A Hopeful Christmas: A Regency Romance Collection
LORD BLAKELY’S GIFT
When Miss Ivy Hunt and Lord Curtis Blakely establish a secret acquaintance, neither can deny that their feelings extend beyond friendship. But as the children of bitter rivals, it will take a Christmas miracle for this star-crossed pair to reach their happily ever after.
A SEASON OF HOPE
Following the death of her father, Amelia knows Christmas will be lean. But when circumstances become dire, it is the unexpected arrival of a childhood friend that renews Amelia’s hope—both for the future and for love.
CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA
After two years at sea with the Royal Navy, surgeon Will Crenshaw longs for a quiet Christmas with his family. But when unrest at home threatens to ruin the holidays, it takes the kindly intervention of a mysterious house sitter to remind them of the true meaning of the season.
EXPECTATIONS AT CANTERWOOD
Marina Rowley is a spinster, Richard Stanhope a war-weary military man. A case of mistaken identity throws them together, but the unexpected stirrings of their hearts lead to an unforgettable holiday romance.
My review: 7/10
A thoroughly enjoyable collection of quick, easy reads that are full of Christmas charm.
LORD BLAKELY’S GIFT
I thought Ivy was a little too trusting and didn't exhibit propriety well (getting into a strange man's carriage and frequently spending time alone with him! Gasp!) but she an admirable character who really does bring out the best in the people around her. She is insightful and can see to the heart of how other people actions (even well intentioned) can have a negative effect. In that respect she is fair. I understood why Lord Blakely was drawn to her. It was a sweet story and had a great theme of generosity of spirit and action.
A SEASON OF HOPE
I related a bit more to Amelia's slightly less charitable nature; it IS hard to be kind toward people who are actively harming you. This story was a sensory delight. Sights, sounds, smells, all of it is described in such vivid imagery that it really came alive for me. I especially appreciated some of the descriptions of things that aren't as commonplace today, such the scents of different things used to "deck the halls" at that time.
CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA
I loved reading a sweet story about a married couple for a change. I loved Megs' strength and kindness. I appreciated the difficult family dynamic and loved the application of scripture. The only thing I didn't like was implied supernatural aspect. Just not my cup of tea. But an otherwise lovely story.
EXPECTATIONS AT CANTERWOOD
The beginning was a bit of a stretch to me. Given the time period, the circumstances should really not have been THAT much of a shock, but even if they were, a lady would have enough decorum not to pour everything out to a random servant. Thankfully, things improved from there. There is a good amount of dry humor shared among the characters, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I got the impression that the vicar Tom and his wife may have been a prior story. I'll have to look into that because I found Tom especially entertaining. Marina was a bit dramatic at times, but Richard, steady and good humored, balanced her out.
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