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Regency Christmas Parties
Three festive Regency stories in one collection
An invitation to…
Three seasonal Society parties!
In Invitation to a Wedding by Annie Burrows, Clara’s immersed in a glamorous aristocratic wedding, but it’s captivating Lieutenant Hugo who sweeps her off her feet.
In Snowbound with the Earl by Lara Temple, Bella makes an unlikely ally of forbidding Lord Deverill to thwart an elopement—and gets stranded with him for Christmas!
In A Kiss at the Winter Ball by Joanna Johnson, Maria’s rescued from a snowstorm by Viscount Stanford, and receives a life-changing invitation.
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
An invitation to…
Three seasonal Society parties!
In Invitation to a Wedding by Annie Burrows, Clara’s immersed in a glamorous aristocratic wedding, but it’s captivating Lieutenant Hugo who sweeps her off her feet.
In Snowbound with the Earl by Lara Temple, Bella makes an unlikely ally of forbidding Lord Deverill to thwart an elopement—and gets stranded with him for Christmas!
In A Kiss at the Winter Ball by Joanna Johnson, Maria’s rescued from a snowstorm by Viscount Stanford, and receives a life-changing invitation.
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2022
36 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Annie Burrows
184 books310 followersI've been published by Mills & Boon since 2007..but I'd been making up stories in my head for as long as I can remember. It was a long walk home from school, and there were no ipods in those days to keep you amused! When I wasn't daydreaming, I had my nose stuck in a book. My parents used to take me to the library every Saturday, until I was old enough to get there on my own, and my house was always full of books.
During school holidays, the whole family loved to visit stately homes and castles. As soon as we got home, my older sister and I would either dress up as lords and ladies, and romp around the garden, or, if it was raining, retreat to our bedroom where we would draw intricately detailed plans of our very own imaginary stately home, complete with secret tunnels, dungeons, and usually, a maze in the extensive grounds.
When I was old enough to go to university, I studied English literature, with Philosophy. I was not sure what I wanted to do after that, but meeting a handsome student of maths, who was the owner of a very powerful motorbike helped me make up my mind. Reader, I married him.
For many years I felt it was important to stay at home to raise our two children, but one day, when the youngest had gone to senior school, I began to wonder if all those stories I made up to occupy my mind whilst attending to mundane chores, would interest anyone else.
I started to write some of them down, and eventually decided that one of them was "deep" enough to merit attention from publishers. It took me almost two years to complete, mainly because I kept tearing it up and starting all over again. And having to keep going out to work to help pay for school fees, then university tuition, slowed progress down as well.
Needless to say, this masterpiece was rejected by every single publisher I sent it to, but by this time, writing had become an addiction.
Four more stories got rejected, before Mills & Boon bought "His Cinderella Bride", a regency romance.
I do have some other interests, besides writing! I love spending time pottering in my garden. And recently I've taken up ballroom dancing as a way to try and keep fit (and keep the romance alive in my marriage!)
During school holidays, the whole family loved to visit stately homes and castles. As soon as we got home, my older sister and I would either dress up as lords and ladies, and romp around the garden, or, if it was raining, retreat to our bedroom where we would draw intricately detailed plans of our very own imaginary stately home, complete with secret tunnels, dungeons, and usually, a maze in the extensive grounds.
When I was old enough to go to university, I studied English literature, with Philosophy. I was not sure what I wanted to do after that, but meeting a handsome student of maths, who was the owner of a very powerful motorbike helped me make up my mind. Reader, I married him.
For many years I felt it was important to stay at home to raise our two children, but one day, when the youngest had gone to senior school, I began to wonder if all those stories I made up to occupy my mind whilst attending to mundane chores, would interest anyone else.
I started to write some of them down, and eventually decided that one of them was "deep" enough to merit attention from publishers. It took me almost two years to complete, mainly because I kept tearing it up and starting all over again. And having to keep going out to work to help pay for school fees, then university tuition, slowed progress down as well.
Needless to say, this masterpiece was rejected by every single publisher I sent it to, but by this time, writing had become an addiction.
Four more stories got rejected, before Mills & Boon bought "His Cinderella Bride", a regency romance.
I do have some other interests, besides writing! I love spending time pottering in my garden. And recently I've taken up ballroom dancing as a way to try and keep fit (and keep the romance alive in my marriage!)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 17, 2025
An enjoyable anthology. The Burrows story read like a Traditional Regency (remember those?) with a bit of an edge to it and the Temple story features some great sparring banter (the couple has the same goal but they rub each other in all the wrong ways that eventually lead to all the right ways). The Johnson story was the weakest entry for me - the hero is already engaged (an arrangement between their parents since they were in short pants) and the romance with the heroine is VERY Insta-Love. The entirety of the anthology was a quick read and an agreeable way to kill a few hours.
November 9, 2022
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋
Snowbound with the Earl
Lara Temple
Nicholas and Bella find each other cold and unlikeable not a great start for a relationship.
As the two come to know each other under rather forced circumstances, their feelings for each other grow, hearts thaw, and emotions run high.
A beautiful season awaits the two, who finally fall for each other, realising love was probably there all along.
A sweet and beautiful romance with great characters and brilliant writing.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋
Snowbound with the Earl
Lara Temple
Nicholas and Bella find each other cold and unlikeable not a great start for a relationship.
As the two come to know each other under rather forced circumstances, their feelings for each other grow, hearts thaw, and emotions run high.
A beautiful season awaits the two, who finally fall for each other, realising love was probably there all along.
A sweet and beautiful romance with great characters and brilliant writing.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
November 20, 2022
🎄Regency Christmas Parties 🩰
✒️Annie Burrows
https://www.facebook.com/AnnieBurrowsUK
✒️Joanna Johnson
https://www.facebook.com/JoannaJoJohn...
✒️ Lara Temple
https://www.facebook.com/LaraTempleAu...
Release Date 11/29/2022 & 11/24/2022
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XVFLKJB?...
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YQPLND8?...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Three festive Regency stories in one collection
An invitation to…
Three seasonal Society parties!
In Invitation to a Wedding by Annie Burrows, Clara’s immersed in a glamorous aristocratic wedding, but it’s captivating Lieutenant Hugo who sweeps her off her feet.
In Snowbound with the Earl by Lara Temple, Bella makes an unlikely ally of forbidding Lord Deverill to thwart an elopement—and gets stranded with him for Christmas!
In A Kiss at the Winter Ball by Joanna Johnson, Maria’s rescued from a snowstorm by Viscount Stanford, and receives a life-changing invitation.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Three lovely cheerful romantic tales to steer your mood toward the holidays spirit.
𝙸𝚗𝚟𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚊 𝚠𝚎𝚍𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚢 𝙰𝚗𝚗𝚒𝚎 𝙱𝚞𝚛𝚛𝚘𝚠𝚜
An amusing tale of a teacher who finds herself estranged among people who think the worst of her, when she just wanted to enjoy the most of the celebrations before returning to her anonymity.
But caught between cross fires, does she urge or discourage the future bride as all around want only one thing to seethe upcoming wedding canceled.
With the groom’s heir at her side, she believes she knows the reason behind the unlikely match on the fiancée’s side.
Or so.
4.5 stars
𝚂𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙴𝚊𝚛𝚕 𝚋𝚢 𝙻𝚊𝚛𝚊 𝚃𝚎𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚎
Bella and Nicholas have been throwing barbs and daggers since the moment they have met, and while they share the same goal, they found some great joy in thwarting one another’s game.
Now locked in a estate surrounded by snow walls, they come to a sort of truce, if they are able.
A lovely amusing story of two stubborn beings who do not deny their chemistry when they finally see reason.
5 stars
𝙰 𝙺𝚒𝚜𝚜 𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚆𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝙱𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚢 𝙹𝚘𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚊 𝙹𝚘𝚑𝚗𝚜𝚘𝚗
Alex and Maria first encounter is cute and things moved quite fast between them, if not for him to be already promised, their romance would have had few impediments.
Luckily for them, the stars seem to be aligned.
4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClMsJb...
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?stor...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #annieburrows #laratemple #joannajohnson #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
✒️Annie Burrows
https://www.facebook.com/AnnieBurrowsUK
✒️Joanna Johnson
https://www.facebook.com/JoannaJoJohn...
✒️ Lara Temple
https://www.facebook.com/LaraTempleAu...
Release Date 11/29/2022 & 11/24/2022
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XVFLKJB?...
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YQPLND8?...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Three festive Regency stories in one collection
An invitation to…
Three seasonal Society parties!
In Invitation to a Wedding by Annie Burrows, Clara’s immersed in a glamorous aristocratic wedding, but it’s captivating Lieutenant Hugo who sweeps her off her feet.
In Snowbound with the Earl by Lara Temple, Bella makes an unlikely ally of forbidding Lord Deverill to thwart an elopement—and gets stranded with him for Christmas!
In A Kiss at the Winter Ball by Joanna Johnson, Maria’s rescued from a snowstorm by Viscount Stanford, and receives a life-changing invitation.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Three lovely cheerful romantic tales to steer your mood toward the holidays spirit.
𝙸𝚗𝚟𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚊 𝚠𝚎𝚍𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚢 𝙰𝚗𝚗𝚒𝚎 𝙱𝚞𝚛𝚛𝚘𝚠𝚜
An amusing tale of a teacher who finds herself estranged among people who think the worst of her, when she just wanted to enjoy the most of the celebrations before returning to her anonymity.
But caught between cross fires, does she urge or discourage the future bride as all around want only one thing to seethe upcoming wedding canceled.
With the groom’s heir at her side, she believes she knows the reason behind the unlikely match on the fiancée’s side.
Or so.
4.5 stars
𝚂𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙴𝚊𝚛𝚕 𝚋𝚢 𝙻𝚊𝚛𝚊 𝚃𝚎𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚎
Bella and Nicholas have been throwing barbs and daggers since the moment they have met, and while they share the same goal, they found some great joy in thwarting one another’s game.
Now locked in a estate surrounded by snow walls, they come to a sort of truce, if they are able.
A lovely amusing story of two stubborn beings who do not deny their chemistry when they finally see reason.
5 stars
𝙰 𝙺𝚒𝚜𝚜 𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚆𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝙱𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚢 𝙹𝚘𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚊 𝙹𝚘𝚑𝚗𝚜𝚘𝚗
Alex and Maria first encounter is cute and things moved quite fast between them, if not for him to be already promised, their romance would have had few impediments.
Luckily for them, the stars seem to be aligned.
4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClMsJb...
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?stor...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #annieburrows #laratemple #joannajohnson #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
November 30, 2022
A trio of stories to put you in the mood for Christmas and those heart felt feelings!
Snowbound With the Earl by Lara Temple
Can two people stop an elopement of family members? When they get snowed in together, it seems they have the same goal. But their banter seems to be cutting, until they come to a truce.
The romance of the holiday and snow (oh yes lots of it) seem to thaw their hearts and bring them together! A sweet, special romance that will leave you with a sigh!!
Snowbound With the Earl by Lara Temple
Can two people stop an elopement of family members? When they get snowed in together, it seems they have the same goal. But their banter seems to be cutting, until they come to a truce.
The romance of the holiday and snow (oh yes lots of it) seem to thaw their hearts and bring them together! A sweet, special romance that will leave you with a sigh!!
December 7, 2022
Snowbound with the Earl
I have long been a fan of Ms Temple’s stories. She creates vividly engaging characters and writes wonderfully romantic love stories that never fail to bring me great pleasure and joy. Therefore, I was particularly interested to see how this would translate to the shorter novella form.
I loved Snowbound with the Earl. It reads and feels like a whole novel. The story arc is perfect and there is so much background detailing in addition to the Christmas setting that the novella is a richly rewarding read.
There is enough back story to make Bella and Nicholas’s romance believable. They had crossed swords prior to the beginning of the novella. It is an “enemy to lovers” trope and comes to vivid life in Ms Temple’s hands. I really enjoyed their verbal sparring as they worked out what was happening to them. Their characters are pitch perfect with just the right amount of emotional depth and sensuality to balance their acute brains and quick tongues.
As always with this author’s work, the supporting characters are finely drawn and round out the story. I particularly enjoyed Nicholas’s mother and his young niece. I also felt sorry for poor Rupert who makes an appearance in Ms Temple’s excellent forthcoming novel: The Wrong Way to Catch a Rake. I would like to see him get his own story, if only to see how he excapes the clutches of his disagreeable mama.
This story perfectly captures the warmth and sentiment of the Christmas season and leaves this reader with a glow of satisfaction and joy.
Thank you to the author for a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I have long been a fan of Ms Temple’s stories. She creates vividly engaging characters and writes wonderfully romantic love stories that never fail to bring me great pleasure and joy. Therefore, I was particularly interested to see how this would translate to the shorter novella form.
I loved Snowbound with the Earl. It reads and feels like a whole novel. The story arc is perfect and there is so much background detailing in addition to the Christmas setting that the novella is a richly rewarding read.
There is enough back story to make Bella and Nicholas’s romance believable. They had crossed swords prior to the beginning of the novella. It is an “enemy to lovers” trope and comes to vivid life in Ms Temple’s hands. I really enjoyed their verbal sparring as they worked out what was happening to them. Their characters are pitch perfect with just the right amount of emotional depth and sensuality to balance their acute brains and quick tongues.
As always with this author’s work, the supporting characters are finely drawn and round out the story. I particularly enjoyed Nicholas’s mother and his young niece. I also felt sorry for poor Rupert who makes an appearance in Ms Temple’s excellent forthcoming novel: The Wrong Way to Catch a Rake. I would like to see him get his own story, if only to see how he excapes the clutches of his disagreeable mama.
This story perfectly captures the warmth and sentiment of the Christmas season and leaves this reader with a glow of satisfaction and joy.
Thank you to the author for a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2023
“Regency Christmas Parties” is a treasury of three quick holiday stories and is a fun read around the holidays. Each story is a quick-read novella-style story with characters put into forced proximity due to weather. Each story is different enough that you don’t feel you are reading the same story with different characters. Each story has likable characters and a fun little background story that causes the forced proximity troupe. It was a fun little simple read for a busy time of year.
November 20, 2022
Delightful Christmas stories from three wonderful Historical romance authors!
The first story is a wonderful one. It’s about a schoolteacher who is invited into a glamorous wedding and Christmas party by her unruly former student. Clara is neither glamour nor rich but she is so compassionate. She had never expected that she would experience a high social party especially being fetched by Hugo, a relative from the groom. Both have completely misread the situation however Hugo always helps Clara when she is in dire need. I did love how the story worked, the instant affections they hold despite the misunderstanding and they gradually realize how wrong they are until they seize their happily-ever-after.
The second story has caught me from the very first banter between Bella and Lord Deverill. They captivated me unexpectedly. It’s enemies-to-lovers stories. Bella and Nicholas are trying to prevent their cousins’ elopement until Nicholas invites Bella to his home to ensure that Bella’s scheme succeeds. Ah poor Bella, after her parents’ demise, she was sent to her aunt and her spoilt cousin and since she never experienced a party like Nicholas holds. The witty banter between these two kept me amused over and over. I did adore Nicholas’s family, especially Emily. I was completely immersed in the family’s festivities!
The third story did intrigue me. It’s about a farmer’s daughter, Maria, who wants to prove that she’s capable of managing her father’s business however when she is leading the turkeys to be sold, she is lost and unexpectedly comes across a Viscount, Alexander. Alexander has an instant attraction when he first saw a red-haired Maria, but he’s going to be engaged. As the snow is getting thicker, Alexander invites Maria to stay until the road is cleared. Days after days, their feeling is growing until unexpected moments appear and it delightfully dragged me into a fairytale!
These three stories completely swept my feet into another time and world. It’s a bundle of moving, splendidly witty and immensely satisfying story. Sweet stories of Christmas festivities that bring you joy! Thank you, Lara Temple, for this ARC which I voluntary reviewed.
The first story is a wonderful one. It’s about a schoolteacher who is invited into a glamorous wedding and Christmas party by her unruly former student. Clara is neither glamour nor rich but she is so compassionate. She had never expected that she would experience a high social party especially being fetched by Hugo, a relative from the groom. Both have completely misread the situation however Hugo always helps Clara when she is in dire need. I did love how the story worked, the instant affections they hold despite the misunderstanding and they gradually realize how wrong they are until they seize their happily-ever-after.
The second story has caught me from the very first banter between Bella and Lord Deverill. They captivated me unexpectedly. It’s enemies-to-lovers stories. Bella and Nicholas are trying to prevent their cousins’ elopement until Nicholas invites Bella to his home to ensure that Bella’s scheme succeeds. Ah poor Bella, after her parents’ demise, she was sent to her aunt and her spoilt cousin and since she never experienced a party like Nicholas holds. The witty banter between these two kept me amused over and over. I did adore Nicholas’s family, especially Emily. I was completely immersed in the family’s festivities!
The third story did intrigue me. It’s about a farmer’s daughter, Maria, who wants to prove that she’s capable of managing her father’s business however when she is leading the turkeys to be sold, she is lost and unexpectedly comes across a Viscount, Alexander. Alexander has an instant attraction when he first saw a red-haired Maria, but he’s going to be engaged. As the snow is getting thicker, Alexander invites Maria to stay until the road is cleared. Days after days, their feeling is growing until unexpected moments appear and it delightfully dragged me into a fairytale!
These three stories completely swept my feet into another time and world. It’s a bundle of moving, splendidly witty and immensely satisfying story. Sweet stories of Christmas festivities that bring you joy! Thank you, Lara Temple, for this ARC which I voluntary reviewed.
January 5, 2023
Regency Christmas Parties is a delightful collection of festive short stories by three of Harlequin Mills and Boon Historical Romance’s most talented authors: Annie Burrows, Lara Temple and Joanna Johnson.
In Invitation to a Wedding by Annie Burrows, schoolteacher Clara is absolutely delighted when she is invited to one of her former students’ Christmas wedding to a duke at his majestic home. Clara cannot wait to leave the austere school she teaches in in order to spend Christmas in a castle rubbing shoulders with the aristocracy, however, no sooner has she set foot off the coach that she finds herself nearly trampled by a horse – and rescued at the eleventh hour by a dashing lieutenant whom she will be seeing a lot of as he happens to be the nephew of her former pupil’s soon-to-be husband!
In Snowbound with the Earl by Lara Temple, Bella is determined to do whatever it takes to stop her foolish cousin from eloping with a very unsuitable suitor. Bella will leave no stone unturned to protect her cousin – even if it means butting heads with Nicholas, Lord Deverill, who has his own reasons for wanting to put a stop to Bella’s cousin joining his family! With the two of them having the same goal, joining forces might help them to ensure that they can achieve their objective of keeping their cousins from marrying – if only they can stop sniping at each other and exchanging barbed word after barbed word!
In A Kiss at the Winter Ball by Joanna Johnson, Maria is absolutely desperate to prove to her father that she is just as good a farmer as her brother – which is why she has ended up during a snowstorm stranded in the middle of the English countryside with a small army of turkeys! With weather conditions worsening, Maria thinks that she has just committed a mistake of epic proportions until she is rescued by kind-hearted Alexander who, unbeknownst to her, does not work on Viscount Stamford’s estate, but is the aristocrat himself!
Historical romance readers looking for a wintry collection of novellas to snuggle up with as the weather gets colder need look no further than Regency Christmas Parties by Annie Burrows, Lara Temple and Joanna Johnson.
In Invitation to a Wedding by Annie Burrows, schoolteacher Clara is absolutely delighted when she is invited to one of her former students’ Christmas wedding to a duke at his majestic home. Clara cannot wait to leave the austere school she teaches in in order to spend Christmas in a castle rubbing shoulders with the aristocracy, however, no sooner has she set foot off the coach that she finds herself nearly trampled by a horse – and rescued at the eleventh hour by a dashing lieutenant whom she will be seeing a lot of as he happens to be the nephew of her former pupil’s soon-to-be husband!
