First sentence: Celia approached the vicar, who stood alone for a few moments in the shadow of the rounded arch above the doorway, sheltered from the rising wind. She wanted to say something about the excellence of his sermon beyond the usual “well done,” which covered anything and nothing. “That really was beautiful. You made me hear it again as good news,” she said with a smile. “I know the message is familiar, but the weight of meaning behind it felt new. You must know that.”

Premise/plot: John Hooper and his new wife, Celia, set about trying to prevent what could quite possibly be a disastrous marriage from occurring. Celia's close friend, Clementine, has agreed to marry the village's meanie, Seth Marlowe, whose first wife died under possibly suspicious circumstances. Aided by detective friends and some vicars--both their own vicar and other vicars from other villages where Marlowe has lived--they are hoping to prove his guilt or innocence--one way or another. But it might be tricky considering that Marlowe suspects them of suspecting him and trying to sabotage his future.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this holiday-themed mystery novel. I have read some but certainly not all--not even close--of Perry's holiday mysteries. I have almost always greatly enjoyed them. This is no exception! If circumstances were different in 2020, I would have probably put a good many of her Christmas books on hold this season.

I would definitely recommend this one to those that love Perry's other works and like Christmas books too.

Quotes:

“Most of us can be happy when we have what we want,” he pointed out. “The true victory lies in being kind even when we don’t have it.”

“Life is not avoiding pain, Mr. Hooper. It is learning how to deal with it with grace and courage. The lives of great people are stories of victory over pain and loss. Long, quiet lives of putting up graciously with difficulty and thinking of others.”

I was gifted this book from NetGalley and I just wanted to say thank you from the publisher and author for gifting me this ebook. I really loved this book! It is a short story and it is from a series so I can't wait to read this authors other books. The author did a really great job with the research for this time period and there is a great message in the story and the conclusion at the end. #netgalley #lovebooks #victorian #shortstory #christmas2020

This is another delightful Christmas Historical Fiction book from Anne Perry. It is an emotional read about Cecelia who is being accused of writing malicious letters to a man in town with a mysterious past. This book deals with physical and emotional abuse and the consequences that can come from such abuse. The characters are likeable and easy to relate to. The bond between Cecelia and her husband is heartwarming. The friendship between Cecelia and Clementine is heartwrenching as they are forbidden by Clementine's fiance to continue their friendship. I enjoyed the unconditional love the main characters showed to those that need help and guidance. It was an inspiring and uplifting read, despite the tragedies in the book. I would recommend this book to readers that enjoy an emotional read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Anne Perry gives us another outstanding Christmas Victorian tale of Christmas forgiveness and resolution involving a wife of one of William Monk's Thames River Police in 1872. The wife is accused of sending poisonous letters to a local gentleman who wants to marry a woman who is her friend in their village. As they try to find the roots of the man's mysterious and possible violent past the village relations are shredded. Of course Christmas virtues win out.

Anne Perry has written another great story in her A Christmas Resolution. I loved this beautiful tale. Five stars.

I didn't know this was a novella when I started reading it. I'm not usually a fan of short stories so I can't hold it against Anne Perry and will still give her William Monk series another try, but A Christmas Resolution did not change my opinion about short stories. There just isn't enough book to really develop any characters or spin a complex or interesting story. I feel like you can read the summary of this book and really have all the information you would get if you actually read the story. I suppose it's one of those 'cozy' reads if that interests you. But even the Christmas aspect of it didn't feel very tangible to me.

Basically the whole story is: Celia's friend Clementine is engaged to a man with a hard past that may or may not be dangerous. Her husband who is a policeman tries to find out while Celia worries about her friend and struggles with whether or not she is being judgmental and denying them both a chance at happiness. That's it. The results of the investigation aren't super surprising- which is fine, I read plenty of mysteries that I can figure out- but there just wasn't enough pages to really do anything with it in my opinion.

I am also confused by the title of it- A Christmas Resolution. After reading it, I am not entirely sure what the resolution was and who was making it. They talk a lot about forgiveness so maybe they decide to forgive more?

So the positives: it's a feel-good story, it portrays a healthy marriage between Celia and Hooper, it has a message of forgiveness, it's a quick read (a pro since I didn't like it that much)
The negatives: to me, it was boring and lacked depth

I'm guessing if the cover of this book appeals to you and looks like something you would like, then you probably would like it. I just prefer longer, more complex or hard-hitting books. If I was going to read a cozy Christmas mystery then I would have preferred to have the Christmas part more tangible and descriptive... like a Hallmark Christmas movie.

**Received an ARC via NetGalley**

I tried reading an Anne Perry book years ago, my stepmother was a fan, but it didn't work for me, although I no longer recall why. But when I saw this in an email from NetGalley, it sounded good so I decided to request it. I'm glad I did and I may try one of her main series. Although this one featured two minor characters from Perry's William Monk series as the main characters, the book worked fine as a stand alone.

"A Christmas Resolution" is a thoughtful meditation on the nature of forgiveness, friendship and its conflicting obligations, family and its obligations, and, ultimately, love in its many forms. There are several secular mysteries to be solved and the spiritual mystery of forgiveness to explore. Most people find it fairly easy to forgive someone you like or love. But what about someone you dislike or hate? That's far more challenging. When do you forgive and when do you not? If harm was done in the name of love, is that easier or harder to forgive? What about if it was done out of fear? I'm making this sound like a spiritual treatise, and it's not, but there is a spiritual underpinning. There's also a love story, several mysteries, low key action, and moderate levels of angst. "A Christmas Resolution" is very character driven and a lovely detour into the late 1880's in England. The world building is complex and layered and full of small details and psychological insights that build up the story. I was drawn in and hated when I had to put it down. I wanted to finish it but also wanted to savor it. It's a keeper.

It's easy to forgive someone you like, but to genuinely forgive an unlikable person a bit of Christmas miracle might be necessary. The latest of the Christmas Stories series is a follow up to some of the events in Dark Tide Rising. Some history and mystery, but a thoughtful, holiday season novella with heart.

Anne Perry's Christmas Stories series tell standalone, novella-length mysteries set both at Christmas and in the worlds of her two Victorian Detective series. This eighteenth installment, A Christmas Resolution, delves into the William Monk world with one of the prime secondary characters, his right hand man, John Hooper. Hooper's past came to light in Dark Tide Rising and he also met his wife in the critical hour. Two lonely people are adjusting to marriage and the partnership in life's toils and troubles as a result.

Celia has been confronted by a self-righteous temperamental man from the village church congregation because he suspects she is behind a poison pen letter he has received, but also because he sees what she did to get justice and save Hooper was a sin against God even though the courts and the vicar do not. The only way to free Celia from his threat and perhaps open the eyes of Celia's truly good friend who has agreed to marry him is for Celia and her husband to get to the truth behind the letters on a trail into his past. Meanwhile, Celia wrestles with the Christian teaching about forgiveness and how that applies to the nasty-tempered Mr.
Marlowe.

I've long been a fan of the author's work to bring the Victorian world of London to life from it's high, lofty Mayfair drawing rooms to its teaming, gritty slums in the East End and everything in between like this working class village along the Thames. Along with setting, she sketches in complex, shadowed characters with very believable human frailties and strengths like Celia and Hooper learning what daily life in a marriage is or a person coming to terms with a moral dilemma or a person choosing their weakness and fear over the work of changing. And, that is before one gets to the delicious mystery plots that twist and turn their way to a conclusion. The level of development in her novellas like this Christmas-themed one is no less than the novels in her main series books. I eagerly await each new release and the experience of reading her books. Those who want a solid historical mystery set against the holiday season should pick this one up- or start anywhere in the series that grabs the attention.

A Christmas Resolution by Anne Perry

In this holiday mystery, a smitten woman is about to marry a dangerous man, unless Detective Hooper and his wife, Celia, can prevent it.

A novel which included lies and dark evil shadows. There were good and bad characters. It talked about the days when wives were suppose to listen and only do what their husbands told them tondo. The plot was good, but it was repetitive and carried on a thought for too long.

Thanks to Net Galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for review.

Celia is married to Hooper ,who is a policeman ,so she is used to him investigating crimes but she has one of her own. Celia’s friend Clementine has had a hard life and seems to have met a man she wants to marry but he has a shady past. Can Celia find out how his previous wife died and what happened to his daughter? Mr. Marlowe will try everything to keep Celia from her investigation .
This is not your usual Christmas story but Anne Perry has given us a thought provoking feel good story.

This Victorian-era mystery kept me engaged from the first page. While I have never read anything by this author, I definitely look forward to reading more of her work. The story is well-written and it really felt as if I was participating in a PBS mystery movie.

Although this story may be read as a standalone, it is part of the author’s Christmas mystery series set in the Victorian era. As stated before, this is my first time reading this author’s work. However, it will not be my last. I definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley but the thoughts expressed are my own.

Anne Perry is a master of interiority. Her characters have rich inner worlds full of emotion that clearly drive their action and move along the plot. I will continue to return to her Christmas books year after year as a meditation of the season and exemplary emotional exposition.

Book Review: A Christmas Resolution by Anne Perry, Penguin Random House LLC, New York

First, thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read this sweet little novel in exchange for an honest review.

Here it was October, and I read two Christmas themed novels by familiar authors in rapid succession. As fall descends upon the year, the Christmas season brings with it hope for family connections, renewed faith, and as well as, for some, feelings of uncertainty, loneliness and sadness. In A Christmas Resolution, Anne Perry explores both as she writes about friends Celia and Clementine with story centering around Clementine’s pending marriage to a rather unpleasant man, Seth Marlowe.

Mr. Marlow has not had a happy life and as a result of his past, anger and disappointment carry over into every current aspect of his life, especially in how he treats others. As he struggles to hold on tight to Clementine while trying to isolate her from anyone who could potentially come between he and his “happiness,” he only makes the situation worse.

Celia has found her happiness in her later in life marriage to her devoted husband as well as her volunteer efforts with the poor. She only wants the best for her friend and her gut instinct tells her that Marlow’s past was not all he presents it to be and she fears for her friend’s future. He is hiding something and Celia is determined to unearth the truth.

What I liked about this book: It’s historical fiction which makes it compelling. The customs and ways of life of the world from a century before always make for an interesting story and reminds me how far women have come in terms of privilege and autonomy. It was entertaining without being drawn out and while only slightly predictable in terms of its outcome, it was deftly written and captured the mood and frustration experienced by the women involved in the story.

I have read so many of Anne Perry’s books and enjoyed all but was surprised at the anger emanating from the pages of this novella. The ability to change tone, tenor and formats is further indication of Ms. Perry’s abilities. Kudos for the strong feminine protagonist, boos to the Neanderthal who threatens at every turn. HoHums and bashing of the teeth for the milquetoast preacher. Hooray for the message that love and redemption will win out.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for a copy

This novella, 18th in a long-running series of Christmas novellas, takes place in 1870s London.
Celia, recently married to John Hooper who is a River Policeman and spent years working on boats, has a very dear friend, Clementine, who is engaged to marry Seth Marlowe. Seth plays somewhat the role of arch villain, unlikable, judgmental, holier-than-thou. Marlowe accuses Celia of writing some "poison pen" letters, and he threatens her. She visits with Reverend Arthur Robeson, local vicar, about this problem, but he believes he needs to please everyone, to keep the peace no matter the cost. Celia expresses her concerns to her husband and he decides it is worth investigating Marlowe. What he finds uncovers a rather unsavory business. Marlowe had a wife who died, and a daughter, Flavia, who is estranged from her father.
The story plays out on a dark and stormy Christmas Eve, with an ongoing theme of forgiveness.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Ballantine/Random House in exchange for an unbiased review.

I enjoyed this short story based during Christmas time of 1872 in England. In a very devote religious community, Celia Hooper who married late in life to John Hooper tries desperately to uncover the truth about a self righteous man, Seth Marlowe. Celia learns that he is recently engaged to marry her best friend Clementine Appleby, who is unaware of his shady past. Clementine is a sweet and generous woman who spends her time helping others especially the homeless and less desirable.

Celia is overwhelmed with the blessings she has even though it wasn’t an easy path for her. She had met her husband while he was investigating the murder of her cousin, Katherine, at the hands of her spouse Harry Exeter. John Hooper is called upon once again to help uncover truth and provide justice when past events surface regarding Seth Marlowe before he came to Thames.

Although the story is predictable, it was still a delightful read with the quaintness of a small English village during the holidays. The atmosphere and setting provided a backdrop for the themes of repentance and forgiveness to shine. It reminds us that no one is perfect and that the hardest part is owning our imperfections. There can be no meaningful restitution or resolution otherwise.

This is one of my favorite Christmas stories. This is a well developed story that is written with alot of heart and soul. I enjoyed being pulled in to the story right from the beginning. It is a fast paced mystery-romance story that kept me turning pages to the end. I had no issues connecting with the characters as they brought the story to life. The twists and turns that kept me guessing were great. This made such a great afternoon story. The characters bring the Christmas spirit as well as a great mystery for sure. I highly recommend this book and this author.

A smitten woman is about to marry a dangerous man—unless Detective Hooper and his new wife, Celia, can prevent it. Anne Perry has written another book based on the River Police where William Monk plays a role. I enjoy reading Ms. Perry’s Christmas books having read most of them. But for some reason, this one didn’t seem all that Christmasy. In fact I kind of forgot that it was a Christmas book until I got to the end and they said that tomorrow is Christmas Day. It would’ve been nice to have had a little bit more decorating Christmas trees and wrapping presents as part of the story.

The book was a nice form of a mystery, if you will. it wasn’t too difficult to figure out where is the story was headed. The end was a little dangly. The story wasn’t wound up as well as I would like since we don’t know exactly what happened to the bad guy. Guess we’ll have to figure that out on our own. Or maybe Miss Perry will write more information about these characters in a future William Monk novel.

I would like to think the publisher, author and Netgalley for a copy of this book. The comments are my own.

“A Christmas Resolution”—a novella by Anne Perry—has just been published. Perry excels at writing books set during the Victorian era and getting the tone, characterization and setting (England—and Perry is American) just right. This latest installment is no different.

I have very much enjoyed her mystery series, as well as her Christmas novellas in which she usually chooses a secondary character from her novels and develops them more fully. This was a particularly lovely example in that the novella had a spiritual theme, also, from the very first paragraph:

“Celia approached the vicar, who stood alone for a few moments in the shadow of the rounded arch above the doorway, sheltered from the rising wind. She wanted to say something about the excellence of his sermon beyond the usual “well done,” which covered anything and nothing.”

There is also a mystery involved. It is Christmas time, but Christmas isn’t the focus of this book. The primary themes of this book are caring about your fellow man, repenting when you have done something wrong, and forgiving others. This was the topic of the sermon mentioned above:

“Normally, the Reverend Arthur Roberson was not a very enthusiastic speaker. He was pleasant enough to look at, mild-mannered with an abundance of gray hair, although he was little over fifty. His voice was clear and well modulated, and he could sing with power. Usually, his sermons were competent, but not much more. However, today he spoke with an unaccustomed passion. Music filled his voice and his face was alight with the strength of his emotions.

“That is the message of the gospel,” he said to her. “The meaning of Christmas for all mankind, indeed for all the earth. No one is excluded, from the first year of our Lord until this year of grace 1872. And always, there is repentance for any and all sins. You cannot commit an act, entertain a thought, that God does not know.” He spread his arms wide, his eyes shining. “You cannot imagine any sin He has not already seen, and forgiven, if only you repent. From the small everyday sins of thoughtlessness, not caring about the grief of others, all the pain done by indifference,” he shook his head, “all the way to the depths of violence or depravity that lie at the edge of nightmare, it is all reachable to God. Such is His mercy and understanding.”

Who is Celia? She is the wife of Detective John Hooper, William Monk's right-hand man at the Thames River Police. They haven’t been married long, but have found much happiness. But that happiness is threatened when Celia’s optimistic and kind old-maid friend, Clementine, declares her intentions to marry Seth Marlowe, another church goer, but not one known for optimism or kindness. Marlowe is a widower whose first wife died under suspicious circumstances, and who drove his daughter into a life of ill repute. And now he is receiving poisonous letters and accuses Celia of writing them, and worse yet, orders her to stay away from Clementine.

Detective Hooper begins to investigate who might be writing the letters not only to clear his wife’s name, but also to protect Clementine from a potentially disastrous marriage.

I very much enjoyed this novella from Anne Perry and would like to thank Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book and for allowing me to review it. (Publication date: 3 November 2020)

I love books set in old England but to be a woman of that time period, I am pretty sure I wouldn’t have made a very good wife. The arrogance and pride of men is what has this book moving but it’s the women who are the stars. Thanks Anne!