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Longhope Abbey #3.5
A Christmas Affair to Remember
A CHRISTMAS AFFAIR TO REMEMBER
Warm lessons in love on cold winter nights…
Isaac DeWitt—former sailor, respected investigator, and notorious flirt—wants a wife, and where better to find one than the winter house party at Longhope Abbey? But for all his rakish charm, Isaac doesn’t even know how to kiss a woman, let alone what to do with her in the marriage bed.
Sylvia Ray—impoverished widow, expert distiller, and safely betrothed—means to enjoy every minute at the house party before she settles into a dreary but secure marriage. She’s too old to believe in exciting futures, but she’s too young to bury herself in the country just yet.
When Sylvia discovers Isaac’s dilemma, she shocks them both with a She’ll give him experience if he’ll give her excitement, during a winter they’ll never forget.
Warm, touching, and fun, this short historical romance tells the story of a young widow and younger man who start a holiday affair but end up with so much more.
Escape to the world of Longhope Abbey, with witty, steamy, emotional historical romances.
Longhope Abbey main
A Dangerous Kind of Lady
A Wicked Kind of Husband
A Scandalous Kind of Duke
Longhope Abbey
A Beastly Kind of Earl
Longhope Abbey holiday novella
A Christmas Affair to Remember
The Brothers DeWitt Bundle
A Wicked Kind of Husband, including A Christmas Affair to Remember
Each book in this series can be read as a standalone, and the books can be read in any order. As the characters move through the same world, they do appear in each other's stories, but without any overarching plot.
Warm lessons in love on cold winter nights…
Isaac DeWitt—former sailor, respected investigator, and notorious flirt—wants a wife, and where better to find one than the winter house party at Longhope Abbey? But for all his rakish charm, Isaac doesn’t even know how to kiss a woman, let alone what to do with her in the marriage bed.
Sylvia Ray—impoverished widow, expert distiller, and safely betrothed—means to enjoy every minute at the house party before she settles into a dreary but secure marriage. She’s too old to believe in exciting futures, but she’s too young to bury herself in the country just yet.
When Sylvia discovers Isaac’s dilemma, she shocks them both with a She’ll give him experience if he’ll give her excitement, during a winter they’ll never forget.
Warm, touching, and fun, this short historical romance tells the story of a young widow and younger man who start a holiday affair but end up with so much more.
Escape to the world of Longhope Abbey, with witty, steamy, emotional historical romances.
Longhope Abbey main
A Dangerous Kind of Lady
A Wicked Kind of Husband
A Scandalous Kind of Duke
Longhope Abbey
A Beastly Kind of Earl
Longhope Abbey holiday novella
A Christmas Affair to Remember
The Brothers DeWitt Bundle
A Wicked Kind of Husband, including A Christmas Affair to Remember
Each book in this series can be read as a standalone, and the books can be read in any order. As the characters move through the same world, they do appear in each other's stories, but without any overarching plot.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2022
44 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Mia Vincy
6 books856 followersMia Vincy wandered the world for years, sometimes backpacking, sometimes working variously as a journalist, communications specialist, and copyeditor. She always carried a tattered book or three in her backpack, until the advent of the e-reader meant she could carry thousands of books at once.
Mia eventually settled in a country town in Victoria, Australia, to write historical romances, in between bike rides through the countryside and muttering at the walls.
Mia eventually settled in a country town in Victoria, Australia, to write historical romances, in between bike rides through the countryside and muttering at the walls.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 26, 2023
Is it too late for Christmas fun? I don’t think so, it’s too cold out here anyways.
33 year old widow Sylvia, who lives in poverty, made plans for an arranged marriage with an older hypochondriac, the idea being she’ll become his caretaker and free psychotherapist and he’ll make it so she won’t starve. At the same time, 26 year old Isaac spent his life in the Navy where he got his injury, and now he’s trying to settle on land and get himself a wife. But he's very awkward and inexperienced and worries that his new bride will be disappointed with his lack of knowledge she would expect from the 26 year old husband. They meet at a Christmas gathering in the countryside and have an instant attraction. So Sylvia decides to live one last time and experience desire before departing to her tomb, believing that as an old woman it is the only thing she can expect from life. And Isaac, well, what free young man would not want to get a bunch of sexual experience from the willing experienced beautiful old woman? (She’s 33)
Mia Vincy is a delight as always. She always tries for the variety in her characters and she succeeds so far. This story has the least angst there can be, they are both incredible communicators and they feel instant kinship and trust to tell their worst secrets to each other. And then of course have a great sexy times. But as you can expect, feelings get in the way!
This is a rare combo of characters - an older experienced woman and a younger virgin, I personally haven’t read this dynamic in historical romance. And gorgeous Adonis-like 26 year old virgins are the unicorns of the romance genre. Seriously, I take them whenever I can get them. I think Vincy did a fine job giving him reasons enough.
I am personally the type who loves conflict and angst, but the lack of them didn’t bother me here, since this is a novella, the couple just didn’t have time to bore me with their sweetness. And oh my god, they are so sweet and lovely humans!
Wholesome sweet fun that left a huge grin on my face with smart writing because it’s Mia Vincy. She continues to be my auto-buy author.
33 year old widow Sylvia, who lives in poverty, made plans for an arranged marriage with an older hypochondriac, the idea being she’ll become his caretaker and free psychotherapist and he’ll make it so she won’t starve. At the same time, 26 year old Isaac spent his life in the Navy where he got his injury, and now he’s trying to settle on land and get himself a wife. But he's very awkward and inexperienced and worries that his new bride will be disappointed with his lack of knowledge she would expect from the 26 year old husband. They meet at a Christmas gathering in the countryside and have an instant attraction. So Sylvia decides to live one last time and experience desire before departing to her tomb, believing that as an old woman it is the only thing she can expect from life. And Isaac, well, what free young man would not want to get a bunch of sexual experience from the willing experienced beautiful old woman? (She’s 33)
Mia Vincy is a delight as always. She always tries for the variety in her characters and she succeeds so far. This story has the least angst there can be, they are both incredible communicators and they feel instant kinship and trust to tell their worst secrets to each other. And then of course have a great sexy times. But as you can expect, feelings get in the way!
This is a rare combo of characters - an older experienced woman and a younger virgin, I personally haven’t read this dynamic in historical romance. And gorgeous Adonis-like 26 year old virgins are the unicorns of the romance genre. Seriously, I take them whenever I can get them. I think Vincy did a fine job giving him reasons enough.
I am personally the type who loves conflict and angst, but the lack of them didn’t bother me here, since this is a novella, the couple just didn’t have time to bore me with their sweetness. And oh my god, they are so sweet and lovely humans!
Wholesome sweet fun that left a huge grin on my face with smart writing because it’s Mia Vincy. She continues to be my auto-buy author.
January 29, 2023
I would read a few more historical romance novellas like this one. Sweet, well written, likable characters, just a dash of melodrama, and some consensual smut. Perfect length too. Maybe Vincy should lean into novellas more as some of her novels are too long.
December 26, 2025
“Would you call this a win or a loss?”
She had no words. His expression gentled.
“I have won much, but lost more,” he said softly.
After having enjoyed Joshua and Cassandra so much in A Wicked Kind of Husband, I couldn’t wait to read the novella about Joshua’s brother Isaac. Isaac joined the Navy at the age of ten and was discharged at the age of twenty-four with a “gammy leg”. That’s what we learn when he shows up at his brother’s house on crutches in the prequel, after his life had fallen apart.
Unfortunately, we don’t find out what caused his broken leg and his lameness, nor do we get any insight into his life as a sailor either. I thought Isaac would be a damaged hero, but he doesn’t seem broken or overly bitter. After almost a lifetime in the navy, I would also have expected him to be more of a rough-and-tumble sailor, but he doesn’t come across that way. He’s cute and charming and a little rakish, and he’s looking for a wife, a partner to spend the rest of his life with.
That’s a problem, because at 27, he’s not only a virgin, he’s never even kissed a woman, and he’s totally overthinking it. Luckily, the heroine, Sylvia, watches his panicked reaction when a girl tries to steal a kiss from him. The 33-year-old widow, who is about to enter into a marriage of convenience with an elderly hypochondriac, takes care of the problem and offers Isaac an affair for the Christmas holidays. She’ll show him “everything” and she’ll get the memories, “a little magic to make me feel young and carefree, perhaps for the last time of my life”.
The rest is history. Sylvia teaches him what he needs to know and fortunately Isaac is a very talented student. Without realizing it (especially Isaac doesn’t until it’s almost too late), they fall in love and they are really sweet together most of the time. Still, somehow I just didn’t feel their love, their chemistry, the magic between them. Maybe it’s because of the lengths of the novel (200 pages), maybe my expectations were just too high after Joshua and Cassandra’s excellent book, one of my favorites in 2024.
It’s a nice read anyway and the Christmas feeling is there, so if you’re looking for a quick and nice book for the next Christmas holidays, pick it up. You also get a wonderful glimpse into Joshua and Cassandra’s life with their two children, Joshua being his brilliant self–bold and witty and full of adoration for his wife. So I’ll end the review with a tribute to Joshua:
“I nearly lost Cassandra, something similar,” Joshua said. “Nearly destroyed our marriage.”
Isaac snorted. “I’m not surprised, the way you used to behave. You don’t deserve her.”
“I know. But I try to deserve her. Every day, I try. Pleasing her is what I live for now, and it’s the best part of my life.”
3.5
She had no words. His expression gentled.
“I have won much, but lost more,” he said softly.
After having enjoyed Joshua and Cassandra so much in A Wicked Kind of Husband, I couldn’t wait to read the novella about Joshua’s brother Isaac. Isaac joined the Navy at the age of ten and was discharged at the age of twenty-four with a “gammy leg”. That’s what we learn when he shows up at his brother’s house on crutches in the prequel, after his life had fallen apart.
Unfortunately, we don’t find out what caused his broken leg and his lameness, nor do we get any insight into his life as a sailor either. I thought Isaac would be a damaged hero, but he doesn’t seem broken or overly bitter. After almost a lifetime in the navy, I would also have expected him to be more of a rough-and-tumble sailor, but he doesn’t come across that way. He’s cute and charming and a little rakish, and he’s looking for a wife, a partner to spend the rest of his life with.
That’s a problem, because at 27, he’s not only a virgin, he’s never even kissed a woman, and he’s totally overthinking it. Luckily, the heroine, Sylvia, watches his panicked reaction when a girl tries to steal a kiss from him. The 33-year-old widow, who is about to enter into a marriage of convenience with an elderly hypochondriac, takes care of the problem and offers Isaac an affair for the Christmas holidays. She’ll show him “everything” and she’ll get the memories, “a little magic to make me feel young and carefree, perhaps for the last time of my life”.
The rest is history. Sylvia teaches him what he needs to know and fortunately Isaac is a very talented student. Without realizing it (especially Isaac doesn’t until it’s almost too late), they fall in love and they are really sweet together most of the time. Still, somehow I just didn’t feel their love, their chemistry, the magic between them. Maybe it’s because of the lengths of the novel (200 pages), maybe my expectations were just too high after Joshua and Cassandra’s excellent book, one of my favorites in 2024.
It’s a nice read anyway and the Christmas feeling is there, so if you’re looking for a quick and nice book for the next Christmas holidays, pick it up. You also get a wonderful glimpse into Joshua and Cassandra’s life with their two children, Joshua being his brilliant self–bold and witty and full of adoration for his wife. So I’ll end the review with a tribute to Joshua:
“I nearly lost Cassandra, something similar,” Joshua said. “Nearly destroyed our marriage.”
Isaac snorted. “I’m not surprised, the way you used to behave. You don’t deserve her.”
“I know. But I try to deserve her. Every day, I try. Pleasing her is what I live for now, and it’s the best part of my life.”
3.5
December 19, 2023
Takes deep breath. *Screams* "THIS IS A NOVELLA?!"
Either my brain is broken from my recent reads (which haven't been bad exactly) or I just love Mia Vincy that much. And it's probably that. I actually savored this, how unlike me.
Joshua is still a scene-stealer but Isaac is so endearing and tender while being his own, it's wonderful. It's funny, and the heroine is pragmatic and wonderful.
Anyway, I really want to revisit this world and I'm going for a reread a month, so I'll do just that somewhere along the way.
Either my brain is broken from my recent reads (which haven't been bad exactly) or I just love Mia Vincy that much. And it's probably that. I actually savored this, how unlike me.
Joshua is still a scene-stealer but Isaac is so endearing and tender while being his own, it's wonderful. It's funny, and the heroine is pragmatic and wonderful.
Anyway, I really want to revisit this world and I'm going for a reread a month, so I'll do just that somewhere along the way.
November 21, 2022
2022 Fall Bingo (#FallInLoveBingo🍂): Messy
Very enjoyable Christmas novella (around 50K word count). Exclusively available via author’s newsletter (for now).
Very enjoyable Christmas novella (around 50K word count). Exclusively available via author’s newsletter (for now).
January 28, 2023
This was so cute 🥰
A novella that didn’t lack in anything. I do love inexperienced heroes who turn all passionate and obsessed. And Sylvie our heroine was the initiating force. She was such a great female character aware of who she is supposed to be in the eyes of society (33-year old widow) and at the same time diving deep into passionate love affair.
What I love the most were all the stolen glances, secretive hand and leg touching and kisses in the shrubbery. So cute.
This was definitely sexier than the previous novel I read by Mia Vincy plus it was just straightforward love story, no access drama.
Whole hearted 5 stars.
I might as well reread it right now.
A novella that didn’t lack in anything. I do love inexperienced heroes who turn all passionate and obsessed. And Sylvie our heroine was the initiating force. She was such a great female character aware of who she is supposed to be in the eyes of society (33-year old widow) and at the same time diving deep into passionate love affair.
What I love the most were all the stolen glances, secretive hand and leg touching and kisses in the shrubbery. So cute.
This was definitely sexier than the previous novel I read by Mia Vincy plus it was just straightforward love story, no access drama.
Whole hearted 5 stars.
I might as well reread it right now.
December 22, 2022
3.5 stars
December 25, 2024
This was an incredibly sweet and heartfelt story - I especially loved how the female lead was the one older and more experienced when it came to carnal pleasure. I also liked how Isaac's charm and eagerness didn't erase his naivety and shyness... It was a nice change of pace to your typical hr.
It did expect more focus on the affair itself. more time to see our couple together and getting familliar with each other before the reality of their situation swooped in and made a mess of it all... Also, I don't mind clean romances but this one was a heavy teaser with the first sex scene to end up not owning up to it when other occassions arose. Which was disappointing because the kind of realtionship and chemistry these two have is rarely seen in a historical 🤷🏻♀️
special mention to the "don't marry him. marry me" scene and isaac's confession bc wow did my heart stop while reading it:
“I’m older than you.”
“I don’t care about that.”
“I don’t even know if I can have children.”
“The very least of my concerns. We’ve both already lived a life, me as a sailor, you as Mrs. Ray, and we’re both ready to make a new life. Let’s make it together. And whether our life is easy or tough, or grand or small, it will be perfect, if I go through it with you and you with me. What do you say?" 💘
literally the sole reason for an extra star!
It did expect more focus on the affair itself. more time to see our couple together and getting familliar with each other before the reality of their situation swooped in and made a mess of it all... Also, I don't mind clean romances but this one was a heavy teaser with the first sex scene to end up not owning up to it when other occassions arose. Which was disappointing because the kind of realtionship and chemistry these two have is rarely seen in a historical 🤷🏻♀️
special mention to the "don't marry him. marry me" scene and isaac's confession bc wow did my heart stop while reading it:
“I’m older than you.”
“I don’t care about that.”
“I don’t even know if I can have children.”
“The very least of my concerns. We’ve both already lived a life, me as a sailor, you as Mrs. Ray, and we’re both ready to make a new life. Let’s make it together. And whether our life is easy or tough, or grand or small, it will be perfect, if I go through it with you and you with me. What do you say?" 💘
literally the sole reason for an extra star!
December 17, 2022
Isaac DeWitt, with all the charm of a rake and none of the experience, makes the acquaintance of widowed Sylvia Ray.
There's definitely a too-quick road to declarations of love here, but whether it's the author or the holiday magic of this novella, this was a fun and cozy enough read to gloss over that.
There's definitely a too-quick road to declarations of love here, but whether it's the author or the holiday magic of this novella, this was a fun and cozy enough read to gloss over that.
December 23, 2022
I really liked this. I need to read more Mia Vincy. I love her writing style—it’s crisp with an edge of softness, humor, and just enough wink-wink-nudge-nudges to the dedicated romance reader to feel welcoming without being snobby. Sylvia is “old” for a histrom heroine (33, lol) and we actually spend a fair amount of time in Isaac’s POV seeing such an age perceived as “old” being gently challenged. Isaac, for his part, is the sweetest, most adorable, earnestest baby angel and must be protected at all costs!
Besides all that, I love how sex-positive the book is and how it models the importance of two-way communication (i.e. listening, not just talking).
Overall rating: 4.5
Hannah Angst Scale rating: 2
Content notes: FMC’s first husband died of unspecified cause, passing reference to FMC being unable to have children, MMC broke his leg in the Navy and has persistent pain/limp, ableism, cheating (FMC is engaged when she starts sexual relationship with MMC, ), on page alcohol use, open door sex scenes
Besides all that, I love how sex-positive the book is and how it models the importance of two-way communication (i.e. listening, not just talking).
Overall rating: 4.5
Hannah Angst Scale rating: 2
Content notes: FMC’s first husband died of unspecified cause, passing reference to FMC being unable to have children, MMC broke his leg in the Navy and has persistent pain/limp, ableism, cheating (FMC is engaged when she starts sexual relationship with MMC, ), on page alcohol use, open door sex scenes
October 29, 2024
First read in 2022 - 3 stars (my introduction to Vincy!)
Second read in 2024 - 4 stars!
This little novella should be read as a bonus story to A Wicked Kind of Husband (and truthfully is even more fun when you've also read A Dangerous Kind of Lady, if only to appreciate the scene with Arabella and Hardbury). There are so many little character moments and homages to the full-length stories, and this cast feels a bit much if you don't have that context (on my first read, I just didn't care enough about all of the cameos and mostly found them confusing). While I don't recommend this as an entry point to Vincy, it's a thoroughly enjoyable Christmas story that inverts some all-time favorite histrom tropes - the not-so-merry widow and the sunshine fake-rake (and virgin!) who woos her, sex lessons, and quick-off-the-mark (him!). This happens over the 12 days of Christmas and the story falls just short of convincing us these two could have truly fallen in love in that time, but it's honestly delightful, and I had a great time rereading it after completing the main series!
Second read in 2024 - 4 stars!
This little novella should be read as a bonus story to A Wicked Kind of Husband (and truthfully is even more fun when you've also read A Dangerous Kind of Lady, if only to appreciate the scene with Arabella and Hardbury). There are so many little character moments and homages to the full-length stories, and this cast feels a bit much if you don't have that context (on my first read, I just didn't care enough about all of the cameos and mostly found them confusing). While I don't recommend this as an entry point to Vincy, it's a thoroughly enjoyable Christmas story that inverts some all-time favorite histrom tropes - the not-so-merry widow and the sunshine fake-rake (and virgin!) who woos her, sex lessons, and quick-off-the-mark (him!). This happens over the 12 days of Christmas and the story falls just short of convincing us these two could have truly fallen in love in that time, but it's honestly delightful, and I had a great time rereading it after completing the main series!
August 18, 2023
Extremely cute and heartfelt, with a dynamic I wish was more explored - inexperienced young golden retriever and impoverished older widow. A dream. Also v v hot chemistry.
Also, 80% of romances should really be this length.
Also, 80% of romances should really be this length.
December 13, 2024
OMG Loved this delicious
January 15, 2025
Sylvia Ray is a widow on the wrong side of 30. She's newly engaged to an older country gentleman of some financial security, which she tells herself will be refreshing after her late husband spent time in debtors prison and left her impoverished. She's staying for Christmas with the DeWitt family (Cassandra and Jacob DeWitt star in A Wicked Kind of Husband), where she encounters Isaac DeWitt. Isaac is a former sailor, and appears to be a bit of a Rake. But it turns out that's all attitude, because he's actually a virgin! When Sylvia discovers this, and also discovers they have an easy report and chemistry, she offers to give him lessons....
This is a charming Christmas novella, and like the other books in this series, filled with very real emotions and a candid glimpse at jealousy alongside love. It's a little silly in tone, which I think Sylvia adopts to make Isaac feel more comfortable. I think it's also best read after A Wicked Kind of Husband, though the characters from A Dangerous Kind of Lady feature at the end as well, you don't need to know them through their book.
This is a charming Christmas novella, and like the other books in this series, filled with very real emotions and a candid glimpse at jealousy alongside love. It's a little silly in tone, which I think Sylvia adopts to make Isaac feel more comfortable. I think it's also best read after A Wicked Kind of Husband, though the characters from A Dangerous Kind of Lady feature at the end as well, you don't need to know them through their book.
January 3, 2024
A delicious Christmas sugar plum!!! 🍑
The story begins at Longhope Abbey, the country house central to this series, where everyone has gathered to celebrate Christmas. While out collecting greens to deck the halls, Sylvia, a young widow gets stuck up a tree trying to reach mistletoe, and is rescued by Isaac, recently returned from the navy. She’s 6 years older than him! He’s a virgin. Heavens!!
I’m not giving away the plot … just know this is an amazing gift of a novella …. warm, sexy, tasty… to be savored with each bite (page). Exquisite writing on par with Julie Anne Long and Tessa Dare etc. Beautifully constructed story. Sheer Perfection!! 🎄🔥🥂🥰
The story begins at Longhope Abbey, the country house central to this series, where everyone has gathered to celebrate Christmas. While out collecting greens to deck the halls, Sylvia, a young widow gets stuck up a tree trying to reach mistletoe, and is rescued by Isaac, recently returned from the navy. She’s 6 years older than him! He’s a virgin. Heavens!!
I’m not giving away the plot … just know this is an amazing gift of a novella …. warm, sexy, tasty… to be savored with each bite (page). Exquisite writing on par with Julie Anne Long and Tessa Dare etc. Beautifully constructed story. Sheer Perfection!! 🎄🔥🥂🥰
September 2, 2024
This was a good sized novella. Long enough not to feel rushed. The writing was superb, as usual. (Well, this is my second book by this author, but I have hopes this trend will continue).
I’m glad Isaac got his lady and that she’s not “conventional.” I like the premise of the story. On to the next!
I’m glad Isaac got his lady and that she’s not “conventional.” I like the premise of the story. On to the next!
December 13, 2024
Ahhh England times reverse age gap! Virgin hero! Be still my heart!
December 28, 2022
That was a breath of fresh air! A pleasant break from the usual stereotyped couple.
I only wished for a bit more ssspiceee, but lovely reading nonetheless!
I only wished for a bit more ssspiceee, but lovely reading nonetheless!
December 27, 2023
Sylvia Ray was married to a charming, persuasive man, who died and left her destitute. Because he lied to his family, they believed she was the reason he had ended up with massive debts, so they refused to give her any financial assistance after his death. After years of trying to support herself and keep herself from starvation, she's found a man who wants to marry her, and who can give her a secure future.
Isaac DeWitt went to see as a young boy and was forced to leave his career in the navy when he damaged his leg. Now he works as an investigator and would like to settle down with a wife - but having grown up surrounded solely by men, women are a complete mystery to him. He enjoys flirting, but has absolutely no idea how to go about actually kissing or wooing a woman - what if he turns out to be disappointing?
Sylvia discovers Isaac's dilemma, and though she knows she shouldn't, she makes him a wicked proposal. The man she is marrying is sickly and her future union is unlikely to be passionate. Having one final fling before she marries again may be irresponsible, but she can't help herself. Isaac is more than happy to take her up on her offer, he'll get experience and confidence enough to find himself a wife, and she'll get some pleasant memories to think back on once she's married in the countryside, taking care of a hypochondriac.
It's been a few years since I read any romances by Mia Vincy, but she always writes her characters so well. In this holiday novella, which was free on her website, we meet the younger brother of Joshua DeWitt, the erstwhile grouchy hero of A Wicked Kind of Husband. Here he is an affectionate older brother and dotes on his wife and children.
Several of my reading challenges for December asked for books set around winter and/or holiday time. This seemed like a good fit (and made me realise I probably want to re-read some of Vincy's novels). The older, experienced partner who offers to tutor the younger, virginal character in the amorous arts isn't an unusual trope, but the gender reversal where the woman is the experienced one and the man is the virgin is not one I can remember coming across very often. Of course, Sylvia is a widow and all of 33 years old. That's an OLDER woman in historical romance. I'm basically a crone now.
Isaac and Sylvia have excellent chemistry and of course, start to fall for one another. The main conflict in the story is Isaac's inability to understand why Sylvia is determined to go through with her marriage to a sickly man who will never appreciate her, and why lust, and even love, isn't going to be enough to make her change her mind.
If you haven't read any Mia Vincy, this is a nice place to start. While there are cameos from other couples from her books, you don't need to have read any of their stories to enjoy this one.
Judging a book by its cover: Mia Vincy's covers always seem to be done in gentle watercolours, with one specific colour dominating. On her other covers, there's pink, yellow, purple, and blue, while here the dominant colour seems to be a sepia-tinted orange. The covers always seem to suggest much more gentle stories than Vincy often delivers, but they are pretty.
Isaac DeWitt went to see as a young boy and was forced to leave his career in the navy when he damaged his leg. Now he works as an investigator and would like to settle down with a wife - but having grown up surrounded solely by men, women are a complete mystery to him. He enjoys flirting, but has absolutely no idea how to go about actually kissing or wooing a woman - what if he turns out to be disappointing?
Sylvia discovers Isaac's dilemma, and though she knows she shouldn't, she makes him a wicked proposal. The man she is marrying is sickly and her future union is unlikely to be passionate. Having one final fling before she marries again may be irresponsible, but she can't help herself. Isaac is more than happy to take her up on her offer, he'll get experience and confidence enough to find himself a wife, and she'll get some pleasant memories to think back on once she's married in the countryside, taking care of a hypochondriac.
It's been a few years since I read any romances by Mia Vincy, but she always writes her characters so well. In this holiday novella, which was free on her website, we meet the younger brother of Joshua DeWitt, the erstwhile grouchy hero of A Wicked Kind of Husband. Here he is an affectionate older brother and dotes on his wife and children.
Several of my reading challenges for December asked for books set around winter and/or holiday time. This seemed like a good fit (and made me realise I probably want to re-read some of Vincy's novels). The older, experienced partner who offers to tutor the younger, virginal character in the amorous arts isn't an unusual trope, but the gender reversal where the woman is the experienced one and the man is the virgin is not one I can remember coming across very often. Of course, Sylvia is a widow and all of 33 years old. That's an OLDER woman in historical romance. I'm basically a crone now.
Isaac and Sylvia have excellent chemistry and of course, start to fall for one another. The main conflict in the story is Isaac's inability to understand why Sylvia is determined to go through with her marriage to a sickly man who will never appreciate her, and why lust, and even love, isn't going to be enough to make her change her mind.
If you haven't read any Mia Vincy, this is a nice place to start. While there are cameos from other couples from her books, you don't need to have read any of their stories to enjoy this one.
Judging a book by its cover: Mia Vincy's covers always seem to be done in gentle watercolours, with one specific colour dominating. On her other covers, there's pink, yellow, purple, and blue, while here the dominant colour seems to be a sepia-tinted orange. The covers always seem to suggest much more gentle stories than Vincy often delivers, but they are pretty.
December 25, 2022
What a pleasure to be back in Mia Vincy’s world! A Christmas house party is the perfect vehicle to bring Sylvia and Isaac together. At first, Isaac reminds Sylvia of her ne’er do well deceased husband what with his rakish charm and flirting. But then she sees beneath the surface and realizes he’s actually a virgin who is exceptionally terrible at trying to follow through on any flirtation. Obviously she’s going to have to give him sex lessons! This was such a pure distillation of that trope, right down to Vincy’s realistic choice to have him prematurely ejaculate the first time they become more intimate.
Isaac was a treasure. While he does make a hash of things at one point, he more than makes up for it by the story’s end. I admired Sylvia’s ability to stay true to herself and her needs—some people may not agree with some of her choices but it all made complete sense to me. The two of them together should have a lovely life together and I look forward to them popping up in other Longhope Abbey stories in the future.
Characters: Sylvia is a 33 year old white widow and herbalist. Isaac is a 26 year old disabled ex-Navy and a virgin. This is set in regency England.
Content notes: infidelity (FMC is engaged but it’s an arrangement and they don’t care for each other. , FMC’s fiancé is a hypochondriac (details in his letters), MMC’s leg broke when he was in the Navy (mostly recovered but sometimes needs a cane), ableism (present and past, including the Navy firing him due to injury), internalized ableism (countered), poverty, past death of FMC’s husband, FMC’s husband was in debtors’ prison, MMC’s father was a bigamist, family planning discussion (FMC not sure if she’s able to have kids), premature ejaculation, on page sex, gender essentialism, ableist language, mention of past shipwreck
Isaac was a treasure. While he does make a hash of things at one point, he more than makes up for it by the story’s end. I admired Sylvia’s ability to stay true to herself and her needs—some people may not agree with some of her choices but it all made complete sense to me. The two of them together should have a lovely life together and I look forward to them popping up in other Longhope Abbey stories in the future.
Characters: Sylvia is a 33 year old white widow and herbalist. Isaac is a 26 year old disabled ex-Navy and a virgin. This is set in regency England.
Content notes: infidelity (FMC is engaged but it’s an arrangement and they don’t care for each other. , FMC’s fiancé is a hypochondriac (details in his letters), MMC’s leg broke when he was in the Navy (mostly recovered but sometimes needs a cane), ableism (present and past, including the Navy firing him due to injury), internalized ableism (countered), poverty, past death of FMC’s husband, FMC’s husband was in debtors’ prison, MMC’s father was a bigamist, family planning discussion (FMC not sure if she’s able to have kids), premature ejaculation, on page sex, gender essentialism, ableist language, mention of past shipwreck
December 27, 2022
3.5. One thing Mia Vincy is gonna do is give you a surprising depth of character and development amidst the banter and hijinks. And that was definitely the highlight here - both characters felt incredibly fleshed out, especially in the space of a novella, and understandably don't really drastically change so much as learn new things in the span of the two weeks this takes place over.
