Making Merry

12 Dukes of Christmas #0.5

by Erica Ridley

Enjoy a prequel novella to the 12 Dukes of Christmas! Watch how it all began: The very first holiday romance blossoms in Christmas, England, between theatre director Miss Estelle Blair and Marlowe Castle solicitor, Mr. Aaron Thompson...

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Christmas, Novella, Historical, Historical Fiction, Second Chance Romance

60 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2021

About the author

Get freebies and 99¢ deals at: https://ridley.vip

Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?

In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!

Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.

When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Enjoy a prequel novella to the 12 Dukes of Christmas! Watch how it all began: The very first holiday romance blossoms in Christmas, England, between theatre director Miss Estelle Blair and Marlowe Castle solicitor, Mr. Aaron Thompson…’
_______________

Making Merry is the prequel to Erica Ridley’s holiday novella series, 12 Dukes of Christmas.

This is an extremely short novella, more of a short story, at about 25-30 pages long. I read the first 5 novellas in this series during the last holiday season and I was glad to be able to go back to read this prequel because it gave a bit more backstory as to how the fictional, Cressmouth, town of perpetual Christmas and where all the books of the series take place, came to be.

My plan was too read more of this series this holiday season, but I only really got as far as this short story. So now that’ll be my plan for next holiday season.
_____

I would like to thank the author, Erica Ridley for sharing a copy of this prequel with me. This is my honest review.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was o.k. I read this #0.5 after I had read the series. Was good to see how Cressmouth started. 3☆

2nd reading: 5/12/21

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marlowe Castle December 1808

If you have not read the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, you should start right now so you can finish before Christmas! Seriously, Erica knows the aristocracy and with her humor and inventive characters, you might just fall in love with every Duke!

A prequel that goes back and explains a lot about the start of "The perfect village. A chance to live in a fairy tale, not just read about them." My only thought is, can I go? Luckily you can in your imagination!

A sweet second chance romance that is not to be missed!!

[Michele Benchouk · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't care for this novella. I wanted more detail on Mr. Marlowe and town history, not two new characters. Nice as part of the series, but only just. Meh.

[Linda Kaban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little novella. A sweet prologue to the 12 Dukes series.

[Sandra Moreira]

Nice

[Izzie (on pause) McFussy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The prequel to the 12 Dukes of Christmas served as an interesting, but short origin story. It answered a couple of questions I had after reading, Once Upon a Duke.

The second chance romance was so-so. Estelle and Aaron seemed to have parted ways on good terms to pursue their goals, and happy coincidence! They meet up again at Cressmouth, um, Christmas, um, call it what you will.

[Kai Charles(Fiction State Of Mind) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful ending to a magical Christmas series. The origins of The 12 Dukes of Christmas is finally revealed in a sweet love story.

[Maura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This prequel takes us back to when Mr. Marlowe is just establishing his town of Cressmouth and coming up with ideas to make it a great destination. He brings in Estelle, the theater director who has dreamt of creating her own productions for years. Unbeknownst to her, he brings in her former lover, Aaron, now a solicitor who had gone off to London, leaving her behind, in hopes of establishing a fortune to help her pursue her dreams. Estelle doesn't see it that way. Despite loving Aaron, she views him as having no faith in her talent and only wanting to buy a dream she can't achieve. The two are forced to work together and hopefully work out their differences. Both are pretty hopeful of a reconciliation.

I liked the story for a novella so short. Not particularly steamy as a result. I definitely wanted more...more angst, more character development, all of it. It's really hard to tell an engaging story and connect to characters in so few pages. And although I liked the fact that Estelle realizes she's been doing the same thing Aaron did to her, to her mother, and that kind of came full circle and allowed her to forgive, I would have very much liked to see her at least apologize to Aaron. I mean, she came to realize that wanting to financially support someone to help them live their dreams doesn't mean a lack of faith or even love. And she didn't apologize for accusing Aaron of not caring .

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎄 Making Merry🎄
A Regency Holiday Romance
12 Dukes of Christmas Book 13
✒️ Erica Ridley
https://m.facebook.com/ericaridley
Release Date 12/03/2021
Publisher WebMotion
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TV6JPVS/...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Enjoy a prequel novella to the 12 Dukes of Christmas! Watch how it all began: The very first holiday romance blossoms in Christmas, England, between theatre director Miss Estelle Blair and Marlowe Castle solicitor, Mr. Aaron Thompson...

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Having read all twelves books in this series I enjoyed immensely, adding a novella as a prequel is clearly a book.
And while short, it was fun to learn how This Christmas all around the year city was born.
Plus it sees a cute romance between misled lovers.
4 stars because a novella by the author is never enough.

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CXCB3YjI...

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[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is prequel to the 12 Dukes of Christmas, explaining how the idea of changing the little village of Chressmouth to a year long Christmas experience. Mr Marlowe brings Solicitor Aaron Thompson to Cressmouth where comes face to face with his lost love Estelle, who left him to follow her dream to London to become a successful director. But her talent did not get her through any doors, until Marlowe lured her and her mother to Cressmouth. Mr Marlowe did a lot of luring to make his dream come true. I liked earnest Aaron, but like another reviewer, I did not care for Estelle's uber feminism, which ended up slapping her in the face.

It answers some questions that I had when I finished the first book, Once Upon a Duke. But it seems that it is only available to the authors's review team, which is a shame. Perhaps she might think about adding it as a Prologue to book #1.

I read a free copy of this book that was linked to the end of Forever Your Duke (12 Dukes of Christmas,#12). This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

[Glittergirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick short story that is the prequel to the 12 Dukes of Christmas. The story of Miss Estelle Blair who is Marlow Castle's Theatre Director and Mr. Aaron Thompson the Castle's solicitor. It's a second chance story. Aaron met Estelle years ago and determined he had no means to support her and set off for London to make his fortune. Estelle just wanted to direct productions on Drury Lane but being a woman, no one would take a chance on her. Then they meet the very rich Mr. Marlowe. He purchased the castle and surrounding village and whole area and has plans to turn it into a visitor's utopia. With Aaron's ideas and Marlowe's vision they set about making dreams come true. Marlowe employs very talented unknowns and with Aaron's ironclad contracts sets out to make dreams come true. This was a delightful love story of bringing two star-crossed ambitious individuals together to make dreams come true.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a purchased copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Candy Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Aaron Thompson was a solicitor and apparently a very good one. His employer only hired the best.
Mr. Marlowe had bought the town, castle, and land around the castle as an investment. He wanted the town to be open all the time. It had to be special. What would they call it? This story was funny, caring and everyone was kind. Estelle the lady that he had loved for a long time, was there also. Maybe they could have a second chance?

It was or could be a stand-alone story. It was engaging to see them get the town ready to open. I did enjoy the novella and was happy I got a chance to see how Cressmouth/Christmas came about.

I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily gave my review of the story.

[Gary Stinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after I'd read a few of the 12 Dukes of Christmas It is a very good read.
You don't have to have read any other of the books to understand this story, it is good to see why and how the village came to be and why it is know as Christmas and why it is so unique all the books are so well written and with Erica's ready wit and humour and her very varied characters and their unique flaws and take on life makes me wish this place exists and I'd love to live in this village and be part of this wonderful scene that Erica lovingly paints all the books are well worth a second or tenth reading Erica lives and breath the Regency period and all her books are a wonderful reads with humour and twists you'll love to get lost in the world she paints with her words

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prequel novella to the 12 Dukes of Christmas. Aaron Thompson is the solicitor of Mr Marlowe & is in Cressmouth dealing with Marlowe's demands for making Cressmouth into an experience no one will forget. Estelle Blair daughter of the castle's housekeeper has landed the job of theatre director.
A short novella but it sets the scene beautifully for the rest of the series & it's also a charming second chance romance. I wish it had been longer as both Aaron & Estelle were interesting characters.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, almost whimsical story, with an HEA. I always enjoy Erica Ridley's books and this is no exception. I'm thankful to the author for this ARC. My only complaint is that I felt as if I’d read this before.

This is the first in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series and focuses on Estelle and Aaron, two people in love who allowed misunderstandings and assumptions get in the way of their HEA. Luckily, they are given a second chance through the machinations of the venal, yet surprisingly romantic, Mr. Marlowe.

[Reva Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The solicitor Aaron Thompson moves to Cressmouth to help Mr. Marlowe turn his perpetual winter castle into an everlasting Christmas experience with binding contracts with all the villagers. Free rent, free food, open invitations to all events make the inhabitants joyful holiday participants year-round. Imagine his surprise to find his estranged lover as the director of all productions in the amphitheater and living in staff quarters like himself! Can they find a happy life together?

[Carole-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally, only available via the author's newsletter, this is a prequel/introduction to the village and castle of Cressmouth, owned by Mr Marlowe who has this brilliant idea of having "Christmas" all the year through.
Aaron Thompson, a solicitor/lawyer, is brought in to oversee all the legalities; he meets Estelle, the theatre director (!) who's mother is the castle housekeeper, and of course, they fall in love.
Rather entertaining short story.

[Nancy Ku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making Merry (12 Dukes of Christmas #0.5) by Erica Ridley
Making Merry, the 12 Dukes of Christmas prequel novella. The first holiday romance in Christmas, England, between theatre director Miss Estelle Blair and Marlowe Castle solicitor, Mr. Aaron Thompson. It was fun to find out how it all started - I enjoyed reading this and all the 12 DUKES OF CHRISTMAS.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything Erica Ridley writes — this story included. Aaron has been chasing hard earned gold to win Estelle while Estelle has been chasing well-deserved theatrical success to prove her independent worth. Sometimes people really need to communicate! This is a lovely, clean, heart warming romance.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute story which explains how Cressmouth became Christmas and includes a romance between the Castle solicitor, Aaron and director of plays, Estelle. Should be required reading before starting the 12 Dukes of Christmas series!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick read to lead into the 12 dukes of Christmas series. It has a second chance romance between Aaron Thompson, a solicitor and Estelle Blair. Although, it was good to read how the whole theme of the year round Christmas village was developed, it would have been better if the background story of Aaron and Estelle how been of greater depth. For instance, how they met, their families, more on why they parted. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Oleander · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute little novella about how the town of Cressmouth turned into the town of Christmas and how the legend of the 12 Dukes was started. The opening scene is the completion of a huge ballroom in the Marlowe Castle. Don't skip this novella if you are reading the series.

[Debbie Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short holiday novella that sets up 12 DUKES OF CHRISTMAS series which is like to continue.

I loved the portrayal of Estelle’s mom who loves to work as a housecleaner because she finds purpose in her work. Reminds me a lot of my own mom.

[Alice Gerini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una novellina semplice, lineare e dalla storia romantica. L'atmosfera pre-natalizia è perfetta per questo periodo! Nonostante sia collegata ad altri libri della Ridley, si può leggere tranquillamente, anzi, lo consiglio per chi vorrebbe avvicinarsi a questa magnifica autrice! ❤️

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short and fast read.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and happy

[Andrea (Hammock and Read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love how this set up the series if you read first and for those of us already read the series, full to see the set up! loved this series so much!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable short romance story that you don’t want to miss out on. JackieT

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable short read prequel, intro to the 12 Dukes of Christmas series.
The story explains how Marlowe Castle came about and is the story of Aaron and Estelle.
Nice sweet read.