Saturday, December 17, 2016

A Country Christmas (A Timeless Regency Collection) {Review}

A Country Christmas (A Timeless Regency Collection)
by Josi S. Kilpack, Carla Kelly, and Jennifer Moore
ebook, 300 pages
Published October 11th 2016 by Mirror Press 
 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31290539-a-country-christmas
 
SAINTS AND SINNERS by Josi S. Kilpack. When Neville Franklin’s best friend Burke wants to wager who can kiss Eloise first, Neville puts a stop to it. Eloise has been his friend since childhood, and, well, she’s off-limits. Especially to Burke. As Burke pursues Eloise and claims that she has a tendre for him, Neville becomes more and more protective of the girl he grew up with. On the night of the Christmas ball when Eloise appears in a dress that clearly shows that she is no longer a girl, but a beautiful woman, Neville realizes that his protective feelings toward Eloise have turned into something greater. But now, Neville’s best friend stands in his way.

THE CHRISTMAS ANGLE by Carla Kelly. Sailing Master Able Six is on half-pay with the British navy, biding his time during the uneasy Peace of Amiens and the resumption of war. Meanwhile, he’s invited to teach young pupils at the home of a vicar outside of Plymouth. There, he unexpectedly meets Meridee, the spinster sister-in-law of the vicar. From the moment Able sees Meridee, he’s entranced. When she asks him about his past and discovers his remarkable yet troublesome gift, he realizes he’s finally found someone who can care for all of him. Sadly, Able’s low station and half-pay gives him no way to provide for a wife. Meridee’s lack of dowry and dependence on relatives makes their union impossible at best. But isn’t Christmas a season of hope?

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS by Jennifer Moore. Archie Clawson wants nothing more than to give Jane the perfect Christmas. Since her troubled childhood, she’s not experienced a Christmas with all the trimmings. To top off the perfection, he also plans to ask her to marry him on Christmas Eve. But as he and his friends, including Jane, travel to his country home, they are caught in a snowstorm and discover that notice of their arrival did not get through to the house staff. Worried over the disappointment he must be causing Jane and the complete shift in their planned Christmas, Archie fears that he’s misinterpreted her kindness towards him and lost her favor forever.
  
 
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My Review: 4 Stars
 
I love Regency and at this time of year, I love Christmas stories. When the two are blended, it makes me a happy girl. This collection gives the reader stories of hope, love, and Christmas magic.
 
I liked SAINTS AND SINNERS because Burke and Eloise are childhood friends and he suddenly realizes that she's a woman...and an attractive one at that. When his womanizing friend wants to pursue her, he's not happy about that, but he's very awkward around Eloise and doesn't convey his feelings and intentions well. Perfectly imperfect heroes are the best! This couple has a reluctant chemistry and through a series of misunderstandings, a fragile outcome results and it's a lot of fun.
 
THE CHRISTMAS ANGLE is a sweet story about overcoming prejudice and pasts. Able and Meridee have a unique connection and are each willing to forgo societal expectations to chase their dreams. I loved watching Able blossom and Meridee's personality and strength shine through. The little students/nephews are adorable and the teaching moments are precious.
 
Archie is a one-of-a-kind man, who is able to look past labels and see the true heart of Jane. THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS shows how believing in someone can boost confidence and allow for a wonderful arrangement. When a misunderstanding leaves a Christmas party without a place to stay, this accommodating group makes the best of their situation and enjoys a Christmas that they'll each always remember, especially Jane. I love the believable relationship and the flawed characters as they work through different issues of trust and health.
 
Each story is very enjoyable and a great holiday read.
 
Content: some mild talk of religious things; mild romance.
 
*I received a copy with no obligation to review. All thoughts are my own.*
 
Buy Links:
 
http://amzn.to/2i0AtnV
 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-country-christmas-josi-s-kilpack/1124806030?ean=2940156842520

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