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Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Chronicles #5
The Meaning of Love
#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens explores the strength of a fated love, one that was left in abeyance when the protagonists were too young, but that roars back to life when, as adults, they meet again.
A lady ready and waiting to be deemed on the shelf has her transition into spinsterhood disrupted when the nobleman she'd once thought she loved returns to London and fate and circumstance conspire to force them to discover what love truly is and what it means to them.
What happens when a love left behind doesn't die?
Melissa North had assumed that after eight years of not setting eyes on each other, her youthful attraction to-or was it infatuation with?-Julian Delamere, once Viscount Dagenham and now Earl of Carsely, would have faded to nothing and gasped its last. Unfortunately, during the intervening years, she's failed to find any suitable suitor who measures up to her mark and is resigned to ending her days an old maid.
Then she sees Julian across a crowded ballroom, and he sees her, and the intensity of their connection shocks her. She seizes the first chance that offers to flee, only to discover she's jumped from the frying pan into the fire.
Within twenty-four hours, she and Julian are the newly engaged toast of the ton.
Julian has never forgotten Melissa. Now, having inherited the earldom, he must marry and is determined to choose his own bride. He'd assumed that by now, Melissa would be married to someone else, but apparently not. Consequently, he's not averse to the path Fate seems to be steering them down.
And, indeed, as they discover, enforced separation has made their hearts grow fonder, and the attraction between them flares even more intensely.
However, it's soon apparent that someone is intent on ensuring their married life is cut short in deadly fashion. Through a whirlwind courtship, a massive ton wedding, and finally, blissful country peace, they fend off increasingly dangerous, potentially lethal threats, until, together, they unravel the conspiracy that's dogged their heels and expose the villain behind it all.
A classic historical romance laced with murderous intrigue. A novel arising from the Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Chronicles. A full-length historical romance of 127,000 words.
A lady ready and waiting to be deemed on the shelf has her transition into spinsterhood disrupted when the nobleman she'd once thought she loved returns to London and fate and circumstance conspire to force them to discover what love truly is and what it means to them.
What happens when a love left behind doesn't die?
Melissa North had assumed that after eight years of not setting eyes on each other, her youthful attraction to-or was it infatuation with?-Julian Delamere, once Viscount Dagenham and now Earl of Carsely, would have faded to nothing and gasped its last. Unfortunately, during the intervening years, she's failed to find any suitable suitor who measures up to her mark and is resigned to ending her days an old maid.
Then she sees Julian across a crowded ballroom, and he sees her, and the intensity of their connection shocks her. She seizes the first chance that offers to flee, only to discover she's jumped from the frying pan into the fire.
Within twenty-four hours, she and Julian are the newly engaged toast of the ton.
Julian has never forgotten Melissa. Now, having inherited the earldom, he must marry and is determined to choose his own bride. He'd assumed that by now, Melissa would be married to someone else, but apparently not. Consequently, he's not averse to the path Fate seems to be steering them down.
And, indeed, as they discover, enforced separation has made their hearts grow fonder, and the attraction between them flares even more intensely.
However, it's soon apparent that someone is intent on ensuring their married life is cut short in deadly fashion. Through a whirlwind courtship, a massive ton wedding, and finally, blissful country peace, they fend off increasingly dangerous, potentially lethal threats, until, together, they unravel the conspiracy that's dogged their heels and expose the villain behind it all.
A classic historical romance laced with murderous intrigue. A novel arising from the Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Chronicles. A full-length historical romance of 127,000 words.
472 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2021
105 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,588 followersStephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Stephanie and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
October 21, 2021
I completely agree with Elke Simons review. I've tried reading other Stephanie Laurens' books without being able to finish them. The only ones I enjoyed were Lady Osbaldestone's books (1,2 and 3), which happen to be clean and on the shorter side (not that the more explicit content of this book was the real issue). I only read this book because I really liked Melissa and Julian's story from the previous books. Unfortunately, this barely counts as a romance as much of the book is about this poorly written mystery. The beginning of the book (the romance part) was a disappointment. I was looking forward to them becoming reacquainted but felt no real spark. It didn't help that sensible Melissa made such a stupid decision when she first sees Julian. I also thought they were very self-centered and the whole deal about the ton thinking they were the perfect couple and them putting their noses up was pretty tiresome. It somehow gets worse after they marry. It's pretty much page fillers with multiple murder attempts and how they escape each one merely by chance. They also make pretty brainless decisions throughout the whole ordeal. In addition, I listened to the audio version of this book and found that the narrator was not right for the story (he seems to read most of Laurens' long novels however). I can see how his gruff voice would be suitable for an alpha male story but it didn't seem to suit Julian. Worse than that, his voice for Melissa was not good and distracted me for most of the story. Overall, the whole experience was very disappointing.
December 8, 2024
Melissa and Julian are all grown up now and it's time to see if their young love has survived. I am beyond disappointed by some aspects of this book. First: It isn't set at Christmas. Second: It doesn't have much of Melissa's adorable niece and nephews or Lady Osbaldestone. Third: No sparks, no passion, no fire. All the emphasis about this "perfect couple" in the first half of the book was just boring. I did like the mystery element, this one was a really good sub-plot, much better than in other Stephanie Laurens books.
