From 1994 to 2000, Barbara Metzger released these novellas in separate books. Now, they are combined in this volume for her reader's enjoyment. I don't know how long these stories have been out of print. At a guess, they have been absent for about twenty-five years.
GREETINGS OF THE SEASON -- VG
The Earl of Montravan discovers his secretary has been two-timing him with his paramours and intended wife. When he fires the secretary without a reference, the secretary pays him back by mixing the messages that went with the Earl's gift recipients. This makes for a most enjoyable Christmas. Everyone is upset with the Earl, and he goes home to lick his wounds. He decides Petra, his mother's companion, can straighten things out. While there, he realizes that Petra is who he wants.
THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING -- E
The brutish Sir Ogden dies suddenly at Christmas dinner. His widow and her sister are now wealthy but limited in their choice of invitations (after the widow's mourning). She approaches Viscount Selcrest with a proposal. She will toss his younger brother's gambling vouchers if the Viscount and his mother will sponsor the two ladies in the ton. This story is hugely amusing, and surprises are on most pages. Delightful.
THREE GOOD DEEDS -- E!
Usually, I wouldn't say I like adding children to a tale because they often take over the story. However, Ms. Metzger knows what she's about, and these three small boys add icing to the cake. Their mother is a care-worn widow with insufficient money to care for her imps. The interaction between the vicar and the imps is pricelessâa beautiful story of second chances.
CHRISTMAS WISH LIST -- E
Baron Selden and his sister live in the gatehouse so that they might rent out the mansion. It is Christmas, and they are using their meager funds to give presents to those in circumstances poorer than themselves. Young Miss Samantha is very ill and asks her father for a special kitten. He knows Miss Selden raises rare cats but hates to ask for a kitten because he recently ran her down with his horse, and they had words. This is another delightful story.
LITTLE MIRACLES -- E
I'd read this many years ago, and it is so unique and charming that I've remembered it over the years. This story is told from the mice's POV. St. Cecelia's church is falling, and the mice know how to save it. However, they need the help of the not-too-bright humans who attend church thereâanother lovely Christmas tale.
GREETINGS OF THE SEASON -- VG
The Earl of Montravan discovers his secretary has been two-timing him with his paramours and intended wife. When he fires the secretary without a reference, the secretary pays him back by mixing the messages that went with the Earl's gift recipients. This makes for a most enjoyable Christmas. Everyone is upset with the Earl, and he goes home to lick his wounds. He decides Petra, his mother's companion, can straighten things out. While there, he realizes that Petra is who he wants.
THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING -- E
The brutish Sir Ogden dies suddenly at Christmas dinner. His widow and her sister are now wealthy but limited in their choice of invitations (after the widow's mourning). She approaches Viscount Selcrest with a proposal. She will toss his younger brother's gambling vouchers if the Viscount and his mother will sponsor the two ladies in the ton. This story is hugely amusing, and surprises are on most pages. Delightful.
THREE GOOD DEEDS -- E!
Usually, I wouldn't say I like adding children to a tale because they often take over the story. However, Ms. Metzger knows what she's about, and these three small boys add icing to the cake. Their mother is a care-worn widow with insufficient money to care for her imps. The interaction between the vicar and the imps is pricelessâa beautiful story of second chances.
CHRISTMAS WISH LIST -- E
Baron Selden and his sister live in the gatehouse so that they might rent out the mansion. It is Christmas, and they are using their meager funds to give presents to those in circumstances poorer than themselves. Young Miss Samantha is very ill and asks her father for a special kitten. He knows Miss Selden raises rare cats but hates to ask for a kitten because he recently ran her down with his horse, and they had words. This is another delightful story.
LITTLE MIRACLES -- E
I'd read this many years ago, and it is so unique and charming that I've remembered it over the years. This story is told from the mice's POV. St. Cecelia's church is falling, and the mice know how to save it. However, they need the help of the not-too-bright humans who attend church thereâanother lovely Christmas tale.
