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Rogues to Riches #6.5
A Rogue in Winter
Vicar Pietr Sorenson is preparing to endure—enjoy, rather—another solitary, frigid holiday season at the edge of the Yorkshire moors, when Miss Joy Danforth's coach lurches to a halt across the village green. Joy and her brother have nowhere to wait out the impending bout of nasty weather, while the vicarage is even emptier than usual.
The lady is on her way to charm a titled nitwit into offering her marriage, lest her family face financial ruin. Pietr has accepted a prestigious post closer to civilization, though he hasn't quite found a way to tell his congregation he's leaving early in the New Year. Will Pietr and Joy steal some holiday comfort beneath the mistletoe, or find the love of a lifetime on a bleak mid-winter night?
The lady is on her way to charm a titled nitwit into offering her marriage, lest her family face financial ruin. Pietr has accepted a prestigious post closer to civilization, though he hasn't quite found a way to tell his congregation he's leaving early in the New Year. Will Pietr and Joy steal some holiday comfort beneath the mistletoe, or find the love of a lifetime on a bleak mid-winter night?
123 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2021
108 people are currently reading
515 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
192 books2,914 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
October 30, 2025
The only thing wrong with this novella is that it was a novella.
Joy Danforth and her unpleasant brother Hiram are headed to the Christmas House Party of Lord Apollo Bellingham so that Joy can receive a proposal of marriage from his lordship, which will save her family from financial ruin. Lord Apollo has told her in advance that he would make her an offer and assured her she should be grateful for the honor, so getting stranded in a small village along the way was less of a hardship than one might imagine, to Joy’s way of thinking.
And the tall, handsome Viking vicar who gives Joy and her brother shelter in his home is no hardship either. Over the course of three or four days, Joy comes to believe he might be the future she’s never dared to dream for herself. It’s a future, though, made impossible by her family’s desperate situation.
I’ve read other romances with mere days between “hello” and “forever” before, and have been convinced. Burrowes wrote the initial attraction well, rushed the sexual aspect, but managed to end it in a way that felt right and authentic. The main characters were lovely, the brother needed a spanking, the guest appearances by characters from the series were fun, and the vicar’s house was well-stocked with Christmas treats. It wouldn’t be a Burrowes book without the gastric delights!
As for what the title has to do with the book, I haven’t a clue.
Joy Danforth and her unpleasant brother Hiram are headed to the Christmas House Party of Lord Apollo Bellingham so that Joy can receive a proposal of marriage from his lordship, which will save her family from financial ruin. Lord Apollo has told her in advance that he would make her an offer and assured her she should be grateful for the honor, so getting stranded in a small village along the way was less of a hardship than one might imagine, to Joy’s way of thinking.
And the tall, handsome Viking vicar who gives Joy and her brother shelter in his home is no hardship either. Over the course of three or four days, Joy comes to believe he might be the future she’s never dared to dream for herself. It’s a future, though, made impossible by her family’s desperate situation.
I’ve read other romances with mere days between “hello” and “forever” before, and have been convinced. Burrowes wrote the initial attraction well, rushed the sexual aspect, but managed to end it in a way that felt right and authentic. The main characters were lovely, the brother needed a spanking, the guest appearances by characters from the series were fun, and the vicar’s house was well-stocked with Christmas treats. It wouldn’t be a Burrowes book without the gastric delights!
As for what the title has to do with the book, I haven’t a clue.
December 23, 2021
An enjoyable novella set in a small Yorkshire village in the depths of a snowy winter. Joy and her immature younger brother are on their way north when they get snowed in and have to stay at the vicarage for a few days.
Joy and the vicar Pietr's relationship develops too quickly, but considering the constraints of a novella, it's done pretty well. Joy comes to realise the pointlessness of pursuing the wealthy gentleman her family have been pushing her towards. She hardly knows him and doesn't particularly like him. Pietr comes to realise that he doesn't really want his promotion to assistant dean, because he doesn't really want to leave the village where he is respected and loved. But he is lonely. He and Joy make a connection and fall in love (very quickly LOL!)
But it's a nice read. It's set around Christmas time, but not really a Christmas themed novella. Joy and Pietr are both likeable, and they have a satisfying HEA.
Joy and the vicar Pietr's relationship develops too quickly, but considering the constraints of a novella, it's done pretty well. Joy comes to realise the pointlessness of pursuing the wealthy gentleman her family have been pushing her towards. She hardly knows him and doesn't particularly like him. Pietr comes to realise that he doesn't really want his promotion to assistant dean, because he doesn't really want to leave the village where he is respected and loved. But he is lonely. He and Joy make a connection and fall in love (very quickly LOL!)
But it's a nice read. It's set around Christmas time, but not really a Christmas themed novella. Joy and Pietr are both likeable, and they have a satisfying HEA.
October 27, 2025
Many thanks to Jan, who recommended this lovely novella for a bingo square!
This novella takes place around the Christmas season in some small town in Yorkshire. The lonely, widowed vicar ends up hosting a woman who ends up stuck in the snow with her sick brother. She is on her way to hopefully get engaged, but isn't at all eager about her soon-to-be fiancé. The vicar and the woman end up taking an instant like to one another and truly enjoy one another's company.
The time spent between the couple is short but sweet. I wish there had been a full length novel for this couple, because I really liked both characters. I guess if I HAD to pick a flaw, it's that the hero has none. Zero. Zilch. He is perfection in vicar form and is just SO damn nice, and understanding, but not a pushover... really, a unicorn of a man.
Anyway, this book is in the middle of a series that I have never read and that did not stop me from enjoying it at all. I definitely recommend this if you are in the mood for a holiday novella.
This novella takes place around the Christmas season in some small town in Yorkshire. The lonely, widowed vicar ends up hosting a woman who ends up stuck in the snow with her sick brother. She is on her way to hopefully get engaged, but isn't at all eager about her soon-to-be fiancé. The vicar and the woman end up taking an instant like to one another and truly enjoy one another's company.
The time spent between the couple is short but sweet. I wish there had been a full length novel for this couple, because I really liked both characters. I guess if I HAD to pick a flaw, it's that the hero has none. Zero. Zilch. He is perfection in vicar form and is just SO damn nice, and understanding, but not a pushover... really, a unicorn of a man.
Anyway, this book is in the middle of a series that I have never read and that did not stop me from enjoying it at all. I definitely recommend this if you are in the mood for a holiday novella.
October 3, 2021
☕️ A Rogue in Winter ☕️
A Rogues to Riches Holiday NOVELLA
✒️ Grace Burrowes
https://www.facebook.com/Grace-Burrow...
Release Date 11/02/2021 retailers 09/14/2021 author’s shop
Publisher Grace Burrowes Publishing
➪ https://graceburrowes.com/bookshelf/a...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Vicar Pietr Sorenson is preparing to endure--enjoy, rather--another solitary, frigid holiday season at the edge of the Yorkshire moors, when Miss Joy Danforth's coach lurches to a halt across the village green. Joy and her brother have nowhere to wait out the impending bout of nasty weather, while the vicarage is even emptier than usual.
The lady is on her way to charm a titled nitwit into offering her marriage, lest her family face financial ruin. Pietr has accepted a prestigious post closer to civilization, though he hasn't quite found a way to tell his congregation he's leaving early in the New Year. Will Pietr and Joy steal some holiday comfort beneath the mistletoe, or find the love of a lifetime on a bleak mid-winter night?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they let others choose their future …
I love those warm feelings sitting on a couch with a Grace Burrowes bring. I do not get them often enough, entirely my fault as I do not make enough room in my reading schedule to read her work. Opening one of her book is always like stepping in an other world. I know I will have to check some words or wording, and while I will alas probably forgot most of them, I will be left with the pleasure of feeling a bit more leaned.
I have read none of the previous books in this series, and it is my greatest regret as I have landed into it through the very end, as it seems only one book is left. Mostly my mistake as I am always a bit afraid to enter a series already well on its way. But I hope to decidedly not miss the last book, the upcoming hero is intriguing even if I am not granted an arc.
But back to this one, Pietr is a darling of a man, an Angel among his flocks, with patience and kindness he molded his parish in a place of courtesy, benevolence and welfare. He is the rock that brought them together, without him, what will become of them all. But he is set on a new journey to please a sister who wants differently for him.
Joy is on her sacrificial journey, traveling in hope of a proposal to save her spendthrift kin, as they refuse to slow down their expenses, it is bad ton.
So up to her to marry well to allow them to continue on their egoistical and self centered journey. Even if her prospective spouse will clip her wing and keep her in a cage, gilded but still a cage.
So while their time together is short, it is enough to make them realize what they are sacrificing in the name of others wants and needs, and also to regret what they will miss by following their planned journey instead of their heart.
A lovely romance with all the cheering atmosphere of a holidays tale.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen sweet lovemaking scene.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUk2K23je...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram #bookbirthday
A Rogues to Riches Holiday NOVELLA
✒️ Grace Burrowes
https://www.facebook.com/Grace-Burrow...
Release Date 11/02/2021 retailers 09/14/2021 author’s shop
Publisher Grace Burrowes Publishing
➪ https://graceburrowes.com/bookshelf/a...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Vicar Pietr Sorenson is preparing to endure--enjoy, rather--another solitary, frigid holiday season at the edge of the Yorkshire moors, when Miss Joy Danforth's coach lurches to a halt across the village green. Joy and her brother have nowhere to wait out the impending bout of nasty weather, while the vicarage is even emptier than usual.
The lady is on her way to charm a titled nitwit into offering her marriage, lest her family face financial ruin. Pietr has accepted a prestigious post closer to civilization, though he hasn't quite found a way to tell his congregation he's leaving early in the New Year. Will Pietr and Joy steal some holiday comfort beneath the mistletoe, or find the love of a lifetime on a bleak mid-winter night?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they let others choose their future …
I love those warm feelings sitting on a couch with a Grace Burrowes bring. I do not get them often enough, entirely my fault as I do not make enough room in my reading schedule to read her work. Opening one of her book is always like stepping in an other world. I know I will have to check some words or wording, and while I will alas probably forgot most of them, I will be left with the pleasure of feeling a bit more leaned.
I have read none of the previous books in this series, and it is my greatest regret as I have landed into it through the very end, as it seems only one book is left. Mostly my mistake as I am always a bit afraid to enter a series already well on its way. But I hope to decidedly not miss the last book, the upcoming hero is intriguing even if I am not granted an arc.
But back to this one, Pietr is a darling of a man, an Angel among his flocks, with patience and kindness he molded his parish in a place of courtesy, benevolence and welfare. He is the rock that brought them together, without him, what will become of them all. But he is set on a new journey to please a sister who wants differently for him.
Joy is on her sacrificial journey, traveling in hope of a proposal to save her spendthrift kin, as they refuse to slow down their expenses, it is bad ton.
So up to her to marry well to allow them to continue on their egoistical and self centered journey. Even if her prospective spouse will clip her wing and keep her in a cage, gilded but still a cage.
So while their time together is short, it is enough to make them realize what they are sacrificing in the name of others wants and needs, and also to regret what they will miss by following their planned journey instead of their heart.
A lovely romance with all the cheering atmosphere of a holidays tale.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen sweet lovemaking scene.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUk2K23je...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram #bookbirthday
December 24, 2021
Lovely novella! It has the trapped by a snowstorm trope going, as well as having a lonely vicar as the hero. What's not to like?
I've had mixed results with Burrowes over the years--this was a winner!
I've had mixed results with Burrowes over the years--this was a winner!
December 22, 2021
A beautiful HR Christmas novella. Sensual, cozy, warm like a cashmere throw. (Do not be fooled by the fact the H is a vicar LOL)
November 11, 2021
This is a wonderful sigh-worthy read, that I highly recommend. There’s just something so special about a Grace Burrowes book, that leaves me feeling content and all warm inside. Her characters are lovable and each new release unique and fresh. As always, I can’t wait for the next one.
December 2, 2021
Oh I loved this one! Yes, it was novella length. Yes, I wanted it to be longer. But not because there was a lack of development of the story/characters. Instead I craved more because I love both Pietr and Joy as well as those marvelous ‘cats’ especially Kotr the kitten and yes, even all those souls Vicar has loved and nurtured and comforted in the village.
I’ve never been fond of the prerequisite snowy Christmas themed books that seem to be all over the place at this time of year, but I even loved that aspect of this one. I’m pretty sure all this ‘love’ I experienced is because Grace Burrowes is one of my favorite writers and in the past year of traversing bridges over very troubled waters, she has become such a comfort to me. I cannot thank her enough for yanking me out of myself and transporting me somewhere … else. Yet again.
The ending is superb. Pietr cuts quite a dash across that snowy landscape to win the hand of his true love and the final scene between Pietr and Joy was heartwarming, genuine, and lovely.
“Pietr Sorensen,” Joy said, “you have a genius for kindness as wide and magnificent as the moors, You have a soul as lovely as the blue Yorkshire heavens, and you are the warmth at the heart of an entire village. You are the love of my life, and I will speak my vows with you and only with you.”
“You mean that?”he asked. “You will marry me?”
He was so hopeful, so brave. “Yes, I will marry you, and that old cathedral will just have to muddle on without you. We will build our own edifice out of gratitude, kindness, caring, and laughter.”
“And pleasure,” he added softly. “Profound pleasure.”
“That too, but the foundation will be love, Pietr.”
“Amen. The foundation will be love.”
*happy sigh* I am reminded of those beautiful words written by St. Paul in Corinthians:
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.
(…)
Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.”
Yes. The greatest of these is love.
I’ve never been fond of the prerequisite snowy Christmas themed books that seem to be all over the place at this time of year, but I even loved that aspect of this one. I’m pretty sure all this ‘love’ I experienced is because Grace Burrowes is one of my favorite writers and in the past year of traversing bridges over very troubled waters, she has become such a comfort to me. I cannot thank her enough for yanking me out of myself and transporting me somewhere … else. Yet again.
The ending is superb. Pietr cuts quite a dash across that snowy landscape to win the hand of his true love and the final scene between Pietr and Joy was heartwarming, genuine, and lovely.
“Pietr Sorensen,” Joy said, “you have a genius for kindness as wide and magnificent as the moors, You have a soul as lovely as the blue Yorkshire heavens, and you are the warmth at the heart of an entire village. You are the love of my life, and I will speak my vows with you and only with you.”
“You mean that?”he asked. “You will marry me?”
He was so hopeful, so brave. “Yes, I will marry you, and that old cathedral will just have to muddle on without you. We will build our own edifice out of gratitude, kindness, caring, and laughter.”
“And pleasure,” he added softly. “Profound pleasure.”
“That too, but the foundation will be love, Pietr.”
“Amen. The foundation will be love.”
*happy sigh* I am reminded of those beautiful words written by St. Paul in Corinthians:
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.
(…)
Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.”
Yes. The greatest of these is love.
May 8, 2022
THIS BOOK 😭😭
I almost skipped this book, to jump into Ned's book but wow. Wow. WOW.
Peitr and Joy are goals. Absolute goals. I want a Peitr. But I also want Joy to be my best friend. This book was so sweet, so soft
There's not much else to say, it was a short book, but I almost have a book hangover, it was so so lovely
I almost skipped this book, to jump into Ned's book but wow. Wow. WOW.
Peitr and Joy are goals. Absolute goals. I want a Peitr. But I also want Joy to be my best friend. This book was so sweet, so soft
There's not much else to say, it was a short book, but I almost have a book hangover, it was so so lovely
January 28, 2022
Ms. Burrowes puts a smile back on my face with this 6.5 novella in this series. Having the last book not quite doing it for me, this one was done very nicely and I totally enjoyed. This is the story of Joy and Pietr, the village vicar. Although the relationship was rush IMO, I chalked it up to being a novella and just rolled with it. Lovely story with a lovely HEA.
November 4, 2021
I'm rounding up.
Burrowes made a good decision in writing this story as a novella. The length is a perfect match for the content. I'm sure she could have written it as a novel, and can imagine some of the events she could have used to do so, but the story didn't need them. Certainly this reader didn't.
Peitr Sorenson is a wonderful protagonist, and I wish I had a rabbi like this warmhearted, ingenious, generous vicar. (To be fair, I might -- I haven't been to temple in years.) Joy Danforth is sympathetic and likable as well. Pietr's dilemma and Joy's are to some extent mirrors of each other, and their meeting catalyzes their coming to the proper solutions for both. I particularly liked the realization Joy comes to at a key point late in the story.
Burrowes made a good decision in writing this story as a novella. The length is a perfect match for the content. I'm sure she could have written it as a novel, and can imagine some of the events she could have used to do so, but the story didn't need them. Certainly this reader didn't.
Peitr Sorenson is a wonderful protagonist, and I wish I had a rabbi like this warmhearted, ingenious, generous vicar. (To be fair, I might -- I haven't been to temple in years.) Joy Danforth is sympathetic and likable as well. Pietr's dilemma and Joy's are to some extent mirrors of each other, and their meeting catalyzes their coming to the proper solutions for both. I particularly liked the realization Joy comes to at a key point late in the story.
December 12, 2025
Plot- Simple and straight forward, the story occurs over the course of a couple days while Joy and her unlikable brother are snowbound with the vicar, Pietr.
Characters- Joy and Pietr are both likable, clear headed characters. I especially liked how honorable and service-oriented Pietr was. Although it was interesting how a faithful vicar could so easily justify extra-marital, no strings attached sex with the woman he met the day before, esp in that day and age. ?
Romance- Their immediate attraction was apparent. Although you could say it progressed very quickly, it didn’t FEEL insta-love. I was sold that they were in love and made for each other. Good chemistry. Endearing characters. I’m interested in the dukes’ stories now.
Writing - The dialogue felt very old fashioned, and a little overly chatty and wordy. The old fashioned language was probably historically accurate and not really the problem. It was that the vicar’s actual dialogue seemed a bit like long winded, premeditated prose at times… like, I don’t think anyone would really talk like that, even back then. It took me out of the book a few times, buts it’s fine. *shrug*
Still, I enjoyed the book. The two 3rd person POVs gave a very good insight into the MCs’ inner workings.
Content-
Language- no swearing.
Spice- one on-page sex scene. The way it was written was less sexy (and not at all crude) and more emotional/vague (but the reader knows they used the pull out method, so that gives you some indication of how detailed it was). Plus the 3rd person POV made the reader feel a little removed, like it’s a story instead of an experience. Their encounter was premeditated, so they had good communication/consent and had full use of decision making abilities.
Violence- no
Substance abuse- the FMC’s brother is a high functioning drunk; on page.
Cover- fine
POV- dual POV between FMC and MMC, 3rd person
Cliffhanger- no
Format- KU
Characters- Joy and Pietr are both likable, clear headed characters. I especially liked how honorable and service-oriented Pietr was. Although it was interesting how a faithful vicar could so easily justify extra-marital, no strings attached sex with the woman he met the day before, esp in that day and age. ?
Romance- Their immediate attraction was apparent. Although you could say it progressed very quickly, it didn’t FEEL insta-love. I was sold that they were in love and made for each other. Good chemistry. Endearing characters. I’m interested in the dukes’ stories now.
Writing - The dialogue felt very old fashioned, and a little overly chatty and wordy. The old fashioned language was probably historically accurate and not really the problem. It was that the vicar’s actual dialogue seemed a bit like long winded, premeditated prose at times… like, I don’t think anyone would really talk like that, even back then. It took me out of the book a few times, buts it’s fine. *shrug*
Still, I enjoyed the book. The two 3rd person POVs gave a very good insight into the MCs’ inner workings.
Content-
Language- no swearing.
Spice- one on-page sex scene. The way it was written was less sexy (and not at all crude) and more emotional/vague (but the reader knows they used the pull out method, so that gives you some indication of how detailed it was). Plus the 3rd person POV made the reader feel a little removed, like it’s a story instead of an experience. Their encounter was premeditated, so they had good communication/consent and had full use of decision making abilities.
Violence- no
Substance abuse- the FMC’s brother is a high functioning drunk; on page.
Cover- fine
POV- dual POV between FMC and MMC, 3rd person
Cliffhanger- no
Format- KU
November 14, 2021
November 2021: It is the Christmas season as far as reading goes and this is a winter story so it works as both. It's a lovely story with deeply felt emotions and more than one philosophical lesson. I felt as though I got to know Pietr much more than I got to know Joy but the story was set in his environment. This is a novella and yet the author completed a love story. They fell in love and it was believable. Palpable even.
December 7, 2021
Incredible read! Vicar Pietr Sorenson and Miss Joy Danforth meet in his small parish when her brother falls ill. He is content in his work but lonely. She is on the way to a Christmas party where she hopes to become betrothed and save her family from their financial woes. Loved these characters, especially Pietr, my new book boyfriend. Love Ms Burrowes writing style and her stories are wonderful.
October 18, 2021
This is a novella with Pietr, the village's vicar, and Miss Joy who is on her way to a Christmas house party. Pietr is everything a vicar should be and Miss Joy is smart enough to see what kind of man he is.
I've almost given up on Grace Burrows. Her characters usually keep secrets and don't trust each other; they have cold, by-the-book sex and are usually boring. This novella was a wonderful surprise!
I've almost given up on Grace Burrows. Her characters usually keep secrets and don't trust each other; they have cold, by-the-book sex and are usually boring. This novella was a wonderful surprise!
February 25, 2022
Never know how your seeds will grow....
This was a lovely IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE moment for the amazing vicar Pietr Sorenson. He has been the quiet, unassuming, enterprising, and gentle nudger for the village of Rothton for 20 years and wants to feel he makes a difference. Miss Joy Danforth also wants to make a difference, but her parents and brother are doing great imitations of ostriches... Heads down and buried in the moors. They have no head for finance and expect Joy to "fix" everything by marrying a fob.
As they share confidences over holiday cookies and good tea and cider while a winter storm rages outside and Hiram, Joy's ridiculous bother sleeps of both a cold and too much from his flasks, they explore their attraction. Joy and Hiram's brief and unexpected visit to the vicarage was sweet and intense rolled into a lovely discovery of love. They each see holes in their lives ANF see how the other can help fill those holes through love and working together.
The scene while the village elders and Dukes ate decorating for the Christmas assembly had me in tears, happy tears, but tears none the less. As each revelation came out more tears. Having his "differences" being presented to him, Pietr's eyes were opened to other possibilities. It warmed my heart. His grand gesture was epic! A beautiful afternoon.
This was a lovely IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE moment for the amazing vicar Pietr Sorenson. He has been the quiet, unassuming, enterprising, and gentle nudger for the village of Rothton for 20 years and wants to feel he makes a difference. Miss Joy Danforth also wants to make a difference, but her parents and brother are doing great imitations of ostriches... Heads down and buried in the moors. They have no head for finance and expect Joy to "fix" everything by marrying a fob.
As they share confidences over holiday cookies and good tea and cider while a winter storm rages outside and Hiram, Joy's ridiculous bother sleeps of both a cold and too much from his flasks, they explore their attraction. Joy and Hiram's brief and unexpected visit to the vicarage was sweet and intense rolled into a lovely discovery of love. They each see holes in their lives ANF see how the other can help fill those holes through love and working together.
The scene while the village elders and Dukes ate decorating for the Christmas assembly had me in tears, happy tears, but tears none the less. As each revelation came out more tears. Having his "differences" being presented to him, Pietr's eyes were opened to other possibilities. It warmed my heart. His grand gesture was epic! A beautiful afternoon.
July 19, 2024
A Rogue in Winter by Grace Burrowes is a novella that is in the series called Rogues to Riches. The book is labeled as 6.5, but I feel it could be read last in the series without a problem. The series focuses on the Wentworth family and how they each found their mates. The novels can be read as stand alone novels without a problem.
Miss Joy Danforth is on her way to spend a joyous winter celebration with her soon to be betrothed. A man who her family has chosen and will get them out of the mess they have made of their lives. She is being accompanied by her brother, who is rather useless.
Vicar Pietr Sorenson is the village vicar on the edge of the moors. His life is quiet and spent in service to the town and the people of the town. He is on hand when the Danforths show up in town lost and cold. He takes them in and while they are there, he realizes that Joy brings him joy.
The novella is short, but no less poignant and sweet. I enjoyed the characters! I loved Pietr and Joy together. This might be a favorite book of Grace Burrowes for me. A Rogue in Winter by Grace Burrowes is a wonderful short holiday read.
Miss Joy Danforth is on her way to spend a joyous winter celebration with her soon to be betrothed. A man who her family has chosen and will get them out of the mess they have made of their lives. She is being accompanied by her brother, who is rather useless.
Vicar Pietr Sorenson is the village vicar on the edge of the moors. His life is quiet and spent in service to the town and the people of the town. He is on hand when the Danforths show up in town lost and cold. He takes them in and while they are there, he realizes that Joy brings him joy.
The novella is short, but no less poignant and sweet. I enjoyed the characters! I loved Pietr and Joy together. This might be a favorite book of Grace Burrowes for me. A Rogue in Winter by Grace Burrowes is a wonderful short holiday read.
January 21, 2022
Sweetly Satisfying!
I wasn't sure if I would like this book, as I generally dislike organized religion and those who promote it. However, having met Vicar Sorenson in previous books, I decided to give it a chance... and I'm glad I did! This story is about love, and kindness, about noticing what's needed, and setting things right with honesty, creativity and courage. Pietr and Joy are a brilliant complement to each other... I only wish that the story could continue and show more of their happily-ever-after.
Novellas often feel rushed, and too short... but this one merely feels gracefully spare, yet satisfying... complete.
I enjoyed the Danish and Viking aspects of the story, as I have some Danish ancestry. 😊 And I delighted in the vicar's clever and compassionate solutions to the problems encountered in his community. The whole novella is food for the soul... Comforting and full of coziness, or (to use the Danish and Norwegian word) "hygge"!
I wasn't sure if I would like this book, as I generally dislike organized religion and those who promote it. However, having met Vicar Sorenson in previous books, I decided to give it a chance... and I'm glad I did! This story is about love, and kindness, about noticing what's needed, and setting things right with honesty, creativity and courage. Pietr and Joy are a brilliant complement to each other... I only wish that the story could continue and show more of their happily-ever-after.
Novellas often feel rushed, and too short... but this one merely feels gracefully spare, yet satisfying... complete.
I enjoyed the Danish and Viking aspects of the story, as I have some Danish ancestry. 😊 And I delighted in the vicar's clever and compassionate solutions to the problems encountered in his community. The whole novella is food for the soul... Comforting and full of coziness, or (to use the Danish and Norwegian word) "hygge"!
May 18, 2022
Just when you think that the only way to make a difference in the world is to become a billionaire, A Rogue in Winter comes along to remind us that we can change the world through kindness. Joy is on her way to making a brilliant match that will enable her family to stay afloat financially. She is accompanied by her very annoying younger brother, Hiram who wishes to attach himself to her future husband in hopes of good stuff trickling down. Unfortunately, they encounter problems in a tiny Yorkshire village that strand them with the local (gorgeous and amazing) vicar. Working within the community is contrasted with working within the establishment. It’s a novella, so it’s brief and to the point. A heart warmer that helps you fend off despair at our callous world.
November 18, 2021
It's no secret that I love Grace Burrowes' books and look forward to each new offering. Here we have a charming Christmas novella featuring Vicar Pietr Sorenson (who we've met before). He's preparing to spend the holidays alone in wintry Yorkshire when Joy Danforth and her drunken brother are dumped on him because of weather and illness. Joy is on her way to marry for money per her family's wishes but finds herself wishing things could be different once she meets Pietr.
It's a sweet story, and one I truly enjoyed. I'm happy that Pietr was featured in his own book and it's always fun to check in with some characters from previous books.
It's a sweet story, and one I truly enjoyed. I'm happy that Pietr was featured in his own book and it's always fun to check in with some characters from previous books.
February 28, 2022
I wish I’d read Althea’s book more recently, because I think I’d have had more feelings for Pietr in this one. I loved the idea of him and the quick bond he and Joy formed, but everything just moved too fast in this format, and the leads felt a little too good to be true. Maybe they just seemed too modern in their sensibilities, I don’t know. And that might not be fair at all. I’m no historian. Anyway, they were root-for-able but not 100% convincing. I did love Pietr’s relationships with his parishioners, and I’m a little sad I won’t see more of the Wentworths and their circle, since I’ve already read the last book Burrowes plans to write about them.
November 30, 2021
The vicar of Rothton, Pietr Sorenson, has accepted a new position in an upwardly mobile attempt to outrun his loneliness. Miss Joy Danforth is traveling in Yorkshire to reach the faraway seat of the family to which she may become attached. She is no more than a pawn in her family's attempt to regain fortunes which they have lost through their own fault. When waylaid by a snowstorm, they are taken in by Sorenson and Burrowes takes over. The Rothmere and Wentworth Dukes play a part in putting the situation right, and the Christmas holiday becomes a real celebration.
June 10, 2024
I don't often read books with the "snowed in" trope and now I know what to seek out when it gets colder. I loved how the forced proximity is heightened when there is no choice but to be around each other when attraction is a bad idea.
It does feel a little "reality show"-esque in that the MCs fell in love in a few days. 🤣 It def works in this setting but if this was contemporary, I think I'd have this face 🤨
Still, it was sweet and there was some terrific pining and worth a read.
Steam 🔥
Banter 🗣️🗣️
Swoon 💕💕💕💕
It does feel a little "reality show"-esque in that the MCs fell in love in a few days. 🤣 It def works in this setting but if this was contemporary, I think I'd have this face 🤨
Still, it was sweet and there was some terrific pining and worth a read.
Steam 🔥
Banter 🗣️🗣️
Swoon 💕💕💕💕
December 22, 2021
This is a charming story about how loneliness sometimes distorts what we really want and how the kindness of a stranger can sometimes give you the courage to stand up for yourself. What I liked best about this novella: the characters are well-drawn, despite the very short time-line of this book; the villain is not a person, but a misguided purpose; and the characters learn something about themselves they needed to know. Add excellent writing and you have a perfect winter's tale.
December 22, 2021
A Christmas romance that warms the heart
Grace Burrowes uses her wonderful skill for creating a world with all of the delightful details to bring us into the warmth of Vicar Sorensen’s life in this village in the Yorkshire Dales. There are two Ducal families we have met before here as well. A very lovely love story, with much wisdom to offer as well. Perfect for the season. Enjoyed it thoroughly…..only wished it were longer!
Grace Burrowes uses her wonderful skill for creating a world with all of the delightful details to bring us into the warmth of Vicar Sorensen’s life in this village in the Yorkshire Dales. There are two Ducal families we have met before here as well. A very lovely love story, with much wisdom to offer as well. Perfect for the season. Enjoyed it thoroughly…..only wished it were longer!
Read
December 14, 2022This was fine. I picked it up in a search for a Christmas-themed book that I would enjoy as much as A Holiday by Gaslight. By that measure, it fell short.
It's a quick, easy-to-read story with likeable characters who so lightly touch the rest of the Rogues to Riches series that it may as well be considered a stand-alone.
It's a quick, easy-to-read story with likeable characters who so lightly touch the rest of the Rogues to Riches series that it may as well be considered a stand-alone.
December 31, 2023
I love the way Joy almost immediately settles into Piers life like she already belongs there, performs traditionally wifely duties and ridicules her brother while simultaneously caring for him. Piers also shows such a love for his vicarage and plays such a fatherly role to all. It is clear from the beginning that Joy and Piers belong together and the novella flows all the way throughout. Length: 127 pages
November 4, 2021
May I add another few stars?
Grace Burrowes is able to afford her characters with charm, understanding, and to portray each of them with wit and understanding.
In this tale a lady and a local vicar find love and affection necessary to their happiness. How beautiful is this gently told story.
It is a privilege to be able to read Grace Burrowes wonderful books!
Grace Burrowes is able to afford her characters with charm, understanding, and to portray each of them with wit and understanding.
In this tale a lady and a local vicar find love and affection necessary to their happiness. How beautiful is this gently told story.
It is a privilege to be able to read Grace Burrowes wonderful books!
November 14, 2021
A great read!
I enjoyed reading about Pietr and Joy, the way they met and how they got along from the beginning. Joy had an idiot for a brother, one who was also selfish. In the end the Dukes talked sense into him and he rode to catch her before she got too far away and he proposed she excepted. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤
I enjoyed reading about Pietr and Joy, the way they met and how they got along from the beginning. Joy had an idiot for a brother, one who was also selfish. In the end the Dukes talked sense into him and he rode to catch her before she got too far away and he proposed she excepted. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤
November 15, 2021
Pietr Sorenson has fallen in love with Joy Danforth. He is the vicar of a small village in Yorkshire. She is supposed to marry a rich man to save her family. It takes a while to sort everything out. My favorite scene is when everyone tells Pietr how important he is to the village. I enjoyed it. I am really looking forward to Ned Wentworth's story.
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