Perfectly lovely. Loosely modeled after The Nutcracker with wonderful characters brought to life and life lessons to be learned. Edwardian era flawed and un-self-assured young adults against icy stiff foreign royal arrogance and yet each learns about their own true self. Christian values, love stories in a fanciful, creative and seasonal noble setting. Did you ever know how sugar plums are made? A treasure for Christmas or any time.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#ChristmasatSugarPlumManor #NetGalley #BethanyHouse #RoseannaMWhite #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalRomance

This was a sweet and cute Christmas read. I always enjoy White’s books so I was excited to read this one. I liked the pace and the characters drew me in. Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor is a novella written by Roseanna M White
Mariah and Cyril were fun together. I like how they fit each other and aren't afraid to be themselves when with each other. They had history together, since they had known each other as children but they had grown apart. Their romance was easy and grew over time. They had liked each other as children, but it grew to more as they spent time together
I like the themes that hinted at the Nutcracker story. It was cool to see the Easter eggs. I liked the other characters, they were intriguing. Some of the characters were a bit frustrating at times, but I understood them. This was an easy, enjoyable Christmas read.
I would recommend Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor to those who enjoy short, sweet Christmas romances. Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor is a clean Christian Christmas romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

What a delightful Christmas tale! Mariah is such a loveable heroine, you can't help but smile at her joy in everything. But the sugar plums sounded especially delicious! All the little nods to The Nutcracker were fun to spot. The perfect cheery (but not cheesey) Christmas read for me and my daughters.

This story is the perfect historical fiction book to pick up this holiday season! I love the richly portrayed characters that Roseanna M White writes.

“Maybe, just maybe, they'd grant that one could be a reasonable adult and still see the world with imaginative eyes and with a heart ready to believe.”

I enjoyed every moment of this sweet Christmas novella. A lot of times I feel like novellas feel rushed or I have trouble really feeling connected to the characters. That was absolutely not the case with this one. The author did an amazing job with the descriptions and made me feel like I could see everything happening. I loved how sweet and whimsical Mariah is and that Cyril not only tolerated that aspect of her personality, but appreciated it and joined in her stories. I love the relationship she had with her siblings and stepfather. For a shorter story, all of the characters and the storyline are all well developed and thought out. And, after the descriptions of the food, I find myself wanting to try sugar plums and will be researching recipes.

I’ve been saving this book to begin on November 1st. What a sweet Nutcracker-themed novel with a neat redemptive arc for all

Lady Mariah is between a rock and a hard place. While Christmas at Plumford Manor is full of her favorite things -- like sugar plums -- there are two guests who are husband material and neither seems just right. Cyril Lightbourne was once a childhood playmate, but has ghosted her for years. Soren Gyldenkrone is Danish royalty and as cold as the Denmark winters.

Here are five things I loved about this meaningful holiday read:

👑The real reason for the season is front and center. The folks at Plumford Manor are celebrating the birth of the King of kings. Their true joy is in Him and not the trappings of the season.
🩰The 'Nutcracker' vibes were at just the right level for me. I am not super familar with the story, but we can clearly see who the Mouse king and Nutcracker are. The notes by the author at the end of the book are also very helpful.
📚There are some hints of 'Sense and Sensibility' and Downton due to the fact that a distant cousin is the only one allowed to inherit the estate.
👗That cover! So festive and inviting.
👴There are some delightful supporting characters like Professor Skylark who tinkers in a workshop on the estate to create a Christmas masterpiece for the annual holiday ball.

It could be that the red dress on the cover really cast a spell on me. This was an amazing reading experience from the start -- partly due to the fact that my reading buddy, the terrific Tina, was right there with me. You will definitely want to check out her review. The quote she chose is such a beautiful representation of this holiday read.

Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

This is one I really wanted to love but only ended up liking. First off - just look at that amazing cover! It reels you in right away! The story gathers its inspiration from, "The Nutcracker." I'm not as familiar with that story and probably should have brushed up on it.

Joy didn't come from what the world made sense. Joy came by embracing love."

Lady Mariah lives at Sugar Plum Manor. She has two suitors. Her childhood friend, Cyril who comes back to the manor as he is next in line to inherit, and Gyldenkrone, a cousin of The Prince of Denmark who is in need of a wife. It's a triangle of sorts set in the Edwardian era. A short novella that is filled with all the holiday trimmings. While it's a sweet story of love and redemption, I just did not fully warm to the characters. It's still a meaningful Christmas story and I would still recommend it - especially to fans of, "The Nutcracker."

The best part of reading this was that I read this with my Darlin' Darla reading buddy! I urge you to take a look at her review as she may have an alternative point of view that just might entice you to pick this one up this holiday season 🎄🍬🍭

Light Christian Historical Fiction Romance

Published September 3, 2024

I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for granting me access to this Advanced Reader's Copy.

I loved every inch of this book. The Nutcracker is a favorite of mine so it was a delight to see it sprinkled throughout the book. The familiar story (thanks to Jane Austen) of a woman not being able to inherit the family land is set at Christmas. Two men - Cyril who will inherit and Soren who is looking for a proper wife - come to visit. Mariah, stepdaughter of the Lord of the manor who truly loves the land and its people, is young and whimsical. Her delight in Christmas and in loving those around her shines through, making this a terrific holiday tale.

Grab a copy of this novella and a mug of hot chocolate and spend a couple of hours preparing for the season.

This is Christian fiction so expect discussions of God and faith.

Family friendly.

This book was so cute! The characters were nice and I loved their banter. There are two romances in the book and both were so sweet! I would recommend if you’re looking for a cozy Christmas romance to curl up with during the holidays! And can we talk about how stunning this cover is?! 😍

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Lovely short Edwardian Romance, perfect for the holiday season! I don't think this is a straight out retelling of The Nutcracker, but there are echoes of the classic Christmas tale with a Danish Nobleman and an English Lady who helps children.

If you want a short, sweet Christmas read, this is a really good choice.

Thanks to Bethany House for approving me for this title on Netgalley. This did not influence my opinions which are entirely my own.

Do you love The Nutcracker? Have you read the book? Watched the ballet? I've done both, and it's a delightful, whimsical story. When I saw that Roseanna M. White had a new book coming out, I didn't even read to see what it was about; I just knew I needed to read it. So I was surprised and delighted to find that she has written a retelling of The Nutcracker in Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor.

If you enjoy a quick, light-hearted, Hallmark-type retelling Christmas novella, then you will absolutely love this book!

For myself, it was a little too neatly packaged and whimsical, which isn't my thing. But if you like low to no angst stories, which definitely have their place, you'll enjoy this one.

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

This was such a sweet story and being a novella it is a pretty quick read. A sweet story with a play on the whimsical tale of the Nutcracker. Childhood friends Mariah and Cyril have lost contact with each other but when he is brought back to the manor due to some responsibilities it is like no time has passed between them. They quickly reconnect and get to know each other again.

Plumford Manor is a wonder. I mean the way the author describes it sounds out of a fairy tale and makes you want to roam the halls and stay in the kitchen with the cooks as they bake all the things with sugar plums.

The storyline is truly whimsical and definitely gives you all the Christmas feels. So add this to your Christmas TBR, it will make you smile and sigh at the wonderment of it all.

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor brings readers a tender and enchanting romance, set against the backdrop of a grand estate during a snowy holiday season. When Lady Mariah Lyons learns that the manor she adores will be passed to Cyril Lightbourne—a dear friend from her youth—she faces the bittersweet reality of change. Years have come and gone since she last saw Cyril, who now has ties to the rumoredly heartless Lady Pearl. Although her affection for him once bloomed with hope, Mariah resolves to welcome him as the rightful heir while protecting her heart.

Cyril’s arrival for Christmas stirs up unexpected feelings, and the bond he and Mariah shared as children begins to resurface. However, the situation grows even more complex when a nobleman from Denmark appears, intent on capturing Mariah’s hand by the holiday. In this novella’s beautiful, Nutcracker-inspired retelling, the holiday magic glows as Mariah is swept up in a heartfelt journey where family, friendship, and romance collide, revealing love in the most unexpected ways.

This is a warm, nostalgic story that delivers a happily-ever-after to satisfy any holiday romance lover, complete with memorable characters and sweet, cozy moments.

An absolutely delightful book! The story is magical! The food mentioned sounds delectable ( I will be trying the included recipe 😋). It's a reminder of the beauty that surrounds the Christmas holiday.

As with all of Roseanna White's books, her characters are people who I actually want to have a relationship with them. They are relatable and easy to like. I LOVE Mariah! She's bubbly, expressive, and just all-around likable! She helps to remind her family about the magic of Christmas. Cyril is a hunk! I like his shy and humble nature.

There are 2 sweet romance stories that made my heart happy! Second chances and true love never disappoint.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor has me ready for Christmas in October! I enjoyed seeing Roseanna M. White’s nods to The Nutcracker in this short and sweet story. Definitely add this one to your holiday TBR. 4/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor
By Roseanna M. White
This is an enjoyable and delightful retelling of The Nutcracker. The key elements of the story are there but they woven into the story so artfully that if you are not aware of it beforehand you may not notice it.

Lady Mariah Lyons loves her home at Plumford Manor, especially at Christmas time when she helps transform it into Sugar Plum Manor. Unfortunately as the stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, she'll never inherit her belief home. No it will be passing to distant relative of the earl's, Cyril Lightbourne.

Cyril was a close friend of Mariah after a delightful holiday while both were still children. But time and a misunderstood conversation have reshaped what everyone expected to have happened. Years have passed Cyril and Mariah finally get a chance to rediscover their bonds of childhood friendship.

This is a lovely story that retells a Christmas Classic without resorting to the use of magic or oversized rodents. My favorite scene involves the Christmas display and all the wonders one could conceive of. And when Mariah plans a surprise with the village children she changes this holiday into one no one will ever forget. Highly recommended if you want a quiet, clean read for the Christmas season.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

If you are looking for a book to tuck away for a Christmastime indulgence or to tuck in someone’s stocking, then look no further. Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor has all the Christmas vibes, a bit of romance and some deeper lessons on hope, assumptions, humility and redemption. It’s the perfect kind of book for the holidays.

I most often read series by Roseanna White so a novella was a different choice, but it had all of the author’s skill and ability to look beyond the surface. I enjoyed the book’s playfulness, but it wasn’t all fluff. The novella wasn’t overly short and though I wondered early on if the character’s would be fully developed, I wasn’t at all disappointed. I especially appreciated the shifts toward the end that left me feeling utterly satisfied with the story as a whole.

And isn't that cover gorgeous?!

I'll start this review with the two caveats that Christmas stories are not my thing at all, and I rarely enjoy novellas. The only Christmas stories and novellas that I read are either part of a series that I'm already invested into the characters, or they are written by an author that I love. This book fell into the second category - if Roseanna White writes it, I'll read it. This is a sweet story of childhood friends rekindling their friendship after losing touch for some time. The two main characters are a little too good to be true, and it was the secondary characters that I found myself invested in. I loved the character arcs of Mariah's sister and the pseudo-bad guy. As always in White's books, forgiveness and redemption play a part and are portrayed movingly and memorably. This isn't a book I loved, but for those who enjoy light reads at Christmas, this is one of the best I've come across.

This was such an endearing historical holiday romance! I absolutely adored the holiday setting. I’ve never had the traditional sugar plum dessert, but oh my goodness, hearing our main characters describe them and gush over them, I want to try them! They sound divine!

Following Mariah was my favorite in this romance, her love for helping others, the holiday season, and fantasy stories were so charming! And these worlds that she created gave off vibes of the Nutcracker, especially with how she nicknamed their family’s manor, Sugar Plum Manor for the Christmas season. I felt for her as her family would chastise her for her silliness and love for the make-believe. I loved this side of her personality.

And I adored how much Cyril encouraged this side of her personality and stood up for her when she was told to behave or stop her childish antics. I found Cyril to be such a sweetheart, not only encouraging but also enjoying the fantasy tales alongside Mariah and looking out for someone to be the hero of her fairytale. The way these two bonded was so sweet and lovely.

But what’s a romance without some drama? This holiday romance has its fair share of drama! Mariah believing Cyril is about to be engaged to another lady, Lady Pearl, and a Danish lord trying to win Mariah’s hand. All this happening while they stay at the Sugar Plum Manor for Christmastide. All this drama led to an entertaining read that I simply didn’t want to put down, I had to know what would happen!

If you’re looking for a delightful holiday romance, I highly recommend this historical romance!