BOOK REVIEW ALERT – Review, Recommendation, Rating & Opinion are my own.

Title: A Christmas Resolution

Author: Anne Perry

Genre: Mystery

This book centers around Detective John Hooper and his wife, Celia, who are adjusting to married life. Their peaceful Christmas season is disrupted when their neighbor, Clementine Appleby, confides in them about her suspicions regarding her new husband, Seth Marlowe. Clementine believes Seth is a dangerous man hiding dark secrets.

Despite the festive season, Hooper takes on the investigation to uncover the truth behind Clementine's fears. As he delves deeper into Seth’s past, he uncovers disturbing details that challenge his own moral compass and commitment to justice. The story unfolds with a series of twists and revelations, leading to a resolution that tests the characters' courage and the true spirit of Christmas.

Why is Clementine suspicious of her spouse?

What has Seth done?

Is Clementine's suspicion justified?

Will the detective be able to solve it?

Rating – 4.0/5 Stars
Recommendation – High

Anne Perry’s writing is evocative and rich in historical detail, immersing readers in the Victorian setting. Her narrative is brisk, keeping the plot moving at a steady pace without sacrificing character development. Perry’s ability to intertwine the mystery with the festive atmosphere makes for an engaging and heartwarming read. This book is a captivating addition to her Christmas novellas. It offers a compelling mystery wrapped in the warmth and challenges

1872 London. Newly married Celia Hooper is concerned when she learns that her good friend Clementine Appleby has accepted the marriage proposal of Seth Marlowe, a hard, judgmental man that Celia has never liked. Marlowe tells Celia to stay away from his fiancée, warning her that he will expose secrets about her and her husband. He also accuses her of writing a poisonous letter, though the letter was anonymous. Celia’s husband, a Thames River policeman, investigates Marlowe and discovers that his first wife died under mysterious circumstances and Marlowe’s daughter is now living on the streets. Should the Hoopers listen to the vicar and forgive Marlowe his transgressions and hope for the best in the imminent marriage?

Familiar with Perry’s Charlotte and Thomas Pitt mysteries, but never having read any of her many Christmas novels, I was surprised by this story’s strong moralism. The themes of sin, forgiveness and repentance are handled with a heavy hand, the characters pondering these issues over and over. The final lesson is a good one, but the tone could have been less preachy. As for the mystery of the writer of the anonymous poison letter, the culprit is obvious but the characters seem strangely unaware. Despite these criticisms, I found the plot suspenseful and wanted to see how the story would turn out. As with all her novels, Perry again brings the setting of Victorian England marvelously to life.

Another terrific Anne Perry thriller. The book held my interest. I usually don’t read “Christmas” books, but this was an exception and I’m glad I read it.

This Christmas novella centers around forgiveness and honesty. If I am being honest I didn't like it that much. I am glad it was a novella instead of a novel. The story became very redundant.

A romantic mystery that teaches the true value of forgiveness of yourself and others, a winner! A quick read and the story is predictable but still a fun read with the added bonus of being set in an English village during the holidays. Repentance and forgiveness aren't normally themes that one reads about in a light-hearted fashion but Anne Perry does an excellent job reminding readers that perfection isn't the goal and so we can't expect that in others or ourselves.

I read last year's annual Christmas novel from Anne Perry and enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to this one. Generally these Christmas installments feature minor characters from Perry's many book series, and in "A Christmas Resolution" the link is John Hooper, William Monk's associate at the Thames River Police. Hooper is newly and happily married to Celia, a woman he met while investigating a murder case. Now Celia's best friend, Clementine, has announced her own engagement to Seth Marlowe, a man Celia has never liked. But Celia's strained relationship with Marlowe is about to become even more unpleasant when he accuses her of writing threatening letters to him about the death of his first wife, and forbids Clementine to associate with her. Seeing his wife's distress, John Hooper enlists Monk and some colleagues at the Thames Valley Police to investigate Marlowe's past and remove suspicion from his wife.

Perry's books are always well written--she can definitely set a scene, bringing her historical settings to vivid life. The problem is that her mysteries, when reduced to novella length, feel rushed and incomplete. The characters spend a lot of time musing about each other's thoughts and motives, but the reader never fully understands either of those==why, for example, does Seth have so much animosity towards Celia and why would Clementine accept his proposal? Having said this, however, if you're looking for a quick dip into Victorian era England at Christmastime, "A Christmas Resolution" will fill the bill.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.

Reflections on people being noisy into others lives as well as jealousy are the underlying themes in this novel. Quick read based in England. Celia and Clementine are friends in a small town off the Thames. Celia is married to John Hooper, married rather later in life. Clementine is in her 30s, but still unwed. However, that is to change when Seth Marlowe, a widower, decides to marry. Seth Marlowe is an unlikeable character. Judgmental and fiercely religious, he tends to put off those around him with his criticism. He is the brother-in-law of the local vicar, Andrew Roberson.
When Clementine agrees to marry Marlowe, Celia is dumbfounded. She cannot understand what could lead a sweet woman like Clementine to want to be with a stern, unfriendly Marlowe. She does not voice her concerns, though, being that Marlowe has already threatened to cut off her friendship. Celia does her best to toe the line with Marlowe, until something is unearthed that threatens her own standing in the community.

Not really classified as a Christmas season book in my opinion more of a mystery.

Thank you NetGalley, publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this for an honest review.

Anne Perry, author of many (many) mystery/romance novels has given her devoted fans an annual Christmas story for a number of years. I have dropped away from reading her great Inspector Monk series; I also moved away from reading her Christmas novellas. But thanks to NetGalley I had the joy of reading Perry’s 2020 Christmas offering entitled “A Christmas Resolution.” The storyline involves broken family relationships, a detective personally involved, a minister that needs the wisdom imparted by our heroine, and a fundamentalist Christian not “walking-the-walk.”
One knows pretty much what to expect from Anne Perry and she doesn’t disappoint. I thought there would be a few more plot twists but that may be more of my predilection to read mysteries and applying that to every book I read. So enjoy this Christmas story for what it is...a story of the light shining in what can be a dark world.

A great Christmas mystery that takes one to a far away island retreat. This book is part of a Christmas series by Anne Perry. A short read for a Christmas read.

WOW. Great book. I look forward to Anne Perry's book each holiday season. A great addition to the collection.

Celia Hooper is distressed when she learns that her friend Clementine Appleby is going to marry Seth Marlowe, the disagreeable, pompous, sanctimonious, controlling brother-in-law to the congregation’s vicar. Marlowe’s first wife Rose disappeared under mysterious circumstances, along with his daughter Flavia and Celia is concerned for the happiness and safety of her friend. Seth threatens Celia with revealing her role in murder case the previous year and accuses her of writing anonymous letters to him. Together with her husband, Detective John Hopper, a member of the Thames River Police force, Celia works to identify the author of the letters and resolve the mystery of Rose’s disappearance.

This is a standalone novella (number 18) in the Anne Perry’s Christmas Stories series. The author paints an expressive portrait of the Thames in fog, the village. Her characters are complex with human frailties and conflicts of their own. The story moves slowly, but doesn’t plod along. Instead it expresses the emotions and events in a graceful manner. The theological exploration of forgiveness by humans and by God is thought provoking. I will be looking for the earlier books in the series to add to my TBR list.

"A Christmas Resolution" continues the author's annual tradition of writing a historical mystery set at Christmas time. In this latest installment, Celia Hooper clashes with Seth when she discovers he intends to wed her best friend Clementine. Because of her concerns, her husband John Hooper, a member of the River Thames police department, investigates the untimely death of Seth's previous wife. The investigation turns upon some anonymous letters and the disappearance of Seth's daughter Flavia.

Although this mystery is set at Christmas time in London,it could occur at any time of the year. The characters are interesting and the setting adds to the brooding nature of the plot. The story involves ordinary working people, rather than gentry, highlighting the difficulties encountered by women of the time, whether single or wed. Readers may be reminded of novels by Charles Dickens, as the story revolves around social issues and the particular plight of young single women past their prime and their role in society.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

This was an emotional Christmas read. Cecelia is being accused of writing malicious letters to a mysterious man in town, who has a troubled past. I thought this was an okay book. It will not give you the warm and fuzzies like you’d expect from a Christmas book. But, I did enjoy the mystery of finding out who was actually sending the letters. I did like the book, but it wasn’t what I typically look for when reading holiday books. It was well written and a quick read, I would still recommend it!

A lovely Victorian Christmas novella about forgiveness. This is an annual holiday treat for me that I look forward to reading. I received an arc from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks.

When Celia's best friend Clementine becomes engaged, Celia wants her to be as happy as she is to her husband, John. But when she learns the man Clementine's engaged to is Seth Marlowe Celia knows she needs to find a way to stop the wedding from happening. When Seth accuses Celia of sending him threatening letters, Celia's husband John steps in to help.

This was an okay read, but not the best I've read from Anne Perry. The story takes place around Christmas with forgiveness and honesty as running themes throughout. I enjoyed the mystery of who was sending the threatening letters to Seth Marlowe, and was completely surprised when the sender was revealed.

I received a complimentary copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in my review are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for a review.

This is not really a Christmas book, although it takes place around the Christmas season. Celia, who was recently married to Detective John Hooper after working with him on her cousin's murder, is very happy at thisunexpected and late in life marriage and only wants the same happiness for her best friend Clementine. But when Clementine announces she is marrying Seth Marlowe, Celia has doubts that this is the best thing for her friend. Marlowe is known to Celia through her church and is the brother-in-law of the rector. Both men have recently been widowed and Celia believes that Clementine has chosen the wrong one.

When Marlowe receives threatening letters about his first wife, he accuses Celia of sending them and threatens her with secrets from her past. Celia convinces her new husband there is something worth looking into and he gets permission from his boss, William Monk, to investigate. The ending is satisfying, as the good will out and everyone is happy to celebrate the Christmas season.

Anne Perry is a new to me writer and this Christmas story called out to me on Netgalley. Thank you to @randomhouse for gifting me this book. I love to read holiday stories during the Christmas season and this combination romance/mystery was a quick little shot of what I enjoy. Apparently Perry writes one of these Christmas stories every year and this has made me curious about the other ones.

Our story sees our lead Celia dealing with an intimidating "Scrooge" who happens to get engaged to her best friend even though his first wife's death was deemed suspicious. Enter her husband Hooper, a policeman, and an investigation commences to get to the truth. The characters were all likable except for the one who isn't supposed to be and the plot moved steadily along. Since this takes place in 1800s London expect language that you may have to read a couple times to fully comprehend. I love this time period and setting as the customs and traditions are something I find interesting. Celia is a woman with fierce convictions but is haunted by a lie she told previously (I'm assuming in another story) and I found her struggles especially engrossing.

I would recommend for a quick read and those who like a little old fashioned drama. The timing of this being during Christmas lends itself to the enjoyment for this time of year along with the themes of forgiveness and friendship.

The last word this book should have in the title is resolution. The book did have some resolution but then finished with a sort of cliffhanger ending and I am left with nowhere to go for answers!!! Maddening. A somewhat slow pace, but not at all boring. Excellent character development.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Ballantine books for my copy of A Christmas Resolution by Anne Perry. It published November 3, 2020.
This was my third of Anne Perry's annual Christmas books, and I just adore them! I love that you can come in basically anywhere and be in good shape! This was pleasant as always, but not sugary sweet. There is some tough stuff in here, but it doesn't go deep into detail. It had a strong thread of forgiveness, which is very heartwarming this time of year.
If you or a loved one is looking for a Victorian era Christmas mystery series that is heartwarming, not violent, (the crimes are previously committed), or ugly, this is a great choice!

Unfortunately I was unable to finish this book. I found the story to be quite repetitive. I found the characters to be weak, and the plot uninteresting.