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Isle of Synne #3.5
The Duke's Christmas Miracle
Previously published as part of the ONE SCANDALOUS SEASON anthology.
Poppy Tilburn’s life has been one of heartache and difficulty. The only person who ever cared for her was her childhood friend, Marcus. But when they began to show an interest in one another that was decidedly not friendship, Poppy was confronted with the horrible truth of her birth and driven from home. Now, lady’s maid to a cruel young woman, Poppy finds herself visiting the Duke of Hollyton’s house party for the holidays—only to learn that the duke is actually her dear friend Marcus. But no matter her joy in seeing him again, she cannot forget that her first priority is to protect her dear friend from being polluted by the shame she has been painted with. For if a romance between them was out of the question before, it is so much worse now that he is a duke.
Told his childhood friend Poppy died in her youth, Marcus has pushed past the grief of losing her, surviving the past decade by focusing on duty, and duty alone. Never expecting to take up the mantle of duke, he nevertheless throws himself into the role, and has prepared for a life of stark responsibility. He certainly never expects to see his dear friend alive and well at his holiday house party—or that she’ll be almost immediately thrown out on her ear by her cruel employer.
But Marcus is not about to look a gift horse in the mouth: this is the ideal chance, after all, to convince Poppy to remain with him as family, for he cannot lose her again. Poppy, however, is as prideful as she’s ever been, and refuses to accept charity. And so he offers her the position of companion to his elderly aunt. But as the wintry days pass, and Marcus and Poppy find the romance between them that had sparked so long ago rekindle into something so much stronger, will he get a Twelfth Night miracle and convince her to stay for good?
Poppy Tilburn’s life has been one of heartache and difficulty. The only person who ever cared for her was her childhood friend, Marcus. But when they began to show an interest in one another that was decidedly not friendship, Poppy was confronted with the horrible truth of her birth and driven from home. Now, lady’s maid to a cruel young woman, Poppy finds herself visiting the Duke of Hollyton’s house party for the holidays—only to learn that the duke is actually her dear friend Marcus. But no matter her joy in seeing him again, she cannot forget that her first priority is to protect her dear friend from being polluted by the shame she has been painted with. For if a romance between them was out of the question before, it is so much worse now that he is a duke.
Told his childhood friend Poppy died in her youth, Marcus has pushed past the grief of losing her, surviving the past decade by focusing on duty, and duty alone. Never expecting to take up the mantle of duke, he nevertheless throws himself into the role, and has prepared for a life of stark responsibility. He certainly never expects to see his dear friend alive and well at his holiday house party—or that she’ll be almost immediately thrown out on her ear by her cruel employer.
But Marcus is not about to look a gift horse in the mouth: this is the ideal chance, after all, to convince Poppy to remain with him as family, for he cannot lose her again. Poppy, however, is as prideful as she’s ever been, and refuses to accept charity. And so he offers her the position of companion to his elderly aunt. But as the wintry days pass, and Marcus and Poppy find the romance between them that had sparked so long ago rekindle into something so much stronger, will he get a Twelfth Night miracle and convince her to stay for good?
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2021
7 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Christina Britton
14 books395 followersChristina Britton developed a passion for writing romance novels shortly after buying her first at the tender age of thirteen. Though for several years she turned to art and put brush instead of pen to paper, she has returned to her first love and is now writing full time. She spends her days dreaming of corsets and cravats and noblemen with tortured souls.
She lives with her husband and two children in the San Francisco Bay Area. A member of Romance Writers of America, she also belongs to her local chapter, Silicon Valley RWA, and is a 2017 RWA® Golden Heart® Winner. You can find her on the web at www.christinabritton.com, Twitter as @cbrittonauthor, or facebook.com/ChristinaBrittonAuthor
She lives with her husband and two children in the San Francisco Bay Area. A member of Romance Writers of America, she also belongs to her local chapter, Silicon Valley RWA, and is a 2017 RWA® Golden Heart® Winner. You can find her on the web at www.christinabritton.com, Twitter as @cbrittonauthor, or facebook.com/ChristinaBrittonAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 19, 2022
A charming novella that's perfect for the holidays! 🎄
December 15, 2022
Why did he go down on her but we couldn’t get a full sex scene? I love Christina’s writing and this was definitely heartfelt and emotional, but Poppy’s actions got to be a bit much. It’s mainly a me thing, but I rarely enjoy what happened around 75% as well as just the set up of her thinking she was so inferior.
January 5, 2023
2022 Winter Bingo (#SnowInLoveBingo❄️): Naughty or Nice
This is fine.
This is fine.
December 28, 2022
Somewhere in the 3-3.5/5 star range
This was a fun enough story that I basically read in one sitting. Nothing special about it as novellas go, but generally enjoyable.
This was a fun enough story that I basically read in one sitting. Nothing special about it as novellas go, but generally enjoyable.