Melissa North met Julian Delamere during Christmas in Little Mosley years ago. She was 15 and he was 21. They got on very well, but due to their ages, nothing could possibly come of it, so they both moved on with their lives, Melissa to her Seasons in London and Julian to a post with the Home Office in Ireland.
Melissa is tired of the endless Season and being on the hunt for a husband when no one strikes her fancy or can even give her decent conversation. She is making plans for her life "on the shelf" and looking forward to making a difference in a cause dear to her, the plight of orphans. After this Season, she is done.
Julian Delamere, once Viscount Dagenham and now Earl of Carsely, is now the head of his family after the death of his father in a riding accident. At 30, he knows that he has a few years before he absolutely has to marry, but the thought of having to survive those years dodging matrons and their darling daughters holds no appeal. So, he has decided to take the London Season by surprise and find his own bride, before the Season is well underway.
Eight years is a long time and when Melissa sees Julian across a ballroom floor, she is floored. Panic and other emotions cause her to flee the ball and what happens, well you really have to read that for yourselves. Anyway, they end up engaged, but being virtual strangers makes this a little complicated. Add to that Society thinks they are just the "Perfect Couple".
Julian remembers Melissa well and is not opposed to the match. Melissa isn't quite so sure. But Julian does his utmost to reassure Melissa that they suit very well, and they are wed. The only problem is that some strange things have been happening around Julian, some could even be construed as attempts on his life. As they start their married life at Julian's country estate, the attacks continue and become more serious. Julian and Melissa work together to find the baddie before he can put an end to the love they are just beginning to discover.
Melissa North met Julian Delamere during Christmas in Little Mosley years ago. She was 15 and he was 21. They got on very well, but due to their ages, nothing could possibly come of it, so they both moved on with their lives, Melissa to her Seasons in London and Julian to a post with the Home Office in Ireland.
Melissa is tired of the endless Season and being on the hunt for a husband when no one strikes her fancy or can even give her decent conversation. She is making plans for her life "on the shelf" and looking forward to making a difference in a cause dear to her, the plight of orphans. After this Season, she is done.
Julian Delamere, once Viscount Dagenham and now Earl of Carsely, is now the head of his family after the death of his father in a riding accident. At 30, he knows that he has a few years before he absolutely has to marry, but the thought of having to survive those years dodging matrons and their darling daughters holds no appeal. So, he has decided to take the London Season by surprise and find his own bride, before the Season is well underway.
Eight years is a long time and when Melissa sees Julian across a ballroom floor, she is floored. Panic and other emotions cause her to flee the ball and what happens, well you really have to read that for yourselves. Anyway, they end up engaged, but being virtual strangers makes this a little complicated. Add to that Society thinks they are just the "Perfect Couple".
Julian remembers Melissa well and is not opposed to the match. Melissa isn't quite so sure. But Julian does his utmost to reassure Melissa that they suit very well, and they are wed. The only problem is that some strange things have been happening around Julian, some could even be construed as attempts on his life. As they start their married life at Julian's country estate, the attacks continue and become more serious. Julian and Melissa work together to find the baddie before he can put an end to the love they are just beginning to discover.
October 16, 2021
Eight Years Too Long to make it “Perfect”!
After reading all the books featuring Little Mosely, Lady Osbaldstone and of course the heartbreaking decision that her Granddaughter, Melissa and Julian made to not see each other again, the opening scene of their meeting after 8 years should have been wonderfully romantic. It wasn’t. The story made no sense. Julian visited Little Mosely, according to him, every year at Christmas to visit his friends, even when he was in Ireland! Melissa was, granted 15 at the time they parted, but her come out was 3 years later. She would have been 18 and he would have been 24. They could have met that Christmas again since he “went back to Little Mosely” every year! Also, I figured who the architect of all, and I mean way to many “all” accidents were immediately (and also figured out who killed Gorden’s father). Basically too much plot padding and not enough substance. Lady Osbalstone made two appearances, no trip to little Mosely and a love story swamped by a ponderous murder intrigue that wasn’t an intrigue at all. It could have been so much better. I didn’t get the same feeling of how right they were for each other that I got when I read the Lady Osbaldstone books. All together, this story could have been “Perfect” but unfortunately it wasn’t.
After reading all the books featuring Little Mosely, Lady Osbaldstone and of course the heartbreaking decision that her Granddaughter, Melissa and Julian made to not see each other again, the opening scene of their meeting after 8 years should have been wonderfully romantic. It wasn’t. The story made no sense. Julian visited Little Mosely, according to him, every year at Christmas to visit his friends, even when he was in Ireland! Melissa was, granted 15 at the time they parted, but her come out was 3 years later. She would have been 18 and he would have been 24. They could have met that Christmas again since he “went back to Little Mosely” every year! Also, I figured who the architect of all, and I mean way to many “all” accidents were immediately (and also figured out who killed Gorden’s father). Basically too much plot padding and not enough substance. Lady Osbalstone made two appearances, no trip to little Mosely and a love story swamped by a ponderous murder intrigue that wasn’t an intrigue at all. It could have been so much better. I didn’t get the same feeling of how right they were for each other that I got when I read the Lady Osbaldstone books. All together, this story could have been “Perfect” but unfortunately it wasn’t.
May 21, 2022
All of Stephanie Laurens books are the same.
December 12, 2021
Such a disappointment! The other 4 books in this series was wonderful. I had to stop listening to it, too much smutty stuff!
January 31, 2022
20222 bk 22. I've enjoyed the visits with Lady Osbaldestone and her grandchildren each Christmas. This book takes two of the characters (granddaughter and village visitors) and brings them forward in time. Melissa has convinced her parents that this will be her last season just as Julian Delamare, who she knew as one of the other Christmas visitors, arrives in search of a wife. Caught together after he has routed his cousin, the two announce an engagement, while sensibly agreeing to use the season to determine if they really still have feelings for each other and if they could live together as wife and husband. Along with this thread is the uncovering of a plot to kill the members of the Delamare family that is well done. I gave it a four, only because I knew about the middle of the book who the criminal mastermind was. And excellent book and a joy to see the cousins growing up.
October 16, 2021
A tangled web of intrigue!
Holy Cow! This is not your typical Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Chronicles story! The first 2 were much milder mysteries and the 3rd had more action, but this one blew me away! If you have not read the previous stories in this series, please do so before you read this one! You will understand things so much more. We met both Melissa and Julian in the previous stories. Now it is 8 years since they have seen each other. Julian has inherited the earldom and is in London to find a wife. To his surprise, he spies Melissa, but she tries to avoid him to almost disastrous results. During all this, we know that an unknown person is trying to kill Julian. When Melissa comes into the picture, she is also in danger. This story is full of twists and turns with many surprising details! I can't say any more about this story without giving it for so I won't!
The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with an action and character oriented storyline that has some steamy scenes but not excessively detailed. The characters are vivid and engaging. You may suspect the bad guy, but there is much more to the whole story than getting that name. The action is almost unrelenting. There were a lot of pieces in this puzzle, and Stephanie Laurens did her usual fantastic job of bringing it all together! Now, I have to wait for the next Cynster Next Generation story! If you like your historical romances filled with action and mystery, then this is for you, but do read them all in order. Enjoy!
Holy Cow! This is not your typical Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Chronicles story! The first 2 were much milder mysteries and the 3rd had more action, but this one blew me away! If you have not read the previous stories in this series, please do so before you read this one! You will understand things so much more. We met both Melissa and Julian in the previous stories. Now it is 8 years since they have seen each other. Julian has inherited the earldom and is in London to find a wife. To his surprise, he spies Melissa, but she tries to avoid him to almost disastrous results. During all this, we know that an unknown person is trying to kill Julian. When Melissa comes into the picture, she is also in danger. This story is full of twists and turns with many surprising details! I can't say any more about this story without giving it for so I won't!
The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with an action and character oriented storyline that has some steamy scenes but not excessively detailed. The characters are vivid and engaging. You may suspect the bad guy, but there is much more to the whole story than getting that name. The action is almost unrelenting. There were a lot of pieces in this puzzle, and Stephanie Laurens did her usual fantastic job of bringing it all together! Now, I have to wait for the next Cynster Next Generation story! If you like your historical romances filled with action and mystery, then this is for you, but do read them all in order. Enjoy!
December 10, 2022
This was marketed as a Lady Osbaldestone’s Christmas Chronicles story. It isn’t. The grand dame makes a cameo appearance and Christmas must have come and gone during this very long story, but is nothing like the rest of the series. The mystery was solvable early on and the rest is romance. How I wish I would have DNF instead of wasting time on a bad book. I listened to the audio version. The narrator sounded like he was narrating a documentary doing his best Basil Rathbone imitation. A hilarious choice for a gooey romance.
March 16, 2023
Did not finish
I had read the previous books in this series and enjoyed the light hearted stories but this was dry and dreary. Both characters were so pompas and dull! I just couldn't finish it
I had read the previous books in this series and enjoyed the light hearted stories but this was dry and dreary. Both characters were so pompas and dull! I just couldn't finish it
October 18, 2021
My rating: 4 stars.
This was a good romance, with likable characters. I read about Melissa and Julian in the other books in this series, and thought it was sad they they couldn't be together then. So I was glad they got their own story.
I liked both Melissa and Julian, and thought they were perfect for each other. They had a lot in common, and seemed to have similar values. Their backgrounds also made them a good couple -- she grew up in a family that worked for the government, and he had worked for the government for 8 years.
One thing I really liked about this book was that Julian never tried to hide how he felt about Melissa. He wasn't one of those men who just couldn't admit he loved a woman. I thought that made him a much better hero. I also really liked that Melissa and Julian communicated well, and seemed to really understand each other.
I did think the mystery was a bit too easy to figure out. I figured out who the mastermind was fairly early in the story. I didn't figure out all the details, but I had guessed who he was.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
This was a good romance, with likable characters. I read about Melissa and Julian in the other books in this series, and thought it was sad they they couldn't be together then. So I was glad they got their own story.
I liked both Melissa and Julian, and thought they were perfect for each other. They had a lot in common, and seemed to have similar values. Their backgrounds also made them a good couple -- she grew up in a family that worked for the government, and he had worked for the government for 8 years.
One thing I really liked about this book was that Julian never tried to hide how he felt about Melissa. He wasn't one of those men who just couldn't admit he loved a woman. I thought that made him a much better hero. I also really liked that Melissa and Julian communicated well, and seemed to really understand each other.
I did think the mystery was a bit too easy to figure out. I figured out who the mastermind was fairly early in the story. I didn't figure out all the details, but I had guessed who he was.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
January 31, 2022
On the one hand, finishing this book made me super happy. The culmination of like 20-ish years of me slowly collecting the Cynster novels, and every other connected series and book by Laurens, and getting them read. I have finally reached the pinnacle and read them all! Well, until the next comes out in March, (to which I say, bring it on baby!) but I digress. I came, I read, and I conquered and fell in love with all these characters in this world. My Cynster fams and Bastion boys, and Cobra guys, and the Adventurers and all of them! Especially Lady O, who is forever mind-cast for me as Dame Maggie Smith, and I’d never be convinced she could be played by anyone else, lol. So anyway I guess I’m saying this world has become my comfort food. So finishing this book also kinda made me a lil bummed, like, aw man what do I do now?!
But I really enjoyed this book, and all the preceding Lady O stories. It was nice to meet these characters, get to know Lady O a bit better. I was happy to see Melissa and Julian (though he’s still Dags to me) get their HEA. I liked both of them very much.
Other things I liked:
-Ulysses the Puppy! (and the mention that it came from Helena Cynster lol)
-The mystery, because while I had my suspicions, I didn’t know the details so I liked how it played out. The who, the why, the how, I liked it.
-Seeing Lady O, and James, George, and Lottie again, albeit they’re a bit more grown-up now.
-Julian’s brothers, Felix and Damian.
-The action, like I liked all the little things that kept happening, not knowing which direction the next attempt might come from, the characters working to figure it out together.
I’m very much looking forward to reading whatever else SL writes in the future! If J, G, and Lottie end up with their own stories, cool. If I get all the Cynsters I can handle, and then some? Hells to the yes. Their friends and connections too? Sure, why not, the more the merrier! I’m in for life.
But I really enjoyed this book, and all the preceding Lady O stories. It was nice to meet these characters, get to know Lady O a bit better. I was happy to see Melissa and Julian (though he’s still Dags to me) get their HEA. I liked both of them very much.
Other things I liked:
-Ulysses the Puppy! (and the mention that it came from Helena Cynster lol)
-The mystery, because while I had my suspicions, I didn’t know the details so I liked how it played out. The who, the why, the how, I liked it.
-Seeing Lady O, and James, George, and Lottie again, albeit they’re a bit more grown-up now.
-Julian’s brothers, Felix and Damian.
-The action, like I liked all the little things that kept happening, not knowing which direction the next attempt might come from, the characters working to figure it out together.
I’m very much looking forward to reading whatever else SL writes in the future! If J, G, and Lottie end up with their own stories, cool. If I get all the Cynsters I can handle, and then some? Hells to the yes. Their friends and connections too? Sure, why not, the more the merrier! I’m in for life.
June 29, 2022
Last seen 8 years ago in Lady Osbaldestone’s Christmas Chronicles, Julian, Viscount Degenham, and Melissa North experienced a connection but she was too young for courtship, and he was off to a Foreign Office post in Ireland. Now Julian, the 7th Earl of Carsely has resigned his position, returned home to take over his responsibilities, and heads to town to find a wife and ensure family continuity.
Julian and Melissa see one another at a ton ball where they abruptly become affianced. This perfect couple receives the focused attention of the ton throughout their betrothal and even following their wedding. There is lots of other pressure, accidents that befall Julian and Melissa, alone and together. Someone is trying to kill them which adds layers of suspense.
It’s refreshing to have a romance that doesn’t end at the wedding breakfast. It’s appealing to see a couple grow and work together to solve family problems. Primary and secondary characters are well developed and likeable. Highly recommended.
Readalikes:
Stephanie Laurens’ Lady Osbaldestone’s Christmas Chronicles and the Cynster series: Celeste Bradley’s Wicked Worthingtons; Johanna Lindsey’s Malory-Anderson family saga and Reid Family novels; Mary Balogh’s Bedwyn saga; Jo Beverley’s Company of Rogues and the Malloren chronicles; Julie Garwood’s Regency era quartet; Julie Anne Long’s Pennyroyal Green.
Pace: Fast-paced
Character: Stalwart; Likeable; Good secondary cast
Storyline: Character-driven; Intricately plotted
Writing style: Engaging
Tone: Suspenseful; Upbeat; Steamy
Frame: Derbyshire, London; Regency
Themes: Second Chance at Love
Julian and Melissa see one another at a ton ball where they abruptly become affianced. This perfect couple receives the focused attention of the ton throughout their betrothal and even following their wedding. There is lots of other pressure, accidents that befall Julian and Melissa, alone and together. Someone is trying to kill them which adds layers of suspense.
It’s refreshing to have a romance that doesn’t end at the wedding breakfast. It’s appealing to see a couple grow and work together to solve family problems. Primary and secondary characters are well developed and likeable. Highly recommended.
Readalikes:
Stephanie Laurens’ Lady Osbaldestone’s Christmas Chronicles and the Cynster series: Celeste Bradley’s Wicked Worthingtons; Johanna Lindsey’s Malory-Anderson family saga and Reid Family novels; Mary Balogh’s Bedwyn saga; Jo Beverley’s Company of Rogues and the Malloren chronicles; Julie Garwood’s Regency era quartet; Julie Anne Long’s Pennyroyal Green.
Pace: Fast-paced
Character: Stalwart; Likeable; Good secondary cast
Storyline: Character-driven; Intricately plotted
Writing style: Engaging
Tone: Suspenseful; Upbeat; Steamy
Frame: Derbyshire, London; Regency
Themes: Second Chance at Love
December 23, 2021
While I'm sorry that the Lady Osbaldestone Christmas Chronicles series has come to an end, I am glad to finally read the story of Melissa and Julian, former Count Dagenham and now Earl of Carsely. Julian has spent eight years in Ireland as a diplomat, and Melissa is in her final season, determined to remain a spinster and turn her efforts towards helping orphan children. But when Julian returns after the death of his father to take leadership of his family, he is determined to choose his own wife instead of being coerced by the old biddies of the ton. Surprised to find Melissa still unmarried, and finding himself in a position to rescue her from being compromised, he proposes and she accepts.
Since the readers already know that the two will end up together, the focus of this story is the mystery of who is trying to kill Julian and why. Not a bad mystery, though the villain was easy enough to guess at. We do finally get to see the wedding and the blossoming of their relationship after as they work together to solve the mystery. It was a nice way to end the series, even though it's not a Christmas story, and quite enjoyable.
Since the readers already know that the two will end up together, the focus of this story is the mystery of who is trying to kill Julian and why. Not a bad mystery, though the villain was easy enough to guess at. We do finally get to see the wedding and the blossoming of their relationship after as they work together to solve the mystery. It was a nice way to end the series, even though it's not a Christmas story, and quite enjoyable.
November 8, 2022
I did enjoy this book even though there were some less than perfect elements. The first part of the book is all you'd expect from a Laurens Regency novel, the life and mores of the Ton, the Season's many balls, picnics and outings to the Opera, then the action shifts to the hero's country seat and becomes more of a mystery novel. Oh, the villain was pretty obvious from the outset (to me at least!) and the different attempts at killing the couple also ran along fairly traditional lines. However, what was very well portrayed, apart from the relationship between the hero and his new wife, was the close rapport between Julian and his brothers Felix and Damian. Their strong bond and the way they worked as a team was for me one of the highlights in the book, indeed one of the meanings of love.
I never quite understood the purpose of the many disparaging references to Julian and his wife being a " "perfect" couple. Why did they see this as a problem? Maybe I missed something there.
Anyway, this book was a pleasant story where sex encounters did not dominate the narrative. Thank you Stephanie
I never quite understood the purpose of the many disparaging references to Julian and his wife being a " "perfect" couple. Why did they see this as a problem? Maybe I missed something there.
Anyway, this book was a pleasant story where sex encounters did not dominate the narrative. Thank you Stephanie
December 19, 2025
The Meaning of Love by Stephanie Laurens is another one of the fun historical fiction books. It is the fifth book of the Lady Osbaldestone Christmas Chronicles. The novels do not need to be read in order and each can be read as a stand alone.
Melissa North first met Julian Delamere when they were very young, they sparked but they knew it was the wrong time. Years later Melissa sees Julian across the ballroom and they are drawn together. Julian Delamere was a Viscount, but due to the death of his father is now the Earl of Carsely. That night they became engaged - only it was way more convoluted than the simple sentence.
There seems to be some type of plot in the air. A plot that could kill Julian or Melissa. They are not sure who was shot at and why. This starts the suspense that builds up in the novel. Melissa and Julian have a lot to discuss and decide on before marrying, but being killed was not on their list, but it is seems to be on someone's list.
The Meaning of Love (Lady Osbaldestone Christmas Chronicles) by Stephanie Laurens was a fun historical read with a good twist.
Melissa North first met Julian Delamere when they were very young, they sparked but they knew it was the wrong time. Years later Melissa sees Julian across the ballroom and they are drawn together. Julian Delamere was a Viscount, but due to the death of his father is now the Earl of Carsely. That night they became engaged - only it was way more convoluted than the simple sentence.
There seems to be some type of plot in the air. A plot that could kill Julian or Melissa. They are not sure who was shot at and why. This starts the suspense that builds up in the novel. Melissa and Julian have a lot to discuss and decide on before marrying, but being killed was not on their list, but it is seems to be on someone's list.
The Meaning of Love (Lady Osbaldestone Christmas Chronicles) by Stephanie Laurens was a fun historical read with a good twist.
December 19, 2021
I challenged myself to read all five of the Lady Osbaldestone Christmas Chronicles before Christmas, and this was the final one.
Overall, I enjoyed it! I liked seeing Melissa and Julian get to know each other again. So often romance novels skip over that process, so it was nice to see it portrayed in their relationship. It struck me how universal a lot of that process is - figuring out what your partner wants out of life, getting to know their family, figuring out where each of them wanted to live, etc.
I do think the mystery dragged on too long, and I agree with other reviewers that there were just too many assassination attempts. The mystery was also fairly predictable - I figured it out very early. And I didn't love the resolution.
Also, not necessarily a positive or negative, but this was not a Christmas novel! I was hoping we would get some amount of Christmas cheer, but there really wasn't any. I'm hoping the future installments in this series go back to the previous formula.
Overall, I enjoyed it! I liked seeing Melissa and Julian get to know each other again. So often romance novels skip over that process, so it was nice to see it portrayed in their relationship. It struck me how universal a lot of that process is - figuring out what your partner wants out of life, getting to know their family, figuring out where each of them wanted to live, etc.
I do think the mystery dragged on too long, and I agree with other reviewers that there were just too many assassination attempts. The mystery was also fairly predictable - I figured it out very early. And I didn't love the resolution.
Also, not necessarily a positive or negative, but this was not a Christmas novel! I was hoping we would get some amount of Christmas cheer, but there really wasn't any. I'm hoping the future installments in this series go back to the previous formula.
January 10, 2023
This is the story of Julian, Earl of Carsely and Melissa North, granddaughter of Lady Osbaldestone. This was a couple we first saw in an earlier Christmas Chronicles mystery and they were so charming together. You could feel the connection beginning even though they were too young to do anything about it. So here we are, 8 years later, and I wanted that same chemistry, only amped up a notch because now they are old enough for it to be appropriate. I was disappointed.
I did like the fact that they both recognized and appreciated the qualities in each other that made them so “perfect” together. Many of these characteristics are things that developed and enhanced during their time apart. They were able to discover new things that they liked in the other which made their love more meaningful and less superficial. They made for a likable partnership and their family ( his at least) made for very good supporting characters. However, I really wanted more Lady O and a Cynster to pop up. Definitely would have brought this story up to 4 stars
I did like the fact that they both recognized and appreciated the qualities in each other that made them so “perfect” together. Many of these characteristics are things that developed and enhanced during their time apart. They were able to discover new things that they liked in the other which made their love more meaningful and less superficial. They made for a likable partnership and their family ( his at least) made for very good supporting characters. However, I really wanted more Lady O and a Cynster to pop up. Definitely would have brought this story up to 4 stars
February 12, 2024
Error on the series title, first of all. This is not part of Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Chronicles, since it doesn't take place at her home for Christmas, as did the four previous titles. This is a connected title, and picks up the story of Melissa North, and Julian, Earl of Carsely, who had met 8 years previously at one of Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas holidays. Lady O is Melissa's grandmother. And after meeting at a ball - the some enchanted eveing style, a cousin of Julian's plots, and Julian and Melissa end up engaged. But all is not well. They are disposed to want this, but pressure from the ton on when the engagement ball is going to be, and when the wedding is going to be, oh, and someone is trying to kill Julian. And the attacks just keep on coming - early in the story, before he goes to London, several in London, and at his estate after the wedding, putting Melissa in danger, too. Someone has a plan, and finding out who is doing the attacks leads them no further to the plotter.
February 6, 2022
This author subscribes to the tell not show type of writing and it made for lazy writing and a somewhat boring story to slog through. I didn't feel a connection between the characters for this reason as we're told by everyone and their uncle about how good they are together but there was no chemistry, with even the passionate scenes feeling lacklustre. The only thing that kept me reading was the mystery. The characters reactions to almost being killed so many times was so mild, seeming to be more of an inconvenience than anything which was strange. Their stated reasons for keeping quiet never really made sense to me and they never did seem to call the law enforcement for anything. I get the time period but that felt strange. I figured out who it was early on, they were the only character mentioned multiple times outside the family, but I kept skimming for the motivation more than anything. Overall, not a book I would recommend to anyone but die-hard fans of the author. 2.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2022
After 8 years of not meeting again, Melissa North, Lady Osbaldestone's eldest granddaughter, has still not met any young gentleman who comes close to her regard for Julian Delamere, Viscount Dagenham (now Earl of Carsely); but at a well-attended function, their eyes meet "Across a Crowded Room" (cue music, tweeting birds, ringing bells) and the attraction is still there for both of them.
Go to next trope: where Julian rescues Melissa from a persistent admirer, but then gets caught in a compromising situation (they're kissing, obviously!!)
Now, here comes the reason why it's only 3 stars for me rather than 4 stars: the "mystery" behind Julian's father's death, and the repeated attempts on both his and Melissa's lives, is a little too gung-ho and obvious. The villain is easily distinguished; the ending a little too pat; and the story is a little too sugary sweet.
Typical Laurens tale, eagerly awaited, but slightly disappointed.
Go to next trope: where Julian rescues Melissa from a persistent admirer, but then gets caught in a compromising situation (they're kissing, obviously!!)
Now, here comes the reason why it's only 3 stars for me rather than 4 stars: the "mystery" behind Julian's father's death, and the repeated attempts on both his and Melissa's lives, is a little too gung-ho and obvious. The villain is easily distinguished; the ending a little too pat; and the story is a little too sugary sweet.
Typical Laurens tale, eagerly awaited, but slightly disappointed.
February 5, 2022
I loved the other books of the series. I assumed, silly me, that this would be similar. The other books I would have said would be fine for a young person to read, or have it read to them. This one has graphic sex scenes in it. I'm not a prude, but that's not what I want from this series. I thought for sure it must have been written by another writer, but no, it's the same writer. It's like if you read the first 4 Harry Potter books and in the 5th one Harry and Ginny go at it in full graphic detail. There are things that I like in the book. But it was frustrating that the 2 main characters brought on a lot of their problems themselves. The writer drew everything out in excruciating detail. The mystery was okay. I would not read any more of these books in this series if she writes them. I'm peacin out.
May 16, 2022
Really disappointing, and the very reason for high expectations when starting this contributed largely to my disappointment.
This was the long awaited consummation of Julian and Melissa's love story so sweetly started in Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Chronicles when both were quite young. Yet because that young love was so pure and sweet, with a gentle parting, when they meet again here as full adults, never having fallen in love with others, there is no drama at all. Just a sense of instant closure. Even the introduction of a complex murder, blackmail, and succession plot aimed at Julien and his family does little to wake up this complacent story. Missing too were some of the special connections that lit up their youthful love, most specifically the melding of their voices in song.
I did however love the introduction of the ball of fluff puppy named Ulysses.
This was the long awaited consummation of Julian and Melissa's love story so sweetly started in Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Chronicles when both were quite young. Yet because that young love was so pure and sweet, with a gentle parting, when they meet again here as full adults, never having fallen in love with others, there is no drama at all. Just a sense of instant closure. Even the introduction of a complex murder, blackmail, and succession plot aimed at Julien and his family does little to wake up this complacent story. Missing too were some of the special connections that lit up their youthful love, most specifically the melding of their voices in song.
I did however love the introduction of the ball of fluff puppy named Ulysses.
January 4, 2022
3 stars.
I know a lot of readers of the Lady O's Christmas Chronicles series wanted this story but personally I would have loved another story of Little Moseley and another investigation by the three kids.
Anyhow, this feels a bit overlong. The audiobook was 15+ hours and I had to go at 2x speed so that I can get through it faster. So many inept murder attempts and to me, half-hearted attempts to figure out the culprit until the very end. I found the romance very matter-of-fact and their dismay over the attention of the ton just a tad egotistic?
I'm not sure if it's just me outgrowing these types of historical romance or that the clunky balance of romance and mystery just didn't work for me. All in all, not one of my favourites.
I know a lot of readers of the Lady O's Christmas Chronicles series wanted this story but personally I would have loved another story of Little Moseley and another investigation by the three kids.
Anyhow, this feels a bit overlong. The audiobook was 15+ hours and I had to go at 2x speed so that I can get through it faster. So many inept murder attempts and to me, half-hearted attempts to figure out the culprit until the very end. I found the romance very matter-of-fact and their dismay over the attention of the ton just a tad egotistic?
I'm not sure if it's just me outgrowing these types of historical romance or that the clunky balance of romance and mystery just didn't work for me. All in all, not one of my favourites.
September 3, 2022
We saw when Melissa and Julian met, she was fifteen and he was twenty-two. They recognized that they were meant for each other but they were both so young and the age gap was... ew. Now Melissa is twenty-three, about to be on the shelf, and Julian is thirty and has succeeded his father as earl. Neither believes the other to be unmarried. But they are. And they meet again at a ball. Well, Melissa is trying to avoid Julian by going out into the garden with a man she doesn't realize is his cousin, Gordon. Gordon, who needs money, decides that will be the time to try and take advantage of her but she saves herself and then Julian intervenes. When he intervenes, a torrid embrace occurs and the two are discovered. Well, an engagement is announced. But the two do something startling in a romance book and talk about it and decide to take the time of their engagement to decide whether they should actually suit. And that would be fine except someone just keeps trying to kill Julian. And trying to kill Julian. Then a little trying to kill Melissa. And then trying to kill Julian. There is Just So Much Attempted Killing. it was overly wrought. Otherwise, a normal story in the Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Chronicles series, fast, fun, and fluffy.
September 11, 2022
[audio book: Matthew Brehner (Narrator) - 3.5/4 stars]
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While this book involves 2 of the characters first introduced in Lady O's Christmas series (books 2 and 3), I think this would have been better placed under a different series title, The Osbaldestone's - in similar vain as The Cavanagh's series.
This story, while I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue, was not the typical light hearted cozy mystery of the young grandchildren holidaying in Little Mosley. Instead it was written for the adult, Cynster style steamy romance, market.
I kept expecting (at least in the epilogue) Melissa and Julian to sing their Holly and the Ivy duet - or at least something Christmasy - disappointingly it never happened
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While this book involves 2 of the characters first introduced in Lady O's Christmas series (books 2 and 3), I think this would have been better placed under a different series title, The Osbaldestone's - in similar vain as The Cavanagh's series.
This story, while I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue, was not the typical light hearted cozy mystery of the young grandchildren holidaying in Little Mosley. Instead it was written for the adult, Cynster style steamy romance, market.
I kept expecting (at least in the epilogue) Melissa and Julian to sing their Holly and the Ivy duet - or at least something Christmasy - disappointingly it never happened
March 17, 2024
Very repetitive if you've read Miss Prim
I have not read the Cynster Next Generation books in order and completed Miss Prim and the Duke of Wilde before reading this book. Both novels follow very similar paths. The plot lines and character dynamics are extremely repetitive. You have a couple who are compromised into a fake engagement and subsequently realize they are meant to be with each other. There's a woman who complements the man in unexpectedly perfect ways; her social and political knowledge and standing will help him become a force. There's a mysterious predator attempting murder who's hiding in plain sight. While the details of the murder mystery are somewhat different, even the motivation is identical to the other book.
I have not read the Cynster Next Generation books in order and completed Miss Prim and the Duke of Wilde before reading this book. Both novels follow very similar paths. The plot lines and character dynamics are extremely repetitive. You have a couple who are compromised into a fake engagement and subsequently realize they are meant to be with each other. There's a woman who complements the man in unexpectedly perfect ways; her social and political knowledge and standing will help him become a force. There's a mysterious predator attempting murder who's hiding in plain sight. While the details of the murder mystery are somewhat different, even the motivation is identical to the other book.
November 30, 2021
3.75 stars.
I like The Meaning of Love and really want to give full 4 stars if only the attempt on murder would cut to less than 7….or was it 8 ? God, so many I lost count. I mean, the story was very entertaining especially the investigating part that shown how Mellissa and Julianne work so well together. But as I mentioned before…the attempt on their lives were too many time and all were missed ! The story could have been shorter and more entertaining without feeling so dragging and repetitive (yeah, confession… I did skimmed some). Well, it should be just 3 stars but I just like this pair so much so that I give my .75 bias star.
I like The Meaning of Love and really want to give full 4 stars if only the attempt on murder would cut to less than 7….or was it 8 ? God, so many I lost count. I mean, the story was very entertaining especially the investigating part that shown how Mellissa and Julianne work so well together. But as I mentioned before…the attempt on their lives were too many time and all were missed ! The story could have been shorter and more entertaining without feeling so dragging and repetitive (yeah, confession… I did skimmed some). Well, it should be just 3 stars but I just like this pair so much so that I give my .75 bias star.
October 21, 2021
I feel cheated
Every year when you could preorded lady Osbaldestones Christmas story my finger pressed order. It started to be a tradition for Christmas a light mystery and a wedding at the end.Carrols true Christmas spriit fires with excited children how they progressed each year .Activities outside like skating. This story had had bluebell picknicks Lady Osbalestones calming voice absent. It was a good story but on its own .At the very least you could have had an Epilogue with every one at Lady Osbaldstones for Christmas with one of Julian's friends gettiing engaged.
Every year when you could preorded lady Osbaldestones Christmas story my finger pressed order. It started to be a tradition for Christmas a light mystery and a wedding at the end.Carrols true Christmas spriit fires with excited children how they progressed each year .Activities outside like skating. This story had had bluebell picknicks Lady Osbalestones calming voice absent. It was a good story but on its own .At the very least you could have had an Epilogue with every one at Lady Osbaldstones for Christmas with one of Julian's friends gettiing engaged.
July 31, 2022
I always love Stephanie Laurens books, BUT this was a bit disappointing because Lady O hardly rated a mention, especially it was at her house that they met and she is Melissa's grandmother. Also as Helena Cynster, Dowager Duchess of St,. Ives and Lady O are supposed to be Bosom Buddies there was virtually no mention of her. You would think both ladies as being Grande Dames of the Ton would be at some of the balls and have rated some mention as well as just passing mention of Devil and Honoria Cynster.
The rest of the story was okay.
The rest of the story was okay.
December 6, 2024
Disappointed. This book isn't any where near as entertaining as the other books in the series. I was looking forward to the love story of Melissa and Julian but it didn't work for me. I don't understand where the chemistry went. I missed the kids, I missed Little Mosely, and I missed Lady Osbaldestone. (She only shows up for two seconds in the whole book.) I believe the couple's story would have worked better as a short story. There was too much repetition especially the repeated attempts on their lives. In the end, this was barely an ok story.
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