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After enduring a horrible marriage to her late husband, the Marquess of Dunsmore, Jane Moore is finally free to lead her own life. But it's the Christmas season, and she feels quite discontent. In an effort to cheer herself up, she decides to host a house party at Dunsmore Castle. It will be the perfect opportunity to try her hand at matchmaking.
Alden, Lord Dunsmore, has no desire to attend a house party, but he decides to accept the invitation rather than spend the holiday season alone. Again. It helps that the party will be hosted by a woman that he finds most intriguing. This will give him the chance to spend additional time with her.
As Jane recruits Alden to help with her matchmaking attempts, she slowly lowers the barriers around her heart and begins to trust the charming lord. But when he discovers she has a secret that she's been keeping from him, will he be able to forgive her for her deceit? Will the magic of Christmas be enough for two vastly different people to take a chance on love?
Alden, Lord Dunsmore, has no desire to attend a house party, but he decides to accept the invitation rather than spend the holiday season alone. Again. It helps that the party will be hosted by a woman that he finds most intriguing. This will give him the chance to spend additional time with her.
As Jane recruits Alden to help with her matchmaking attempts, she slowly lowers the barriers around her heart and begins to trust the charming lord. But when he discovers she has a secret that she's been keeping from him, will he be able to forgive her for her deceit? Will the magic of Christmas be enough for two vastly different people to take a chance on love?
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2020
246 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Laura Beers
77 books497 followersLaura Beers is an award-winning author. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. She can't sing, doesn't dance and loves naps.
Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.
You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.
Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.
You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 16, 2020
I read this book in one sitting. I didn't want to put it down until I found out if Jane could find a happily-ever-after. It was fun that there was more than one romance happening at the same time, that was a bonus.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
October 17, 2020
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it. Such a sweet novella! I loved getting to know Jane and Alden in this story. Great characters. Can’t wait to hear more about Hannah and Oliver!
October 17, 2020
I love novellas and this was a great afternoon read. I am glad Jane decided to open her heart again!
October 19, 2020
Lady Jane Dunsmore is feeling out of sorts. The holiday season is near so she decides throwing a small house party will cheer herself up and it will be the perfect opportunity to play matchmaker between her brother Oliver and her friend Hannah (Miss Bell). Much to Lady Jane's dismay, one of the guests, the new Lord Dunsmore, arrives for the party two days early. Jane doesn't have anything against her late husband's cousin Alden, but after her horrible marriage to the late Lord Dunsmore she doesn't plan to marry ever again.
I loved this novella--I started it one day and finished it the next morning. I had to see if Jane would figure out she belonged with Alden and would get her happily ever after. I love how Alden interacted with Jane, and how he was patient for her feelings to catch up with his. I loved Jane's tender heart for little Patrick and Lucy. I almost cried when Jane made herself vulnerable and revealed how bad her marriage to the late Lord Dunsmore was. No wonder she had closed off her heart and didn't trust herself to love again. I really liked that we get two happily ever afters in one book, and I love that the author gave us an epilogue.
I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I loved this novella--I started it one day and finished it the next morning. I had to see if Jane would figure out she belonged with Alden and would get her happily ever after. I love how Alden interacted with Jane, and how he was patient for her feelings to catch up with his. I loved Jane's tender heart for little Patrick and Lucy. I almost cried when Jane made herself vulnerable and revealed how bad her marriage to the late Lord Dunsmore was. No wonder she had closed off her heart and didn't trust herself to love again. I really liked that we get two happily ever afters in one book, and I love that the author gave us an epilogue.
I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 14, 2020
This is a sweet novella. I love books by Laura Beers and this is a perfect Christmas read.
Jane, the widow, is tired of being alone and miserable. She decides to throw a house party at Christmas time and plays a little matchmaker but finds her heart is beating faster around a certain gentleman. She swore she’d never marry after her horrible husband died.
Alden has always liked Jane but he was wary being around her. Having heard accounts of his late cousin’s mistreatmeant of her. Jane asks for his help with playing matchmaker, coincidentally throwing himself with Jane but he doesn’t mind at all. Maybe if he is given enough time, he can try to change her mind of never marrying again.
Fun Christmas activities and charity and warming of hearts. This book can be read as a stand alone. This book releases this week and I received an arc copy from the author for review but these are my own thoughts and opinions.
Jane, the widow, is tired of being alone and miserable. She decides to throw a house party at Christmas time and plays a little matchmaker but finds her heart is beating faster around a certain gentleman. She swore she’d never marry after her horrible husband died.
Alden has always liked Jane but he was wary being around her. Having heard accounts of his late cousin’s mistreatmeant of her. Jane asks for his help with playing matchmaker, coincidentally throwing himself with Jane but he doesn’t mind at all. Maybe if he is given enough time, he can try to change her mind of never marrying again.
Fun Christmas activities and charity and warming of hearts. This book can be read as a stand alone. This book releases this week and I received an arc copy from the author for review but these are my own thoughts and opinions.
October 13, 2020
Jane was previously married and determined not to marry again. Her late husband was abusive and she will not let herself be in that position again. However, she is not above matchmaking for her friend, Miss Bell and Her Brother, and therefore determines to have a house party for the Christmas Holidays. When her father insists upon some less than desirable guests, she finds herself working a bit harder to arrange things. Her husband's heir Alden supports her in all of this and will support her should she choose to not marry again, but may or may not want to know her better himself.
No heart is safe when house parties happen and mistletoe abounds.
I received an eARC and this is my honest review.
No heart is safe when house parties happen and mistletoe abounds.
I received an eARC and this is my honest review.
October 17, 2020
This is a charming and heartfelt story. Even though Jane survived her horrid marriage, now as a widow she is free to live her life. But when she has a Christmas house party she never expects the friendship and feelings she has for Alden. Add in a couple of orphans and this book is surely a treat to be devoured. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing
October 17, 2020
Loved it!
So happy that this series was extended and I really loved this book. The characters were instantly endearing and it was a heart warming story to read. Highly recommended. 💕
So happy that this series was extended and I really loved this book. The characters were instantly endearing and it was a heart warming story to read. Highly recommended. 💕
October 11, 2020
This was one of my favorite books in this series. I loves the connection that Jane and Alden had right off the bat and how playful they were with each other. A good and easy read!
October 5, 2020
This was a nice and enjoyable short story that has a young widow with an unhappy marriage behind her. She decides to have a small house party to try to do a bit of matchmaking. She herself ends up with a few surprises of her own. There was a bit of humor along with well developed characters despite the story being shorter. We end up with a sweet romance or two. Very nice read
October 19, 2020
I have enjoyed all of the books in the Ladies of Miss Bell's Finishing School and this latest book did not disappoint.
This story can be read as a stand alone even though it mentions people from the series.
A former student of Miss Bell's school is now a widow after suffering through a horrible marriage that was arranged by her father. To the people around her she has mourned her dead husband properly and seems to have gone on in life with a good attitude. In reality she has not really recovered from the treatment she received from the Marquess of Dunsmore, and even after two years she has no desire to ever have another husband. The only problem is that Jane Moore, the Marquisette of Dunsmore has too much time on her hands that leaves her remembering the atrocities of her past.
The decision to hold a Christmas house party, to fill up that void leaves her inviting a group of people including some she is forced to invite by her father. Inviting the new Lord of Dunsmore was just a polite request and Jane hopes that he will refuse the invitation because he makes her feel uncomfortable. To her surprise not only does he accept the invitation but he will be arriving days before the event begins.
Alden, the Lord of Dunsmore has no desire to accept the House party invitation but he really doesn't want to spend another Christmas Season alone as his parents and brother are deceased. He is also interested in becoming more acquainted with Jane Moore- a woman who always seems to have an outward happiness but he has seen the sadness in her eyes.
This Christmas story is filled with traditions, some matchmaking and some healing for Jane Moore. I enjoyed watching her come alive again.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
This story can be read as a stand alone even though it mentions people from the series.
A former student of Miss Bell's school is now a widow after suffering through a horrible marriage that was arranged by her father. To the people around her she has mourned her dead husband properly and seems to have gone on in life with a good attitude. In reality she has not really recovered from the treatment she received from the Marquess of Dunsmore, and even after two years she has no desire to ever have another husband. The only problem is that Jane Moore, the Marquisette of Dunsmore has too much time on her hands that leaves her remembering the atrocities of her past.
The decision to hold a Christmas house party, to fill up that void leaves her inviting a group of people including some she is forced to invite by her father. Inviting the new Lord of Dunsmore was just a polite request and Jane hopes that he will refuse the invitation because he makes her feel uncomfortable. To her surprise not only does he accept the invitation but he will be arriving days before the event begins.
Alden, the Lord of Dunsmore has no desire to accept the House party invitation but he really doesn't want to spend another Christmas Season alone as his parents and brother are deceased. He is also interested in becoming more acquainted with Jane Moore- a woman who always seems to have an outward happiness but he has seen the sadness in her eyes.
This Christmas story is filled with traditions, some matchmaking and some healing for Jane Moore. I enjoyed watching her come alive again.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
May 14, 2025
Disappointing
Storyline: It was acceptable but not particularly original: a widow who was badly mistreated by her late husband and who now distrusts men.
Characters: There is not a great deal of background information about the characters. No effort was made to render them likeable or relatable. I found they remained superficial and shallow.
Writing: There is an incoherence from the outset of this book. At the beginning we are led to believe the main female character is rather aloof and reserved and, because of her past experiences, distrusts men, including the main male character. Then we read she is sharing intimate details of her marriage with him, a virtual stranger. That is inconsistent with her character.
Another statement which is implausible is that her late husband invited his mistress to live with his wife and himself. In the eyes of the ton this would have made him a social pariah. This would be inconceivable.
Dialogue: The dialogue and the emotions expressed are so obvious; there is so subtlety whatsoever. Very bland and unpolished.
One third of the way through this book, I wanted to delete it but decided to continue in the hope the writing would improve. Well, I made it almost halfway but can’t be bothered to continue. A great disappointment. It seems to me I’ve read previous books from this series and greatly enjoyed them. It would seem the writer ran out of inspiration.
Storyline: It was acceptable but not particularly original: a widow who was badly mistreated by her late husband and who now distrusts men.
Characters: There is not a great deal of background information about the characters. No effort was made to render them likeable or relatable. I found they remained superficial and shallow.
Writing: There is an incoherence from the outset of this book. At the beginning we are led to believe the main female character is rather aloof and reserved and, because of her past experiences, distrusts men, including the main male character. Then we read she is sharing intimate details of her marriage with him, a virtual stranger. That is inconsistent with her character.
Another statement which is implausible is that her late husband invited his mistress to live with his wife and himself. In the eyes of the ton this would have made him a social pariah. This would be inconceivable.
Dialogue: The dialogue and the emotions expressed are so obvious; there is so subtlety whatsoever. Very bland and unpolished.
One third of the way through this book, I wanted to delete it but decided to continue in the hope the writing would improve. Well, I made it almost halfway but can’t be bothered to continue. A great disappointment. It seems to me I’ve read previous books from this series and greatly enjoyed them. It would seem the writer ran out of inspiration.
October 18, 2020
A woman glad to be a widow plus a man drawn to her together at a house party. What fun!
Jane has escaped a marriage both physically and emotionally abusive by the unexpected death of her husband. Her mourning period is over but she still suffers from the memories of the abuse. As an antidote to her sadness, she decides to throw a house party. Not only will it give her something to do but she will have a chance to play matchmaker for her friend and her brother. Other friends and family members are also invited along with her deceased husband’s second cousin, Alden, the new Marquess of Dunsmore. Mix in two orphaned children, an interfering father, a hopeless, scandalous flirt and a snooty, nit picking mother-in-law and you have a fun, entertaining and enjoyable read. A book with enough twists and turns to keep everything interesting. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Jane has escaped a marriage both physically and emotionally abusive by the unexpected death of her husband. Her mourning period is over but she still suffers from the memories of the abuse. As an antidote to her sadness, she decides to throw a house party. Not only will it give her something to do but she will have a chance to play matchmaker for her friend and her brother. Other friends and family members are also invited along with her deceased husband’s second cousin, Alden, the new Marquess of Dunsmore. Mix in two orphaned children, an interfering father, a hopeless, scandalous flirt and a snooty, nit picking mother-in-law and you have a fun, entertaining and enjoyable read. A book with enough twists and turns to keep everything interesting. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2020
A second chance
Jane was a widow and decided to give an impromptu Christmas party. Alden has taken over the title of her late obnoxious whore of a husband! Lord Alden is genuinely a nice guy! So rare in any of these stories! He has worked hard and had a loving family but they are all gone! He was happy to receive the invitation as he would have been alone. You immediately see that he is the nice understanding type so it wasn't clear why Jane thought he would toss the children (orphans) out??? There are two love stories that are intertwined and as always a desperate female in the works! There is a HEA but trust is the key!
Jane was a widow and decided to give an impromptu Christmas party. Alden has taken over the title of her late obnoxious whore of a husband! Lord Alden is genuinely a nice guy! So rare in any of these stories! He has worked hard and had a loving family but they are all gone! He was happy to receive the invitation as he would have been alone. You immediately see that he is the nice understanding type so it wasn't clear why Jane thought he would toss the children (orphans) out??? There are two love stories that are intertwined and as always a desperate female in the works! There is a HEA but trust is the key!
October 18, 2020
What a great read! Perfect length to read in an afternoon. A sweet story of finding happiness after thinking all is lost. Jane is widowed (fortunately) from a disastrous marriage. She says she will never marry again! Alden is the entailed owner of the estate. She invites him to a house party because of obligation (it is his house). I just love these two! Running into each other at every turn, cute bantering, and the secret Matchmaking was so fun. I haven’t read the others in the series (make note to do that), this can be read as a wonderful stand alone novella.
October 18, 2020
This was a sweet read. I loved how the main characters came together. I loved how Alden was able to break through the walls that Jane had erected after her first marriage to a terrible man. I like that their romance took time. That they had to get to know each other and be willing to let love in. I also loved the little bit of matchmaking that was going on. Overall, a very cute book.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
October 21, 2020
Great characters that grab your heart! Fantastic story of strength and healing that will grab the reader from page one. A sweet clean romance that brings about healing and tremendous love. Fun Christmas events that have you smelling the fresh pine and picturing the beautiful decorations. Family and love for those less fortunate only bring this beautiful story full circle. This is a charming story that will have you wishing it didn’t have an end!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
October 24, 2020
The 5th book in the Ladies of Miss Bell’s Finishing School, The Widow, by Laura Beers, is a fantastic and sweet quick read! Jane is a well-written and good-hearted character. I enjoyed her plans to bring others together to help them to find happiness. And I loved Alden! He has a good and kind heart and a desire to help Jane find happiness of her own. A really great and fun addition to this cute and wonderfully clean and romantic series!
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
October 31, 2020
Good clean read
This has been a fun series. Enjoyed the story though it didn't have a lot of excitement or adventure or anything like that. However it was a relaxing story.
My only criticism is that I felt the conversations were often stilted and a little unnatural. Some statements were repeated regularly enough to notice. So the conversation didn't seem to flow naturally many times. Too many words and too formal. Even the 3 year old occasionally sounded like a 8-10 year old in speaking.
Barring that it was a nice story.
This has been a fun series. Enjoyed the story though it didn't have a lot of excitement or adventure or anything like that. However it was a relaxing story.
My only criticism is that I felt the conversations were often stilted and a little unnatural. Some statements were repeated regularly enough to notice. So the conversation didn't seem to flow naturally many times. Too many words and too formal. Even the 3 year old occasionally sounded like a 8-10 year old in speaking.
Barring that it was a nice story.
November 30, 2020
Adorable
What a beautiful Christmas story.. This is my first book from this author.. There's nothing I didn't love love about this story.. The characters you could feel their chemistry, the details that were described of the wreaths etc were incredible, the happily ever after was even better especially for the two children that are this story.. I definitely plan on looking into more books from this author..
What a beautiful Christmas story.. This is my first book from this author.. There's nothing I didn't love love about this story.. The characters you could feel their chemistry, the details that were described of the wreaths etc were incredible, the happily ever after was even better especially for the two children that are this story.. I definitely plan on looking into more books from this author..
November 19, 2020
Clean romance
Another book in a sweet series, that is a stand alone story but so much richer when read with the other books and characters. It allows for a different view of the same people at times.
I liked the fact that with the kindness and love it can allow healing and promise.
I recommend this book and series and author!
Another book in a sweet series, that is a stand alone story but so much richer when read with the other books and characters. It allows for a different view of the same people at times.
I liked the fact that with the kindness and love it can allow healing and promise.
I recommend this book and series and author!
December 10, 2020
Intriguing, intelligent and romantic
I liked the strong heroine ; she had a lot to heal from after her first marriage. The hero was dashing and likable. The family interaction was also an interesting part of the story. And the waifs melted your heart. Good Christmas Story too!
I liked the strong heroine ; she had a lot to heal from after her first marriage. The hero was dashing and likable. The family interaction was also an interesting part of the story. And the waifs melted your heart. Good Christmas Story too!
July 4, 2023
A sweet well written story
The plot is a little different than most historical romances, it is engaging and well developed by the author. The author does a very good job of drawing in the reader with well written dialog and character development. A must read for historical romance lovers.
The plot is a little different than most historical romances, it is engaging and well developed by the author. The author does a very good job of drawing in the reader with well written dialog and character development. A must read for historical romance lovers.
October 17, 2020
I loved this sweet romance novella! I was horrified about what Jane had to endure in her first marriage. She deserved a real marriage to a man who cherished her. I’m so glad that she opened her heart again. A definite recommendation for this book!
October 18, 2020
The widow has a Christmas house part
Every Laura Beers book I read is 5 star rated. The characters are always. likeable and adding in a matchmaking scheme,, Christmas decorations, and orphans...a complete delight. Thank you Laura for an enjoyable read.
Every Laura Beers book I read is 5 star rated. The characters are always. likeable and adding in a matchmaking scheme,, Christmas decorations, and orphans...a complete delight. Thank you Laura for an enjoyable read.
October 18, 2020
Lovely
Two HEA for the price of one. This is a sweet romance that traces the healing power of love. It doesn’t go into depth but it was so tenderly done that i found it deeply enjoyable.
Two HEA for the price of one. This is a sweet romance that traces the healing power of love. It doesn’t go into depth but it was so tenderly done that i found it deeply enjoyable.
October 21, 2020
Sweet!
Yet another unique and sweet read from Laura Beers! This was a fascinating story of trust and kindness. This was a sweet and clean read, I'd rate it PG for kissing and brief, non-detailed mentions of domestic abuse.
Yet another unique and sweet read from Laura Beers! This was a fascinating story of trust and kindness. This was a sweet and clean read, I'd rate it PG for kissing and brief, non-detailed mentions of domestic abuse.
October 29, 2020
I loved this book!
Lady Jane Dunsmore is throwing a house party for Christmas.
But rather than repeat the book blurb, I will simply let you know that the writing was excellent, the characters totally engaging, and the HEA completely deserved!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story!
Lady Jane Dunsmore is throwing a house party for Christmas.
But rather than repeat the book blurb, I will simply let you know that the writing was excellent, the characters totally engaging, and the HEA completely deserved!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story!
November 14, 2020
Worth the quick read
The characters were well developed and the plot was entertaining. I felt like I was in the story, and I could feel the emotions of the characters. I understood the fear and hurt, and was excited for the love and trust. If you don’t have time for a long novel, but want a quick uplifting story, this book is it.
The characters were well developed and the plot was entertaining. I felt like I was in the story, and I could feel the emotions of the characters. I understood the fear and hurt, and was excited for the love and trust. If you don’t have time for a long novel, but want a quick uplifting story, this book is it.
January 20, 2022
Widow finally finds love the second time.
After marrying who she was matched up to the first time to a violent rake, she chooses the next time. Becomes who she was meant to and finds true happiness.
After marrying who she was matched up to the first time to a violent rake, she chooses the next time. Becomes who she was meant to and finds true happiness.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews