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Father Christmas
HE DARED BELIEVE THAT HIS MONEY COULD BUY ANYTHING!
A war hero's widow had few pleasures, especially when she was living under the miserly auspices of a stern father. But Graceanne had her beautiful three-year-old twin boys and that was joy enough.
Therefore she was shocked by the audacity of the Duke of Ware, who decided he could help himself to one of her babies. He needed an heir and she had a boy to spare. It was appalling! And she told him so with a swift kick to his manly pride.
But it was Christmas, after all, and 'tis the season of forgiveness. The gentleman was a charming rake to be sure, but there was no chance of his claiming her child--or her heart, though she was certain he was conspiring for both ....
A war hero's widow had few pleasures, especially when she was living under the miserly auspices of a stern father. But Graceanne had her beautiful three-year-old twin boys and that was joy enough.
Therefore she was shocked by the audacity of the Duke of Ware, who decided he could help himself to one of her babies. He needed an heir and she had a boy to spare. It was appalling! And she told him so with a swift kick to his manly pride.
But it was Christmas, after all, and 'tis the season of forgiveness. The gentleman was a charming rake to be sure, but there was no chance of his claiming her child--or her heart, though she was certain he was conspiring for both ....
214 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
20 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Metzger
103 books200 followersBarbara Metzger is the author of over three dozen books and a dozen novellas. She has also been an editor, a proof-reader, a greeting card verse-writer, and an artist. When not painting, writing romances or reading them, she volunteers at the local library, gardens and goes beach-combing and yard-saling.
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 13, 2016
The Duke of Ware needs an heir - and is not happy about it. If only there was some way to have the joy of raising on heir, without nannies and servants, without having to get leg shackled. That is a prospect that does NOT appeal to Leland Warrington When in his cups he hits upon the idea of adopting one of his late cousin's twin boys. The elder of the two is his heir unless he sires children of his own- which he won't be! When Graceanne Warrington reads the Duke's letter she is incensed! Take one of her sweet babies away? Never! (The entire village is hoping the Duke will take both devilish boys). Her Papa, a vicar dependant on the Duke for his living, thinks it is a tremendous opportunity for little Wellesley. Graceanne thinks over her dead body. When the Duke arrives in the village, Graceanne gives him a piece for her mind and her foot. Not only does this libertine want her baby, her wants her body! Graceanne would die rather than succumb this this man's wicked ways or let her sweet baby boy be turned into a wicked rake. However, she doesn't count on Leland's considerable charm. The three-year-old twins adore their new Cousin Collie and her sister Prudence can't stop batting her eyelashes. Is Graceanne the only one who sees the Duke's true colors - or is she mistaken?
This is not Barbara Metzger's best work, in my opinion. She did the same story, more or less, is short story form in one of the Christmas anthologies. I liked the shorter version better. This one goes on too long and has too many plot elements to keep it novel length. The story suffers as a results. There's the rakish hero, the young widow, and children plot; her strict pious Papa plot; her spoiled, headstrong younger sister plot - all bookended with Christmas celebrations. The Christmas scenes end up a bit repetitive but I liked learning about the Christmas traditions and gifts given. At least I would have if I didn't already know about them. Christmas just didn't charm me when here it is mostly about the selfish hero.
Instead of an amusing animal companion, she has a pair of mischievous 3-4 year old twins. My nephews are 3 and 4 and while they are loud and sometimes crazy, they're not like the boys in the book. However, my cousins probably would have been if they were closer in age. I didn't find the boys charming at all or as amusing as the usual animal companion. The boys were too young to be truly mischievous. Their antics are mostly told after the fact.
Leland is not an appealing hero. He starts off as a bit of a bully but he's kind to the children. He's generous with Graceanne but then in the misunderstanding section, he turns into a jerk again. I didn't like that he went off with a new mistress and had an intended after he fell in love with the heroine. He lusts after Graceanne more than truly loves and appreciates her.
I liked Graceanne. She's strong mentally and physically, and though she has a blind spot where her sons are concerned, she's a loving mother. I liked her attempts at making a merry Christmas despite her father's strictures. The way she handled her sister is admirable. I would have just slapped Pru for being a nitwit and then lectured her on being so incredibly stupid. Pru may be naive but she understand what she was doing more or less. Her plot is really unnecessary and just creates a big misunderstanding that doesn't really make sense. Mr. Beckwith is a horrible father. He's more selfish than even Leland and doesn't care at all about his family. His piety is just a front. He doesn't come across as sincere- just a bully who thinks she can tell everyone what to think and do. He believes he speaks for God. His wife had all my sympathy.
This book is technically a kisses only romance but there is a fair amount of sensuality. It's not as much as some of her later books though. There's also quite a bit of language here and the usual talk of mistresses/opera dancers/lightskirts, etc. and an unplanned pregnancy.
This is not Barbara Metzger's best work, in my opinion. She did the same story, more or less, is short story form in one of the Christmas anthologies. I liked the shorter version better. This one goes on too long and has too many plot elements to keep it novel length. The story suffers as a results. There's the rakish hero, the young widow, and children plot; her strict pious Papa plot; her spoiled, headstrong younger sister plot - all bookended with Christmas celebrations. The Christmas scenes end up a bit repetitive but I liked learning about the Christmas traditions and gifts given. At least I would have if I didn't already know about them. Christmas just didn't charm me when here it is mostly about the selfish hero.
Instead of an amusing animal companion, she has a pair of mischievous 3-4 year old twins. My nephews are 3 and 4 and while they are loud and sometimes crazy, they're not like the boys in the book. However, my cousins probably would have been if they were closer in age. I didn't find the boys charming at all or as amusing as the usual animal companion. The boys were too young to be truly mischievous. Their antics are mostly told after the fact.
Leland is not an appealing hero. He starts off as a bit of a bully but he's kind to the children. He's generous with Graceanne but then in the misunderstanding section, he turns into a jerk again. I didn't like that he went off with a new mistress and had an intended after he fell in love with the heroine. He lusts after Graceanne more than truly loves and appreciates her.
I liked Graceanne. She's strong mentally and physically, and though she has a blind spot where her sons are concerned, she's a loving mother. I liked her attempts at making a merry Christmas despite her father's strictures. The way she handled her sister is admirable. I would have just slapped Pru for being a nitwit and then lectured her on being so incredibly stupid. Pru may be naive but she understand what she was doing more or less. Her plot is really unnecessary and just creates a big misunderstanding that doesn't really make sense. Mr. Beckwith is a horrible father. He's more selfish than even Leland and doesn't care at all about his family. His piety is just a front. He doesn't come across as sincere- just a bully who thinks she can tell everyone what to think and do. He believes he speaks for God. His wife had all my sympathy.
This book is technically a kisses only romance but there is a fair amount of sensuality. It's not as much as some of her later books though. There's also quite a bit of language here and the usual talk of mistresses/opera dancers/lightskirts, etc. and an unplanned pregnancy.
January 14, 2015
Mrs. Graceanne Warrington is a widow with three-yr-old rambunctious identical twins. Her husband, Major Anthony Warrington, was killed by an infection after being injured in battle on the Pennisula. Unfortunately, Tony was the Duke of Ware’s cousin and heir since, even after having been married twice, he had no sons to pass the title to. Now, with no heir, the Duke, Leland Warrington, at age 31, had to brave the matchmaking mamas and their simpering misses and find himself another wife.
His friend, The Honorable Crosby Fanshaw, suggested a different idea. Leland’s cousin had died leaving two sons behind. The proverbial heir and a spare. Why not simply claim the eldest and name him heir? Tosh, said the Duke. What a ridiculous idea! Except, after a night of enduring Almack’s and getting quite sloshed, he penned a letter to his cousin’s widow stating his intention to take the eldest boy as his heir. When his very efficient staff sent the letter before he could function properly the next day he realized he had to go to the country and apologize. Thus begins a journey of miscommunication, misconceptions, working at cross purposes, hilarity and general upheaval for the libertine Duke and the widow who was raised a vicar’s daughter.
I quite enjoyed this story. Graceanne was no simpering miss. She had backbone to spare and wasn’t afraid to wield it. Of her sister, Prudence, the cause of a lot of her troubles, can I say how much I wanted to take a paddle and beat her behind raw? And her father? I’d have strangled him if I could’ve done it without getting caught.
The Duke was a decent guy who sometimes did stupid things, but then he was a guy who was used to people doing what he expected. Graceanne didn’t do anything he expected, but it all works out in the end when he finally pulls his head out of his butt. And I mean that in a good way since I actually liked him. LOL All-in-all a great read and I’m looking forward to reading more by Barbara Metzger.
*The publisher provided a copy of this book for me to review. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
His friend, The Honorable Crosby Fanshaw, suggested a different idea. Leland’s cousin had died leaving two sons behind. The proverbial heir and a spare. Why not simply claim the eldest and name him heir? Tosh, said the Duke. What a ridiculous idea! Except, after a night of enduring Almack’s and getting quite sloshed, he penned a letter to his cousin’s widow stating his intention to take the eldest boy as his heir. When his very efficient staff sent the letter before he could function properly the next day he realized he had to go to the country and apologize. Thus begins a journey of miscommunication, misconceptions, working at cross purposes, hilarity and general upheaval for the libertine Duke and the widow who was raised a vicar’s daughter.
I quite enjoyed this story. Graceanne was no simpering miss. She had backbone to spare and wasn’t afraid to wield it. Of her sister, Prudence, the cause of a lot of her troubles, can I say how much I wanted to take a paddle and beat her behind raw? And her father? I’d have strangled him if I could’ve done it without getting caught.
The Duke was a decent guy who sometimes did stupid things, but then he was a guy who was used to people doing what he expected. Graceanne didn’t do anything he expected, but it all works out in the end when he finally pulls his head out of his butt. And I mean that in a good way since I actually liked him. LOL All-in-all a great read and I’m looking forward to reading more by Barbara Metzger.
*The publisher provided a copy of this book for me to review. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
December 22, 2025
The FMC is a soldier's widow with twins, living with her puritanical, hypocritical father. The MMC is the cousin of her late husband, looking out for her sons. The children are holy terrors that nobody is ever able to supervise. The main conflict is a misunderstanding that could have been solved if they had about thirty seconds of conversation. While they're busy not talking about things, he gets a mistress and courts another society belle.
I like the author's wry style of writing so it's amusing. But not particularly romantic.
Some holiday trappings.
I like the author's wry style of writing so it's amusing. But not particularly romantic.
Some holiday trappings.
November 30, 2014
This is a good holiday read. But the best parts are all the understated ways the author makes reference to the path of destruction the twin toddlers wreak upon all they survey.
August 1, 2025
Nice H. Nice h. Nice kids. Bad grandpa.
December 8, 2008
HE DARED BELIEVE THAT HIS MONEY COULD BUY ANYTHING!
A war hero's widow had few pleasures, especially when she was living under the miserly auspices of a stern father. But Graceanne had her beautiful three-year-old twin boys and that was joy enough.
Therefore she was shocked by the audacity of the Duke of Ware, who decided he could help himself to one of her babies. He needed an heir and she had a boy to spare. It was appalling! And she told him so with a swift kick to his manly pride.
But it was Christmas, after all, and 'tis the season of forgiveness. The gentleman was a charming rake to be sure, but there was no chance of his claiming her child—or her heart, though she was certain he was conspiring for both ....
Barbara Metzger’s Father Christmas kicked off my Christmas reading month. It is my first read by the author and I was a bit unsure whether I would like it or not. It started off well with the story of the Duke of Ware who needs an heir and Graceanne, his cousin’s widow who has twin sons and how he starts thinking one of the twins could be raised as his heir. The problem was the story soon loses direction. Instead of developing Ware’s and Graceanne’s relationship it takes us to Graceanne’s family problems, namely her idiot and selfish sister who runs away pregnant and unmarried to Scotland. Graceanne is forced to follow her and eventually adopt the baby she bores as her own. Naturally Ware, who is still only interested in the twins, believes the worst of Graceanne who doesn’t bother telling him that it’s not her child but her niece. We never feel the attraction between them, there’s no tension and honestly the plot didn’t seem like traditional regency. If you like light and fluffy this maybe for you but it didn’t work for me.
Grade: 2/5
A war hero's widow had few pleasures, especially when she was living under the miserly auspices of a stern father. But Graceanne had her beautiful three-year-old twin boys and that was joy enough.
Therefore she was shocked by the audacity of the Duke of Ware, who decided he could help himself to one of her babies. He needed an heir and she had a boy to spare. It was appalling! And she told him so with a swift kick to his manly pride.
But it was Christmas, after all, and 'tis the season of forgiveness. The gentleman was a charming rake to be sure, but there was no chance of his claiming her child—or her heart, though she was certain he was conspiring for both ....
Barbara Metzger’s Father Christmas kicked off my Christmas reading month. It is my first read by the author and I was a bit unsure whether I would like it or not. It started off well with the story of the Duke of Ware who needs an heir and Graceanne, his cousin’s widow who has twin sons and how he starts thinking one of the twins could be raised as his heir. The problem was the story soon loses direction. Instead of developing Ware’s and Graceanne’s relationship it takes us to Graceanne’s family problems, namely her idiot and selfish sister who runs away pregnant and unmarried to Scotland. Graceanne is forced to follow her and eventually adopt the baby she bores as her own. Naturally Ware, who is still only interested in the twins, believes the worst of Graceanne who doesn’t bother telling him that it’s not her child but her niece. We never feel the attraction between them, there’s no tension and honestly the plot didn’t seem like traditional regency. If you like light and fluffy this maybe for you but it didn’t work for me.
Grade: 2/5
November 18, 2009
Another enjoyable Regency from Ms Metzger - I do like the wry tone of much of her writing, and she employs it perfectly here.
Read for the Seasonal Reading Challenge Fall 09 task 5.4 (Adoption Story)
Read for the Seasonal Reading Challenge Fall 09 task 5.4 (Adoption Story)
February 4, 2025
A wonderful read, every time!
December 13, 2012
I loved this story of a duke discovering the joy of children, even if they are rambunctious, 3 year old twin boys. He falls in love with them and with their mother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2013
As usual, Metzger smoothly integrates mischievous children into this Christmas themed romance story.
December 7, 2019
A sweet read. The first half of the story is the better part with the focus on the hero, Lealand, getting to know his twin cousins and their mother, Graceanne, and it captures the spirit of a village Christmas. The second part of the novel speeds along through a year's worth of events, but is still an entaining read, even though the couple spends most the time apart. The most amusing thing about this story is how the author lets the reader know about all the mischief the young twins get into without actually describing their exploits, more the descriptions of other people's reactions.
June 26, 2025
What an awful farce! Too much going on & almost slapstick at times: it's more like a contemporary tale plopped down in the Regency era. I didn't believe in the romance at all, & Graceanne (such an American name for an English period piece) & Leland (also unlikely) irritated me the whole way through. They are rather a stupid pair & the cutesy twins bored me. Not my cup of tea, I suppose.
July 19, 2017
3.5 stars. Cute premise, great characters, lots of humor. The author did seem to have a list of "obsolete Regency-era words". Nodcock, check. Bantling, check. Nuncheon, check check. But, admittedly, I *like* obsolete words.
November 29, 2022
Charming, smart, and very funny
This is such a lovely book. I first read it years ago and was glad to read it again on kindle. It is so well-written, and had me laughing out loud more than once. Love this author!
This is such a lovely book. I first read it years ago and was glad to read it again on kindle. It is so well-written, and had me laughing out loud more than once. Love this author!
December 21, 2024
Pretty much a traditional Regency romance with a Christmas feeling. The story spans two Christmases and it gets a bit more serious or darker in the period in-between, but there's a general light feeling to the story. There are also children but, luckily, they're not repellent.
June 13, 2018
It was funny, never laughed so laud. I enjoyed this book very much.
March 7, 2022
See Father Christmas and Christmas Wishes bundle.
December 27, 2022
3.5
A heads up for anyone checking reviews before reading H/h spend a great deal of the book apart.
A heads up for anyone checking reviews before reading H/h spend a great deal of the book apart.
January 14, 2023
A Romance Full of Christmas
Again Barbara Metzger writes a soppy love story about a widow and her twin boys and her romance with a Lord. Need I say more?
Again Barbara Metzger writes a soppy love story about a widow and her twin boys and her romance with a Lord. Need I say more?
October 28, 2023
Absolutely perfect, especially for Christmas!
It actually made me cry. Love truly came down at Christmas. Enjoy this sweet story anytime. God bless us every one.
It actually made me cry. Love truly came down at Christmas. Enjoy this sweet story anytime. God bless us every one.
December 21, 2024
A light easy read with plenty humour. . A bit far fetched but entertaining.
December 27, 2024
Cute , fun read with animals, chaotic children, zany characters and a couple you cheer on to their hopefully HEA.
December 8, 2025
Found this a bit of a disappointment. Did not warm to any of the characters who all had rather odd names which did not I felt fit in the Regency era.
October 10, 2016
Loved it!
This book kept my interest all the way through! It was fun especially when the twins were involved. I recommend it for anyone who likes an amusing story set in this era.
This book kept my interest all the way through! It was fun especially when the twins were involved. I recommend it for anyone who likes an amusing story set in this era.
December 26, 2014
3.5 stars (B to B-)
This was just too cute. The author's dry tone appeals to me and the understatements of the twins' destruction were funny. (Okay, I admit that part of my delight in this book was the fact that my son isn't that rambunctious and there's only one of him.)
Most romance readers would probably not like that most of the book happens with the hero and heroine apart, but I was fine with that. I was also fine with the wide swaths of time passage. I did get impatient with the hero's willful ignorance, though.
I can't say much is WRONG with the book. I really enjoyed it, but it's not a re-read or on the keeper shelf. Hence, 3.5 stars.
This was just too cute. The author's dry tone appeals to me and the understatements of the twins' destruction were funny. (Okay, I admit that part of my delight in this book was the fact that my son isn't that rambunctious and there's only one of him.)
Most romance readers would probably not like that most of the book happens with the hero and heroine apart, but I was fine with that. I was also fine with the wide swaths of time passage. I did get impatient with the hero's willful ignorance, though.
I can't say much is WRONG with the book. I really enjoyed it, but it's not a re-read or on the keeper shelf. Hence, 3.5 stars.
August 21, 2016
I liked it for the most part it, but it took a weird turn to Ireland midway and I didn't care for that part of the book. The "big misunderstanding" is one of my least favorite tropes, but I loved the heroine Graceanne in spite of the fact that she lacked any sense, she was too much of a fixer. The rakish Duke of Ware was a bit over the top in all things, but ultimately had a good heart. I did like the kids too, twins especially are always fun in a well written romance.
December 23, 2023
I saved this book till Christmas Day to read and I'm glad I did was delightful. Great characters, loved the twins, it was perfect for today.
Just re-read this and I upped it to five stars I enjoyed it so much. It is a rare book that is just as good or better the second time through.
I just read it for the third time and I loved it just as much as every other time I have read it. Great story, happy ever after ending, and I will read it again.
Just re-read this and I upped it to five stars I enjoyed it so much. It is a rare book that is just as good or better the second time through.
I just read it for the third time and I loved it just as much as every other time I have read it. Great story, happy ever after ending, and I will read it again.
November 22, 2009
This is what I did yesterday evening - I read the whole book. It was a cute little Christmas book, but I am a sucker for Christmas romance novels. This was a fun read, even if there could have been far more scenes with the two main characters. The sister and the father drove me nuts, but other than that I rather enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews