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Book Review of A Holiday Engagement (Christmas Courtships)

A Holiday Engagement (Christmas Courtships)
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This is an engaging story about Charity Baxter, who didn't live up to her name. She's lovely but has a sharp tongue (she learned well at her mother's knee). The Baxter family is rather awful, but Charity has learned how terrible it is to be mocked or treated poorly. Thus, she has tried to change. However, Bristol is a status-seeking town that makes making changes difficult.

She meets Lieutenant Thomas Callaghan, a British officer on vacation, visiting with the Ashbrooks. Thomas and Graham served together aboard a ship and became close. However, when he returns to the Ashbrook's house, they warn Thomas away from the Baxter's. Fortunately, Thomas has a mind of his own. However, Thomas uses wit and humor to avoid painful subjects. They grow together, which is the strength of Ms. Nichol's stories. My only complaint was that apologizing and offering forgiveness were used a bit too much.