Synopsis
THE TWO BELLS OF CHRISTMAS by Joanna Barker
Roland Hastings made a promise to his father: to marry and carry on the family line. But after a year of searching, he has given up hope of finding the right woman. Anticipating a quiet Christmas with his mother, Roland is frustrated to learn she has organized an entire house party to help him find a bride. Cassandra Bell arrives for the house party with her twin sister Vivian, who has set her heart on winning a proposal from the eligible Mr. Hastings. But when Vivian grows ill, she begs Cassie to switch places with her and keep the other conniving ladies away from Mr. Hastings. Cassie reluctantly takes on the role of her poised and proper twin, but things become much more complicated when Roland begins to take an interest in the spunky and unconventional Cassie...
PROMISE ME AGAIN by Annette Lyon
Secret wedding plans. A powerful brother who will go to any lengths to stop them. Can love truly conquer all? Miriam and Jacob have loved each other for as long as they can remember. They want to wed, but Jacob's older brother Norman forbids it. Deciding to do so secretly without his blessing, Miriam and Jacob make plans to marry on Christmas Eve at a church several hours’ journey away. Despite their efforts, Norman’s long reach finds them. Miriam’s love is tested to the very limit when she is forced into a devil’s bargain with him. She agrees only to spare Jacob pain, but can their hearts find their way back to each other no matter what—or who—stands in their way?
A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY by Jennifer Moore
The war is over, but Lucy Breckenridge’s plans for a perfect Christmas are ruined when Captain James Stewart brings news that her father will not return in time for the holiday. Determined to not miss yet another Christmas with her father, Lucy starts on a journey for London with her trusty maid and manservant. Learning they have gone, James follows, hoping to stop her before she discovers the true reason for Colonel Breckenridge’s absence. Along the way, the two join in local holiday celebrations and learn that families have flaws, friendship requires trust, and Christmas traditions can be created in the most unexpected places.
My Review
Another wonderfully entertaining collection from Timeless Regency! I love the variety of stories we get that relate to the title theme, and these anthologies with three novellas also give us longer and more complete stories than we find in the collections with six stories. The first story, The Two Bells of Christmas, was fun and entertaining as Cassie tried her best to be a posed substitute for her sister, but her personality can't help but shine through. I enjoyed trying to figure out when Roland becomes aware of their ruse, and convinces Cassie that she is just as lovable and worthy as Vivian. The second story was my least favorite of the collection because I missed seeing the main characters fall in love, and the villain made the plot rather two-dimensional. The third story was my favorite, and one I plan to re-read in the future. Even though Lucy is headstrong and naive, she is full of determination to reunite with her father and celebrate Christmas with him for once. I could sense that something was not right when James was so hesitant to lead her to her father, but along their journey Lucy's compassionate and selflessness personality reaches out to all in their little group and she makes it a special holiday season for them all. I loved how she was able to thaw James's heart and the joy they found together. Recommended for fans of sweet Regency romance!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
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