What do you think?
Rate this book
Once Upon a Time on Christmas
Once upon a Christmas she told him she would never marry him. But that was a long time ago…
Could there be a more perfect match than a Duke’s daughter and a Marquess? Adding the fact that their families are close friends, that would make Caroline Cooper and Samuel Radcliff a true match made in heaven.
But the two of them could not disagree more…
Choosing to ignore their parents’ carefully laid out plan for them seems like the most logical explanation at first, but as things get real and other people join the picture, dormant feelings are awakened and the situation gets even more complicated…
As Christmas time approaches, and they slowly discover that not everyone wants what’s best for them, Samuel and Caroline will finally have to face the truth, albeit reluctantly: maybe their parents did know best…
Could there be a more perfect match than a Duke’s daughter and a Marquess? Adding the fact that their families are close friends, that would make Caroline Cooper and Samuel Radcliff a true match made in heaven.
But the two of them could not disagree more…
Choosing to ignore their parents’ carefully laid out plan for them seems like the most logical explanation at first, but as things get real and other people join the picture, dormant feelings are awakened and the situation gets even more complicated…
As Christmas time approaches, and they slowly discover that not everyone wants what’s best for them, Samuel and Caroline will finally have to face the truth, albeit reluctantly: maybe their parents did know best…
662 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2020
196 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 23, 2020
Caroline and Samuel, more accurately Lady Caroline daughter of a Duke and Lord Simon son of the neighbouring Duke have known each other since childhood, they practically grew up together. Their parents have always assumed and expected they would marry, but Caroline was sure she would find someone she didn’t love like a brother.
Samuel returns from 2 years overseas, knowing it’s time to find a wife, so goes to London to catch up with Caroline and his friends. After seeing Caroline and agreeing they would both like to find someone to love, he catches up with his friend Henry, and finds him quite changed. After introducing Caroline and Henry he watches as their relationship develops. But where will the relationship go?
Samuel returns from 2 years overseas, knowing it’s time to find a wife, so goes to London to catch up with Caroline and his friends. After seeing Caroline and agreeing they would both like to find someone to love, he catches up with his friend Henry, and finds him quite changed. After introducing Caroline and Henry he watches as their relationship develops. But where will the relationship go?
December 24, 2020
A beautiful historical romance!
Lady Caroline and Lord Samuel grew up under the shadow of their parents’ expectations that they would marry someday. Their childhood friendship suffered under the pressure and, now that they are adults, each is determined to look elsewhere for a spouse rather than bend to their parents’ wishes. Lord Samuel has returned to England after a long absence and his first glimpse of Lady Caroline reveals that the muddy hoyden has grown into an exquisite beauty.
I liked that the author made Caroline intelligent with a strong character. It would be nice if Eliza had her own story in the future. I received a free copy but my review is voluntary. This was a delightful, clean holiday romance that was fun to read.
Lady Caroline and Lord Samuel grew up under the shadow of their parents’ expectations that they would marry someday. Their childhood friendship suffered under the pressure and, now that they are adults, each is determined to look elsewhere for a spouse rather than bend to their parents’ wishes. Lord Samuel has returned to England after a long absence and his first glimpse of Lady Caroline reveals that the muddy hoyden has grown into an exquisite beauty.
I liked that the author made Caroline intelligent with a strong character. It would be nice if Eliza had her own story in the future. I received a free copy but my review is voluntary. This was a delightful, clean holiday romance that was fun to read.
December 25, 2020
Once Upon a Time in Christmas A Clean&Sweet Regency Historical Romance
This is a very sweet story of two people who have known each other from childhood and have decided not to marry each other but fate has decided very differently The daughter of a duke and the Marquess discover they love each other and have to fight to live and be together The characters are determined and brave and the extended epilogue shows how life and happiness are years ahead This author writes very well
This is a very sweet story of two people who have known each other from childhood and have decided not to marry each other but fate has decided very differently The daughter of a duke and the Marquess discover they love each other and have to fight to live and be together The characters are determined and brave and the extended epilogue shows how life and happiness are years ahead This author writes very well
December 23, 2020
A very interesting and enjoyable story
Not read many books by this author and I was impressed with it
I hope to see more by her
Not read many books by this author and I was impressed with it
I hope to see more by her
December 23, 2020
A good book. Even though I was given a copy of this book by the author, it in no way influenced my opinion and this is my honest review.
December 26, 2020
Caroline and Samuel have been friends since childhood and their parents have expectations that they will eventually marry. They both decide that this isn't what they want, but will play along with it whilst they both look for some else.
You do feel for the two of them, whilst at times thinking that maybe they do protest a bit too much. A light read, with some elements of suspense in there, but sometimes that is just what you want, to sit in a comfy chair and let the world go past you for a few hours.
This is the first book by this author that I've read, but look forward to reading more.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the book.
You do feel for the two of them, whilst at times thinking that maybe they do protest a bit too much. A light read, with some elements of suspense in there, but sometimes that is just what you want, to sit in a comfy chair and let the world go past you for a few hours.
This is the first book by this author that I've read, but look forward to reading more.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the book.
January 12, 2021
From a modern viewpoint I can understand Caroline’s and Samuel’s objections to having their lives planned out from practically birth including who they would marry. From a Regency era viewpoint, they were fortunate with the choices their parents made, but there is still that pesky feeling of wanting to choose for themselves. Okay, we know they are going to end up together, but Leah Conolly made that journey fun and dangerous. I loved this story.
December 27, 2020
A delightful seasonal story
This is a delightfully gripping seasonal story, that is great for a winter's night. The plot is full of emotional intrigue, and brilliantly crafted characters that have lots of strength and determination. This is a great book for anybody who loves clean historical romances that have a bit of suspense.
This is a delightfully gripping seasonal story, that is great for a winter's night. The plot is full of emotional intrigue, and brilliantly crafted characters that have lots of strength and determination. This is a great book for anybody who loves clean historical romances that have a bit of suspense.
December 29, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great drama and romance with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great drama and romance with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 30, 2020
Once Upon a Time on Christmas.
Lovely Story about a couple betrothed to each other as youngsters by there parents.But neither wanting to marry.But years later,love blossoms without either realising as they try to get on with there lives with others.This was a fantastic story to read.Also the Extended Epilogue.
Lovely Story about a couple betrothed to each other as youngsters by there parents.But neither wanting to marry.But years later,love blossoms without either realising as they try to get on with there lives with others.This was a fantastic story to read.Also the Extended Epilogue.
December 30, 2020
You may need a few tissues
Carefully laid plans usually have a few twists, U-turns and STOP in them!
Their lives are turned every which way, especially Caroline, finally thinking she can take a deep breath, nope too soon, who took her? What should/could Samuel do?
Grab your copy and find out for yourself! Another great clean read, even when it isn't Christmas!
Carefully laid plans usually have a few twists, U-turns and STOP in them!
Their lives are turned every which way, especially Caroline, finally thinking she can take a deep breath, nope too soon, who took her? What should/could Samuel do?
Grab your copy and find out for yourself! Another great clean read, even when it isn't Christmas!
January 9, 2021
Enjoyable
This was my first book experience from Leah Conolly. I enjoyed the story line, although somewhat predictable. I got this at a time when we needed some happy endings we could count on.
This was my first book experience from Leah Conolly. I enjoyed the story line, although somewhat predictable. I got this at a time when we needed some happy endings we could count on.
March 17, 2021
Loved This Story
Definitely not what the title implied to me but a very enjoyable and romantic. I believe it is human nature to rebel against parents but usually the parents are correct as they were in this story.
Definitely not what the title implied to me but a very enjoyable and romantic. I believe it is human nature to rebel against parents but usually the parents are correct as they were in this story.
November 18, 2021
Very cute book
The book was a very cute read. I have just found that I enjoy this style of book. I think the women sound beautiful. Life was definitely different back then. I will read more from this author.
The book was a very cute read. I have just found that I enjoy this style of book. I think the women sound beautiful. Life was definitely different back then. I will read more from this author.
December 29, 2021
Perhaps it was the late night hours I spent reading this book, but I can't recall a single thing about Christmas. Also I prefer stories with character development and deeper plots. If you like romantic "fluff", then you will probably love this book.
September 21, 2023
meant to be
I really enjoyed the story but wonder about the title as I don’t think Christmas is ever mentioned in the book. I did like the main characters and how they rediscovered each other
I really enjoyed the story but wonder about the title as I don’t think Christmas is ever mentioned in the book. I did like the main characters and how they rediscovered each other
November 6, 2023
This was the first book I have read by this author, but I don’t think it will be the last. Lovely characters and a story that will keep you turning the page. Easy to read, fun, and a happy ever after. Thanks for a great story.
July 29, 2025
Charming
Great story. This is a sweet and energetic love fiasco. I did enjoy it very much. The characters were fun and most were very easy to like (not including the villain of course) clean and fun!
Great story. This is a sweet and energetic love fiasco. I did enjoy it very much. The characters were fun and most were very easy to like (not including the villain of course) clean and fun!
December 26, 2020
Cute, quick Christmas read.
December 29, 2020
Her Destiny
Great story, wonderful characters Great story line. They were childhood friends as opposite has two kids could be,but they were each other's fate and destiny, and as it's supposed to be, they grew up ,and finally became one heart.
Thank you ❤
Great story, wonderful characters Great story line. They were childhood friends as opposite has two kids could be,but they were each other's fate and destiny, and as it's supposed to be, they grew up ,and finally became one heart.
Thank you ❤
January 5, 2021
Once upon a time
A young couple have an entertaining story developed around their romantic adventure and the reader keeps turning the pages to see what develops.
A young couple have an entertaining story developed around their romantic adventure and the reader keeps turning the pages to see what develops.
March 14, 2021
Another great story !!
March 29, 2021
Wonderful
This was a wonderful story. It was easy to get into the read and enjoy the banter between the main characters.
This was a wonderful story. It was easy to get into the read and enjoy the banter between the main characters.
April 10, 2021
Good read
I truly enjoyed this story. It was difficult to put it down until I finished it. Very exciting story with its changes.
I truly enjoyed this story. It was difficult to put it down until I finished it. Very exciting story with its changes.
November 20, 2022
Good story
Sweet clean story of childhood friends turning into sweethearts after resisting awhile. Enjoyed it, although I didn’t necessarily remember a lot about Christmas on it 😃
Sweet clean story of childhood friends turning into sweethearts after resisting awhile. Enjoyed it, although I didn’t necessarily remember a lot about Christmas on it 😃
December 8, 2022
clunky
Decent idea of plot but clunky writing and poor formatting made it difficult to read. Skimmed to the end after like 40-50%.
Decent idea of plot but clunky writing and poor formatting made it difficult to read. Skimmed to the end after like 40-50%.
January 12, 2026
Nice story. How the Christmas spirit can be caught on even when something seems impossible.
March 10, 2023
This is Samuel and Caroline's story. They grew up together playing in the woods. Their parents had it planned that they would marry someday. Caroline wanted no part of marrying Samuel. She met another man and dated for a while, but that ended very badly. Samuel rescued Caroline and suddenly Samuel looked different. I loved this book, struggled to put it down and stayed up way too late reading it. After reading two of her books, Leah Connolly is one of my favorite authors.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book! A little boy and a little girl lived next door to each other and played together and fought each other their whole childhood! Years later they meet again and still don't get along! I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good romance book!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews