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Christmas Wallflowers #9
The Wallflower's Stocking
Lady Gaia Evans and Lord Zachariah Radburn, Marquess Lydell first met last Christmas Eve after finding shelter from a blizzard within a brothel.
Conversation into the night led to the first buds of friendship as not only their hearts, but also their souls took notice.
With the promise of a dance when the Season began, the two went their separate ways. Except, Lady Gaia never saw Lydell again. As she found much to be desired in London, Gaia slowly withdrew from the throng until she found her place among the wallflowers.
Lord Lydell did attempt to attend the Season with the one hope of courting Lady Gaia. However, the American with a suspect family history was not made welcome. Therefore, Lydell withdrew from Society and put dreams, hopes, and desires for Lady Gaia away.
That is, until they encounter the other once again at Christmastime. Will their hearts and souls take notice again or will a past keep them apart?
Conversation into the night led to the first buds of friendship as not only their hearts, but also their souls took notice.
With the promise of a dance when the Season began, the two went their separate ways. Except, Lady Gaia never saw Lydell again. As she found much to be desired in London, Gaia slowly withdrew from the throng until she found her place among the wallflowers.
Lord Lydell did attempt to attend the Season with the one hope of courting Lady Gaia. However, the American with a suspect family history was not made welcome. Therefore, Lydell withdrew from Society and put dreams, hopes, and desires for Lady Gaia away.
That is, until they encounter the other once again at Christmastime. Will their hearts and souls take notice again or will a past keep them apart?
- GenresChristmas
114 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2022
18 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Jane Charles
175 books390 followersUSA Today bestselling author Jane Charles is a prolific writer of over fifty historical and contemporary romance novels. Her love of research and history lends authenticity to her Regency romances, and her experience directing theatre productions helps her craft beautiful, touching stories that tug at the heartstrings. Jane is an upbeat and positive author dedicated to giving her characters happy-ever-afters and leaving the readers satisfied at the end of an emotional journey. She is a lifelong Cubs fan, loves wine tastings, and lives in Central Illinois with her two huskies and husband. She is currently writing her next book while planning her dream trip to Europe.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 23, 2022
A sweet enjoyable second chance romance
They hadn't excepted to find each other again or try for something else other than a dance. But after they spend some time together getting to know each other and falling deeper in love with each other, nothing else matters not even scandal just the fact that he needs her and she needs him.
Bath is a magical place for them.
I received this a gift from the author in exchange for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's.
They hadn't excepted to find each other again or try for something else other than a dance. But after they spend some time together getting to know each other and falling deeper in love with each other, nothing else matters not even scandal just the fact that he needs her and she needs him.
Bath is a magical place for them.
I received this a gift from the author in exchange for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's.
November 27, 2022
Last Christmas Eve, Lady Gaia Evans and Zachariah Radburn, the new Marquess of Lydell met in a brothel after they were both waylaid by a blizzard. They spent the evening talking and made plans to meet again in London and she promised to save him a waltz. Sadly, they didn’t manage to reconnect during the season as Zachariah was snubbed due to the evil doings of his cousin the former Marquess, and left town before Gaia arrived. But fate wasn’t done with this couple and they meet again in Bath when Gaia’s brother Angelo introduces them and is surprised to learn that they have already met!
Gaia spent a miserable season in London and was disappointed when Zachariah never appeared. Despite being very popular in her mother’s homeland of Italy, she found herself more comfortable with the wallflowers. When her mother suggested they move to Bath for Christmastide, she was happy to leave – until she learned that her mother had plans to find her a husband! Her brother offered to introduce her to one of his friends and she was beyond delighted when Angelo's friend turned out to be the handsome stranger she spent last Christmas Eve with. She immediately felt the connection they had shared and hoped to get to know him better.
Zachariah was just as happy to see Gaia as she was to see him, he had thought of her many times over the last year and was sorry that he never got to claim his waltz. He would have waited for her, but the treatment he received in London made it clear that he was not welcome, thanks in part to his American heritage, but mostly because of his cousin’s actions, even though he never met the man. Left to raise his cousin’s daughter Alice, he could only hope that one day the gossip would die down when the ton saw that he was nothing like the former Marquess. Now it seems as if his luck is changing and he has been given a second chance with Gaia – a chance he won’t squander! But when it becomes clear that his cousin’s vile doings have hit closer to home than he thought, any chance for a HEA seems impossible.
This was a well-written, nicely-paced, sweet novella that ties into two previous stories. I loved Gaia and Zachariah as a couple and the antics of her Angelo were absolutely hilarious! This is set at Christmas, but it didn’t really feel like a Christmas novella, it was more like a second-chance romance. I liked that this wasn’t an “insta-love” story and that the characters actually took the time to get to know each other and while I usually prefer some sizzle, this kissing-only story didn’t suffer from a lack of heat. I am happy to recommend this delightful story, it is perfect to curl up with in a cozy spot and a cup of tea and it can be read in an afternoon (if your people leave you alone – good luck) that I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
Gaia spent a miserable season in London and was disappointed when Zachariah never appeared. Despite being very popular in her mother’s homeland of Italy, she found herself more comfortable with the wallflowers. When her mother suggested they move to Bath for Christmastide, she was happy to leave – until she learned that her mother had plans to find her a husband! Her brother offered to introduce her to one of his friends and she was beyond delighted when Angelo's friend turned out to be the handsome stranger she spent last Christmas Eve with. She immediately felt the connection they had shared and hoped to get to know him better.
Zachariah was just as happy to see Gaia as she was to see him, he had thought of her many times over the last year and was sorry that he never got to claim his waltz. He would have waited for her, but the treatment he received in London made it clear that he was not welcome, thanks in part to his American heritage, but mostly because of his cousin’s actions, even though he never met the man. Left to raise his cousin’s daughter Alice, he could only hope that one day the gossip would die down when the ton saw that he was nothing like the former Marquess. Now it seems as if his luck is changing and he has been given a second chance with Gaia – a chance he won’t squander! But when it becomes clear that his cousin’s vile doings have hit closer to home than he thought, any chance for a HEA seems impossible.
This was a well-written, nicely-paced, sweet novella that ties into two previous stories. I loved Gaia and Zachariah as a couple and the antics of her Angelo were absolutely hilarious! This is set at Christmas, but it didn’t really feel like a Christmas novella, it was more like a second-chance romance. I liked that this wasn’t an “insta-love” story and that the characters actually took the time to get to know each other and while I usually prefer some sizzle, this kissing-only story didn’t suffer from a lack of heat. I am happy to recommend this delightful story, it is perfect to curl up with in a cozy spot and a cup of tea and it can be read in an afternoon (if your people leave you alone – good luck) that I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
December 2, 2022
Lady Gaia Evans and Lord Zachariah Radburn, Marquis Lydell first met last Christmas Eve after finding shelter from a blizzard within a brothel. Conversation into the night led to the first buds of friendship as not only their hearts, but also their souls took notice. With the promise of a dance when the Season began, the two went their separate ways. Except, Lady Gaia never saw Lydell again. As she found much to be desired in London, Gaia slowly withdrew from the throng until she found her place among the wallflowers. Lord Lydell did attempt to attend the Season with the one hope of courting Lady Gaia. However, the American with a suspect family history was not made welcome. Therefore, Lydell withdrew from Society and put dreams, hopes, and desires for Lady Gaia away. Then they both find themselves in Bath.
A lovely second chance romance, I loved their reunion & their journey to a HEA. Strong characters & a well paced story meant I devoured this captivating short story in a sitting. I loved both Zachariah & Gaia & was routing for them, the chemistry between them sizzled. A well written lovely novella
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A lovely second chance romance, I loved their reunion & their journey to a HEA. Strong characters & a well paced story meant I devoured this captivating short story in a sitting. I loved both Zachariah & Gaia & was routing for them, the chemistry between them sizzled. A well written lovely novella
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
December 16, 2022
Zachariah Radburn, Marquess of Lydell, is an American trying to overcome guilt by association to his cousin who terrorized women by inheriting the title. Taking refuge at a brothel during a snow storm, Zachariah meets Lady Gaia Evans. Rebuffed by London society he still thinks of her a year later. Unbeknownst he makes friends with her brother and is shocked to see Gaia again. There is passion between them, is it enough for marriage? It takes little time for him to realize it's Gaia he wants and no one else. With plans to marry, their dream is shattered by Gaia's vindictive aunt. But Gaia is determined to go after what she wants. Will Zachariah fight for her hand? Hot kisses.
Keeping you on the edge hopeful for a happy ending.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Keeping you on the edge hopeful for a happy ending.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
November 17, 2022
For a short story this poignant, heartwarming, and sweet. And La Befana gift is the crowning end piece.
Lord Zachariah Radburn, Marquess Lydell first met Lady Gaia Evans in a blizzard where lots of people to shelter from the storm. After chatting the night away, it is a year later they meet again by a most unusual way.
Lord Zachariah is trying to cope with what the prior Marquees had done and to prove he is unlike his cousin that he never met. He is taking his responsibility to his ward to heart and wants to provide a stable, loving hime, in hope to live down the scandal.
Lady Gaia, daughter of Marquess of Dargate, was looking forward to her first season, but when the one person she most wanted to see is not there she retreats to being a wallflower. She gets nervous around new people and is not comfortable with meanness even if it is just words.
This Christmas her parents want to make sure both their children find mates. Hence the Christmas ball. Both are given orders the will attend in body and spirit. Join in the festivities, participate in the evens and engage with others. So Lord Angelo Evans, Earl of Bolton, and Lady Gaia will have to suffer their mother's rules for the season.
What is the scandal in the Lyell family? Does it get put aside or become more? Does Gaia get to see the person she hopes? Do the children follow mom's rules or thwart her? Who is La Befana and what gift does it bring and to whom?
So join in the holiday festivities and see if a Christmas miracle can happen! with the setting being Bath, seaside, an Abby, and of course the drawing room. Tea time has become fun and a dinner an inquisition! Find out how in this lovely story.
Lord Zachariah Radburn, Marquess Lydell first met Lady Gaia Evans in a blizzard where lots of people to shelter from the storm. After chatting the night away, it is a year later they meet again by a most unusual way.
Lord Zachariah is trying to cope with what the prior Marquees had done and to prove he is unlike his cousin that he never met. He is taking his responsibility to his ward to heart and wants to provide a stable, loving hime, in hope to live down the scandal.
Lady Gaia, daughter of Marquess of Dargate, was looking forward to her first season, but when the one person she most wanted to see is not there she retreats to being a wallflower. She gets nervous around new people and is not comfortable with meanness even if it is just words.
This Christmas her parents want to make sure both their children find mates. Hence the Christmas ball. Both are given orders the will attend in body and spirit. Join in the festivities, participate in the evens and engage with others. So Lord Angelo Evans, Earl of Bolton, and Lady Gaia will have to suffer their mother's rules for the season.
What is the scandal in the Lyell family? Does it get put aside or become more? Does Gaia get to see the person she hopes? Do the children follow mom's rules or thwart her? Who is La Befana and what gift does it bring and to whom?
So join in the holiday festivities and see if a Christmas miracle can happen! with the setting being Bath, seaside, an Abby, and of course the drawing room. Tea time has become fun and a dinner an inquisition! Find out how in this lovely story.
December 2, 2022
This is a cute book, about a couple who met last Christmas. This Christmas they meet again. After their first meeting, they promised each other a dance in the season, but things happened and they never ran into each other. Now that they have seen each other in Bath, they do not want to let their love get away. This was a short, easy read.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
December 9, 2022
4.5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has all the holiday feels, both in terms of when it’s set and what the main characters deal with to obtain their HEA. It felt like these two characters were searching for their “home” i.e., their safe space where they could be themselves and be truly appreciate for that. In each other, they found that acceptance and peace. It was fun to watch these characters spend time together and fall in love. I loved their time on page. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and I enjoyed them. This is another stellar read from Jane Charles.
This is a fun quick holiday read that has all the feels. I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has all the holiday feels, both in terms of when it’s set and what the main characters deal with to obtain their HEA. It felt like these two characters were searching for their “home” i.e., their safe space where they could be themselves and be truly appreciate for that. In each other, they found that acceptance and peace. It was fun to watch these characters spend time together and fall in love. I loved their time on page. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and I enjoyed them. This is another stellar read from Jane Charles.
This is a fun quick holiday read that has all the feels. I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 14, 2022
Lady Gaia and Zachariah are like two ships passing in the night. They met briefly last Christmas, and Gaia hoped Zachariah would fulfill his promise of a dance once the Season started. Unfortunately, they missed each other during the Season. Zachariah felt like an outcast and gave up attending events all together, while Gaia joined the wallflowers and found her entertainment watching others. Now that they are both in Bath, an agreement to spend more time together may be just what they need to make this Christmastide special!
I loved the characters and the sweet romance. It was fun to see Gaia and Zachariah forging ahead with their relationship while her brother was none too sure that this friend of his was worthy of his sister.
I loved the characters and the sweet romance. It was fun to see Gaia and Zachariah forging ahead with their relationship while her brother was none too sure that this friend of his was worthy of his sister.
December 17, 2022
A reunion/second chance. Circumstances kept Gaia and Zachariah from growing their friendship. When an opportunity to find each other again presented itself, the misunderstandings had to be worked through. I loved their connection, and my emotions kept me reading to see how they made it to a happily ever after. Definitely worth the read.
I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.
January 1, 2023
Lady Gaia and Lord Zachariah met in a brothel - taking shelter from the weather. Zach attended the Season hoping to court Gaia, but there was some family history and he was not made welcome. The following year at Christmastime they find each other again.
Perhaps not so much Christmassy, though it was enjoyable to read. 4☆
Perhaps not so much Christmassy, though it was enjoyable to read. 4☆
December 2, 2022
This is such a charming and heartwarming romance. Gaia is the daughter of an Marquess, that lost her heart to an American one Christmas Eve stranded in a blizzard. Lord Zachariah, moved to London when he inherited his title from a scandalous cousin, and soon learned that he couldn’t escape the reputation passed down to him along with the title. As such, he left London for Bath and didn’t see Gaia for a whole year. When the two are reunited, they can’t help but fall deeply in love. But there are still those who will not forgive him of the sins committed by a cousin that he never knew!
November 19, 2022
A sweet quick read.
Lady Gaia hasn’t seen Lord Lydell for nearly a year, despite having expected him to claim a promised waltz during her Season in London. Unexpectedly reunited in Bath, their attraction to each other deepens, though their relationship is threatened by scandal and the lady’s, suddenly ultra-protective, brother. A thoroughly enjoyable story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Gaia hasn’t seen Lord Lydell for nearly a year, despite having expected him to claim a promised waltz during her Season in London. Unexpectedly reunited in Bath, their attraction to each other deepens, though their relationship is threatened by scandal and the lady’s, suddenly ultra-protective, brother. A thoroughly enjoyable story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 20, 2022
A heart felt and engaging Christmas romance. A short story, well written and with lovely characters in Gaia and Zachariah. I was drawn to them both and found their journey and their second chance to be a fulfilling love story.
December 6, 2022
5 Stars A Wonderful Second Chance Christmas Romance
They met for the first time stranded in a brothel because of a blizzard and after conversing for hours, they both felt a budding friendship and she would save him a dance in the upcoming season in London. But that never happened due to circumstances that took him away from London that season.
Lord Zachariah Radburn, Marquess Lydell, has travelled from America to take responsibility for his cousin's title and being guardian to the small daughter left behind when her parents suddenly died - cousin and wife he had never met. The scandal his cousin left behind has followed Zachariah to the Ton's gossip and non-acceptance and he want to provide a loving, stable home to his small ward while she grows up. He had left London's hatred which was hard as he never forgot the Christmas meeting with Gaia, and this would be his only chance to see her again. But staying in London was out of the question so he travelled to stay in Bath where he met a new friend who doesn't care about his past, Angelo, the Earl of Bolton.
Lady Gaia is the daughter of Marquess of Dargate, was anticipating the season to begin but when the marquess she met last Christmas was not there, she put herself with the wallflowers. She cannot find anyone she is interested in and feels uncomfortable around new people and when her season was a failure, the family went to Bath. Then, one afternoon, not long after Gaia and her brother had a talk about their Mother trying to get them both married soon, Angelo brought home a friend of his for tea and what a pleasant surprise, Zachariah!
Zachariah and Gaia romance begins in Bath, they had a whirlwind, very chaste (kisses only) romance, but it was so much fun with a rake of an older brother becoming the ultimate younger sister protector, and a few steppingstones that had to climb over - like a harridan aunt. I totally enjoyed this sweet, romantic and fun-filled Christmas romance. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
They met for the first time stranded in a brothel because of a blizzard and after conversing for hours, they both felt a budding friendship and she would save him a dance in the upcoming season in London. But that never happened due to circumstances that took him away from London that season.
Lord Zachariah Radburn, Marquess Lydell, has travelled from America to take responsibility for his cousin's title and being guardian to the small daughter left behind when her parents suddenly died - cousin and wife he had never met. The scandal his cousin left behind has followed Zachariah to the Ton's gossip and non-acceptance and he want to provide a loving, stable home to his small ward while she grows up. He had left London's hatred which was hard as he never forgot the Christmas meeting with Gaia, and this would be his only chance to see her again. But staying in London was out of the question so he travelled to stay in Bath where he met a new friend who doesn't care about his past, Angelo, the Earl of Bolton.
Lady Gaia is the daughter of Marquess of Dargate, was anticipating the season to begin but when the marquess she met last Christmas was not there, she put herself with the wallflowers. She cannot find anyone she is interested in and feels uncomfortable around new people and when her season was a failure, the family went to Bath. Then, one afternoon, not long after Gaia and her brother had a talk about their Mother trying to get them both married soon, Angelo brought home a friend of his for tea and what a pleasant surprise, Zachariah!
Zachariah and Gaia romance begins in Bath, they had a whirlwind, very chaste (kisses only) romance, but it was so much fun with a rake of an older brother becoming the ultimate younger sister protector, and a few steppingstones that had to climb over - like a harridan aunt. I totally enjoyed this sweet, romantic and fun-filled Christmas romance. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
December 5, 2022
I enjoyed this Christmas romance. Gaia and Zachariah met one snowy night in a brothel. It was a place that several people took refuge during a snowstorm. They really connected and promised to meet again in London. That didn't happen. A year later, Zachariah and Gaia have a chance meeting. What they felt the year before was still there but there is the problem of Zachariah's cousin's behavior. In some eyes, it tainted Zachariah's reputation. Gaia doesn't care and she is going to marry him no matter what anyone else says. Will her father grant his permission, or will he listen to the gossip? Zachariah is ready to give Gaia up if it means that it will taint her reputation. Will she let him?
January 4, 2023
Sensational!
The Wallflower’s Stocking, by Jane Charles, and book 9 of the Christmas Wallflowers is truly a wonderful read! Lady Gaia is a most unique character, and Zachariah, Lord Lydell, an American with a besmirched title, are a perfect pair! This was such a unique story, and I loved it!
The Wallflower’s Stocking, by Jane Charles, and book 9 of the Christmas Wallflowers is truly a wonderful read! Lady Gaia is a most unique character, and Zachariah, Lord Lydell, an American with a besmirched title, are a perfect pair! This was such a unique story, and I loved it!
December 24, 2022
This series only gets better
This is another amazing story in a series that just keeps getting better. The brilliantly portrayed characters in this tale keep the interest flowing throughout. A very entertaining read.
This is another amazing story in a series that just keeps getting better. The brilliantly portrayed characters in this tale keep the interest flowing throughout. A very entertaining read.
December 18, 2022
Zachariah Radburn/ Lydell - his cousin gave the marqessdom a bad name/reputation that he is trying to change but having little luck so he left London and the chance to see Gaia again.
Lady Gaia Evans - season started as hopeful for her when she didn't see Zach and not knowing anyone she ended up being a wallflower.
I enjoyed reading this 2nd chance fated meeting and getting to know one another. This story has humorous moments along with an entertaining storytelling that leads to a loving hea.
Ama
Lady Gaia Evans - season started as hopeful for her when she didn't see Zach and not knowing anyone she ended up being a wallflower.
I enjoyed reading this 2nd chance fated meeting and getting to know one another. This story has humorous moments along with an entertaining storytelling that leads to a loving hea.
Ama
January 17, 2023
After a clandestine meeting in a brothel, on a snowy Christmas Eve, Lady Gaia Evans and Lord Zachariah Radburn: Marquess Lydell get a second chance, when they meet again a year later.
December 26, 2022
The second chance drew me in and held me. I will read more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews