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Unmarriageable #6.5
The Christmas Heart
No room at the Hart Inn…
After her first ever serious quarrel with her husband, Charlotte, the young Duchess of Alvan, flees to her parents’ home for Christmas, taking her baby son and her dog. However, when the road is blocked by snow, she has to seek refuge at the Hart—and all the rooms are full. In the end, she has to share an old stable with a highly suspicious neighbor, a thief and a depressed rake.
But there are plenty of unexpected gifts that night, and love is the greatest of them all.
(Note: This story was first published as part of the Bestselling Boxed set Stars are Brightly Shining, November 2019)
After her first ever serious quarrel with her husband, Charlotte, the young Duchess of Alvan, flees to her parents’ home for Christmas, taking her baby son and her dog. However, when the road is blocked by snow, she has to seek refuge at the Hart—and all the rooms are full. In the end, she has to share an old stable with a highly suspicious neighbor, a thief and a depressed rake.
But there are plenty of unexpected gifts that night, and love is the greatest of them all.
(Note: This story was first published as part of the Bestselling Boxed set Stars are Brightly Shining, November 2019)
42 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2019
95 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Mary Lancaster
139 books517 followersMary Lancaster is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She lives in Scotland with her husband, one of three grown-up kids, and a small dog with a big personality.
Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.
Connect with Mary on-line:
Website: http://www.MaryLancaster.com
Newsletter sign-up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.lancast...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaryLancaste...
Twitter: @MaryLancNovels https://twitter.com/MaryLancNovels
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Lancaster...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-...
Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.
Connect with Mary on-line:
Website: http://www.MaryLancaster.com
Newsletter sign-up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.lancast...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaryLancaste...
Twitter: @MaryLancNovels https://twitter.com/MaryLancNovels
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Lancaster...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-...
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 20, 2020
Such a sweet story! The Christmas Story comes alive as Charlotte leaves her home with her baby and dog to travel to see her family for the holiday. She and her husband had a fight because he felt it was not safe to travel so she set out on her own. Only making it to the Hart Inn, the magical place of love matches found, her and her husband included, she ends up sleeping in the small old stable.
But much happens than ever expected as magic happens and the joy of the season brings balm to the hearts of several.
But much happens than ever expected as magic happens and the joy of the season brings balm to the hearts of several.
December 31, 2023
Awhhhhh❤️
What a lovely, heartfelt, very Christmas story, highlighting kindness and care to our less fortunate citizens.
It may be short but it is very sweet, and I heartily recommend it.
What a lovely, heartfelt, very Christmas story, highlighting kindness and care to our less fortunate citizens.
It may be short but it is very sweet, and I heartily recommend it.
August 30, 2020
Nice
Wish it was longer. I want to hear more from Strong and The rake. That would be a great story idea.
Wish it was longer. I want to hear more from Strong and The rake. That would be a great story idea.
September 19, 2021
Christmas Heart, the FINAL (hopefully) book of the Unmarriageable series, was, once again, about Her Grace Charlotte Moore, the Duchess of Alvan, and her husband His Grace Alexander Moore, the Duke of Alvan.
After being married for less than two years and having recently given birth to their first child, Arthur, the Marquis of Yateford, Charlotte and Alex had their first-ever serious argument. Charlie had wanted to spend Christmas with her family as she had not seen any of them since Arthur was born. When Alex refused, saying it was too far to travel with a six-month-old infant in the cold, their argument got out of hand and had sent her hurtling towards her parents' home with her infant son and dog, Spring...and without her husband.
Arriving in Sussex, the coachman informed Charlie that the road to her family's home was impassable and that the only place safe to go was the Hart Inn. However, when they reached the inn, they noticed it was overflowing with people celebrating Christmas Eve. With all the rooms full to overflowing, Charlie had no choice but to accept a room in the old stables. After getting settled, she began to realize the folly of her actions and worried that she had put her marriage in jeopardy.
Unknown to Charlie, fearing for her and Arthur, Alex had followed them. As he arrived at the Inn, he learned they were safe and staying in the old stables. Not finding her there, he went in search of her, only to find her in the company of a man he knew was a notorious rake and gamester. His jealousy knew no bounds and anger burned in his chest at the thought of his wife having a tryst with another man, and he determined to hide his presence from her.
