Member Reviews
Four favorite authors, four delightful Christmas novellas! This is a must read Christmas collection for Regency romance fans. Each story captures the delightful traditions, fun outdoor activities, and swoonworthy romance of Christmas in Regency England.
“A Family Christmas” by Sally Britton: I loved this story of Cyril Grant who’s coming home for Christmas for the first time in many years. He worries about how his family will receive him and his sister, but he doesn’t have to worry with his grandmother’s endearing companion Jane to help him. I loved Jane & Cyril! Theirs is a grumpy/sunshine romance with humor, snowball fights, hide and seek, & family fun. Jane helps Cyril feel accepted and realize his family’s love. I loved her fun personality with a bit of mischief.
“Christmas Forevermore” by Sarah M. Eden: A clever gender bending retelling of A Christmas Carol. Minna has experienced profound loss and expects to remain a spinster, but not for long if local busybody matchmaker Mrs. Jackson has her way. Presented with suitors who represent past, present, and future, Minna finds that her best friend may be her best bet yet. I loved seeing Minna open herself up to love despite her aloofness & cautiousness. It’s an amazing story with even a nod to Tiny Tim.
“Christmas at Cranfield” by Ashtyn Newbold: An achingly romantic story of thwarted love. Hannah and Simon have cared about each other since childhood. When Hannah and her family stay with Samuel for Christmas, she’s surprised to learn he’s betrothed. Though Hannah’s older brother WIlliam has designs for her future and the kind of man she ought to marry she was hoping that man was Samuel. The next Christmas finds Samuel free, but Hannah is all but betrothed. Will these two childhood sweethearts ever find happiness together? I loved the kissing boughs, dancing, and winter activities. The romance and almost kisses kept me hurriedly turning the pages.
“A Thrill of Hope” by Karen Thornell: This story had a bit of enemies to lovers vibes along with childhood friends to more. Isabel and Robert were childhood friends long ago, but have lost touch with each other. After her mother’s death, Isabel feels jaded when it comes to Christmas. An unexpected carriage ride companion and an awful snowstorm leave them trapped at Isabel’s aunt’s house. The time is spent reconnecting while enjoying Christmas activities and creating new traditions. As their romance blooms, their animosity melts away. It’s a lovely story full of hope, delicious tension, and a change of heart.
All of these novellas are fantastic and definitely put me in the Christmas spirit. Highly recommend to Regency romance fans and those who enjoy clean, romantic Christmas stories. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
This compilation of Christmas novellas is absolutely wonderful and so heartwarming. I love how each novella was definitely different, but they all had themes of found family and healing. I loved reading each one. Christmas romances are some of my favorite books to read and this anthology did not disappoint. Lots of love for these novellas!
I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
What a fun read to get into the Christmas season! All four stories are well written and engaging. I enjoy going back to the regency era and learning about the fun traditions they have to celebrate Christmas and twelfth night.
- “A Family Christmas” by Sally Britton: Cyril has been estranged from his family for years and is struggling with a family Christmas. But Jane, who is all to familiar with such feelings, is going to do her best to help him fit in - and maybe even more.
- “Christmas Forevermore” by Sarah M. Eden: Minna's hopes for an enjoyable Christmas are dashed when a renowned matchmaker stakes her reputation on finding Minna a match before Christmas, only a week away. But maybe her proposed matches inadvertently have something to teach Minna that will change the rest of her life...
- “Christmas at Cranfield” by Ashtyn Newbold: Hannah and Samuel were childhood friends. When they reunite as adults, the attraction between them is undeniable, but first one thing and then another stops them becoming more. Will they ever be free to truly express their love?
- “A Thrill of Hope” by Karen Thornell: Isabel gave up on Christmas after her mother's death. When her newly-remarried father packs her off to visit her aunt for Christmas, is it a chance for renewal or merely something to be endured? Robert fled London to escape a woman - he never expected to meet another...
I loved the second story - it's possibly my favourite Christmas story so far this year (or at least in the top two). I'm not always a fan of retellings, but this managed to provide enough nods to A Christmas Carol (often in the form of delightful mis-quotes) while not sticking slavishly to the story that it worked really well. And of course, there are great characters and wonderful humour - I loved Minna's friend group and watching them interact. I also really enjoyed the first and last stories - Jane's welcoming spirit is inspiring, and watching Isabel and Robert spar is hilarious and at times touching (I loved the way they could tease and joke but still know when to be serious). The third story wasn't really my cup of tea, but that's not uncommon in a set - I'm sure others will appreciate it. All in all, a delightful collection, perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit. It might even introduce you to a new author! Recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
A collection of sweet Christmas novellas.
The story I felt most invested in was Christmas at Cranfield, waiting for two friends to finally be together. My heart lurched back and forth as the Christmas seasons come and go, unsure of the choices they will make for their futures.
For a cozy winter weekend read, I'd recommend this one!
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Christmas time is a wonderful time with all the anticipating for what is to come. One of the lovely things to do while waiting for the big day is reading Christmas stories and this new anthology is a beautiful add. Four sweet and heartwarming tales with all the Holiday feeling and one or two match making relatives will take you right into the Season in a blink. Love that takes you by surprise, old love that shows itself being returned and other romantic senarios will fill you with all the best emotions of this the most wonderful time of the year.
This collection of regency Christmas novella is perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit. I read two Christmas books this weekend as my kids got out of Halloween decorations. Is it too early? Maybe. Did it stop me? No!
Each of these stories is written by an author I enjoy, so I was excited to read them. Steeped in Christmas traditions and true love, it’s the perfect collection for when you need a quick pick me up with a story that keeps your attention, but doesn’t take too much time.
If you like grumpy/sunshine, found family, friends to lovers, brothers best friend and forced proximity, these three stories bring them all.
An enchanting collection of Christmas novellas. Each one of them is such a delightful read! It fully set me in a Christmas mood (you should see the candles in my room;)).
Even thou I love all four stories, my favourite is ”Christmas Forevermore” by Sarah M. Eden. I was absolutely delighted to read Minna and Rupert's story from the beginning to the end!
* I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and this is my honest opinion.*
#BookRevew: CHRISTMAS FOREVERMORE
by Sarah M. Eden, Sally Britton, Ashtyn Newbold, Karen Thornell
I have enjoyed this Christmas romance collection from four wonderful authors. I have read their other books so I know that these will be good. It didn’t disappoint.
Each independent Christmas romance novella in this collection is well written, engaging, and heartwarming. Some are more leisurely paced than others, but each has its own unique charm. As one story ends, the next transports me to another world, while still retaining the same festive Christmas spirit.
All of these books have their own merits, but I especially cherished A Thrill of Hope by Karen Thornell. I adored both characters and how the story unfolded. I highly recommend that you check out this book if you like Christmas and regency romance.
Rating: 4 ⭐
Pub date: 03 Oct 2023
Thank you Covenant Communications and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
These four Christmas Novellas were all so cute and made me wish it was already December! I have enjoyed everything I have read from each of the authors and these novellas were so perfect to just sit down and read each story in one sitting.
If you want to get in the Christmas mood, this is the book to read!
An abundance of Christmas cheer, house parties, snow storms, crackling fires, kissing boughs and meddling matchmakers… Four funny, sweet and charming Regency romance novellas bundled up in one very cozy book!
I enjoyed reading this book with a very strong Hallmark Christmas movie vibe. Every single one of them a quality tale, they were maybe a little too sweet for my personal taste.
Still, this anthology would make a very fine gift for any audience!
4 great authors with 4 perfect stories around Christmas. Prepared your blanket your cup of chocolate and enjoy this fabulous book.
My favorites are Sally Britton "A family Christmas" which tells the story of Cyril, who plans to join his much up in ranking in society family and find It a difficult situation to deal with. But a woman from the house staff will help him opening up to the family and to her.
The other one is Ashtyn newbold "Christmas at Cranfield" with a friends to lovers trope that find obstacles in their way to love.
Sarah M Eden and Karen Thornell are also in this anthology and their stories are also great.
Hit all the right notes.
I thought this was a very enjoyable Christmas anthology. It was clean and introduced some new authors to me. I particularly enjoyed "A Family Christmas" by Sally Britton. I thought "Christmas Forevermore" was somehow a fresh take "A Christmas Carol."
Recommend. Definitely hit all the right notes and warm fuzzies.
#ChristmasForevermore #NetGalley
I loved the four stories in this book. They were well written and so fun to read. Each story though short felt like the stories weren't rushed.
I thoroughly adored each of the novellas in this compilation. Each one had a unique charm that perfectly matches the Christmas season. And since most of them contain a slow burn (as much of a slow burn as you can get in a novella, that is), reading this book felt like savoring a Christmas candle.
I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
A Family Christmas by Sally Britton:
Cryril Grant spends Christmas time with his family after years abroad but doesn't feel he fits in. Jane Allen, a ladies companion to his grandmother, shows him kindness and eases him into the holiday fun with all his cousins. Her gentle ways soon lead his heart to fall in love with her. It seems this Christmas had a magic all its own!
Christmas Forevermore by Sarah M. Eden:
Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol re-imagining story that was every bit as delightful as the original! Against her wishes, the local matchmaker sets Minna Schofield up to meet three gentlemen in hopes for a wedding by Christmas day. Minna is just as determined to thwart her efforts! Loved the twists and turns and the references to the movie/book were cleverly sprinkled throughout. It was also a friends-to-more romance which I absolutely love! If you are like me and enjoy watching Charles Dickens movie every year, you'll be delighted with Sarah Eden's contribution to this wonderful collection.
Christmas at Cranfield by Ashtyn Newbold:
Siblings William and Hannah Somerton are invited to spend Christmastide with their childhood friend Samuel in his newly inherited estate. Both Hannah & Samuel carry a secret adoration for each other and hope this holiday season will spark a romance between them. However, circumstances conspire to keep them apart; will their someday love story ever come to pass? I loved this friends-to-more troupe by a favorite author of mine! Newbold pens heartfelt stories that tug at your emotions and this was no exception. What a perfectly lovely novella!
A Thrill of Hope by Karen Thornell
A snowstorm forces Isabel Reid and Robert Collingham to spend Christmastide at her aunt’s estate. They haven’t seen each other since childhood & it wasn’t with fond memories either. Sparks fly between the two but most certainly not the romantic kind! Will their close proximity bring more strife or perhaps a possibility for love? I didn’t care for this one as much because I had a hard time liking Isabel’s character. I felt she was much too abrasive, abrupt, aggravating and childish at times. I didn’t see enough redemptive qualities for my taste, even in the end. All in all, I did enjoy getting to know her aunt & Robert, and all the Regency Christmas traditions play out in the pages.
Each one of these stories brought Christmas to life in all of its festive traditions of old and through the eyes of the characters. If you’re looking for your next holiday read, might I suggest picking up Christmas Forevermore to enjoy?
*I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Covenant Communications through Interviews & Reviews and Netgalley. *
I really enjoyed this book. This was my favorite anthology of stories that I've read. Highly recommend.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely.
I just reviewed Christmas Forevermore by Sarah M. Eden, Sally Britton, Ashtyn Newbold, Karen Thornell. #ChristmasForevermore #NetGalley
Delightfully Charming and very Cozy Christmas Novellas contained within this Christmas Anthology! All four of these authors are favorites of mine and I was so excited when I saw they all had stories in this one. Lots of fun Christmas cheer. Sweet and Swoony love stories. Humor and Wit! Curl up and enjoy these delightful stories all in one sitting or savor them one by one!
~A Family Christmas by Sally Britton~ 5*~
I really enjoyed the family dynamics in this sweet Christmas novella. Cyril and his sister have returned from overseas to be with family and hopefully to have help in his sister's upcoming season. What he expects is to be ignored or barely acknowledged due to having been away for so long. But he's in luck. The sweet Jane is there to help him realize how important family is and that he does truly belong. I loved their story and the fun antics played along the with. Hide and Seek and lots of fun snow filled activities. Plus all the family fun! Very charming Christmas story!
~Christmas Forevermore by Sarah M. Eden~ 5*~
We all need some matchmaking friends in our lives right. Or maybe busybodies? Hahaha! Ok maybe not. But Mrs. Jackman sure thinks that Minna needs her services. And thus starts a delightful story of matchmaking wherein Minna and her dear friends Lettie, Rupert and Simon all try to avoid Mrs. Jackman while still enjoying the Christmas season. Oh heavens, there are plenty of humorous scenes throughout this one. You'll definitely be giggling and shaking your head at Mrs. Jackman's matchmaking ways. But Minna takes it all in stride and very expertly navigates all of the gentlemen. Except one. That one seems to be taking a greater hold on her heart and she's not quite sure what she's going to do about it.
~Christmas at Cranfield by Ashtyn Newbold~ 5*~
This charming story is full of waiting and wishing and hoping. Some heartache and sorrow but never fear, there's joy and happiness beyond what Hannah could have imagined at the end. I just adored this story! Timing is not in Hannah and Samuel's favor. Especially with Hannah's older brother William taking matters of Hannah's future into his hands. He's well intentioned but it definitely isn't what Hannah's heart is longing for. I loved the house parties, the friendship, the quiet moments, all the mistletoe *happy sigh*, the horses, the games of wit and so much more! The waiting is well worth it in the end!!!
~A Thrill of Hope by Karen Thornell~ 5*~
A Christmas spent in a place far from home. A carriage ride with an unexpected person. A crazy blizzard. Isabel finds herself on her way to her aunt's house for Christmas. Her father off on his honeymoon with his new wife has left Isabel to be chaperoned by a neighboring friend. Except that friend sends his son in his stead. Which of course starts her journey off in a completely different fashion than she initially thought it would be. With the snowstorm that comes, Robert finds himself stuck at Isabel's aunt's house. This forced proximity story was so fun! I loved how Isabel and Robert slowly start to rebuild their friendship from years gone bye. The sweet flirtations and adventures they find themselves on were so fun to watch. I loved it all!
Content: All four novellas are clean and delightful! Just some kisses and nothing further.
I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
A collection of four proper and Regency Romance novellas. The blurb gives brief descriptions of the individual stories so I wont recap. But this book is full of finding love, with lots house parties, playing games, making Christmas boughs, playing in the snow, warming fires and a some meddling matchmakers. Tropes include second chance romance, childhood friends to more, and grumpy vs. sunshine. The gentle teasing humor from Thornell really stood out to me. I liked all of the stories and have previously read books from Eden and Thornell. The other two authors were new to me. I like reading short stories as it is a way to find new to me authors. This is a fun holiday collection for fans of clean historical romances. Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
What is better than getting a book with four stories in it? Get a book with four Christmas stories in it!
Christmas Forevermore is a delightful Christmas anthology, with some authors that are new to me and others that I already follow. But each author got me in the mood for Christmas and kept me turning the pages.
Each story is set in the 1800s and takes you back to all the Christmas activities that might have taken place. From gathering greenery to decorate the house, to lighting a Yule log, to snowball fights in the snow, and to romances that make you wish to see the characters again, Christmas Forevermore is a book you want to read.
Make sure you get this book on your list for the holiday season, as it is one you don't want to miss!
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Covenant Communications through NetGalley for my honest review.