First off, everyone should know that these three novellas have all been published previously. I don’t want anyone to get their hopes up, thinking that a favorite author has a new story out. However, if you haven’t read these stories before, and you’re looking for some entertaining Christmas-themed romance, this is a good bet. While none of the stories were extraordinary, they were all nice, solid reads — a good way to wile away a few hours.
I Will by Lisa Kleypas
In this entry, my favorite of the bunch, Kleypas takes on a familiar story: the hardened rake and the bluestocking spinster who enter into a sham romance, only to find real feelings growing. In a gambit to regain his place in his father’s will, Andrew, Lord Drake asks his friend’s sister, Miss Caroline Hargreaves to feign courtship and an engagement. Although Caroline loathes Drake, she can’t refuse his offer to settle her brother’s debts, then get out of his life.
This was a great story from a dependable author. Although Andrew’s sudden attraction to Caroline seemed contrived, the relationship that developed was romantic and believable. There was a nice chemistry and banter between the two flawed, but charming characters. The love scenes were funny, sweet and hot. If you haven’t read this one, it’s definitely worth it.
Grade: B+
The Summary:
Andrew, Lord Drake, has been cut out of his father’s will because of his dissolute manner of living. To be reinstated, Andrew decides to pretend that he has changed his wicked ways. As part of his plan, he wants to convince his father that he is courting a respectable woman with the intention of marrying her. The problem is, he doesn’t know any decent women, except for his friend’s spinster sister, Miss Caroline Hargreaves. He blackmails the reluctant Caroline into helping him, and so the charade begins . . .(from the author’s site)
No excerpt available.
Three French Hens by Lynsay Sands
Another story involving a charade. In Medieval Britain, a kitchen maid is convinced by a noblewoman to take her place at Christmas festivities and with her unwanted fiancée. Against her better judgment, Brinna agrees, but when the fiancée, Royce, turns out to be very agreeable, she finds herself in a difficult position.
The medieval setting was well-drawn, and I enjoyed Brinna, and her partners in plotting Lady Joan and Lady Sabrina. There was a nice sense of humor, not too over the top. Unfortunately, (and this is a criticism I always seem to have with Sands’ books), I found the hero and the romance to be a bit bland. He was a nice guy, she was a nice gal, and hey, good for them, but it just lacked that oomph. Spark, intensity, whatever you want to call it. But still, it was fun. Totally far-fetched, but do we need stark realism at Christmas?
Grade: B-
The Summary:
In the Year of Our Lord, 1155, Menton Castle was the same as any other: It had nobles and minstrels, knights and servants. Yet from the geat hall to the scullery there were signs that the house was in an uproar. This Yuletide season was to be one of passion and merriment. The master of the keep had returned. (from the author’s site)Read an excerpt
Father Christmas by Leigh Greenwood
We finish our tour of popular historical settings with a Western. This is the only Christmas baby story in the collection. I always assume that Christmas anthologies will be chock full of babies, so I was happy to see some different storylines. Anyhow, Joe Ryan has busted out of jail and made a beeline for Arizona and the man who stole his gold. He arrives at Pete Wilson’s ranch to find that the man is dead (and unlamented), and that he has left behind a very pregnant widow, and an odd daughter. Joe sticks around for a bit to search for the gold, and finds himself growing attached to Pete’s family.
This one was surprisingly subtle and schmaltz-free, given the set-up: the curmudgeonly fellow softening to bring the joy of Christmas to the troubled girl and her weary stepmother. I only rolled my eyes the teensiest bit when I realized that Joseph and Mary were delivering a baby in a barn. I liked all three main characters, and the story moved along at a nice pace. The romance was a bit rushed and awkward, given that Mary was in bed feeling quite unwell, and was days from giving birth. Not really sexy. But I was glad that these two people, wronged by the same man, found happiness.
Grade: B-
Arizona Territory, 1880. Delivering a young widow’s baby during the holiday season transforms the heart of a lonely drifter. (found on Amazon)
No excerpt available.
Overall Grade: B
The Summary:
Throughout the ages, Christmas has been a time of love and rejoicing. Now, from Dorchester Publishing, comes a selection of three classic tales to warm the hearts of historical romance readers everywhere…