While Alex knew who she was, Charlie, upon the realization she was no longer alone with the baby in the stables, began a conversation through the wall with him. Alex, not meaning to, had unwittingly disguised his voice so that she didn't know it was him.
As they talked through the wall, each learned a little more about what mattered to the other. For his part, Alex began to understand the melancholy that had settled on Charlie after giving birth and how much he had hurt her by denying her desire to be with all things familiar. Somewhere along the way during their chat, Charlie began to suspect it was her husband in the stall next to her. When they finally acknowledged each other, the conversation waned and they slept, still in their own stalls.
Things that go bump in the night would be an apt description of what followed, throwing fear into the heart of Charlie and Alex. As the night progressed, there were many occurrences that kept Alex and Charlie up, but at least they were together.
The angst was mild but the drama was pretty high for such a short story. There was even a touch of humor. But most of all, the book was full of kindness, compassion, caring...and love. Why the author chose to write a second book about the two main characters from the first book of the series was not known. However, it was well-written, desperately short, and surprisingly good.
After being married for less than two years and having recently given birth to their first child, Arthur, the Marquis of Yateford, Charlotte and Alex had their first-ever serious argument. Charlie had wanted to spend Christmas with her family as she had not seen any of them since Arthur was born. When Alex refused, saying it was too far to travel with a six-month-old infant in the cold, their argument got out of hand and had sent her hurtling towards her parents' home with her infant son and dog, Spring...and without her husband.
Arriving in Sussex, the coachman informed Charlie that the road to her family's home was impassable and that the only place safe to go was the Hart Inn. However, when they reached the inn, they noticed it was overflowing with people celebrating Christmas Eve. With all the rooms full to overflowing, Charlie had no choice but to accept a room in the old stables. After getting settled, she began to realize the folly of her actions and worried that she had put her marriage in jeopardy.
Unknown to Charlie, fearing for her and Arthur, Alex had followed them. As he arrived at the Inn, he learned they were safe and staying in the old stables. Not finding her there, he went in search of her, only to find her in the company of a man he knew was a notorious rake and gamester. His jealousy knew no bounds and anger burned in his chest at the thought of his wife having a tryst with another man, and he determined to hide his presence from her.
While Alex knew who she was, Charlie, upon the realization she was no longer alone with the baby in the stables, began a conversation through the wall with him. Alex, not meaning to, had unwittingly disguised his voice so that she didn't know it was him.
As they talked through the wall, each learned a little more about what mattered to the other. For his part, Alex began to understand the melancholy that had settled on Charlie after giving birth and how much he had hurt her by denying her desire to be with all things familiar. Somewhere along the way during their chat, Charlie began to suspect it was her husband in the stall next to her. When they finally acknowledged each other, the conversation waned and they slept, still in their own stalls.
Things that go bump in the night would be an apt description of what followed, throwing fear into the heart of Charlie and Alex. As the night progressed, there were many occurrences that kept Alex and Charlie up, but at least they were together.
The angst was mild but the drama was pretty high for such a short story. There was even a touch of humor. But most of all, the book was full of kindness, compassion, caring...and love. Why the author chose to write a second book about the two main characters from the first book of the series was not known. However, it was well-written, desperately short, and surprisingly good.
December 13, 2020
Kindness never wasted
Charlotte and Alex a young couple in love had an argument! Charlotte took the baby and the dog and raced over 200 miles on the way to see her parents! Scared and afraid Alex was to angry to come after her she was having second and 3rd thoughts! But she was exactly where she needs to be 2 men both desolate and lost their way was a chance for one a rake and a gambler to get a will to live again as he was suicidal! Another who had lost everything was about to starve to death! But Charlotte reached out from an old stable and offered kindness and food to the much less fortunate and in turn realizes her own blessings! Alex does pursue them can they make up in time for Christmas?
Charlotte and Alex a young couple in love had an argument! Charlotte took the baby and the dog and raced over 200 miles on the way to see her parents! Scared and afraid Alex was to angry to come after her she was having second and 3rd thoughts! But she was exactly where she needs to be 2 men both desolate and lost their way was a chance for one a rake and a gambler to get a will to live again as he was suicidal! Another who had lost everything was about to starve to death! But Charlotte reached out from an old stable and offered kindness and food to the much less fortunate and in turn realizes her own blessings! Alex does pursue them can they make up in time for Christmas?
