Looking to jump into the holiday spirit? Are you a fan of historical romance?

I’m always a big fan of holiday stories. This novella is a short and sweet book that’s perfect for the winter season. It’s full of depth and quotes that I really appreciated. And the writing throughout was fantastic.

Reading it just made me want to grab a warm drink, blanket, and turn on some Christmas lights and music. It felt like a warm, cozy drink that I didn’t want to end.

And the characters. I loved their personalities. I loved seeing them resolve their issues. And I enjoyed watching them embrace joy in the season. It was just wholesome and heartwarming from beginning to end.

This is my first novel by this author, and I don’t know how it took me so long to find her books! I’m already making plans to check out her others.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from @roseannamwhite @bethanyhousefiction @austenprose . However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

A young woman who loves her step-father's home and a young man who is a distant cousin of her step-father and stands to inherit the home and title...

They met for a few weeks as children and became the best of friends. Now they're grown and haven't seen each other since. But they both still affectionately remember one another. Now they have a chance to let their affections blossom and enjoy the holiday together in Sugar Plan Manor.

Mariah and Cyril are light-hearted individuals who both prefer to have a little merriment over the holidays. They are kindred spirits, but having spent so many years apart and without contact, has left them both unsure of the other. Now with the holidays underfoot, they are connecting again over the things they adored as children as well as enjoying a more grown up view of the other.

The setting of this story in such a whimsical manor filled with staff members that love their work and a such a joyous atmosphere, really brought the Christmas spirit to life in this book. It's a really quick read, as a novella, but doesn't lack in story, character development, or the joy of the holidays. There is a full antagonist development that casts a shadow for Mariah as her heart belongs to Cyril, but does he want her or should she accept the attentions of a very wealthy man that stands to inherit even more than she's ever known.

Loyalties are tested and love is challenged, but with a little holiday spirit, Mariah and Cyril find their way!

Whenever you start planning your holiday reading, you definitely should add this to your reading list. Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor was such a delightful read. This story was a quick read at 208 pages, which was the perfect length.

This Nutcracker inspired story was such a wholesome story full of so much whimsy, with our main character, Lady Mariah Lyons, attempting to bring joy to her town and her family at Christmas time.

Set in the Edwardian era, England, Lady Mariah had so many expectations on her, including and probably most importantly, making a good marriage match. And with two men spending the holidays with her family, vying for her attention, will she choose the path she thinks her family expects her to follow or the path she wants to follow.

The descriptions of the manor at Christmas, including the grounds surrounding the manor, the Christmas goodies, and the villagers, really brought everything to life in my mind.

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor would make a perfect Hallmark movie, I'd love to see a period piece like this brought to life.

Thank you to Bethany House for the advanced digital copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

I’ve enjoyed Roseanna M. White’s books for years, but this was the first Christmas novella I’ve read from her pen. And while yes, this book might not make it up to the caliber of some of her finer mysteries—what with not enough space to fully develop a novel-length story and all—it still delivered White’s signature style—engaging, relatable characters, a delightful setting, sweet romance, family, and a faith element.

I loved Lady Mariah’s perspective on life. I’m a lot more like her sister Louise, but I’d love to be more spontaneous and take delight in the simple things in life—that’s something I intend to work on! Then there’s Cyril—his struggles were all too relatable (how many times have I built up ideas about things or people, with little to nothing to base my ideas on?!), and Søren was just hilarious with his overly meticulous tendencies.

I finished this book in three days and read the vast majority of the story in one afternoon and evening. It’s a gripping, fast read, and although this isn’t in my typical favorite genre (I tend to prefer more history/interpersonal relationships rather than a focus on romance), I ended up loving this story. If you’re looking for a sweet, mostly lighthearted, faith-based Christmas romance to get you into the mood for the season, I’d recommend you check this book out.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

This story was an absolute delight, brimming full of Christmas spirit. It swept me away to Edwardian England during Christmastime. I felt like I was right there in the midst of it all and I loved every minute of it.

Although Mariah and Cyril were childhood friends, time and distance separated them, making them feel almost like strangers when they met again. I loved watching them reconnect and get to know each other again. They were both so easy to like, and I was rooting for them.

Plumford Manor was a character all its own. It was such a beautiful place full of wonder and cheer.

There was a whimsy about this book that I absolutely adored. Not to say that it was all fun and games, but I appreciated the balance between the practical and the whimsy. I think as we get older, we can sometimes lose our sense of wonder, so I loved the reminder that there’s an important place for that too. It's no fun being serious all the time.

This book was full of an infectious joy, I couldn’t help but smile my way through it. It’s the perfect book to get you in the holiday spirit. Needless to say, I highly, highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

3.5 stars. Very sweet story. A nice Christmas Christian romantic tale of a young lady who is full of loving kindness and the prince in her dreams. This is a very short novel loosely based on the story of The Nutcracker. Mariah and Cyril were childhood friends but misunderstanding got in the way of friendship and they hadn't seen each other for many years. But it's time for Cyril to take up his duties as heir to the Earl. The Christmas season is here and perhaps hearts and hurts can be healed by the magic of the nutcracker toy and the joy the season can bring. I always enjoy a story by Roseanna White and was glad I could read this. I had the chance to read this as an advanced reader copy thanks to NetGalley and Baker Publishing Group.

Lady Mariah Lyons loves her home of Plumford Manor and if she had her way, she'd stay forever - helping her beloved stepfather continue to support and encourage the tenants and townsfolk. But the Manor will pass to a distant relative, Cyril Lightbourne so her future is uncertain. As children, Mariah and Cyril, formed a fast friendship and played in the idyllic country setting but time, misunderstanding and family hurt have kept Cyril away. But duty calls and Cyril returns to the Manor in time for the Christmas holiday season. According to society rumors, Cyril has his eye on Lady Pearl - a cruelhearted maven who tosses gents aside like dirty rags. Mariah's anxiety is heightened when a Lord from Denmark is also set to arrive - he has his eye on her to further strengthen ties between England and Denmark. But the Lord also has ulterior motives that no one is aware of. Will a man she has met only briefly - a cold-as-ice royal - and her childhood friend become at odds when all she desires is a magical, whimsical Christmas? Can she convince her family that there is more to the season than parties and societal matches by putting on a play with the children of town? A delightfully woven tale, as Roseanna White is wont to spin, will have you captivated as you walk through a quaint English town and surrounding countryside all the while dreaming of a fairytale ending. A definite must-read to get you in the Christmas mood!

This was a cute little book!! I loved that there were three POV! Anytime I get more behind the scenes action, I am here for it. This was quite long for a novella (not as short as I typically expect from a novella) so definitely worth the bang for your buck. 😉

I loved the Christian take on this historical romance, full of redemption, forgiveness, and finding love. It was so fun to start feeling the Christmas joy already, and I know so many will love reading this around the holidays.

Some things that stood out:
🎄all the yummy Christmas treats (I want some now!)
🎄the nutcracker theme
🎄their home is a Christmas wonderland
🎄strong family bonds
🎄3 POV
🎄the fall into the river 🤫
🎄 community = family

If you have read any of Roseanna M White’s books, you know that her writing style is fun and so easy to read. It just flows and is beautifully done.
I did find the love story a little predictable, but it was still so fun to watch it play out. The Nutcracker theme was a really enjoyable take to follow too.

CHRISTMAS AT SUGAR PLUM MANOR by ROSEANNA M WHITE is a beautifully told Christmas story, with delightful characters, sweet romance and a meaningful Christian message of hope and joy. I highly recommend this most enjoyable novel.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Mariah is one of my favorite types of characters. She sees the wonder in the world and is all about spreading joy and light and love. Yet some think she needs to put those ways behind her and become a practical, sensible adult. Thankfully there are some who embrace her as she is. This story brings out the magic of Christmas and is delightfully whimsical.

One thing I appreciated about this story is that it didn't take the typical path to get to the right one. I liked how everything resolved. I wish more books took the unexpected route. It was also a treat to see how one man's humility changed the course of things.

This is a fun, quick Christmas novella. I'd highly recommend it. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

A fun romance story following Mariah as she is caught between two very different men looking to seal a marriage. With fantasy and dreamy descriptions of desserts, winter wonderlands and handsome men, this is a fun Christmasy feel book! A touch of the Nutcracker makes its way into the storyline (my only complaint is that two of the characters supposedly 'created' this story themselves. Would have been just as sweet to have it a story they read and play acted as children,) Overall, a fun read where you know all sides to the story and hope the characters are able to discover the full picture. Great for a fireside read!

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White is the perfect holiday read if you love inspirational historical romances set during Christmas. It is an enchanting story that everyone will enjoy reading during the holiday season or any other time of the year so make sure you add it to your TBR list.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

A perfectly magical Christmas novella inspired by The Nutcracker will delight and enchant this holiday season! Cozy up under the tree and disappear to the English countryside at Christmas, complete with a grand Christmas Eve ball, sugar plums, and sleigh rides! With a well-rounded cast of characters and a redemption arc where you least expect it, this short tale is packed to the brim with romance and gospel truth. This story is a delight, and I highly recommend it for anyone’s Christmas reading list this year!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own— I really did love it!

Synopsis from Amazon: As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn't seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she'll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.

Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family's misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas.
I loved Mariah's child-like joy in her approach to life. She interacts with the villagers and writes plays for the children to act out based on a play she wrote as a child. Cyril also helped her write the play and create the set for the play.

Mariah's stepfather has invited Cyril and another suitor to pursue Mariah. Cyril understands her while Soren Glyndekrone has a stodgier outlook on life. Soren wants to marry Mariah and then mold her into his perfect mate while Mariah's sister Louise is already the woman who fits Soren's ideal.

Roseanne M White writes with such grace and joie de vivre in her novels--this one especially. I've enjoyed everything I've read by her and this one is no exception. It is a quick read with a light-hearted air and deserves every star.

Four Stars.

Bethany House provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Absolutely LOVE this book! It was whimsical and romantic and playful and heartfelt. The Nutcracker theme was perfection! I could feel the anticipation of Christmas throughout. Every character was meaningful and I loved the happily-ever-after moments. This is definitely a story I will come back and read again come Christmastime.

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

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor
Roseanna M. White
Genre: Regency Romance
Lady Mariah Lyons lives at Plumford Manor with her stepfather, the Earl of Castleton. Her childhood friend and nephew and heir of the Earl, Cyril Lightbourne reluctantly returns to Plumford after several years of absence. At one time Mariah hoped for more than friendship with Cyril but she heard that he is courting Lady Pearl.
Spending time with Mariah has rekindled Cyril’s feelings for her. He has competition in the form of a Danish Lord Soren Gyldenkrone, who has arrived at the estate determined to win the hand and heart of Mariah before Christmas and to rub Cyril’s nose in it. Cyril and Mariah find a play they wrote together as children; they take it to the village children to preform in celebration of Christmas.
Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor is an appealing, touching, pleasant, and warm romance. I loved the character of Mariah; she has a whimsical outlook on life which some think is silly; she is filled with joy, dreams and charm in the simple things of life. She showed love and kindness to those around her. This is a great winter/Christmas read: there are themes from the Nutcracker Suite and teaches resolution, mercy and childhood purity. Author Rosanna M. White successfully demonstrates the Reason for the Season: Christ came to us as a baby, born in a manager, he walked on earth with us, he came to offer forgiveness not because we deserve it but as a gift freely given.
This is a delightful Christmas read, sure to put even the Grinch in the spirit.

I received a copy of this book from reveiw purposes from NetGalley.

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor was a delightful little read that really brought to life a magical Christmas scene that warmed my heart and made me long for that wonderful time of year. While it definitely had drama, which I don't mind but am not very keen on, the drama resolved in a really satisfying way. The book was short, but I truly enjoyed it and didn't find it lacking or overmuch in content. Mariah was a really compelling character, and while I was skeptical of both Cyril and Søren at first, I came to really appreciate the characters. Overall, a four star read, easily!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this little Christmas Novella!! It had all the Christmas feels and it is making me look forward to Christmas so much more!! While the book was shorter, it didn’t lack for it. The characters relationship felt paced and natural, and so so sweet!! I also absolutely loved the side characters, especially one in particular. I’m not gonna say anything more about that, y’all are just gonna have to go read it cause it was so stinking cute!!

I received an arc from the author, all opinions are my own.

As a fan of Roseanna's books, I was so excited when I learned that she was writing a Christmas book. And this is the first time I've read a Christmas story in August. Admittedly, reading about Christmas and snow during a heatwave was a little weird, but it didn't take away from how beautifully Christmassy this book is. If you love Christmas and the Nutcracker, then you will love this book. I'm certainly looking forward to reading it again (maybe at a more seasonably appropriate time :)).

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I loved the characters and their banter. The relationship between Mariah and her step father was very endearing. Mariah had a joyful personality and was so kind.

Well written and the pacing was great. Enjoyable and easy to follow along with the storyline.