Another Christmas Brides Collection from Barbour Books. This time I had the privilege of reading Victorian Christmas Brides and their journey to the alter. What a great collection to have when you need a short read, when not enough time for a full size book! Each of these stories with have you smiling, though there will be some difficult issues, but still heartwarming stories to fill your Christmas with love!

This copy was provided by NetGalley. The opinions here are mine only!

I enjoyed each of these books individually and as a group. They are all separate from one another but work well as a collection of Christmas novellas. Each story is different, the characters unique, and the settings perfect for Victorian Christmas.

The trials endured through each story were both heartfelt, and at times, heartbreaking. While the women face arranged marriages, loss, and poverty, they never lose sight of God and His ability to bring them through the Christmas season. The men are strong, capable and I think they swept the women off their feet at least once in each novella ( I love that part! I’m a hopeless romantic and not afraid to admit it. )

Since these are Dickens Christmas novellas, the history of Dickens brings a nice surprise to each story and I enjoyed the fact that each woman either had a copy of a Dickens novel or had something that represented Dickens in the storyline. It made me want to go read every Dickens book I could get my hands on.

For there to be nine novellas in this collection, no two stories were the same. Each set of characters faced different circumstances, different troubles, and the conflict was solved with the satisfaction of God’s grace. It was nice to read a set of stories that did not focus singularly on the richness of high society. There was a nice balance of poverty, whether the women were helping children at the ragged school as Beatrix Kent did in Father Christmas or they made their way from poverty to working class like Melisande in The Perfect Christmas. This collection of stories has a deeper meaning than rich women looking for husbands to care for them. These are all independent women, who in fact, are not looking for husbands at all. I think that is one of the most fun aspects of this collection. No one is seeking love, but love finds them anyway. Through God and prayer, problems are solved and love is granted.

I love Christmas stories and this collection definitely set me up for the season. I’m sure I will be back to read it again and again through the years. Each story is in itself a quick read, but the entire collection of nine novellas will keep you busy for quite some time. Rest assured that you will not mind in the least. Each author brings their own voice to their story and a fresh perspective to the Christmas season. You will encounter everything from snowball fights to paper boats. The spirit of God and Christmas is dominant but not overpowering. A highly recommended collection for your Christmas reading.

Enjoyed this collection more than others by multiple authors; though they were all very different, the styles meshed and flowed well. Each story only took me about an hour; probably a good thing for a vacation read, but lessened my enjoyment some. That said, I particularly enjoyed One Golden Ring and Father Christmas, which I would probably have given Five Stars independently.

A wonderful collection of nine new stories set during the Christmas season! Many of these take place in England, as well as America and Canada, celebrating with traditions started in Queen Victoria's era. The descriptions were lovely, with decorations like mistletoe, kissing balls, garlands, candles, trees, and the special holiday foods, filling the air with spices. It was easy to imagine the scenes, and some that were set at large estates reminded me of favorite BBC shows with the upstairs, downstairs feel.

Even though the tales took place in the 1830's to the early 1900's, the characters had some of the same struggles we do today, making these inspirational and relevant reads. Some of the themes that stood out to me were extending and receiving grace, forgiveness, finding security in Christ, learning to trust God in uncertain times, loving others less fortunate, receiving love when we feel unworthy, and the importance of prayer. Many had Scripture at the beginning and in the tale too.

The stories were all good, but a few really were outstanding. I loved Father Christmas by Lorna Seilstad, and A Perfect Christmas by Erica Vetsch; Star of Wonder by Susanne Dietze, and A Christmas Promise by Gabrielle Meyer were also very good. Carrie Fancett Pagels' was interesting with many characters from her other books popping in and out. The bit of mystery in a few added a nice touch too.

Recommend to readers who enjoy Christian historical romances, especially set in the holiday season.
4.5 stars

First of all, this is one of the best group of authors that I have read in one of these collections. They just flowed together, even though the stories were all independent. I really love Christmas books and this one is by far the best I have read this year. Many of the stories were heart warming and some had great mystery. It was well designed to bring the reader into the spirit of Christmas. I am sharing a few of my thoughts here tonight on this beautiful collection.
Favorite Year in a Story: 1875- This is from Susanne’s story. And what a neat story! I loved the mystery of what happened to the engagement jewelry and how this story brought all the characters together in the end. It was a quick read but I would love to see Bennet and Celeste again in another collection.
Favorite Female Lead: Eugenie Mott- Carrie Pagels’ made this strong and kind hearted female jump off the pages. I instantly loved her and her passion to help those in need. You could feel her warmth for all that she met. If your heart needs a bit of warmth this is the character and story to read.
Favorite Setting: Small town along the Potomac near Washington DC- Rita Gerlach gave me a vivid setting that was painted through my mind to the very last page. I have spent time near the Potomac and DC I could see the historic setting in my mind and imagine a town just like this. There is a bit of mystery and a touching story that blends into the painting of my mind. I really enjoyed the overall feeling this story gave me.
Favorite Male Lead: Rufus Sedgwick- from Maher’s story was the top favorite man for me. I really loved the tenderness yet tough side to him. He was seeking love that he didn’t fully understand he needed and he gave a this woman a chance to come into his life and heart. I felt that he was very open at times and then closed off at moments, just like a man that is conflicted on emotions and feelings. I think that he was well written and perfect in this story.
Favorite Title: Paper Snowflake- Vanessa Riley not only had my favorite title but it fit this story so well! It went with the tenderness and fragility of the story line. A mom struggling to make it all work, a son needing a father, and a man needing a family. They were wove together like little snips in paper. I think this story was a great way to start off this collection.
Favorite Depicted Holiday : A Christmas Vow- Gabrielle Meyer this is the best Christmas scene. I loved this story. It was passionate (not over PG) in a way that these characters had spunk but there was sweet holiday scenes that I could just paint in my mind. It was a neat concept.
Favorite Upper Class Lady: I really liked Marianna Granville in One Golden Ring. She may be a former heiress but she was still classy in my mind. It was interesting to have her not have the same social status and to see how that played out in their love. It was forgiveness and fresh starts, just like the first snow fall that graces the ground so did forgiveness and love in this story.
Favorite Building Christmas Spirit Story: The Perfect Christmas. It was the perfect Christmas in my mind while reading this story. I love holiday window displays in Macy’s and other stores. This story made me want to whip out the decorations and start singing carols.
Favorite Musical Setting: Father Christmas, this story would make anyone start humming tunes and making up tunes while reading it. I love music and I think that the author did a good job of capturing how music can move people to love and healing. It was as though the music was a way to sing to my heart for the Christmas season and yes, I did play some on the background.

Overall, this collection will get any reader ready for the holiday season! I am eager to get started in feeling the blessings of the season and coming closer with my family and loved ones. May the holiday cheer warm you and encourage you to read this collection of sweet romances, holidays and faith.

This era is a favorite read for me and these ladies have done a wonderful job of making Christmas dreams come true! Each story different but oh such interesting goings on.. If you like the Victorian Era.. You should enjoy this collection, I certainly did!

The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection
By various authors
I think that this was a sweet collection of Christmas romances. As usual with a collection of multiple stories you will find some you liked more than others however this collection definitely held more that I enjoyed than not.

from the publisher...
Faced with the daily extremes of gluttony and want in the Victorian Era, nine women seek to create the perfect Christmas celebrations. But will expectations and pride cause them to overlook imperfect men who offer true love?


...my thoughts...

This collection of novellas just in time for the Christmas reading list is perfect for the reader who loves to read but feels they don't have time for a complete book. Each story is just enough to tempt the senses yet complete in the telling. Many dream of the simpler times in Queen Victoria's day yet enjoy the trappings of modern times with central heat and a handy grocer. Yet these stories beckon and like Dickens, will hook you in once you begin. I recommend you brew a pot of tea for your afternoon leisure or pour a glass of sherry to sip by the fire of an evening.


Paper Snowflake Christmas by Vanessa Riley
1837 Framlingham, England
An uncle comes to claim his new ward at Christmas but has to face Child's mother married his late brother years before, leaving him with a broken heart....


One Golden Ring by C.J. Chase
1855 Devonshire, England
How can a man face the woman who jilted him with no explanation five year ago? Can she face him with her altered status without showing her true feelings? Love isn't always perfect yet it can remain true even under the most tying times.

Love Brick by Brick by Kathleen L. Maher
1857Elmira, New York
A wealthy man is rebuilding his English estate in America where his mother is regaining her health in a special clinic. He is falling for a beautiful young woman pursuing a medical degree but whether he will still want to see her when he discovers she is an orphan is not so certain.

The Sugarplum Ladies by Carrie Fancett Pagels
An engagement announced in the paper is as good as a formal arrangement. Set in Detroit and Ontario, this story opens when a young woman nearing the end of her prime is being tricked into an engagement to a man who is not what he appears to be. Reading about her "engagement" in the newspaper, she seeks counsel from her attorney to dissolve this scandal only to meet a handsome barrister from Ontario. In a series of comical events, they are drawn together for a purpose neither had planned for but with aplomb resolve to a mutual plan...but the results are nothing they could have planned. A fun story that will tickle your humor. Enjoy the possibilities a do-gooder woman can have with the help of her little Sugarplum ladies to help save the day!

Star of Wonder by Susanne Dietze
1875 County Durham, EnglandArranged marriages, diamond necklaces and conditions that this has to happen on this date at this time is enough for any couple to digest. While both want to please their parents, they would rather marry for love. When plans fall apart, can they truly find something better than their parents had?
A Christmas Promise by Gabrielle Meyer

1899 Cambridgeshire,England.

When Ashleigh Pendleton and Christopher Campbell met the first time, they were young. They also had a tremendous dislike for each other. Imagine their shock when they find out that their late mothers signed a contract for the pair to marry. The mothers had a long-lasting friendship and thought this marriage would be a blessing for all. They have until Christmas Eve to become engaged to someone else or the engagement stands! I enjoyed this match-up! The long guest list for the house party, complete with a handsome suitor to foil Christopher and competition in an old fried for Ashleigh

Father Christmas by Lorna Seilstad
Chicago, Christmas 1880
Widowed harpist Beatrix Kent succumbs daily to the guilt his unforgiving mother-in-law dishes up every day at tea. A piano teacher, she devotes the remainder of her time to her students, hoping to forget the death of her husband. Hugo Sherman, the father of one of her students would love to hear her perform and with a few obstacles he strives to make it happen. Along the way, the inevitable happens as Christmas arrives and hearts have the possibility to become whole...

The Perfect Christmas by Erica Vetsch
1880s London
Melisande Verity is a lovely young woman who runs the chocolate counter at Garamonds, the exclusive department in London. Every year at Christmas there is a contest to choose who will design the windows. The town has an annual contest among the shop and Garamonds has never won. She has worked hard on a special design. Every year the same man has been chosen and this year she hopes her design is chosen. In the history of the store that honor has always gone to a man...and it wouldn't be a good Christmas story if she didn't get the chance to use her designs and manage the project. With the reluctant help of Gray Garamond, the grandson of the Mr. Garamond, she embarks on a challenge that will not only challenge her talents, but also the world view of a handsome young man bent on changing the way things are done...delightful story.

A Christmas Vow by Gabrielle Meyer
London, England, Christmas 1899
Lady Ashleigh Pendleton is hosting a houseful of guests for Christmas when railroad executive Christopher Campbell unexpectedly arrives from America with a mysterious agreement signed by their fathers before their birth.

The Holly and the Ivy by Rita Gerlach
1900. Small town along the Potomac near Washington DC
Lily Morningstar and British antiquities expert Andrew Stapleton, meet at last after a lecture she attended. In a bold move, she invited him to supper to see some letters written by a naval officer to his wife. Upon discovering who the man was they also found something more for each other.

A truly lovely group of Christmas stories with an English/Dickensian flare. I particularly enjoyed the stories by Vanessa Riley and Erica Vetsch.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection Experience a Dickens of a Christmas 9 Women Dream of Perfect Christmases during the Victorian Era by C.J. Chase, Susanne Dietze, Rita Gerlach, Kathleen L. Maher, Gabrielle Meyer, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Vanessa Riley, Lorna Seilstad, Erica Vetsch

I love these collections of short novels by Barbour; they are inspiring, they speak at the heart and in particular they communicate great and good feelings. The cover of these Victorians short Christmas's novels with a touch of Dickensian atmosphere is simply amazing, and serenity and tranquillity will descend upon you when you will read these novels leaving you better than how they had found you before.

The story I read is A Christmas Vow written by Gabrielle Meyer. Beautiful, lady Ashleigh is still single and that year her family experienced important, sad departures. It's Christmas and a party was hosted by the family. Ashleigh discovers that because of a pact established by her family and the one of Campbell, in case that she would have been still single (like also the son of mr.Campbell of course who lives in America) she would have married Christopher Campbell; both of them informed of this story are fighting against this law: why marrying someone that maybe we don't love or we don't like?
Plus Christopher Campbell remembered the past, when they were more little, also the latest time she saw her. No: it was excluded. Invited at this party he is skeptical since he won't see her again; and vice-versa; they will understand, slowly that maybe this match created by humans isn't so wrong at all.
The story, anyway will become more complicated and there will be also with the entrance in scene of another potential boyfriend; but Christmas and a Christmas's Tree, will sort out the problems...

The other novels are: One Golden Ring by C.J. Chase, Star of Wonder by Susanne Dietze, The Holly and the Ivy by Rita Gerlach, Love Brick by Brick by Kathleen L. Maher, A Christmas Vow by Gabrielle Meyer, The Sugarplum Ladies by Carrie Fancett Pagels, Paper Snowflake Christmas by Vanessa Riley, Father Christmas by Lorna Seilstad, The Perfect Christmas by Erica Vetsch

I thank NetGalley and Barbour for this ebook.

The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection: 9 Women Dream of Perfect Christmases during the Victorian Era

I love reading Christmas stories, especially those set in 1800’s Victorian era as this one is. Written by 9 well-known gifted authors, giving the reader a variety of not only enjoyable stories but their own unique writing styles. Each story takes us on a journey through various locations in England, Canada and America. On our “travels” we see how each characters’ desire is to have the perfect Christmas despite the circumstances they find themselves in. They may face turmoils, love letters from the past that seems to be surrounded by mystery and surprising clues to follow, missing jewels, an unexpected pre-arranged marriage, second chances at love, water-cure for patients, faith and so much more. I so enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the countrysides, clothing, and customs of the era depicted in each story and the inspirational elements. I especially enjoy reading the author’s historical note at the end of her story. A delightful collection to read anytime of the year.

1. One Golden Ring by C.J. Chase
1855 Devonshire, England. Tristram Nowell and Marianna Granville must forgive past grievances if they are to move forward to at least a friendship. But will their new stations in life be an obstacle and prevent even that? A cute, fun story.

2. Star of Wonder by Susanne Diet
1875 County Durham, England. Celeste Sidwell and Bennet Hett have plans to undo what their fathers have planned for them, however, things didn’t turn out as they had hoped. This novella has a lot of interesting and mysterious elements to it as well as a surprise or two, making it a fun story to read.

3. The Holly and the Ivy by Rita Gerlach
1900 near Washington DC. I enjoyed reading Lily Morningstar and Andrew Stapleton’s story. It was fun watching as they tried to read between the lines of the love letters Lily discovered and ultimately discover who the mysterious writer is and to whom he is corresponding with. Will they learn who the letters are from or will it forever remain a mystery? I still have, and cherish, the love letters my own husband wrote to me while he was serving in the Navy, which made this story even more interesting.

4. Love Brick by Brick by Kathleen L. Maher
1857 Elmira, New York. SarahAnn Winnifred and Rufus Sedgwick are from different social classes, however, their hearts are drawn to each other. Can this unlikely couple build something lasting together or will their differences put a wall between their hearts? As a retired RN, I especially enjoyed reading about the medicinal water-cure of the time in this novella.

5. A Christmas Promise by Gabrielle Meyer
1899 Cambridgeshire, England. Ashleigh Pendleton and Christopher Campbell are in shock once they learn of the long ago promise their own mothers, now deceased, planned for them. Can they somehow undo that promise or will they even want to after getting reacquainted? I enjoyed this fun novella which had me chuckling at times.

6. The Sugarplum Ladies by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1867 Windsor, Ontario, Canada and Detroit, Michigan. Eugenie Mott and Percy Gladstone unexpectedly meet and end up helping each other in ways neither had anticipated. I love the way Eugenie is helping the war widows. . .Kathleen, Nancy, Anne, Melissa, Tina, Deborah and Lucy. . .to be functional in areas they had not been prior to her help. The name she calls the ladies, The Sugarplum Ladies, fits perfectly. These ladies soon find themselves helping Percy in the midst of his staffing crisis. I especially enjoyed the historical notes at the end of the story. A cute, fun and delightful story.

7. Paper Snowflake Christmas by Vanessa Riley
1837 Framlingham, England. Ophelia Hanover and Geoffrey Landson have a challenge before them when he comes to take guardianship of Ophelia’s young son. It’s Christmas! Will he listen to reason or will the snow storm keep him snowbound for Christmas? I enjoyed the backstory, which gives an added element to the story?

8. Father Christmas by Lorna Seilstad
1880 Blackpool, England. Beatrix Kent and Hugo Sherman are of different social classes and have suffered in their past. Can love find a way to bring joy and music to these two at Christmas? A cute, fun story.

9. A Perfect Christmas by Erica Vetsch
1880 London, England. Melisande Verity and Gray Garamond may work in the same store but they are from different social classes and he’s her boss. I found the window display and the outcome of the contest interesting. Gray’s grandfather is one of my favorite characters. Gray could learn a lot from him in regards to the store and the true meaning of Christmas. Will Gray open his heart or will he follow his own plans? A cute and fun story.

~I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher/also NetGalley (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

This book was delightful. The stories gave insight to hope, love, and faith. Each story came with its characters having their own issues. Men as well as women. Each seeking peace and wanting more in their lives. You can almost see the background decorated for Christmas and smell the scents of the season. Each couple works through their issues to make their Christmas one in a lifetime. These stories remind us that there is hope for a brighter life if we just have faith. I found some Authors I didn't know and will be looking up more material they have written. This book was given to me as an ARC by netgalley for an honest review.

9 romances in 1 book. Yes please! 9 new beginnings, 9 happily ever afters. All in the Victorian era during Christmas time! All by great authors. Definitely worth the read!

I have always enjoyed the Victorian era and lovers of Dickens will surely enjoy a few of these touching tales of weddings, love, and the serene touch of a woman's heart. From Canada to across the pond, each tale from a different author will enchant you with a feeling of the holidays and bring your tidings of joy and warmth from the initial hello to the part where they say I do. These are the kind of books that lift up your spirits and make it Christmas all year long.

A lovely collection of Christmas themed romances that transport you back in time to the day to day lives of the Victorian Christmas Seasons. Each story held my interest, made me smile, and brought to life a little piece of that era for me. A wonderful holiday read or for any time you want to escape the 21st century!

I found each of the novellas in The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection a delight to read.
For me, Christmas romance should have happy endings, I was not disappointed at all. I love some of the twists and turns taken by the authors and the surprises. I highly recommend this book.
*After the privilege of reading this book on NetGalley, I was very excited to receive a print copy signed by four of the authors! I will cherish it.

This was a delightful collection of stories. They were mainly set in England but some were in America and Canada. They did all have a Christian influence and were sweet romances. I had only read books by Vanessa Riley before but I enjoyed them all. They concerned people from various social stations, so altogether a good mix. There were several stories that I thought were worth 5 stars and those were ‘One Golden Ring’, Paper Snowflakes Christmas ‘ and ‘ Father Christmas ‘. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Full of heart warming tales, these stories are wound beautifully around the spirit of Christmas.

Set it the 1900’s, the authors have done a wonderful job of displaying holiday cheer and Christian values in a Victorian setting.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. Opinion in this review are entirely my own.

Readers will enjoy these nine novellas of Christmas during the 1880s. Each is unique in their own way with likeable characters and tales of Christmas past. These cozy stories are perfect for the holiday season. Recommended!

I love the settings the character's the cover I love Carrie's stories she's a favorite of mine I keep updated with her stories why I was interested in to getting this book it kept me occupied in the story it's always told so well.