July 27, 2023
The Duke's Christmas Miracle is a dull melodrama that hit one clichéd trope after another. I don't think clichés are a problem in and of themselves, but I expect that as I learn more about the characters and their history, I'll come to see them as distinct and I'll feel more invested in their romance. Unfortunately, there is little to Poppy except relentless trauma, self-sacrifice, and determination and Marcus is her knight errant. He sees her as the solution to his abandonment issues and he sees himself as her protector, or aspires to be. It's frankly uncomfortable that Poppy doesn't have meaningful relationships with anyone except Marcus (and the late vicar), and he seems to keep everyone at a distance. It might be realistic under the circumstances, but for me, it highlighted the massive power imbalance between the two characters and it diminished their romance. Poppy in particular has no options outside Marcus, and he believed her dead for over a decade before their abrupt reunion, so I needed more than pat assurances that they'd always loved each other.
In general, The Duke's Christmas Miracle introduces issues and then does nothing with them! Off the top of my head, I might ask, Why did Marcus have to believe that Poppy had died? How did grief alter his perception of her? What did Poppy learn as a servant, aside from self-effacement? How did it shape her view of the upper classes? I think it would've deepened the characterization and the relationship if the text had taken some time to delve into these issues. As it was, Poppy and Marcus had the same conversation a few times before an old antagonist forced the issue.
The ending is a nice change of pace, but it does not have the impact that I would've liked because the text is so rife with issues. Poppy's secret was truly the least of my worries when she had to choose between a potential scandal and her own survival, and I wish the text had found a way to deal with those stakes. A boring read.
In general, The Duke's Christmas Miracle introduces issues and then does nothing with them! Off the top of my head, I might ask, Why did Marcus have to believe that Poppy had died? How did grief alter his perception of her? What did Poppy learn as a servant, aside from self-effacement? How did it shape her view of the upper classes? I think it would've deepened the characterization and the relationship if the text had taken some time to delve into these issues. As it was, Poppy and Marcus had the same conversation a few times before an old antagonist forced the issue.
The ending is a nice change of pace, but it does not have the impact that I would've liked because the text is so rife with issues. Poppy's secret was truly the least of my worries when she had to choose between a potential scandal and her own survival, and I wish the text had found a way to deal with those stakes. A boring read.
December 7, 2022
I snapped this one up fast as I just love this series and it did not disappoint! Could be read as a standalone but even better with previous books for a couple side characters. Great friends to lovers. He though she died- horrible parents/step-parents- he is now a duke- its Christmas time- too meddling aunties!!
5 stars
2 steam
5 stars
2 steam
December 10, 2022
Lovely story of Poppy Tilburn, a Lady's maid to a spoiled debutante and Marcus, the Duke of Hollyton, Poppy's childhood friend. Despite being friends, there were many secrets between these two, keeping them apart. Loved going back to the Isle of Synne for a visit, but can be read as a standalone. Highly recommend this holiday story.
December 10, 2022
This novella is the perfect read to get you in the Christmas spirit. It’s hero Marcus is absolutely charming and the heroine Poppy is brave and independent. This second chance romance melted my heart. Christina Britton returns to the beautiful setting of the Isle of Synne for another wonderful tale complete with a villain, or two; anguish; hardship and love.
December 13, 2022
A Christmas HEA with childhood friends once again finding each other against all odds. A bit of angst, a lot of relearning happiness and a two elderly Ladies of 'ton' guided the way to a different, deeper love. Fun to read and the Isle of Synne seems to help many to their HEAs.
December 17, 2023
Lovely
The Duke’s Christmas Miracle is a lovely Christmas historical romance novella that takes place on the Isle of Synne. It is an affecting second chance romance between childhood friends who thought they lost each other forever. It was a nice addition to my holiday reading.
The Duke’s Christmas Miracle is a lovely Christmas historical romance novella that takes place on the Isle of Synne. It is an affecting second chance romance between childhood friends who thought they lost each other forever. It was a nice addition to my holiday reading.
December 6, 2022
This was a fun, quick read just in time for the holidays. While, I did get frustrated with the heroine’s actions at times, it was an overall enjoyable read with delightful characters.
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December 31, 2023All I want for Christmas is a hot duke
CW: Sexual content, child abuse
I work for the publisher; all opinions are my own.
CW: Sexual content, child abuse
I work for the publisher; all opinions are my own.
Read
June 2, 2025Cute little novella of 2 friends lost to each other due to machinations of terrible relatives who find themselves reunited and in love at a house party. Problem? One’s a maid and one’s a duke!
December 2, 2025
ugh good holiday read to start off the season
December 24, 2025
Perfect romance for the Christmas holidays.
December 19, 2022
perfect Christmas novella
So much drama and back story and love in a cute little Christmas story! I could not put it down !
So much drama and back story and love in a cute little Christmas story! I could not put it down !
December 30, 2022
I just loved this book. Childhood friends, lies and redemption all wrapped up in a HEA. Wonderful love story beteen Poppy and the new Duke.
Would like to have seen one more Epilogue with Poppy and the hateful employer and daughter when the realize she marries the Duke.
Would like to have seen one more Epilogue with Poppy and the hateful employer and daughter when the realize she marries the Duke.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2023
published in One Scandalous season anthology
This is a good short story
This is a good short story
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews