Never turn down a good Christmas reunion story. I love when couples find their way back to each other

What a fun, historical Christmas story this is. Set in another time and place, we meet Winifred and Lucian at a Christmas gathering in the country home of Lucian's friend. This story is all manners and propriety, or lack thereof. Winnie and her sister were orphaned and left destitute but were able to make livings as a governess and school teacher. While this doesn't make them "hired hands," it does consign them to a lower level of society than their wealthy friends. When someone appears to be wanting to do Winnie serious harm, she approaches her friend Lucian to ask his protection in the form of a sham engagement. He agrees, but wants a much more permanent alliance.

The story is a wonderful romance as Lucian sets about trying to convince Winnie of his true intentions, as well as some other matchmaking going on in the house party. It is also a cracking good mystery as one bad thing after another befalls Winnie. Lucian and Winnie create a list of possible suspects and one by one they are eliminated until only one remains.

It takes awhile for Lucian and Winnie to fall into bed, but when they do they really heat up the sheets!

I really enjoyed the Christmas traditions of this historical romance. Manda Collins has done her research and gives the reader a beautifully described country estate event and betrothal. I will be reading more by this talented author and highly recommend this holiday story in particular.