In Snowbound with the Earl by Lara Temple, Bella is determined to do whatever it takes to stop her foolish cousin from eloping with a very unsuitable suitor. Bella will leave no stone unturned to protect her cousin – even if it means butting heads with Nicholas, Lord Deverill, who has his own reasons for wanting to put a stop to Bella’s cousin joining his family! With the two of them having the same goal, joining forces might help them to ensure that they can achieve their objective of keeping their cousins from marrying – if only they can stop sniping at each other and exchanging barbed word after barbed word!
In A Kiss at the Winter Ball by Joanna Johnson, Maria is absolutely desperate to prove to her father that she is just as good a farmer as her brother – which is why she has ended up during a snowstorm stranded in the middle of the English countryside with a small army of turkeys! With weather conditions worsening, Maria thinks that she has just committed a mistake of epic proportions until she is rescued by kind-hearted Alexander who, unbeknownst to her, does not work on Viscount Stamford’s estate, but is the aristocrat himself!
Historical romance readers looking for a wintry collection of novellas to snuggle up with as the weather gets colder need look no further than Regency Christmas Parties by Annie Burrows, Lara Temple and Joanna Johnson.
November 27, 2022
This anthology contains three Christmas Regency romances of about 90 pages each. Overall this was a fun and easy read. I read all three stories in the course of an afternoon. As with all anthologies, I like to read and review each of the stories separately.
In Invitation to a Wedding by Annie Burrows, Cara is invited to the wedding of a former student and falls for Hugo, the groom’s nephew, who does not want the marriage to take place. I’m not going to lie, I found Cara’s excitement about everything a bit off-putting in the beginning but she really grew on me. I liked both characters together and their story was engaging.
In Snowbound with the Earl by Lara Temple, Bella and Lord Deverill try to keep their cousins from eloping and end up snowed in together at Deverill’s estate. This was a cute enemies to lovers story with both our main characters working toward the same goal and having fun together. I was expecting a bit more drama but enjoyed the pair getting to know each other over fun and games during the holidays.
In A Kiss at the Winter Ball by Joanna Johnson, Maria and her turkeys are rescued by Viscount Stanford and is invited to stay and spend the holidays. I liked the premise of this one but I really wish that Stanford hadn’t been almost engaged to someone else for almost the entitreity of the story. I liked that Stanford encouraged Maria’s goals and treated her as an equal.
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the digital ARC and Harlequin for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
In Invitation to a Wedding by Annie Burrows, Cara is invited to the wedding of a former student and falls for Hugo, the groom’s nephew, who does not want the marriage to take place. I’m not going to lie, I found Cara’s excitement about everything a bit off-putting in the beginning but she really grew on me. I liked both characters together and their story was engaging.
In Snowbound with the Earl by Lara Temple, Bella and Lord Deverill try to keep their cousins from eloping and end up snowed in together at Deverill’s estate. This was a cute enemies to lovers story with both our main characters working toward the same goal and having fun together. I was expecting a bit more drama but enjoyed the pair getting to know each other over fun and games during the holidays.
In A Kiss at the Winter Ball by Joanna Johnson, Maria and her turkeys are rescued by Viscount Stanford and is invited to stay and spend the holidays. I liked the premise of this one but I really wish that Stanford hadn’t been almost engaged to someone else for almost the entitreity of the story. I liked that Stanford encouraged Maria’s goals and treated her as an equal.
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the digital ARC and Harlequin for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2025
Worth reading for Lara Temple's excellent novella.
Invitation To A Wedding (2/5). Not enough chemistry to convince me of an HEA.
Snowbound With An Earl (5/5). An earl and an orphaned companion bicker their way to prevent an elopement between their relatives but end up getting snowed in at the earl's estate. This is an outstanding enemies-to-lovers story with romantic chemistry and sexual tension that sizzles and crackles amidst a snowy backdrop
A Kiss At The Winter Ball (4/5). Our heroine takes a wrong turn and ends up walking through the hero's grounds when she tries to deliver turkeys for Christmas on foot. The plot is predictable but the meet-cute is unique and there is enough chemistry to keep the story sweet and engaging.
Invitation To A Wedding (2/5). Not enough chemistry to convince me of an HEA.
Snowbound With An Earl (5/5). An earl and an orphaned companion bicker their way to prevent an elopement between their relatives but end up getting snowed in at the earl's estate. This is an outstanding enemies-to-lovers story with romantic chemistry and sexual tension that sizzles and crackles amidst a snowy backdrop
A Kiss At The Winter Ball (4/5). Our heroine takes a wrong turn and ends up walking through the hero's grounds when she tries to deliver turkeys for Christmas on foot. The plot is predictable but the meet-cute is unique and there is enough chemistry to keep the story sweet and engaging.
December 31, 2022
Invitation to a Wedding: an orphan teacher is invited to her former student's grand, opulent wedding to a man three times her senior. Romance with the grumpy nephew ensues. Enjoyable!
Snowbound with the Earl: Bella and Nicholas are each trying to stop the elopement of their cousins, but keep butting heads and getting in each other's way. Romance ensues. Super charming, with an actually adorable child!
Kiss at the Winter Ball: Maria gets lost bringing her turkeys to their final "homes" for Christmas dinner and has to stay with the Viscount whose land she got lost on. Romance ensues. Charming, I love what Alex offered Maria at the end, even if the ending is a little too charmed.
Snowbound with the Earl: Bella and Nicholas are each trying to stop the elopement of their cousins, but keep butting heads and getting in each other's way. Romance ensues. Super charming, with an actually adorable child!
Kiss at the Winter Ball: Maria gets lost bringing her turkeys to their final "homes" for Christmas dinner and has to stay with the Viscount whose land she got lost on. Romance ensues. Charming, I love what Alex offered Maria at the end, even if the ending is a little too charmed.
January 24, 2023
What a delightful festive treat-
Three Regency Christmas romances, oh so neat!
With feisty heroines not seeking romance
Encountering love just by chance!
With great characters and surprises in store
These delightful historic romances are ones to adore.
Well written, with Christmas and fun involved as well
The kind of quick read I enjoy- hope you can tell!
Each story is a standalone novella and so
You can read them when you've little time before you go.
They're each complete and left me with a smile, too,
So I won't hesitate to recommend them to you!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
What a fab festive trio - and this is my honest review.
Three Regency Christmas romances, oh so neat!
With feisty heroines not seeking romance
Encountering love just by chance!
With great characters and surprises in store
These delightful historic romances are ones to adore.
Well written, with Christmas and fun involved as well
The kind of quick read I enjoy- hope you can tell!
Each story is a standalone novella and so
You can read them when you've little time before you go.
They're each complete and left me with a smile, too,
So I won't hesitate to recommend them to you!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
What a fab festive trio - and this is my honest review.
December 16, 2022
Snowbound with the Earl
Lara Temple pens a wonderful novella, a sweet enemies to lovers tale with a breathtaking Christmas background. Nicholas's family is fabulous, full of joy and love, and poor Bella needed it so very much! Pity that the steam level had to be so low, but when the writing is so good I didn't mind too much!
I still have to read the other two novellas, but I wanted to read this one because I loved the author!
Lara Temple pens a wonderful novella, a sweet enemies to lovers tale with a breathtaking Christmas background. Nicholas's family is fabulous, full of joy and love, and poor Bella needed it so very much! Pity that the steam level had to be so low, but when the writing is so good I didn't mind too much!
I still have to read the other two novellas, but I wanted to read this one because I loved the author!
December 11, 2023
This review is only for Lara Temple's story, “Snowbound with the Earl.”
Bella and Lord Devirill (aka Lord Devil) have a strong mutual dislike, but are united in trying to prevent an elopement. “You find my manners wanting, Miss Ingram?” “I haven’t found them at all, Lord Devirill.”
This was so good! Lara Temple is very talented when it comes to writing believable characters that have good banter and chemistry.
Bella and Lord Devirill (aka Lord Devil) have a strong mutual dislike, but are united in trying to prevent an elopement. “You find my manners wanting, Miss Ingram?” “I haven’t found them at all, Lord Devirill.”
This was so good! Lara Temple is very talented when it comes to writing believable characters that have good banter and chemistry.
November 11, 2025
I am
Updating my first review with 2 stars as I had forgotten the first story, Invitation to a Wedding by Annie Burrows, was enjoyable although more dialog would have been nice. I give it 3 stars but the other 2 stories 1, I did not enjoy them at all and found myself skipping page after page of the same thoughts of each person to find any sort of conversation. I will keep the star system at 2, both for Ms. Burrows ‘s story.
Updating my first review with 2 stars as I had forgotten the first story, Invitation to a Wedding by Annie Burrows, was enjoyable although more dialog would have been nice. I give it 3 stars but the other 2 stories 1, I did not enjoy them at all and found myself skipping page after page of the same thoughts of each person to find any sort of conversation. I will keep the star system at 2, both for Ms. Burrows ‘s story.
Read
November 21, 2022Regency Christmas Parties by Annie Burrows, Lara Temple, and Joanna Johnson are three stories that completely took my breath away. This a bundle of sweet stories of Christmas festivities that will take you to another place, another time. Regency Christmas Parties are a must-read for the holiday season.
Read
November 25, 2022I read this for the Lara Temple novella, and it was absolutely worth it. The prose was stellar, the banter was great, and the feeling of finding a family for Christmas was heartwarming and perfectly captured. It definitely has the feel-good vibes that give it potential for a yearly yuletide read.
The other two novellas will likely appeal to fans of traditional Regency romances.
The other two novellas will likely appeal to fans of traditional Regency romances.
December 3, 2022
I enjoyed each one of these festive romances! They were each short quick reads.
Each seemed to be chance encounters or a newcomer thrust into their midst and then close proximity with a house party or a wedding.
Check this out if you enjoy short holiday reads.
