The Joy of Christmas Present

A Dickens of a Christmas #2

by L.G. Rollins, Laura Rollins

She's never been so humiliated--and she plans to never let him forget it.

Helena Spencer will never forgive the Earl of Chapman for snubbing her so publicly. It wasn't her idea that they get married, after all. She was practically a bystander to the whole debacle, yet she alone bore the brunt of society's judgment. Snubbed by an earl? She'd likely never recover. But then she finds herself at the same holiday house party with Lord Chapman. What a way to ruin Christmas.

After his father's sudden death, Lord Chapman had little choice but to step into a life he hardly felt ready for. He quickly learned that everyone had opinions about how an earl's life should look, even the aging relative who tried to marry him off to a woman he'd never even met. Now he had to spend Christmas at a house party with his mother and sisters? What a wretched way to spend the festive season.

With their shared history, Helena and Lord Chapman are unlikely friends. But when circumstances continue to throw them together, Helena presses the earl to help repair the damage he inflicted on her reputation by aiding her attempt to snag a husband from among the gentlemen at the party. The only trouble? Lord Chapman is falling for Helena's charms himself. Would that she allow the gentleman that wins her heart to be him.

The Joy of Christmas Present is the second in A Dickens of a Christmas series. It is a clean and wholesome Regency Christmas romance; a story of perseverance, Christmas capers, and joy. Each book in this series is a stand-alone and can be read apart or enjoyed in proper order.

Book 1: The Hope of Christmas PastBook 2: The Joy of Christmas PresentBook 3: The Peace of Christmas Yet to Come*previously published under the author name L. G. Rollins.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Romance, Fiction

242 pages, Paperback

Published February 17, 2021

About the author

For L. G. Rollins, conversations regarding Schrodinger’s cat, the effects of scientific advancements on politics, and whether Infinity is better categorized as a number or an idea are all quite commonplace. To be short, she is an unapologetic nerd. Mix in her love of whimsy and the unusual, and you get Steam and Shadow, a steampunk series of science, sweet romance, and unexpected adventures.

To learn more about L. G. Rollins, her books, and get a FREE NOVELLA visit LGRollins.com.

Reviews

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

L. G. Rollins has cleverly woven in elements of Dickens' Christmas Carol into this stand alone romance, the 2nd in a series of three books.  I was drawn into Helena's plight as brunt of gossip and rumors.  Those characters who banded together to help her were a bright part of the story.  I enjoyed the undergirding messages in this story as well!

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute Christmas story with a fun tie into A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Rollins uses Dickens' story as a background for her own as she creates her unique tale of Christmas present. Readers will find this a completely original work, though it was fun to see Scrooge for a few moments. Instead of his nephew, the main heroine, Helena, is Scrooge's niece and the hero, Helena's love interest, is named Fred. There are other subtle references to the original work and I loved the author's note at the end where she expounds upon her inspiration and tie ins.
I really enjoy Rollins writing style and find her books to always engage my interest. I liked this one for the overall story, though I wish there had been more moments on the page between Fred and Helena. The romance was still there, though not as strong as in other novels I have read by this author. That being said, the characters themselves were well-written and I enjoyed their depth (just wanted more interaction between Fred and Helena to build up the romance).
The content is clean. I received an advance reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I look forward to the next book in the series. While these are a series, you can read them as a standalone, though I loved the cute mention of the characters from The Hope of Christmas Past (which I definitely recommend).

[Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and clean

Sweet-I guess you'd call this a- retelling. Family bonds and making friends- a nice bit of Christmas fluff for ya. ;)

Clean Rating 4.9/5

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

L.G. Rollins has written a retelling of "A Christmas Carol" with a twist.

Many of the beloved characters are in the book, but Scrooge has a niece instead of a nephew. There is a Tim, but he is a poor orphan who needs help at Christmas and Helena has the heart to help him.

The romance is a little slow. Lord Chapman (Fred) has to work through some misconceptions in order to become the man that Helena needs.

This is a very cute book. It was perfect for the holiday season. The best part, I have to story of Christmas future to look forward to.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Betty Strohecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in this series is based on the scene when Scrooge encounters the ghost of Christmas Present in Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." This is a really delightful story. I loved the characters and the premise of the story, with an interesting beginning that will draw the reader in immediately. The author includes a section at the end of the book that reveals how she has taken characters, scenes, and phrases from the original story. This was very interesting and made me want to go back and read Dickens' original story.

There are only a few minor references to the first book in this series. The stories are completely different, and so could be read as stand alones. However, I am enjoying reading them in order and looking at the similarities between "A Christmas Carol."

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. The subtle nods to the Dickens Christmas Story were fabulous. That is one of my favorite Christmas stories.

Helena and Lord Chapman have a history but have never met. In fact, Helena's reputation is in tatters and Lord Chapman is largely to blame. They are the most unlikely of friends and then they end up at a house party together after almost a year of Helena enduring the rumors and slanderous comments being made about her in society.

As she and Lord Chapman become more acquainted with one another, there are feelings that begin to develop but would either allow them to progress and run the risk of being hurt again.

I also loved Helena's Uncle Scrooge and Mary and Jim's place in the story. This is a wonderful reminder of those things that are most important and the goodness of people, especially around the Christmas season.

I have enjoyed all of L. G. Rollins' books that I have read and this is one is at the top of my favorite's list.

[Deserthomemaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. A well-written and well done reimagining of a part of A Christmas Carol. A bit rushed, and as a consequence, the characters aren’t as fully developed as I would have preferred, but not so much as to be ridiculous, as often happens.

[Marilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the premise behind this series! Each book references and eludes to A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens but each is its own unique and beautiful story.

Helena is trying to recover her standing in society after Lord Chapman broke off the marriage negotiations entered into by relatives. The two meet for the first time at a Christmas house party and Lord Chapman reluctantly agrees to help Helena.

I loved the themes from Dickens entwined in the story and the appearance of Scrooge and Mr. Cratchit. The author's notes at the end are especially helpful as she details all of the connections to Dicken's Christmas novel.

I enjoyed the relationship between Helena and Lord Chapman but would have loved to see it build a little more in the middle. They are wonderfully suited for each other, though, and I enjoyed the the side stories as well, especially of Mary and Jim.

I highly recommend this series for anyone who enjoys regency romance and wants to feel the spirit of Christmas. I can't wait to read The Peace of Christmas Yet to Come!

I received a complimentary copy from the author but a positive review was not required and my opinions are my own.

[Jeanne Johnston · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting take on Dickens

I groaned when I realized this was a reworking of A Christmas Carol, but it was pretty cleverly and subtly done, with Ebenezer just a peripheral character.

[Lazy Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard to follow the unlikely plot

The hero was a bit of a wimp. Nice but scattered. The heroine was one dimensional and friend Emma pushy. The plot was very odd and the resulting fallout was way overblown.

[Jeanie Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cart before the horse!

Overcome with grief at the sudden loss of his father just weeks before, the overwhelming amount of work needing to be done has had Fredrick working night and day. It's quite normal to be caught off guard when his uncle announces that he's done him a great favor by finding him a wife. And to make things even more shocking, a young lady he has never met who's recently lost her father and is left quite alone has been chosen, and his uncle has the marriage contract arranged and ready for him to sign! At once Fredrick questions his uncle and cousin, who's come along for the happy announcement, to make sure no one else is aware of the crazy plan. When they have firmly, at least his uncle, stated that only the involved parties are aware of this unforseen plan, he sends them away with a definite answer. No!
In town just a few days after his uncle's shocking announcement, for the family had planned to take some time in the country to rest and grieve, he does hear a few whispered bits of gossip about the canceled engagement, but thinks nothing of it since the family is away when the far flung scandal rages through society and the gossip rags. Helena, unfortunately, has been in London for the duration, staying with her dear friend and her parents. As is common with such rumors, there was little true it to begin with, and no one to try and correct the record if it was even possible. It remains that a year later, Helena is still unaware of what actually happened.
This is such a great read, you won't want to miss it! Just imagine after the forgoing, that you arrive at a country house for the holiday season, only to find your hostess does not know that it is you who is to be a guest, and that the man who cruelly ruined you will also be in attendance for the month!

[Maria Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll start by saying that I obviously don't know enough about Dicken's writings to recognize all the lovely nods to his book in the writings of this book. I loved the notes at the end from the author pointing to each one. Very interesting info.

Next let me say that I gave the first in this series 5 stars and I loved this one even more than the first! Can I give this one 5+ stars? Part of what made me love it more was better understanding of how the series progresses compared to Dicken's A Christmas Carol. At the end of the first one I felt odd at only seeing Scrooge have his visit from Christmas Past but not the other ghosts. For some reason it didn't compute in my brain that the other visits would be in the rest of the series. Duh! It only makes sense but I hadn't gotten that until I read this one. I didn't realize that all the books were happening at the same time and would all visit Scrooge on the same Christmas Eve.

I loved both main characters even if I was frustrated by Lord Chapman's slowness in fixing the problem he created. Helena was brilliantly patient in dealing with him when he had caused all her problems. Of course a little pepper solves everything anyway, right? Haha. You'll have to read the book to get that one.

My only complaint about this book was wondering what Mr. Baker would do had things not played out how he anticipated. I'd like to know if he'd gone through with it. Doesn't really matter though. All's well that ends well.

