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Belles of Christmas: Frost Fair #1
Her Silent Knight
When Sir Edmund catches Miss Selina in a forbidden courtship at the frost fair, she asks for his silence. But he has a request to make in exchange, and it may cost Selina her carefully guarded heart.
For Selina Ellis, a crowded fair held on the frozen surface of the Thames is the perfect opportunity to meet with her secret suitor—the son of her family’s solicitor—without being caught. But when an acquaintance from her childhood, Sir Edmund, discovers their courtship, a bargain is struck. In order for Edmund to keep her secret, she must convince her mother to allow him to stay in their home for Christmastide, where he will be close enough to keep watch on her and her secret suitor…a man of whom he strongly disapproves.
Though he hadn’t planned on staying in London longer than his grandmother’s funeral, Sir Edmund cannot leave an innocent young woman like Selina in the grip of a man as manipulative as Mr. Skinner. Loyal to his new purpose, he sets out to thwart Selina’s efforts to marry Skinner, unleashing a rivalry between himself and Selina. When she matches his subterfuge with ease, and Skinner threatens to destroy all he has, Edmund must take a new approach—one with more risks than it’s worth.
As Selina’s feelings for Edmund shift from enmity to friendship, her uncertainty grows. She must choose whether love is worth sacrificing her pride. And Edmund must choose whether the price of his silence is worth losing his heart.
For Selina Ellis, a crowded fair held on the frozen surface of the Thames is the perfect opportunity to meet with her secret suitor—the son of her family’s solicitor—without being caught. But when an acquaintance from her childhood, Sir Edmund, discovers their courtship, a bargain is struck. In order for Edmund to keep her secret, she must convince her mother to allow him to stay in their home for Christmastide, where he will be close enough to keep watch on her and her secret suitor…a man of whom he strongly disapproves.
Though he hadn’t planned on staying in London longer than his grandmother’s funeral, Sir Edmund cannot leave an innocent young woman like Selina in the grip of a man as manipulative as Mr. Skinner. Loyal to his new purpose, he sets out to thwart Selina’s efforts to marry Skinner, unleashing a rivalry between himself and Selina. When she matches his subterfuge with ease, and Skinner threatens to destroy all he has, Edmund must take a new approach—one with more risks than it’s worth.
As Selina’s feelings for Edmund shift from enmity to friendship, her uncertainty grows. She must choose whether love is worth sacrificing her pride. And Edmund must choose whether the price of his silence is worth losing his heart.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2020
549 people are currently reading
823 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
December 8, 2021
Awwww! I've been having a hard time getting into some of these clean regency romance books, but this got me incredibly hooked right after the first chapter! I was so sooooooooo intrigue Edmund and Selina's relationship and how on earth they would get together. I enjoyed their banter and interaction, and I loved their combination of personalities.
The characters were enjoyable, even though they were really cliched and their attitudes/reactions stereotypical (mostly Selina). I also didn't really agree with some of the author's perceptions of what true love is. In the book, it came down to it solely being something to be "felt and treasured" (which there is truth to that, just that I believe there's a whole lot more to it) and something to happen spontaneously without reason.
But those things didn't take me away from enjoying the two characters' cute story! I'm most happy with the fact that it didn't take me any effort at all to keep reading; the characters' story was super engaging and hilariously fun, and it wasn't at all draggy. I was worried that I'd have to push through, but this exceeded my expectations for enjoyment. :) Definitely worth the read if you're looking for something fun, engaging, and real enjoyable!
The characters were enjoyable, even though they were really cliched and their attitudes/reactions stereotypical (mostly Selina). I also didn't really agree with some of the author's perceptions of what true love is. In the book, it came down to it solely being something to be "felt and treasured" (which there is truth to that, just that I believe there's a whole lot more to it) and something to happen spontaneously without reason.
But those things didn't take me away from enjoying the two characters' cute story! I'm most happy with the fact that it didn't take me any effort at all to keep reading; the characters' story was super engaging and hilariously fun, and it wasn't at all draggy. I was worried that I'd have to push through, but this exceeded my expectations for enjoyment. :) Definitely worth the read if you're looking for something fun, engaging, and real enjoyable!
November 12, 2020
Ashtyn Newbold always writes such lovely stories and Her Silent Knight was no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and their romance, the book’s intriguing premise, the backdrop of the historical Frost Fair setting, and the cozy, magical Christmas feel this story created.
I was drawn to the story’s premise immediately: Selina is hiding a forbidden engagement with a man who, unbeknownst to her, has insincere motives. Their secret interaction is soon witnessed by a childhood acquaintance. He attempts to warn her about her suitor, but his warnings are adamantly ignored. In his efforts to help her, the two embark on a delightful journey that, unbeknownst to them, will end in love.
Both Selina and Edmund were charming characters. I loved both their interactions—especially Edmund’s noble ways of serving as Selina’s knight, even before she welcomed his help—and watching them grow as people as well as together. Their relationship begins with a bargain that quickly goes wrong and several pranks in their attempts to outwit one another, but unlike most enemies-to-lovers, this was handled with a lighter, more humorous take, which I greatly preferred to the usual approach in books that are too often riddled with anxiety and hostility.
Edmund and Selina’s relationship quickly develops into friendship and finally a lovely, heartwarming romance, one that was quite interesting as Selina attempts to navigate between her forbidden relationship with the solicitor’s son and her more genuine feelings for Edmund. I also enjoyed the fun subplot between Selina’s mother and her rival with the neighbor as both attempt to outdo one another.
Overall, Her Silent Knight was a charming story told with Ashtyn Newbold’s usual delightful storytelling and written in her beautiful style. It not only was a thoroughly enjoyable way to pass the evening, but it’s gotten me excited for the upcoming Christmas season…as well has made me crave plum pudding, a holiday treat I really must learn how to make. I can see myself rereading this fun story next Christmas Season.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was drawn to the story’s premise immediately: Selina is hiding a forbidden engagement with a man who, unbeknownst to her, has insincere motives. Their secret interaction is soon witnessed by a childhood acquaintance. He attempts to warn her about her suitor, but his warnings are adamantly ignored. In his efforts to help her, the two embark on a delightful journey that, unbeknownst to them, will end in love.
Both Selina and Edmund were charming characters. I loved both their interactions—especially Edmund’s noble ways of serving as Selina’s knight, even before she welcomed his help—and watching them grow as people as well as together. Their relationship begins with a bargain that quickly goes wrong and several pranks in their attempts to outwit one another, but unlike most enemies-to-lovers, this was handled with a lighter, more humorous take, which I greatly preferred to the usual approach in books that are too often riddled with anxiety and hostility.
Edmund and Selina’s relationship quickly develops into friendship and finally a lovely, heartwarming romance, one that was quite interesting as Selina attempts to navigate between her forbidden relationship with the solicitor’s son and her more genuine feelings for Edmund. I also enjoyed the fun subplot between Selina’s mother and her rival with the neighbor as both attempt to outdo one another.
Overall, Her Silent Knight was a charming story told with Ashtyn Newbold’s usual delightful storytelling and written in her beautiful style. It not only was a thoroughly enjoyable way to pass the evening, but it’s gotten me excited for the upcoming Christmas season…as well has made me crave plum pudding, a holiday treat I really must learn how to make. I can see myself rereading this fun story next Christmas Season.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2024
Wonderful in every way…
Selina surely is a stubborn woman, but the happy ending and they got there was lovely. I expected the Will where they found it, and Sir Edmund is every wit the knight he was supposed to be.
Selina surely is a stubborn woman, but the happy ending and they got there was lovely. I expected the Will where they found it, and Sir Edmund is every wit the knight he was supposed to be.
October 15, 2020
Cute and Unique Story!
It was so fun to learn about the frost fairs. One of my the reasons I love historical romance so much is because i can often learn something about history I didn’t know! I was even telling my kids about the elephant, although I’m not sure if that was real or for this book.
Ashtyn always delivers a great romance story. The premise to this was much different with the heroine thinking she was in love and engaged to someone else. It would be easy to be confused back then with your limited interaction with the other sexes.
And now I’m going to go google how to make plum pudding. And dream of Edmund when I eat is. Sigh.
Thank you to the Author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Clean romance.
It was so fun to learn about the frost fairs. One of my the reasons I love historical romance so much is because i can often learn something about history I didn’t know! I was even telling my kids about the elephant, although I’m not sure if that was real or for this book.
Ashtyn always delivers a great romance story. The premise to this was much different with the heroine thinking she was in love and engaged to someone else. It would be easy to be confused back then with your limited interaction with the other sexes.
And now I’m going to go google how to make plum pudding. And dream of Edmund when I eat is. Sigh.
Thank you to the Author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Clean romance.
October 9, 2020
This book was such a cute and fun read, I picked it up and couldn't put it down until I read the whole thing! I really enjoyed the main characters in this book. Selina and Edmund had amazing chemistry; I really loved that it developed naturally as they spent time with each other and grew from their experiences and growth throughout the book. Edmund really is a knight is so many ways and I'm sure he'll be a fan favorite hero.
There is a nice bit of humor in their relationship and throughout the story as well. The romantic tension kept me excited for that first kiss and I just loved the build up! Content is clean/wholesome. I definitely recommend this book!
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There is a nice bit of humor in their relationship and throughout the story as well. The romantic tension kept me excited for that first kiss and I just loved the build up! Content is clean/wholesome. I definitely recommend this book!
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 18, 2020
2.5 stars rounded up. Short. Sweet. Clean. And very, very boring.
October 24, 2020
This was such a fun Christmas read.
🎄
It starts with the River Thames frozen over and Selina is at the Frost Fair with her mother. She sneaks away to find Noah, her secret fiancé, but an old childhood friend finds her and Noah together.
🎄
Selina doesn’t want Edmund to tell her mother about Noah so they strike up a bargain - he stays at her house while stuck in London until roads are passable again.
🎄
This had great moments of pranking, enemies to lovers, love triangle, and secret/forbidden relationship. Great growth and you kept cheering them on. Plus I definitely want to try making plum pudding 😉😉
🎄
This is the first book in a multi-author series. I received an ebook copy from the author for review and these are my own thoughts and opinions. It would make a great Regency Hallmark movie 😉
🎄
It starts with the River Thames frozen over and Selina is at the Frost Fair with her mother. She sneaks away to find Noah, her secret fiancé, but an old childhood friend finds her and Noah together.
🎄
Selina doesn’t want Edmund to tell her mother about Noah so they strike up a bargain - he stays at her house while stuck in London until roads are passable again.
🎄
This had great moments of pranking, enemies to lovers, love triangle, and secret/forbidden relationship. Great growth and you kept cheering them on. Plus I definitely want to try making plum pudding 😉😉
🎄
This is the first book in a multi-author series. I received an ebook copy from the author for review and these are my own thoughts and opinions. It would make a great Regency Hallmark movie 😉
November 29, 2020
This story was everything I wanted it to be! Christmas setting, lively characters and a plot that held my attention! I enjoyed the blossoming relationship between Edmund and Selina. The enemies, to friends, to romance aspect of this novella was fun to read! I enjoyed this Christmas romance!
October 17, 2020
Great Christmas Romance
Such a cute and fun novella. I love that this series is based around the Frost Fair! This is my first time learning of it! Edmund and Selina had a unique story and it was fun to watch their love develop.
Such a cute and fun novella. I love that this series is based around the Frost Fair! This is my first time learning of it! Edmund and Selina had a unique story and it was fun to watch their love develop.
October 10, 2020
I'm almost ready to skip the rest of October and go straight to Christmas after reading this delightful tale!
I really enjoyed reading about Miss Selina Ellis and Sir Edmund. Their relationship had some Pride and Prejudice vibes at the beginning because of their childhood dislike and some prejudices that may have had based on childhood experience. They had some nice back and forth banter and interactions, which was extremely fun to read. There was also a nice will-they-won't-they, as Selina soon finds herself torn between her forbidden suitor and the too-eligible-to-her-mother Edmund. Speaking of Mrs. Ellis, Selina's mother, her rivalry with Mrs. Perry was amusing. Watching Mrs. Ellis and Mrs. Perry attempt to outdo the other when it comes to their daughters' matches, Christmas décor, and anything & everything else was a fun subplot!
Additionally, the Frost Fair was such a unique and fun backdrop for this story! I had not heard of it before, so it was interesting to read about this location. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series that are set at the Frost Fair.
All in all, this was a cute regency romance that was a really fun read!
I am thankful for the copy I received from the author to review this gem!
I really enjoyed reading about Miss Selina Ellis and Sir Edmund. Their relationship had some Pride and Prejudice vibes at the beginning because of their childhood dislike and some prejudices that may have had based on childhood experience. They had some nice back and forth banter and interactions, which was extremely fun to read. There was also a nice will-they-won't-they, as Selina soon finds herself torn between her forbidden suitor and the too-eligible-to-her-mother Edmund. Speaking of Mrs. Ellis, Selina's mother, her rivalry with Mrs. Perry was amusing. Watching Mrs. Ellis and Mrs. Perry attempt to outdo the other when it comes to their daughters' matches, Christmas décor, and anything & everything else was a fun subplot!
Additionally, the Frost Fair was such a unique and fun backdrop for this story! I had not heard of it before, so it was interesting to read about this location. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series that are set at the Frost Fair.
All in all, this was a cute regency romance that was a really fun read!
I am thankful for the copy I received from the author to review this gem!
June 21, 2021
CHARMING.
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I can’t wait to read more of the books in this series because I really enjoyed this one.
Selina and Edmund were a charming pair and the love triangle kind-of happening honestly didn’t phase me at all. It’s clear from the start where things are going and I appreciated the transparent everything was between them. Edmund and Selina had some cute banter and moments. For a quick-paced romance I didn’t feel the rush. Probably, also because it’s a regency romance and I always feel those tend towards a faster pace.
I loved the setting. Christmastide on the river Thames. It felt atmospheric and romantic. The writing was great and I felt invested from the start. This had some solid kiss moments and the ending was predictably adorable. I love a good Hallmark-y romance read during the season and this was wonderful.
Overall audience notes:
- Regency romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
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I can’t wait to read more of the books in this series because I really enjoyed this one.
Selina and Edmund were a charming pair and the love triangle kind-of happening honestly didn’t phase me at all. It’s clear from the start where things are going and I appreciated the transparent everything was between them. Edmund and Selina had some cute banter and moments. For a quick-paced romance I didn’t feel the rush. Probably, also because it’s a regency romance and I always feel those tend towards a faster pace.
I loved the setting. Christmastide on the river Thames. It felt atmospheric and romantic. The writing was great and I felt invested from the start. This had some solid kiss moments and the ending was predictably adorable. I love a good Hallmark-y romance read during the season and this was wonderful.
Overall audience notes:
- Regency romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
January 10, 2021
This was a sweet Christmas romance, but was largely forgettable. Mainly, because the characters were pretty one dimensional. The heroine was the innocent young woman who can't tell the man courting her is a rogue. Then the male lead's only personality trait is his protective feelings for her. The connection took a long time to happen because they didn't have much personality or romantic scenes. Overall, the romance turned out cute, but not something I would highly recommend.
January 18, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much I read it in one setting. The storyline was compelling, as well. Selina has fallen for her solicitors son. She has told her mother she is visiting a neighbor, and instead meeting Noah. He insists it remains a secret. She is not a wealthy young lady as her father has died, and the house, and grounds went to a male relative. Her mother lives on an allowance that is suitable, but does not leave the two girls with large dowry' s. Her sister Rose was born very talented, and beautiful, and her first season ended in a lucrative marriage. She gained a beautiful home, land, and money, but no title. Selina always felt unattractive compared to her older sister in ability, charm, and looks. She knows her sister is quite happy, but had not looked for love, as the main reason for the match. She wanted love, and Noah said he did not care about a small dowry. She talked her mother into visiting The Frost Fair. It was all everyone could talk about. The snow, and cold had frozen the Thames completely, and sellers had set up their wares, food stuff, and entertainment on the ice. Her mother agreed, to be able to boast to her neighbors that she had been there first. While her mother stood in line, Selina took. off to see Noah. Her old friend Edmund came upon them She had not seen him for quite a while, and both were surprised to see each other. Edmund looked at his childhood friend in the arms of Mr. Skinner Jr. He was not impressed with her secret plans to marry this man. He knew him to be a liar, gambler, rake, and the ruin of other innocent young ladies. Noah left, but Selina refused to hear one word against the man she hoped to marry, and explained he had been a perfect gentleman, and was not interested in any money , and was in love with her .They made a deal between themselves. He would stay quiet, for being a guest at her home for the Christmas Season. She could not believe her luck, but when hearing he was in London handling his grandmother's affairs, after just loosing her, while he had been delayed by the ice, and storms that had hit, she felt very glad he would not be alone. The book has so much charm, and the dialogue is both endearing, and funny. Her mother makes so many plans after learning Edmund has been knighted, and is titled. The rivalry between neighbors is just as humorous. Edmund must make her want someone other than Noah, even if it is himself. He has yet to see the will, but his grandmother assured him he was always her proudest joy. His older brother was the heir, and always seemed the favorite, but his time with his grandmother always took that pain away. He missed her so much , and could not bear to stay in the big house alone. The whole story is both filled with regency Christmas traditions, as well as regency life. The only way to survive as a daughter without being an heiress, is to marry up..Mr. Skinner would not be accepted, nor would she,. plus it would reflect badly on her whole family. Edmund does all possible to come between them, and finds it harder to not become romantically involved. He does not agree with Selina's personal objections to herself, and finds her beauty, and personality both to be of his taste. The fun is in getting them to trust each other, become friends, and perhaps even more. This story has no sexual, or language problems, and is a clean, and uplifting regency romance. I gave it 5 stars..
December 16, 2020
4.5/5
Delightful! I enjoyed it so much. The story is set in London, around 1814, at the Frost Fair. I had no idea this is something that actually happened: apparently the Thames River frosted over completely and the Londoners threw an entire fair on top of it.
Selina thinks she has her life in order, being secretly engaged to Noah, but she isn't expecting to feel so much for Sir Edmund. Edmund is staying with Selina and her mother over the holidays, so there are a lot of holiday activities and meals that keep the two in close proximity. The backdrop of Christmas is a perfect time for the two to realize their feelings for one another. And Sir Edmund is a swoony hero. Such a gentleman!!
There is an incident in the book involving a plum pudding disaster and I loved every word of the scenes involving that disaster! I also loved learning more about the frost fairs, and I'm excited that the fair is the setting for this series of novellas. I've purchased all five of them. (:
I 100% recommend Her Silent Knight for other readers that enjoy Regency romances.
Delightful! I enjoyed it so much. The story is set in London, around 1814, at the Frost Fair. I had no idea this is something that actually happened: apparently the Thames River frosted over completely and the Londoners threw an entire fair on top of it.
Selina thinks she has her life in order, being secretly engaged to Noah, but she isn't expecting to feel so much for Sir Edmund. Edmund is staying with Selina and her mother over the holidays, so there are a lot of holiday activities and meals that keep the two in close proximity. The backdrop of Christmas is a perfect time for the two to realize their feelings for one another. And Sir Edmund is a swoony hero. Such a gentleman!!
There is an incident in the book involving a plum pudding disaster and I loved every word of the scenes involving that disaster! I also loved learning more about the frost fairs, and I'm excited that the fair is the setting for this series of novellas. I've purchased all five of them. (:
I 100% recommend Her Silent Knight for other readers that enjoy Regency romances.
December 10, 2022
I love when the girl always starts out by hating the guy, while the guy is literally in love with her, or at least likes her. I mean, Edmund and Selina had known each other all their lives, but then Edmund sees Selina for the first time in years and he falls in love with her immediately. Like love at first sight. But of course Selina has some secret going on with some other dude and she keeps it going even though she’s literally in love with Edward. It’s fine. It all worked out in the end and it was adorable. And I loved that I could easily picture the shock on Mrs. Perry’s face when they told her of their engagement. Haha. Priceless.
December 23, 2020
Very cute Christmas story. Edmund is a little older and wiser than Selina and tries to stop her engagement to a fortune-hunter, losing his heart in the process. Great beginning to the Belles of Christmas series!
December 11, 2021
This is quite a pleasant and humorous adventure. The romance was appropriate, clean, and endearing.
I found myself unwilling to put it down and enjoyed every page.
I haven't read from this author before, but I will be again.
I found myself unwilling to put it down and enjoyed every page.
I haven't read from this author before, but I will be again.
December 4, 2022
*3.5 stars*
This was cute but felt like it was missing a lot of depth too it. But super sweet Christmasy vibes. I just wanted more emotion and connection to the characters. Plus the MC was a little too naive and frustrating at times.
This was cute but felt like it was missing a lot of depth too it. But super sweet Christmasy vibes. I just wanted more emotion and connection to the characters. Plus the MC was a little too naive and frustrating at times.
October 13, 2020
A sweet clean Christmas themed story involving the Frost Fair!
December 14, 2022
Another fun cute fluffy regency romance
December 16, 2022
This story was cute but predictable.
October 10, 2020
I always enjoy reading Ashtyn Newbold’s stories. Her storylines are always so well throughout and the characters seem to come alive right off the page. For this story, I love the character development for both Edmund and Selina. I thoroughly enjoyed their interactions with each other - even when they weren’t getting along together - and truly enjoyed the overall flow of this story along with the genuine emotions the style of writing evokes.
I also really appreciate that Newbold is a clean and wholesome writer. I don’t ever have to be concerned with the content of her stories being otherwise and I can always happily recommend her books as clean reads.
I received an arc of this book however this has not influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave a review.
I also really appreciate that Newbold is a clean and wholesome writer. I don’t ever have to be concerned with the content of her stories being otherwise and I can always happily recommend her books as clean reads.
I received an arc of this book however this has not influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave a review.
January 28, 2023
So enjoyable.
A clean and romantic love story. Edmund was a delightful hero. He was patient and kind, giving Selina time to mature in her understanding of true love. The characters were so well developed that it was easy to imagine how each one felt and why. This was an enjoyable read.
A clean and romantic love story. Edmund was a delightful hero. He was patient and kind, giving Selina time to mature in her understanding of true love. The characters were so well developed that it was easy to imagine how each one felt and why. This was an enjoyable read.
December 19, 2020
Sir Edmund, an old childhood acquaintance, feels responsible to protect Selina from a secret engagement.
November 2, 2020
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!” I’m a sucker for all things Christmas. Glory to our Savior, Christmas music, cookies!, decorations, cheesy hallmark movies and of course sweet romantic books!
The first 30% of this book was super slow and I wasn’t sure how it I was going to like it? The last 50% however was lovely. I really enjoyed Edmund and Selina. It was just a nice sweet romance with Christmas as a backdrop. What could be better?
The first 30% of this book was super slow and I wasn’t sure how it I was going to like it? The last 50% however was lovely. I really enjoyed Edmund and Selina. It was just a nice sweet romance with Christmas as a backdrop. What could be better?
December 14, 2020
His plan had been to teach her what love meant, not to experience anything like it himself. What a mess he was making. -Edmund
This is book 1 in the series and despite reading them out of order I had no problem following along. I will say having read 2 others, it would be fun to read in order and spot the Easter eggs from other books!
This is a very sweet romance full of Christmas spirit. Edmund steals the story for me as he tries his best to help Selina see everything she stubbornly tries not to see or admit. I enjoyed this regency romance and it was the perfect way to spend a couple nights wrapped in a blanket! The writing flowed so well and made this a very easy, enjoyable read! Anyone who loves a Regency Christmas Clean Romance will love this book!
This is book 1 in the series and despite reading them out of order I had no problem following along. I will say having read 2 others, it would be fun to read in order and spot the Easter eggs from other books!
This is a very sweet romance full of Christmas spirit. Edmund steals the story for me as he tries his best to help Selina see everything she stubbornly tries not to see or admit. I enjoyed this regency romance and it was the perfect way to spend a couple nights wrapped in a blanket! The writing flowed so well and made this a very easy, enjoyable read! Anyone who loves a Regency Christmas Clean Romance will love this book!
December 25, 2020
It was ok... However, I struggled to finish this. The reasons why: 1) the story was too unbelievable for me and 2) I didn't connect with the Hero and heroine at all. Also, Mr. Skinner towards the end of the book just disappeared.
December 31, 2025
It was OK. 3.5/5 stars. I had a hard time getting into it, and then I would become disinterested at varying points in the middle. The premise seemed a bit over the top. Edmund is confident Noah is a bad guy, and instead of taking steps to protect her. He goes along with it? Seems weird.
Selina goes to the Frost fair established after the Thames freezes over in 1814. Her mother has an unhealthy competition with a fellow neighbor, Mrs. Perry. Selina slips away to meet with a man she is secretly courting. Noah is the son of her family’s attorney, and someone her mother disfavors. She thinks herself in love although her list of reasons why is shallow. She acknowledges she needs to put more depth in that list. Noah proposes to her in a roundabout way. She agrees and they hug. She looks up and is startled to see a man she recognizes from her childhood. Edmund was a serious boy who would play with the her and her sister when his grandmother went to visit Selina’s mother. Edmund sees Selina‘s demeanor and immediately recognizes it as someone acting guilty; however, he is distressed when he realizes he knows Noah as well. He knows Noah to be an irresponsible man and womanizer. Edmund came to town to see his grandmother before she died, but the weather delayed him and he didn’t make it in time. Now he was delayed as her will was up in the air, and her attorney, also Noah’s father, is trapped outside of London due to weather. Weather has Edmund trapped in London. He decides to take on a project, a.k.a. protecting Selina from a terrible match. He suspects the match with Noah has something to do with Selina rebelling against her mother, but Selina claims it is love. Selina agrees to get him invited for the holidays if he agrees to not tell her mother about the hug. Edmund walks her back to her mother and in the process Selina slips on the ice taking Edmund down with her. Her mother is a huge fan of Edmund and invites him to stay with them for the holidays. He reveals that he has been knighted due to his work in the military, if I remember correctly.
Edmund quickly shows that he is intervening in her attempts to escape to meet Noah. Selina is enraged. Edmund realizes that she needs to recognize him as a friend, but Selina remains suspicious of his motivations. Edmund goes to the attorney’s office, hoping to find information regarding his grandmother’s will, where he runs into Noah. Noah holds a piece of paper over the fire and threatens Edmund that if he intervenes, Noah will destroy the will which presumably leaves his grandmother‘s fortune to Edmund. Noah also confesses that Selina is set to inherit a small fortune, explaining why Noah is pursuing the relationship. Edmund decides eventually that he needs to convince Selina into liking him to show her that her emotions are not everything and she isn’t in love. Selina tries to frame him for destroying her mother’s prized plum pudding. However, she makes enough noise outside his door that Edmund opens his door and sees her with the destroyed plum pudding. Her mother comes out and sees the mess and immediately launches into Selina. Edmund takes pity on her and says that he sleep walks and destroyed the pudding. Her mother quickly forgives him, and this begins Selina letting her guard down. They spend more time together recreating the plum pudding, playing chess, and setting up Christmas decorations. In the meantime, Noah has made plans for their elopement. Selina is doubting her choices. She feels jealous when Edmund is with other girls, and thinks of him, despite trying to convince herself, she just likes him as a friend. Edmund also has fallen for her and buys her a miniature tiger statute for Christmas. She had previously mentioned it as something she was drawn to, but couldn’t afford. On New Year’s Eve her mother finally tells Selina about her inheritance from the rich aunt and uncle. Selina becomes suspicious of Edmund after learning that he already knew about her inheritance. He confesses his plot to help her realize she did not care for Noah. He attempted to get her to fall in love with him instead. He confesses that’s how it started, but his feelings have now become real. Later, when she speaks to Noah, she perceives he is not genuine. When he denies knowing about her inheritance. She tells him she can’t marry him. He responds by forcing her to kiss him which seals her dislike. Edmund sees the kiss and misunderstands what happened. He explains the threat Noah lodged at him. Selina confesses to him she has broken off the engagement to Noah. Edmund spoke with one of the law clerks at the attorney’s office who advised his grandmother never sent an amended will. Instead, she explained that she would leave the well in her grandson’s possession. Edmund realizes that Noah may have lied about having his grandmother’s will over that fire. He searches his grandmother’s home and finds no will. Edmund proposes to Selina during the New Year’s Day dessert. They kiss and resolve their misunderstandings. Selena went to his grandmother’s house where she picked up the grandmother’s favorite elephant statute, and the will was located underneath leaving everything to Edmund. There was also this small side plot that Selina’s mother wanted a boy and Selina overheard that one day making her believe her mother didn’t love her as much as her sister. It felt kind of thrown in there to explain why Selina might have reveled against her mother with the secret courtship.
Selina goes to the Frost fair established after the Thames freezes over in 1814. Her mother has an unhealthy competition with a fellow neighbor, Mrs. Perry. Selina slips away to meet with a man she is secretly courting. Noah is the son of her family’s attorney, and someone her mother disfavors. She thinks herself in love although her list of reasons why is shallow. She acknowledges she needs to put more depth in that list. Noah proposes to her in a roundabout way. She agrees and they hug. She looks up and is startled to see a man she recognizes from her childhood. Edmund was a serious boy who would play with the her and her sister when his grandmother went to visit Selina’s mother. Edmund sees Selina‘s demeanor and immediately recognizes it as someone acting guilty; however, he is distressed when he realizes he knows Noah as well. He knows Noah to be an irresponsible man and womanizer. Edmund came to town to see his grandmother before she died, but the weather delayed him and he didn’t make it in time. Now he was delayed as her will was up in the air, and her attorney, also Noah’s father, is trapped outside of London due to weather. Weather has Edmund trapped in London. He decides to take on a project, a.k.a. protecting Selina from a terrible match. He suspects the match with Noah has something to do with Selina rebelling against her mother, but Selina claims it is love. Selina agrees to get him invited for the holidays if he agrees to not tell her mother about the hug. Edmund walks her back to her mother and in the process Selina slips on the ice taking Edmund down with her. Her mother is a huge fan of Edmund and invites him to stay with them for the holidays. He reveals that he has been knighted due to his work in the military, if I remember correctly.
Edmund quickly shows that he is intervening in her attempts to escape to meet Noah. Selina is enraged. Edmund realizes that she needs to recognize him as a friend, but Selina remains suspicious of his motivations. Edmund goes to the attorney’s office, hoping to find information regarding his grandmother’s will, where he runs into Noah. Noah holds a piece of paper over the fire and threatens Edmund that if he intervenes, Noah will destroy the will which presumably leaves his grandmother‘s fortune to Edmund. Noah also confesses that Selina is set to inherit a small fortune, explaining why Noah is pursuing the relationship. Edmund decides eventually that he needs to convince Selina into liking him to show her that her emotions are not everything and she isn’t in love. Selina tries to frame him for destroying her mother’s prized plum pudding. However, she makes enough noise outside his door that Edmund opens his door and sees her with the destroyed plum pudding. Her mother comes out and sees the mess and immediately launches into Selina. Edmund takes pity on her and says that he sleep walks and destroyed the pudding. Her mother quickly forgives him, and this begins Selina letting her guard down. They spend more time together recreating the plum pudding, playing chess, and setting up Christmas decorations. In the meantime, Noah has made plans for their elopement. Selina is doubting her choices. She feels jealous when Edmund is with other girls, and thinks of him, despite trying to convince herself, she just likes him as a friend. Edmund also has fallen for her and buys her a miniature tiger statute for Christmas. She had previously mentioned it as something she was drawn to, but couldn’t afford. On New Year’s Eve her mother finally tells Selina about her inheritance from the rich aunt and uncle. Selina becomes suspicious of Edmund after learning that he already knew about her inheritance. He confesses his plot to help her realize she did not care for Noah. He attempted to get her to fall in love with him instead. He confesses that’s how it started, but his feelings have now become real. Later, when she speaks to Noah, she perceives he is not genuine. When he denies knowing about her inheritance. She tells him she can’t marry him. He responds by forcing her to kiss him which seals her dislike. Edmund sees the kiss and misunderstands what happened. He explains the threat Noah lodged at him. Selina confesses to him she has broken off the engagement to Noah. Edmund spoke with one of the law clerks at the attorney’s office who advised his grandmother never sent an amended will. Instead, she explained that she would leave the well in her grandson’s possession. Edmund realizes that Noah may have lied about having his grandmother’s will over that fire. He searches his grandmother’s home and finds no will. Edmund proposes to Selina during the New Year’s Day dessert. They kiss and resolve their misunderstandings. Selena went to his grandmother’s house where she picked up the grandmother’s favorite elephant statute, and the will was located underneath leaving everything to Edmund. There was also this small side plot that Selina’s mother wanted a boy and Selina overheard that one day making her believe her mother didn’t love her as much as her sister. It felt kind of thrown in there to explain why Selina might have reveled against her mother with the secret courtship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2024
THIS MAY HAVE BEEN THE WORST BOOK I READ THIS YEAR AND IM ACTUALLY FINE WITH IT. There was a freedom in starting the first few pages, realizing how badly written it was and how crazy unoriginal the plot was going to be and STILL TAKING A SILLY LITTLE RIDE IN MY LONG VICTORIAN NIGHT GOWN.
Side Notes
•Hmm. She really thought of a silly little Christmas pun then crafted an entire regency romance around it. but is it regency? it wasn't giving that vibe AT ALL. i would've thought Victorian for sure.
•The first two pages were really confusing for some reason. Somehow way too much and too little information were packed into it. Just SET THE SCENE ! NOT THE WHOLE PLOT AND CHARACTERS. let us settle in. it's a Christmas book. also why doesnt she know how to swim?
•On the first page ALONE the author uses an em dash, an ellipses, apostrophes, the word 'cacophony', and an anecdote about two young boys. like CHILLLL 🎄
• It's only page 6 and there's already SO MANY EM DASHES. can we use these more sparingly pls.
• Of course the GOOD GUY has blue eyes and the BAD GUY has brown eyes. CLASSIC.
• She used the phrase "he was doing it too brown"... i had to google this expression. apparently, it's a regency expression but honestly the language in this book is pretty modern and i just thought this was a racist comment LOLL. Edmund also says “Lud…” at one point, WHICH I THOUGHT was the villan’s name but no, it’s a regency expression. I HAD TO GOOGLE IT. if you’re going to break into old timey speak. make it make sense
•Sometimes it switched POV’s during the chapter and it wasnt obvious enough and made the reading confusing at times 😀
• Towards the end, I was enjoying it a smidgeon more, but nothing REALLY happens in this book since the author just keeps telling us the same 5 things about the plot and characters but we dont really see the action take place. LIKE WE WANT TO SEE THEM FALL IN LOVE DONT JUST TELLING US THEY’RE FALLING IN LOVE EVERY CHAPTER.
• and what was her thing with her mom? not given enough screen time.
language: none
steam: negative
October 28, 2020
Her Silent Knight by Ashtyn Newbold is the first story I’ve read by this author but it will not be the last. This Regency Romance is a great read and fully put me in a holiday mood. I was so thoroughly engaged in the narrative that I read it in under 24 hours. I found the characters to be well-written, unique, and relatable. The romance between Selina and Edmund is sweet and grows naturally and realistically over the course of the story. I especially LOVE the witty banter between the hero and heroine. I have to admit I laughed out loud a couple of times! And, I appreciate the historical details. I have never heard of London’s Frost Fair, but it sounds like it was a once-in-a-lifetime historical event. I can only imagine the trepidation one felt walking on the frozen Thames. Personally, knowing my luck, I would have been the person to step on the one crack that would send me into the depths of the river. LOL!
Edmund is an excellent hero and my favorite character in this story. He is tall, dark, and handsome. He is literally a knight who will rescue Selina from certain peril! Edmund is a planner. He is aware that Selina has unknowingly found herself in a romantic predicament and so he makes a plan to save the day. But that plan doesn’t work the way he wants or in the best interest of Selina, so he takes a step back and plans better. I love this! It was fun to see Edmund’s brain in action and it was awesome to see him re-work his plan to better help the woman he comes to love. I also really appreciate Edmund’s sacrificial nature. Early in the story, we see that Edmund is trapped in blackmail. This blackmail involves Selina. Of course, it’s a seriously frustrating scenario for Edmund. How do you help someone when helping directly leads to you getting hurt? This is the question Edmund has to wrestle with in this sweet story. I will not spoil a single second of his journey through this pickle; however, I will say that Edmund truly is a knight in shining armor and it’s really fun to watch him save his fair maiden from a very persistent dragon.
Her Silent Knight by Ashtyn Newbold is a highly engaging, fast-paced, Regency Romance that I highly recommend. I had so much fun reading this story and can’t wait to read book 2, All is Mary and Bright. If you are in the mood for a lovely Regency Romance that will get you into the holiday spirit then Her Silent Knight is the book for you!
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on October 9, 2020, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Edmund is an excellent hero and my favorite character in this story. He is tall, dark, and handsome. He is literally a knight who will rescue Selina from certain peril! Edmund is a planner. He is aware that Selina has unknowingly found herself in a romantic predicament and so he makes a plan to save the day. But that plan doesn’t work the way he wants or in the best interest of Selina, so he takes a step back and plans better. I love this! It was fun to see Edmund’s brain in action and it was awesome to see him re-work his plan to better help the woman he comes to love. I also really appreciate Edmund’s sacrificial nature. Early in the story, we see that Edmund is trapped in blackmail. This blackmail involves Selina. Of course, it’s a seriously frustrating scenario for Edmund. How do you help someone when helping directly leads to you getting hurt? This is the question Edmund has to wrestle with in this sweet story. I will not spoil a single second of his journey through this pickle; however, I will say that Edmund truly is a knight in shining armor and it’s really fun to watch him save his fair maiden from a very persistent dragon.
Her Silent Knight by Ashtyn Newbold is a highly engaging, fast-paced, Regency Romance that I highly recommend. I had so much fun reading this story and can’t wait to read book 2, All is Mary and Bright. If you are in the mood for a lovely Regency Romance that will get you into the holiday spirit then Her Silent Knight is the book for you!
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on October 9, 2020, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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