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Marian's Christmas Wish

4.08 of 5 stars 4.08 · rating details · 437 ratings · 119 reviews

Miss Marian Wynswich is a rather unconventional young lady. She plays chess, reads Greek, and is as educated as any young man. And she's certain falling in love is a ridiculous endeavor and vows never to do such a thing. But everything changes when she receives a Christmas visit from someone unexpected a young and handsome English lord.

Paperback, 298 pages

Published September 8th 2011 by Sweetwater Books (first published December 5th 1989)

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Historical Christmas/Winter Romance

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Dec 23, 2011 Rane rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads-arcs-netgallery, regency-romance-napoleonic-era, keeper

For me Carla Kelly is The Queen of Regency Romance, she doesn't use Dukes, tons of balls or the everyday like of the ton read so much about in this period. Her characters are just your avenge everyday person, with everyday problems. Marian's Christmas Wish is one of Carla Kelly's gems.

Miss Marian Wynswich is not your everyday miss. Taught by her father to use her smarts and the glue that holds her family together after her father's death leaves a huge debt amount behind causing the family no end of grief with the huge chance of losing the only home they've only known. If this will be the last Christmas at their family home, Marian make this the best for her family, even with a few major bumps in the road- the biggest is the stranger her brother brings home, Gilbert Collinwood. Marian sees Gil as someone whose scared of going home due to the scars he carries on his face, little does she know there's more to Gil then meets the eye and this will be the most memorable Christmas ever.

Carla Kelly's novels never feel stale or unmoving, with the plot flying by as Marian and Gil starts to learn about one another, while trying not to get into to much trouble along the way. The whole cast from Marian’s family and friend’s weren’t just background characters or cardboard cutouts, but just as living and breathing as both main leads

I love all of Kelly's female leads, they have a great
personalities along with hidden strengths were women weren't meant to have, only look pretty. Marian is not only smart, clever, but deeply caring about everyone (well those that deserve it!) you feel deeply connected to her, laugh along with her and hurt along with her as well. In trouble Marian keeps her head, even when her heart is breaking. Marian wasn't perfect by any means, but that only makes her more believable as a strong character, as her imperfections make her only that more understable and relatable to the reader.

Gil for me had me on a see-saw of emotions, from loving him, to hating him, to wanting to beat him up. I thought like Marian he was a Prince Charming in need of rescue, a soul scarred by the events he’s seen. That’s only part of the story that is Gil. There’s a lot going on that isn’t seen and the surprises Kelly gives the reader, not only make scary sense but shake us at the same time as we never saw it coming. Gil was open to all, but narrow in his own views, which causes much heartache later for Marian and his family. Gil needed a major wake-up call. What Marian did wasn’t just for her, but for him more then anything and the family who love him. I agreed for the actions Marian took, and did forgive Gil for his actions as she saw the heartbreaking change he undertook for the better.

This is one of Carla Kelly’s early book and was very rare at one time and thankfully re-issued by Cedar Fort, it’s a truly classic Regency Christmas gem.

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Dec 19, 2011 Sandy rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of Georgette Heyer

Shelves: chemistry-sigh, endings-i-love, fluff-i-love, i-own, read-in-2011, settings-i-love

4.5 out of 5 stars

I love a spunky heroine. I love a girl who will get in and out of scrapes, volley some witty banter at the handsome man we're dying for her to kiss, and beat him at chess to boot. And you know what else I love? Carla Kelly's writing. I read Marian's Christmas Wish not knowing what to expect and ended up spending the next three days reading three Carla Kelly books because I couldn't get enough of her writing. I immediately bought my own copy of Marian's Christmas Wish as soon as...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Darla rated it 3 of 5 stars

(Genre:fiction/romance/regency period) 3.5 stars. This totally should've been a 4.5 star read for me. The characters are very engaging, the romance is sweet, and the dialogue is just fun. But there were a couple of things that didn't sit really well with me. I would still recommend the book, because I really enjoyed it, but the issues did detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. The first issue was the ages of the main characters. I know in this time period it was not uncommon for teenage...more (Genre:fiction/romance/regency period) 3.5 stars. This totally should've been a 4.5 star read for me. The characters are very engaging, the romance is sweet, and the dialogue is just fun. But there were a couple of things that didn't sit really well with me. I would still recommend the book, because I really enjoyed it, but the issues did detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. The first issue was the ages of the main characters. I know in this time period it was not uncommon for teenagers to wed older men, but it is still a hard age difference for me (more than a 10 year gap) to really embrace. The second and more serious flaw relates to the hero's actions with another character that brings his moral character into question. An accusation is made by the heroine, which the hero makes no attempt to deny (so as a reader I assume that it is true) and it left me disappointed in the hero's quality. This is a frequent complaint I have with romance stories. The heroes often aren't all that heroic and I am left to wonder about their fidelity after marriage when reality sets in. But if you look past that innuendo (or assume that he refused to answer such a ridiculous assumption), then the hero maintains his appeal.

Marian is 16 years old and a spunky heroine. She is determined to make this Christmas the best ever, especially since it appears that it may be the last one spent in her family's home. Her father's death a year earlier and his mismanagement of their estate has left the family in dire straights. Her older brother Percy, at the urging of his mother, has brought home a rich suitor (Sir William) for Ariadne (Marian's beautiful older sister) with the hopes that her marriage will be able to stave off their financial ruin. Marian can't stand Sir William and she is sure that her sister would be very unhappy as his wife. Especially since Ariadne is in love with Sam Beddoe, the local vicar.

Percy has also brought another visitor home for Christmas, Lord Ingraham, a scarred face fellow diplomat of Percy and Sir William. He is drawn to Marian, due to her vivacious and loving nature, and quickly becomes her friend and sometimes shield and protector, as she goes from one scrape to another, along with her scamp of a younger brother, Alistair.

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Dec 12, 2012 Alisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Marian Wynswich is 16 and wants to have the best Christmas ever. That's not too much to ask for, is it? She doesn't want any reminders that they are about to lose their beautiful home because of all the debts her father left them when he died a year earlier. She wants her older sister Ariadne to be able to marry the man she loves, Sam, who is a poor, poor vicar (and has no means to help them out of their financial mess).

When her younger brother, Alistair returns home sooner than he is expected b...more

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Jul 03, 2012 Christopher rated it 1 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This review was originally posted on The Historical Romance Critic.

Let me start by stating that Carla Kelly is one of my favorite writers of historical romance. I'm not sure I've come across any other writer with quite the same talent of making the romance seem so wholehearted and realistic. If you haven't read her novel The Wedding Journey, I suggest you do so immediately.

That being said, Marian's Christmas Wish was a crushing disappointment for me. It was made worse by the fact that for about...more This review was originally posted on The Historical Romance Critic.

Let me start by stating that Carla Kelly is one of my favorite writers of historical romance. I'm not sure I've come across any other writer with quite the same talent of making the romance seem so wholehearted and realistic. If you haven't read her novel The Wedding Journey, I suggest you do so immediately.

That being said, Marian's Christmas Wish was a crushing disappointment for me. It was made worse by the fact that for about the first 60% of the book, I was more than ready to give it 5 stars. True to her reputation, Kelly initially weaves a deep friendship between the hero and heroine with just a hint of something more. The heroine is only 16, which fits her personality well. She is not above being outspoken or engaging in some well-meant mischief, but at the same time is shown to have a mature attitude of kindness and of trying to take care of her family. This kindness, coupled with a type of vibrancy, charms the 28-year old hero. The hero seems like a good guy, with both a charming personality and a desire to help the heroine's "christmas wishes" come true. By about the 60% mark he has kissed the heroine passionately and seems about ready to propose. Then, everything goes to the gutter with his trip to London. The hero could have saved the heroine a tremendous amount of anguish by simply being a little less mysterious about the trip, even if he couldn't have told her all the details of the mission. But no, all he offers are vague reassurances. Worse is the fact that we learn the hero not only courted the spy but but bedded her as well. To me, this felt like a great grievance against the heroine, especially since he originally hoped to propose to the heroine as if nothing was wrong. He essentially pushes his love of the heroine aside as the request of the crown. And nothing satisfactory is done to rectify that mortal (from the perspective of a romance book, anyway) character flaw. Despite the fact that the heroine has been threatened at knifepoint, the hero allows her to head home without much protection. As a result, it's not even the "hero" who tries to sacrifice and rescue the heroine but rather her brother.

After the heroine almost dies, the hero does give up his position as a spy and the heroine eventually forgives him/agrees to marry him/etc. But nothing demonstrates that the hero is worthy of the heroine's love, worthy of that HEA. As a romance, the story wasn't worth the virtual paper it was printed on. It's going to take me a while to forgive Kelly for this one.(less)

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Mar 03, 2012 Rea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

Full review can be found here.

Before I attempted this book, I read The Captain’s Christmas Family by Deborah Hale. That book focused a lot on the religious side of Christmas to the point where it got preachy at times. At the time I had been watching a lot of The Atheist Experience online and was feeling a bit grouchy about religion after having had quite a bit of it shoved down my throat. Really, I think that I was a bit worried that I’d get the same sort of message about God’s love and his inte...more Full review can be found here.

Before I attempted this book, I read The Captain’s Christmas Family by Deborah Hale. That book focused a lot on the religious side of Christmas to the point where it got preachy at times. At the time I had been watching a lot of The Atheist Experience online and was feeling a bit grouchy about religion after having had quite a bit of it shoved down my throat. Really, I think that I was a bit worried that I’d get the same sort of message about God’s love and his intervention in this book too…

But this book does not push a religious message! It focuses on the idea of bringing families back together, of reuniting with loved ones rather than revering a religious deity. There are, of course, some religious elements but considering the period when it’s set, this is hardly surprising. I found that I was much more comfortable with this story than I was with The Captain’s Christmas Family.

It took me a little while to slip into the style as it is made to reflect the style of the period as much as possible. As soon as I was there, though, I was completely drawn into the story.

Marian’s family seems to be caught up in a rough spot. Bertrand Wynswich, her father, died the previous Christmas, leaving the family with a mountain of debts; her mother spends most of her time cooped up in her room; her younger brother has been expelled from school; her older sister is being used as a pawn, married off to an older rich man despite her obvious attachment to another man; and her older brother is under enormous stress trying to keep the family afloat. Marian decides that it’s time for her to fix things.

Percy, the older brother, returns from his diplomatic mission with two men: one is the older gentleman in search of a wife with no long courtship involved. He is a truly odious character but because he is potentially the family’s salvation, everyone has to be polite to him. The other gent is Lord Ingraham, a man whose many diplomatic ventures have left him scarred in such a way that he is unwilling to present himself before his mother. He takes an immediate shine to Marian, though.

The first part of the novel focuses mainly on the firm friendship which blossoms between Marian and Ingraham - Gil. I really enjoyed this part – the older man’s fascination with this energetic, out-spoken girl. May only problem with it was that often Marian would come across as younger than her 16 years and Gil tended to treat her as a child. He also takes a lot of liberties touching her, nothing intimate but often enough in books from or set in that era, there will be no contact between the hero and the heroine… certainly not frequent little touches.

As soon as Marian learns that Gil is avoiding his family because of the disfiguring scar, she is determined that he should return home to his mother. She confesses this wish to her younger brother, Alistair, and he takes the first steps to get the scheme rolling, leading to many laugh-out-loud moments.

The last part of the novel is completely at odds with the first part, though. We go from a cosy, family-oriented lot to a diplomatic threat of a thriller. These two plot halves didn’t mesh that well, unfortunately. I didn’t know quite what to make of it but it felt like I’d suddenly started reading a completely different novel. I much preferred the first part and based on that only this could easily have been a 5-star read. As it is, the diplomatic threat didn’t work for me very well, especially as it all didn’t even really make sense to me. What a shame.(less)

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Jan 05, 2012 Sara Oestreich rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-lit, christmas, regency, romance, clean-romance

This is the sweetest Christmas Romance. It falls into a category of Romance classification called Traditional. An adult Romance read without any overt sex. it reads just like a trashy romance…without the trashy bits. I think the best way to show my love for this book is to breakdown all the bits that worked for me.

The Clean Romance. It’s not exactly a secret that I like my romances trashy. I love the buildup to a bedroom scene…extra points if it happens somewhere other than a bedroom, the garden...more

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Nov 30, 2011 L_manning rated it 5 of 5 stars

Marian Wynswich and her family are in a bad way. Their father recently died, leaving them with debts they cannot pay. When Marian's older brother comes with a potential suitor for her older sister, Marian takes it upon herself to keep her sister out of a marriage just for money. What Marian doesn't realize is her life is about to take a new turn in the form of a friend her older brother brought home. He's able to see past Marian's eccentricities, and Marian might be falling for him. If only she...more Marian Wynswich and her family are in a bad way. Their father recently died, leaving them with debts they cannot pay. When Marian's older brother comes with a potential suitor for her older sister, Marian takes it upon herself to keep her sister out of a marriage just for money. What Marian doesn't realize is her life is about to take a new turn in the form of a friend her older brother brought home. He's able to see past Marian's eccentricities, and Marian might be falling for him. If only she could fall for him and solve her family's many issues all at once.

I was so charmed by this book. I found myself staying up late just to see what happened next. Marian was one of those sweet, sincere characters that you just can't help but love. Marian's family was unconventional for the times, but very entertaining for me. Of course I also loved the romantic side of this story too. One thing in particular I thought was awesome was Marian's ability to be a strong young woman and just happen to fall in love at the same time. Marian was so smart, and she knew how to use her brain. She took care of things when she needed to. For Marian to find someone who could appreciate all the different aspects of her personality was great. This is the kind of romance I would want my daughters reading- a young woman who is capable, smart, and able to take care of herself while still falling for a handsome, sweet, and fun young man who completely respects her.

This book was a period book written with modern sensibility, so that we as readers can still relate to the story. It's also full of Christmas cheer, and it made me want to snuggle up under a warm blanket and just enjoy this book. There were some twists and turns I did not see coming at all, and those just added to the love I had for this book. By the end of the book I was ready to read it again. This is one of those books I can see myself reading every year around the holiday season to just bask in the joy of it all. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes period novels, light romance, fun heroines, and a lot of holiday cheer!

Galley provided for review.(less)

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Nov 22, 2011 Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, romance, net-galley, received-to-review

I really needed a read that made me laugh, smile, and entertained me.

Marian is a spunky 16 year old who is a misfit for her time period. She doesn't conform to a docile lady. She has so much personality and says what she really thinks. Sometimes that honesty gets her into a bit of a bind, but I think it was refreshing. It also caught the eye of the Gilbert Collinwood.

She is in the middle of a plan to foil the unwanted attention of a wealthy suitor for her older sister, Ariandne. Her sister is in...more

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Nov 20, 2011 *Babs* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-asked-to-review, historical, romance

I am part of Carla's blog tour for the 26th of November. Here is the review and hope you will stop by on the 26th to see what she has to say.

Marian is headstrong in certain areas. She is smart if not smarter than some men she knows. She has been handling the house affairs as her brother is out and abroad. When their mother writes to Percy, ( Marian’s older brother ) to come home. Marian and Aridane, ( her older sister ) are not to thrilled as Aridane is in love with the Vicar in town. They are a...more I am part of Carla's blog tour for the 26th of November. Here is the review and hope you will stop by on the 26th to see what she has to say.

Marian is headstrong in certain areas. She is smart if not smarter than some men she knows. She has been handling the house affairs as her brother is out and abroad. When their mother writes to Percy, ( Marian’s older brother ) to come home. Marian and Aridane, ( her older sister ) are not to thrilled as Aridane is in love with the Vicar in town. They are afraid Percy will not like the match as he can bring nothing to the marriage. They are also afraid of Percy learning of Alastar’s early arrival home from school. This will be their last Christmas in the house as their father left them in debt. When Percy shows up with 2 men in tow the girls don’t know what to think except that one of them is going to have to marry for money. Marian doesn’t want to ever marry and will go with the flow of things.

The two men that Percy bring home are Lord Gilbert Ingraham and Sir William who are both diplomats along with Percy. Sir William reminds me so much of Mr Collins in P&P, although 10 times worse. Sir William is wealthy enough just like their mom wanted, but thinks he knows everything and doesn’t care who he offends or where. Lord Gilbert is more gentle. He helps Marian with her momma cat when she has babies.
Will Marian’s Christmas wish come true?

I adored this story, reminds me so much of Jane Austen’s writing and I love the regency era. Carla Kelly is a remarkable writer. The book flows well and keep your interest. Marian reminds me of Elizabeth Bennett in some ways. The characters are well thought through and enjoyed seeing each of them interact. This is the first book I have read by Carla, but it will not be the last. I was very pleased with the book.

*** I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book – which I have done.***(less)

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Nov 20, 2011 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I reviewed this book on my blog www.bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com

STORY: Miss Marian Wynswich is a rather unconventional young lady. She plays chess, reads Greek, and is as educated as any young man. And she’s certain falling in love is a ridiculous endeavor and vows never to do such a thing. But everything changes when she receives a Christmas visit from someone unexpected— a young and handsome English lord.

REVIEW: First and foremost, this is only my second time reading Ms. Kelly. After I was...more

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Nov 19, 2011 April rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-regency-romance

4.5)MARIAN’S CHRISTMAS WISH by Carla Kelly is an exciting historical romance set in Regency England. It is a fun quick read with witty charming characters. It is written with depth and details. This is the story of Marian Wynswick ,delightful,quick witted,snart,young lady her family and the charming,handsome Lord Ingraham.Their misadventures,passion,danger,love,healing,holiday spirit,mystery,and romance. “Marian’s Christmas Wish” is a light hearted that will have you turning pages from beginning...more

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Nov 17, 2011 Meagan Myhren-bennett rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Young Adults, Romance Fans, Christmas story fans, adults

Shelves: christmas, family, friendship, mother-daughter-relationship, mystery, romance, secret-service

MARIAN’S CHRISTMAS WISH

By Carla Kelly

Sixteen year old Marian Wynswich means to enjoy this Christmas as last year's had been one of mourning her father’s death. But her plans are soon undone when her mother, Lady Wynswich determines that Ariadne should marry soon and well to save the family from financial ruin! But Ariadne is in love with the local vicar Sam Beddoe who is poor. Marian is determined to save her sister from the fate of a love-less marriage!

