brother’s best friend

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Spotlight on “Mistletoe and Midnight Wishes” in Merry Belles

Mistletoe & Midnight Wishes

By Sherry Ewing

Can the magic of a midnight wish dispel the dark clouds of the past?

Mr. Joseph Morledge has taken on an almost impossible task. He has purchased the manor house that came to his family in his mother’s dowry. But his father’s deeds have left it haunted with memories best forgotten. Determined to fully renovate the house and reclaim the future, he sets Christmas as his target. But the woman he has long held in his heart has plans of her own.

For more years than she can count, Miss Charlotte Darby has hidden her feelings for Joseph Morledge, her brother’s best friend. Some untold code of honor between men has made him keep her distance. But when the opportunity comes to help him redecorate his house, she won’t take no for an answer.

As Joseph and Charlotte work to remake the manor into the home it should be, Joseph begins to realize that his house will not be a home without Charlotte as his wife. Has he left it too late to declare his love? Or will mistletoe and midnight wishes work their magic?

Preorder for December 20th: https://bluestockingbelles.net/belles-joint-projects/merry-belles/

Meet Charlotte

For more years than she can count, Miss Charlotte Darby has hidden her feelings for Joseph Morledge, her brother’s best friend. Some untold code of honor between men has made him keep her distance. But when the opportunity comes to help him redecorate his house, she won’t take no for an answer.

Meet Joseph

Mr. Joseph Morledge has taken on an almost impossible task. He has purchased the manor house that came to his family in his mother’s dowry. But his father’s deeds have left it haunted with memories best forgotten. Determined to fully renovate the house and reclaim the future, he sets Christmas as his target.

Excerpt from Mistletoe and Midnight Wishes

Still… he always kept Charlotte at a distance, since she was his best friend’s sister which by an undeclared gentleman code of honor made Joseph feel she should be off limits. And then there were Michael’s feelings for the lady. He could never act against his brother’s possible happiness even if it cost Joseph his own.

Her hand came to rest on his arm. “You’re lost in thought, Joseph. Are you sure this was a good idea?” she asked softly.

“Everyone keeps asking me that and it’s the same thing I’m beginning to question. But the answer remains the same. The deal is done and the manor is once again with my family,” Joseph stated, as he began ushering her from the house. “I would prefer if you don’t come inside. I’d rather you see the place once the renovations are complete.”

“But we came to help, didn’t we, Garrett,” she replied, as they met her brother outside.

“Any way we can,” Garrett said, slapping Joseph on his back.

“And I appreciate your offer but I’ve got this in hand,” Joseph answered, even as a wagon began making its way up the drive. “Besides, won’t you be busy with your charge this summer?”

Charlotte waved her hand in the air. “Lola and her father the Earl of Stanhope are off on an extended holiday together. Father, daughter time I suppose.”

Garrett chuckled. “The earl will have his hands full without Charlotte as the girl’s governess, and only a nanny to help him manage the child for the summer.”

“Lola won’t need lessons in reading and writing or any of the other academic studies I have planned for her upon their return,” Charlotte answered. “So, you see, Joseph. We have more than ample time to help you in any way we can lend assistance.”

“We can discuss this more at a later date. First, I need to access the manor and voice my plans with the workmen for the refurbishment. Garrett, we can talk later about how you might help. Charlotte will need to abide by my wishes.” Joseph watched as Charlotte took on a look that said an argument was forthcoming.

“Really, Joseph, I am not some delicate flower that cannot withstand a bit of hard work. Why, I’ll have you know—”

“Charlotte!” Michael’s voice called from the doorway as he hurried to reach her side. “How wonderful to see you… and Garrett, too.” Michael beamed staring at the young lady who was of the same age.

The adoration his brother felt for Charlotte was more than evident, and Joseph stepped back as he always did. But he did not miss the brief glance the lady bestowed upon him, causing his heart to flip end over end in his chest. Joseph wasn’t sure if he imagined the whole encounter but he kept the memory in his heart until their paths would cross again.

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Spotlight on A Mistletoe Kiss and The Magic Christmas Stew in Belles & Beaux

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).

Find out more

Read all about the set on the Bluestocking Belles website, and preorder at the special prerelease price.