jjares reviewed A Victorian Family Christmas (Harlequin Historical, No 1605) on + 3414 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
All three of these stories are new to this publication. I was a bit disappointed because I thought all three stories were a bit syrupy. Overall score = G+.
A FATHER FOR CHRISTMAS (Carla Kelly) -- VG
This is another of Carla Kelly's feel-good stories, and a delight to read. British Widow Felicity Waring and her son, Jem, help an American hiding from the captain of a Southern Confederacy's ship, during the Civil War. The ship is stranded in England for repairs and Ezra Eldredge hides out in the widow's home (because he's been entrusted with a dangerous communication for the American ambassador in London).
A KISS UNDER THE MISTLETOE (Carol Arens) -- G +
After trying to marry a nobleman to save her property and failing, Louisa is reduced to renting out her estate and moving to the dowager cottage. When she meets the new tenant and his adopted daughter, Louisa is captivated. However, she keeps her identity a secret because Hugh holds Lady Kirkwynd in low esteem because of the rumors he's heard about her.
This story was just too wordy; it really diluted the impact of the story.
THE EARL'S UNEXPECTED GIFTS (Eva Shepherd) -- G
The Earl of Summerhill, totally content in his present unmarried state, is told by his solicitor that he has inherited the wardship of a pair of twins. He is relieved to hear that the children have a governess, who has been with them for 5 years. However, how does a single man adapt to the addition of two children to his household?
This story progressed way too fast; it seemed fairly impossible.
A FATHER FOR CHRISTMAS (Carla Kelly) -- VG
This is another of Carla Kelly's feel-good stories, and a delight to read. British Widow Felicity Waring and her son, Jem, help an American hiding from the captain of a Southern Confederacy's ship, during the Civil War. The ship is stranded in England for repairs and Ezra Eldredge hides out in the widow's home (because he's been entrusted with a dangerous communication for the American ambassador in London).
A KISS UNDER THE MISTLETOE (Carol Arens) -- G +
After trying to marry a nobleman to save her property and failing, Louisa is reduced to renting out her estate and moving to the dowager cottage. When she meets the new tenant and his adopted daughter, Louisa is captivated. However, she keeps her identity a secret because Hugh holds Lady Kirkwynd in low esteem because of the rumors he's heard about her.
This story was just too wordy; it really diluted the impact of the story.
THE EARL'S UNEXPECTED GIFTS (Eva Shepherd) -- G
The Earl of Summerhill, totally content in his present unmarried state, is told by his solicitor that he has inherited the wardship of a pair of twins. He is relieved to hear that the children have a governess, who has been with them for 5 years. However, how does a single man adapt to the addition of two children to his household?
This story progressed way too fast; it seemed fairly impossible.
Janice -
I liked the Carla Kelly and Lyn Stone stories, but the Carol Arens I found silly, badly written and dumbed down. However two out of three isn't bad :)