August 4, 2024
Nice Christmas story. An argument leads to dramatic exit by the willful wife. She finds herself “stuck” in a snowstorm that frankly could have had a much more dire/ dangerous outcome than being stuck in a barn!
It’s a Christmas story! It brings back 2 of my favorite main characters from the series and puts a human/ realistic spin on how the “happily ever after” still requires work to maintain a strong relationship!
Short and sweet “Christmas” story.
It’s a Christmas story! It brings back 2 of my favorite main characters from the series and puts a human/ realistic spin on how the “happily ever after” still requires work to maintain a strong relationship!
Short and sweet “Christmas” story.
September 16, 2020
Delightful Christmas Story
A special story with a young mother, her baby son, her husband, and two unfortunate fellows, all on Christmas Eve.
The love, forgiveness, and generosity of spirit abound in a stable on a cold and snowy night.
This is a quick read that I heartily recommend.
A special story with a young mother, her baby son, her husband, and two unfortunate fellows, all on Christmas Eve.
The love, forgiveness, and generosity of spirit abound in a stable on a cold and snowy night.
This is a quick read that I heartily recommend.
November 30, 2025
Her Christmas Star from the East and Christmas Heart
By Mary Lancaster
Two very short Christmas novellas by Mary Lancaster. Both inspirational and full of Christmas cheer. Mary has a talent for bringing about both. She writes these with her customary charm and joy. And we’re the better for being fortunate enough to have her bestow them on us. Again, Happy Holidays to you all.
By Mary Lancaster
Two very short Christmas novellas by Mary Lancaster. Both inspirational and full of Christmas cheer. Mary has a talent for bringing about both. She writes these with her customary charm and joy. And we’re the better for being fortunate enough to have her bestow them on us. Again, Happy Holidays to you all.
July 18, 2020
Charming
This is a charming short story about a married couple who come to a moment of crisis in their marriage. My only problem with it is that it WAS short. When you find an enjoyable piece of writing, you want it to go on longer.
This is a charming short story about a married couple who come to a moment of crisis in their marriage. My only problem with it is that it WAS short. When you find an enjoyable piece of writing, you want it to go on longer.
November 29, 2022
Three Not so wise men
Other than the real Christmas story, I loved this one. One baby boy, a mother and three men not quite so wise and a stable. Mary Lancaster weaves her magical pen and writes a wonderful story!
Other than the real Christmas story, I loved this one. One baby boy, a mother and three men not quite so wise and a stable. Mary Lancaster weaves her magical pen and writes a wonderful story!
May 10, 2025
Sweet Christmas story
I love Christmas. This story just transported you to the Hart Inn and every character was memorable.
This little tale was the essence of “feel good”!
As Tiny Tim says…”God bless us, one and all”.
I love Christmas. This story just transported you to the Hart Inn and every character was memorable.
This little tale was the essence of “feel good”!
As Tiny Tim says…”God bless us, one and all”.
September 5, 2020
What happens in the stables
Stranded by snow and closed roads, an overcrowded in changes lives. Through it all, a baby sleeps in a trunk.
Stranded by snow and closed roads, an overcrowded in changes lives. Through it all, a baby sleeps in a trunk.
November 18, 2020
There's not much to this one.
December 7, 2020
Un tipico 'racconto di Natale', pieno di delicati e buoni sentimenti, ma decisamente gradevole e ben scritto. Si legge in una sera...
January 23, 2021
Sweet, short novella featuring my favorite couple from the Unmarriageable series, Charlotte and Alvan. A warm little Christmas treat.
January 27, 2021
Sweet Christmas story
I enjoy your books and have read several from the Hart Inn. Your stories make sense and don’t waste a lot of pages on nothing. Thank you ❤️
I enjoy your books and have read several from the Hart Inn. Your stories make sense and don’t waste a lot of pages on nothing. Thank you ❤️
October 8, 2024
I loved every book in this series.
September 8, 2025
Sweet short story about the duchess ending up in a barn stall with her child due to. A disagreement with her husband. In the end her husband is there along with a couple gentlemen ending good cheer
December 31, 2025
This Christmas story works
Perfectly constructed and quite sweet, with lessons for the unlikely gathering partaking of a meal in a stable. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Perfectly constructed and quite sweet, with lessons for the unlikely gathering partaking of a meal in a stable. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews