What do you think?
Rate this book
The Read Family Saga #1
A Winter Wish
Meet the Read family: Three siblings employed by a powerful nobleman will each find love and scandal amongst Polite Society.
A Winter Wish-the Prequel Novella
Proper, respectable Lucas Holman, Viscount Grimslee, has always done what was expected of him, and that included letting go of the woman he was betrothed to. Now, filled with regrets, Lucas is living quite contentedly and scandalously…for himself. He’s enjoying his new, roguish, carefree existence, until the holidays arrive and he’s summoned home.
Miss Merry Amaryllis Read has finally completed enough training to assume the vaunted role of housekeeper to the Holman family. When her new employer decides to throw an impromptu Yuletide party, Mary is tasked with quickly readying the manor for the grand event.
She doesn't expect that she'll also be assigned a partner, the earl's dissolute, suddenly-scandalous heir, Lord Grimslee. He's unlike the stuffy gentleman she recalls from her youth, but either way—lordly prig or dissipated rascal—Merry wants nothing to do with Lucas.
Her reservations notwithstanding, she and the viscount forge an unlikely connection. With every moment they spend together, they learn more about each other, and when passion flares, both are helpless to resist its pull. Merry and Lucas know a shared future is impossible, and yet, they can't stop wishing for more... together.
***This series starter prequel was previously available as part of Yuletide Wishes: A Regency Duet.
A Winter Wish-the Prequel Novella
Proper, respectable Lucas Holman, Viscount Grimslee, has always done what was expected of him, and that included letting go of the woman he was betrothed to. Now, filled with regrets, Lucas is living quite contentedly and scandalously…for himself. He’s enjoying his new, roguish, carefree existence, until the holidays arrive and he’s summoned home.
Miss Merry Amaryllis Read has finally completed enough training to assume the vaunted role of housekeeper to the Holman family. When her new employer decides to throw an impromptu Yuletide party, Mary is tasked with quickly readying the manor for the grand event.
She doesn't expect that she'll also be assigned a partner, the earl's dissolute, suddenly-scandalous heir, Lord Grimslee. He's unlike the stuffy gentleman she recalls from her youth, but either way—lordly prig or dissipated rascal—Merry wants nothing to do with Lucas.
Her reservations notwithstanding, she and the viscount forge an unlikely connection. With every moment they spend together, they learn more about each other, and when passion flares, both are helpless to resist its pull. Merry and Lucas know a shared future is impossible, and yet, they can't stop wishing for more... together.
***This series starter prequel was previously available as part of Yuletide Wishes: A Regency Duet.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2019
248 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Christi Caldwell
136 books2,557 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Judith McNaught's "Whitney, My Love!" for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her notes and pick up her laptop to try her hand at romance. She believes the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before crafting them a well deserved happily ever after!
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 9, 2020
Series: The Read Family Saga #1
Publication Date: 9/22/20
Number of Pages: 144
This was a short, sweet read, and a lovely introduction to the Read family who will be featured in this series. The story is well-written and the characters are compelling.
Merry Read’s family is in service to the Holman family – the Earl and Countess Maldavers. Merry’s father is the Maldavers family steward and her mother is the housekeeper. Her brother Diccan is in training to replace his father as steward and Merry has been training to replace her mother as housekeeper. Merry’s sister Matilda is also in service there, but we didn’t learn what her position is.
As a child, Merry played with the two younger Holman boys, but the older son, Lucas, Viscount Grimslee was always aloof and condescending toward them. When invited to participate in a game or other activity, he haughtily declined. Now, as an adult, Merry has nothing but disdain for Lucas.
Lucas was never, ever, allowed to forget that he was to inherit the title. He was constantly schooled in his responsibilities – he was told who he could associate with, what his attitudes were to be, how he was to regard others – especially servants, and mostly that he wasn’t to allow his feelings to show. He lived with those edicts until four months ago when his brother was accused of treason and he was forced to break his own betrothal because of the scandal. Since then, drink and debauchery have become his constant companions – it is just easier not to feel when he’s drunk.
Lucas’s mother is determined to end the drunkenness, so she decides to move their Christmas celebration to London where Lucas is living. In order to prepare the house for the festivities, his mother has Merry go to London to make the arrangements and to do the decorating. Then, she assigns Lucas to be Merry’s helper. Uh Oh – we all know where that is going.
I certainly enjoyed the read, but I felt it was a bit too short because we were left with unanswered questions. I am sure the author did her research and she has the right of it, but, to me, the circumstances just didn’t ring true when it came to Merry, her travels, her education, etc.
I am sure this is going to be a fun series that we will all enjoy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 9/22/20
Number of Pages: 144
This was a short, sweet read, and a lovely introduction to the Read family who will be featured in this series. The story is well-written and the characters are compelling.
Merry Read’s family is in service to the Holman family – the Earl and Countess Maldavers. Merry’s father is the Maldavers family steward and her mother is the housekeeper. Her brother Diccan is in training to replace his father as steward and Merry has been training to replace her mother as housekeeper. Merry’s sister Matilda is also in service there, but we didn’t learn what her position is.
As a child, Merry played with the two younger Holman boys, but the older son, Lucas, Viscount Grimslee was always aloof and condescending toward them. When invited to participate in a game or other activity, he haughtily declined. Now, as an adult, Merry has nothing but disdain for Lucas.
Lucas was never, ever, allowed to forget that he was to inherit the title. He was constantly schooled in his responsibilities – he was told who he could associate with, what his attitudes were to be, how he was to regard others – especially servants, and mostly that he wasn’t to allow his feelings to show. He lived with those edicts until four months ago when his brother was accused of treason and he was forced to break his own betrothal because of the scandal. Since then, drink and debauchery have become his constant companions – it is just easier not to feel when he’s drunk.
Lucas’s mother is determined to end the drunkenness, so she decides to move their Christmas celebration to London where Lucas is living. In order to prepare the house for the festivities, his mother has Merry go to London to make the arrangements and to do the decorating. Then, she assigns Lucas to be Merry’s helper. Uh Oh – we all know where that is going.
I certainly enjoyed the read, but I felt it was a bit too short because we were left with unanswered questions. I am sure the author did her research and she has the right of it, but, to me, the circumstances just didn’t ring true when it came to Merry, her travels, her education, etc.
I am sure this is going to be a fun series that we will all enjoy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 12, 2020
A Winter Wish
The Read Family Saga Series #1
Christi Caldwell
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChrist...
Release date 09/22/2020
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Meet the Read family: Three siblings employed by a powerful nobleman will each find love and scandal amongst Polite Society.
A Winter Wish-the Prequel Novella
Proper, respectable Lucas Holman, Viscount Grimslee, has always done what was expected of him, and that included letting go of the woman he was betrothed to. Now, filled with regrets, Lucas is living quite contentedly and scandalously…for himself. He’s enjoying his new, roguish, carefree existence, until the holidays arrive and he’s summoned home.
Miss Merry Amaryllis Read has finally completed enough training to assume the vaunted role of housekeeper to the Holman family. When her new employer decides to throw an impromptu Yuletide party, Mary is tasked with quickly readying the manor for the grand event.
She doesn't expect that she'll also be assigned a partner, the earl's dissolute, suddenly-scandalous heir, Lord Grimslee. He's unlike the stuffy gentleman she recalls from her youth, but either way--lordly prig or dissipated rascal--Merry wants nothing to do with Lucas.
Her reservations notwithstanding, she and the viscount forge an unlikely connection. With every moment they spend together, they learn more about each other, and when passion flares, both are helpless to resist its pull. Merry and Lucas know a shared future is impossible, and yet, they can't stop wishing for more... together.
***This series starter prequel was previously available as part of Yuletide Wishes: A Regency duet.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
When two people whom have known each other for years, show together their true colors.
Mrs Christi Caldwell did it again, she made me root immediately for her characters.
As I kind of suffer from the dory syndrom, plus a light dyslexia, I do not always remember the characters names. So until I read the beginning of the book, I was unable to understand I have in my hands the story of the rejected betrothed after having jilted said betrothed from THE MINX WHO MET HER MATCH.
But I do remember at a time, I felt sorry for him, by following the rules and his family’s dictates, he lost more than he won.
For a short story, so many emotions were unraveled, my heart ached and swooned while they learn to know one another.
Luke is not the aloof, dull boy then man Merry has known all her life, he is just the bland version his family wanted him to be. He was raised this way.
Like Merry whose upbringing prepared herself to become a servant.
But even if she had more freedom than himself, she has little other choices than follow the road mapped for her.
Yet during the short time they are together, they share their wishes for another way of life than a master-servant relationship when it has moved to a friendship with a want for more lurking at the corner of their dreams.
In so few pages, Mrs Caldwell has depicted a riveting tale of longing for more than what a birth place has to offer, for the right to choose one’s own path.
5 stars
I previously read this novella in the Yuletide Wishes duet. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Read Family Saga Series #1
Christi Caldwell
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChrist...
Release date 09/22/2020
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Meet the Read family: Three siblings employed by a powerful nobleman will each find love and scandal amongst Polite Society.
A Winter Wish-the Prequel Novella
Proper, respectable Lucas Holman, Viscount Grimslee, has always done what was expected of him, and that included letting go of the woman he was betrothed to. Now, filled with regrets, Lucas is living quite contentedly and scandalously…for himself. He’s enjoying his new, roguish, carefree existence, until the holidays arrive and he’s summoned home.
Miss Merry Amaryllis Read has finally completed enough training to assume the vaunted role of housekeeper to the Holman family. When her new employer decides to throw an impromptu Yuletide party, Mary is tasked with quickly readying the manor for the grand event.
She doesn't expect that she'll also be assigned a partner, the earl's dissolute, suddenly-scandalous heir, Lord Grimslee. He's unlike the stuffy gentleman she recalls from her youth, but either way--lordly prig or dissipated rascal--Merry wants nothing to do with Lucas.
Her reservations notwithstanding, she and the viscount forge an unlikely connection. With every moment they spend together, they learn more about each other, and when passion flares, both are helpless to resist its pull. Merry and Lucas know a shared future is impossible, and yet, they can't stop wishing for more... together.
***This series starter prequel was previously available as part of Yuletide Wishes: A Regency duet.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
When two people whom have known each other for years, show together their true colors.
Mrs Christi Caldwell did it again, she made me root immediately for her characters.
As I kind of suffer from the dory syndrom, plus a light dyslexia, I do not always remember the characters names. So until I read the beginning of the book, I was unable to understand I have in my hands the story of the rejected betrothed after having jilted said betrothed from THE MINX WHO MET HER MATCH.
But I do remember at a time, I felt sorry for him, by following the rules and his family’s dictates, he lost more than he won.
For a short story, so many emotions were unraveled, my heart ached and swooned while they learn to know one another.
Luke is not the aloof, dull boy then man Merry has known all her life, he is just the bland version his family wanted him to be. He was raised this way.
Like Merry whose upbringing prepared herself to become a servant.
But even if she had more freedom than himself, she has little other choices than follow the road mapped for her.
Yet during the short time they are together, they share their wishes for another way of life than a master-servant relationship when it has moved to a friendship with a want for more lurking at the corner of their dreams.
In so few pages, Mrs Caldwell has depicted a riveting tale of longing for more than what a birth place has to offer, for the right to choose one’s own path.
5 stars
I previously read this novella in the Yuletide Wishes duet. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
September 24, 2020
Merry and Luke
What a wonderful opener for The Read Family Saga! I can’t wait to read everyone’s stories.
Although we’ve briefly met Luke before, we see a different viscount here. The man is revealed and he is to die for!
Merry Read is strong, self determined and a delight. I imagine we will see them more as the series unfolds. Excellent storytelling!
What a wonderful opener for The Read Family Saga! I can’t wait to read everyone’s stories.
Although we’ve briefly met Luke before, we see a different viscount here. The man is revealed and he is to die for!
Merry Read is strong, self determined and a delight. I imagine we will see them more as the series unfolds. Excellent storytelling!
September 6, 2020
A Wintry, Feel-Good & Beautiful Story ❄️❤️❄️
Merry is the eldest of the Read children, who has grown up unnoticed on the estate where her parents served as steward and housekeeper for the Earl and Countess of Maldavers. Having trained for the position her mother will soon retire from, she is taken by surprise when Lady Maldavers announces Merry is to travel immediately to their London residence to decorate for the upcoming holidays.
Merry welcomes this opportunity to prove her talent and looks forward to spreading the Christmas spirit in a family known to be cold and stuffy. But the biggest surprise was yet to come... upon arriving, Lady Maldavers informs her she will be assisted by Lord Grimslee! As children, she had played with his younger brother, but had never liked Lucas due to his haughty and aloof manner.
For the past thirty years, as heir, Lucas Holman, Viscount Grimslee, has focused on his responsibilities to his family and title. Never permitted to be anything else, he is a detached and distant individual. Now scandal has visited Viscount Grimslee’s family and his parents’ demands have driven him to improper and dishonorable behavior. He is on a downward spiral until... Merry Read comes back into his life. Unbeknownst to Merry, he does remember this bright young girl, and an interest peaked long ago is charged by this now challenging and bold woman.
As the two are thrown together, guards are let down, and a casual banter builds between Luke and Merry. And then... the stodgy gentleman disappears to be replaced by a less serious, smiling and teasing lord.
Luke finds the more he’s around Merry, the more he begins to see life differently. It’s wonderful the way she brings openness and joy into his life, unlike anyone before. He begins to realize and appreciate those around him.
And then it all becomes clear to Merry... she is not invisible, not to Luke. He shows her to let go of the restrictions she feels are her life and reach for her dreams.
This season was turning out to be something totally different from past holidays. But as feelings grow between Luke and Merry, she can’t ignore her place in society and their two worlds that are so far apart. Will these growing attractions and emotions survive beyond this short interlude in their lives or can there be hope for something more? And which is the true Viscount Grimslee? What will happen if society discovers the bond that’s formed between them? And is it actually real?
I received an arc for my honest opinion of this book. I highly recommend you treat yourself to this feel good, emotional and very romantic story. You can never go wrong with this author’s works.
Merry is the eldest of the Read children, who has grown up unnoticed on the estate where her parents served as steward and housekeeper for the Earl and Countess of Maldavers. Having trained for the position her mother will soon retire from, she is taken by surprise when Lady Maldavers announces Merry is to travel immediately to their London residence to decorate for the upcoming holidays.
Merry welcomes this opportunity to prove her talent and looks forward to spreading the Christmas spirit in a family known to be cold and stuffy. But the biggest surprise was yet to come... upon arriving, Lady Maldavers informs her she will be assisted by Lord Grimslee! As children, she had played with his younger brother, but had never liked Lucas due to his haughty and aloof manner.
For the past thirty years, as heir, Lucas Holman, Viscount Grimslee, has focused on his responsibilities to his family and title. Never permitted to be anything else, he is a detached and distant individual. Now scandal has visited Viscount Grimslee’s family and his parents’ demands have driven him to improper and dishonorable behavior. He is on a downward spiral until... Merry Read comes back into his life. Unbeknownst to Merry, he does remember this bright young girl, and an interest peaked long ago is charged by this now challenging and bold woman.
As the two are thrown together, guards are let down, and a casual banter builds between Luke and Merry. And then... the stodgy gentleman disappears to be replaced by a less serious, smiling and teasing lord.
Luke finds the more he’s around Merry, the more he begins to see life differently. It’s wonderful the way she brings openness and joy into his life, unlike anyone before. He begins to realize and appreciate those around him.
And then it all becomes clear to Merry... she is not invisible, not to Luke. He shows her to let go of the restrictions she feels are her life and reach for her dreams.
This season was turning out to be something totally different from past holidays. But as feelings grow between Luke and Merry, she can’t ignore her place in society and their two worlds that are so far apart. Will these growing attractions and emotions survive beyond this short interlude in their lives or can there be hope for something more? And which is the true Viscount Grimslee? What will happen if society discovers the bond that’s formed between them? And is it actually real?
I received an arc for my honest opinion of this book. I highly recommend you treat yourself to this feel good, emotional and very romantic story. You can never go wrong with this author’s works.
October 2, 2020
Lovely story. A predictable ending, but what a fab HEA. Really enjoyed reading this short story, and I do love Ms. Caldwell's superb writing. 5☆
September 23, 2020
An engaging perspective to the usual historical romance, The Read Family Saga begins with the point of view of the servants in this wonderful prequal to the series! Mrs Read has been the head housekeeper for the Earl and Countess Maldavers' family, Mr Read the steward and Merry, the eldest of the three children has gone through training to take over her mother's job as she retires.
Her first assignment? Travel to their London home and help decorate it for the Christmas season. The challenge? Work with Lucas Holman, the Viscount Grimslee, heir to the Earldom to get the job done.
The goal? To keep him out of trouble, end his drinking and wild ways and help straighten him up.
The results? Merry had played with the two younger Holman sons when she was young, but Lucas had always remained aloof.. He was in training to take over one day and had only a very serious contenance... What was expected. Now he and Merry are thrown together and of course the attraction grows. But what to do? A servant and a peer?
Impossible you say? Never say never and I enjoyed this story so much and cannot wait to read the rest of this series!!
Her first assignment? Travel to their London home and help decorate it for the Christmas season. The challenge? Work with Lucas Holman, the Viscount Grimslee, heir to the Earldom to get the job done.
The goal? To keep him out of trouble, end his drinking and wild ways and help straighten him up.
The results? Merry had played with the two younger Holman sons when she was young, but Lucas had always remained aloof.. He was in training to take over one day and had only a very serious contenance... What was expected. Now he and Merry are thrown together and of course the attraction grows. But what to do? A servant and a peer?
Impossible you say? Never say never and I enjoyed this story so much and cannot wait to read the rest of this series!!
September 19, 2020
4.5 Stars
Meet the Read family: Three siblings employed by a powerful nobleman will each find love and scandal amongst Polite Society. Lucas Holman, Viscount Grimslee, has always done what was expected of him, took his studies seriously, was upstanding but after a broken engagement he’s enjoying his new, roguish, carefree existence, until the holidays arrive and he’s summoned home. Miss Merry Amaryllis Read has finally completed enough training to assume the vaunted role of housekeeper to the Holman family when her mother retires from the post. When her new employer decides to throw an impromptu Yuletide party, Mary is tasked with quickly readying the townhouse for the grand event. She doesn't expect that she'll also be assigned a partner, the earl's dissolute, suddenly scandalous heir, Lord Grimslee. He's unlike the stuffy gentleman she recalls from her youth, but either way--lordly prig or dissipated rascal--Merry wants nothing to do with Lucas until she does.
A delightful introduction to the three Read siblings, I loved Merry who was no shrinking debutante but a highly trained housekeeper, she had played with Ewan one of the Holman siblings as Lucas had been standoffish even as a child. Luke was lovely & I adored how he let his hair down after a life of being rigorously trained to be an Earl & it had been drummed into him how he should behave. The verbal banter between the pair was often hilarious but it was the chemistry that grew & grew had made this long novella a peach. There were unanswered questions but as this is an introduction they left me wanting the rest of the series. I read this very well written book in a sitting
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Meet the Read family: Three siblings employed by a powerful nobleman will each find love and scandal amongst Polite Society. Lucas Holman, Viscount Grimslee, has always done what was expected of him, took his studies seriously, was upstanding but after a broken engagement he’s enjoying his new, roguish, carefree existence, until the holidays arrive and he’s summoned home. Miss Merry Amaryllis Read has finally completed enough training to assume the vaunted role of housekeeper to the Holman family when her mother retires from the post. When her new employer decides to throw an impromptu Yuletide party, Mary is tasked with quickly readying the townhouse for the grand event. She doesn't expect that she'll also be assigned a partner, the earl's dissolute, suddenly scandalous heir, Lord Grimslee. He's unlike the stuffy gentleman she recalls from her youth, but either way--lordly prig or dissipated rascal--Merry wants nothing to do with Lucas until she does.
A delightful introduction to the three Read siblings, I loved Merry who was no shrinking debutante but a highly trained housekeeper, she had played with Ewan one of the Holman siblings as Lucas had been standoffish even as a child. Luke was lovely & I adored how he let his hair down after a life of being rigorously trained to be an Earl & it had been drummed into him how he should behave. The verbal banter between the pair was often hilarious but it was the chemistry that grew & grew had made this long novella a peach. There were unanswered questions but as this is an introduction they left me wanting the rest of the series. I read this very well written book in a sitting
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
August 26, 2020
I was married just before Christmas so Christmastime romances have always held a special place in my heart. A Winter Wish is the perfect combination of that magical time and the promise of happily ever after. I adored Merry and Luke. I can’t think of two people who needed each other more. Though they’d known each other since childhood, they were still a mystery to one another. When Merry is sent to prepare the Maldavers London home for the holiday festivities, Luke is saddled with assisting her. A punishment set forth by his parents to help him mend his scandalous reputation of late. In that time alone together, they both found a new understanding of each other, and of themselves as well. I loved the pacing of that discovery. The reminiscences of their time as children added so much to the story. Christi Caldwell has a real talent for writing characters so real and genuine that you can’t help but root for them. Though short, this story is packed with funny moments, dreamy, sigh-worthy moments, and serious moments all blended together seamlessly. With the winter scenes, snow angels, tree trimming, and mistletoe, you can’t help but be swept away in this beautiful story of two people opening their hearts to the possibilities of love. Christi Caldwell never fails to deliver the beautiful, timeless, and memorable stories I need. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the Read family.
August 9, 2021
This was good!
September 25, 2020
A Winter Wish is the prequel novella to the Read Family Saga series and was also part of the Yuletide Wishes: A Regency Duet. It is a sweet Christmas romance and a great novella to read to start off the holiday season. It was well written, had charming characters, and could be read in one setting. Lucas Holman, Viscount Grimslee, had always been the proper Holman child but after his family scandal and him letting his fiancé go because of it, he doesn’t want to play by societies rules. When his most recent scandal is out, he receives a visit from his family who were supposed to be in the country enjoying the Christmas season with a house party. Now his parents are in London and moving the house party to his house and have assigned Miss Merry Read the role of decorating his home and preparing it for the Christmas house party. Merry had just returned to London from oversees where she had completed her education and was ready to start her new position as housekeeper to the Holman family. She had grown up with the Holman family as her mother was their housekeeper and Merry would be replacing her mother when she stepped down. Merry loved Christmas and decorating for it but didn’t want help from Lucas. As they work together to get the house decorated their forbidden attraction grows but Merry can’t help wishing for a future with Lucas.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 8, 2021
Wonderful Read!
A Winter Wish, the first book in Christi Caldwell’s Read Family Saga, is the delightfully warm-hearted story of Merry Read, the soon to be housekeeper to the Viscount of Maldavers, and Lord Lucas Grimslee, the eldest son and future heir of the household. Having know each other all their lives, Merry didn’t much like Luke for the proper, boring and pompous child he was. As an adult, Luke doesn’t much like the proper, honorable man he has become all in duty to his role as heir to the title. So when Luke spends a night carousing and causes a scandal, his parents move their holiday plans to London bringing Merry with them to help prepare. As Merry and Luke spend time decorating for the holiday festivities and getting reacquainted, they realize they didn’t really know each other or themselves as well as they thought. Christi Caldwell has written her most light-hearted tale and the banter between them is filled with humor and wit! A true joy to read!
A Winter Wish, the first book in Christi Caldwell’s Read Family Saga, is the delightfully warm-hearted story of Merry Read, the soon to be housekeeper to the Viscount of Maldavers, and Lord Lucas Grimslee, the eldest son and future heir of the household. Having know each other all their lives, Merry didn’t much like Luke for the proper, boring and pompous child he was. As an adult, Luke doesn’t much like the proper, honorable man he has become all in duty to his role as heir to the title. So when Luke spends a night carousing and causes a scandal, his parents move their holiday plans to London bringing Merry with them to help prepare. As Merry and Luke spend time decorating for the holiday festivities and getting reacquainted, they realize they didn’t really know each other or themselves as well as they thought. Christi Caldwell has written her most light-hearted tale and the banter between them is filled with humor and wit! A true joy to read!
September 20, 2020
Merry's whole family works for the Maldavers and she is soon to replace her mother as housekeeper. Having been on the estate her whole life she grew up with the child of the house. Although the oldest, Lucas, never participated in any of their childhood games as he was always preparing to take over his father's position of earl. The countess has asked Merry to go to London and prepare the house for a holiday party. But she also has given Merry an additional task...get Lucas involved with the preparations.
When he was forced to break his betrothal because of a scandal in the family, Lucas ended up diving into debauchery, which is the opposite of his normal behavior. When he learns that his mother has tasked Merry into getting him involved in the set up of the house, he decides he is going to put all of his effort into it.
As Merry and Lucas spend time together, Merry soon learns that Lucas wanted to join in all the fun when they were children, but with being the heir, didn't feel like he could. Joining in all the fun now, shows Lucas all the fun that he was missing. But what happens with the heir falls for the help?
I really enjoyed Merry and Lucas' story. It was a quick, enjoyable read and is a nice introduction to this new series. While these two had known each other their whole lives, it was very enjoyable to watch them really learn who the other was as an adult. I'm excited to see what Caldwell brings to us in the next book in the series!
When he was forced to break his betrothal because of a scandal in the family, Lucas ended up diving into debauchery, which is the opposite of his normal behavior. When he learns that his mother has tasked Merry into getting him involved in the set up of the house, he decides he is going to put all of his effort into it.
As Merry and Lucas spend time together, Merry soon learns that Lucas wanted to join in all the fun when they were children, but with being the heir, didn't feel like he could. Joining in all the fun now, shows Lucas all the fun that he was missing. But what happens with the heir falls for the help?
I really enjoyed Merry and Lucas' story. It was a quick, enjoyable read and is a nice introduction to this new series. While these two had known each other their whole lives, it was very enjoyable to watch them really learn who the other was as an adult. I'm excited to see what Caldwell brings to us in the next book in the series!
September 28, 2020
Wishes Do Come True
A Winter Wish, is a wonderful fast read. Like and Merry are wonderful characters that have grown up separately and realize how they have misconstrued what they thought how the other was like.
Love comes without warning, and sometimes when you least expect it. With an interfering mother and a father who doesn't understand what they did that their children got in trouble, Like takes charge of his life.
As always I love Christi's books, they pull you in and you just can't get enough of her characters and you want more. Looking forward to reading more of her books 💕
A Winter Wish, is a wonderful fast read. Like and Merry are wonderful characters that have grown up separately and realize how they have misconstrued what they thought how the other was like.
Love comes without warning, and sometimes when you least expect it. With an interfering mother and a father who doesn't understand what they did that their children got in trouble, Like takes charge of his life.
As always I love Christi's books, they pull you in and you just can't get enough of her characters and you want more. Looking forward to reading more of her books 💕
September 28, 2020
The Read Family seem to be a very interesting family, loved all the characters we have been introduced to in this first book.
Merry and Luke’s story is so uplifting the words speak to you, the Lord and the up and coming trained housekeeper, below stairs so to speak😉
Childhood friends would not include this two, with Luke looking out the window wishing he could play with his brother and Merry😪
The entire story is full of Christmas joy but more importantly of a love forming between these two characters 😍
Beautifully written, fast pace, page turner.
Stand alone
Highly recommend
I bought this book in appreciation of the authors work ❤️
Merry and Luke’s story is so uplifting the words speak to you, the Lord and the up and coming trained housekeeper, below stairs so to speak😉
Childhood friends would not include this two, with Luke looking out the window wishing he could play with his brother and Merry😪
The entire story is full of Christmas joy but more importantly of a love forming between these two characters 😍
Beautifully written, fast pace, page turner.
Stand alone
Highly recommend
I bought this book in appreciation of the authors work ❤️
August 20, 2020
Such a sweet story. Merry Read has returned from a three year tour of European houses learning how to be the head housekeeper. She is called to decorate the earls house for the holidays. Lucas, Lord grimslee, is the eldest son and has been on a drunken rampage. Always so studious and never fun, Merry is not prepared for the new Lucas. He is assigned to help her to keep him out of trouble. However, Merry and Luke find companionship and love. Can it really happen between a servant and a future Earl? You’ll have to read this charming book.
August 30, 2020
Christi Caldwell books make me happy and when I am done reading them, I have a smile on my face. This book was a pleasant light read. I enjoyed reading about Merry and Luke really getting to know each other, even though they have known each other since they were young. I enjoyed Luke doing fun stuff with Merry he was just so cute with her. If you want to feel happy after reading a book, I suggest this book. I cannot wait for the next Christi Caldwell book.
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest opinion.
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest opinion.
September 23, 2020
An exciting new position, Mary Read is going to be the new housekeeper and work along with the rest of her family in the household. Lucas, Viscount Grimslee, has always lived for his duty. He was never allowed a childhood but has find memories of Mary when they were children. Lucas had fallen out of favor with his parents but nothing compared to his next choice. These characters come to life and make you want to see what will happen with the rest of the family.
September 25, 2020
Ah Christmas
After 4 months of decadent behavior Luke, Discount Holman, is brought to heel by a
Future housekeeper in training Luke's Mother brings Merry to decorate their London townhouse for Christmas. since Merry's parents are in service to the Holman family these two have watched each other grow up but they really don't know each other. But Christmas is a magical season and dreams really do come true
After 4 months of decadent behavior Luke, Discount Holman, is brought to heel by a
Future housekeeper in training Luke's Mother brings Merry to decorate their London townhouse for Christmas. since Merry's parents are in service to the Holman family these two have watched each other grow up but they really don't know each other. But Christmas is a magical season and dreams really do come true
September 25, 2020
To Read or not to read this Read family saga
Surprised this story was at 75% when suddenly there were the words The End. The next 25% was just ads for other books. Mind you the book was a very lack luster affair so I wasn’t sad it was over. I had to force myself to stay awake and keep reading. I do hate to give up on a book. Frankly very boring with the author just going through the motions.
Surprised this story was at 75% when suddenly there were the words The End. The next 25% was just ads for other books. Mind you the book was a very lack luster affair so I wasn’t sad it was over. I had to force myself to stay awake and keep reading. I do hate to give up on a book. Frankly very boring with the author just going through the motions.
July 20, 2024
A delightful and engaging short Christmas regency romance. There's no place for class divide when love is involved, and love does creep in slowly for Luke and Merry. A beautiful pairing, sharing childhood memories and getting to know each other for their own true worth. A feel good romance from the very first pages.
September 25, 2020
Reissue of released last year, not a new book
Always disappointed to buy a 'new' book only to find it's a reissue of a book previously released with a slightly different title, less than 12 months ago, as part of a box set.
Always disappointed to buy a 'new' book only to find it's a reissue of a book previously released with a slightly different title, less than 12 months ago, as part of a box set.
September 26, 2020
A sweet tale of discovery! Merry is trained to become a housekeeper. Luke is the man who grew up watching Merry as a child, but not being allowed tonplay because he was the heir.
Now there is some holiday magic in the air! And a very happy ending.
Now there is some holiday magic in the air! And a very happy ending.
October 18, 2020
This is another amazing story
This is another example of an amazing story, with a plot that keeps you entertained right to the end. The characters are portrayed with a strength, and determination to be envied. This book will suit anybody who loves clean historical romances.
This is another example of an amazing story, with a plot that keeps you entertained right to the end. The characters are portrayed with a strength, and determination to be envied. This book will suit anybody who loves clean historical romances.
January 8, 2021
Wonderfully romantic short story! Very uplifting, sweet romance rather than heavy sexual scenes. I’d recommend this Winter Romance to anyone from 16 up. It’s a feel good romance even though it is more of a novella length. Excellent audiobook as well. Great narrator.
September 26, 2020
As usual a great little story
A daughter of a housekeeper has been sent to Europe to learn the ways of the Nobleman and their households.
A daughter of a housekeeper has been sent to Europe to learn the ways of the Nobleman and their households.
September 27, 2020
Happily ever after!
This is a quick read which, satisfying my overly romantic self, ends with happily ever after. Engaging hero and heroine
This is a quick read which, satisfying my overly romantic self, ends with happily ever after. Engaging hero and heroine
September 28, 2020
Ms. Caldwell can do no wrong in my eyes. This is a sweet, perfect, Historical romance to get you in the Holiday mood. A MUST read for your Holiday reading.
September 29, 2020
I enjoyed this story the first time I read it and even more this time. I loved these characters and the plot. They taught each other so much. Looking forward to reading the next installment.
September 30, 2020
A must read! I really enjoyed reading this story. I liked that Merry and Luke could put the stations to which they were born behind them and live happily ever after!👍👍👍❤❤❤
October 18, 2020
This is a delightful start to this series. It is a well written lighthearted romance. The story of Like and Merry brings joy to your heart especially as it is set at Christmas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews