The Widows Christmas Surprise by Jenna Jaxon

A reasonably well written historical romance. It also has some darker moments.

The main character could be a bit annoying due to being a bit immature.

An ok read but not an overly Christmassy story.

Essex 1817

Left widowed after the shameful death of her husband from a duel, her future is held in suspense until a new heir can be found. She had given birth to a girl, so there was no son to inherit.

He was the stewart of the estate and had admired her since she came the mistress. She had seemed young and in love with her husband, who was really a terrible rake and had actually died due to his duplicity.

A story of many unfortunate circumstances and choices, with a terrible relatives thrown in make the road to happy ever after a winding one! Looking forward to the next in this series!

If you're wanting a nice lighthearted Christmas story, this isn't it! I wasn’t expecting suicide to be a subject, so be aware of that.
The story was a bit “meh”, it had some issues and some of the characters just irritated me.

Maria is one of the most immature heroines I've ever read and I didn't feel any connection to her. As for her romance with Hugh, I felt no sparks between them at all. I was cheering for her though, when she finally stood up for herself!! As for Hugh, I found him to be a real sweetheart and I felt so sad for him at what happened to his brother.

Over all this book was good but not wonderful.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eArc to review.

The Widows Club books are among my favorite historical romances. While's I've read them all in order, it is not strictly necessary, as each can stand on its own. Unlike the other widows in the series, Maria did not lose her husband at Waterloo, but rather in a duel. Otherwise, there are no real surprises in the plot, but this is another sweet and well written offering from Jaxon..

This is not a lighthearted Christmas romance. This story has a lot of deep plot points to it. Overall, it was not what I was expecting but I was happy with the ending.

I was intrigued by the blurb for this book and not as happy upon reading the story. The heroine, Maria, is such a goose. I realize that women of the era were not thought of as smart, they are delicate creatures and all...but good grief!!! She needed tending at every turn. I have now learned that I truly appreciate that the HR books I have read to this point in my life have had strong, intelligent and capable women at the helm.

High Granger is a good and decent man. He has a lot on his hands and manages admirably. His dedication to family is nice.

The story just didn't do much of anything for me. I felt bad for Maria being widowed twice before she hit 18, but it wasn't my usual investment in a story. The villains felt forced and over the top, not a fan. The attempts to gain Maria just upset me because of the overt nature of each event.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complementary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in anyway.

Reviewed by Lisa RIngsby for Buried Under Romance

War and stupid husbands create too many widows, as this series has shown. However, the ladies are all magnificent, as are the men that they end up with.

Maria, Lady Kersey has been widowed twice. She married her first husband, William, while they were both too young, but he was off to war and died in Waterloo. A few years later, still an innocent, she foolishly eloped with Alan, Lord Kersey, who she thought loved her, but he was a cad, a rake and unfaithful, and dies in a duel before their child was born. Without any settlements having been drawn up, she and her daughter are at the mercy of the new earl. Fortunately, it takes a while before the new heir is found and meanwhile she finds herself in a mutual attraction to Hugh Granger, the steward. But when the new earl is found and comes with his family to take residence, she finds that the new earl and his oldest son are made from the same cloth as her late husband. Hugh would marry her, but he has his own possible family scandal. Lucky, Maria has her cousin, Jane, the former ladies of the Widow's Club and their husband have her back.

I read an ARC provided by NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

asn’t expecting from the title. And if like me, you were thinking of a lighthearted holiday romance – then no, that’s not what you’ll find with Maria and Hugh. There is darkness here, some heavy subjects even in the modern world that while providing an interesting backdrop to the romance still should have a bit of a warning attached (in my opinion). You will encounter conversations about suicide, violence, and definitely a cheating unfaithful husband who meets his end during a duel. And yes, he was indeed a nasty piece of work.

Although twice widowed, Maria is young and perhaps that explains why she so often seemed immature to me. As a widow, she should have known about several things that she seemed to have no clue about and her actions often took me away from truly being able to like or be on her side throughout this romance. I eventually liked Maria as she grew a bit through experience and Hugh’s presence, but I never felt like she deserved the man who loved her. And for that reaction, I am somewhat sorry, but nothing has changed my mind – not even a very satisfying ending.

Hugh had my attention and my heart from the very beginning. His devotion to Maria, even from afar and helping where he could, was precious to observe. Although he has his own troubles brewing his love for Maria never faltered. I liked Hugh, it’s just as simple as that.

I wish Maria’s daughter had made more appearances in this story. Perhaps seeing her cherish her little one, bond with her might have changed how I felt… but that happened only rarely.

I know it sounds like I hated this story which is far from the truth – I did enjoy The Widow’s Christmas Surprise, just not the way I expected to, and mostly through a few, select character’s actions. Not all Christmas centered Romances are going to be light and festive, some will be dark and brody and this was the case for me with Hugh and Maria’s tale.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Kensington Books via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

The Widow’s Christmas Surprise (The Widow’s Club #5). By Jenna Jaxon. 2020. Kensington (ARC eBook).

Lady Maria Kersey’s life is in upheaval. Her late husband left her widowed after losing a duel one month before she gave birth to their first child, a daughter. Now she and her daughter are shunned by the ton and at the mercy of the estate’s new Lord Kersey, an ambitious man and his family, recently returned from America. Her only assurances and friendships come from her cousin and her late husband’s steward Hugh Granger. Maria could imagine a new beginning with the kind and competent Hugh, but his financial stability is as up in the air as Maria’s and he doesn’t want to risk lowering her status further.

As Maria returns to London to distance herself from the machinations of the Kerseys and to visit her dear friends from The Widow’s Club, both she and Hugh receive some surprising news that could grant them their fondest wish. Will their love prevail in spite of their class differences and the possibilities of new freedoms?

The Widow’s Christmas Surprise is an enjoyable Regency romance about coming together and finding love in the face of tragedy and scandal. There are some over-the-top actions and reactions scattered throughout and Maria’s baby daughter is relinquished into the background pretty early on. Despite that and while I don’t feel this is the strongest installment, overall Maria and Hugh are a nice addition into The Widow’s Club series. One thing to note though is that there is very little to recommend this as a Christmas story despite the title.

This Christmas Novella packed in a lot, as all other reviews have said, it was not the usual lighthearted regency romp. Young widow Maria has been married and bereaved twice. Her first husband was much older, and she was compromised into a second marriage to the rakish Adam, Lord Kersey, who continued to be a philanderer after his marriage, and was killed in a duel with an irate husband about a month ago. Adam wrote a new will, but Maria doesn't know, she has just had a baby girl and she is worried about being destitute. Now Maria was a very young, naive and truly unworldly girl, who was not sure how to get herself out of the fix she found herself in. She had not delivered a son, so she was completely at the mercy of Adam's heir. The scandal of her husband had also tainted her reputation, and she wasn't sure how she was going to support herself and her child.

Adam's steward, Hugh Granger, has always loved Maria from afar, and Maria is in her turn attracted to Hugh. Her cousin Jane is very strict with her, almost treating her like a child, and strongly discourages this budding relationship. When Maria leaves her home to spend Christmas with the other widows her cousin has befriended, can she see through the machinations of the new heir and his son, and can she get her due inheritance from her former husband. Will she and Hugh be able to achieve their own HEA?

The denoument near the end and hthe arrival of Jane's lover from Scotland pepped up the ending to this story, with it's realistic portrayal of a teenaged wife in a difficult and dangerous situation.

I voluntarily reviewed and advance reader copy of thos book and all opinions are my own.

THE WIDOW’S CHRISTMAS SURPRISE is the fifth book in Jenna Jaxson’s “Widows' Club” series. Lady Maria Kersey lost her rake of a husband in a duel. Unfortunately for her, she recently gave birth to a girl instead of a potential male heir. Now she finds herself in a situation feared by many aristocratic women – worrying over her position and at the mercy of the new heir and his family. THE WIDOW’S CHRISTMAS SURPRISE is told primarily from Maria’s perspective, as well as the hero. Hugh Granger was the steward of Maria’s late husband. Hugh is extremely noble and a 100% good guy – the opposite of Maria’s former spouse. This is a story about the unfairness of inheritance laws and the mystery and diabolical machinations involving a will. Through it all, Hugh is a rock for Maria, and readers see how their relationship evolves over time.

This story has quite a cast of complex and compelling characters that had me glued to the page. Maria was a little naïve when she met Alan, Lord Kersey but over time she has toughened up a bit. She still distrusts her instinct when it comes to men, but she’s a little more self-aware. The central issue for many of the characters is whether there is a will and whether there was any provision for the widow. In some ways, because of the importance of the will and the scheming and nefarious characters, this reminded me of some of my favorite Golden Age Dorothy Sayers mysteries. Money and potential scandal stand in the way of Hugh and Maria finding happiness together. As a man, Hugh thinks it’s his responsibility to provide financially as well as to provide a scandal free and secure life for Maria if she marries him. His honor almost sinks him when it comes to love. I like that the attraction is a slow burn and that the relationship evolves from friendship and initial physical attraction and blossoms into much more. Oodles of sexual tension in THE WIDOW’S CHRISTMAS SURPRISE.

THE WIDOW’S CHRISTMAS SURPRISE is about a heroine who finds hidden strength to fight for her happiness and newfound love. I loved the support the heroine got from her friends. I am curious about several characters after reading this book. I worry about the safety of one of the female characters, and I’m intrigued by the heir’s brother. I look forward to Jenna Jaxson’s next book.

I have read the other books within this series and enjoyed them. This was a good addition - giving you the story of these characters. Enjoyed and will be recommending.

Maria is twice widowed twice. She is young and now has a daughter to raise. If not for her husband's infidelities which led to her death she might have had a chance for an advantageous match. Unsure of her standing and her financial situation she makes do with the help of Hugh, the steward who is a very kind man she can't help but fall for. She also depends on her cousin Jane who is like a mama bear who keeps reminding Maria not to make the same mistakes. When the new Earl is found she is on precarious ground. But when a lost will is found circumstances change and Maria is used as a pawn. Can Hugh help her find the truth and will his circumstances change so he can marry her? I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.

Maria, Countess Kersey, is a month away from bearing her first child, but is about to be widowed for the second time in her young life. Her husband, Alan, is a rake and philanderer, and has been challenged to a duel by a wronged husband. Alan realizes too late the error of his ways, and prepares a last minute will, having it witnessed and messaged off to his attorney. Alan’s premonition was correct, as he dies of his injury, leaving Maria to face an uncertain future. When her child is born, it’s a girl, rather than the hoped for heir. It also seems that the attorney has no knowledge of Alan’s last minute will, and Maria and her daughter will now be dependent upon the charity of the new earl, once he’s located.

Hugh Granger is the late earl’s steward, and has admired Maria from a respectful distance. Though Maria has only recently given birth and been widowed, she seems to have become instantly smitten with Hugh, as well. Maria’s cousin, Jane, has been her steadfast companion over the last months, putting her own romance on hold to guide Maria through this difficult time. Jane is also determined to discourage any budding attraction between Maria and Hugh, feeling that he is entirely unsuitable.

THE WIDOW’S CHRISTMAS SURPRISE is not really a joyous holiday romance, though it does have a happy ever after. There are also quite a number of dark elements such as infidelity, scheming relatives, deception, suicide, incompetence, and the unfortunate plight of women who are at the mercy of men and society. Hugh is a lovely and honorable man, while Maria seems young and flighty, overly concerned about her position in society. She actually spends very little time with her child, and it seems that there is much more interaction between Maria and Jane than between Maria and Hugh. I wonder at their falling in love for not having spent that much time together. The new heir and his son are despicable people, and I did enjoy the one instance when Maria finally showed some backbone and spoke her mind. One character I was truly fond of was Jane’s neglected lover, who finally comes in search of her, tired of being put off time after time. He showed exceptional intellect as well as having a vibrant and charming personality. I think THE WIDOW’S CHRISTMAS SURPRISE is a story that will appeal to readers who enjoy multiple complicated situations with many hurdles for the main characters to overcome as they achieve their happy ending.

The Widow’s Christmas Surprise by Jenna Jaxon is book 5 in The Widow's Club Series. This is the story of Maria Kersey and Hugh Granger. I have read the previous book but felt this can be a standalone book if you want to do so. Maria is a young widower whose husband died in a dual after he was caught with another women. Now she and her newly born daughter are left without anything really. Hugh is steward who has feelings for Maria but he is limited to what he can do. Of course their journey isnn't a easy one but I did enjoy their story.

This book was a pleasant surprise but became to realistic for me to loose myself in it. I am a big romantic and do enjoy the fluffy romance novels, and felt this book was not meant for me. I do love other books by Jenna Jaxon but did not enjoy this one as much.

The Widow's Christmas Surprise by Jenna Jaxon was a historical romance with almost too much reality. It opens with a man writing out a last minute will. He was not participate in a duel in an hour and he was preparing to die. It served him right. The man he had wronged had very right, and he had wronged so many others. He would not, however, wrong his wife and unborn child. He had the will witness and pressed it into the hands of his steward and bade him set off for London and deliver it to the hands of his solicitor. He was, indeed, correct. He was killed. Several months later his wife was delivered of a girl and the search for the heir commenced. It took several months to locate him. In the meantime, Marie, the Dowager Lady Kersey, toured the Dowager House with the steward, Mr. Granger, and they developed a plan to refurbish it so she and her daughter could move it before the new earl arrived. That plan may endear her enough that he would allow her to stay and provide a small allowance. At the same time, feelings began to grow in each of them for the other: Marie and Granger.

Quite a good plot involving deceit and suicide gave this book its compelling feel. The characters were good, and strong. Maria was very young, eighteen, and had been widowed twice. She had sworn off men. Her cousin Jane was there to help reinforce this pledge. Through many ins and outs, the will was revealed, and things changed for everyone. The plot was inflammatory and heart-wrenching. The characters either inspired hatred or engendered deep sympathies. It was an education in the expectations and legalities of English society at the time. This was a well written novel with so many facets it was difficult to bring them all together to a satisfactory conclusion. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of The Widow's Christmas Surprise by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thewidowschristmassurprise

Lady Maria Kersey has just given birth to a lovely baby girl but can’t celebrate much given her late husband’s scandalous death in a duel just a month prior. Since the estate is left without an heir, Maria’s future rests on the largesse of the new earl once he is located. Her late husband’s reputation has left her own name blackened by London society and Maria is left with few friends. One of the few who show her any concern is Hugh Granger, the estate’s steward with whom Maria would like to be much more than friends. If only the charming man weren’t penniless.

Hugh has long admired Maria and finds her irresistible, even though he can’t offer her a stable future. Distraught at the new earl’s underhanded behavior in covering up the discovery of her late husband’s will, Maria opts to spend Christmas in London with her cousin and friends, never expecting events to unfold that will secure the happiness that so eluded her in her two previous marriages.

Wow was this book not what I expected. [You may risk what some would consider spoilers from here, but I’ll try to refrain as much as I can in this thought session.] No light-hearted Christmassy romp here. We actually have some pretty heavy topics introduced a bit here, although they were handled well. Maria was the big issue for me. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a sillier, more immature heroine. Yes, I understand she was still very young, but after two marriages, one to a rakish philanderer, one would think she’d have developed a bit more understanding and lost some of her naivete, or at least grown a spine. Maria’s cousin Jane was even worse in her own way. As a widow Maria had no need of a chaperone or such strict control over her movements and yet Jane was constantly nagging her. Jane kept on and on complaining about delaying her trip to visit her own lover in Scotland, even after Maria had ceased asking her to stay. Jane was definitely part of the reason Maria was still so naïve and unable to stand up for herself; she kept Maria dependent, even telling Maria she was to young to hear the story of Hansel and Gretel. (I had hoped this was a joke but given Jane’s insistence on treating Maria like a recalcitrant child, I’m not so sure.) When Maria truly did need companionship to save her from unwanted advances, Jane wasn’t there, and Maria kept on making the same stupid decisions right up to the end.

My annoyance with Maria aside, the basic story here wasn’t bad, although the dialogues were a bit cumbersome. The romance here, as well as the characterization of Hugh and Maria, was rather flat. We didn’t get much in the way of time these two actually spent together so their relationship didn’t seem very believable or deep to me. I appreciated them standing up for themselves in the end, but even that didn’t seem to be a permanent change, especially on Maria’s part. Their intimacy was also lacking for me and Maria was rather aggressive with Hugh to the point that I felt sorry for him. Especially given her previous description of her physical reaction and attraction to another man, however unwanted, just undermined her feelings for Hugh for me and that connection was never really strengthened. The villain here was believable, if dumb, and got much further than he should have simply because Maria didn’t bother to think and make inquiries about her situation, and nor did her supposedly worldly cousin. I also found it a bit odd that Maria’s baby was only trotted out a couple of times and otherwise mostly forgotten, though I suppose this is understandable given Maria’s immaturity. I also wound up feeling sorry for Maria at how fickle her friends were in their failure to wholly believe her over a known villain. She certainly deserved better friends and family and I wound up being proud of Hugh for his treatment of his own family and for how he and Maria went after what they truly wanted.

This story was a bit slow for me and I struggled to maintain my interest. Given my failure to connect with the characters in this book and the two previous installments, I’m not sure if I’ll continue this series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kersey Hall, Essex - 1817

Alan, the Earl of Kersey is writing his last will and testament. Most of the estate will pass to his wife, Maria, and the baby she is carrying. Alan is preparing to face a duel with Lord Remington whose wife he was caught bedding.

Jane, Lady John Tarkington is at Maria’s side as she gives birth to her daughter, Jane. The last month has been difficult for Maria after her husband was killed in a duel for being unfaithful to her. If Alan has left her no funds, she is in a fix. She cannot move to London because the gossips about Alan would ruin her. In addition, Maria was pregnant before they married and the gossips can count and, of course, they might even wonder if Alan is Jane’s father.

As Maria waits to hear from Alan’s solicitor in London as to her monetary fate, she decides to move to the dower house. Mr. Hugh Granger, steward for the estate has been very helpful to her in this difficult time. Maria and Hugh find themselves drawn to one another. Word finally comes that a distant relative has been found which is a man, his wife, and two sons from Virginia. When they take possession of Kersey Hall, Maria finds that the new Lord Kersey is an arrogant and cold man as is one of his sons. Before long, the new Earl’s family invites Maria and Jane to move from the dower house back to Kersey Hall.

Maria is disgusted by the arrogance of the Earl’s son, Lord Wetherby. His feelings towards women are the same as Alan’s were and she tries to avoid the man at all costs. Before long, Maria learns that the London solicitor has news for her and she and Jane hurry to London to meet with him. What could be the news awaiting her?

This is the fourth book I have read by this author. I’m sorry to say that for the most part the stories seem to be stressful and overdone. However, I think the author has some very good talent. Just need to remember that sometimes less is more. I do look forward to reading more by her.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Widow’s Christmas Surprise is the fifth book in The Widows’ Club, but I don’t think I missed much by not reading the entire series before this book. The cover is gorgeous and the brief description sounded great but I have to admit that once I started reading the book wasn’t like a happy holiday book I was expecting. The death, suicide, villainous new earl, and the immature heroine didn’t work for me. I feel Hugh was the only good in the book. He was kind and considerate of Maria and her situation. I like this author, but this was not my favorite of her books.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.