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Squire Archie's Rectory Christmas
Six months have passed since archaeologist Rufus Denby met and fell in love with Archie, the vicar of Droyton Parva. Archie isn't a vicar anymore, but the good souls of Droyton can't seem to let him go! He's become their informal squire, and all is well in the village, but Archie misses Rufus, who these days is in huge demand, travelling the world in search of ancient treasures.
But Rufus is home for his first Christmas at the rectory. The reunited pair are overjoyed and longing for some time alone. It's not to be: Archie's gift for gathering waifs and strays has packed the old house to its rafters. Worse still, Rufus is on the archaeological scent for a stunning local discovery, and Archie is starting to fear that the most he'll see of his lover these holidays is his shapely backside, sticking out of a trench!
As festive chaos erupts in Droyton, will Archie be able to resist the advances of a glamorous actress who's got her eye on the handsome, charming squire? Will he even notice them? And will the contents of the Christmas stocking Rufus has prepared for him overset the village apple cart once and for all?
But Rufus is home for his first Christmas at the rectory. The reunited pair are overjoyed and longing for some time alone. It's not to be: Archie's gift for gathering waifs and strays has packed the old house to its rafters. Worse still, Rufus is on the archaeological scent for a stunning local discovery, and Archie is starting to fear that the most he'll see of his lover these holidays is his shapely backside, sticking out of a trench!
As festive chaos erupts in Droyton, will Archie be able to resist the advances of a glamorous actress who's got her eye on the handsome, charming squire? Will he even notice them? And will the contents of the Christmas stocking Rufus has prepared for him overset the village apple cart once and for all?
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2020
20 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Harper Fox
58 books1,177 followersHarper Fox is an M/M author with a mission. She’s produced six critically acclaimed novels in a year and is trying to dispel rumours that she has a clone/twin sister locked away in a study in her basement. In fact she simply continues working on what she loves best– creating worlds and stories for the huge cast of lovely gay men queuing up inside her head. She lives in rural Northumberland in northern England and does most of her writing at a pensioned-off kitchen table in her back garden, often with blanket and hot water bottle.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn't letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she's yet to discover them.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn't letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she's yet to discover them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 2, 2025
This felt like a lovely treat to slip back into a little more time with Rufus and Archie in this sweet little novella.
This very much continued in the cozy vibes of part 1 of Seven Summer Night's. In a lot of ways this really just felt like an extended epilogue. It wasn't necessarily a memorable story but it was a heart warming treat for people who loved the characters and the found family vibes of the original book.
The original book was relatively low spice, which didn't bother me, but I'll admit to being a bit bummed out this was fade to black. With some of the more emotional scenes between Rufus and Archie I wouldn't have minded a little more spice between them on page but it's not a big deal.
(The way I gasped when the End Notes were signed off Dr Peter Denby-Thorne 😭😭😭)
This very much continued in the cozy vibes of part 1 of Seven Summer Night's. In a lot of ways this really just felt like an extended epilogue. It wasn't necessarily a memorable story but it was a heart warming treat for people who loved the characters and the found family vibes of the original book.
The original book was relatively low spice, which didn't bother me, but I'll admit to being a bit bummed out this was fade to black. With some of the more emotional scenes between Rufus and Archie I wouldn't have minded a little more spice between them on page but it's not a big deal.
(The way I gasped when the End Notes were signed off Dr Peter Denby-Thorne 😭😭😭)
December 23, 2020
Squire Archie’s Rectory Christmas
By Harper Fox
Published by Foxtails, 2020
Five stars
I bought this and started reading it on the Winter Solstice, which is a special day for me, particularly in a year such as this one has been. “Squire Archie’s Rectory Christmas” is a follow-up (not really a sequel) to Harper Fox’s wonderful historical romance, “Seven Summer Nights” from 2016; but it is more than that. It is a gentle, love-filled Christmas gift that brings a message of light and love to the darkest time of a very dark year.
It has been just six months since the cataclysmic events of “Seven Summer Nights,” and Archie Thorne, having turned in his collar, is trying to get used to being called Squire Thorne (an even more Trollopian title than Vicar Thorne). Dr. Rufus Denby, the man he loves, has rediscovered his bearings, and been off on an archaeological dig for some time. He is expected back any moment.
Oddly, Archie is still at the rectory, which he and Rufus and their housekeeper Maria Nettles, seem to have taken over as their own, while the diocese has built a new vicarage for a new young vicar. We are given to understand that the rambling, tumble-down rectory has continued to be a place of safe harbor for the community, who continue to seek Archie out, in spite of the fact that he has no standing in the church and is no longer employed.
Fox’s marvelous winter tale focuses on the three days leading up to Christmas, and it is very crowded. Except for a few quiet moments when Archie and Rufus are alone together, the page is filled with people, arriving with almost comic timing to complicate Archie’s reunion with Rufus. A cast of characters from the first book are reintroduced as they appear at the front door of the rectory, interrupting Archie’s plans for a quiet evening with Rufus, attended to by Mrs. Nettles, who is still his housekeeper, but also a devoted friend and co-proprietor of the house.
What we realize as the mildly chaotic scenario unfolds, is that everyone is there for Archie, drawn to his home like moths to a benevolent flame. By Christmas eve, the house is filled to the rafters, its mostly-uninvited guests including a very tall Black archdeacon and six orphans abandoned in the rectory garden. It would be hilarious—and often is—if not for the underlying anxiety that Archie and Rufus feel over the possibility of their “secret” being discovered.
Fox reminds us that, in England in 1947, any disgruntled neighbor or colleague could expose a gay man simply by going to the police and telling them they’d seen something fishy going on. What she doesn’t mention, although it was very much on my mind as I read this, is that England’s vicious anti-gay laws would be used in the next few years to persecute, prosecute, and then chemically castrate Alan Turing, the man who cracked the Nazi Enigma Code and saved England. Turing would kill himself at the age of 42 in 1954. (He was pardoned by the Crown in 2013, which seems rather pathetically too little too late to me.) Of course, Archie and Rufus know nothing of Alan Turing, but do refer to Oscar Wilde, whose sad end came as a result of the same draconian laws.
There is a quiet cataclysm in this story, as opposed to the physical one that rocked the finale of “Seven Summer Nights.” The same landscape, imbued with old, pre-Christian magic and meaning, fills the book with its wonder, once again through the gentle perspicacity of both Archie and Rufus, who seem to amplify each other’s mental and spiritual gifts. These two men, soulmates, and each other’s saviors, see beyond modern-day laws and religion. There is, we are meant to believe, something in their love that sets them apart and gives them courage to face a harsh, unfeeling world.
The denouement to this tragi-comic Christmas tale is a little miracle, a gift of community and compassion. Fox ends the book with a postscript about which I can’t write without spoiling it. Let’s just say it left me in happy tears, immeasurably moved by Fox’s optimistic vision of humanity.
By Harper Fox
Published by Foxtails, 2020
Five stars
I bought this and started reading it on the Winter Solstice, which is a special day for me, particularly in a year such as this one has been. “Squire Archie’s Rectory Christmas” is a follow-up (not really a sequel) to Harper Fox’s wonderful historical romance, “Seven Summer Nights” from 2016; but it is more than that. It is a gentle, love-filled Christmas gift that brings a message of light and love to the darkest time of a very dark year.
It has been just six months since the cataclysmic events of “Seven Summer Nights,” and Archie Thorne, having turned in his collar, is trying to get used to being called Squire Thorne (an even more Trollopian title than Vicar Thorne). Dr. Rufus Denby, the man he loves, has rediscovered his bearings, and been off on an archaeological dig for some time. He is expected back any moment.
Oddly, Archie is still at the rectory, which he and Rufus and their housekeeper Maria Nettles, seem to have taken over as their own, while the diocese has built a new vicarage for a new young vicar. We are given to understand that the rambling, tumble-down rectory has continued to be a place of safe harbor for the community, who continue to seek Archie out, in spite of the fact that he has no standing in the church and is no longer employed.
Fox’s marvelous winter tale focuses on the three days leading up to Christmas, and it is very crowded. Except for a few quiet moments when Archie and Rufus are alone together, the page is filled with people, arriving with almost comic timing to complicate Archie’s reunion with Rufus. A cast of characters from the first book are reintroduced as they appear at the front door of the rectory, interrupting Archie’s plans for a quiet evening with Rufus, attended to by Mrs. Nettles, who is still his housekeeper, but also a devoted friend and co-proprietor of the house.
What we realize as the mildly chaotic scenario unfolds, is that everyone is there for Archie, drawn to his home like moths to a benevolent flame. By Christmas eve, the house is filled to the rafters, its mostly-uninvited guests including a very tall Black archdeacon and six orphans abandoned in the rectory garden. It would be hilarious—and often is—if not for the underlying anxiety that Archie and Rufus feel over the possibility of their “secret” being discovered.
Fox reminds us that, in England in 1947, any disgruntled neighbor or colleague could expose a gay man simply by going to the police and telling them they’d seen something fishy going on. What she doesn’t mention, although it was very much on my mind as I read this, is that England’s vicious anti-gay laws would be used in the next few years to persecute, prosecute, and then chemically castrate Alan Turing, the man who cracked the Nazi Enigma Code and saved England. Turing would kill himself at the age of 42 in 1954. (He was pardoned by the Crown in 2013, which seems rather pathetically too little too late to me.) Of course, Archie and Rufus know nothing of Alan Turing, but do refer to Oscar Wilde, whose sad end came as a result of the same draconian laws.
There is a quiet cataclysm in this story, as opposed to the physical one that rocked the finale of “Seven Summer Nights.” The same landscape, imbued with old, pre-Christian magic and meaning, fills the book with its wonder, once again through the gentle perspicacity of both Archie and Rufus, who seem to amplify each other’s mental and spiritual gifts. These two men, soulmates, and each other’s saviors, see beyond modern-day laws and religion. There is, we are meant to believe, something in their love that sets them apart and gives them courage to face a harsh, unfeeling world.
The denouement to this tragi-comic Christmas tale is a little miracle, a gift of community and compassion. Fox ends the book with a postscript about which I can’t write without spoiling it. Let’s just say it left me in happy tears, immeasurably moved by Fox’s optimistic vision of humanity.
December 22, 2020
Four years ago, my review of Seven Summer Nights consisted of one word - "delightful". I gave fours stars then to a post WW2 historical M-M romance that was firmly grounded in the legal-social mores and dangers of that time, which explored PTSD but not in an over-wrought manner, and introduced two wonderfully created MCs - Archie (a big-hearted vicar) and Rufus (a renowned archeologist). I had also just enjoyed watching A Month In The Country on the television and was so chuffed that there was a M-M 'version' with some shared themes.
Four years later, this sequel took me right back to that era/time with the same broad cast of characters (the author kindly provides a Dramatic Personnae at the very start but readers should know this is still a huge list of interlinked players (some with rather complex shared backstories) with some new additions; a better reading enjoyment would probably be had if one took time/effort for a quick -re-read of the first book).
That said, I was quickly drawn into this holiday themed drama/romance, and thoroughly reveled in a 'season of giving and forgiveness' plot - all delivered in this author's distinctive lyrical and magical style/prose. Yes there is high drama, tension and danger ... as all manner of folk are drawn to Archie's welcoming house of refuge, his 'Eden'; but not even his fierce protectors/defenders (some wonderfully drawn female characters e.g. Maria, Alice, Drusilla) can shield the newly gained/burgeoning love our MCs have for each other from the scorn/retribution of an unforgiving outside world. Amidst the seasonal mayhem - there are themes of restoration of faith (both human and divine), goodwill and kindness of authority figures (legal and ecclesiastical), the finding of shared humanity/common ground between those from opposing beliefs/standards. There's the joy (and danger) of gift-giving, the blessing of children (present and future), and OMG .
There's a succinct but informative epilogue at the end - which wraps up our MCs storyline by moving forwards in time to events post Wolfenden and into this new century. It doesn't entirely prevent another book in the Seven Summer Nights 'series' but I truly hope the author surprises us with another 'glimpse' into Archie and Rufus' world; yet another gift to us readers as this 'sequel' proved. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Four years later, this sequel took me right back to that era/time with the same broad cast of characters (the author kindly provides a Dramatic Personnae at the very start but readers should know this is still a huge list of interlinked players (some with rather complex shared backstories) with some new additions; a better reading enjoyment would probably be had if one took time/effort for a quick -re-read of the first book).
That said, I was quickly drawn into this holiday themed drama/romance, and thoroughly reveled in a 'season of giving and forgiveness' plot - all delivered in this author's distinctive lyrical and magical style/prose. Yes there is high drama, tension and danger ... as all manner of folk are drawn to Archie's welcoming house of refuge, his 'Eden'; but not even his fierce protectors/defenders (some wonderfully drawn female characters e.g. Maria, Alice, Drusilla) can shield the newly gained/burgeoning love our MCs have for each other from the scorn/retribution of an unforgiving outside world. Amidst the seasonal mayhem - there are themes of restoration of faith (both human and divine), goodwill and kindness of authority figures (legal and ecclesiastical), the finding of shared humanity/common ground between those from opposing beliefs/standards. There's the joy (and danger) of gift-giving, the blessing of children (present and future), and OMG .
There's a succinct but informative epilogue at the end - which wraps up our MCs storyline by moving forwards in time to events post Wolfenden and into this new century. It doesn't entirely prevent another book in the Seven Summer Nights 'series' but I truly hope the author surprises us with another 'glimpse' into Archie and Rufus' world; yet another gift to us readers as this 'sequel' proved. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
December 29, 2020
It was a true pleasure to meet again Archie Thorne and Rufus Denby from Harper Fox's Seven Summer Nights.
The chaotic life of the Droyton Parva rectory house hasn't changed from the end of the previous novel. 'Waifs and strays' seem to be attracted by Archie like moths to a flame and he welcomes them all in good - if slightly bewildered - spirit.
The bond and relationship between him and Rufus have solidified into a beautiful love story that Harper Fox portrays with her usual grace and beautiful language.
This is only a small addition to the previous novel's universe, but a very welcome one for its warmth, gentle irony and wonderful final look into the future.
Beautiful!
The chaotic life of the Droyton Parva rectory house hasn't changed from the end of the previous novel. 'Waifs and strays' seem to be attracted by Archie like moths to a flame and he welcomes them all in good - if slightly bewildered - spirit.
The bond and relationship between him and Rufus have solidified into a beautiful love story that Harper Fox portrays with her usual grace and beautiful language.
This is only a small addition to the previous novel's universe, but a very welcome one for its warmth, gentle irony and wonderful final look into the future.
Beautiful!
January 16, 2022
To be honest I hoped for a simple reunion with the characters, after all the heavy plot points of the first a bright little short would have been nice.
I almost quit 17%. The story starts with the rectory doors open and everyone, anyone, plus several friends turning up. There was the suggestion of a deep pagan plot, hint of deaths and far too many people. The main characters reuinon was rather overshadowed.
Then add in the heavy 'we must not declare our love' theme. Yes I get it's the times, it was illegal and therefore athentic; yet away in this isolated location among friends a simple joy, a time out would have been nice.
The mystic plot was actually light, forgotten almost. I actually felt the story started in one direction then veered away. Giles and his friends' relationship is stated as one thing but then appears other. That plot becomes bitter, I mean yay solidarity, but was the drama needed?
Also Rufus's scars that were healed/disappeared in previous book are back it seems.
I really liked the arch-deacon, he's a fine character. Aside from the encouraging a declared aethist to be vicar. I respect people's right to their beliefs, but teaching words you don't believe in is a particular type of poison. Archie is what the village needs, without his sponsor's control he can consider religion. The arch-deacon has great insight, there's hope he was seeing more than Archie had declared. But there's the feel that Harper Fox is preaching somewhat.
The familiar characters are great to see and overall the feel of the story is good, there's tears and laughter. It's worth a read for fans of the first.
An epilogue by a different pen always seems strange to me but I suppose it finishes off the tale.
There's nice moments, Harper Fox is a great atmospheric writer, but I'm not entirely sure it worked.
I almost quit 17%. The story starts with the rectory doors open and everyone, anyone, plus several friends turning up. There was the suggestion of a deep pagan plot, hint of deaths and far too many people. The main characters reuinon was rather overshadowed.
Then add in the heavy 'we must not declare our love' theme. Yes I get it's the times, it was illegal and therefore athentic; yet away in this isolated location among friends a simple joy, a time out would have been nice.
The mystic plot was actually light, forgotten almost. I actually felt the story started in one direction then veered away. Giles and his friends' relationship is stated as one thing but then appears other. That plot becomes bitter, I mean yay solidarity, but was the drama needed?
Also Rufus's scars that were healed/disappeared in previous book are back it seems.
I really liked the arch-deacon, he's a fine character. Aside from the encouraging a declared aethist to be vicar. I respect people's right to their beliefs, but teaching words you don't believe in is a particular type of poison. Archie is what the village needs, without his sponsor's control he can consider religion. The arch-deacon has great insight, there's hope he was seeing more than Archie had declared. But there's the feel that Harper Fox is preaching somewhat.
The familiar characters are great to see and overall the feel of the story is good, there's tears and laughter. It's worth a read for fans of the first.
An epilogue by a different pen always seems strange to me but I suppose it finishes off the tale.
There's nice moments, Harper Fox is a great atmospheric writer, but I'm not entirely sure it worked.
November 20, 2025
This is like a xmassy prolonged epilogue with everyone from ASSN. Nothing much happends but lovely to meet everyone again.
February 14, 2021
I came across this little sequel whilst carting some of the other books by Harper Fox on Amazon. Needless to say, I bought this immediately because there can never be too much of Rufus and Archie. It took me an embarrassingly long time to finish because I got distracted by TV shows and other things over Christmas but I finally finished this today.
And, like it's predecessor, this was an absolutely delightful read!
Since the events of the previous book, Archie has quit the church but continues to live in the rectory with Mrs Nettles. Despite cutting ties with the church, the village folks are still drawn to the rectory and Archie himself, like a moth to a flame. Archie's loving nature, his kindness and benevolence are almost like a beacon, hard to resist.
Rufus has been reinstated to his former glory and has been touring the world, making archaeological discoveries. While Archie does join Rufus from time to time, he seems to spend more time back in Droyton. (I wish we get another short tale but this time, from one of their exotic travels).
By the time Christmas Eve rolls around, the house is full of waifs, strays and a few glamorous folks. Hilarity ensues, obviously. But that also leaves little to no time or privacy for Rufus and Archie. They are forced to be extra vigilant during their moments alone. But dear god, their love is so pure and perfect and, it makes those stolen moments so precious and beautiful. It's almost as if the adoration and unconditional love they have for each other feeds the magic that exists in Droyton, which Drusilla and Mrs Nettles are fiercely protecting from the unforgiving world outside.
Even though this story is short, it has its twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat. There was a lot of forgiveness, the joys of gifting, a little tension, some pain, restoration of faith and a whole lot of love. There's also an epilogue that wraps up Rufus and Archie's story. As heartwarming as it was, I sincerely hope we get to see more of their journey. I'm so not ready to say goodbye to them.
4.5 stars
And, like it's predecessor, this was an absolutely delightful read!
Since the events of the previous book, Archie has quit the church but continues to live in the rectory with Mrs Nettles. Despite cutting ties with the church, the village folks are still drawn to the rectory and Archie himself, like a moth to a flame. Archie's loving nature, his kindness and benevolence are almost like a beacon, hard to resist.
Rufus has been reinstated to his former glory and has been touring the world, making archaeological discoveries. While Archie does join Rufus from time to time, he seems to spend more time back in Droyton. (I wish we get another short tale but this time, from one of their exotic travels).
By the time Christmas Eve rolls around, the house is full of waifs, strays and a few glamorous folks. Hilarity ensues, obviously. But that also leaves little to no time or privacy for Rufus and Archie. They are forced to be extra vigilant during their moments alone. But dear god, their love is so pure and perfect and, it makes those stolen moments so precious and beautiful. It's almost as if the adoration and unconditional love they have for each other feeds the magic that exists in Droyton, which Drusilla and Mrs Nettles are fiercely protecting from the unforgiving world outside.
Even though this story is short, it has its twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat. There was a lot of forgiveness, the joys of gifting, a little tension, some pain, restoration of faith and a whole lot of love. There's also an epilogue that wraps up Rufus and Archie's story. As heartwarming as it was, I sincerely hope we get to see more of their journey. I'm so not ready to say goodbye to them.
4.5 stars
January 16, 2021
My first read of 2021. How nice it was a good one! This is a charming sequel to the lovely Seven Summer Nights and I really enjoyed it. I thought it was just a little holiday short, but it's actually a wonderfully lengthy epilogue novella (apparently it's 128 pages, whatever that means). I loved the first book despite its uneven-ness and was excited to read more about Archie and Rufus. I enjoy Harper Fox's writing and I love these characters. What actually happens in this story turned out to be kind of immaterial; I just ate it right up and loved the ride. It's a gentle, warm story and just the right thing to start the year with.
December 22, 2020
Absolutely delightful, and includes a full cast of characters from Seven Summer Nights. This has been a charming duet of stories from Harper Fox. Many thanks.
December 25, 2020
This was good. I went back to reread Seven Summer Nights afterward, which refreshed my memory. I'd remembered Archie and Rufus, and Drusilla, and the backstories of more minor characters came back to me as I read this story, but there were a number of twists from the first book that I'd forgotten.
This follow-up didn't have so much use of magic per se, although Rufus' archaeological discovery was quite a find. Drusilla's idea of holiday decorations was...interesting. There was some of the more prosaic "magic" of the love of chosen family, which I enjoyed. Archie of course ends up with quite the collection of waifs and strays, in bunches at a time.
Ms. Fox gives the reader a couple of little twists/homages/jokes that have their basis in 20th century pop culture phenomena. I understood the references.
I agree with another reader that the epilogue or summation at the end by a secondary character was bittersweet. I wasn't in quite the right mood for a flash-forward to troubles and issues that would come up decades later. I've swung back and forth this year between watching a lot of news some weeks or months and needing to take a break from television news for a few days at a time. It's been so darned relentless. This certainly isn't Ms. Fox's fault, but I'll likely skip the flash-forward on a reread. This is likely a Biblical misquote coming from me, but I think there's a line about "sufficient unto the day are the evils thereof."
I certainly recommend this book, though, after the reader does a reread of Seven Summer Nights to refresh their memory of recurring characters and previous events.
This follow-up didn't have so much use of magic per se, although Rufus' archaeological discovery was quite a find. Drusilla's idea of holiday decorations was...interesting. There was some of the more prosaic "magic" of the love of chosen family, which I enjoyed. Archie of course ends up with quite the collection of waifs and strays, in bunches at a time.
Ms. Fox gives the reader a couple of little twists/homages/jokes that have their basis in 20th century pop culture phenomena. I understood the references.
I agree with another reader that the epilogue or summation at the end by a secondary character was bittersweet. I wasn't in quite the right mood for a flash-forward to troubles and issues that would come up decades later. I've swung back and forth this year between watching a lot of news some weeks or months and needing to take a break from television news for a few days at a time. It's been so darned relentless. This certainly isn't Ms. Fox's fault, but I'll likely skip the flash-forward on a reread. This is likely a Biblical misquote coming from me, but I think there's a line about "sufficient unto the day are the evils thereof."
I certainly recommend this book, though, after the reader does a reread of Seven Summer Nights to refresh their memory of recurring characters and previous events.
January 8, 2021
You all are going to throw tomatoes at me, but this didn't work for me...
I am so disappointed, because I loved Seven Summer Nights *SO* much - it was one of my favourite books of 2020. So, in theory, a Christmas novella with the same beloved characters should have been right up my alley, no?
I'm not sure why it wasn't. I guess I expected something else? I kind of wanted Archie and Rufus to spend time alone and just have Christmas fluff. Instead there were even more characters than in Seven Summer Nights - it felt like the new ones would never stop coming. And there was barely any scenes with Rufus and Archie, felt like they had no possibility to have some intimate scenes. Oh well. I did like the very end, though, that was sweet.
I am so disappointed, because I loved Seven Summer Nights *SO* much - it was one of my favourite books of 2020. So, in theory, a Christmas novella with the same beloved characters should have been right up my alley, no?
I'm not sure why it wasn't. I guess I expected something else? I kind of wanted Archie and Rufus to spend time alone and just have Christmas fluff. Instead there were even more characters than in Seven Summer Nights - it felt like the new ones would never stop coming. And there was barely any scenes with Rufus and Archie, felt like they had no possibility to have some intimate scenes. Oh well. I did like the very end, though, that was sweet.
February 4, 2021
Happily the author gave a character profile in the beginning pages, otherwise I would have forgotten the secondary characters. Wish I'd re-read the Novel before starting this. There are so many names in this story, I started to lose interest, but Ms Fox's writing always grabs me by the proverbials, and hence I loved it.
December 26, 2020
Seven Summer Nights was one of the most startling and unexpected books I read this year - completely madcap in parts but overall a lush bacchanalia of English mythology, paganism, romance, archaeology and post-WWII thriller. The central relationship between Rufus Denby and Archie Thorne was devastatingly lovely. When I saw there was a new Christmas story set six months later, in which the Rectory was once again overrun by the eccentric villagers of Droyton Parva, I earmarked it for Christmas Day reading. And I got so much of what I wanted from it - there are so many wonderful sequences and moments.
Then again, this isn't your average Christmas epilogue, full of soft love: a simple affirmation of the HEA. Even surrounded by their friends Archie and Rufus live in a constant state of anxiety that their relationship will be discovered, tempering the way they speak, touch and even look at one another in company. It's an unpleasantly realistic thorn in the side of the fantasy of love and acceptance that the book otherwise creates. While they're busy making sure that everyone around them is loved exactly for who they are, Rufus and Archie are concealing an essential part of themselves. The novella deals with this problem, but of course (here comes a spoiler)
In general that's not something that I want to read, but I think that Harper Fox deals with it sensitively and well. There are some moments between the MCs that really squeezed my heart, and the epilogue delivers a powerful sense of closure at the same time as not shying away from what was an extremely dangerous situation for queer people in the period. The story keeps the spirit of the season at it's heart while acknowledging that danger fully. That, along with the numinous quality of the writing, made this a deeply satisfying coda to Seven Summer Nights for me.
However, I did have some uncertainty about the trans rep of a secondary character. Giles, familiar to readers of the novel, is deadnamed and misgendered s]everal rimes in retrospect, i.e. in establishing his character arc in the previous book. This underlined the discomfort I had in his presentation in Seven Summer Nights. The novella also introduces a Black character, the new local Archdeacon, and there were a couple of moments of what could have been interpreted as racial essentialism. I wonder if it wouldn't have benefited from a sensitivity read in these areas - I acknowledge that I am not the right person to make a judgement in either case.
CWs: forced outing, homophobia, intimations of racism, brief references to traumas from the first book including rape, murder, kidnapping and imprisonment in a mental hospital.
Then again, this isn't your average Christmas epilogue, full of soft love: a simple affirmation of the HEA. Even surrounded by their friends Archie and Rufus live in a constant state of anxiety that their relationship will be discovered, tempering the way they speak, touch and even look at one another in company. It's an unpleasantly realistic thorn in the side of the fantasy of love and acceptance that the book otherwise creates. While they're busy making sure that everyone around them is loved exactly for who they are, Rufus and Archie are concealing an essential part of themselves. The novella deals with this problem, but of course (here comes a spoiler)
In general that's not something that I want to read, but I think that Harper Fox deals with it sensitively and well. There are some moments between the MCs that really squeezed my heart, and the epilogue delivers a powerful sense of closure at the same time as not shying away from what was an extremely dangerous situation for queer people in the period. The story keeps the spirit of the season at it's heart while acknowledging that danger fully. That, along with the numinous quality of the writing, made this a deeply satisfying coda to Seven Summer Nights for me.
However, I did have some uncertainty about the trans rep of a secondary character. Giles, familiar to readers of the novel, is deadnamed and misgendered s]everal rimes in retrospect, i.e. in establishing his character arc in the previous book. This underlined the discomfort I had in his presentation in Seven Summer Nights. The novella also introduces a Black character, the new local Archdeacon, and there were a couple of moments of what could have been interpreted as racial essentialism. I wonder if it wouldn't have benefited from a sensitivity read in these areas - I acknowledge that I am not the right person to make a judgement in either case.
CWs: forced outing, homophobia, intimations of racism, brief references to traumas from the first book including rape, murder, kidnapping and imprisonment in a mental hospital.
March 22, 2021
This is a follow-up from Seven Summer Nights, so if you haven't read it you won't have a clue about what's going on here. So do yourself a favour, go read it and then come back to this one. Because it's beautiful and you shouldn't miss it.
At the beginning of the story, we find that Archie (and Rufus, when he is not travelling) are still living at the rectory, sharing its ownership with their housekeeper Maria Nettles. And the place is still the refuge of all the misfits who keep seeking Archie even when he has given up his collar.
