enjoying them as much but this book changed that!
Ashtyn Newbold has a way with words. I loved the humor in this one, especially with the missing dog!
The romance was very sweet. I loved both the H and h.
This was a clean and sweet romance and I definitely recommend it!
Ashtyn Newbold has a way with words. I loved the humor in this one, especially with the missing dog!
The romance was very sweet. I loved both the H and h.
This was a clean and sweet romance and I definitely recommend it!
December 2, 2019
1.75 stars.
Safe and clean, with no OP drama. However, a plot propelled by not one, but three people acting solely to please others bores me. The novella length also led to a lack of character development. I might give this author another try if it's a full length work with a different story line.
Safe and clean, with no OP drama. However, a plot propelled by not one, but three people acting solely to please others bores me. The novella length also led to a lack of character development. I might give this author another try if it's a full length work with a different story line.
December 2, 2019
Short, sweet and clean. The main characters were likable although not very fleshed out due to it being novella rather than a full-length novel.
Thank you to the author for providing a digital copy for me to read.
Thank you to the author for providing a digital copy for me to read.
December 7, 2019
In this novella, Andrew is being pressured to court Esther, a young lady of means, while he finds himself irresistibly drawn to her more vivid cousin, Olivia. Some family drama, angst over previous entanglements, and cute interactions make this a pleasant, quick read.
December 6, 2020
A little quick
I felt this book was a little rushed. It seemed like the couple only had talked a few times before they were ‘ in love.’
I felt this book was a little rushed. It seemed like the couple only had talked a few times before they were ‘ in love.’
September 29, 2025
Olivia Lockwood is 23 and unmarried. She was engaged to an Earl but he found another heiress with a larger dowry and married her, Olivia's family blamed her for the broken alliance. They effectively shut her away and then sent her to live with her uncle whose daughter is having her first season. Olivia is to be her cousin Esther's chaperone and guide.
Esther's parents have decided she must marry the Earl next door who will one day become a Marquess.
Andrew Dawson, the Earl next door, knows his parents want him to marry Esther because she has a large dowry. He finds her very quiet and rather dull.
Olivia and Esther closely resemble each other and could be mistaken for sisters. Esther is extremely shy and has difficulty speaking with strangers and Olivia is just the opposite. a masquerade ball is the first ball of the season and Esther depends on Olivia to help her so Olivia pretends to be Esther and Esther pretends to be Olivia. No one will know because it is a masquerade ball.
Andrew Dawson, Earl of Whitfield, has been told by his parents to marry Esther Lockwood before the Christmas season is over. He has been wounded in love before and just accedes to his parents wishes. He is not interested in love.
When he approaches Esther Lockwood he is confused by two women who seem the same height, have the same hair color and brown eyes. He tentatively asks miss Lockwood to dance but ends up with Olivia, unbeknownst to him. His best friend, Mr. Fusgrove, accompanies him to the ball and ends up with Esther.
Mr. Fusgrove has no difficulty making Olivia, (Esther) laugh and entertaining her throughout the ball and she is amazed at how easy he is to talk to.
Andrew is astonished in the change in Esther (Olivia) as she is much bolder and engages in witty conversation with him.
This story of mistaken identities and broken hearts is witty and entertaining.
Esther's parents have decided she must marry the Earl next door who will one day become a Marquess.
Andrew Dawson, the Earl next door, knows his parents want him to marry Esther because she has a large dowry. He finds her very quiet and rather dull.
Olivia and Esther closely resemble each other and could be mistaken for sisters. Esther is extremely shy and has difficulty speaking with strangers and Olivia is just the opposite. a masquerade ball is the first ball of the season and Esther depends on Olivia to help her so Olivia pretends to be Esther and Esther pretends to be Olivia. No one will know because it is a masquerade ball.
Andrew Dawson, Earl of Whitfield, has been told by his parents to marry Esther Lockwood before the Christmas season is over. He has been wounded in love before and just accedes to his parents wishes. He is not interested in love.
When he approaches Esther Lockwood he is confused by two women who seem the same height, have the same hair color and brown eyes. He tentatively asks miss Lockwood to dance but ends up with Olivia, unbeknownst to him. His best friend, Mr. Fusgrove, accompanies him to the ball and ends up with Esther.
Mr. Fusgrove has no difficulty making Olivia, (Esther) laugh and entertaining her throughout the ball and she is amazed at how easy he is to talk to.
Andrew is astonished in the change in Esther (Olivia) as she is much bolder and engages in witty conversation with him.
This story of mistaken identities and broken hearts is witty and entertaining.
January 23, 2023
I really liked the characters of the book , except for the parents. They put so much pressure on their children to marry for money, or titles that they are pushed to the point of them having no life. This one is the same in three different families. One young woman is so shy fearful of making one wrong move, another is her older cousin Olivia, whose mother controlled her first season in every way, and blamed the daughter, when her fiancé cheated on her. The third household does not need the money, but his older brother who was heir died on a trip, his parents asked him not to take. The second son paid the price of never living up to their expectations. He was told who they had chosen, and given a very short time to win her hand. This caused so much hurt for all of them , and then they finally get together, and are honest about the pressure they are under, and that they are going to stand up, and ask those they love to marry the book ends. No Epilogue, and your only secure that one couple will be ok. I really loved the banter between the couples. They were sweet, and smart, and so well matched, but not according to their parents. I’m angry that she did not let us know the future of the other young woman, who was so terribly shy, and hated all the attention, and wanted to not have to marry the future Earl. Her heart was taken, but he was a gentleman of good standing, but not the same in rank. You left us hanging. She was only 17, with such a cruel mother, and yet you did not let us know if her parents accepted the match she wanted. I almost went with a three due to this mistake of not adding a short epilogue, or finish out the story. Yet I loved the four characters so much I gave them a four.
November 15, 2020
Olivia Lockwood spending Christmas time with her cousin, Esther Lockwood and her parents at their home. It’s a scheming plot by Esther’s mother to have Olivia guide Esther into the arms of handsome and eligible Andrew Dawson, the Earl of Whitfield. Esther has money, but what her parents really want is a title for her and will stop at nothing to achieve it. As so often in Regency times, love is not necessarily a priority when there’s money, titles, and society to be had.
The scheme unfolds as the young ladies attend a Christmas masquerade ball. On strict orders from her aunt, Olivia is supposed to do all she can to point Esther and the earl to one another. All are behind masks, so identities are half-hidden and mysterious. Olivia finds herself in conversation with the earl, who thinks she is Esther. It’s a great opportunity as Olivia is bound and determined to check the guy out to determine his true self.
The rest of the story is pretty predictable, but it’s fun! Olivia and Andrew have some interactions that made me laugh. Trying to convince him she had a "hunting Pomeranian" was pretty hilarious!
This is a very fast read especially since the font is big. I read it easily in a couple sittings. That’s ok, it’s a fun Christmas adventure and I liked the characters!
The scheme unfolds as the young ladies attend a Christmas masquerade ball. On strict orders from her aunt, Olivia is supposed to do all she can to point Esther and the earl to one another. All are behind masks, so identities are half-hidden and mysterious. Olivia finds herself in conversation with the earl, who thinks she is Esther. It’s a great opportunity as Olivia is bound and determined to check the guy out to determine his true self.
The rest of the story is pretty predictable, but it’s fun! Olivia and Andrew have some interactions that made me laugh. Trying to convince him she had a "hunting Pomeranian" was pretty hilarious!
This is a very fast read especially since the font is big. I read it easily in a couple sittings. That’s ok, it’s a fun Christmas adventure and I liked the characters!
December 26, 2020
To be, or not to be?
Some parents only wish the best for their children. Other parents only have self interests at heart. During the regency era, it is believed that those of the ton only wished to be associated with other members of the ton. They did not wish to ‘spread the wealth’ so to speak. Such was the case with Andrew’s and Esther’s parents. Very little thought was given to their child’s wishes or desires. It was tasked to Olivia to be a chaperone to Esther and encourage a match between Esther and Andrew. Esther had a large dowry and Andrew was to inherit the title of Duke. Their parents agreed to the match. However, Andrew had fallen in love with Olivia, her cousin. Esther had fallen in love with Mr. Fusgrove, Andrew’s best friend. Almost sounds like one of Shakespeare’s plays, no? Well, things got a little tangled up as story twists are wont to do. It was very entertaining to watch how they all got untangled. Of course there is the HEA for all of them which left me with a great big grin as I finished reading “The End”.
Some parents only wish the best for their children. Other parents only have self interests at heart. During the regency era, it is believed that those of the ton only wished to be associated with other members of the ton. They did not wish to ‘spread the wealth’ so to speak. Such was the case with Andrew’s and Esther’s parents. Very little thought was given to their child’s wishes or desires. It was tasked to Olivia to be a chaperone to Esther and encourage a match between Esther and Andrew. Esther had a large dowry and Andrew was to inherit the title of Duke. Their parents agreed to the match. However, Andrew had fallen in love with Olivia, her cousin. Esther had fallen in love with Mr. Fusgrove, Andrew’s best friend. Almost sounds like one of Shakespeare’s plays, no? Well, things got a little tangled up as story twists are wont to do. It was very entertaining to watch how they all got untangled. Of course there is the HEA for all of them which left me with a great big grin as I finished reading “The End”.
August 9, 2021
I enjoyed this short novella historical romance of Miss Olivia Lockwood and Andrew Dawson, the Earl of Whitfield. And also all the rest of the characters.
Miss Olivia Lockwood is a spinster and she has came to help her cousin through her first debut. When an Earl comes up to them at a masked ball she pretend to be her cousin. They both look about the same while wearing a mask.
Andrew Dawson, the Earl of Whitfield is expected to find Miss Esther Lockwood because his parents want him to marry her. So at a masked ball he is determined to find her.
This was a fun sweet Christmas romance story. It had me laughing a lot too. It was surprising to also have two romances within.
I saw this book and decided to give a try.This is my honest unbiased opinion.
Miss Olivia Lockwood is a spinster and she has came to help her cousin through her first debut. When an Earl comes up to them at a masked ball she pretend to be her cousin. They both look about the same while wearing a mask.
Andrew Dawson, the Earl of Whitfield is expected to find Miss Esther Lockwood because his parents want him to marry her. So at a masked ball he is determined to find her.
This was a fun sweet Christmas romance story. It had me laughing a lot too. It was surprising to also have two romances within.
I saw this book and decided to give a try.This is my honest unbiased opinion.
December 22, 2021
Sweet story.
Andrew and Olivia. Andrew is expected to court and wed Esther Lockwood. He doesn’t want o disappoint his parents so he has resigned himself to a match of convenience not love. Olivia is Esther cousin assigned as her chaperone and charged with making sure an engagement to Andrew happens by Twelfth Night. In her quest to protect Esther from Andrew who she believes is not worthy, she rented to be Esther. That only works for a short time when Andrew and his friend Fusgrove discover the ruse. By then Esther is growing attached to Fusgrove and Andrew and Olivia are becoming closer. They must overcome the desires of their parents in order to ind true love and marriage.
Andrew and Olivia. Andrew is expected to court and wed Esther Lockwood. He doesn’t want o disappoint his parents so he has resigned himself to a match of convenience not love. Olivia is Esther cousin assigned as her chaperone and charged with making sure an engagement to Andrew happens by Twelfth Night. In her quest to protect Esther from Andrew who she believes is not worthy, she rented to be Esther. That only works for a short time when Andrew and his friend Fusgrove discover the ruse. By then Esther is growing attached to Fusgrove and Andrew and Olivia are becoming closer. They must overcome the desires of their parents in order to ind true love and marriage.
December 24, 2021
Since this is my third historical romance book, I get more into them. I like this kind of books, but they aren't as easy to read for me as I would like it 🙈 I have still two more books from this series left, and I'm looking forward to reading them, but I think I will do this in January. I need more 🌶 the next time 😇 But for everyone who likes it softer, this series is perfect.
I love the description of the garden. The snow everywhere and the whole winter scenery 😍 I love Winter and snow. Sadly we don't have much here if we have generally snow.
And of course, I love the mix-up in this story. Who knows me, knows that I love that 😁
I love the description of the garden. The snow everywhere and the whole winter scenery 😍 I love Winter and snow. Sadly we don't have much here if we have generally snow.
And of course, I love the mix-up in this story. Who knows me, knows that I love that 😁
January 25, 2026
Language: None
Spice Level: 1.5 (Kisses only)
I’ve read a lot of good books. This one was GREAT!
Lots of good, clean swoon moments. You will love both main characters as well as the 2 main side characters from the first encounter! You can tell a lot by a book by the opening scene, and this one was one of my all time favorites! Beginning with a masquerade where he can’t tell which woman is the girl he’s meant to court. Then the FMC switching identities with her cousin starts all kinds of playful confusion leading to the MMC attempting to catch her under the mistletoe. Complete with an “evil step mother” character played by her Aunt. No moment is dull. Well done!
Spice Level: 1.5 (Kisses only)
I’ve read a lot of good books. This one was GREAT!
Lots of good, clean swoon moments. You will love both main characters as well as the 2 main side characters from the first encounter! You can tell a lot by a book by the opening scene, and this one was one of my all time favorites! Beginning with a masquerade where he can’t tell which woman is the girl he’s meant to court. Then the FMC switching identities with her cousin starts all kinds of playful confusion leading to the MMC attempting to catch her under the mistletoe. Complete with an “evil step mother” character played by her Aunt. No moment is dull. Well done!
November 29, 2021
3.5 stars. Book is better than the cheap, cheesy title (one star for that title - bleh!). I like Ashtyn Newbold a lot better than most authors in this genre, because her characters actually have a little depth, and are really charming, and her prose is more layered. This is a fun, light Christmas-themed read, which I enjoyed for those reasons (read all in one sitting on an airplane). However, this deals with a lot of the same issues/story arc as Newbold's "Lies and Letters," and "Lies and Letters" does it much better in my opinion. So I would recommend that book first/instead.
December 17, 2020
4.5
Chuckles and adorableness! I just adored this book! It hooked me from the beginning and I loved all the funny moments. I laughed out loud several times. I just loved Andrew and Olivia. Such a pair! I’m also glad there was a happy ending for the other couple as well.
Great Christmas time read!
Chuckles and adorableness! I just adored this book! It hooked me from the beginning and I loved all the funny moments. I laughed out loud several times. I just loved Andrew and Olivia. Such a pair! I’m also glad there was a happy ending for the other couple as well.
Great Christmas time read!
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