A wallflower determined to fulfill a dying promise, the rogue she jilted years ago, and an orphaned baby are all brought together amidst the magic of Christmas in this new novella from Manda Collins. Miss Merry Parks makes a deathbed promise to a schoolfriend that her infant daughter will be taken to her absent father. There’s only one problem–to find the baby’s father, she’ll have to consult … have to consult his cousin, Viscount Wrotham, the man she jilted five years ago. The man she couldn’t forget.
Alex Ponsonby, Viscount Wrotham, is stunned to find Merry Parks–looking more lovely than ever–on his doorstep with an infant in her arms. His shock soon turns to dismay when he learns his own cousin William is the man who abandoned his wife and child. As head of the family he’s duty bound to see right is done. But he can’t let this opportunity pass. He’ll take Merry and the baby to his cousin, but he’ll woo her back in the process.
Merry agrees to travel with Alex and the baby to Wrotham Castle, where the entire Ponsonby family has gathered for Christmas, but her plans to see the baby settled then leave are ruined by a snowstorm. After five years apart, Alex and Merry will spend the week getting reacquainted. Perhaps it’s the spirit of the holiday, or the magic of the season, but there could be something else in the air this Yuletide…A Christmas Reunion.
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This is a delightful second chance romance novella. I have thoroughly enjoyed every Manda Collins book I have read and this is certainly no exception. You immediately like both the hero and heroine because they are both nice, considerate and very loving individuals and what happened the first time around is a real shame!
Five years ago Miss Merry Parks and Alexander Ponsonby, Viscount Wrotham were engaged. They loved each other, but Merry let her insecurities cause her to call off the engagement and leave him. He’s never forgotten her nor has he loved anyone else – and the same is true for her.
Merry’s best friend, Charlotte, has just passed away during childbirth. With her dying breath, Charlotte asks Merry to see that her daughter, Lottie, is united with her father. Charlotte and William were married, but he’d abandoned her just days after the ceremony. It turns out that William is Alex’s cousin. Merry vows that she’ll unite father and daughter – no matter what it takes – even seeking the aid of Alex to help her find his cousin.
As soon as Merry and Alex see each other again, they realize they are still as much in love as ever. Alex is determined to win Merry back in any way he can. So, he gets her to go with him to his country estate because that is where his cousin is – for a Christmas celebration.
You actually get two HEA’s in this novella – and that is really sweet. Seeing all Alex and Merry have gone through and seeing them come together to rekindle their love and find their HEA is great.
I hope you will read and enjoy this novella as much as I did.
“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”
Merry Parks has not had a reason to see the man she once was betrothed to – not for five long years. When a friend dies in childbirth Merry takes it upon herself to put the new babe, Lottie, in the hands of the Ponsonby family so the father, William, can raise her. That means she must contact Alexander, Lord Wrotham – the man who was once her fiancé. When they meet the chemistry is still there AND Alexander wants to know why Merry left so suddenly when all seemed so perfect between them. With a trip to the family estate, a baby girl to give to her father, a domineering grandmother to face, daunting social scenes to deal with and Christmas in the air – well – it is not as easy as waving a magic wand and saying abracadabra for Merry and Alexander to find their HEA – but eventually they do.
This is a Christmas story with a bit of drama that includes a second romance on the side. If you are looking for a quick easy Christmas read set in the past that includes a second chance at love for two deserving people then this might be the book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press – Swerve for the ARC – this is my honest review.
Tragedy sets in motion the seeds of a second chance in Manda Collins emotionally charged, but highly romantic, With This Christmas Ring. Amazing that although written as a historical romance, it didn’t read like one. Ms. Collins touches on subjects that are relevant no matter what time period. Love and loss are emotions we all deal with and hope never goes out of style.
With This Christmas Ring is a sweet, charming historical romance set during the Christmas season. From the beginning, the reader’s emotions are engaged with sympathy towards the young child & with Merry having to face her ex-fiancée. The plot took a couple of unexpected twists that keeps the reader involved. Even though I’m not fond of historical, I really enjoyed the writing in this one.
An absolutely delightful second chance at love Christmas novella.
While this is billed as a Lords of Anarchy novella, it has a nice little tie into the Study in Scandals series as well.
Merry Parks was betrothed to Alex, Viscount Wrotham five years ago, but for seemingly no reason, she broke off their engagement and left Alex with no explanation.
Fast forward Five years, Merry’s dearest friend Charlotte has passed away from a childbed fever, but she has made Merry promised to find the baby’s father. The baby’s father happens to be Alex’s cousin. Willing to do whatever she must to find the father, she goes to see Alex.
Alex has never gotten over Merry and still doesn’t understand why she left him. When they meet again he realizes that he still loves her and will use this opportunity to woo her again.
He invites her to his family’s Christmas gathering, telling her the baby’s father will be there, she reluctantly agrees to go. She thought she put her feelings for Alex in the past, but seeing him again, makes her realize that she still has strong feeling for him and she is not sure she can walk away again.
What follows is a well written, nicely paced, very sweet story of lost love found, secrets revealed, jealous harpies reeking havoc, a bit of steam and a very lovely HEA.
I would be happy to recommend this book, which is part of the LOA series, but could easily be read as a stand alone title.
*I a voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
A fun, charming, and entertaining read that’ll give you all the feels.
You’re really going to enjoy this second chance romance that takes place during the holiday season. Alex and Merry’s story is absolutely captivating.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Full review appeared on Reader’s Edyn on 10/23/17
Merry Parks made a dreadful mistake 5 years ago when she walked away from the only man she had or would ever love. She allowed someone to influence her, playing on her insecurities, and she has regretted it ever since. But now, a good friend has died, leaving behind an infant daughter. She has sworn to find the child’s father – and wouldn’t you know – he turns out to be Alexander’s cousin. Her quickest course of action, of course, is going straight to Alex. She resolves to keep her cool, but those old feelings stir up just as soon as she sees him. She’s sure Alex hates her after she rejected him, and she knows she needs to be done with this situation – but there seems to be a connection still there … and maybe a second chance with her one true love. But she’ll also have to confront the woman who played on her weakness 5 years ago if she is to ever have a chance with Alexander – and THAT is easier said than done.
Alexander Ponsonby, Viscount Wrotham has recently returned from France and spending quite some time with his estranged mother. He has recently discovered, as suspected, that his mother was not the evil trollop he was made to think she was. Many truths have recently come to light and he now suspects the same marionette master likely had something to do with losing Merry. He contemplates a way to get her back when she unexpectedly appears on his door step. She need his assistance and he’s going to give it to her. He’s also going to launch a relentless campaign to win her back. She’s the only woman he ever loved, and knowing she left under duress, he’s going to get her back for good.
I just love Manda Collins! I have not read a single HR from her that I have not thoroughly enjoyed. She has a gift in her writing that sucks the reader in almost instantaneously – a talent that endears the reader toward the characters quickly – a flair for describing the details in such a way that the reader can easily place him/herself within the story as if on the outside, looking in, watching as it all unfolds. Honestly, my only complaint was that I read the story too darned quick and it ended. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spend with Alex, Merry, and all of the other characters. This book is a part of the Studies in Scandal series, which I have not yet had the opportunity to read, but if this quick Christmas read is any indication of the others, it is well worth your time. In fact, if Ms. Collins isn’t a go-to author for those who love Historical Romance, you are seriously doing yourself an injustice!
This book is set around the Christmas Season, but would be a treasure to read no matter the time of year. Merry is the kind of friend you would want in your corner and Alexander is swoon-worthy in his quest to win back Merry’s heart. Readers are in for some amazing characters and will surely want to read the whole series after this wonderful gem. Even being located in the middle of the series, this book is easy to follow as a stand alone. For a story packed full of endearing characters, gloriously flawed that you’ll love despite their deficiencies, you have definitely come to the right place!
Kindle version provided by NetGalley/St Martins Press in exchange for an honest review.
A wonderful 2nd chance story! And don’t let the small size fool you. It’s a sweet, heartwarming Christmas tale you won’t want to miss!
I received a review copy for Celtic Dragon Books Reviews. All opinions are my own.