Christmas is coming and Archie is waiting anxiously for Rufus, who has been working in an excavation in Greece. But what he expected to be a calm, tranquil holiday keeps getting more and more populated by people who, definitively, wasn't invited but can't be refused :P
All the characters from the previous book are here, and there are a couple of new ones. There are a lot of laughs, but there is also a real danger. We can see it, Rufus can see it and he warns Archie about it. But disaster befalls them anyway, and it's as heartbreaking as you can imagine. But it's also a pivotal point, the one when they discover that the family who has choose you and loves you, they will stand with you against every storm.
I love when archdeacon Bliss is trying to convince him to come back to the church:
And when Archie delivers what he thinks is his winning blow, I love the resigned but absolutely not judgemental answer:
Harper Fox is one of my favourite writers, and her books and her writing are magnificent. Her stories are filled with lyricism and mythology, with love and heartache, with a meaning that goes beyond the surface and hits you right in the heart. They are exactly what I need. Thank you for that :D
At the beginning of the story, we find that Archie (and Rufus, when he is not travelling) are still living at the rectory, sharing its ownership with their housekeeper Maria Nettles. And the place is still the refuge of all the misfits who keep seeking Archie even when he has given up his collar.
Christmas is coming and Archie is waiting anxiously for Rufus, who has been working in an excavation in Greece. But what he expected to be a calm, tranquil holiday keeps getting more and more populated by people who, definitively, wasn't invited but can't be refused :P
All the characters from the previous book are here, and there are a couple of new ones. There are a lot of laughs, but there is also a real danger. We can see it, Rufus can see it and he warns Archie about it. But disaster befalls them anyway, and it's as heartbreaking as you can imagine. But it's also a pivotal point, the one when they discover that the family who has choose you and loves you, they will stand with you against every storm.
I love when archdeacon Bliss is trying to convince him to come back to the church:
“But perhaps that’s what’s needed—here in Droyton, and far more widely too. Someone who understands faith—its advantages and its limitations—but isn’t so enmeshed in it himself that he can’t teach it wisely and well, with due respect for the faith of others.”
And when Archie delivers what he thinks is his winning blow, I love the resigned but absolutely not judgemental answer:
“For God’s sake,” he growled. “I’m a queer.”
The archdeacon regarded him placidly. “Well,” he said. “Nobody’s perfect.”
Harper Fox is one of my favourite writers, and her books and her writing are magnificent. Her stories are filled with lyricism and mythology, with love and heartache, with a meaning that goes beyond the surface and hits you right in the heart. They are exactly what I need. Thank you for that :D
October 12, 2022
What a beautiful world.
May 3, 2021
Possible spoilers.
I love this book. That it both deals with the homophobia rampant in the 1940s in England and elsewhere and that it is about the ongoing love story between Squire Archie and Arthur Denby in such times, gives it a strength that is worth noting. No, this isn't a polemic, but rather it shines a line on the personal costs of a homophobia protected by law and custom.
This is a fairy tale and a tale of the old gods and goddesses and the myth that is a part of the mental and physical landscape of Droyton. This town, especially those whose lives are centered on the rectory, accepts these two men as just that two men who love each other. Is this realistic in post-World War II Britain? I don't know, but I sort of doubt it. That this acceptance and protection comes on Christmas Day adds the adjective of miraculous.
Perhaps then, this story is aspirational: here is how we could live.
Fox fans, take note.
Recommended.
PS: I finished reading it on Christmas Eve--on purpose.
I love this book. That it both deals with the homophobia rampant in the 1940s in England and elsewhere and that it is about the ongoing love story between Squire Archie and Arthur Denby in such times, gives it a strength that is worth noting. No, this isn't a polemic, but rather it shines a line on the personal costs of a homophobia protected by law and custom.
This is a fairy tale and a tale of the old gods and goddesses and the myth that is a part of the mental and physical landscape of Droyton. This town, especially those whose lives are centered on the rectory, accepts these two men as just that two men who love each other. Is this realistic in post-World War II Britain? I don't know, but I sort of doubt it. That this acceptance and protection comes on Christmas Day adds the adjective of miraculous.
Perhaps then, this story is aspirational: here is how we could live.
Fox fans, take note.
Recommended.
PS: I finished reading it on Christmas Eve--on purpose.
December 22, 2020
This is the overstuffed, wonderfully warm-hearted coda to Fox's Seven Summer Nights that I never realized I was missing. Retired (not quite "defrocked") vicar Archie Thorne is anxiously awaiting the return of his lover, Rufus Denby, from his latest archeological expedition just a few days before Christmas. In a little over 100 pages, Archie and Rufus' reunion is enlivened by an exorcism, a conniving movie star, an unusual artifact, a busload of orphans and the looming threat of discovery, which is still a dangerous prospect in post WWII England. It's a good thing that Fox includes a list of the dramatis personae in the beginning, because other than Rufus and Archie, I confess I had forgotten a lot of the details about the secondary characters, but she gives each of them their moment to shine and in some cases redeem themselves for wrongs they committed in Nights.
The book is full of love, forgiveness, faith and humor (including a reveal that reaches Monty Python levels of zaniness). Archie and Rufus are still trying to figure out exactly how their relationship is going to work, but they never doubt that it is a forever one. Despite the danger the couple face, the strength of their bond proves to be strong enough to keep them safe, although a bittersweet postscript written by a secondary character in 2020 reminds us that we are in danger of returning to the time when a true love like theirs was a crime. It's a sobering close to a lovely story. Many thanks to Harper Fox for giving her readers this holiday gift.
The book is full of love, forgiveness, faith and humor (including a reveal that reaches Monty Python levels of zaniness). Archie and Rufus are still trying to figure out exactly how their relationship is going to work, but they never doubt that it is a forever one. Despite the danger the couple face, the strength of their bond proves to be strong enough to keep them safe, although a bittersweet postscript written by a secondary character in 2020 reminds us that we are in danger of returning to the time when a true love like theirs was a crime. It's a sobering close to a lovely story. Many thanks to Harper Fox for giving her readers this holiday gift.
January 9, 2021
I'm a huge fan of this author's and had enjoyed "Seven Summer Nights," the book where we meet Archie and Rufus.
But....it seems like Squire Archie and his friends at the Rectory are slowly becoming the Island of Misfit Toys....
Archie, no longer the vicar, is waiting anxiously for Rufus to return from his recent dig -- it's getting close to Christmas and Archie longs to share the holiday with the man he loves. But Archie's life is quite busy as his friends in Droyton Parva slowly congregate at the Rectory: there's weird Drusilla and her strange little girl, there's the strangely androgynous Giles, along with their fiancee. There's the Winborne's, the housekeeper Mrs. Nettles, and her nemesis Mrs. Trigg, as well as the benevolently ecumenical (and aptly named) Archdeacon Bliss....etc. However, despite Archie's joy when Rufus arrives, there's an undercurrent of tension: Rufus seems distracted by the possibility of new archeological finds, and Archie is terrified that their relationship will be exposed, with disastrous consequences. Can he and Rufus ever find a way forward?
Of course, the writing is delightful. The setting, characters, and dialogue are all first-rate. But...even though I love Archie and Rufus, I had a difficult time connecting with them in this story. I got impatient with Rufus for being so oblivious, and annoyed with Archie (and yes, I do realize that their relationship was illegal in those days) for being on edge.
But still..a nice Christmas story of tolerance, reconciliation, and hope.
But....it seems like Squire Archie and his friends at the Rectory are slowly becoming the Island of Misfit Toys....
Archie, no longer the vicar, is waiting anxiously for Rufus to return from his recent dig -- it's getting close to Christmas and Archie longs to share the holiday with the man he loves. But Archie's life is quite busy as his friends in Droyton Parva slowly congregate at the Rectory: there's weird Drusilla and her strange little girl, there's the strangely androgynous Giles, along with their fiancee. There's the Winborne's, the housekeeper Mrs. Nettles, and her nemesis Mrs. Trigg, as well as the benevolently ecumenical (and aptly named) Archdeacon Bliss....etc. However, despite Archie's joy when Rufus arrives, there's an undercurrent of tension: Rufus seems distracted by the possibility of new archeological finds, and Archie is terrified that their relationship will be exposed, with disastrous consequences. Can he and Rufus ever find a way forward?
Of course, the writing is delightful. The setting, characters, and dialogue are all first-rate. But...even though I love Archie and Rufus, I had a difficult time connecting with them in this story. I got impatient with Rufus for being so oblivious, and annoyed with Archie (and yes, I do realize that their relationship was illegal in those days) for being on edge.
But still..a nice Christmas story of tolerance, reconciliation, and hope.
September 22, 2021
Following on from Seven Summer Nights this is a short add on.
It's Christmas Eve, and Archie is waiting for Rufus to come home for Christmas, only the world and his wife have got here first. One uninvited guest in particular is on the hunt for a husband, and finding two eligible bachelors under the same roof is sure she can catch one of them. Unfortunately neither are the marrying kind. Add a Deacon, a 'possessed' baby and his mum, various children, two young lovers still suffering from marital bliss, the local witch, an old friend not yet fully forgiven, an old enemy invited in, a lad who's made good, a housekeeper keeping more than just the house in order, and a policeman, and you can see it can all get a bit chaotic. All Archie wanted was time alone with his returning lover. Chance would be a fine thing.
Once again HF's gentle humour leads us towards the darker underbelly of this period's strict social structures and expectations. (For a bit of fun check out her tongue in cheek references.) Even the meanest person here is a victim. With a light touch HF hints at the reality behind the image of cute cottages and home made mince pies. She knows her history and it's good to see that beneath the surface gloss.
Till the roses bloom again we watch and wait for a more transparent time, a more accepting time, and wish Archie and Rufus the happiest time they can have together as the decades roll on. Fingers crossed lads.
It's Christmas Eve, and Archie is waiting for Rufus to come home for Christmas, only the world and his wife have got here first. One uninvited guest in particular is on the hunt for a husband, and finding two eligible bachelors under the same roof is sure she can catch one of them. Unfortunately neither are the marrying kind. Add a Deacon, a 'possessed' baby and his mum, various children, two young lovers still suffering from marital bliss, the local witch, an old friend not yet fully forgiven, an old enemy invited in, a lad who's made good, a housekeeper keeping more than just the house in order, and a policeman, and you can see it can all get a bit chaotic. All Archie wanted was time alone with his returning lover. Chance would be a fine thing.
Once again HF's gentle humour leads us towards the darker underbelly of this period's strict social structures and expectations. (For a bit of fun check out her tongue in cheek references.) Even the meanest person here is a victim. With a light touch HF hints at the reality behind the image of cute cottages and home made mince pies. She knows her history and it's good to see that beneath the surface gloss.
Till the roses bloom again we watch and wait for a more transparent time, a more accepting time, and wish Archie and Rufus the happiest time they can have together as the decades roll on. Fingers crossed lads.
March 22, 2021
How happy was I to realize the book that Kindle had been recommending to me for a few days was actually a follow-up to Seven Summer Nights? VERY HAPPY. Thanks, Kindle algorithm!
This was lovely and perfect. No audio book on Audible, so I read it, and in my head Chris Clog did all the voices anyway. :) (Happy to see how all of the names/places from the first book were spelled! That's my biggest problem with audio—I'm such a visual person that it always bothers me when I can't quite figure out how something is supposed to be spelled; this book cleared all of that right up. :)
So happy to see how everyone is doing, to see how things shook out after Seven Summer Nights finished, to see what their future might look like. So SATISFYING. And happy. And with just enough angst to keep me happy ;)
And the very last bit at the end...BRB CRYING FOREVER. I love, love, loved it. ♥
Lovely, lovely.
This was lovely and perfect. No audio book on Audible, so I read it, and in my head Chris Clog did all the voices anyway. :) (Happy to see how all of the names/places from the first book were spelled! That's my biggest problem with audio—I'm such a visual person that it always bothers me when I can't quite figure out how something is supposed to be spelled; this book cleared all of that right up. :)
So happy to see how everyone is doing, to see how things shook out after Seven Summer Nights finished, to see what their future might look like. So SATISFYING. And happy. And with just enough angst to keep me happy ;)
And the very last bit at the end...BRB CRYING FOREVER. I love, love, loved it. ♥
Lovely, lovely.
January 7, 2021
I was a bit apprehensive about this one - Seven Summer Nights was the first Harper Fox book I read and I absolutely adored and still adore it. After that I dived into her backlist and found so many treasures that have become regular re-reads, but unfortunately I haven't been as enamoured of some of her more recent offerings and her apparent inability to know when to stop.
This was almost entirely reassuring. Rufus and Archie, back in the rectory with an even more chaotic crowd around them. Half a star off for an entirely redundant and discordant end note that I felt really marred the story .
This was almost entirely reassuring. Rufus and Archie, back in the rectory with an even more chaotic crowd around them. Half a star off for an entirely redundant and discordant end note that I felt really marred the story .
Read
March 10, 2021This is strictly for fans of "Seven Summer Nights." It's basically an epilogue to that book, so if you read it as a standalone you won't have any idea what's going on. It takes place several months after the events of SSN, when archeologist Rufus Denby returns to Droyton Parva, the most mystical town in southern England, to spend the Christmas holidays with his lover, the self-defrocked vicar Archie Thorne. The full cast of lovable characters is back as well, with some notable additions. A bit rambling (that's why it took me almost 3 months to finish, although it's only 130 pages) but it has a very moving ending.
December 28, 2021
Harper Fox has become one of my favorite authors, and I was looking forward to reading this novella during the Winter holidays. I wasn’t disappointed, but I hadn’t read the earlier book, Seven Summer Nights, and so was a adrift for most of the first half of this one. But Fox is strong writer, and I enjoy her word smithing and imagery as much as her characterizations and plots, so I kept reading.
Despite not knowing all that went before, the especially strong ending of “Squire Archie’s” was particularly moving. I hate that I couldn’t appreciate the full resonance of this story, as it refers often to Seven Summer Nights, but now I’m looking forward to the earlier novel.
Despite not knowing all that went before, the especially strong ending of “Squire Archie’s” was particularly moving. I hate that I couldn’t appreciate the full resonance of this story, as it refers often to Seven Summer Nights, but now I’m looking forward to the earlier novel.
December 5, 2021
Always predisposed to like HF's stories!
I don't know why I hadn't realised this followed on from Seven Summer Nights - I read this one yonks ago and should have had a quick skim first. However, soon got into the story, all the additional characters and the waifs and strays Rufus and Archie gathered.
The hazards of the time are highlighted, for men like Archie and Rufus, but strong community got them through it, unlike many others I guess.
The most poignant part is the end note, when with one half page, we see how the waifs and strays are assimilated, how people go but family endures.
I don't know why I hadn't realised this followed on from Seven Summer Nights - I read this one yonks ago and should have had a quick skim first. However, soon got into the story, all the additional characters and the waifs and strays Rufus and Archie gathered.
The hazards of the time are highlighted, for men like Archie and Rufus, but strong community got them through it, unlike many others I guess.
The most poignant part is the end note, when with one half page, we see how the waifs and strays are assimilated, how people go but family endures.
Read
June 15, 2021Not gonna rate this, since between not being particularly taken with Seven Summer Nights and knowing this was a Christmas story, I basically went in aware this wasn't going to be my cuppa. Way too many waifs and strays, convenient spiritual help and magical wholesomeness for me, but I can definitely see how it'd be a nice warm and fuzzy bonus for fans of the main novel.
December 31, 2021
The novella could possibly have done with a sagacious reader before going to print. There are some odd corners, and Fox isn't always great at putting her meaning across. The episode of the baby offering, for example, was frankly odd and unrealistic (not to mention, probably anachronistic).
The story is a follow up to Seven Summer Nights . It would also have been helpful if Fox had taken more time to reintroduce the characters (there are lots of them too), and had been a little less elusive when referencing events from the previous book in the series.
Despite all this, the book is a charming, moving little story, perfect to read in one sitting on Boxing Day (as I did).
The story is a follow up to Seven Summer Nights . It would also have been helpful if Fox had taken more time to reintroduce the characters (there are lots of them too), and had been a little less elusive when referencing events from the previous book in the series.
Despite all this, the book is a charming, moving little story, perfect to read in one sitting on Boxing Day (as I did).
August 26, 2022
Epilogue novella for Seven Summer Nights. I enjoyed spending more time with the whole cast of characters in Droyton Parva, getting more details about what Rufus and Archie’s future together looks like, and watching them solve another archaeological mystery. Seven Summer Nights felt complete even without this epilogue, but I can’t complain about bonus time with these characters.
January 18, 2021
I love Harper Fox. Both Seven Summer Nights and this title were great.
Understand going in that there is "angst" suitable to the historical period setting. Lovely HEA in both novels.
The "end note" in Rectory Christmas left me in tears. So good.
Highly recommend.
Understand going in that there is "angst" suitable to the historical period setting. Lovely HEA in both novels.
The "end note" in Rectory Christmas left me in tears. So good.
Highly recommend.
February 9, 2021
Short, expects to have read previous book
It was fine....however most moving part for me was the epilogue. Brought the whole together. Would love to spend more time in that tow, the rector’ s house and get to,know all the characters.
It was fine....however most moving part for me was the epilogue. Brought the whole together. Would love to spend more time in that tow, the rector’ s house and get to,know all the characters.
April 6, 2022
An enchanting Christmas tale with our favorite Vicar and Archeologist. Both joyous, riveting and heartbreaking in the same breath. Harper Fox as a way of transporting us into a mystical and magical world were anything is possible with a little bit of blind faith and an open heart.
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