Barbara Metzger is one of my favorites; this is one of the few of her books I haven't read yet. These five stories were originally published as separate anthologies and have been out-of-print for many years. These five were combined in this one anthology for the first time.
Now that I've finished the book, I realize I've read the last three novellas previously. They were well worth reading again. The short story format seems better for Ms. Metzger's brand of humor. With longer stories, it sometimes doesn't carry through the novel.
AN ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS -- G
This is a whimsical tale about a knight and his wife trying to break a Christmas Curse on their home and family (so they can reach their heavenly reward). It was so different from anything I've read by this author that it took most of the first chapter to figure out what was going on.
A HOME FOR HANNAH -- E
Gregory has become a lord after the deaths of his father and older brother, who were wastrels. He has no money, yet a little girl calls him her "Papa." Gregory recognizes how similar she looks to his family members, but he did not have the mother as his mistress (but his older brother probably did). Hannah has a lot of gumption when she goes out and finds herself a father.
THE LUCKY COIN -- E
I remember reading this years ago; it is a special story that stays with the reader. A down-and-out manor owner shares his troubles with another coach rider, who gives him a lucky penny. This turns the young man's life around in ways he couldn't imagine.
THE ENCHANTED EARL -- 4.5 Stars
The widow is getting ready to celebrate her freedom from her penny-pinching husband one year after his death. Laurel Mumphrey wishes for happier times. An old magician arrives, and Laurel is surprised when he wants a kiss for his services.
WOOING THE WOLF -- E
Two little orphans from India arrive to complicate Margaret Todd's life. She is a paid companion, and her employer won't allow her to bring her nieces to her home. She asks a neighbor, and she agrees since the Viscount is away for Christmas. However, the Viscount returns under unusual circumstances and meets the two devilish urchins. This leads to a hysterical farce with a rake and two little girls who need a family.
Now that I've finished the book, I realize I've read the last three novellas previously. They were well worth reading again. The short story format seems better for Ms. Metzger's brand of humor. With longer stories, it sometimes doesn't carry through the novel.
AN ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS -- G
This is a whimsical tale about a knight and his wife trying to break a Christmas Curse on their home and family (so they can reach their heavenly reward). It was so different from anything I've read by this author that it took most of the first chapter to figure out what was going on.
A HOME FOR HANNAH -- E
Gregory has become a lord after the deaths of his father and older brother, who were wastrels. He has no money, yet a little girl calls him her "Papa." Gregory recognizes how similar she looks to his family members, but he did not have the mother as his mistress (but his older brother probably did). Hannah has a lot of gumption when she goes out and finds herself a father.
THE LUCKY COIN -- E
I remember reading this years ago; it is a special story that stays with the reader. A down-and-out manor owner shares his troubles with another coach rider, who gives him a lucky penny. This turns the young man's life around in ways he couldn't imagine.
THE ENCHANTED EARL -- 4.5 Stars
The widow is getting ready to celebrate her freedom from her penny-pinching husband one year after his death. Laurel Mumphrey wishes for happier times. An old magician arrives, and Laurel is surprised when he wants a kiss for his services.
WOOING THE WOLF -- E
Two little orphans from India arrive to complicate Margaret Todd's life. She is a paid companion, and her employer won't allow her to bring her nieces to her home. She asks a neighbor, and she agrees since the Viscount is away for Christmas. However, the Viscount returns under unusual circumstances and meets the two devilish urchins. This leads to a hysterical farce with a rake and two little girls who need a family.
