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The Daltons #1
The Captain's Midwinter Bride
Is the bride he left behind ready to be his wife?
Life at sea sharpened Captain Phillip Dalton into a shrewd and strategic military man...yet none of those skills prepared him for the intricacies of planning his daughter’s upcoming Christmas wedding. His family, most especially his wife, are all but strangers to him thanks to his service to the Crown. But if Phillip finds himself bewitched by his practical, charming, and guileless wife, he does his best to hide his struggles.
Annalise Dalton raised two children and built a comfortable life for herself while her husband of convenience provided for them from afar. But now Phillip's home to stay, and she finds it impossible to ignore his gruff manner, brilliant blue eyes, or the gentle way he looks after her needs. And if Annalise is unnerved by the budding feelings her husband inspires in her, she does her best to hide how they unsettle her.
When past secrets and misunderstandings threaten the tenuous steps they've taken to create a real and loving marriage, can Phillip and Annalise overcome the years they spent apart to forge a happy future together, and for every Christmas to come?
Life at sea sharpened Captain Phillip Dalton into a shrewd and strategic military man...yet none of those skills prepared him for the intricacies of planning his daughter’s upcoming Christmas wedding. His family, most especially his wife, are all but strangers to him thanks to his service to the Crown. But if Phillip finds himself bewitched by his practical, charming, and guileless wife, he does his best to hide his struggles.
Annalise Dalton raised two children and built a comfortable life for herself while her husband of convenience provided for them from afar. But now Phillip's home to stay, and she finds it impossible to ignore his gruff manner, brilliant blue eyes, or the gentle way he looks after her needs. And if Annalise is unnerved by the budding feelings her husband inspires in her, she does her best to hide how they unsettle her.
When past secrets and misunderstandings threaten the tenuous steps they've taken to create a real and loving marriage, can Phillip and Annalise overcome the years they spent apart to forge a happy future together, and for every Christmas to come?
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2020
21 people are currently reading
929 people want to read
About the author
Liana De la Rosa
14 books878 followersLiana De la Rosa wrangles her children by day, and writes USA Today Bestselling romance by night. For details on her current project, visit her at lianadelarosa.com or find her on social media under @LianainBloom.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
December 14, 2020
Adorable!
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: I need more stories about partners making their marriage/relationship work.
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: I need more stories about partners making their marriage/relationship work.
December 6, 2020
4.5 Stars.
This was SUCH A CUTE Christmas novella! I have been wanting to read more romances between people who are already married and are facing struggles, and that's what this one is! Phillip is a captain and has spent most of their marriage gone at sea, leaving Annalise to struggle with keeping up the household and raising their two children all alone. Now, their daughter is getting married and Phillip has retired and they are learning more about each other.
This was just so dang cute and I loved how Phillip realized what actually happened while he was gone and was trying to make it up to his wife. He's also estranged from his children and has to work to get close to them again and be involved in their lives. I really loved their daughter's story and would love to see a book about her! But, overall, I really loved Phillip and Annalise's story and thought this was a great novella!
This was SUCH A CUTE Christmas novella! I have been wanting to read more romances between people who are already married and are facing struggles, and that's what this one is! Phillip is a captain and has spent most of their marriage gone at sea, leaving Annalise to struggle with keeping up the household and raising their two children all alone. Now, their daughter is getting married and Phillip has retired and they are learning more about each other.
This was just so dang cute and I loved how Phillip realized what actually happened while he was gone and was trying to make it up to his wife. He's also estranged from his children and has to work to get close to them again and be involved in their lives. I really loved their daughter's story and would love to see a book about her! But, overall, I really loved Phillip and Annalise's story and thought this was a great novella!
November 27, 2021
What a lovely Holiday novella! Really liked that the MC’s are both in their 40’s and married. This was a beautiful story.
July 30, 2021
3.5☆☆☆☆
The downside of this story was that it was too short.
I so wanted to see more of those two, and the daughter 's story as well.
But for a novela this was absolutely good.
*as a rule I never rate novelas higher than 4 stars, it doesn't feel right.
The downside of this story was that it was too short.
I so wanted to see more of those two, and the daughter 's story as well.
But for a novela this was absolutely good.
*as a rule I never rate novelas higher than 4 stars, it doesn't feel right.
December 21, 2023
Super cute and a tad angsty, I loved the bite-sized length bc my attention span rn is absolutely SHOT, but I definitely would’ve read a full book of this story. I wanted to see even more tension and pining between the two because it was delicious, but even still, it worked really well as a novella. I’m hesitant to read book two because the guy is courting someone else (her cousin!!!)…but it’s only 120 pages so how long can that truthfully go on??? I love Liana’s writing so much.
December 17, 2024
⭐⭐⭐
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Older/mature couple.👍👏👏👏👏
(Both main characters are 40+)
“Older” heroine. (42)👏👍
Some parts of the story were a little interesting.
The main characters were good/caring and supportive parents.
(Especially the heroine.)
Christmas vibes.
➖ What I disliked:
Plot-holes and believability/plausibility issues etc.
(Why would the hero not notice that the heroine and the household was struggling financially when he was home on leave?
Did the hero not see how meager everything was in the household when he was home on leave… why there were no servants even-though there should have been money for that etc.
Did the hero not seek out his brother/family to confront and investigate how and why they did what they did? And there were no consequences?
Were there no consequences for the daughter of the main characters for her breach of promise and nothing happened to her reputation?
Both the daughters betrothed and his mother were portrayed as manipulative and scheming people… so just accepting what happened and not make problems is contradicting among other things.
And what happened with the man that had been and was lecherous towards the heroine?
That the main characters had been married for more than 20 years and had 2 children together and still did not know each other.
Yes, the hero was in the navy and was gone often… but seriously 20+ years of marriage and they still did not really know each other and were also awkward and stilted in their relationship.
And some other issues that were never resolved… or resolved too quickly and too easily)
The ending was rushed and kind of abrupt.
A little too much time and focus was spent on other things than the actual romance between the main characters.
The romantic build-up and chemistry was rather lacking and unconvincing.
The couples long-running miscommunications/misunderstandings.
(Now when older they did try to communicate which was good …. but it was like they did not really listen to each other …. But also it was as they never had a adult conversation in over 20+ years of marriage.)
Anachronistic.
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice of the hero.
(Hero= tall, muscular, very handsome)
➖ 😒👎 The cover is not representative at all…. The heroine and hero are 40+ and the heroine is described as a lush/rounded and somewhat curvaceous heroine...……. The cover shows a slender/thin and rather young looking woman on the cover…but also a rather young looking man... Not at all like the heroine and hero are described/portrayed in the book.
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Older/mature couple.👍👏👏👏👏
(Both main characters are 40+)
“Older” heroine. (42)👏👍
Some parts of the story were a little interesting.
The main characters were good/caring and supportive parents.
(Especially the heroine.)
Christmas vibes.
➖ What I disliked:
Plot-holes and believability/plausibility issues etc.
(Why would the hero not notice that the heroine and the household was struggling financially when he was home on leave?
Did the hero not see how meager everything was in the household when he was home on leave… why there were no servants even-though there should have been money for that etc.
Did the hero not seek out his brother/family to confront and investigate how and why they did what they did? And there were no consequences?
Were there no consequences for the daughter of the main characters for her breach of promise and nothing happened to her reputation?
Both the daughters betrothed and his mother were portrayed as manipulative and scheming people… so just accepting what happened and not make problems is contradicting among other things.
And what happened with the man that had been and was lecherous towards the heroine?
That the main characters had been married for more than 20 years and had 2 children together and still did not know each other.
Yes, the hero was in the navy and was gone often… but seriously 20+ years of marriage and they still did not really know each other and were also awkward and stilted in their relationship.
And some other issues that were never resolved… or resolved too quickly and too easily)
The ending was rushed and kind of abrupt.
A little too much time and focus was spent on other things than the actual romance between the main characters.
The romantic build-up and chemistry was rather lacking and unconvincing.
The couples long-running miscommunications/misunderstandings.
(Now when older they did try to communicate which was good …. but it was like they did not really listen to each other …. But also it was as they never had a adult conversation in over 20+ years of marriage.)
Anachronistic.
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice of the hero.
(Hero= tall, muscular, very handsome)
➖ 😒👎 The cover is not representative at all…. The heroine and hero are 40+ and the heroine is described as a lush/rounded and somewhat curvaceous heroine...……. The cover shows a slender/thin and rather young looking woman on the cover…but also a rather young looking man... Not at all like the heroine and hero are described/portrayed in the book.
November 10, 2020
The Captain's Midwinter Bride
Holiday Novella series #1
Liana De La Rosa
https://www.facebook.com/LianainBloom/
Release date 11/12/2020
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Life at sea sharpened Captain Phillip Dalton into a shrewd and strategic military man...yet none of those skills prepared him for the intricacies of planning his daughter’s upcoming Christmas wedding. His family, most especially his wife, are all but strangers to him thanks to his service to the Crown. But if Phillip finds himself bewitched by his practical, charming, and guileless wife, he does his best to hide his struggles.
Annalise Dalton raised two children and built a comfortable life for herself while her husband of convenience provided for them from afar. But now Phillip's home to stay, and she finds it impossible to ignore his gruff manner, brilliant blue eyes, or the gentle way he looks after her needs. And if Annalise is unnerved by the budding feelings her husband inspires in her, she does her best to hide how they unsettle her.
When past secrets and misunderstandings threaten the tenuous steps they've taken to create a real and loving marriage, can Phillip and Annalise overcome the years they spent apart to forge a happy future together, and for every Christmas to come?
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they be able to give a second breath to their peculiar marriage ...
It is not very often I read romance set after the usual fairytale Happily Ever After, thus the wedding day.
And this one is set 25 years after this very moment. Yet the heroes lived far from a fairytale. Having spent much more time apart than together. But now Annalise’s husband is retiring from Naval’s life, it is like a new beginning or the end of them.
As they must reacquaint with the other, his leave times did not prepared them for the person they now are.
Annalise faced parenthood, lack of funds, children turned adolescent and so on, all alone.
Yet she has always known her husband to be someone she could rely on.
But now she is no more queen of her kingdom, what of her, what of them.
Philip went where he was ordered, but he always came back. Their marriage might having been one rushed on because of Annalise’s circumstances at the time. It is one he never regretted. He knows he has selected the perfect bride from him. He enjoyed his time at home, get to know his children even if he missed most of their growing up.
But as shabby things come to light, they must also prepare their daughter’s marriage and it’s not all rosy when they have doubt upon the fiancé commitment to their daughter.
What a charming read of two people who get a second chance together, who open their heart, who listen to the other’s struggles but stand together for their child.
I loved every minutes of this story with two mature and less prone to fits of temper lovers, lovers who must reinvent themselves to give their marriage a second life.
5 stars
I have just one remark, they never faced Philip’s brother for his lies.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Holiday Novella series #1
Liana De La Rosa
https://www.facebook.com/LianainBloom/
Release date 11/12/2020
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Life at sea sharpened Captain Phillip Dalton into a shrewd and strategic military man...yet none of those skills prepared him for the intricacies of planning his daughter’s upcoming Christmas wedding. His family, most especially his wife, are all but strangers to him thanks to his service to the Crown. But if Phillip finds himself bewitched by his practical, charming, and guileless wife, he does his best to hide his struggles.
Annalise Dalton raised two children and built a comfortable life for herself while her husband of convenience provided for them from afar. But now Phillip's home to stay, and she finds it impossible to ignore his gruff manner, brilliant blue eyes, or the gentle way he looks after her needs. And if Annalise is unnerved by the budding feelings her husband inspires in her, she does her best to hide how they unsettle her.
When past secrets and misunderstandings threaten the tenuous steps they've taken to create a real and loving marriage, can Phillip and Annalise overcome the years they spent apart to forge a happy future together, and for every Christmas to come?
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they be able to give a second breath to their peculiar marriage ...
It is not very often I read romance set after the usual fairytale Happily Ever After, thus the wedding day.
And this one is set 25 years after this very moment. Yet the heroes lived far from a fairytale. Having spent much more time apart than together. But now Annalise’s husband is retiring from Naval’s life, it is like a new beginning or the end of them.
As they must reacquaint with the other, his leave times did not prepared them for the person they now are.
Annalise faced parenthood, lack of funds, children turned adolescent and so on, all alone.
Yet she has always known her husband to be someone she could rely on.
But now she is no more queen of her kingdom, what of her, what of them.
Philip went where he was ordered, but he always came back. Their marriage might having been one rushed on because of Annalise’s circumstances at the time. It is one he never regretted. He knows he has selected the perfect bride from him. He enjoyed his time at home, get to know his children even if he missed most of their growing up.
But as shabby things come to light, they must also prepare their daughter’s marriage and it’s not all rosy when they have doubt upon the fiancé commitment to their daughter.
What a charming read of two people who get a second chance together, who open their heart, who listen to the other’s struggles but stand together for their child.
I loved every minutes of this story with two mature and less prone to fits of temper lovers, lovers who must reinvent themselves to give their marriage a second life.
5 stars
I have just one remark, they never faced Philip’s brother for his lies.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
February 16, 2025
This was a fun, easy read, and I really enjoyed the slightly different setting with a more middle class and older couple reconnecting. I would definitely read stories about their children (especially Beth and Henry Ramsgate).
Reread 2/14/25: I was looking at one of the author's other series, and I noticed that she had indeed written a follow up about Beth and Henry Ramsgate so I decided to reread this one as a refresher. It's a really nice story, although reading this one in sequence with the story about Beth and Henry does highlight the way that the fact that Philip's father stole from her is just never really dealt with. Still, I enjoyed rereading this and the different setting/story here.
Reread 2/14/25: I was looking at one of the author's other series, and I noticed that she had indeed written a follow up about Beth and Henry Ramsgate so I decided to reread this one as a refresher. It's a really nice story, although reading this one in sequence with the story about Beth and Henry does highlight the way that the fact that Philip's father stole from her is just never really dealt with. Still, I enjoyed rereading this and the different setting/story here.
December 21, 2023
“You are married to a daft man, my dear.
Other than that, it was a very sweet story.
Other than that, it was a very sweet story.
December 7, 2020
I loved this so much!!!! I loved watching Philip and Annalise slowly start to reconnect and get to know each other again! It was so incredibly sweet! It was also a bit refreshing to read about older characters! I hope we get a story with Oliver and Beth finding their HEAS!! I feel like we need a story for Henry and Beth!! I’m excited to read more form this author! This was such a feel good, family story! Perfect to quickly read for Christmas!
March 30, 2021
I enjoyed this! It's one of those quiet sort of stories that's about just NICE people. It was a marriage of convenience and he's mostly been gone during their marriage, but they made it work and now he's back and, yeah, just a nice story.
Though it's weird that the daughter's story wasn't really resolved? Will there be more?
Though it's weird that the daughter's story wasn't really resolved? Will there be more?
November 4, 2020
Phillip & Annalise were married 25 years ago in an arranged marriage. Her father & Phillip's father were best friends & when Annalise's father died when she was eighteen; it was suggested Phillip marry her to save her from being alone & he would take a wife soon anyway. The Captain continued his career on the sea protecting crown & country - spending much more time at sea than at home. Now, 25 years later, he is retired his son & daughter are grown & his daughter is about to get married. Phillip is still in awe of how lovely Annalise still is & how she supported him, without complaint, throughout the years raising the children plus doing everything else in running a household with no servants for many years to help her. A lot would be needed to adjust to him being back and learn to navigate the family life on solid ground - the first thing he realized was how much he had missed with the children after they had gotten older & next, he & his wife respected each other but they didn't really know how to interact full time with one another. This would be their chance to familiarize themselves with each other, again & fall in love for the first time.
Even though this was a Novella, I thought the characters were fully fleshed-out, it had some emotional dialogue, moments of lighthearted humor, & genuinely affecting scenes - this is really the full package of a rewarding, romantic read.
Even though this was a Novella, I thought the characters were fully fleshed-out, it had some emotional dialogue, moments of lighthearted humor, & genuinely affecting scenes - this is really the full package of a rewarding, romantic read.
November 30, 2025
A beautiful novella with older MMCs!
A retired navy captain adjusts to life in a home that his 42 year old wife ran without him for decades. His wife is distant. His 18 year old daughter is rude to him and is engaged to a jerk. He finds out the ledgers his father and brother sent him over the years hid shenanigans they were playing with the family finances.
It’s a second chance story for him and the sequel seems to be a second chance story for the daughter.
A retired navy captain adjusts to life in a home that his 42 year old wife ran without him for decades. His wife is distant. His 18 year old daughter is rude to him and is engaged to a jerk. He finds out the ledgers his father and brother sent him over the years hid shenanigans they were playing with the family finances.
It’s a second chance story for him and the sequel seems to be a second chance story for the daughter.
November 23, 2020
I picked up this novella because the premise intrigued me, and it did not disappoint. This is easily my favorite historical holiday novella I've read this year, and certainly in the top 3 of all of them. It's worth noting though that it's not very holiday-heavy, besides that it takes place around Christmas.
Phillip and Annalise have been married for 25 years. It was essentially a marriage of convenience, and Phillip was a naval captain who was mostly off at sea. When Phillip retires from the Navy, everyone has to recalibrate their relationship with him. Phillip has to learn how to be a parent to grown children and a husband to his very capable and independent wife. He fears that after being gone for so long, he will only be a burden in her everyday life. Annalise longs for a real relationship with him but doesn't know how to bridge the gap.
It was just such a sweet love story, (with a love scene, so no worries it's a "clean" novella). I really love these type of stories of married couples, or couples who have to rethink their relationship after being together for a long period of time. Probably because I've been married for-EVER, I find these stories very hopeful and reaffirming.
Phillip and Annalise have been married for 25 years. It was essentially a marriage of convenience, and Phillip was a naval captain who was mostly off at sea. When Phillip retires from the Navy, everyone has to recalibrate their relationship with him. Phillip has to learn how to be a parent to grown children and a husband to his very capable and independent wife. He fears that after being gone for so long, he will only be a burden in her everyday life. Annalise longs for a real relationship with him but doesn't know how to bridge the gap.
It was just such a sweet love story, (with a love scene, so no worries it's a "clean" novella). I really love these type of stories of married couples, or couples who have to rethink their relationship after being together for a long period of time. Probably because I've been married for-EVER, I find these stories very hopeful and reaffirming.
December 13, 2023
This was SO GOOD I AM SCREAMING. okay. I’m fine now.
I loved this novella. MC’s in their 40’s, married for 25 years, and the parents of 2 grown kids find that they don’t *really* know each other despite two decades of marriage. It’s not even marriage on the rocks. It’s more like “are we going to spend the rest of our lives married and together or married, but apart”.
What I REALLY liked is that this is pine city. Both of these dorks are desperate for the other but they’re both a little too scared to reach for each other. But what makes it so believable is how compatible they are. We get to see them coparenting as their daughter plans her wedding and it’s easy to see why these two love each other (even though they don’t *know* the other loves them). I could wax poetic about this story forever because it’s incredibly sweet, just the tiniest bit angsty, and so satisfying to see this Naval Captain and his Bride of Convenience find an HEA together. I LOVE THEM.
I loved this novella. MC’s in their 40’s, married for 25 years, and the parents of 2 grown kids find that they don’t *really* know each other despite two decades of marriage. It’s not even marriage on the rocks. It’s more like “are we going to spend the rest of our lives married and together or married, but apart”.
What I REALLY liked is that this is pine city. Both of these dorks are desperate for the other but they’re both a little too scared to reach for each other. But what makes it so believable is how compatible they are. We get to see them coparenting as their daughter plans her wedding and it’s easy to see why these two love each other (even though they don’t *know* the other loves them). I could wax poetic about this story forever because it’s incredibly sweet, just the tiniest bit angsty, and so satisfying to see this Naval Captain and his Bride of Convenience find an HEA together. I LOVE THEM.
November 26, 2020
Needed something light last night, and this was perfect. I'm generally a sucker for reuniting spouses anyway, so this really worked for me. I also liked how, well, calm the whole thing was. Which doesn't sound like a compliment, but it is. There is drama in the story, but it doesn't bog the story down. But I suppose the real purpose was to show them learning to communicate, SO.
Mostly I just liked this. It's a nice little story.
Mostly I just liked this. It's a nice little story.
November 28, 2022
3.5 stars
I really wished there was more in depth context. I felt like things were glossed over or left out. I did love this was an older married couple. It was cute and lined up for their daughters story next.
I really wished there was more in depth context. I felt like things were glossed over or left out. I did love this was an older married couple. It was cute and lined up for their daughters story next.
November 10, 2020
This was such a cute little Christmas novella where two people reunite once again. Estranged spouses haven't been living together since the start of their marriage life because Phillip had to travel at sea because of work. Now he has retired and is back home, but he's still trying to figure out how he fits in his wife and daughter's life.
It was so soft seeing him want to be there but didn't know how to approach. Annalise also wanted him in her life, but neither could actually voice it out because WHAT IF THE OTHER DIDN'T WANT THEM THERE. Seeing their relationship blossom in such a short amount of time was really great because De la Rosa did a wonderful job making me believe it. Their feelings were T H E R E, they just needed a small shove to that side. Annalise is 42 years old while Phillip's age isn't said if I remember correctly but he probably is the same or a bit older.
It was so soft seeing him want to be there but didn't know how to approach. Annalise also wanted him in her life, but neither could actually voice it out because WHAT IF THE OTHER DIDN'T WANT THEM THERE. Seeing their relationship blossom in such a short amount of time was really great because De la Rosa did a wonderful job making me believe it. Their feelings were T H E R E, they just needed a small shove to that side. Annalise is 42 years old while Phillip's age isn't said if I remember correctly but he probably is the same or a bit older.
November 19, 2020
After I heard this was a delightfully warm and comforting novella featuring a 40-something married couple who fall in love while planning their daughter's Christmas wedding, I had to have it. And it sure didn't disappoint. I'm a sucker for a gruff sea captain, especially when he really just loves his wife a lot.
Highly recommend.
CW: discussed past forced kiss/fear of assault
Highly recommend.
CW: discussed past forced kiss/fear of assault
November 13, 2025
“The future was now theirs to spend together”
Petitioning for more later in life historical romances or just later in life romances in general because this was just such a balm!
The most perfect festive novella. Romance, fabulous writing, tight plot and the set up for their daughter Beth’s own story. Just so lighthearted and swoony!
Annalise and Philip have been married for years. Philip has been off droing his duties as a captain and military man while Annalise has spent her time with their children and being a productive member of their community. Their daughter Beth is set to be married, Philip has now retired and the door has swung open for a new adventure between him and Annalise.
Although this does take place around the Christmas season it doesn’t feel too bogged down by that fact and I think this was the perfect novella I could have picked up to get me into the spirit without feeling like I’m starting too early.
Short, sweet but bursting with emotion and yearning. I knew I could count on Liana!
Petitioning for more later in life historical romances or just later in life romances in general because this was just such a balm!
The most perfect festive novella. Romance, fabulous writing, tight plot and the set up for their daughter Beth’s own story. Just so lighthearted and swoony!
Annalise and Philip have been married for years. Philip has been off droing his duties as a captain and military man while Annalise has spent her time with their children and being a productive member of their community. Their daughter Beth is set to be married, Philip has now retired and the door has swung open for a new adventure between him and Annalise.
Although this does take place around the Christmas season it doesn’t feel too bogged down by that fact and I think this was the perfect novella I could have picked up to get me into the spirit without feeling like I’m starting too early.
Short, sweet but bursting with emotion and yearning. I knew I could count on Liana!
December 18, 2020
If you love historical romance and books about married couples reconnecting, you have to read this!
Usually this trope can be pretty angsty but this was definitely more on the sweet and heartwarming side. It follows Phillip and Annalise reconnecting after he retires from the navy. They’ve always had respect for each other but never really felt like a married couple because he was away so much, and that dynamic was really interesting!
There was also a subplot with their daughter and her engagement and I loved how we got to see Phillip bonding with her too. I really hope we get Beth’s story soon!
Usually this trope can be pretty angsty but this was definitely more on the sweet and heartwarming side. It follows Phillip and Annalise reconnecting after he retires from the navy. They’ve always had respect for each other but never really felt like a married couple because he was away so much, and that dynamic was really interesting!
There was also a subplot with their daughter and her engagement and I loved how we got to see Phillip bonding with her too. I really hope we get Beth’s story soon!
February 20, 2023
An original novella about a mature couple who needs to actually become acquainted after 20 years of marriage.
The H is a second son enlisted in the Navy, contrary to what often happens in HR the h did not follow him but stayed home with the children and he did not miraculously inherit a title.
So he gets home once on retirement and needs to get to know a family he really cares for but whom he did not have the possibility to really live with save for his infrequent leaves from duty.
I loved the MC very much and the author has really depicted the different emotions they went through.
The H is a second son enlisted in the Navy, contrary to what often happens in HR the h did not follow him but stayed home with the children and he did not miraculously inherit a title.
So he gets home once on retirement and needs to get to know a family he really cares for but whom he did not have the possibility to really live with save for his infrequent leaves from duty.
I loved the MC very much and the author has really depicted the different emotions they went through.
Read
December 7, 2024It’s a DNF at 40%, I’m afraid. I felt a little bored.
I just… it’s not as if he was literally never there over the 20 years he was in the navy. SURELY he would have noticed the dire straits his wife and children were in—she said sometimes she went without food so the kids could eat?! I don’t understand how the fact that his father embezzled money from her dowry is just coming to light now.
Then she jumped to the conclusion that he wants to live apart from her just because he wants to visit their estate in Wales. I can’t with stuff like that.
I just… it’s not as if he was literally never there over the 20 years he was in the navy. SURELY he would have noticed the dire straits his wife and children were in—she said sometimes she went without food so the kids could eat?! I don’t understand how the fact that his father embezzled money from her dowry is just coming to light now.
Then she jumped to the conclusion that he wants to live apart from her just because he wants to visit their estate in Wales. I can’t with stuff like that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2020
This was lovely. I haven't read many romances about a married couple learning how to reconnect after many years apart, but this was so sweet. A perfect light read. I also loved Beth to pieces, and I really hope that we get to read her story someday. I haven't read Christmas novellas before this year but I think it's gonna be a new tradition because they're so addicting.
January 12, 2021
This was like being wrapped in a warm blanket. A bit repetitive, but I want to read more from this author.
December 27, 2023
4.5. Loved this. I wish it had been a smidge longer to dig deeper into a couple things but overall a sweet read.
December 30, 2020
This was a sweet, easy romance. Nothing earth-shattering here, and the prose was a little Writing 101, but it was a pleasant read about a married couple reconnecting (a underrated romance trope).
October 30, 2021
DNF due to boredom at 37%.
December 7, 2025
4.25/5 stars
I've read one other book by liana and loved it so when I saw a christmas novella it went straight to my tbr and I'm not disappointed! this woman can write!
I absolutely loved the exchange between annalise and phillip and how honest and in sync they were with each other. seeing them actually get closer after so long was super nice and seeing how annalise always defended him while he tried to be better for his kids was heart-warming.
realizing how gone he was with her from the start and how he always assured her she was what she wanted had me giggling. his firceness in protecting her and their family was a 10/10 and his understanding and regret with her life was so goog to see! also, these two had chemistry! they got it on so good, good for them!
I just wish we saw a bit more of them deepening their relationship but this still worked so well for a novella, I'm in love and would 100% read a whole book about these two! wish we would see more of their kids as well and especially that his family stealing from them plot was developed more but will definetly read more of liana's books!
I've read one other book by liana and loved it so when I saw a christmas novella it went straight to my tbr and I'm not disappointed! this woman can write!
I absolutely loved the exchange between annalise and phillip and how honest and in sync they were with each other. seeing them actually get closer after so long was super nice and seeing how annalise always defended him while he tried to be better for his kids was heart-warming.
realizing how gone he was with her from the start and how he always assured her she was what she wanted had me giggling. his firceness in protecting her and their family was a 10/10 and his understanding and regret with her life was so goog to see! also, these two had chemistry! they got it on so good, good for them!
I just wish we saw a bit more of them deepening their relationship but this still worked so well for a novella, I'm in love and would 100% read a whole book about these two! wish we would see more of their kids as well and especially that his family stealing from them plot was developed more but will definetly read more of liana's books!
So often when Phillip had leave, he was exhausted. The grooves in the tanned skin around his blue eyes had always been stark, the droop in his shoulders testament to his weariness. Yet he never wanted to rest. He had insisted on spending time with the children.
Clenching his eyes shut, Phillip sighed. "Annalise, I am sorry."
Phillip's eyes turned glassy. "It snowed on our wedding day.I remember snowflakes stuck in your dark hair, almost like a coronet."
"You were a lovely bride.' Phillip reached for his tea, taking a healthy sip. "Your dark hair and dark eyes stood out amongst all the white. You were my midwinter bride, and I remember being captivated."
His gaze softened. "I would like to be friends too."
"Whatever gave you the impression I wanted to continue on without interruption, as you put it? Perhaps I was hoping to build something new, together.
"You have never been unwanted. Never." His eyes burned like blue torches. "Who do you think first suggested I marry you?"
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