Each week for the next four Sundays, I’m going to tell you about two stories in the coming box set by the Bluestocking Belles.
A Mistletoe Kiss: By Sherry Ewing
All she wants for Christmas is a mistletoe kiss…
Miss Sophie Templeton has been waiting a lifetime for the one man who owns her heart, but he seems to court a different woman every Season. As Christmas approaches, Sophie’s one wish is a kiss from him beneath the mistletoe.
Spencer, Earl of Wilmott has quietly watched Sophie through the years, holding her in his heart, and biding his time until he can offer for her. He appeases his parents by being seen with a variety of eligible women. But Sophie is grown up now, and he must put aside his worries that she’ll find him too old and make his offer.
One chance encounter, one dance in which he all but claims her; can Spencer convince Sophie to make this a Christmas romance that will last a lifetime?
My comments:
Sherry has given us another delightful heroine. Years ago, Sophie gave her heart to the Earl of Wilmott, a friend of her sister’s husband. Of course he could never be interested in someone so much younger, poorer, and less well born. She hopes for a kiss, but will be surprised when he wants more. You may remember Sophie from Margaret’s and Frederick’s story in the box set Holiday Escapes. It is lovely to see old friends again, and this story was a lovely journey back into Sherry’s Regency world.
The Magic Christmas Stew: By Susana Ellis
When we join together to share what we have, we can make a difference
The life of an idle spare is no life at all for retired Captain, Daniel Winthrop. He is capable of doing many things, but they all required a wealthy bride, and he’ll not be a fortune hunter. He’d like to be a husband, though–of the governess who looks after his brother’s children. As he thinks about his options, he throws his energies into a project to encourage people to help veterans and their families, called ‘the magic stew project’ after the meals that Daniel and his comrades created from donated bits and pieces.
Governess Emily Bainbridge fled her home because her unpleasant cousin was plotting to force her into marriage. To avoid being pursued by another fortune hunter, she keeps who she is a secret. Soon, she will be twenty-five and able to control her own property. In the meantime, she cannot help but notice her employer’s brother. He is handsome, generous and kind. And his kiss is magical. But how can she allow him closer when she is pretending to be someone she is not?
Will this pair find the courage to conquer their pride and risk all for love?
My comments:
I’m so thrilled that Susana joined us for her box set. She has a deft touch with characters and plots, and this short but charming story is a fine example of her work. Emily’s dilemma is very real. Who among us has not kept something hidden for good reason, and then feared what others will know when they find out? And, too, I am always a sucker for a good villain. The villain in this story is a true scoundrel, and his attempt at abduction gives us readers a few nasty moments (and even more so, the heroine, who has no way of knowing that her happy ending is inevitable).