The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love Through the Generations (Bradford Sisters Romance #2.5) book review

The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love Through the Generations

(Bradford Sisters Romance #2.5)

by

Karen Witemeyer (Goodreads Author),

Kristi Ann Hunter (Goodreads Author)

,

Sarah Loudin Thomas (Goodreads Author)

,

Becky Wade (Goodreads Author)

 

In Kristi Ann Hunter's "Legacy of Love," Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson, a man far above her station.

In Karen Witemeyer's "Gift of the Heart," widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love.

In Sarah Loudin Thomas's "A Shot at Love," Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her family's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance.

In Becky Wade's "Because of You," Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?

 

 

My Review: 7.5/10

I love these novella collections that come out every Christmas. I look forward to them every year. And I especially love when common character threads tie one story to the next. This book was a little different in that the common thread comes in the form of brooch that passes down from mother to daughter, bringing the promise of love and marriage with it.

Unsurprisingly, my favorite was the first one. It was a sweet story that made me laugh out loud. Can't get better than that.

I also enjoyed the second novella about Ruth and Bo Azlin. I see what you did there.

Fleeta Brady's story was more contemporary than I usually go, but I enjoyed it all the same.

The last story affirmed my taste for historical/regency tales. The premise for Maddie Winslow snagging her best friend's man made me deeply uncomfortable. I don't care that the character in question had been killed off; Maddie had pined for him since they first met, while he dated, married and had a child with her friend. Not cool. And then there was the writing style, which was heavily focused on things I don't care about- endless descriptions of their clothes and hair, Maddie appreciating that her best feature was her large chest size, etc. Instagram was mentioned so frequently, it was basically a supporting character. I'll stick to my 1800's stories.

Promises and Primroses (Mayfield Family #1) by Josi S. Kilpack book review

Promises and Primroses

(Mayfield Family #1)

by

Josi S. Kilpack (Goodreads Author)

 

Lord Elliott Mayfield aims to correct the very messy marital mistakes and spousal scandals of his brothers and sisters by requiring his nieces and nephews to choose worthy companions.  If they choose wisely, they will receive their generous share of the family’s inheritance.

Peter, Elliott’s eldest nephew, thinks the entire idea is ridiculous. A widower with two young daughters, he simply needs a governess, not a wife. Julia Hollingsworth certainly has the credentials and the experience, but is altogether too young and pretty for such a job. So why can’t he stop thinking about her?

Julia loves working as a governess, despite the objections of her mother, Amelia. And as it turns out, Amelia has a lot to say about the Mayfield men—none of it good. But Julia dismisses the rumors of ruined reputations and instead concentrates on helping Peter with his children and his fledgling business in canine husbandry. His kindness and gentleness is endearing—and increasingly attractive.

But Amelia, whose heart was broken thirty years ago by none other than Elliott Mayfield, is determined to prevent any relationship from blooming either between Peter and Julia—or between herself and Elliott.

Hearts and history collide as both couples must face their pasts and decide if risking it all is worth the promise of new love and a new future.
My Review: 8/10

I really enjoyed this book by one of my favorite authors. I loved the changing point of views and multiple story lines running at once. I feel thoroughly invested in these family members and hope that novels are written about the other nieces and nephews (particularly those who have made the biggest messes). Can't wait for more!