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Love at Langley Park #1
Once Upon a Christmas
Can the magic of the Christmas season lead to a fairy tale happy ending?
When Cara Roberts’ family plans an extra special Christmas to support her after her broken engagement, she wants nothing to do with the holiday. After learning her brother and his wife can’t use the cottage vacation they purchased, she impulsively escapes to an English cottage in the bucolic village of Bakewell, despite having no idea where Bakewell is.
Lord Alec Sherbourne of Langley Park is no fan of Christmas, but following in his parents’ footsteps, he annually donates his impressive 19th century country home to be decorated and opened on December weekends as a community fundraiser. This year, Christmas is complicated by the arrival of a pretty American woman who booked a cottage on his estate—only the cottage is occupied. Forced to take her under his vast roof, he’s dismayed when a storm and frozen pipes keep her with him longer than he’d anticipated. Even more worrisome, her presence is making it feel like Christmas for the first time in forever.
As these two holiday housemates become friends, is there something more in the Christmas air?
When Cara Roberts’ family plans an extra special Christmas to support her after her broken engagement, she wants nothing to do with the holiday. After learning her brother and his wife can’t use the cottage vacation they purchased, she impulsively escapes to an English cottage in the bucolic village of Bakewell, despite having no idea where Bakewell is.
Lord Alec Sherbourne of Langley Park is no fan of Christmas, but following in his parents’ footsteps, he annually donates his impressive 19th century country home to be decorated and opened on December weekends as a community fundraiser. This year, Christmas is complicated by the arrival of a pretty American woman who booked a cottage on his estate—only the cottage is occupied. Forced to take her under his vast roof, he’s dismayed when a storm and frozen pipes keep her with him longer than he’d anticipated. Even more worrisome, her presence is making it feel like Christmas for the first time in forever.
As these two holiday housemates become friends, is there something more in the Christmas air?
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2022
100 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Jane Porter
547 books2,052 followersBorn in Visalia, California, I'm a small town girl at heart. I love central California's golden foothills, oak trees, and the miles of farmland. In my mind, there's nothing sweeter in the world than the heady fragrance of orange blossoms on a sultry summer night.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
December 14, 2023
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS (Love at Langley Park Book #1) by Jane Porter is an enchanting and heartwarming holiday contemporary romance featuring a hero and heroine finding love over the Christmas holiday. This is the first book in the Love at Langley Park series, and it has everything I want and hope for in a holiday romance read.
Cara Roberts broke up with her fiancée and is looking for a change of scenery over the holidays. Her brother gives her an English cottage vacation at Langley Park won in a school raffle. After a sixteen-hour trip from Seattle, Cara discovers a problem with overbooking and she is given a room in the main house with the handsome, but grumpy lord of the manor.
Lord Alec Sherbourne returns to Langley Park every Christmas holiday out of duty, but not with much holiday cheer after the death of his wife eight years ago. When burst pipes and a snowstorm have Cara staying in the manor with Alec and his elderly relatives over the holiday, he discovers this American is making Langley Park feel like Christmas for the first time.
This is a wonderful holiday romance. Cara is a sunny, optimistic person who loves people. Alec is a reserved English aristocrat who believes his responsibility is to his family estate and heritage above all else. When these two are forced together over the holiday, what should not work, does. I love Cara and the fact that she is always willing to tell the truth and have difficult discussions, even when it hurts her, but she does not stay down. She is able to open Alec’s closed off heart. This is a cozy romance with no sex scenes, just kisses, and yet it is one of the most romantic love stories I have recently read. Ms. Porter’s romances always give me realistic characters, dialogue, and emotional HEAs.
I highly recommend this delightful holiday contemporary romance! I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS (Love at Langley Park Book #1) by Jane Porter is an enchanting and heartwarming holiday contemporary romance featuring a hero and heroine finding love over the Christmas holiday. This is the first book in the Love at Langley Park series, and it has everything I want and hope for in a holiday romance read.
Cara Roberts broke up with her fiancée and is looking for a change of scenery over the holidays. Her brother gives her an English cottage vacation at Langley Park won in a school raffle. After a sixteen-hour trip from Seattle, Cara discovers a problem with overbooking and she is given a room in the main house with the handsome, but grumpy lord of the manor.
Lord Alec Sherbourne returns to Langley Park every Christmas holiday out of duty, but not with much holiday cheer after the death of his wife eight years ago. When burst pipes and a snowstorm have Cara staying in the manor with Alec and his elderly relatives over the holiday, he discovers this American is making Langley Park feel like Christmas for the first time.
This is a wonderful holiday romance. Cara is a sunny, optimistic person who loves people. Alec is a reserved English aristocrat who believes his responsibility is to his family estate and heritage above all else. When these two are forced together over the holiday, what should not work, does. I love Cara and the fact that she is always willing to tell the truth and have difficult discussions, even when it hurts her, but she does not stay down. She is able to open Alec’s closed off heart. This is a cozy romance with no sex scenes, just kisses, and yet it is one of the most romantic love stories I have recently read. Ms. Porter’s romances always give me realistic characters, dialogue, and emotional HEAs.
I highly recommend this delightful holiday contemporary romance! I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
November 8, 2022
What an absolutely lovely and heartwarming book. Grumpy sunshines are my favorite, and then make it Christmas?? In England?? At an old estate?? WITH DOGS??? Perfection.
Cara is such a lovely person, so open and giving and instinctively makes the world a brighter place. And Alec is closed off, stiff upper lip, and hurt from many things in the past. Watching her melt his frozen heart was just what I needed to start my holiday reading!
Cara is such a lovely person, so open and giving and instinctively makes the world a brighter place. And Alec is closed off, stiff upper lip, and hurt from many things in the past. Watching her melt his frozen heart was just what I needed to start my holiday reading!
December 23, 2025
It made me laugh that Cara kept comparing Lord Sherbourne’s looks to the heroes in a Barbara Cartland novel. The storyline of this book was probably pretty close to an updated version of one of those.
December 9, 2022
Absolutely lovely
October 24, 2022
Once Upon a Christmas is a delightful grumpy sunshine book and my favorite Christmas read this year.
Cara is recovering from a broken engagement and uses a family member's trip voucher to have an adventure in England at Christmas. But things go wrong when her cottage is overbooked, the second cottage has a waterline break, and this forces her to stay in the main house of an earl's estate. Cara makes the best of things and doesn't let it stop her from walking to town and absorbing the English Christmastime.
Alec, Lord Alec, that is, is an Earl with a large estate and hedge fund to manage. He keeps the family Christmas going for his elderly relatives and allows tours of the estate, because that is what is expected of him. He doesn't enjoy Christmas, and it's especially hard since it reminds him of what he lost when his wife died.
Cara brings out the best in Alec, and suddenly he's driving her around town, to other estates, and they're having a wonderful time together. When a storm hits, Cara helps Alec get through the family Christmas, and for the first time in years, Alec has a fantastic time--as much as his reserved self will allow. Even running into Cara's ex hasn't diminished her experience, and Alec makes sure he knows Cara is having the best time in England.
Alec's family welcomes Cara, and as she has alone time with them, she discovers he needs them as much as they need him, perhaps even more. The celebration is mostly English, but Cara adds an American touch, and they all have a fabulous time.
You can't find the love of your life in a few weeks and an ocean away, can you? Sometimes, the magic of Christmas aligns everything your heart could want, if you just open up to it.
Cara is recovering from a broken engagement and uses a family member's trip voucher to have an adventure in England at Christmas. But things go wrong when her cottage is overbooked, the second cottage has a waterline break, and this forces her to stay in the main house of an earl's estate. Cara makes the best of things and doesn't let it stop her from walking to town and absorbing the English Christmastime.
Alec, Lord Alec, that is, is an Earl with a large estate and hedge fund to manage. He keeps the family Christmas going for his elderly relatives and allows tours of the estate, because that is what is expected of him. He doesn't enjoy Christmas, and it's especially hard since it reminds him of what he lost when his wife died.
Cara brings out the best in Alec, and suddenly he's driving her around town, to other estates, and they're having a wonderful time together. When a storm hits, Cara helps Alec get through the family Christmas, and for the first time in years, Alec has a fantastic time--as much as his reserved self will allow. Even running into Cara's ex hasn't diminished her experience, and Alec makes sure he knows Cara is having the best time in England.
Alec's family welcomes Cara, and as she has alone time with them, she discovers he needs them as much as they need him, perhaps even more. The celebration is mostly English, but Cara adds an American touch, and they all have a fabulous time.