When her brother Alastair is sent home fro...more

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Nov 06, 2011 Becky Moe rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, netgalley

Absolutely loved, loved, loved this one! It's so much better than the blurb makes it sound--not that there is anything at all wrong with the blurb, mind you--but there is so much more to the story than the blurb lets on. This book has it all. There's family drama, tragedy, and humor. There's an odious suitor to give Mr. Collins a run for his money. There's diplomats and peace treaties and a not-so-diplomatic chess game. There's French spies and English spies and the threat of a posting in--horro...more

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Oct 29, 2011 Janga rated it 5 of 5 stars

Like all of Carla Kelly’s romances, this one is filled with characters who come alive for the reader. Marian is young, not yet seventeen, with a candor that makes her seem even younger at times. But she has intelligence, a loving heart, and an irrepressible sense of humor. Gil is a wonderful hero—understanding, great-hearted, and surprisingly unlordly for so high ranking an aristocrat—and with all the appeal of a man who combines tenderness with an understated charm. Despite the differences in a...more

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Oct 20, 2011 willaful rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of Georgette Heyer and family romances

Shelves: non-compos-mentis-nookie, rated-g-or-pg, made-me-laugh

Fashions in romance come and go, and it’s hard to imagine someone writing this book, originally published in 1989, in quite the same way today. That doesn’t mean it’s not still worth reading, once you get your mind around the fact that there’s no hero point-of-view, and that the heroine is not quite 17.

Marian’s been planning her Christmas pudding wish all year, saving it for her much beleaguered family. But when her brother brings home a visitor, the scarred, troubled, but delightful Gil, she fi...more Fashions in romance come and go, and it’s hard to imagine someone writing this book, originally published in 1989, in quite the same way today. That doesn’t mean it’s not still worth reading, once you get your mind around the fact that there’s no hero point-of-view, and that the heroine is not quite 17.

Marian’s been planning her Christmas pudding wish all year, saving it for her much beleaguered family. But when her brother brings home a visitor, the scarred, troubled, but delightful Gil, she finds herself changing her wish: “I wish that Gilbert Collinwood will have the best Christmas.” Little does she know that Gilbert's own special pudding wish will depend on her to fulfill.

I found Marian a bit of a type at first, the naive, unconventional, animal loving, bluestocking young heroine, generally called “brat” by the older hero, but as the story progressed I liked her more and more: she’s not only supposed to be very intelligent, she actually is intelligent. She acts like a sensible human being, even when crossed in love, and she’s got a sharp tongue and a cool head when such things are needed. And she’s more than a match for Gil, the equally intelligent and charming hero who has an unexpected edge to him.

The plot is episodic: there are 3 distinct story arcs and several smaller subplots, some of which are mainly farcical, some of which are quite serious. The best part of all of them is the constant development of Marian and Gil’s relationship; they recognize an affinity between them immediately, quickly become comfortable allies, and progress (rather more slowly on Marian’s side, because of her age and inexperience) to love. The conflict that arises between them is based on their characters and deep knowledge of each other, rather than outside factors. Despite the fact that Marian is so young and there’s none of Gil's point-of-view, I have no difficulty believing in them being happy together.

(reviewed from e-arc provided by netGalley)(less)

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Oct 18, 2011 Mariachiara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Titolo: Marian's Christmas wish

Autore: Carla Kelly

Trama: Marian ha quasi diciassette anni, un carattere deciso, ma dolce e una famiglia perennemente bisognosa della sua guida. O così lei crede. Tra un cagnolino da salvare e curare, un partita a scacchi da vincere ad ogni costo, e classici greci e latini da leggere, deve perciò trovare il tempo per mangiare (ehi dopotutto sta crescendo) e risolvere i problemi dei suoi famigliari in modo da poter passare un Natale perfetto.
Punto primo: aiutare su...more

Titolo: Marian's Christmas wish

Autore: Carla Kelly

Trama: Marian ha quasi diciassette anni, un carattere deciso, ma dolce e una famiglia perennemente bisognosa della sua guida. O così lei crede. Tra un cagnolino da salvare e curare, un partita a scacchi da vincere ad ogni costo, e classici greci e latini da leggere, deve perciò trovare il tempo per mangiare (ehi dopotutto sta crescendo) e risolvere i problemi dei suoi famigliari in modo da poter passare un Natale perfetto.
Punto primo: aiutare sua sorella maggiore Ariadne a convincere il suo innamorato, il vicario del paese, a dichiararsi
Punto secondo: evitare che la loro madre spenda gli ultimi spccoli rimasti in famiglia e affligga tutti con malanni immaginari
Punto terzo: aiutare suo fratello minore, espulso stavolta per sempre da Eton a tenerlo nascosto ancora un pò al loro fratello maggiore
Punto quarto: cercare di non voler male a suo fratello maggiore per il fatto di aver portato a casa per Natale un grasso, pomposo e antipatico collega diplomatico con l'idea di farlo sposare alla loro sorellina Ariadne
Punto cinque: non strozzare suddetto pomposo pretendente
Con così tante cose da fare Marian è felice che l'altro ospite invitato da suo fartello sia almeno simpatico e deciso ad aiutarla. Ora se solo il suo stomaco non sobbalzasse ogni volta che lo vede...probabilmente i troppi dolci le stanno facendo male.

La mia opinione: romanzo carinissimo! Posto che io non amo particolarmente i romance con protagoniste molto giovani, e che Carla Kelly non è tra le mie autrici di romance preferite, devo dire che questo romanzo mi ha piacevolmente sorpresa. L'ho letto quasi per caso. Lui era lì, io ero lì, la trama sembrava carina e d'impulso l'ho preso non aspettandomi molto, ed invece l'ho divorato! Non vedevo l'ora di voltare pagina (digitale) e l'ho finito tutto d'un fiato. Veramente veramente carino. Ve lo consiglio. Purtroppo non è disponibile in lingua italiana, ma in lingua inglese sì, poichè è un romanzo risalente al lontano 1993. Sopra vedete la copertina dell'edizione vecchia e di quella nuova, a confronto. Infatti molti romanzi rosa di successo in Amrica vengono spesso ripubblicati.

I protagonisti sono entrambi simpatici e complessi. Lei è molto matura per la sua età, e la sua personalità frizzante balza fuori dalle pagine, tanto che risulta normale al lettore che l'eroe maschile resti affascinato da lei, nonostante sia un diplomatico di 28 anni con un passato difficile alle spalle e una cicatrice sul volto a ricordarglielo per sempre. Poi la trama è romantica, ma anche molto movimentata da diversi scherzi e avventure..spie francesi.....e insommma è veramente un bel libro che sopremde fino alla fine.
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Sep 13, 2012 M.K. McClintock rated it 5 of 5 stars

A Reader's Opinion: Marian Wynswich is determined to have a wonderful Christmas, because it just might be her last in the home she's always known. I delighted in this book! It did start off just a few paces slower for me, but then pulled me at about page four and I was hooked. Marian Wynswich is an intelligent and outspoken sixteen year old young lady (almost seventeen as she likes to tell us). Over Christmas pudding, she makes a Christmas wish. Though she has vowed never fall in love or marry,...more A Reader's Opinion: Marian Wynswich is determined to have a wonderful Christmas, because it just might be her last in the home she's always known. I delighted in this book! It did start off just a few paces slower for me, but then pulled me at about page four and I was hooked. Marian Wynswich is an intelligent and outspoken sixteen year old young lady (almost seventeen as she likes to tell us). Over Christmas pudding, she makes a Christmas wish. Though she has vowed never fall in love or marry, her plans turn in another direction when she meets Lord Ingraham. I delighted in Lord Ingraham (Gilbert or Gil to Marian) as well. He's damaged with a few scars, but when in Marian's company, he becomes a dashing and charming man I fell a little in love with more than once during the story.

Marian isn't the only one with a Christmas wish and Gilbert spends most of the book hoping and dreaming for his, and yet at the same time, he treads carefully--out of fear perhaps? You'll have to read it to find out.

The setting is wonderful and the secondary characters are marvelous. Alistair made me laugh on numerous occasion and the other family members added just enough to the story to make the family seem like a genuine, and delightfully fun, family.

The author did a wonderful job with the main characters. Marian is written true to her age, but also has an air of maturity about her--the kind of maturity that comes from the weight of responsibility to one's family and the desire to see and experience more of life and the world. Gilbert's relationship with Marian is a charming development and my mind kept urging them onward to the only inevitable conclusion--lasting love.

(Possible spoiler, but not really!)
Now, there was a review about this book that mentioned the hero's time in London, towards the end of the book, and how that time away and the . . . shall I say his duty to his country . . . was a less than stellar action on the part of any romantic hero. I could understand it from that reviewer's point of view, however if one takes in the context of the era, the hero's position, and the story as a whole, coupled with Marian's amazingly generous and understanding mind and heart, the hero gets a pass. I still delight in his character.

I would recommend this book to anyone--it's a wonderful read and clean too! (less)

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Nov 25, 2011 Crystal rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, ebook, read-nov-2011

I love Marian, she is such a fun character. She's not afraid of much and she says what comes to mind and it makes her a delight to read, she is definitely not a shrinking wall flower of a girl. And in addition, the entire Wynswich family is a delight as well, even the stuffier members of the family turn out to be quite fun and likable.

I haven't read Regency romance in awhile and I forgot what I was missing in the really good ones, and Marian's Christmas Wish is one of the ones that really stand...more I love Marian, she is such a fun character. She's not afraid of much and she says what comes to mind and it makes her a delight to read, she is definitely not a shrinking wall flower of a girl. And in addition, the entire Wynswich family is a delight as well, even the stuffier members of the family turn out to be quite fun and likable.

I haven't read Regency romance in awhile and I forgot what I was missing in the really good ones, and Marian's Christmas Wish is one of the ones that really stands out. It has wonderful characters, starting with Marian and her witty comebacks and schemes. Her brother Alistair is a trouble-maker as well and rather amusing. Percy and Ariadne are the more proper ones in the family, but they are still interesting characters in their own right. Of course, the earl, Lord Ingraham is a fascinating character as well. Not much is known about him in the beginning, but I liked him from the start from the way he interacts and helps Marian get out of tough spots. He continues to shine through the rest of the book as well.

The plot is great as well. The wonderful thing about historical romance is even though this was previously released back in 1989, it reads perfectly today. So those of us that missed this gem in 1989 get a chance to read it now and it does not seem dated in the least. There are several things going on in the plot that keep it moving and keep it interesting and of course there is the romance of Marian and Lord Ingraham front and center even though it comes about slowly through the whole book. The plot never lost my attention and I enjoyed every minute of my reading.

With witty dialog, amusing situations, great romance and just all-around good fun, Marian's Christmas Wish is a stellar book to me. Marian is a delightful character who endeared herself to me and Gil is the perfect match for her. I also loved Marian's family and just thought every part of this book was well-done and interesting to me the reader. I am thankful that it was re-released because it was a phenomenal book to get a chance to read.(less)

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Nov 07, 2011 Anne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Marian Wynswich is determined to have a good Christmas this year. After losing her father last year in an accident and finding her family in serious financial trouble and in danger of losing their home she knows this might be the last chance they have for a nice Christmas together. Her brother Percy has decided to bring two distinguished gentlemen home with him for Christmas in the hopes that one of them will marry Marian's oldest sister Ariadne and save the family home. Sir William is rich but...more

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Oct 20, 2011 Ruth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, net_galley, regency-victorian

I have a confession to make. I really love Carla Kelly romances. I fell in love with her style when I read Marrying the Captain, and the other two books in her Channel Fleet trilogy, The Surgeon's Lady and Marrying the Royal Marine. There is something really simple about how she just tells a story, with minimal stylistic flourishes or silly misunderstandings, and how she writes about men and women and their relationships, that I just really enjoy. Other authors may have me sighing or crying, and...more I have a confession to make. I really love Carla Kelly romances. I fell in love with her style when I read Marrying the Captain, and the other two books in her Channel Fleet trilogy, The Surgeon's Lady and Marrying the Royal Marine. There is something really simple about how she just tells a story, with minimal stylistic flourishes or silly misunderstandings, and how she writes about men and women and their relationships, that I just really enjoy. Other authors may have me sighing or crying, and may rate higher in my reviews, but I know when I read a Carla Kelly book, I'll get a good read.

This one is a re-issued traditional Regency romance from earlier in her career, originally published in 1989, and it has the same feeling of a storyline which really moves, interesting, but accessible characters and pure entertainment, in common with those of her early books I've actually been able to get my hands on. I'd read all her backlist if I could actually get my hands on them, since it is notoriously difficult to do so. And therein lies the reason for the re-issue of this one. My understanding is that this is somewhat experimental for this author - she is selectively allowing ebook publication of those books which exchange hands on ebay for ridiculously over-inflated prices, so that she can actually benefit from her work, and also more people can enjoy it. I really hope this works out!

Now, to the book itself:

- The heroine is a well-educated, but rather unique individual, who is prone to getting into scrapes by accident. But that's too simple, since I just felt there was more to her. I really liked how she is the correct age for this period in history, when daughters of the nobility and gentry would have married young by our standards, and would have acquired the skills to be the mistresses of households by that age. And yet, for all her intelligence and perceptiveness, this heroine really does act and behave as a 16 year-old would. She doesn't have the emotional maturity a heroine aged, say 28, would have, and, yet, she doesn't come across as an irritating teenager, but as a fascinating and invigorating individual. I really liked that.

- We don't learn so much about the hero really, and he remains rather too much of an enigma for my liking. I'm never really completely happy when a book focuses too much on the heroine or the hero to the detriment of the other. I got the impression he is a rather unhappy individual, and spending time with the heroine and her family is something of a rude awakening for him, to what life can be like. I did wander whether it was possible for him to have achieved all he had, and have the position and respect he had acquired, and still be under 30. He probably could have been older, and even with the age difference, the romance would still have worked IMO.

- The plot MOVES. There is very little lying around on sofas and contemplating dresses in this one, and this is very much like the other older romances by this author. Comparing it to romances written now, there is perhaps too much going on, but I honestly didn't get confused by it or annoyed with the change in pace. It was fine for me.

So, if you want a nice entertaining traditional romance, with no real smut (although the minor physical stuff is absolutely charmingly written in a nice earthy style I wish more authors would use), and a moderately cheesy, but very satisfying ending, then choose this one. It isn't really comparable to the Channel Fleet trilogy, which were more complex and less fluffy, with a whole lot more historical accuracy and detail that I have to admit I absolutely LOVED, but I did really enjoy it nonetheless, and will keep it.

4 stars. I really like it.

Forgot to mention. I received this one through netgalley.(less)

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Feb 11, 2012 Chanae rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: christmas, historical-fiction

I did end up enjoying this book. Mostly because I liked the main characters, Marian and Lord Ingraham. (view spoiler)...more

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Dec 02, 2011 Estara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of the author and regency Christmas tales

Shelves: ebook, read-in-2011

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book was released in 89 and I can see some homage à Heyer very early in the story, but the interesting characters are very much a Kelly feature and they only get stronger as this category romance length went on.

We have an unconventional young girl, not 17 yet, who has been for a year the heart and soul of her family, ever since the somewhat irresponsible, but very beloved and loving father died. Her brother is in the diplomatic service and only is returning now for Christmas, with the fathe...more This book was released in 89 and I can see some homage à Heyer very early in the story, but the interesting characters are very much a Kelly feature and they only get stronger as this category romance length went on.

We have an unconventional young girl, not 17 yet, who has been for a year the heart and soul of her family, ever since the somewhat irresponsible, but very beloved and loving father died. Her brother is in the diplomatic service and only is returning now for Christmas, with the father's irresponsible ways having driven the family to finally run out of credit and having to face selling their house or marrying off the older sister of the heroine in a way that will be beneficial to finances.

So we have the situation of the rest of the family at home (the younger scamp of a brother having been expelled from Eton) and a prospective bridegroom having been scouted by the diplomat brother. Unfortunately Adrienne, the family beauty, is in love with the vicar - a kind, but only well-off and fairly wishy-washy guy.

Marian, called Mare, is using her brains not only to deal with running the family, because her mother has fallen back on moaning and weeping since their father died, but would also prefer that her sister chose love and not duty, even if they lose the house.

A house party over Christmas is supposed to lead to a betrothal - but the prospective suitor may be rich but also encroaching and for some reason brother Percy has brought another friend from the diplomatic service along, heavily scarred Lord Ingharad (28) doesn't want his family to see him until his burn scars have somewhat faded.

The pleasure is seeing Marian and Gil fall in love, via all the machinations she tries to save her sister with - but what makes the story truly shine is the dramatic turn at the end (view spoiler)

The book is 200 pages on my reader, and if tautened could have worked at the category length of 150 pages even better, but then it's a pretty early work by the author and the characterisation is already much better than a lot of other category regencies I have read.(less)

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Nov 28, 2011 Hsiau Wei rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2011

I find it fun reading this book what with the attics played by Marian and her brother, Alistair. The book tell the story of Marian who wish to have the bestest Christmas celebration at her home as it is the last year they will be there as her family is no longer able to maintain the house anymore. However, plans does not go as planned. Her elder brother arrived with two uninvited guests: Sir William, and Gilbert. Percy intend to married off his younger sister; Ariandne to Sir WIlliam in order to...more

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Nov 18, 2011 Rhonda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Review: Marian's Christmas Wish by Carla Kelly
5 STARS
I stayed up till 3 am was not finshed reading but could not stay awake anymore. First thing this morning had to finsh the book.
Marian is quite the character. She is very smart almost 17 year old. She speaks her own mine, and doesn't let anyone put her down. She also takes care of wounded animals and makes her own remedies.
Last year her father died on Christmas and he left his property and family way in debt.
Lady Wynswich has written her son...more

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Dec 29, 2012 Caz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-regency, oldies-but-goodies, favourites

This is a thoroughly charming and heartwarming story. Marian Wynswich is sixteen-going-on-seventeen, but nonetheless has shouldered much of the responsibility for her household since the death of her profligate father the year before.

She loves her family dearly, but they don’t make life all that easy for Marian or for themselves. Her younger brother Alistair is sent down from Eton and her elder brother Percy is often away. Her sister Ariadne, though beautiful, will not say ‘boo’ to a goose and h...more This is a thoroughly charming and heartwarming story. Marian Wynswich is sixteen-going-on-seventeen, but nonetheless has shouldered much of the responsibility for her household since the death of her profligate father the year before.

She loves her family dearly, but they don’t make life all that easy for Marian or for themselves. Her younger brother Alistair is sent down from Eton and her elder brother Percy is often away. Her sister Ariadne, though beautiful, will not say ‘boo’ to a goose and her mother is often self-absorbed and critical of Marian to the point of unkindness.

Marian is educated rather than accomplished; she frequently speaks without thinking and displays hoydenish tendencies – but for all that, she is devoted to her family and wants only to secure their happiness. Unfortunately however, the death of her father has left the family in straightened circumstances, and they will have to sell their home in order to clear the debts he left behind. This will therefore be the last Christmas they have in the house, and Marian is determined to ensure that it is their best ever.

I would normally have difficulty in empathising with a heroine who is so young, but Marian is so well written that her youth is never an issue. She is naturally lively, intelligent and caring; and if there are times when she does act rather immaturely, those are more than compensated for by the depth of her compassion and love for her family. And as the novel progresses, we see her starting to make the journey from girlhood to womanhood as she becomes more circumspect while losing none of the qualities which make her so likeable.

The impetus for the move towards a greater maturity comes largely from Marian’s association with Gilbert Collinwood, Lord Ingraham (who is just gorgeous), who has returned to England with her brother Percy. Marian and Ingraham very quickly strike up a friendship and he begins to show an understanding and sympathy towards her that she has not so far received from any of her family.

It is quickly clear to the reader (if not to Marian) that Gil is attracted to her, although he does nothing overtly to take things in a more romantic direction between them. I really liked the way their relationship developed; their friendship was very easy and there was lots of hand-holding and touching (probably more than the conventions of the time would have permitted, to be honest), which all added to the gradual build up of the romantic tension between them.

In the second half of the book, we discover that there is a lot more to Gil than meets the eye, and through him, Marian becomes embroiled in a scheme to expose an English plot to supply weapons to Napoleon. She is disappointed to discover the secret life Gil has been leading, and tells him so in no uncertain terms. That is not enough for him to want to discontinue it however – he knows that someone has to do what he does and thinks it might as well be him – but what he can’t see is the toll it has taken on him, and the effect it could have on the people around him. Marian, however, sees this clearly, and following a terrible experience, takes a rather extreme step in order to force Gil to stop and think.

Gil and Marian are extremely well-drawn, likeable characters who are clearly very well suited and Marian is refreshingly level-headed for the heroine of a romance novel. Even after Gil does something seemingly unforgiveable, and despite her own feelings of hurt and despair, Marian finds it in herself to wait and find out what might really be going on rather than running away or having a missish hissy fit.

This is a story about hope, kindness and compassion; about the importance of family and of love. And yes, Marian’s Christmas wish does ultimately come true – and in the best possible way.
(less)

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Nov 06, 2011 Christa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook-arc

Marian's Christmas Wish was a very sweet, romantic story. I thought that Marian, a feisty sixteen year old girl, made a good, although awfully young, heroine. Gil, the hero, was very kind, caring, and always there to guide Marian and try to keep her out of trouble. The story was ineresting, and is a nice season read.

Marian and her siblings are planning to enjoy one last happy Christmas in their home before financial difficulties require them to leave. Her brother brings home two friends for the...more

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Oct 22, 2011 Aparajitabasu rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, review-copy, fiction, romance, historical-fiction

Alright I simply don't know why I didn't discover this before....its so good. Presenting before you all my views of Marian's Christmas Wish by Carla Kelly .

Here is the summary of the book:

Miss Marian Wynswich is a rather unconventional young lady. She plays chess, reads Greek, and is as educated as any young man. And she s certain falling in love is a ridiculous endeavor and vows never to do such a thing. But everything changes when she receives a Christmas visit from someone unexpected--- a y...more Alright I simply don't know why I didn't discover this before....its so good. Presenting before you all my views of Marian's Christmas Wish by Carla Kelly .

Here is the summary of the book:

Miss Marian Wynswich is a rather unconventional young lady. She plays chess, reads Greek, and is as educated as any young man. And she s certain falling in love is a ridiculous endeavor and vows never to do such a thing. But everything changes when she receives a Christmas visit from someone unexpected--- a young and handsome English lord.

Christmas is just two months away and what better away to spend the time than to read this phenomenal book about a many christmas wishes coming true for the Wynswich family don't you think? Well I simply can't fathom the fact as to how I could have missed this one before. Oh well......its here now and it is one the best historical romance fiction I have read so far.

Set in the time of Napoleon the story revolves around the Wynswich family and how they spend their christmas together. Although people might think of their family as wild and mismatched but each member has his/her own characteristics that define them. After the death of Lord Wynswich the family is down under dept and as used to be the norms of the old times girls then had to marry rich lords in order to pay off their debts, so is the scenario here as well the oldest son Percy who is a diplomat himself is trying to get a rich suitor for his sister Ariadne so they may pay off the debts. But Ariadne had already given her heart to another, the vicar Reverend Sam Beddoe (who is not only poor but shy in asking Ariadne's hand for holy matrimony) and does not wish to marry whoever her brother was bringing for the christmas. So her sister Marian (bless her) knows she must do something to avoid disaster from happening. Marian's only wish for this christmas is the happiness of her whole family.

As predicted her brother Percy does return back to Picton with not one but two rich gentlemen lords, a Sir William Clinghorn and Gilbert Collinwood, Earl of Ingraham. Sir William is the one who wishes to marry Ariadne but his rather lordly attitude is less than appreciable by the other Wynswiches (take Percy and Lady Wynswich out of the equation) and do all they can break off the affair for Ariadne's sake with a little help from the Lord Ingraham and while Marian does not wish to be tied in matrimony but this christmas is not only out of the ordinary for her but also for herself. Through a series of events Marian who had been planning her Christmas pudding wish all year, saving it for her much derailed family finds herself changing her wish: “I wish that Gilbert Collinwood will have the best Christmas.” Little does she know that Gilbert's own special pudding wish will depend on her to be fulfilled.

Marian's Christmas Wish is a re-issued traditional Regency romance from earlier in Ms. Kelly's career, originally published in 1989, and it has the feeling of a storyline which really moves, interesting, but accessible characters and pure entertainment. Out of the enormous catalogue of Carla Kelly's book this one is the first I have come across (and I'm so going to try the whole lot later). The story is rich in its plot, its rich characters, its prose and even the language that is styled as of the classic genre is easy enough to understand. Kinda made me remember of Jane Austen's Emma.

Marian is a very likeable character. She is spunky, she is intelligent, and there you go she has got a practical head in there. She is a sensible human being, even when crossed in love, and she’s got a sharp tongue and a cool head when such things are needed. And she’s more than a match for Gil, the equally intelligent and charming hero who has a rather big secret of his own, giving him a slight unexpected edge. There is one that should be noted here is the fact that Marian like the others of time when daughters married nobile gentlemen and acquired all the knowledge required to be the housemistress but she does act like a 16 year old and not showing the maturity portrayed by a say 28 year old would.

As to Gil's part of the story is seen. He remains a total enigma and although he is a diplomat and all the interactions between Gil and Marian make the highlight of the tale the nature of his work is the reason for the main confusion and heartbreak of the heroine halfway in the story. The author completes the personalities of the heroine and her hero with their words and actions.

The plot has an episodic feel to it and the best part as I had already stated are the interactions between Gil and Marian. They recognize an affinity between them immediately, quickly become comfortable allies, and progress to love. Marian, a good heart, though gets into much trouble with her loose tongue and sharp mind. Gil on the other hand is rather secretive himself yet very kind and has a particularly attachment to Marian, despite the 12 year age gap. And although this episodic saga has too many threads and wires weaving through it but at the end it all meets at a comfortable convergence, a perfectly sweet ending to an amazing read.

"Lovable and episodic...you'll find yourself wishing alongside Marian on her Christmas pudding"

(less)

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Dec 05, 2011 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

This was such a charming Christmas story. I curled up in bed and was swept away with Marian and her wishing story. Marian and her family are on the verge of ruination, due to her fathers untimely death, gambling habits amongst other things. Percy her eldest brother has kept them afloat for so long but the end is drawing near for them. Percy and his mother Lady Wynswich decide it is time to marry off Ariadne the oldest daughter to the richest man. However her heart belongs to another and she want...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Annalisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved it! This is the first book I have read by this author though I will surely look for more! It is my understanding that she is a rather popular romance author but that when you choose books she has written for "Cedar Fort" you will find them good clean romances like this one was. I just simply fell in love with Gil and Marian "brat". I found myself laughing out loud at the antics and desperately wishing for a happy ending.

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About Carla Kelly

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America's Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National P...more Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America's Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National Park Service as a ranger/historian at Fort Laramie National Historic Site did she get serious about her writing career. (Or as she would be the first to admit, as serious as it gets.)

Carla wrote a series of what she now refers to as the "Fort Laramie stories," which are tales of the men, women and children of the Indian Wars era in Western history. Two of her stories, A Season for Heroes and Kathleen Flaherty's Long Winter, earned her Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America. She was the second woman to earn two Spurs from WWA (which, as everyone knows, is all you need to ride a horse). Her entire Indian Wars collection was published in 2003 as Here's to the Ladies: Stories of the Frontier Army. It remains her favorite work.

The mother of five children, Carla has always allowed her kids to earn their keep by appearing in her Regencies, most notably Marian's Christmas Wish, which is peopled by all kinds of relatives. Grown now, the Kelly kids are scattered here and there across the U.S. They continue to provide feedback, furnish fodder for stories and make frantic phone calls home during the holidays for recipes. (Carla Kelly is some cook.)

Carla's husband, Martin, is Director of Theatre at Valley City State University, in Valley City, North Dakota. Carla is currently overworked as a staff writer at the local daily newspaper. She also writes a weekly, award-winning column, "Prairie Lite."

Carla only started writing Regencies because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars, which figures in many of her Regency novels and short stories. She specializes in writing about warfare at sea, and about the ordinary people of the British Isles who were, let's face it, far more numerous than lords and ladies.

Hobbies? She likes to crochet afghans, and read British crime fiction and history, principally military history. She's never happier than talking about the fur trade or Indian Wars with Park Service cronies. Her most recent gig with the National Park Service was at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site on the Montana/North Dakota border.

Here's another side to this somewhat prosaic woman: She recently edited the fur trade journal of Swiss artist Rudolf F. Kurz (the 1851-1852 portion), and is gratified now and then to be asked to speak on scholarly subjects. She has also worked for the State Historical Society of North Dakota as a contract researcher. This has taken her to glamorous drudgery in several national archives and military history repositories. Gray archives boxes and old documents make her salivate.

Her mantra for writing comes from the subject of her thesis, Robert Utley, that dean of Indian Wars history. He told her the secret to writing is "to put your ass in the chair and keep it there until you're done." He's right, of course.

Her three favorite fictional works have remained constant through the years, although their rankings tend to shift: War and Peace, The Lawrenceville Stories, and A Town Like Alice. Favorite historical works are One Vast Winter Count, On the Border with Mackenzie and Crossing the Line. Favorite crime fiction authors are Michael Connelly, John Harvey and Peter Robinson.

And that's all she can think of that would interest anyone. Carla Kelly is quite ordinary, except when she is sometimes prevailed upon to sing a scurrilous song about lumberjacks, or warble "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" in Latin. Then you m(less)

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