The Christmas Promise

by Gabrielle Meyer

THE CHRISTMAS PROMISE

Lady Ashleigh Arrington is hosting a Christmas house party when her childhood foe, Christopher Campbell, unexpectedly arrives from America with a mysterious marriage agreement signed by their late mothers.

The only way out of the distasteful agreement is if one of them is married or engaged by Christmas Eve. But which one will sacrifice their hopes and dreams to escape marriage to each other? And when they realize a match between them isn’t quite so distasteful, will it be too late?

Genres: Christmas, Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian Fiction, Historical Romance, Fiction, Novella

88 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2022

About the author

Gabrielle Meyer grew up above a carriage house on a historic estate near the banks of the Mississippi River, imagining real and make-believe stories about the occupants who had lived there. She went on to work for the Minnesota Historical Society and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River, not far from where she grew up, with her husband and four children. By day, she’s a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and non-fiction filled with hope. Learn more about Gabrielle and her writing by visiting www.gabriellemeyer.com.

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

These regency era romances set around a Christmas time house party out in the countryside of England is really hitting the spot and I enjoy them so! Read this sweet story in one sitting!
Yes, it’s predictable. And yes, it’s sweet and even a little swoony, but I was delighted by Christopher and Ashleigh’s unlikely romance and the Christmas promise their two mothers set for them 11 christmases ago.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

1899 England

Sweet Christmas novella.

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novella with wonderful characters trying to honor their mothers' requests. Will one of them make the sacrifice and find someone to marry?
Do you think you could marry in order to honor a surprise request?

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was giving me major vibes of The Swan Princess since it is about two characters who knew each other as children and hated each other, only to change their opinions about each other as adults after they find out that their mothers arranged their marriage years prior if they were both unmarried by a certain time. (Doesn’t that sound JUST LIKE The Swan Princess???)



Ashleigh and Christopher had major Odette and Derek vibes for me which only added to my enjoyment of the story.

This novella is only around 100 pages, so it was a little instalovey (much like The Swan Princess) but the story was sweet and for its length, quite well developed.

A cute little historical Christmas story!

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Christmas Novella

I've been in the mood for Christmas books and this one on Kindle unlimited was perfect. A story about two people who knew each other as kids and meet again at Christmas 11 years later.

[Carmen Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet novella — I really enjoyed it! But wasn’t much to it since it was so short.😅 I would have loved a full length novel with the characters. Would recommend though.

[Joee (booksandacupofjoee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

This was cute but too fast. I didn't really feel a romantic connection btwn the main characters because we didn't have much time to build anything. It felt like too much crammed in and not enough time to develop the connection.. but it was sweet.

[Joy Tiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable novella and a quick read. The characters were all well done and the premise was fun. As is usual with a novella, love happens fast, but I was more than willing to go along for the ride.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Christmas Novella

I enjoyed reading this sweet Christmas Novella. It’s the perfect story for a cozy evening by the fireplace and the glow of twinkling Christmas lights.

[Angela Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Gabrielle Meyer, author extraordinaire, cordially invites you to an English country house party for Christmas! Elegant historical details shall be provided to convey you to the Victorian Era without the expense of a time machine.

As the guest of honor, you shall be personally introduced to the elite list of guests, including the endearing Lady Ashleigh Arrington and charming Mr. Christopher Campbell. Many holiday festivities have been arranged for you enjoyment, including mistletoe merriment, ice-skating shenanigans, traditional caroling, and the lighting of a rather infamous Christmas tree.

If you’re an anglophile at heart and have enjoyed many a visit to Downton Abbey, "The Christmas Promise" is one house party you don’t want to miss! Be sure to RSVP at your nearest bookseller posthaste.

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

great Christmas story

Their mothers made an agreement that if Ashleigh and Christopher were not married or engaged to another by Christmas Eve they would have to marry each other. Neither of them want that, so Ashleigh pursues another at their house party. Christopher helps her or tries to help her make the match. But soon they realize they might actually love each other.

I absolutely loved this sweet Christmas story! The writing was wonderful and the characters were a delight! I really enjoyed it and I liked the little twist at the end. If you love Victorian period stories and Christmas house parties, and romance this is the perfect book for you!

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this novella! Gabrielle always writes my favorite stories and characters. I could totally see this one becoming a full-length novel. I would love to see more of Christopher and Ashleigh 😍 For some reason, I got The Greatest Showman vibes?! Even though the story and characters have almost nothing the same 😂 but the setting just felt magical, and the romance is so sweet. If you’re looking for a short and sweet historical Christmas romance, this is the perfect book to try! You might even be able to read it in one or two sittings 🤗

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas novella. Perfect length story at a busy time of year. I was initially drawn to the Victorian setting, my favorite in Christmas stories. Even though the love story had to move fast within the shortened parameters of a novella, I found the romance and characters delightful.

[DevotedToHope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Review will be posted soon, God willing. :)

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in full-blown Christmas book mode, and there’s no stopping me now! 🥰

Marriage of convenience/arranged marriage is one of my favourite tropes to read, and I really enjoyed this story. It’s short, sweet, and all around just a lovely Victorian Christmas tale!

Ashleigh & Christopher are really cute, and while their relationship certainly happens quickly, it starts out with them practically being enemies, which added some well-placed comedy!

A perfectly heartwarming read!

[Holly Pick · Rating 5 out of 5]

It did not take me long to read this book! It’s on the shorter side but I also couldn’t put it down! I loved the intrigue and characters and I felt like I was there in England at their estate at Christmas! Absolutely loved this book!

[Angie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 🌟.
There wasn't anything particularly wrong with this one, I just do not tend to like novellas. I always think they end too quick, and are not deep enough. They feel rushed, and I always want more depth from my characters.
If this was a full-length novel, I am sure I would have enjoyed it even more.

I do really enjoy Gabrielle 's novels she is such a great writer.

[Anna |This Curly Girl Reads| · Rating 3 out of 5]

I sweet, light, fluffy read. I liked the authors writing style, so I look forward to reading one of her novels soon (which I’ve heard so much about!).

Not my favorite novella, but I still well written. If you enjoy hallmark style, historical Christmas story, you’ll enjoy this one.

[Kristine Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Promise by Gabrielle Meyer is a quick regency read. Great book for those who love enemies to more trope. It is a short book, but the story is complete. I liked the characters and the setting. Great book to read on a snowy afternoon, curled up under a blanket with a cup of tea steaming on a table beside you.

All thoughts are my own.

[Candice Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, sweet Victorian era Christmas novella. I like the characters, plot and few twist. High recommend!

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!❤️ It's a 5🌟 read! This is a quick novella. It's perfect for squeezing into a busy day. It's a lovely house party with a sweet clean romance.

[MaryAnne Abel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do it to myself! I read these little novellas and always want more! This one had a few surprises and was absolutely adorable!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute! Perfect Christmas novella.

[Brittany Gillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story, led by two adorable characters, and filled with all the best Christmas trappings (trees, carols, ice skating, snow). Short but perfect for reading in one evening by a warm fire.

[Keri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story 3.5 ⭐️ because it was better than another Victorian Christmas novella that I read. 😆

[Caryn Block · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even for a novella, this story was too short and the romance was not believable. This rating pains me because I love this author, but this just wasn't a good fit for me.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Tale

A very sweet Christmas novella. My first Christmas story of the 2022 season! I know Gabrielle Meyer has written quite a few books, but I've only read a few.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect Christmas novella to begin 2023.

[Danielle Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only complaint is I wish it was longer & find out what happens to the couple !

[Caroline Krebs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Christmas novella. I love Gabriella Meyer. It was predictable but sweet and the perfect quick holiday read.