You can't find the love of your life in a few weeks and an ocean away, can you? Sometimes, the magic of Christmas aligns everything your heart could want, if you just open up to it.
October 27, 2022
Cara is on her way to England to celebrate Christmas. She'll be alone. She has cottage situated at Langley Park. She can't believe her luck. The estate is magical and the village is quaint. Unfortunately there is a mixup. Her cottage is double booked. Lord Sherbourne isn't pleased to find Cara in his house. This isn't a very auspicious first meeting. Cara is a strong, confident woman. I enjoyed her forthright yet friendly attitude. She likes people and is interested in them. Alec Sherbourne is brooding and withdrawn. I knew he endured several tragedies in his life and have caused him to withdraw, but he's a bit stuffy. I love how Jane Porter described him as a Barbara Cartland hero. I knew exactly what she meant. Once Upon A Christmas is a sweet, romantic story. Cara and Alec grow close over Christmas time. Do they have a future together? Can they overcome the problems? Langley Park is perfect. It's made for romance. I enjoy the dialogue between Alec and Cara. It sparkles. This book is a perfect holiday story. Jane Porter's characters made me feel warm and happy. Their love and caring spirit made me smile. Once Upon A Christmas is just what I needed.
October 14, 2022
Cara loves Christmastime … being with the family, singing carols, her mom making an amazing Christmas dinner … but this year won’t be as merry. She was supposed to be getting married until her fiancé of two years broke it off. When her brother and his wife, who is pregnant with twins and advised not to travel, win a trip to England, Cara jumps at the opportunity to get away from her ex and the memory of their what-should-have-been wedding.
When Cara arrives in England, what she was hoping to be a nice getaway is turning into anything but. The cottage she is supposed to be staying at was accidentally double-booked. She’s taken to the main house to see if this can be situated only to meet the owner of the estate: a handsome, distinguished man who has just returned from London and is less than welcoming or happy that this is occurring. But there’s no problem that Lord Alec Sherbourne can’t remedy. As we all know, not everything always works out the way we want it to. Such is the case when he puts her in a different cottage; one that is in the process of being renovated, but it should be sufficient. Well, until it’s not. The pipes freeze, causing her to return to the main house. And if that’s not enough reason for Mr. I Don’t Like Christmastime to be further upset with the situation, a snowstorm hits and forces Cara to stay at the main house the duration of her time in England.
Spending time with Alec is far from a burden … aside from navigating his moodiness and anti-Christmas personality, but the more time Cara spends with him, the more she comes to like him.
Since losing his wife around this time, Christmas hasn’t been a time of joy for Alec. But having Cara around is starting to change his outlook.
Will Cara be able to make Christmas merry again at Langley Park? And will Alec be able to help Cara put the pain of her failed engagement behind her? You never know what the magic of Christmas will bring. Love across the pond? Perhaps!
When Cara arrives in England, what she was hoping to be a nice getaway is turning into anything but. The cottage she is supposed to be staying at was accidentally double-booked. She’s taken to the main house to see if this can be situated only to meet the owner of the estate: a handsome, distinguished man who has just returned from London and is less than welcoming or happy that this is occurring. But there’s no problem that Lord Alec Sherbourne can’t remedy. As we all know, not everything always works out the way we want it to. Such is the case when he puts her in a different cottage; one that is in the process of being renovated, but it should be sufficient. Well, until it’s not. The pipes freeze, causing her to return to the main house. And if that’s not enough reason for Mr. I Don’t Like Christmastime to be further upset with the situation, a snowstorm hits and forces Cara to stay at the main house the duration of her time in England.
Spending time with Alec is far from a burden … aside from navigating his moodiness and anti-Christmas personality, but the more time Cara spends with him, the more she comes to like him.
Since losing his wife around this time, Christmas hasn’t been a time of joy for Alec. But having Cara around is starting to change his outlook.
Will Cara be able to make Christmas merry again at Langley Park? And will Alec be able to help Cara put the pain of her failed engagement behind her? You never know what the magic of Christmas will bring. Love across the pond? Perhaps!
October 26, 2022
This is book #1 in Love at Langley Park series.
It is the story of Cara Roberts and Lord Alec Sherbourne of Langley Park.
Cara has just been through a break-up with her fiance. She learns her family is planning to do an extra special holiday for her, but she wants nothing to do with it. She finds out her brother and his pregnant wife won't be using the cottage vacation in the English village of Blakewell, so she escapes to the cottage. She doesn't even know where Blakewell is, but impulsively decides to go.
Alec is not a fan of Christmas, but he wants to follow in his parents' footsteps and donate his 19th century country home for their community fundraiser. The impressive home will be decorated and opened on the December weekends. Of course, it becomes a bit more complicated when a pretty American woman shows up and the cottage is already occupied. Alec is forced to take her into his vast home. He becomes even more dismayed when a storm happens forcing him to keep her there longer. He is worried about the storm, the frozen pipes and the fact that her being there makes it feel just a little more like Christmas should.
Cara and Alec become friends, but maybe there is something more to it.
Loved this Christmas story. It is a perfectly written romance. So glad it will be part of a series.
It is the story of Cara Roberts and Lord Alec Sherbourne of Langley Park.
Cara has just been through a break-up with her fiance. She learns her family is planning to do an extra special holiday for her, but she wants nothing to do with it. She finds out her brother and his pregnant wife won't be using the cottage vacation in the English village of Blakewell, so she escapes to the cottage. She doesn't even know where Blakewell is, but impulsively decides to go.
Alec is not a fan of Christmas, but he wants to follow in his parents' footsteps and donate his 19th century country home for their community fundraiser. The impressive home will be decorated and opened on the December weekends. Of course, it becomes a bit more complicated when a pretty American woman shows up and the cottage is already occupied. Alec is forced to take her into his vast home. He becomes even more dismayed when a storm happens forcing him to keep her there longer. He is worried about the storm, the frozen pipes and the fact that her being there makes it feel just a little more like Christmas should.
Cara and Alec become friends, but maybe there is something more to it.
Loved this Christmas story. It is a perfectly written romance. So glad it will be part of a series.
October 19, 2022
My new favorite Christmas book.
This is the first book in the Love at Langley Park series and I have to say, I am already hooked. I loved the unexpected roommate situation with Cara Roberts, an American tourist spending Christmas in England, and Lord Alec Sherbourne, who just wanted to spend a quiet Christmas at his country estate, Langley Park. When a snowstorm traps them together, along with several of Alec’s elderly relatives, Alec losses the cranky edge he had, when him and Cara first met, causing Cara to start falling in love with Alec. But is it enough for two people, who live half the world apart, to start a relationship?
This book is the ultimate Christmas story. Both, Cara and Alec suffer from broken hearts. Cara’s engagement recently ended and Alec still grieves for his wife. Together, they heal each other and learn to move forward. The characters are very well defined and the setting felt so real. I could easily picture the scenes playing out in my mind. I won’t soon forget this story. It is my new favorite Christmas story.
December 27, 2024
A cute and heartwarming christmas story!
November 12, 2022
Cara is a delightful, energetic young lady in her 20’s. She lives in the United States near her family and has accepted tickets from her brother to visit England for Christmas and stay in a beautiful, historical cottage owned by Lord Sherbourne.
Once Cara arrives in England she is transported to Langley Park by a personable and kind man named Paul. He welcomes her and gives some pointers on the location she is staying in. Once she arrives at Langley Park things go awry. It is already occupied! From there on the action begins.
Cara quickly meets Lord Sherbourne and the staff that have been with his family since he was born. The characters that Jane gives life to are so colorful and relatable. So many times I wanted to jump into Langley Park and sit for tea with them.
Lord Sherbourne (Alec) and Cara don’t necessarily hit it off but things start to relax a bit once they both realize they will be spending several days together in the cottage due to a heavy snow. Alec doesn’t care for the holidays because of past sadness he has encountered in his life. He is lonely, but won’t admit it, and doesn’t quite know how to open up his heart after the tragic losses he has faced.
The Christmas season continues on and Cara teaches Alec how to enjoy life once again. First as a friend but we hope there is more as the story moves forward. It is not a given that any magic will happen between them as Cara has just gotten out of a long-term relationship and has her own sadness to bear.
Readers will be pleasantly surprised as they walk along side of the characters and are mesmerized by the remarkable locations throughout the book. This book pairs well with coffee or hot cocoa and biscuits/cookies by the fire. Grab a blanket and enjoy this cozy Christmas romance by the queen of romance novels, Jane Porter. It comes complete with romance, joy, anticipation, wittiness, uncertainty, and love.
Once Cara arrives in England she is transported to Langley Park by a personable and kind man named Paul. He welcomes her and gives some pointers on the location she is staying in. Once she arrives at Langley Park things go awry. It is already occupied! From there on the action begins.
Cara quickly meets Lord Sherbourne and the staff that have been with his family since he was born. The characters that Jane gives life to are so colorful and relatable. So many times I wanted to jump into Langley Park and sit for tea with them.
Lord Sherbourne (Alec) and Cara don’t necessarily hit it off but things start to relax a bit once they both realize they will be spending several days together in the cottage due to a heavy snow. Alec doesn’t care for the holidays because of past sadness he has encountered in his life. He is lonely, but won’t admit it, and doesn’t quite know how to open up his heart after the tragic losses he has faced.
The Christmas season continues on and Cara teaches Alec how to enjoy life once again. First as a friend but we hope there is more as the story moves forward. It is not a given that any magic will happen between them as Cara has just gotten out of a long-term relationship and has her own sadness to bear.
Readers will be pleasantly surprised as they walk along side of the characters and are mesmerized by the remarkable locations throughout the book. This book pairs well with coffee or hot cocoa and biscuits/cookies by the fire. Grab a blanket and enjoy this cozy Christmas romance by the queen of romance novels, Jane Porter. It comes complete with romance, joy, anticipation, wittiness, uncertainty, and love.
November 1, 2022
Another truly amazing story, Once Upon a Christmas by Jane Porter, book one in her Langley Park series, brought us a holiday tale, only she could write. Cara Roberts loves Christmas, especially with her family. After an emotional engagement break up, she badly needs to get away from her compassionate family and recover. The opportunity of a lifetime is dropped in her lap, a vacation staying in a picturesque cottage on an English estate. Cara leaves Seattle for England to spend the holidays healing her injured heart. Lord Alex Sherbourne wanted to spend a quiet Christmas at his country estate, Langley Park. After losing his wife at Christmas time, making it a difficult time of year for him, he prefers the quietness. When Cara arrives at the estate, she discovers the unavailability of a cottage for her use, forcing her to stay in the main house with Alec. Soon, the two are spending time together, playing visitor, becoming friends, and falling in love over Christmas. It is going to take a great deal of work to overcome distance and miscommunication before Cara and Alec can find their happiness together.
Ms. Porter, an amazing story teller, wrote an amazing, emotional, and heartwarming holiday story that should not be missed. This story is filled with strong attraction, clever dialogue, and strong, big-hearted characters, enabling Cara and Alec to fall in love, providing a future together. I highly recommend Once Upon a Christmas to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms. Porter, an amazing story teller, wrote an amazing, emotional, and heartwarming holiday story that should not be missed. This story is filled with strong attraction, clever dialogue, and strong, big-hearted characters, enabling Cara and Alec to fall in love, providing a future together. I highly recommend Once Upon a Christmas to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 28, 2022
Once Upon a Christmas, the first book in the Love at Langley Park Series by Jane Porter is an entertaining read. Not a cowboy in sight but there is one snooty Lord Alec Sherbourne. Say that because while I know Ms. Porter writes books with all type of characters I have only read the ones with cowboys. So I felt as if I was on an adventure along with Cara Roberts.
Alec grew on me as the story progress while I loved Cara from the beginning. It is such a well told story with surprises early on not mentioned in the description. That just made me want to read even faster to see how this trip to England all would play out.
The description of the home/castle decorated for Christmas set the tone for the story so I could see it all in my head. However, this would be a wonderful story any time of the year. So for an enchanting romance read Once Upon a Christmas.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Alec grew on me as the story progress while I loved Cara from the beginning. It is such a well told story with surprises early on not mentioned in the description. That just made me want to read even faster to see how this trip to England all would play out.
The description of the home/castle decorated for Christmas set the tone for the story so I could see it all in my head. However, this would be a wonderful story any time of the year. So for an enchanting romance read Once Upon a Christmas.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 26, 2022
A trip to England is just what Cara Roberts needs usually she is a lover of all things Christmas but with her fiancé of two years just breaking their engagement she knows it won't be merry at all. So when her brother and SIL win a trip to England that they cannot take it seems like a heaven sent opportunity for her. But her bad luck is still running and her cottage is double booked and the spare has a major leak so she ends up having to stay at the main hose owned by non other than Lord Alec Sherbourne who positively hates Christmas after all it reminds him that he lost his wife and he has to do so many Christmas activity as the lord of the Manor. Soon these two connect and start to have fun together and Alec soon realises that his family and the village are far more important to his well being than he ever realised and he is staring to fall for the American that is gracing his home this Christmas.
October 24, 2022
Will the magic of Christmas change how Lord Alec feels about the holidays. Cara loves the holidays, but this year is harder for her to enjoy, her fiance just broke thier engagement so her brother gives her a trip to England over the holidays. Cara arrives at Langley park, with miscommunication she ends staying in the main house with Lord Alec. Alec is not much into the holidays but he does have his elderly relatives over every year. A snow storm strands them all and Cara gives her best for yhe holidays. Soon the friendship of Cara and Alec becomes more but are either able to open their hearts up again.
This holday read will give you all the warm feelings of Christmas. Loved the setting in England with all of the stately houses and decorations. I highly recommend this book.
This holday read will give you all the warm feelings of Christmas. Loved the setting in England with all of the stately houses and decorations. I highly recommend this book.
October 27, 2022
What a delightfully sweet and emotional story of second chances wrapped in a gorgeous cosy Christmas setting. Alec and Cara meet under unusual circumstances when Cara decides to take up the opportunity to escape her caring but smothering family and takes a trip to the Uk. The trio turns into a disaster when the cottage she was booked into is overbooked and she ends up staying with Alec Sherbourne of Langley Park who is a generous man who has been through the emotional wringer and yet still does his duty to family and public. Together Cara and Alec negotiate Christmas and discover that there is joy and hope for a second chance at love. I love Christmas stories and Jane is an amazingly talented writer who just weaves the most magical moments and the perfect romance.
October 31, 2022
Great story to kick off the holidays
This was a very sweet story about love, loss, friendship, family history and taking that scary step in making oneself vulnerable again. I very much enjoyed this story!
This was a very sweet story about love, loss, friendship, family history and taking that scary step in making oneself vulnerable again. I very much enjoyed this story!
November 8, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! It’s a perfect fit to become one of my favorite books: it’s takes place during Christmas, it’s a forced proximity, the hero is British upper crust and it’s written well.
October 31, 2022
Absolutely delightful.
Such a delightful way of of capturing the essence of heritage and culture.
Mixed in with a powerful story about Alec and Cara and how they each open up to finding love again.
Such a delightful way of of capturing the essence of heritage and culture.
Mixed in with a powerful story about Alec and Cara and how they each open up to finding love again.
January 1, 2024
I so enjoyed this beautiful story! It was very touching and sweet. It unfolded naturally and felt real. It didn't come off like a fairytale, even though it could have, but its warmth and heart made it believable. The characters are written beautifully, and I really enjoyed getting to know Cara and Alec through their experiences and memories they shared with each other. The other characters all brought their own joy and made the book even better. Each interaction was filled with care and love. Christmas at Langley was very touching. Cara is an amazing character. The way she's written, so warm and caring, you can see how a man could fall for her so quickly. And Alec, tall, dark, and handsome, and a future earl? Yes, please. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
December 11, 2023
Nice Christmas book❤
October 13, 2024
3.5 Stars. A cute Christmas romance between a forthright heroine and a stuffy hero.
December 11, 2025
Perfect for my mood - no drama, no excitement, just a nice American spending Christmas at an English estate.
October 27, 2022
I love Jane Porter and I have yet to read a book written by her that I did not like. I think that Once Upon a Christmas might be my favorite of her books so far. The story line was magical , fun and so much more. From the moment I began reading this book I was drawn into the story and I could not put it down. I am looking forward to reading more by this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 21, 2022
Oh so wonderfully descriptive, takes you there, let’s you feel the emotions fills your heart with the season till you can almost hear the carols. Oh the writing is so good, hits the pure joy of reading right on the sweet spot. Don’t miss how a new friendship or is it more, creeps up on this cranky Lord.
October 17, 2022
A sweet. lovely, and wonderful story of unexpected love set in the countryside of England. When Cara receives the opportunity to visit England over Christmas, she is more than ready for a vacation. Complications with her lodging at Langley Park estate leave her without a place to stay. Out of character, Alec Sherbourne, lord of the manor, invites her to stay the night in the mansion until her cottage is available. She is delightful and charms the staid Lord. Love may be in the air but so are the gusty winds of memories.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 18, 2022
I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book for a honest opinion.
Once Upon a Christmas by Jane Porter, the first book in a new series Love at Langley Park. If I could give this book a higher rating than five stars I would. I've enjoyed all the past books I've read by author and Once Upon A Christmas didn't disappoint me. It had everything I wanted to read in a holiday romance.
Once Upon a Christmas by Jane Porter, the first book in a new series Love at Langley Park. If I could give this book a higher rating than five stars I would. I've enjoyed all the past books I've read by author and Once Upon A Christmas didn't disappoint me. It had everything I wanted to read in a holiday romance.
March 21, 2023
Once Upon a Christmas, by Jane Porter, is absolutely a new favorite of mine! This was exactly the Christmas book I was craving. It’s charming, feel-good and cozy, while still having substance. This story is truly character-driven and I adored the good-hearted, unique, lovable lot of them. The story takes place on a grand, wintery, English countryside estate on the days leading up to Christmas.
Cara is given a stay at the Langley Estate, in one of their sought-after cottages, by her brother and sister-in-law who aren’t able to use it. When a double-booking makes her cottage unavailable, Cara is taken into the main home to stay in one of the many stately rooms by the stoic and stiff owner who is in town for the holiday. When a few quirky, distant relatives arrive for the annual pre-Christmas dinner, and heavy snowfall closes the roads, the group is forced to make the best of the holiday together.
I enjoyed not only the main plot, but also the backstories that made the characters who they are. The history of the estate and family, as well as the characters’ personalities, struggles and lessons were interesting and moving. Once Upon a Christmas is a delightful, inspirational, and rather insightful story that was a pleasure to read. I look forward to many more from this author.
Cara is given a stay at the Langley Estate, in one of their sought-after cottages, by her brother and sister-in-law who aren’t able to use it. When a double-booking makes her cottage unavailable, Cara is taken into the main home to stay in one of the many stately rooms by the stoic and stiff owner who is in town for the holiday. When a few quirky, distant relatives arrive for the annual pre-Christmas dinner, and heavy snowfall closes the roads, the group is forced to make the best of the holiday together.
I enjoyed not only the main plot, but also the backstories that made the characters who they are. The history of the estate and family, as well as the characters’ personalities, struggles and lessons were interesting and moving. Once Upon a Christmas is a delightful, inspirational, and rather insightful story that was a pleasure to read. I look forward to many more from this author.
January 30, 2023
Another amazing book by Jane Porter!
This is a brand new series. And once upon a Christmas is the first book in the Langley Park series.
Clara Roberts loves Christmas with her family. But after an emotional engagement break up. The opportunity of a lifetime it’s dropped in her lap. So often England she goes to spend the holidays healing her broken heart.
Lord Alex Sherbourne is very anti-Christmas. Unfortunately he lost his wife at Christmas time. So Christmas has never been the same.
But situation is beyond their control has them thrown together. Will this time be able to mend both of their broken hearts. Can their relationship sub stain the distance between their homes?
This book is extremely well written and makes you feel like you’re right there in the midst of all of it. Well done once again Jane Porter.
I was honored with an ARC Of this book. And for that honor was asked to leave my honest review.
This is a brand new series. And once upon a Christmas is the first book in the Langley Park series.
Clara Roberts loves Christmas with her family. But after an emotional engagement break up. The opportunity of a lifetime it’s dropped in her lap. So often England she goes to spend the holidays healing her broken heart.
Lord Alex Sherbourne is very anti-Christmas. Unfortunately he lost his wife at Christmas time. So Christmas has never been the same.
But situation is beyond their control has them thrown together. Will this time be able to mend both of their broken hearts. Can their relationship sub stain the distance between their homes?
This book is extremely well written and makes you feel like you’re right there in the midst of all of it. Well done once again Jane Porter.
I was honored with an ARC Of this book. And for that honor was asked to leave my honest review.
October 14, 2024
3.5 stars.
Nicely evocative and not badly written, but pretty schmaltzy-Hallmarky = not my thing.
Nicely evocative and not badly written, but pretty schmaltzy-Hallmarky = not my thing.
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