Under the Mistletoe: A Christmas Historical Romance Novel

by Marguerite Kaye, Bronwyn Scott

Two festive Victorian short stories

Victorian Christmas Reunions

Two passionate romances!

In The Lady's Yuletide Wish by Marguerite Kaye, war nurse Isabella has never forgotten the night she spent in reporter Eugene’s arms. Years later, she’s surprised when Eugene, now an earl, asks for her help uncovering a family mystery—and that the attraction is still there… In Dr. Peverett's Christmas Miracle by Bronwyn Scott, war doctor William is reunited with nurse Honoria, and he invites her to spend the festivities at Haberstock Hall. Is it reckless folly…or the miracle he didn’t know he needed? 

From Harlequin  Your romantic escape to the past.

Genres: Christmas

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2022

About the author

Marguerite Kaye is a prolific historical romance author hailing from Argyll’s West Coast. She is a voracious consumer of books, Scotland’s world-class larder, and the occasional cocktail.

Find out more on her website at www.margueritekaye.com

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Reviews

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marguerite Kaye and Bronwyn Scott collaborate again on another wonderful duet - this time in two Christmas stories set in the aftermath of the Crimea War. Whilst both stories work as stand alone, there are little hints about the other across both which keep you reading, and, as usual the attention to detail within the plot keeps the reader entertained throughout. Being Christmas based, there is a focus on people coming together and the romances are delightful as happy endings are worked hard for and the characters and the reader all well rewarded with heartfelt happy endings. Special mention must be given to Marguerite Kaye giving us regular readers a further extension to the Armstrong family in Isabella, and, for anyone who has yet to encounter the family, there is a lovely potted history which might just encourage you to seek out the other books featuring the various members. Isabella and Eugene are a delightful pair, both wondering if their second chance meeting can lead to happiness whilst Eugene looks to resolve a family riddle of his own, and the festive backdrop makes for enjoyable reading. Bronwyn Scott also provides a wonderfully festive romance as William and Honoria struggle to reconcile their relationship formed on the battlefields into something that could work in the post war lives they return to. The family scenes are enjoyable and you really do root for Honoria to overcome her reservations regarding why her relationship with William has no future. Hopefully the authors will be able to work together again in the future as their combinations make for delightful duets which compliment each other really well.

[Rosangela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved both stories. Ms Kaye's is another one in the Armstrong universe. The h and the H met in a Crimea hospital, she a nurse in her last day of duty, he just arrived as reporter. They shared one night of passion and the next day she left. Nine months later they met again, by fate. She was not a nurse any more, she was helping the poor and veterans by giving meals, and she desired to give a real Christmastime to them. He was not a reporter, after a train's accident, he became an earl. Rummaging in his brother's papers, he found a shocking certificate. They united forces to have their goal fulfilled. Their journey changes them, she has to come to terms with her past (despicable Lord Henry Armstrong involved) to accept their new feeling, but has they say Christmas is time for miracles.
I was waiting for William's story and Ms Scott didn't failed it.
In all thee previous "Peverett's books" we learned that William would be the new Haberstock Hall healer when he returns from Crimea's war. But now that is returned, is that what he really wants?
Honoria worked alongside him in Sevastopol's war hospital. He found her working at the hospital where he left the last wounded soldier he brought back from Crimea. Torn between duty and guilt, he decided to go home for Christmas and bring Honoria with him.
It turns out that Haberstock Hall didn't only have the healer, but it was the healer itself. And that brought the solution that all was seeking. This book is the best way to complete the Peverett's saga.
Thanks to both the authors for this ARC, I enjoyed it a lot.

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Festively romantic!

I am always excited whenever I have a Marguerite Kaye and Bronwyn Scott anthology in my hands, two of the best historical romance authors around – plus two of my favourites, add in a Christmassy love story (or two) and I am reaching out with grabby hands needing to read it, and as always with these two authors this charming festive romance duo didn’t disappoint.

Under the Mistletoe has everything I want from a historical romance; delectable, heartwarming and emotional romance. Beautifully captured flawed and vulnerable characters and most of two feel-good, satisfying and passionate happy endings.

What more could you ask for?

Two wonderful love stories, full of family, friendship, heart-warming romance and sprinkled with festive magic!

The Lady’s Yuletide Wish by Marguerite Kaye

A tenderly written second chance romance between war nurse; Isabella and war reporter; Eugine. They shared a moment of passion in the final days of the war, a night that has held tight around their hearts since the moment they parted, though neither expected to see the other again until Eugine turns up out of the blue at her soup kitchen with his own quest, an immensely personal one.

Eugine is wonderful, he isn’t what you initially think him to be there is more laying beneath that charismatic exterior. I love how he is more than ready to roll up his shirtsleeves and dive in. I feel for him as well as falling in love with him, he never expected to inherit the title, but one thing leads to another and he is now the Earl of Kingarth, but not without unresolved issues which is why he is now standing in Isabella’s soup kitchen wanting her help.

I loved these two from the off, they are two genuine people who care deeply, especially Isabella. The way she has thrown herself into selflessly helping others, plumbing every ounce of herself, her time, energy and her inheritance to help others into the cause is commendable. She is an inspiring woman who truly cares for others, I connected with her instantly, I love her determination and her selfless passion and her kindness.

But she is also a red-blooded woman who can’t stop remembering his touch, these flashes into her memory from their night together are sexy and seductive you feel her tingling lust and yearning for him. I really enjoyed watching those mixed emotions battle within her.

Dr Pevererett’s Christmas Miracle by Bronwyn Scott

Part of the Peveretts series, I have to admit that despite having all of them either on my Kindle or on the overflowing book trolley, I have yet to read them all (another case of too many books and too little time in the day, but I’m slowly working my way through them).

Instead of going straight home after returning from the Crimean War as was expected of him, William Peverett escorted his wounded soldiers to the famous Chelsea Hospital to guarantee that they are being properly looked after and getting the care needed after what they had all been through.

I liked William, he is passionate and dedicated to his patients he is kind and considerate and has a lot of expectations put upon him, such as taking over his father's surgery and returning to his familial home; Haberstock Hall. I felt he was conflicted over these plans for his future plans which had been set in stone by others, but he is a dutiful son and deep down knows that he can help and make lives better for those he is helping.

I have to say I did get a little irritated with William at times, yes his life is set out for him but compared to Honoria who is well and truly down on her luck, his ‘difficulties’ were a little mundane, but then again he comes from a different world to Honoria, one of aristocracy and privilege so they tend to get upset over the simplest things. But apart from that, I did like him he didn’t come across as a spoiled little lordling, he’s kind, and passionate he genuinely cares for others and I absolutely loved how his and Honoria’s relationship blossomed before your eyes, it's real and oh, so tender!

I loved the subtle connection between the two stories, like Isabella; Honoria was a war nurse having returned home and rekindled a friendship which was forged on the front line. I loved how well both stories work so well together, which is not a surprise as both authors are so adept at writing passionate stories.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Under the Mistletoe comprises of two emotional and enjoyable Victorian romances from gifted storytellers Marguerite Kaye and Bronwyn Scott.

In Marguerite Kaye’s The Lady Yuletide’s Wish, Eugene has come to London in search of answers. With a family mystery he is determined to solve, Eugene will leave no stone unturned in his quest for the truth, but the intrepid reporter is stunned when he finds himself coming face to face with a woman from his past he has never quite managed to forget: Isabella. The two had shared an unforgettable night together and never imagined that they would clap eyes on one another ever again. But now that Eugene has found Isabella again, he isn’t sure whether he wants to let her go a second time.

Marguerite Kaye is an exceptional writer of historical romance and with The Lady’s Yuletide Wish she has outdone herself yet again with a poignant and passionate tale of love lost and found, second chances and powerful secrets that will steal every reader’s heart. Beautifully written, wonderfully vivid and a joy from beginning to end, The Lady’s Yuletide Wish is a stellar historical romance novella from Marguerite Kaye.

In Dr. Peverett’s Christmas Miracle by Bronwyn Scott, nurse Honoria is returning back to England after spending the Crimean War tending to the wounded abroad. Although Honoria has a job waiting for her, she isn’t exactly overjoyed to be heading back to England. Her lack of qualifications impede her from pursuing her dreams of making nursing her profession, however, with no family, money or connections, she had no other choice but to take the first job that had been offered to her. Honoria’s expectations of leading a fulfilling life in England are pretty low – until a chance encounter with the dashing Dr. William Peverett, whom she worked with in Crimea, has her wondering whether happiness could be within her reach.

William is also feeling apprehensive about returning back to England. The war had been tough and the hours long and unforgiving, but he is becoming more and more reluctant about leaving the excitement of surgery behind to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a country doctor. Having decided to tell his father his plans for the future at Christmas time, romance is the very last thing on William’s mind, yet when fate thrusts him in close proximity with nurse Honoria, whom he’d worked with during the war, he finds himself desperate to spend as much time as he possibly can with her, so he invites her to spend the festivities with him and his family at Haberstock Hall.


Bronwyn Scott tugs at her readers’ heartstrings with this tender, touching and achingly romantic tale of new beginnings, finding happiness and falling in love. Dr. Peverett’s Christmas Miracle is a spellbinding Victorian tale with a strong, intelligent and courageous heroine who manages to rise above the many obstacles standing in her way and an honorable, handsome and charismatic hero readers will fall in love with.

Under the Mistletoe is a collection of two outstanding Victorian tale readers will be completely enchanted by that makes for perfect romantic reading – regardless of the weather or time of year!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Lady’s Yuletide Wish” - Marguerite Kaye

London - 1856

Eugene is searching for a woman who had been a nurse during the Crimean War. Her name is Isabella and he finds her in a soup kitchen feeding hungry people. After she returned from the war, she decided to use her inheritance to care for people who were hungry by feeding 60 of them each day. She purchased the food and had other help to prepare it. She also enjoyed finding ways to entertain the children who had very little.

Eugene is searching for Rebecca Smith, the wife of his older brother, Wilbur, who has recently passed away. This means that Eugene who worked as a reporter is now Earl Kingarth. He feels that if Rebecca is still alive and may have had a boy child, he would be the rightful new Earl.

Eugene and Isabella had had a short relationship at one time and they still love one another. He agrees to help her with her work in the kitchen and their togetherness reignites the passion that once was theirs. Can Isabella set aside her independence and be with Eugene?

A lovely story of two people who truly care for others and want to do their best to help them. At the same time, their relationship that blossoms is quite heartfelt and their love is real. I enjoyed this book and the Christmas spirit that it imparted.


“Dr. Peverett’s Christmas Miracle” - Bronwyn Scott

London - 1856

Dr. William Peverett has just returned home from the Crimean War accompanying many injured and healing soldiers. He is expected to join his family at the family’s home, Haberstock Hall, in time for Christmas and ready to take over his father's medical practice. But first, he will spend a few days ensuring that the soldiers he accompanied home are settled at the Royal Hospital Chelsea for Soldiers.

Honoria McGrath is responsible for settling the soldiers in the hospital. Although she never had formal nursing training, she worked alongside William in the war and they know one another well. After the men are sorted, William needs to purchase some Christmas gifts for his family before heading home and invites Honoria to accompany him shopping. As she is alone in life and makes very little money, she is awed at the beautiful items displayed for Christmas shoppers. They spend some time together before he leaves for home saying he would rather be a doctor at the soldiers’ hospital than take over for his father. Her dream is to have true nursing training. On a spur of the moment, William invites Honoria to his family’s home for Christmas. They are a large group, many in the medical field, and all very welcoming to Honoria. What will happen to them after Christmas when they part ways?

This is a delightful story of family warmth and love. I really liked William, Honoria, and William’s family. Readers can really feel the Christmas spirit exhibited here.

Copy provided by the authors in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Mistletoe is a 5 star read and I highly recommend it if you love stories set in Regency England and at Christmas. This is a duet written by two different authors and set in the same time period and nearby locations in England and with the Crimea War woven throughout in reminisces. Characters from one story are mentioned in the other and it really helps to connect them. Both stories had a nice flow and there were many threads being tied together and of course, both had a happily ever. I always love the covers.

The Lady's Yuletide Wish by Marguerite Kaye is Isabella and Eugene's story. She was a nurse and he was a reporter. Their brief encounter is one neither of them forgot but they never expected to see each other again. When their paths cross it was wonderful to see their interactions, the good she is doing with her life and how he doesn't hesitate to help her. But their dreams seem to be totally different and neither wants to stand in the other's way but they do seem better together. I loved the wholesomeness and heartwarming actions and all the Christmas activities. The epilogue takes place a year later and really ties up loose ends and gives me the happily ever after I root for.

Dr. Peverett's Christmas Miracle by Bronwyn Scott is William and Honoria's story. He's a doctor and she's a nurse although she hasn't had training. When their paths cross unexpectedly they seem to need and want different things in their lives, but is that about to change? When William invites her to his parent's country home where all his sisters and their families are to celebrate Christmas together she sees just how different their lives are but they both seem to want the same thing - a family of their own and a job/career they are proud of. Will they be able to combine their interests and continue to support one another in the quest for their dreams? The epilogue that takes place two years later seems to fulfill many of their dreams and gave me the closure I hope for.

I've read many books by Ms. Kaye who writes historical romances set in different locations and time periods and I always look forward to reading her books. Ms. Scott is an author who I have only read a few of her books and all were duets with Ms. Kaye. I hope to rectify that in the future.

[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

What a great read.

Marguerite's story is about Isabella Armstrong and the Journalist Eugene. They meet in the Crimea war which seems very timely at the moment. The author has written about other members of Isabella's family so in one way this feels like the ending of that series. Isabella was a nurse and Eugene went to report on the conditions for his newspaper. They had a passionate encounter and then lost touch. Eugene is trying to solve a mystery, did his older brother marry and leave a wife and possible heir? He rec0nnects with Isabella who is using her inheritance to help fund a soup kitchen in the poorer areas of London. Great descriptions and very realistic outcomes in that Isabella is reluctant to give up her independance. I particularily liked the passionate scenes where she undresses out of her crinoline and the many other clothing layers of that time!

Bronwyn's story, again set originally in the Crimea war, links into her series of Peverette medics. Dr William Peverette is returning from the field hospital with many disabled soldiers. They are to be sent to the Royal Chelsea hospital before going home to their families. William feels very guilty about this, knowing the huge challenges which the men and their families will face. Honoria, an untrained mid wife, was his much respected nurse and friend in the conflict. Honoria doesn't have family and ends up in an admin job at the hospital. William is due to take over from his father and this gives him a dilemna as he'd much prefer to research the devestating emotional effects of shell shock on veterans. He takes Honoria home and she meets his family. I haven't read the other books in this series but others will be pleased to re acquaint themselves with his sisters. I predicted William's solution :)

Both stories are set around the Christmas holiday season and are evocatively played out; one in a poor area and the other in a middle/upper class family.

I highly recommend this anthology.

I was gifted the book by the author and voluntarily read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will be two reviews for the two stories included in this Christmas duo:

The Lady's Yuletide Wish by Marguerite Kaye:

Isabella was a nurse in the Crimea. She has returned to London and now works in her soup kitchen, helping those less fortunate. She remembers her one night with Eugene long ago and when he shows up at her soup kitchen, she is surprised. Eugene is trying to research whether his deceased older brother's estranged wife, who was pregnant, is either still alive, or if her child survived. Because the woman was in dire straits, he wonders if Isabella may have ever seen her or heard of her. While spending time in Isabella's area of London, he is able to come across some clues as to his brother's wife's fate and along the way, forges a long-lasting affection with Isabella. This was a heartwarming story set during the Christmas season. I really liked it.

Dr Peverett's Christmas Miracle by Bronwyn Scott

Dr William Peverett has returned from the Crimea, haunted by the soldiers he was able to save who are now physically and mentally affected by what happened to them there. Although his family expects him to step into his father's footsteps as the next main physician at Haberstock Hall, the family estate, William has other dreams. Along the way, he meets up with Honoria, an administrative nurse who worked alongside him in the Crimea, and he invites her to spend Christmas with he and his family at Haberstock Hall. There, they forge a relationship that soon has them wondering if a happily-ever-after is possible. I really liked William and Honoria's characters and this was a delightful story told during the Christmas season with all the trimmings.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both stories are set just after the Crimean war where the main characters in both books first meet. Both had references to Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole.

The Lady’s Yuletide Wish by Marguerite Kaye
Isabella, a war nurse and Eugene a war correspondent are unexpectedly reunited. Eugene is in the area searching for his dead brothers wife. Eugene only has a name and possible parish she headed for. If she had a son, then he would be the heir and not him. Isabella set up and works in a soup kitchen and agrees to help and Eugene helps her in the kitchen.

I just loved how a random chain of events that led them back together. The spark between them was there from the start. I almost didn't think they would make it. What a gorgeous ending A lot of research went into the book from the Workhouse to the Punch and Judy show. I really did feel transported back to that era and loved every page.

*********************************************

Dr. Peverett’s Christmas Miracle by Bronwyn Scott
Honoria, a war nurse and William, a doctor worked together in a Crimean hospital and had a brief thing. Because Honoria wasn't a qualified nurse she struggled to find work once she returned. An unexpected reunion with William saw her spending Christmas with his family.

I loved this one too. Its such a classic that the nurse falls for the doctor. I loved the dilemma they were in. If he followed his dreams then she couldn't follow hers and vice versa. Lovely uplifting storyline and just the perfect read for snuggles under a blanket.

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under The Mistletoe is a book containing two historical Christmas romance novellas written by Marguerite Kaye and Bronwyn Scott. Each novella can be read as a stand-alone, but they are also connected to series by the authors, individually.


Both stories are set just after the Crimean War and feature couples who met whilst working there, although the individuals involved never expected to see each other again once the war ended. Each story features strong independent female characters who are an inspiration to their peers. I’m not going to say any more as I don’t wish to spoil the reading experience.


The stories have a festive feel-good theme with endings to leave you smiling. They are quick to read and have the added advantage of being offshoots of series for those who already know one or both of these authors.

[Popsytops · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book includes two Xmas stories by Mills and Boon authors Marguerite Kaye and Bronwyn Scott. I enjoyed reading both and found it refreshing to have a read set in this historical period, set against the powerful backdrop of the Crimean war. Two nurses have returned from there during peacetime. One is independently wealthy and using her money to benefit the poor of London. The other is of genteel birth but has self-imposed severe limitations on what she can expect because of what happened to her parents. Of course, both find very worthy suitors. Both have their own and very different reasons for resisting... initially at least.
They are both thoroughly enjoyable, but I have knocked a star off because the second story dragged a little early on for me, and I wanted to give the heroine a good shake and tell her to stop her being so utterly negative. That said, the ending had me in tears! Well worth buying.
I was given a copy of this book to read in return for an honest review.

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two great stories with similar themes. How can you not love HEA Christmas stories - and getting two great stories in one book. I always love the stories by both these authors and both delivered easy and joyous reading. I am late in writing my review because I read these back at Christmastime and then forgot to write my review. Believe me when I say they were both lovely stories.

[Louise Broadfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

these two books where really good to read
i loved the first one it was sweet and intesting.
the 2nd one about the peveretts family was also a really nice read.
perfect christmas storys

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author Marguerite Kaye in return for an honest review. The second story in this volume is written by Bronwyn Scott.

Unusually for me certainly in recent years I found both of the stories in this book were about the same in quality. So overall a four star read. As the title suggests they are both stories set around Christmas time and I did also find that both of them had more of a ramped up magical quality than I have read in recent years. The other link between the stories is that the nurses Isabella and Honoria knew each other while nursing during wartime.

Firstly, The Lady's Yuletide Wish by Marguerite Kaye
Isabella has just prior to this story been working as a nurse during the Crimean War (1853-56) not under the ubiquitous Florence Nightingale but more related to the work of Mary Seacole both of whom are mentioned here. Returning to Britain she is determined to use her own fortune to make the lives of those less fortunate better.

Scandalously, during the final days of that war she had a passionate encounter with journalist Eugene. Similarly now he is also trying to find his own way in a post-war world as the new Earl of his family and the holder of a big family secret which maybe Isabella can help with...

I did find Eugene a lovely strong and principled character and while Isabella impressed me with how she seized control of her life, her inability to confront her parentage to the extent where she did not look at letters or really honour her mother difficult though she was to find out the truth I found much more problematic. I know she felt she did not need that but I found this frustrating and I was sad that her putative half sisters and half brother did not wonder if she was okay at any point. Her putative full blooded brothers I totally understood. They seem to enjoy cruel actions in that family.

Ultimately though a satisfying ending was to be had even if some time had to go by to get to it! Mistletoe and kisses!

Secondly, Dr Peverett's Christmas Miracle by Bronwyn Scott
I really liked Honoria's strength in this this one. Like Isabella she had worked in nursing but due to difficult and poor family circumstances continued this on her return to England. Already familiar with William it seemed natural that they might spend Christmas together. It also seemed natural that William tap into his knight like tendencies!

William as a doctor and as a male from a well-to-do family like Eugene in some ways has it easier than the women for sure but he also carried the weight of responsibilities and family legacy in medicine.

I found it difficult at times to find his predicament as urgent and difficult as that of Honoria, however his struggles with doing the right thing for all were quite touching at times seeing his family's welcome and their way of celebrating Christmas. The relationship between Honoria and William moved at a very fast pace too.

The ultimate choices they make in being happy AND continuing their work is satisfying though the many siblings and their partners became a little much as well as their almost miraculous way of working and living. But I suppose it is Christmas season after all!

Overall a well balanced pair of Christmas stories with enough love, cheer and the miraculous to warm winter hearts.

[Freyasday · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful duo of romance, both centred on the Christmas period.

Isabella has never forgotten an illicit night of passion with Eugene in the Crimea.
Now working in a soup kitchen which she has set up to help London’s poor, she is astonished when Eugene, now an Earl, comes in, looking for his deceased brother’s widow.
Together, they unravel the mystery surrounding the missing lady and simultaneously rekindle their passion.
But Isabella wants to prove she can survive on her own, which she does, over a year, but slowly regrets turning down Eugene’s offer of marriage.
A year later, a Christmas gift with an implied message gives Isabella hope that all is not lost. In response, she seeks Eugene out and both end up happily reunited.

Honoria has never forgotten the dashing Dr William Peverett with whom she worked in the Crimea. When he finally returns to England, they meet up at the Chelsea hospital and he realises his admiration for her as a nurse has grown into something more.
However, William is torn between his desire to remain in London to work with war veterans, and giving Honoria a perfect home and family life, which to him means living at Haberstock House and following in his father's footsteps.
Honoria sympathises with his ambition, as she, too, wishes to train as a fully-qualified nurse, and nobly decides to give him up so that he might remain in London with a clear conscience.
However, family decisions and his own ideas mean that everything he wishes is possible, and Honoria and William can have their happy ever after.

Both are easy to read, pleasant books, ideal for reading in front of a winter log fire with a glass of wine or cup of tea. The characters are well-portrayed and the reader is drawn in to cheer on both hero and heroine in the hope all ends well.

My thanks to both authors for their hard work in creating this novel.

[Libbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marguerite Kaye is a new author to me. She has combined with Bronwyn Scott to complete the Peverett’s of Haberstock Hall. Both authors have produced well written and edited stories of historical fiction. Most important is the personal drive of the female characters to better themselves in life in a world that prohibits women from being nurses and doctors. Yet they persevere and with tremendous encouragement from their families find a way to achieve their goals. Ms. Scott’s challenge to women to succeed in a desired profession and life is a very important ideal to me. Both books bring a celebration of family and Christmas to us and the idea that family can also be a an unrelated group that has gathered together to celebrate the holidays.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed review to come...