No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Terric853 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Within a few weeks of his father's passing, the new Earl of Chapman, Frederick, is visited by his uncle who informs him that he's arranged a wife for Frederick. Frederick refuses to be a part of the marriage contract - he has enough to worry about caring for his mother, twins sisters, and a large estate.

Helena Spenser is the woman Frederick's uncle chose for him. Her father died about 7 months ago and she was taken in by her best friend's family, the Shakerleys. However, word about her arranged marriage and Chapman's refusal of it leaks out to London Society and her reputation is in tatters. When the Shakerleys are invited to spend the Christmas holidays with friends in the country, Emma, Helena's best friend insists that Helena come along. Unbeknownst to Helena, Emma, and Emma's parents, the Chapmans are also invited guests.

Frederick and Emma do their best to ignore each other, but gradually become friends after his sisters force him into helping them find Helena a husband as atonement for the damage he did to her reputation.

If you are a fan of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, this book will delight you, as it did me. There are so many subtle references to that book interwoven in Frederick and Helena's story and at the story's conclusion, the author points out the similarities, some of which I got and some I didn't. A fun and charming read. I plan to read the other two in the series.

[Jeanine Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love A Christmas Carol and a second chance romance then give this sweet story a read.

Helena has been trying to salvage her reputation ever since Lord Chapman called off their engagement. Just when she thinks the gossip has began to ebb, they end up at the same house party for the Christmas holiday. And that sets the tongues to wagging…again. But Helena’s friend, Emma and Lord Chapman’s sisters are determined to right the wrong done to her and help her find a husband, enlisting Lord Chapman in order to redeem himself. That’s when Lord Chapman realizes what a grave mistake he made in letting her go the first time. But has he waited too long?

@author_laura_rollins #thejoyofchristmaspresent #christmasromance #historicalfiction #historicalromance #cleanromance #adickensofachristmas #bookstagram

[Julie Finlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters in this book, from Helena and Fred to the sisters, friends and parents. A well meaning Uncle and Friend create a very big mess when they decide to intervene in behalf of Fred and Helena, without their knowledge, and write up a contract of marriage. Fred wants nothing to do with marriage. His father has recently passed and he is trying to keep his head above water. He is assured that no one knew about the contract. But come to find out there were a few that knew and gossip spread. Helena is the one that reaps the trouble. When Fred and Helena meet at a house party, for the first time, Fred realizes the damage he has done to Helena. Through scheming sisters and mothers Fred just might come to know the true worth of Helena.

[Elda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moreover again?

I enjoyed this book and this author’s take on Dickens’ Ghost of Christmas Present. Helena and Frederick were a nice couple and their interactions made me feel warm all over except when he was trying to avoid Helena. I’m glad they were able to work it out. I liked the way Ms Rollins portrayed Scrooge in this one. I have only one minor irritation while reading this and that is the numerous times Rollins used the word ‘moreover’, even in the discussion questions at the end! I counted at least 18 times. Ah well, that is only minor. I do wish she would have varied it a little such as using ‘in addition to’, ‘furthermore’, ‘also’, etc. I think you get the picture.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

All’s Well That Ends Well

Wonderfully interesting Christmas setting at a house party in which Helena joins with her friend. Frederick has arrived with his family and they meet for the first time. Some relatives had tried to get them together years before, but Frederick refused to marry a woman he’s never met. This resulted in scandal for Helena and she has been treated poorly by society.
I really liked how this story played out. Both have enough sense to form an unlikely alliance to help Helena to find a husband. As they naturally spend time together, they both begin to see the other in a new light. Love comes softly.
Thank you to the author for a sweet and clean, yet romantic read. The heroine is one I could root for and the hero is honorable.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helena Spenser's social prospects sink when the Earl of Chapman shirks their arranged engagement. when the two find themselves at a Christmas house party, can present circumstances lead to future happiness?

The second in Rollins' "A Dickens of a Christmas" series, reset the Victorian story in the regency era, and takes up the themes in Dicken's classic novel with charming results. In this adaptation, Helena is Scrooge's estranged niece (taking the place of Fred in the original). I've really enjoyed this series, though I've unintentionally been reading it in reverse. If you enjoy sweet historical romances and literary adaptations that are originally their own, I whole heartedly recommend this series.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Christmas themed story! The characters are wonderful and the world building fantastic. Ok, Lord Fredrick didn’t mean to cause a scandal for Miss Helena, but gossip just can’t be denied! Imagine, when Miss Helena arrives at month-long Christmas house party, only to find Lord Fredrick and his family are also invited. Pepper in his coffee is only the beginning! The gossip, sparks, and schemes start rolling! This book has action, danger, society rules, a scandal, mystery, romance, suspense, grief, friendship, family, the haut ton, Mr. Scrooge, Mr. Cratchit, gossip, a hedge maze, schemes, humor and twists and turns!

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3.5 stars]
Huh, this is an interesting one. Most of it is a standard and predictable regency house-party romance. The romance itself is quick to develop (borderline insta-love) and rather unremarkable, but good enough and entertaining… But then there is this strange Ebenezer Scrooge side-story thrown in. And the ending 20% takes a sudden turn and almost feels like a different book. The unremarkable story pivots and becomes remarkably cheesy and strangely odd…

So very odd.

Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is no real message of faith or God.

[Rod · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clean story. I have just read this for the second time and it still held my attention. A lady and an Earl unbeknownst to them nearly become betrothed. The Earl stops it without having met the lady, but it seems a lot believe them to have been betrothed and the lady’s reputation suffers badly. They then meet at a house party a time later. The story is well written and has to fit in around the outline of the Dickens story. i am surprised Helena is so relaxed with her guardian Lord Shakerley after he had nearly arranged her marriage without even consulting her. I also felt maybe the Uncle Scrooge bit was a little contrived. However, a nice seasonal read.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed this spin off of Charles Dicken's A Chrismtas Carol. I think like the original story it has a bit of Christmas magic & hope. It's what we love about the Christmas season. Again I liked the the H & h. As well as their character development and finding their way to each other. The flow, story, and dialogue kept me engaged. I liked the nod to the last book. The same ball overlapped into both stories. I'm really looking forward to the last book in the series. I'd say if you're wanting Regency but still get a heart warming Christmas story & romance this is a good pick.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy how the author takes various pieces from Charles Dickens, shakes in a little Jane Austen, sprinkled in Regency Times.
The characters are great, some clever, some sad, some unsure, n some you just love! What would Uncle Scrooge think about Helena’s letter. I had mixed feelings about Lady Andrews for part of the story, and I thought Christina n Eleanor were true twin sisters, competitive, yet loving. As for Lord Chapman, he had his work cut out fir him, with the “help” of Lords Ellis, Dowding, n Forbes.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series of stories. A Christmas Carol is one of my favorites and L. G. Rollins cleverly intertwines the story with a Regency romance. Lord Fredrick Chapman does behave badly when it comes to his reaction to his uncle arranging a marriage for him although he has the excuse of being caught totally off-guard. Miss Spenser also was unaware of her marriage contract but the ramifications of Lord Chapman’s rejections were disastrous. Do yourself a favor and be sure to read the author’s notes following the epilogue, they tie the both books together.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book’s plot fared a bit better for me than book one but it was still problematic.

The parts with Scrooge fit okay this time. However, the whole idea of the broken betrothal and their being tossed together at a Christmas house party just seemed strange to me. I liked the characters but I wish maybe they had each had broken betrothals with others and then had come together. Some bits were just a stretch and I found myself reading rapidly to finish faster. It was a nice enough story all told.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading The Joy of Christmas Present and it was hard for me to put down! I really liked the main characters, but I wish there were more interactions between the two. Their relationship was well-developed though! I also thought the plot was unique and the ending had a few twists that I didn't see coming. I really enjoyed reading the afterword and reading about the different tie-ins to Dicken's A Christmas Carol. Overall this was a great novel and a great Christmas read!

[Shaylin Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was adorable. It is part of a series but can absolutely be read as a stand alone. I loved the plot line and I loved the characters. The two main characters had so many cute scenes together and best of all there was a happy ever after. L.G. Rollins is an excellent writer- I love all the little nods to A Christmas Carol she put into this book. This was a super fun read right before Christmas- I can’t wait for the next in this series.

[Diane Horne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Joy of Christmas Present By L.G. Rollins

Four stars. It was a cute story with a touch of Dickens, Helena was alone dump by the man she was to become engaged to.. The man Frederick shows up at the Christmas party realizing his mistake try's to make amends... Her uncle Scrooge is the only family she has..She tries to reconnect with him but she is now on love with Frederick and through some challenges they come together and the end

[Jeanie's Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was incredibly slow to get into. Once the house party started, it picked up. It took a while to be interesting but when then servant children were introduced my interest was peaked. The catty female and overzealous Lord were predictable and dull. I liked the twin sisters and the apparent sulking mother. The boisterous uncle was unforseen but definitely needed. It turned into a very good read.

[Luci Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean Christmas romance

The second in the Dickens series and just as entertaining as the first! Each can be read as a stand alone but I enjoyed reading them in order to see the cross over from the first book.
The characters and plot are well written and developed. There is hope and laughter in spite of hard times, made richer by friendship, family and love.
I look forward to reading the next in the series!