Member Reviews
‘Winter Wishes’ is a wonderful selection of novellas that make for a great lead up to Christmas.
‘One Room at the Inn’ sees Charlotte Hale trust another man, after the loss of her husband, leads her to fear for the survival of her children. As always, the author Cheryl Bolen, brings together two wonderful characters each looking for another to bring light into their lives. A sweet Christmas tale.
‘Invitation to Pleasure’ finds Daniel Kerrich, winning Lady Georgiana’s heart after the loss of her horse. One of my favourite authors Bronwen Evans, presents two strong minded characters who win each other over, after realising that they are better together than apart.
‘A Rogue’s Reputation’ by Lana Williams sees Lady Louisa attempt to retrieve the love letters that her mother sent to the earl. Events transpire to put the new Earl together with Louisa, and together they must see beyond the ton if they are to have a true life together.
‘Dared and Kissed – The Scotsman’s Yuletide Bride’ by Bree Wolf, sees both Finn and Emma avoiding each other but after so much time spent disliking each other, they begin to realise that they have strong feelings for each other.
‘A Yuletide Highlander’ by Collette Cameron sees Sarah meet Gregor MacTavish, a man who will do everything that he can to care for her. All Sarah needs to do is let Gregor help her.
‘One Enchanted Christmas’ by Heather Boyd, sees Lord Clement accepting a wager to find a woman to marry. The romance with Meg, his best friend’s sister, is such a great romance.
‘Mistletoe and kisses’ by Sasha Cottman, sees Hugh and Mary struggling to admit their feelings for each other. Fortunately, others see their obvious attraction and do all that they can to put these two together.
‘Must love Majors’ by Samantha Grace, follows Lady Ambrosia Everly who must find a husband by Christmas. The romance between her and Major Rowland, is a lovely story, as the two battle their own inner demons.
‘A twelfth night to remember’ by Donna Cummings, brings Rhys and Grace together. Whilst from different stations, Rhys has always loved her, but could their time together be a second chance for them.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Winter Wishes
A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology
A Baker’s dozen (13) holiday romances from some authors I have and have not read before. This is a book you can’t go wrong with at just under a dollar for over one thousand pages of holiday entertainment. Read one a night or all in one go. I have recommended the book to a number of friends and will recommend it in this review, too.
ONE ROOM AT THE INN by Cheryl Bolen:
Charlotte Hale was widowed a year ago when her husband died on the battlefield. With no money to pay the rent she trustingly agrees to ride with Mr. Fenton toward her destination – a place she hopes to find assistance.. Both have secrets, both feel attraction, both wonder what will happen and both end up rather happily surprised by the end of the story. (4.5 Stars)
INVITATION TO PLEASURE by Bronwen Evans:
Lady Georgiana Marsh has a nasty father who has caused trouble for her and her mother for decades. When her father goes to far she steps outside the law to do what she believes is right and unwittingly injures Daniel, Baron de Winter. The two have to do some fast talking and quick thinking to get the HEA they both deserve and in the process deal with her father. (4 stars)
A YULETIDE HIGHLANDER by Collette Cameron:
This was probably my favorite of the four stories I have read so far. I loved the way Sarah and Gregor meet, the way Gregor goes to find Sarah’s brother and how the story unfolds with his friends coming to the assistance of Sarah. Her backstory was harsh and sad but the eventual love she finds not only with Gregor but with others warmed my heart. (5 Stars)
A TWELFTH NIGHT TO REMEMBER by Donna Cummings:
Grace is the cook’s daughter but she and the third son of the estate were friends from childhood. When she returns with her son after her husband dies there is the possibility of a second chance for the two...if they can overcome the disaparity between their stations and societal expectations. Sweet story that was fun to read (3.5 Stars)
I enjoyed each of the stories I read and look forward to reading the rest in the future.
I enjoyed the stories I read and want to thank NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Description
A collection of short stories at Christmas time full of romance. Each is set with great characters and personalities looking for a chance at love and a happy ever after. Each has its own story to tell. Really enjoyed the collection.
This Christmas anthology put me in the holiday spirit. All of the historical romances are filled with characters that draw you in, and take you on a romantic ride filled with hope and love. The authors make the settings come alive through descriptions that make you feel the wintry weather in the stories. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good historical romance, or looking for a new author. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Although I did not get to read all the stories in this collection during my ARC period, the ones that I did read, I truly enjoyed. I plan to buy the book to not only finish reading those I didn't get to and to re-read the ones that I loved. This book is a wonderful and easy way to read 13 regency romances. I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A book of several short stories. There is a story for everyone taste. Lord's and ladies, Highlanders, upstairs/ downstairs romance. I enjoyed reading all of the stories in this collection.
Thirteen authors have written stories of romance amid greenery, food, gifts and snow. Mistaken identity, lost love, friends to lovers are just a few tropes for happy endings. Be prepared to snuggle in for several hours of pleasurable reading. Recommended reading for the holidays.
1.One Room At The Inn by Cheryl Bolen
Lord Fenton honors a promise made to a dying Capt. Hale on the battlefield, and finds the love of his life....eventually. Charlotte Hale's life has gone from bad to terrifying until Lord Fenton appears to rescue her from dire circunstancess.
2.Invitation To Pleasure – Bronwen Evans
Lady Georgiana Marsh is determined to recover the colt her father sold without her permission. She is caught in the act and gets away...but not completely. Daniel Kerrick wants the horse and the lady.
3.A Rogue's Reputation – Lana Williams
Lady Louisa Felton sees once chance to recover foolish letters written by her mother before the new Earl arrives and takes it. Too bad he's already here and catches her in his study dressed as a lad. Wanting to stay away from her, he is drawn strongly to her and ends up coming to her rescue again when her mother again does something very foolish.
4.Dared and Kissed – Bree Wolf
Emma Stewart has always loved Finn MacDrummond, but he has never noticed her. Until the day she stole a kiss. Too bad he overheard her say it was only because of a bet. The kissed rocked his world, overhearing but her state it was only a bet to her friend brought on years of anger for him and sorrow for her...until the day their friends convinced them to talk.
5.A Yuletide Highlander – Collette Cameron
Sarah Paine is on the run with her brother Kipp from a murderer. Keeping him safe, due to his disabilities has been a struggle for the last three years. Her struggle come s to an end when she hides in Gregor MacTavish's office. The kind scotsman takes them in, cares for them and arranges their safety.
6.One Enchanted Christmas – Heather Boyd
Lady Margaret Stockwick's brother has arranged to marry her off so he can sell his estate and live the life he wants. 'Meg' justs wants to live at the estate and continue to mourn her parents. Salvation comes for Meg in the house party given by the Vynes. It is also salvation for Lord Clement, a childhood friend under pressure from his father.
7.Mistletoe and Kisses – Sasha Cottman
Mary Gray must leave the home she's known for years due to the death of her father, a University professor. Student Lord Hugh Radley, whom she's loved for years accidentally finds out and insists she accompanies him and his family home for the holidays. He realizes what he feels for her is more than friendship.
8.Must Love Majors – Samantha Grace
When Major Philip Rowland returns home from the battlefield, he finds his dog Orion gone and is determined to find the kidnapper. Lady Ambrosia Everly had found that dog at death's door, nursed him back to health and named him Mr. Perkins. In a effort to reach a compromise, neither was willing to give up the dog, her parents invited him to a house party to try to convince him to let her keep the dog. She decided to keep the owner too.
9.A Twelfth Night To Remember - Donna Cummings
A sweet tale of second chances.
Grace left very young hoping for a life of adventure with her new husband. She married knowing that the love of her heart was out of her reach. Lords did not marry servants, even close friend ones. Rhys didn't speak up...then it was too late, but Christmas magic brings her back to him, and this time there will be no unspoken wishes.
10.A Kiss Upon The Wind – Barbara Monajem
Lady Isolde Doncaster is under pressure from her father to wed again, but she is NOT interested. He claims she must for her mother's sake, but she is plotting to get away. Gawain burke is out to recover his mother's pendant, but becomes involved with her plight, so much so he even sees the spirit in the house. Few actually see 'The Cavalier., Isolde. Her mother and her brother to date see him, so it's a big deal when Gawain does. Will he be her savior?
11.Miss Hathaway's Wish – Suzanna Medeiros
Emily Hathaway's Christmas wish is a love like her brothers have found and she worries it will never be. Her brothers have a Christmas ball with hand picked suitors invited, but she finds none appeals. A former childhood friend attends with his mother and suddenly Christmas seems brighter.
12 The Earl from Christmas – Wendy Vella
Playmates as children, Gabriel Lockhart and Maddie Spencer, grew up and apart, each believing the other had changed. Both helped the needy unaware of the other's work. When Maddie was endangered, Gabriel made it his mission to keep her safe.
13 The Duke She Despised – Alina K. Field
A careless statement by Andrew MacDonald caused Filomena Grant to lose a fiance. He was unhappy that her sister married her brother. Forced into a cold contract marriage by financial straits, she held a grudge, but as he was drunk, he doesn't remember. Fast forward 10 years, Evan passed away, his wife and children coming back from India, and Andrew is the new duke. Filomena applies for the housekeeper's position to protect her, but things are not like anyone expected.
A bakers dozen of historicals, some sweet, some sensual and some steamy. All by talented authors.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse.
Because I read a lot, I often find myself in the situation where I've read everything my favourite author has published to date. And then I have to try and find a new author, which can be hard. Collection of stories like this are a fantastic way to read authors you haven't come across before. This books reunited me with a few of authors I already loved and introduced me to a whole lot more.
To get 13 stores for this low price is a real bargain, for them to be good stories by good authors is a wonderful steal. These stories will remind you of Christmas Love and Hope. I did not read all the stories so far, but I will tell you about the few I did read.
One Room at the Inn by Cheryl Bolen is a nice story of a widow who loved her children and is down on her luck and is running out of money, and a man who made a promise to a friend. Philip and Charlotte meet and do not know who each other really are, but Philip has a feeling he should help Charlotte, and Charlotte has a feeling she should trust Philip. Enjoyable quick read.
Invitation to Pleasure by Bronwen Evans This is the first book I have read by Bronwen Evans and I enjoyed it. It was a nice short read for a nice afternoon.
A Rogue’s Reputation by Lena Williams is a story about Benjamin and Louisa who both want to have a good reputation and not be like their family members. It is an enjoyable read and the time went very fast while I was reading this story. I have read other books by Lena Williams and have enjoyed them also.
I can not wait to read the rest of the stories in this Winter Wishes book.
I highly recommend this collection of stories by experienced authors to all historical romance fans. The stories are not inter-related, but some connect with one of the author's series (e.g. Collette Cameron's contribution). I've read other stories by all of the authors; the quality and style is consistent with their other works. At a preorder price of 99cents for the ebook, it is a bargain.
Cheryl Bolen's story, One Room at the Inn, most closely reflects the spirit of Christmas as Philip aids the impoverished Charlotte and her children. His reward is enjoying their company. Other stories are more loosely tied to the holidays.
I received an advance copy from NetGalley; the thoughts expressed are my own.
I love Christmas romances, they're probably one of my favourite things and I loved most of these stories. They may not have all appealed to me but there were a few good enough in there to make up for the not so good ones. I'd definitely recommend this book, especially for anyone who is an absolute ducker for a Christmas romance. 3 stars. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was granted a review copy through Netgalley by the publisher and now I am reading this bundle of novellas one at a time.
I will update my review with each new performed read.
ONE ROOM AT THE INN
Cheryl Bolen
Blurb: To reach the only person who ever offered help after her husband’s death, destitute Charlotte Hale must travel with her children on the coldest night in a generation—with a handsome stranger she prays she can trust.
My review :
It is not so long I read a tale by Mrs Cheryl Bolen. This one was far different, the deception is the story was to protect Charlotte’s family, and was not carried for long. It is a lovely tale of the magic of Christmas bringing two solitary souls together and giving children a forever to remember holiday.
INVITATION TO PLEASURE
Bronwen Evans
Blurb : There can be no love without trust…Will handsome and sexy Daniel Kerrich, Lord de Winter, be able to earn fiercely independent Lady Georgiana’s trust and win her heart in time for Christmas?
My review :
How I love when the heroine is no-damsel-in-distress but in need of a gentle hand to prove her not every man is an abuser of the weakest.
It was a sweet tale of trust to be deserved and love to be seen as not enslavement but freedom.
Cute and passionate is the hero of this tale, no alpha male but a kind and compassionate, ready to share the burden of the woman he gives his her, to be a shoulder on which she can rest her head.
A ROGUE’S REPUTATION
Lana Williams
Blurb : Will Christmas magic and mistletoe unite this unlikely pair?
My review :
Lady Louisa must take matter in hands and retrieve indiscrete letters her mother sent to a married man-now deceased, before his new heir finds them.
It was lovely read about consequences paid for family’s or past’s behaviors.
Granger wants to clean his family name, but also shows he is one to be relied on.
While Louisa must find a way to keep her mother out of endangering reputation inconsequential actions, not an easy task with the mother she has, why she thinks she must settle herself with a not surprising suitor, affreuse to follow her mother in her steps and fall for rogues.
This short story brought them together, eyes opener encounters compelling them to see past the gossips and accept the other for whom it is.
DARED & KISSED- The Scotsman’s Yuletide Bride Bree Wolf
Blurb : A daring lass. An angry Scot. And the happenings of a fateful day.
My review :
How a misunderstanding and stubbornness can cause so much hurt.
For seven years, Finn and Emma have done everything to avoid the other, certain each one dislike another.
Hopefully both were surrounded by great friends who cared for them and willing to help them clear their path to another.
In some way it was a truly sad tale as it was two persons unhappily married who taught the main couple how to recognize the signs of love.
A lovely tale demonstrating the pain pigheadedness and misinterpretation can cause to two persons in love because they are unable to cross the bridge another held back by their fear and pride.
A YULETIDE HIGHLANDER
Collette Cameron
Blurb : A gentlewoman afraid for her life and the Scottish warrior willing to risk all to protect her.
My review:
A sweet story of meeting the right person at the right time.
Gregor finds his life lack of excitement until a young woman, Sarah barges in his offices seeking help masquerading as a lad.
Sure, there were vilains, but the story focuses on the growing feelings between the main characters. How they become the breath of fresh air for the other.
There are few conflicts only a charming Yuletide spirit all along the tale with plenty of willing angels disguised as kind peers in a mission to bring them together.
I will add the epilogue was perfect to cheer your mind.
ONE ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS
Heather Boyd
Blurb : When Lord Clement finds himself in a marriage wager, finding a woman to love in a scant few months seems impossible…until he rediscovers his best friend’s sister.
My review :
Can two persons whom have known each other as youths become more when pressured by others.
I do love Mrs Heather Boyd work, she has a very specific writing style and while following historical conventions and rules, she gives her characters a boldness and vibrancy very specific to herself.
Despite their instant reaction to another when they rekindle, Otis and Meg do not jump to conclusion. They first must need to clear some old misconceptions.
It is a slow-burn romance taking place in the main time they get reacquainted, their chemistry evolving to more with each passing encounter.
A lively tale of love at “second sight”.
MISTLETOE AND KISSES
Sasha Cottman
Blurb : It’s Christmas and Cupid’s little helpers are busy at work. The mistletoe has been hung and now kisses await.
Will a few days be enough to make the woman he loves fall for him.
My bad, I have the first published story by Sasha Cottman lined on my shelves and like many, I forgot about it. I am glad I have finally a sample of her work. It was a sweet story of missing opportunities about two persons who love another without the other clueless about it.
Hugh is adorable in some way for a grown man, he is a clever man, alas completely oblivious of the sentiments Mary has for him, and when it is about wooing the woman he cares for, he is quite a novice.
Mary is no better at expressing her feelings as she wears her love for Hugh on her sleeves but never acted upon it. Even ready to let him go.
They were both lucky some meddling kin from Hugh’s side decided to help them to sort out their shared tenderness.
The plus of the story was the details about the traditional festivities, I loved to learn more about them, everything is so new for me.
MUST LOVE MAJORS
Samantha Grace
Blurb : Lady Ambrosia Everly promised to select a husband by Christmas, but when Major Rowland ambushes her at her parents’ house party with a claim to the stray dog she rescued, love becomes a battlefield. Soon the lines between enemies and lovers are blurred, and Ambrosia is faced with a tough decision: follow her heart or marry a man of her parents’ choosing.
My review :
Will two persons arguing about the dog’s affection find a common ground and see past their ire.
I do wondered why It has been a while since I have read a story by Samantha Grace, I do love her writing style and how she gives depth to her characters.
The sweetness of her heroes and the witty dialogues caught me from the beginning.
I loved all the side characters, and I do want to know more about them.
Phillip and Ambrosia are lovely painted, they have their flaws and needs, Ambrosia adore her family but sometime she longs for a quieter place and someone special just for her, to not share among all her kin, while Phillip follows his duty but has difficulties silencing his own guilt for surviving the war, why he secretly has other aspirations away from the battlefields.
It was such a charming tale about two persons who will answer the other’s calling.
I can only recommend to have a look to her other works.
I love anthologies, and Winter Wishes is a great collection of Winter and Christmas time historical novellas. Anthologies are always a perfect way to get to know new to you authors.
Curling up in a warm place with these stories by 13 incredible authors is just what you'll need on a cold winter day.
A delightful collection of short stories by 13 romance writers which all take place during the winter holiday season. I especially enjoyed the stories by Cheryl Bolen, Heather Boyd, Samantha Grace and new to me author Barbara Monajem. I received an ARC for my honest review.
This is a book that just keeps on giving. An incredible number of regency romantic novellas, all different and all good to read. Not a boring or badly written one among t.hem. Fabulous for holidays or times when you don’t have the time to read a longer book. I now feel quite saturated with all those romantic tales and don’t think I could decide on my most favourite or least favourite ones if asked.
An excellent set of historical romance by some very talented authors. Enjoyed them all. Each was unique and well-written.