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A Christmas Match #5
A Tangled Wreath
Is it possible for love to triumph after all?
Lady Arabella Wyndham has the grand misfortune of having, not one, but two broken engagements. Ridiculed by Society, she decides to remove herself from London and spend a quiet Christmas with her grandmother in the countryside. She hopes for a respite from her unrelenting thoughts, knowing she is destined for spinsterhood, but her grandmother has other plans.
Colin Notley, the Earl of Barrett, returned from the war a broken man. He is miserable managing his estate and longs to return to his regiment. That all changes when he sees Arabella again. He regrets breaking their engagement, but his situation is different now. The problem is that Arabella wants nothing to do with him.
As Colin fights to win Arabella's affection, she strives to keep him at a distance, determined to safeguard her heart. But other forces are at play, and the two of them are constantly being thrown together. Will Arabella risk losing Colin once more, or will she be strong enough to open her heart and recognize that love has plans of its own?
Lady Arabella Wyndham has the grand misfortune of having, not one, but two broken engagements. Ridiculed by Society, she decides to remove herself from London and spend a quiet Christmas with her grandmother in the countryside. She hopes for a respite from her unrelenting thoughts, knowing she is destined for spinsterhood, but her grandmother has other plans.
Colin Notley, the Earl of Barrett, returned from the war a broken man. He is miserable managing his estate and longs to return to his regiment. That all changes when he sees Arabella again. He regrets breaking their engagement, but his situation is different now. The problem is that Arabella wants nothing to do with him.
As Colin fights to win Arabella's affection, she strives to keep him at a distance, determined to safeguard her heart. But other forces are at play, and the two of them are constantly being thrown together. Will Arabella risk losing Colin once more, or will she be strong enough to open her heart and recognize that love has plans of its own?
217 pages, Paperback
First published December 10, 2021
155 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Laura Beers
76 books497 followersLaura Beers is an award-winning author. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. She can't sing, doesn't dance and loves naps.
Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.
You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.
Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.
You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 17, 2022
DNF at 60-ish%. Jumped ahead. Sorry to say irritating
elements in this one kept mounting. A repetition fest.
This author and I may part ways (after having read
several of her books)?
Lady Arabella "Bella" Wyndam had been a 'diamond
of the first water.' She fixated on being jilted by 2 men.
Colin, army man, then earl (the love of her life). And
handsome lout, and marquess heir, Lord Eastman.
The ton shunned her, but not the 2 men who dumped
her. Huh?
Arabella went to stay in the country with her Grandma
Esther, Lady Langdon. Arabella was bitter her father
wed his 2nd wife, 6 months after the death of his 1st.
Sire and stepmama seemed more caricatures than real
living, breathing persons. Dad wanted her to wed East-
man. Here's a clue father: Bella was of age now.
Esther + Colin's Mom became matchmakers in earnest.
Readers heard too many times about Bella's beauty and
stubborn nature.
Colin had more substance than his beloved. And genuine
survivor's guilt from the war. But he needed to communicate
better.
elements in this one kept mounting. A repetition fest.
This author and I may part ways (after having read
several of her books)?
Lady Arabella "Bella" Wyndam had been a 'diamond
of the first water.' She fixated on being jilted by 2 men.
Colin, army man, then earl (the love of her life). And
handsome lout, and marquess heir, Lord Eastman.
The ton shunned her, but not the 2 men who dumped
her. Huh?
Arabella went to stay in the country with her Grandma
Esther, Lady Langdon. Arabella was bitter her father
wed his 2nd wife, 6 months after the death of his 1st.
Sire and stepmama seemed more caricatures than real
living, breathing persons. Dad wanted her to wed East-
man. Here's a clue father: Bella was of age now.
Esther + Colin's Mom became matchmakers in earnest.
Readers heard too many times about Bella's beauty and
stubborn nature.
Colin had more substance than his beloved. And genuine
survivor's guilt from the war. But he needed to communicate
better.
