When Lord Vandover leaves for London, he promises his grandmother he will return with a bride, for she is quite right that it is high time for him to wed. Unfortunately, with each simpering debutante he meets he regrets that promise more—until he encounters the lovely Miss Holly Paxton. Her directness and unbridled zest for life draw him like a moth to a flame, making his choice clear. Though … undeniably smitten, Holly finds the handsome Marquess far too serious for her taste—and for his own good. She therefore makes a Christmas promise of her own: to bring into Lord Vandover’s life the joy and laughter he so clearly needs. If both of them make good on their promises, they can look forward to a rapturous life together and possibly the best Christmas ever.
All of her life, Holly has dreamed of adventure and heroics. Indeed, she would far rather be a spy for the British against Napoleon, like her twin brother, Noel, than make her London debut. That is, until she meets Hunt, the handsome Marquess of Vandover. After a whirlwind courtship, they are married on Christmas Eve—Holly’s (and Noel’s) birthday. Holly is deeply in love, and her new husband’s career in the Foreign Office allows her to rub shoulders with diplomats and ambassadors, feeding her love of adventure. The future seems full of promise until her inept attempts to assist her husband in his career—and become a heroine in her own right—leads her to trust the wrong person. Suddenly Holly is plunged into a terrible conflict of loyalties, where she must choose between saving her nearly-broken marriage–and her beloved brother’s life!
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I love it that we get to read the novella that introduces us to Hunt and Holly, how they met and married and then the full length story that takes place after their marriage. I thought they were both enjoyable reads and my heart really went out to Holly who only wanted adventure and to help out her husband in the spy business but being young and too trusting, she really does make a mess of it which leads to misunderstandings and mistrust between her and Hunt. As usual, though, love conquers all and I really loved the ending which filled me with love and hope at Christmastime.
Loved it…
All-in-all it was good. I really liked the novella/prequel where the two main characters: Holly and Hunt meet. The full length story following it was good too; except at times I felt like banging my head against the wall at Holly’s actions; then I had to remind myself that she wasn’t even 20 years-old yet and had led a somewhat sheltered life in the country, until coming to London for her season. So, I guess it’s probably just me … :p
This story takes place during the Napoleonic wars in Europe. The characters are pretty well defined, the story flowed well and the descriptions of people/places were actually a little sparse. I don’t mind that so much; but, I do know that some readers prefer a little more detail in the surroundings so that they can better picture it in their “mind’s eye”. It was an entertaining story and I did feel a connection with the characters (which is what made me bothered me about some of Holly’s actions).
Enjoyable romance
had trouble getting into this story so i have put it aside to “maybe” read later.
I really enjoyed this book, but what struck me most was the fact that the characters sure lacked communication. This lack of communication is so real to newly married couples. They tend to think one say, but say nothing so as not to upset the other.
This couple seems to do this a lot, they are truly meant for each other but it almost falls apart because of their lack of telling each other what they think and feel. Could be a good lesson for us all.
So this review is totally unfair because I am really only reviewing the novella. I had time for a novella and started this one without really realizing there were two stories and I didn’t read the second one.
the novella I am rounding up from 2.5 stars. The idea for the story is cute but it just it wasn’t one that I would love to read again and it didn’t peak my interest enough to care if I read the second story or not. After reading the synopsis for the novel I kind of felt like it was going to be the same old story I’ve read a bunch of times. So maybe sometime I’ll come back to read the novel but no promises.
Good Christmas read.
Enjoyable Christmas tales
A nice romance between smart intelligent if naive young woman and
a man she just couldn’t trust to communicate with.
Fun to read
AWFUL!
Great book, a must read. Loved the characters.
Love Love Love
Nice Christmas read!
Really this is just one book in three parts.
Cute story to keep me company
So sweet! and perfect read to get in the mood for the Christmas Holiday! Made me want to find some fresh Mistletoe to hang above the hall entry!! Christmas Love is the most romantic!!
Love, love, love it! Wonderful story, loved the characters. Would recommend!
I. Really enjoyed this book