I have not read a Candace Camp novel in some time (just because there are so many books on the market). The subtitle to A WINTER SCANDAL, Legend of St. Dwynwen, caught my eye. I have a soft spot for anything Wales.

St. Dwynwen is a real woman from Medieval Wales. Although her story varies, she is considered the Welsh patroness of lovers. In A WINTER SCANDAL, an English soldier marries a Welsh girl, bringing home his bride and a statue of St. Dwynwen. It is placed within its own chapel in the St. Margaret's Church. The vicar is Daniel Bainbridge, who is more interested in Roman antiquities than church service. But he assumed the living after his father, the previous vicar, passed away. Daniel's spinster sister, Thea, assists him with his flock and even writes his sermons as she is more interested in theology than society.

After attending a dinner party at the Squire's house, Thea realizes that she is living on the edge of everyone else's life. She prays to St. Dwynwen for her own life. Her quiet time in the chapel is interrupted by a sound in the sanctuary where she finds a baby abandoned in the manager (that she pulled out for the live Nativity scene). When Thea discovers a distinguished brooch attached to the baby's swaddling, she assumes that Gabriel, Lord Morecombe, is the father. As she confronts him about the baby (and her feelings of how his dismissed her at the dinner party), a sweet romance begins.

Camp delivers characters that make us what to root for them. Thea is cast as the reliable spinster who takes care of everyone but herself. Gabriel is the roaming rake whose outer charm hides his inner love for his family. They individual grow from the time they spend together, searching for the baby's parents. Likewise, a passion grows between them.

It is a timely book as the holiday season approaches and frantic shoppers forget the quiet message celebrated by all religions - love. St. Dwynwen would be satisfied to know that Thea and Gabriel found happiness together. I look forward to reading future books where secondary characters find love with St. Dwynwen's guidance.

I received an ARC from the publisher to review this book.