November 15, 2022
A blissfully satisfying read. :)
December 11, 2021
Arabella Wyndham has had not one, but two broken engagements, and although the second was because the man was a scoundrel and cheated on her she's still looked down upon by Society. She's also feeling somewhat unwanted by her newly remarried father, so a broken-hearted Arabellea leaves London and goes to spend the Christmas season with her grandmother (Lady Langdon) away from the Society gossips. Who does she see while out riding, but the first man who broke her heart, Colin Notley, Earl of Barrett.
Colin Notley, Earl of Barrett is miserable running his family's estate. This shouldn't be his life. He shouldn't be an Earl, he should be with his regiment in the Royal army. He also shouldn't be selecting a tree for Lady Langdon but his mother had already promised the elderly woman that he would. The Langdon home brings back too many memories of his time with Arabella. How could he have been so foolish as to cancel their engagement?
This is a sweet second chance at love story courtesy of a meddling grandmother and mother. Colin has much to make up for with Arabella to get her to trust him ever again. I loved all the scenes where Lady Langdon pushed Colin and Arabella together--picking out a tree, decorating the tree with the orphans, etc. Little old ladies are not to be trusted. LOL. Not only did Colin have to get Arabella to trust him again, he needed overcome or learn to deal with his demons from the war. It seems he had PTSD or at least survivor's guilt as he was the only one who survived his last mission, and even he didn't come away from it unscathed. It was clear that these two had never stopped loving each other, even when Arabella had become engaged to another man. I felt for each of these characters as they dealt with loss, hurt feelings and learning to trust again. Arabella should listen to her grandmother--she's quite wise.
This is part of a sweet regency Christmas matchmaking series, a Christmas Match, but each is a standalone. I received a complimentary copy to review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Colin Notley, Earl of Barrett is miserable running his family's estate. This shouldn't be his life. He shouldn't be an Earl, he should be with his regiment in the Royal army. He also shouldn't be selecting a tree for Lady Langdon but his mother had already promised the elderly woman that he would. The Langdon home brings back too many memories of his time with Arabella. How could he have been so foolish as to cancel their engagement?
This is a sweet second chance at love story courtesy of a meddling grandmother and mother. Colin has much to make up for with Arabella to get her to trust him ever again. I loved all the scenes where Lady Langdon pushed Colin and Arabella together--picking out a tree, decorating the tree with the orphans, etc. Little old ladies are not to be trusted. LOL. Not only did Colin have to get Arabella to trust him again, he needed overcome or learn to deal with his demons from the war. It seems he had PTSD or at least survivor's guilt as he was the only one who survived his last mission, and even he didn't come away from it unscathed. It was clear that these two had never stopped loving each other, even when Arabella had become engaged to another man. I felt for each of these characters as they dealt with loss, hurt feelings and learning to trust again. Arabella should listen to her grandmother--she's quite wise.
This is part of a sweet regency Christmas matchmaking series, a Christmas Match, but each is a standalone. I received a complimentary copy to review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 31, 2021
Picture a sad Charlie Brown tree, scrawny and bare and just needs a little love and support. Arabella is the same inside - although she’s not scrawny and bare but beautiful and hurting. Twice over engagements have been broken leaving her reputation barely hanging on.
🎄
Her past catches up to and is relentless until she hears him out. They’re rivals in picking out a Christmas tree for orphans to decorate.
🎄
Arabella is bitter and a bit unlikeable. Her father remarried a shrill women just a few years older than her (I recently read this trope so having it again wasn’t super fun) with a second chance romance.
🎄
Colin has PTSD from fighting in the war. He struggles daily but he figures out what he wants in his life. I liked him throughout the whole book and he really grows. I think he could’ve done better than Arabella. There wasn’t much romance so more would’ve been nice but this story had lots of holiday events to get you into the spirit.
🎄
I received an e-arc copy from the author and these are my own thoughts and opinions.
🎄
Her past catches up to and is relentless until she hears him out. They’re rivals in picking out a Christmas tree for orphans to decorate.
🎄
Arabella is bitter and a bit unlikeable. Her father remarried a shrill women just a few years older than her (I recently read this trope so having it again wasn’t super fun) with a second chance romance.
🎄
Colin has PTSD from fighting in the war. He struggles daily but he figures out what he wants in his life. I liked him throughout the whole book and he really grows. I think he could’ve done better than Arabella. There wasn’t much romance so more would’ve been nice but this story had lots of holiday events to get you into the spirit.
🎄
I received an e-arc copy from the author and these are my own thoughts and opinions.
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December 11, 2021Not going to rate this as it was obvious from page 1 that I disliked the Hero and this author is not for me.
Hero is 'nice', but useless, boring + mainly self-centred and selfish.
Heroine is fine but forgives too easily although she's only 22 years now - but she's on-the-shelf, ruined totally by 2 useless men and facing eternal spinsterhood and possibly being thrown out of her home by her 'loving' father so I'd marry the H too if I was her!
No sex. A few chaste kisses.
H does nothing but complain 'oh poor me' the whole book. He's survived war but complains the whole book how bored he is, even though he's an Earl with a huge, profitable estate. Never occurs to him to give some of his money + time to help his fellow soldier's wives, widows, children, orphans and injured soldiers. He mentions having to suffer watching ordinary soldiers being whipped + beaten as punishments - but poor H couldn't interfere :( and he obviously didn't know anything about his men.
He doesn't know anything about his estate tenants or their circumstances either + he doesn't want to know as he mentions several times.
He is going to put a 12 year old in jail.
He doesn't offer his younger brother any financial support from the vast wealth of his estate (his brother didn't ask but that doesn't mean that the H couldn't offer) ... oh, but he's a wonderful brother because he offers his brother the use of his London town house for a few months when he's not using it himself at that time anyway!!!
He ditched the love of his life, and girl-next-door who he grew up with, when she was only 17 years (his age is never mentioned but obviously older) and ruined her life. As mentioned once in the book, why did he offer for her in the first place if he was only going to break their engagement and thus ruin her?
Her father's character was all over the place - a monster one minute and loving the next - but I basically didn't like him either because he did a lot more harm than good to his daughter and grief did NOT excuse him.
I knew I should have DNF after page 1 :(
Hero is 'nice', but useless, boring + mainly self-centred and selfish.
Heroine is fine but forgives too easily although she's only 22 years now - but she's on-the-shelf, ruined totally by 2 useless men and facing eternal spinsterhood and possibly being thrown out of her home by her 'loving' father so I'd marry the H too if I was her!
No sex. A few chaste kisses.
H does nothing but complain 'oh poor me' the whole book. He's survived war but complains the whole book how bored he is, even though he's an Earl with a huge, profitable estate. Never occurs to him to give some of his money + time to help his fellow soldier's wives, widows, children, orphans and injured soldiers. He mentions having to suffer watching ordinary soldiers being whipped + beaten as punishments - but poor H couldn't interfere :( and he obviously didn't know anything about his men.
He doesn't know anything about his estate tenants or their circumstances either + he doesn't want to know as he mentions several times.
He is going to put a 12 year old in jail.
He doesn't offer his younger brother any financial support from the vast wealth of his estate (his brother didn't ask but that doesn't mean that the H couldn't offer) ... oh, but he's a wonderful brother because he offers his brother the use of his London town house for a few months when he's not using it himself at that time anyway!!!
He ditched the love of his life, and girl-next-door who he grew up with, when she was only 17 years (his age is never mentioned but obviously older) and ruined her life. As mentioned once in the book, why did he offer for her in the first place if he was only going to break their engagement and thus ruin her?
Her father's character was all over the place - a monster one minute and loving the next - but I basically didn't like him either because he did a lot more harm than good to his daughter and grief did NOT excuse him.
I knew I should have DNF after page 1 :(
December 28, 2021
Lady Arabella Wyndham has the grand misfortune of having, not one, but two broken engagements. Ridiculed by Society, she decides to remove herself from London and spend a quiet Christmas with her grandmother in the countryside. She hopes for a respite from her unrelenting thoughts, knowing she is destined for spinsterhood, but her grandmother has other plans.
Colin Notley, the Earl of Barrett, returned from the war a broken man. He is miserable managing his estate and longs to return to his regiment. That all changes when he sees Arabella again. He regrets breaking their engagement, but his situation is different now. The problem is that Arabella wants nothing to do with him.
As Colin fights to win Arabella's affection, she strives to keep him at a distance, determined to safeguard her heart. But other forces are at play, and the two of them are constantly being thrown together. Will Arabella risk losing Colin once more, or will she be strong enough to open her heart and recognize that love has plans of its own?
Colin and Arabella are meant to be! As Colin tries to win Arabella she wants to be independent.
Laura Beers has written an amazing story.
Colin Notley, the Earl of Barrett, returned from the war a broken man. He is miserable managing his estate and longs to return to his regiment. That all changes when he sees Arabella again. He regrets breaking their engagement, but his situation is different now. The problem is that Arabella wants nothing to do with him.
As Colin fights to win Arabella's affection, she strives to keep him at a distance, determined to safeguard her heart. But other forces are at play, and the two of them are constantly being thrown together. Will Arabella risk losing Colin once more, or will she be strong enough to open her heart and recognize that love has plans of its own?
Colin and Arabella are meant to be! As Colin tries to win Arabella she wants to be independent.
Laura Beers has written an amazing story.
March 15, 2022
If you’re a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, there is zero reason why you haven’t read this series yet
IF you’re NOT a fan of the hallmark Christmas movies (like me who watches MAYBE one hallmark movie every two years out of desire to prove that I am not a Scrooge…and then immediately regret giving in and refuse to watch any more) then you will STILL love this book, though disclaimer - I read it in March, and I think that helped my inner Scrooge from critiquing it too harshly.
Sweet story about Childhood love, that was then broken, and their efforts to earn it back.
It ends much like a Hallmark movie in that theres all the happy endings, but sometimes we just need that dont we?
IF you’re NOT a fan of the hallmark Christmas movies (like me who watches MAYBE one hallmark movie every two years out of desire to prove that I am not a Scrooge…and then immediately regret giving in and refuse to watch any more) then you will STILL love this book, though disclaimer - I read it in March, and I think that helped my inner Scrooge from critiquing it too harshly.
Sweet story about Childhood love, that was then broken, and their efforts to earn it back.
It ends much like a Hallmark movie in that theres all the happy endings, but sometimes we just need that dont we?
November 20, 2021
Two broken engagements. One broken heart. What can the future hold?
After experiencing her second engagement being broken by her fiancé, the second fiancé ran off with his mistress, Arabella has little hope of making any match much less a good one. Despondent and feeling unwanted in her father and new step-mother’s home, Arabella heads to her grandmother’s house for Christmas. There she hopes to sort through her feelings and situation. Little does she know that Colin, Lord Barrett, her first fiancé that broke their engagement, shattered her heart, and made her a social outcast for years, is residing at his estate that is next to her grandmother’s. And little do either of them know that Arabella’s grandmother and Colin’s mother have decided to play matchmaker for the two of them. But Arabella’s feelings of hurt run deep and strong. Colin has his own dilemmas as he struggles with what we would call PTSD from the war and feelings of unworthiness for both Arabella and the estate he has inherited upon his brother’s death. With such major issues things look hopeless at best. How can either heal enough to let the other one near? This is a wonderful book that covers hard topics is a caring and insightful manner without becoming bogged down in the sadness. It is an engaging and enjoyable read as you watch each of them, as well as others, struggle to make choices and changes to improve their lives. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
After experiencing her second engagement being broken by her fiancé, the second fiancé ran off with his mistress, Arabella has little hope of making any match much less a good one. Despondent and feeling unwanted in her father and new step-mother’s home, Arabella heads to her grandmother’s house for Christmas. There she hopes to sort through her feelings and situation. Little does she know that Colin, Lord Barrett, her first fiancé that broke their engagement, shattered her heart, and made her a social outcast for years, is residing at his estate that is next to her grandmother’s. And little do either of them know that Arabella’s grandmother and Colin’s mother have decided to play matchmaker for the two of them. But Arabella’s feelings of hurt run deep and strong. Colin has his own dilemmas as he struggles with what we would call PTSD from the war and feelings of unworthiness for both Arabella and the estate he has inherited upon his brother’s death. With such major issues things look hopeless at best. How can either heal enough to let the other one near? This is a wonderful book that covers hard topics is a caring and insightful manner without becoming bogged down in the sadness. It is an engaging and enjoyable read as you watch each of them, as well as others, struggle to make choices and changes to improve their lives. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
November 26, 2021
Arabella thought she was destined to be a spinster, after two failed engagement, even though neither were her fault. She was also now being treated very unfairly by her new stepmother. The only thing she had to look forward to was being with her grandmother for Christmas. Little did she know of her grandmother’s meddling ways.
This is such a sweet touching story. Full of holiday cheer, kindness to others, forgiveness, fun banter, and renewed romance. The writing is clear and clean, the plot is fun and intriguing and the characters are warm and engaging. This whole series has brought happiness to my holiday reading. All of the authors are wonderful storytellers!
This is such a sweet touching story. Full of holiday cheer, kindness to others, forgiveness, fun banter, and renewed romance. The writing is clear and clean, the plot is fun and intriguing and the characters are warm and engaging. This whole series has brought happiness to my holiday reading. All of the authors are wonderful storytellers!
November 27, 2021
Nothing better than a Christmas romance and a happily ever after! Arabella has had two failed engagements and has lost hope that she will ever be married. While visiting her Grandmother at Christmas, her Grandmother plays matchmaker and finds all the moments she can to put Arabella and Lord Barrett together. Unfortunately, Lord Barrett is her first failed engagement. Arabella has to learn to trust the man she already loves and has always loved. Such a sweet romance and perfect for this time of year!
November 24, 2021
This was a sweet and clean romance about how Arabella finds her ever after overcoming two broken betrothals.
Although at times the story moved too slow and was too overall it was a nice read. I felt that her father, in my opinion, seemed rather heartless the way he tried to handle her betrothal with lord Eastwood. He also seemed like he was totally lacking love and showed much indifferent to all Augusta’s treatment of Arabella. It was hard for me to to see him suddenly as the loving father he was made to look like on her wedding day. The portrayals about him seemed inconsistent throughout the book.
Although at times the story moved too slow and was too overall it was a nice read. I felt that her father, in my opinion, seemed rather heartless the way he tried to handle her betrothal with lord Eastwood. He also seemed like he was totally lacking love and showed much indifferent to all Augusta’s treatment of Arabella. It was hard for me to to see him suddenly as the loving father he was made to look like on her wedding day. The portrayals about him seemed inconsistent throughout the book.
March 11, 2022
Do you like mistaken identity troupes?
What about a winter themed setting?
What about adorable meet-cutes?
Meddling grandmothers?
If you answered yes to any of questions, this book is your next “cozy” read!
This book was a fun read! Sometimes regency reads are not as funny as my romcoms, but this one was the perfect mix of both! I loved it! I also really loved some of these deep thoughts that Laura included inside all the humor. Let me share some of my favorite quotes with you:
💬Never underestimate the power of expressing gratitude for the things that we do have.
💬It is easy to fall in love, but staying in love is an entirely different matter.
💬That is most unfortunate, because anything that is worth doing in this life takes hard work.
💬Sometimes the most unsensible men are the most fun.
Also, not gonna lie, I’m sharing this today because after several days of 60-70° weather we got hit with a surprise snow storm today! So of course, I think there a perfect time to share the last of my winter/Christmas themed book reviews!
What about a winter themed setting?
What about adorable meet-cutes?
Meddling grandmothers?
If you answered yes to any of questions, this book is your next “cozy” read!
This book was a fun read! Sometimes regency reads are not as funny as my romcoms, but this one was the perfect mix of both! I loved it! I also really loved some of these deep thoughts that Laura included inside all the humor. Let me share some of my favorite quotes with you:
💬Never underestimate the power of expressing gratitude for the things that we do have.
💬It is easy to fall in love, but staying in love is an entirely different matter.
💬That is most unfortunate, because anything that is worth doing in this life takes hard work.
💬Sometimes the most unsensible men are the most fun.
Also, not gonna lie, I’m sharing this today because after several days of 60-70° weather we got hit with a surprise snow storm today! So of course, I think there a perfect time to share the last of my winter/Christmas themed book reviews!
December 10, 2021
Just when things are looking like the spinster life is the only option, life takes a sweet turn. Cute story of love lost and found. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
January 2, 2022
Choppy conversations
This was an okay read for me. The author seems to use a lot of short sentences—answers & responses— in the conversations throughout this novel. After a while this started to grate on me because it made the flow feel rushed (even though the events in the novel aren’t rushed), and it made it feel choppy, and almost like I was trying to metaphorically catch my breath. It kinda ruined the experience of the story for me, even though the story itself was pretty good.
This was an okay read for me. The author seems to use a lot of short sentences—answers & responses— in the conversations throughout this novel. After a while this started to grate on me because it made the flow feel rushed (even though the events in the novel aren’t rushed), and it made it feel choppy, and almost like I was trying to metaphorically catch my breath. It kinda ruined the experience of the story for me, even though the story itself was pretty good.
December 14, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! It was well written. I loved the side stories as well as the main one. They all wrapped up so nicely. It was a very satisfying ending! Good characters and good growth.
Sex: None, just a few sweet kisses
Violence/Gore: mild, there was some description of war. Some details but not graphic.
Language: None
Laura Beers has become one of my go-to authors. She writes great, clean stories. I laugh out loud or feel the sadness of the moment.
Sex: None, just a few sweet kisses
Violence/Gore: mild, there was some description of war. Some details but not graphic.
Language: None
Laura Beers has become one of my go-to authors. She writes great, clean stories. I laugh out loud or feel the sadness of the moment.
December 14, 2021
This book is all about second chances. I love that both Arabella and Colin found their way back. Arabella’s grandmother is the best! I want to be like her!
April 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this delightful book, by Laura Beers Colin, and Arabella had once been engaged, until he's released her when he joined the military to fight for his country. He felt it was unfair to tie her to him, when he was in constant danger. He failed to think how society would view it, and ruin her chances in a marriage of choice. Now he was back, and he felt so unsettled. He had suffered much on the Peninsula, and thought himself a cripple due to his injury. He had also lost his older brother in death, and now would take his place as the new Earl. He felt unworthy, since so many were still fighting, and he had never prepared to take over the estates. Plus his closest neighbor was Arabella, and her grandmother, and he felt that his true love would never take him back. I loved the teasing between the two main characters. Plus his bouts with panic attacks, and night sweats made his suffering seem more real . I loved how his mother, and her grandmother got involved to see a happy ending. It was a very touching story since Arabella had just lost her mother, and her father had remarried so quickly. She was suffering from the loss of being alone, and also seeing the man she loved in great pain. I loved the ending, and the epilogue. This is a Christmas story, with good will, orphans,parties,decorating, and learning to forgive. I gave it 5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2021
The unlikable, whiny protagonists in this 5th book in the Christmas Match series each complain about their terrible lot in life. Colin, now an earl, has more money than God but has to take care of his estate. Boo hoo. He wants to go back to war, where he was wounded and would still be, but for the death of his elder brother. However, by December of 1815, the setting of this book, the war with Napoleon had ended months before. (Is the author aware of that fact?) Arabella, jilted twice and at 22, thinks her life is over, that she'll die a spinster. Weep and moan. The entire book explains this situation in countless ways, both of them feeling so very sorry for themselves, Arabella more than Colin. We're also told countless times that Arabella is "as stubborn as she is beautiful". All of this is written in modern language, with numerous grammatical errors. Clean romance, best suited for young teens.
March 19, 2022
Inconsistent character profiling, plot lines too easily resolved, and an overabundance of dialogue. There were a few witty moments, but they were few and far between.
Colin was incredibly selfish/presumptious/thoughtless towards Arabella. Arabella was quite nice and dealt well with Lord Eastwood, but totally turned into a ninny with Colin. And her father just seemed totally awful, before doing a sudden about-face at her wedding... The inconsistent characterisation really irked me. Also, PTSD and related symptoms are real and shouldn't just be brushed over as if they'll get better with a kiss
Colin was incredibly selfish/presumptious/thoughtless towards Arabella. Arabella was quite nice and dealt well with Lord Eastwood, but totally turned into a ninny with Colin. And her father just seemed totally awful, before doing a sudden about-face at her wedding... The inconsistent characterisation really irked me. Also, PTSD and related symptoms are real and shouldn't just be brushed over as if they'll get better with a kiss
January 10, 2022
I don’t do this very often but I am not finishing this book. I am only a third of the way through and I kept rolling my eyes at the dialogue, it was so irritating and repetitive! So, I am not going to waste my time! There are sooo many books and sooo little time. I love this genre but this author must not be for me. Sorry book. 😞
December 9, 2021
This story just pulled on my heart strings. I felt the pain and struggle in Lady Arabella Wyndham when she had not one but two men break their engagements to her. The first one was the man that she had loved from a young age and after he broke their engagement to enlist in the war, she had to face the ridicule and rejection of the Ton every time she was in London. When her second engagement is broken when her second fiance runs off to Greta Green with another woman- she leaves London to spend Christmas with her grandmother.
Lady Arabella has decided marriage is not for her so she has to accept becoming a spinster but her grandmother decides to step in as a matchmaker. The surprise is that the man she has chosen for her granddaughter is Colin Notley- the man who rejected her over five years before. He has returned from war to take his deceased brother's place as the Earl of Barrett.
Colin has never stopped loving Arabella and now that he has a better financial situation he wants another chance with her. This may not be an easy thing to regain her trust after so many situations have destroyed that ability.
So much pain and regrets had to be overcome in this wonderful Christmas story leading to a second chance. I love that there was an epilogue to tie up the end of this moving story.
I was given a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Lady Arabella has decided marriage is not for her so she has to accept becoming a spinster but her grandmother decides to step in as a matchmaker. The surprise is that the man she has chosen for her granddaughter is Colin Notley- the man who rejected her over five years before. He has returned from war to take his deceased brother's place as the Earl of Barrett.
Colin has never stopped loving Arabella and now that he has a better financial situation he wants another chance with her. This may not be an easy thing to regain her trust after so many situations have destroyed that ability.
So much pain and regrets had to be overcome in this wonderful Christmas story leading to a second chance. I love that there was an epilogue to tie up the end of this moving story.
I was given a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
December 9, 2021
Colin Notley is forced to return home from the war to take up duties as an Earl. He is bored with and wishes nothing more than to return to the fighting until he learns that the love of his life is visiting his neighbor. His one regret was breaking his engagement to Lady Arabella Wyndham before he went off to war. Now he has the chance to ask for forgiveness and try to win her heart over again.
Lady Arabella Wyndham is angry at Colin for his abandonment and the disgrace she had to endure. She loved him and he left her. She then goes through another broken engagement and is further disgraced. She goes to visit her grandmother to get away from society to find her grandmother's neighbor is Colin.
Scheming matchmaking throws both Arabella and Colin together where they begin to forgive and find love again. Second chance romances are my favorite to read and this one was well written. I loved that Colin had to work to get Arabella to trust him again. It was a delightful, clean, regency read that I have put in my favorites to be read at Christmas time again.
Lady Arabella Wyndham is angry at Colin for his abandonment and the disgrace she had to endure. She loved him and he left her. She then goes through another broken engagement and is further disgraced. She goes to visit her grandmother to get away from society to find her grandmother's neighbor is Colin.
Scheming matchmaking throws both Arabella and Colin together where they begin to forgive and find love again. Second chance romances are my favorite to read and this one was well written. I loved that Colin had to work to get Arabella to trust him again. It was a delightful, clean, regency read that I have put in my favorites to be read at Christmas time again.
December 10, 2021
This is a sweet, clean, second chance romance. In addition to the romance there is a secondary story that was lovely to see resolved in such a feel-good way. Of Arabella's choices for marriage, she obviously chose better for herself in the end than her father did for her. The other guy was awful. And despite her father dealing with grief, he wasn't much better in my book. Colin was a good man but had much to learn in his role as landowner. I hope his experiences in the book help him see where he fails and are a catalyst for change. Arabella's grandmother is pretty great. The story is somewhat slow paced but still pleasant to read overall. A nice evening read curled up by the fire...
And I still love the idea for this series of the matchmaking group of elderly friends.
Sex: discussion of women increasing in and out of marriage
Language: no
Violence: no
And I still love the idea for this series of the matchmaking group of elderly friends.
Sex: discussion of women increasing in and out of marriage
Language: no
Violence: no
November 27, 2021
I love a good second chance book. A Tangled Wreath was all that I could ask for in a good entertaining novel. The main character, Lady Arabella, has two broken engagements. It basically makes her an outcast from the ton. She has accepted her future as a spinster but there is a matchmaker in the house, her grandmother. Plans are made and two unsuspecting people are given opportunities to interact and hopefully form a match.
I loved the grandmother. She is a ton of fun and so are the rest of the characters. This was a great novel to escape into. I look forward to reading the other stories in the series written by different authors. It's perfect for the holiday season.
I loved the grandmother. She is a ton of fun and so are the rest of the characters. This was a great novel to escape into. I look forward to reading the other stories in the series written by different authors. It's perfect for the holiday season.
November 11, 2023
The “hero” in this is completely blasé about having broken the heroine’s heart and SOCIALLY RUINING her, but I guess it is all ok because he has PTSD? He barely even apologizes AT ALL, much less grovel like he should have. The heroine’s father is a douche and if the story was meant to have a redemption arch for him, I’m not impressed. I was hoping for angst, but this is just a bunch of expository dialogue and the hero’s betrayal is completely dismissed - there is even the implication that the heroine is wrong for not immediately jumping into his arms when he strolls back into her life like an entitled jerk. Sorry, this one was not for me.
December 3, 2021
A beautiful story that will have you disliking Colin for what he did to Arabella when he called off their engagement as he went off to war. But as you get to know the couple you will feel sorry for Arabella and start to warm up to the war battered Colin. His struggle with wartime memories is offset by his love for Arabella. He will not have an easy time of making her trust him. But with the help of her grandmother and his mother's matchmaking skills bring them together so they are forced to examine their feelings for each other.
December 9, 2021
Ms Beers has done it again with a story that captures you from page one and keeps the reader engaged until the last page. I didn’t set the book down until I was done. It was a magnificent story of forgiveness, second chances, and love.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
December 4, 2025
DNF at 50%. I tried to get into this one, but the main characters are really unlikable. Colin is slightly more likable and has more acceptable excuses for being whiny but it was grating. Arabella is spoiled, snobby and annoying. She is also really whiny and complains constantly about her life and the fact that her dad married 6 months after her mother's death. Yes, that sucks but maybe it was a marriage of convenience and Dad really needs a son, somewhat understandable in the society at the time.
The author also just isn't a great writer. The dialogue was unvbelieveable.
The author also just isn't a great writer. The dialogue was unvbelieveable.
December 29, 2021
Clean romance
I enjoyed this story of two characters healing from past life choices that caused pain and rediscovered affection for each other.
The characters and storyline are well written and kept me engaged and cheering for them on their journey.
This one book in the series of five is very entertaining as each of the other books in the series are and I recommend you reading each of them to discover the matchmaker’s success and friendship.
I enjoyed this story of two characters healing from past life choices that caused pain and rediscovered affection for each other.
The characters and storyline are well written and kept me engaged and cheering for them on their journey.
This one book in the series of five is very entertaining as each of the other books in the series are and I recommend you reading each of them to discover the matchmaker’s success and friendship.
January 5, 2022
I was very excited to read this last installment of the Christmas Match series. Sadly, it was my least favorite. Overall, it is a sweet story, and of course I went into it knowing they would “match”. The predictability is part of the charm for me! I marked some of my favorite phrases and passages, and I’m sure I will remember the story.
That being said, I give this story 3 stars. It reads more like a play being overly heavy on dialogue, and the pacing is wanting-too slow and repetitive in some areas and too quick in others. The story could have been fuller. The basic outline and premise are great, I just wanted more!
I would still recommend it as a sweet Christmas historical romance.
That being said, I give this story 3 stars. It reads more like a play being overly heavy on dialogue, and the pacing is wanting-too slow and repetitive in some areas and too quick in others. The story could have been fuller. The basic outline and premise are great, I just wanted more!
I would still recommend it as a sweet Christmas historical romance.
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