Always Kiss at Christmas by Regina Scott
Mary Rose's mother's health is failing, and since their estate will pass to an odious relative upon her mother's death, Mary Rose knows what she needs to do at her family's yearly Christmas party: get Julian, her childhood whom she has always cared for, to kiss her under the mistletoe, which will surely get him to realize he wants to marry her...despite the fact that he is focused on his career and not ready to take a wife. However, getting him beneath the mistletoe proves to be harder than she expected.
A Yuletide Match by Sarah M. Eden
Renowned matchmaker Adelaide Northrup has contracted to help Porter Bartum find a wife. As a widower with a young child, he needs a woman willing to love his daughter as well. Mrs. Northrup soon realizes what Porter has failed to see: he already has the perfect candidate for a wife in his friend Chloe, who, if Mrs. Northup isn't mistaken, cares for Porter even more than she does his child. Now the matchmaker just needs to get the two of them to realize--and admit--their feelings.
The Forbidden Duke by Jen Geigle Johnson
The Salsbury and Asters don't mix, as an age-old quarrel has kept the rivals thoroughly at odds. When the Duke of Salsbury mistakes Lady Catherine for someone else, however, and draws her into a dance, he realizes that it's time to find a way to end the feud between the families so he can follow his heart.
Mistletoe at Willowsmeade by Annette Lyon
Eleanor Hadfield and Julian Phillips grew up together--she the orphaned relation, he the gardener's son. Now Eleanor works as a governess for her cousin's children and Julian is a successful Navy captain. When Julian comes back to Willowsmeade for Christmas, Eleanor knows that her hopes of a match between them, something she has wanted for years, isn't possible; he can't lower his station to marry her. For his part, Julian, despite his successful career, knows the gardener's son can't wed the lady, even if she has become a governess.
Follow the River Home by Krista Lynne Jensen
Arabelle doesn't really want to marry Mr. Forbes, the relative who inherited her home, but she's decided she must do it for her family's sake. Then Isaac Linfield, a friend of her late brother's whom Arabelle has known since childhood, comes home from war--injured physically and emotionally--and visits Arabelle and her mother. The more she is around him, the more Arabelle realizes that he, and not Mr. Forbes, is who she cares for, but Isaac feels he's too broken to offer her anything, which may leave her with no choice but to wed Mr. Forbes to help her family.
The New Earl by Heather B. Moore
With her brother's death, Celia knows she must leave her home so that a distant cousin can inherit. Before she has a chance to do so, though, the odious man arrives--except, it turns out Aaron Thompson, the new Lord Banfield, isn't odious after all. He might be overly attached to a scruffy dog would fit better in the stables than in the house, but other than that, he's kind and handsome and intriguing. While Celia helps him learn about the estate and being an earl, others are determined to find him a wife--but Aaron realizes that he might not have to look any farther than his new home to find her.
I really enjoyed all of these stories and can't even pick a favorite. There are great characters and fun plots and the added bonus of a Christmas setting. These six novellas are a great choice heading into the holiday season. Take a break, grab a blanket, and snuggle up for a good read.
4 stars.
I read a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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