Thank you harlequinbooks and netgalley for the e-arc for my honest and voluntary review.
Each seemed to be chance encounters or a newcomer thrust into their midst and then close proximity with a house party or a wedding.
Check this out if you enjoy short holiday reads.
Thank you harlequinbooks and netgalley for the e-arc for my honest and voluntary review.
December 17, 2023
Read ‘Snowbound with the Earl’ by Lara Temple. Loved the banter, the cozy holiday setting with a found family, sweet romance.
April 20, 2024
i enjoyed these 3 couples. i think they are wonderfully together.
the couple from book 3 could spend more time together otherwise they chamesty was HOT.
great Christmas stories.
the couple from book 3 could spend more time together otherwise they chamesty was HOT.
great Christmas stories.
December 13, 2022
Those who read me and my reviews know that I love Historical Romance, especially the Regency era, and the Christmas stories, so when I saw that there were three novellas that have those tropes I did need to get it.
Regency Christmas Parties was an enjoyable read, the different authors have an unique style and even if the three stories have the same tropes reading them weren't boring.
I adored to discover new to me authors and to fall in love with their beautiful characters.
Bella, Clara and Maria steal the show to their male counterparts, they are kind, strong and they believe they do not need an husband, but they'll change their minds when they meet the right men. Alexander, Nicholas and Hugo are wonderful and swoonworthy.
I recommend to read this book in a cold winter night and let these stories warm your night.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
December 10, 2022
Three very different stories set around Christmas and I loved them all ... perfect, uplifting reading around the holiday season
An invitation to…
Three seasonal, Society parties!
In Invitation to a Wedding by Annie Burrows
Clara’s immersed in a glamorous aristocratic wedding, but it’s captivating Lieutenant Hugo who sweeps her off her feet.
My thoughts
Such a sweet story about Clara, a humble teacher, being invited to a society wedding to help make sure the bride (and friend) marries her groom. I loved how she met and tried to resist Hugo.
....
In Snowbound with the Earl by Lara Temple
Bella makes an unlikely ally of forbidding Lord Deverill to thwart an elopement – and gets stranded with him for Christmas!
My thoughts
I just loved these two, snowed in and each trying to outsmart the other. Whitty, fun and I couldn't wait for them to realise they actually like each other.
...
In A Kiss at the Winter Ball by Joanna Johnson
Maria’s rescued from a snowstorm by Viscount Stanford, and receives a life-changing invitation…
My thoughts
This was so unexpected. Maria's travelling from Norwich with her flock of turkeys for the market. Things don't go to plan. I absolutely loved this ending.
An invitation to…
Three seasonal, Society parties!
In Invitation to a Wedding by Annie Burrows
Clara’s immersed in a glamorous aristocratic wedding, but it’s captivating Lieutenant Hugo who sweeps her off her feet.
My thoughts
Such a sweet story about Clara, a humble teacher, being invited to a society wedding to help make sure the bride (and friend) marries her groom. I loved how she met and tried to resist Hugo.
....
In Snowbound with the Earl by Lara Temple
Bella makes an unlikely ally of forbidding Lord Deverill to thwart an elopement – and gets stranded with him for Christmas!
My thoughts
I just loved these two, snowed in and each trying to outsmart the other. Whitty, fun and I couldn't wait for them to realise they actually like each other.
...
In A Kiss at the Winter Ball by Joanna Johnson
Maria’s rescued from a snowstorm by Viscount Stanford, and receives a life-changing invitation…
My thoughts
This was so unexpected. Maria's travelling from Norwich with her flock of turkeys for the market. Things don't go to plan. I absolutely loved this ending.
December 20, 2022
Regency Christmas Parties is a collection of three short stories, set in the Regency era.
They are all quite different, but equally romantic to read. Full of the romance of royalty, balls, and falling in love around Christmas.
I liked reading all three but had the hardest time getting into the stories.
thanks to NetGalley & Harlequin Historical for the ARC, all opinions are my own
They are all quite different, but equally romantic to read. Full of the romance of royalty, balls, and falling in love around Christmas.
I liked reading all three but had the hardest time getting into the stories.
thanks to NetGalley & Harlequin Historical for the ARC, all opinions are my own
November 20, 2022
Delightful Christmas stories from three wonderful Historical romance authors!
The first story is a wonderful one. It’s about a schoolteacher who is invited into a glamorous wedding and Christmas party by her unruly former student. Clara is neither glamour nor rich but she is so compassionate. She had never expected that she would experience a high social party especially being fetched by Hugo, a relative from the groom. Both have completely misread the situation however Hugo always helps Clara when she is in dire need. I did love how the story worked, the instant affections they hold despite the misunderstanding and they gradually realize how wrong they are until they seize their happily-ever-after.
The second story has caught me from the very first banter between Bella and Lord Deverill. They captivated me unexpectedly. It’s enemies-to-lovers stories. Bella and Nicholas are trying to prevent their cousins’ elopement until Nicholas invites Bella to his home to ensure that Bella’s scheme succeeds. Ah poor Bella, after her parents’ demise, she was sent to her aunt and her spoilt cousin and since she never experienced a party like Nicholas holds. The witty banter between these two kept me amused over and over. I did adore Nicholas’s family, especially Emily. I was completely immersed in the family’s festivities!
The third story did intrigue me. It’s about a farmer’s daughter, Maria, who wants to prove that she’s capable of managing her father’s business however when she is leading the turkeys to be sold, she is lost and unexpectedly comes across a Viscount, Alexander. Alexander has an instant attraction when he first saw a red-haired Maria, but he’s going to be engaged. As the snow is getting thicker, Alexander invites Maria to stay until the road is cleared. Days after days, their feeling is growing until unexpected moments appear and it delightfully dragged me into a fairytale!
These three stories completely swept my feet into another time and world. It’s a bundle of moving, splendidly witty and immensely satisfying story. Sweet stories of Christmas festivities that bring you joy! Thank you, Lara Temple, for this ARC which I voluntary reviewed.
The first story is a wonderful one. It’s about a schoolteacher who is invited into a glamorous wedding and Christmas party by her unruly former student. Clara is neither glamour nor rich but she is so compassionate. She had never expected that she would experience a high social party especially being fetched by Hugo, a relative from the groom. Both have completely misread the situation however Hugo always helps Clara when she is in dire need. I did love how the story worked, the instant affections they hold despite the misunderstanding and they gradually realize how wrong they are until they seize their happily-ever-after.
The second story has caught me from the very first banter between Bella and Lord Deverill. They captivated me unexpectedly. It’s enemies-to-lovers stories. Bella and Nicholas are trying to prevent their cousins’ elopement until Nicholas invites Bella to his home to ensure that Bella’s scheme succeeds. Ah poor Bella, after her parents’ demise, she was sent to her aunt and her spoilt cousin and since she never experienced a party like Nicholas holds. The witty banter between these two kept me amused over and over. I did adore Nicholas’s family, especially Emily. I was completely immersed in the family’s festivities!
The third story did intrigue me. It’s about a farmer’s daughter, Maria, who wants to prove that she’s capable of managing her father’s business however when she is leading the turkeys to be sold, she is lost and unexpectedly comes across a Viscount, Alexander. Alexander has an instant attraction when he first saw a red-haired Maria, but he’s going to be engaged. As the snow is getting thicker, Alexander invites Maria to stay until the road is cleared. Days after days, their feeling is growing until unexpected moments appear and it delightfully dragged me into a fairytale!
These three stories completely swept my feet into another time and world. It’s a bundle of moving, splendidly witty and immensely satisfying story. Sweet stories of Christmas festivities that bring you joy! Thank you, Lara Temple, for this ARC which I voluntary reviewed.
November 1, 2023
I've received this book as ARC from Ms Temple.
Three different Christmas parties: in the first written by Ms Burrows, Clara, a teacher in a boarding school, is invited to a Christmas wedding by a former student. She is looking forward to a family Christmas as the ones she's missing from the moment she became an orphan. The reality would be a little different when she realizes the true reason behind that invitation, but Christmas spirit makes its magic in the form of a dashing lieutenant and despite the initial distrust they find love in each other.
In the second, written by Ms Temple, Bella wants to stop the elopement between her cousin and her beau, but at the rendez-vous there's not the boy but his cousin, Lord Deverill, her nemesis. Snowbound in his estate with his family, she will have a Christmas to remember, but as the snow that trapped them melts also their frozen hearts begin to melt, and they found what they've searched for all their lives.
In the third, written by Ms Johnson, Maria is trying to prove to her family that she can help in the farm as her brothers, so she's conducing turkey to London costumers. She takes a wrong turn and ends on the land of Viscount Stanford who offers her a room for the night and a shelter for the turkeys. In the next day, a ball would be held to announce his betrothal. During the ball, Maria finds out a secret that change their lives and turkey's too.
I loved to read this book, Christmas was all around in these stories
.
Three different Christmas parties: in the first written by Ms Burrows, Clara, a teacher in a boarding school, is invited to a Christmas wedding by a former student. She is looking forward to a family Christmas as the ones she's missing from the moment she became an orphan. The reality would be a little different when she realizes the true reason behind that invitation, but Christmas spirit makes its magic in the form of a dashing lieutenant and despite the initial distrust they find love in each other.
In the second, written by Ms Temple, Bella wants to stop the elopement between her cousin and her beau, but at the rendez-vous there's not the boy but his cousin, Lord Deverill, her nemesis. Snowbound in his estate with his family, she will have a Christmas to remember, but as the snow that trapped them melts also their frozen hearts begin to melt, and they found what they've searched for all their lives.
In the third, written by Ms Johnson, Maria is trying to prove to her family that she can help in the farm as her brothers, so she's conducing turkey to London costumers. She takes a wrong turn and ends on the land of Viscount Stanford who offers her a room for the night and a shelter for the turkeys. In the next day, a ball would be held to announce his betrothal. During the ball, Maria finds out a secret that change their lives and turkey's too.
I loved to read this book, Christmas was all around in these stories
.
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