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!

A sweet, romantic, Christmasy read with a love triangle!
I loved reading how sugar plums are prepared!

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Four stars.

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor was a delightful Christmas novella! I loved the characters and romance...for being such a short read (around 200 pages), it didn't feel rushed or lacking in depth at all.

I enjoyed how the characters grew in the story and witnessing the happy conclusion was sweet. Speaking of sweet, this book includes lots of yummy-sounding Christmas sweets, so be prepared to possibly get hungry while reading. ;)

All in all, Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor was a lovely read and one I can see myself rereading this Christmas. I recommend it if you are looking for a good historical Christmas romance.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

What is your favorite Christmas treat? I have always heard of sugar plums, but this novel made me want to try one for myself.

Lady Mariah Lyons loves Christmas at her home of Plumford Manor. She wonders though how life will play out in the future as the estate is entailed to a distant relation of her stepfather, Cyril Lightbourne. Cyril was once her childhood friend, but as they got older, they grew apart. This Christmas, both Cyril and her brother’s friend Lord Soren Gyldenkrone will be visiting. Both men have just had an unsuccessful time wooing another lady, and now they are both competing for Mariah’s affection. Will Mariah find her happily ever after?

My thoughts on this novel:
• I love historical Christmas romance and enjoyed this sweet romantic tale.

• Mariah was a great character who was sweet, bubbly, and very expressive. She wears her heart on her sleeve, which is not what is always proper in a lady.

• I always enjoy love triangles in romance, although I was a little thrown in this one as they had just been competing for the affections of another woman. I felt like Mariah was the second choice and not getting the love she deserved at first, but luckily, I feel that she did get the happy ending that she deserved.

• I thought the novella took a great look at redemption. Both the male leads realize that they have errored in their ways and they both ask for forgiveness and make amends.

• I enjoyed that the book was set in winter and that winter and Christmas traditions were explored.

• I appreciated that the novel had a great relationship between Mariah and her stepfather. I haven’t seen that too much in novels. The stepparent is too often cast as the evil villain.

• This novella is a clean read.

• I love reading novellas during the holiday season. Life is busy at the holidays and it’s a perfect length to enjoy during a busy time.

• I enjoyed the author’s note that contained interesting details about sugar plums. There is also a recipe for a Plum Kringle. Kringles are a specialty here in Wisconsin, but I have never had a plum Kringle. The recipe looked tasty.

• There is a great sneak peak of Roseanna M. White’s next novel, An Honorable Deception, which is the final novel in The Imposters series. I enjoyed the first two novels in this series.

Overall, Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White is a sweet historical romance that has all many Christmas traditions to get you in the holiday spirit.

Book Source: Review copy from Bethany House as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This Christmas novel was as warm and magical as the cover appears, and it delivers an uplifting, Christmasy ending without schmaltz. The nods to E.T.A. Hoffman's The Nutcracker made me want to read the original despite my (extreme) familiarity with the ballet adaption.

Mariah and Cyril were wonderful characters and their childhood friendship and budding romance were endearing. The story itself is a beautifully written reminder of the value of imagination and whimsy. Instantly one of my favorite Christmas stories.

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White is a historical Christian romance and just as sweet as its title. Whimsical and inspiring. I also loved the character development. I enjoyed this. Thank you, Netgalley and Bethany House, for giving me the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor Is a delightful holiday story. Written by Rosanna M. White, in her engaging signature style.

Lady Mariah Lyons is a breath of sunshine. She and Cyril Lightbourne were childhood friends. Corresponding for years until Mariah's mother took to monitor their letters. Years pass and Cyril returns to Plum Manor, the heir apparent to inherit the legacy of Plumford Manor. Trouble arrives when a Danish lord invites himself to the Manor, with asperations set on Lady Mariah. But Cyril finds that spending time with Mariah has rekindled feelings for her.

This story is a wonderful light romance. Clean and well written. Perfect for the Christmas season.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book which I received via NetGalley. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

I’ve found my new favourite Christmas read!
The newest release from Roseanna M. White is sure to go in my re-read at Christmastime pile.
There is so much to love about this story. I love the characters, the setting, the time period, and the plot itself. The author captures the essence of the Nutcracker story so well, while telling a tale set in 1902 that keeps readers turning the page.
The cover is gorgeous too. It makes me want to curl up beside the fire and sip hot chocolate while reading this story again.
Mariah is such a sweet heroine, desiring to keep the whimsy alive at Christmas for the tenants at Plumford Manor. Cyril is a hero that is kind and deserving of a heroine like Mariah. And even the Danish lord seemed bent on taking revenge on Cyril is a likeable character in the end.
Happy endings for everyone – even the characters who cause trouble for Mariah.
It’s definitely a story to get one into the Christmas spirit!
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Whimsical Christmas Tale
Really enjoyed this enchanting tale by Roseanna M White.
It has a bit of everything from villains to fairytales to happily ever after.  I found myself rooting for imagination & true love.
The faith elements were gently woven in. 
This story, reminiscent of The Nutcracker at times, is perfect to get one in the holiday mood.

Highly recommend. 5 stars.

I received an eVersion from NetGalley and the Publisher. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

“Sometimes that bleak winter just needed the light of Christmas.”

This was a lovely and charming novella that beautifully captured the magic of Christmas!

Mariah’s character was an absolute delight. She embodied the spirit of Christmas with her heart of gold. I loved how she spread happiness through her kindness, and how her joy for Christmas was so contagious.

This story was inspired by The Nutcracker. Combined with the Edwardian-Era England setting, wonderful characters, and descriptive language, it truly was a charming and magical read!

I received a copy from Bethany House and Austenprose PR via NetGalley, but a positive review was not required.

This is the Christmas love story I didn't know I desperately needed. I've always loved the story of the Nutcracker and wondered how one would go about retelling it. Ms. White has done the best job I've experienced so far! The Nutcracker theme/vibes are spot on and I loved the way elements of that story are written into this one. Although this is not an exact retelling, Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor captures the wonder and magic of Christmas, along with the need for softening hearts and forgiving others, which to me are the central themes of the Nutcracker (both the story and the ballet).

I'm so grateful to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sending me a copy to review. All opinions are entirely my own and I was not required to post a positive review.