I also thought the holiday season was utilized so well and uniquely here. Vincy really nails how the two weeks around Christmas and New Years feel so hazy and unreal, like we are all just hangin' out til real life starts back up again. Perfect for an affair that the participants set up as an interlude from real life, always meant to be brief before they return to the lives they had planned before this holiday break. Holiday stories love to use the setting to talk about family, coziness, etc and this just felt like an inventive take on it but also so right I can't believe I haven't really stumbled across it before.
That said, the banter wasn't bantering as high as I have come to expect from Vincy. I think that fits the characters somewhat, but can't deny the highlights in the regard came mostly from the past characters of Joshua and Arabella making appearances. Any time those past couples were on-page I was having such a good time, and it threw into relief that I found Isaac and Sylvia charming, but not on the same level. This probably is more about me and what kind of characters I like than anything (although I will say I found Isaac's endless curiosity, wonder, and enthusiasm for the small details of intimacy very charming).
Lovely little Christmas novella all around, just not quite up to my love for Vincy's other works.
I also thought the holiday season was utilized so well and uniquely here. Vincy really nails how the two weeks around Christmas and New Years feel so hazy and unreal, like we are all just hangin' out til real life starts back up again. Perfect for an affair that the participants set up as an interlude from real life, always meant to be brief before they return to the lives they had planned before this holiday break. Holiday stories love to use the setting to talk about family, coziness, etc and this just felt like an inventive take on it but also so right I can't believe I haven't really stumbled across it before.
That said, the banter wasn't bantering as high as I have come to expect from Vincy. I think that fits the characters somewhat, but can't deny the highlights in the regard came mostly from the past characters of Joshua and Arabella making appearances. Any time those past couples were on-page I was having such a good time, and it threw into relief that I found Isaac and Sylvia charming, but not on the same level. This probably is more about me and what kind of characters I like than anything (although I will say I found Isaac's endless curiosity, wonder, and enthusiasm for the small details of intimacy very charming).
Lovely little Christmas novella all around, just not quite up to my love for Vincy's other works.
December 25, 2023
3.5/5
This was a fast and easy read. It was the sorta book you enjoy during the holidays. Light, uncomplicated with a happy ending.
This was a fast and easy read. It was the sorta book you enjoy during the holidays. Light, uncomplicated with a happy ending.
December 24, 2024
a Christmas regency romance novel? oh we are SO BACK!
reading slump ELIMINATED
reading slump ELIMINATED
October 12, 2025
Novella done good, focus on the good things
December 15, 2025
3.5/5 stars
December 16, 2024
Eh I really wasn't in the mood apparently
August 27, 2025
4.5 stars | unbelievably charming HR novella. 34yo widow FMC who teaches 27yo MMC everything. I’m such a sucker for the “kissing lessons” trope (but only when it’s the FMC who does the teaching). I almost never find it outside of sci-fi romance so I was pleasantly surprised by the role reversal in HR and how earnest and adorable Isaac was.
Read
November 20, 20222 star DNF due to boredom at 22%.
November 9, 2023
Beautiful! ❤️
A sweet and charming story of two people who initially don’t realise how compatible they are, despite the age difference, and how well they work together.
Although this book is part of a series, it can also be read as a standalone. It is a well written novella that is sweet, sexy and easy to read.
Both Sylvia and Isaac are delightful characters, honest and direct. The chemistry between them builds slowly and is believable. Sylvia is older than Isaac, she is determined, capable and understanding. Isaac is strong and kind. He realises he has limited knowledge, and needs to acquire some experience in male/female relationships. They are both candid and truthful about what they want; however, their feelings change and deepen although it takes Isaac a little while to recognise his true feelings for Sylvia.
A beautiful short story that is satisfying, entertaining and easy to read. I love Mia Vincy’s books.
A sweet and charming story of two people who initially don’t realise how compatible they are, despite the age difference, and how well they work together.
Although this book is part of a series, it can also be read as a standalone. It is a well written novella that is sweet, sexy and easy to read.
Both Sylvia and Isaac are delightful characters, honest and direct. The chemistry between them builds slowly and is believable. Sylvia is older than Isaac, she is determined, capable and understanding. Isaac is strong and kind. He realises he has limited knowledge, and needs to acquire some experience in male/female relationships. They are both candid and truthful about what they want; however, their feelings change and deepen although it takes Isaac a little while to recognise his true feelings for Sylvia.
A beautiful short story that is satisfying, entertaining and easy to read. I love Mia Vincy’s books.
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