His Mistletoe Bride

The Stanton Family #4

by Vanessa Kelly

Blame It On The Mistletoe...

When Major Lucas Stanton inherited his earldom, he never dreamed his property would include the previous earl’s granddaughter. Phoebe Linville is a sparkling American beauty, yes, but with a talent for getting into trouble. Witness the compromising position that forced them into wedlock. Whisked away to Mistletoe Manor, his country estate, it isn’t long before she is challenging his rules—and surprising him in and out of bed.

Phoebe has no intention of bowing to Lucas’ stubbornness, even though he offers all that she wants. His kisses and unexpected warmth are enticing, but Phoebe is determined to show the Earl of Merritt what real love is all about. And if that takes twelve nights of delicious seduction by a roaring fire, she’s more than willing to reveal her gifts very slowly…

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Christmas, Historical, Historical Fiction, Holiday, Regency

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 2, 2012

About the author

Vanessa Kelly is a bestselling author of historical mystery and historical romance. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for best historical romance. She is a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and Amazon bestseller several times over. To date, her books have been published in eleven languages. Vanessa also wrote USA Today bestselling contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels with her husband, under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.

After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph.D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.

Reviews

[HR-ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

England Oct- Dec. 1817.

Marcus served in the Army x 14yrs and then became
an earl. Marcus had a tense relationship w/ cousin
Stephen, & they avoided each other, after they both
loved the same faithless woman yrs prior. Marcus
'stole' her from this cous. Ultimately she wed a 3rd
man!

Phoebe, came to England from the US, to meet her
estranged Grandpa, who died before she arrived.
Phoebe's late parents raised her as a Quaker, but
she didn't always strictly adhere to this belief system.
The Stantons IE aunt & uncle etc welcomed her with
open arms.

Marcus & Phoebe had a built-in conflict. She rejected
anger, violence, guns & alcohol. Then they discovered
smugglers & excise men who chased each other on the
couple's land.

The MCs both struggled with tempers. They gradually
fell in love & demonstrated this by small gestures and
tokens. Sweet Phoebe confronted Marcus when need be.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoebe Linville is delighted to finally be going to England to meet her long estranged grandfather. It caused much pain for her mother and she died without resolving the conflict from her marrying a Quaker and moving to America. Now Phoebe has the chance to put the past behind her and find some happiness with her English relatives. However, much to her disappointment, she is met with the news that her grandfather passed away during her voyage over and her grandfather left a very unusual request for her--marry the new earl, Major Lucas Stanton. With her options dwindling (she thinks she should return to her Quaker roots in America with her half brothers family), Phoebe is persuaded to stay with her new English relatives and finds herself falling for the dashing new earl and succumbing to his wicked kisses. One compromising position later, Lucas and Phoebe are forced to wed....but at what cost? Lucas has no faith in love having been badly burned in the past and it has shaped him to the man he is today. With the threat of a smuggling ring at their new home, Mistletoe Manor, it divides Lucas and Phoebe. Will the holiday spirit of friends and family lead this couple to see the joys of love?

This was my first time reading Vanessa Kelly and it won't be my last! I loved the mix of family, steam, intriguing main characters and holiday cheer. Phoebe was a delight to read--I loved how when she was upset (and she gets upset with Lucas often for his hard headed ways) she reverts back into her Quaker plain speak. It becomes an enduring quality to her but she is also bold, smart, loyal, sassy and loves with her whole heart. When she learns more about the smuggling ring, she does all she can to help end it without getting anyone hurt. Phoebe also sees how the town is struggling and takes it upon herself to revive the holiday traditions of years past and as she grew up without all these traditions, she learns them all along the way. Lucas was a bit harder to warm up to. A former major, he has seen the horrors of war and takes his new, unexpected, responsibilities seriously...perhaps a bit too seriously at times. One moment he is warm and caring with Phoebe and the next, in his attempt to protect her, he comes off hard and standoffish. With his failed relationship in the past, he thinks will never love again but Phoebe just settles herself into his heart but it takes awhile for him to finally admit that. There are also so many wonderful secondary characters (all from previous books that I can't wait to read now) and they add some great fun banter but also some tension. Overall, a delightful holiday read filled with heart, hope, humor, family, trust and happiness that will be sure to warm the cold winter days. A perfect holiday treat! 4 solid stars

Review copy provided by the author

[Racheal Roberts · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am having a really hard time finishing this book. Phoebe annoys the crap out of me!!

[Lena Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am extremely fortunate to have been given an advance copy of His Mistletoe Bride, by one of my favorite historical romance authors, Vanessa Kelly. I thoroughly believe Vanessa could write about the phone book and make it an enthralling tale. Her writing style is smart, engaging, and sexy. Her descriptions are pure poetry. And she skillfully brings her characters to life with a mastery I envy as a fellow author, and admire and enjoy as a reader.

When I first began this book, and discovered the heroine was a Quaker, I admit I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy this story as much as I have enjoyed others by Vanessa Kelly. The use of 'thee' and 'thou' and the unfamiliar beliefs and mannerisms of the Quakers was off-putting at first. But the author's skill quickly drew me in and I fell in love with the characters.

Phoebe, the heroine, had an English mother and a Quaker father, and she goes from America to England to live with her grandfather because her parents died. She struggles to fit in, and speaks 'proper' English except when she's upset, in which case she slips back into 'plain English' and the 'thee' and 'thou' words start cropping into her sentences. It's quite endearing seeing her struggle to belong and be accepted but to not abandon her belief system.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story for the same reason that I enjoy all of Vanessa's stories--it is unique. Vanessa is not your ordinary historical romance author. She ALWAYS figures out how to makes her stories different from anything else that is out there, while still keeping enough of the typical historical romance world-building that readers expect. I particularly enjoyed how she used Mistletoe as the name of the hero's manor, and most of the servants had the surname 'Christmas'. There's even a mutt named Holly.

But perhaps best of all is the sprinkling of well-loved supporting characters from Vanessa's other books. Her die-hard fans will be thrilled to see so many favorites. I loved seeing sexy Dr. John Blackmore again and the fun interplay with his wife, Bathsheba, from My Favorite Countess.

I highly recommend this book. Stick with it past the 'thee' and 'thou' opening chapter. I promise the language gets easier and more familiar, and the wonderful, endearing characters are a true joy. I'll definitely be buying my own copy to put on my keeper shelf, even though I have a free electronic arc. Well-done, Vanessa. Keep them coming!

[Janga · Rating 5 out of 5]

’ve been a Vanessa Kelly fan since I read an ARC of her debut book, Mastering the Marquess, which reminded me in many ways of my beloved traditional Regencies, which had all but disappeared at that point. One of the things I liked best was the strong, resourceful heroine who was also flawed and vulnerable. That has become the pattern of Kelly’s books, and it’s one of the reasons they are all favorites of mine. Phoebe is no exception. I loved her independence, her honesty, her refusal to forsake her beliefs. And while I may have thought Lucas should have recovered from that early love affair sooner, I both liked and understood him. There’s a particularly revealing passage early on that makes clear how he has been shaped by his experiences as a warrior:

“No one who had ever lived through war could ever completely turn his back on it. And part of him didn’t want to. Not the killing, of course, but the purpose and clarity that came with knowing what must be done, and then doing it. No messy relationships or extravagant emotions, no broken promises or betrayals that could turn a man’s life into a complicated hell.”

From that point, I knew this man and wanted to see him find his HEA.

There are Christmas books in which the holiday is just a backdrop, a stage setting that could be changed without significantly altering the story. Then, there are others in which the season is an inextricable part of the story, stories whose meaning would change in essential ways if the setting were different. His Mistletoe Bride belongs in the latter group. It’s a lovely, heartwarming story about romantic love, familial love, and love of one’s fellow human beings; it’s a story about forgiving and growing and opening one’s heart. It’s the best kind of Christmas romance. I highly recommend it.

See full review at Just Janga:
http://justjanga.blogspot.com/2012/10...

[Mina De Caro (Mina's Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review available on Mina's Bookshelf http://minadecaro.blogspot.com/2012/1...
An ex- soldier who won't give up his warlike manners, let alone surrender his heart to love. A virtuous and strong willed Quaker who will need to cross the ocean to connect with her passionate nature and find a place she can really call "home". An arranged marriage and a quest for love. All wrapped in vivid and accurate descriptions of the Georgian England winter season and its rituals. A colorful Christmas tableau and a hero/heroine chemistry that escalates from warm to scorching hot. Here's your perfect romance-lover holiday gift!
One of the most distinctive qualities of this historical romance novel is the refreshingly different kind of heroine. Young Phoebe Linville lives a very singular condition of outsider among her own people. Member of a Quaker family, but subtly shunned by her community because of her deceased mother's refusal to conform to some tenets of the faith, she decides to accept his maternal grandfather's invitation to leave New Jersey and join him in England. The characterization of the female heroine is quite solid and detailed, consistent in the way she struggles to meet the rigid expectations of a religious community and gradually reveal a surprisingly head-strong and passionate nature. Phoebe was doomed to live a quiet spinsterhood, steeped in an austere village upbringing, but once in England she will meet her perfect half in an unexpected place. Major Lucas Stenton, distant cousin of hers and heir to her grandfather's earldom, welcomes her upon her arrival with two shocking pieces of news: her grandfather has passed away during her boat trip to England, not before asking Lucas in his final will to become Phoebe's guardian and husband. The marriage may be an arranged one, but the chemistry between the handsome and intimidating ex-soldier, and the unconventional and genuinely beautiful American is as immediate as the blink of an eye. She is a starchy Quaker by upbringing, but she can't help being affected by the large framed and hard eyed soldier. He may have spent years and years on the battle fields leading armies and defeating enemies, but he can't resist her innocent beauty and straightforward tongue. Despite his reluctance to surrender his heart to any woman after a former lover had demolished his life, Lucas is won by Phoebe's gentle manners and quick wit. A clear declaration of love won't be easily yielded by our emotionally armored soldier,

"...when dealing with matters of the heart, [Phoebe's] fearless warrior husband turned tail and headed for the hills."

But he tremendously enjoys his wife and while his heart lacks the eloquence, his actions will speak volumes. The author's clever choice to bring the lead characters close together from the start, sets the scene for some warm "interactions", incandescent I would say. In the cozy isolation of his country estate, and with the aid of a festive Christmas spirit, Lucas conducts a "sensual assault" that will breech Phoebe's inhibitions and crumble his own emotional barriers.
The introduction of a secondary plot thread, that doesn't really get thick except for the final pages, serves the purpose of enhancing the conflict and test the trust issues between the newly weds. With weak-in-the-knees romance, sexual chemistry a go-go, and as sumptuous as equally accurate descriptions of holiday traditions, His Mistletoe Bride will bring the winter temperatures up a notch or two.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute book but i didn't really care for phoebe very much.

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Stars

[Elle7 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just posted a question, and realized it wouldn't help me garner the interest to finish this book....

This book started off so good, I love the first dozen or so chapters. But it seemed to nosedive almost right after Phoebe and Lucas got married, and then became a speeding, runaway train of badness.

I should put forth that one-sided books, for either the man or the woman, irritate me beyond reason. Also, I loathe books that emasculate the man to make the female lead seem like a stronger character, and/or the lead female character is made into a b*tch under the veil of a being strong female. I like when the characters find balance, become true partners. I almost don't mind the imbalance so long as the character being wronged gets to call the other character out on their bad behaviour. Sadly, this is not the case with Phoebe & Lucas in "My Mistletoe Bride". Well, at least not through the first 29 chapters.

The question I posed was to ask if anyone remembered how old Phoebe was. At multiple points in the book I found I was asking myself: What is she 16 or 17 yo??!!

Phoebe is more then naive. She is childish, and yet astonishingly arrogant. She's a consistent liar, not only to other people, but also to herself. She brandishes her religion like a weapon, dragging it out only when convenient. She's selfish. She is the picture of self-interest, caring for not much beyond her own desires.

She claims out loud to relatives that she loves Lucas, but nearly every action after she makes that decclaration is in contrary to the sentiment. To wit:
- She starts lying to him the day after they are married and maintains the lying throughout nearly the entire book.
- She puts everyone, including complete strangers, before him.
- Every action she takes is driven to achieve her own agenda, NOT what's best for Lucas, herself, their marriage, or the estate.
- She's not sure if she can trust him, but she does nothing to earn his trust.
- At every point, at every opportunity, she chooses to think the worst of him. Despite thinking the best of all others and giving them every opportunity to be what she would consider "good", or make the right choice.
- She refuses to compromise on just about anything at all. She wants what she wants & that's that. (Again, is this character 16 yo??!!) Not yielding on anything to create a partnership with her husband, never considering WHY is making the choices he is making.
- She puts her trust in and gives it to EVERYONE else, but not her own husband. She seems to have confidence in everyone and anyone, save Lucas.
- She seems unwilling to even consider anything from his perspective, but will do this with everyone else.

I could go on but I'll stop here. Actually, I could handle all of these things if only Lucas had been permitted to be hurt, angry, or mildly upset about any of her behaviour. But he is not. At least not so far, there hasn't been not one single repercussion for Phoebe's abominable behaviour. I skimmed ahead a little, and best as I can tell he forgives her everything. It just made me angry.

The worst had to be the end, with the baby. Can anyone tell me? What did Lucas do or say, at any point in the book, to any other character, that would cause her to think so little of him? She thinks so badly of him, about how he might feel about a baby. But I couldn't recall anything from earlier in their relationship or anything about her time living with her brother & his family that would cause her to think him such a horrible man, or even that he might feel that way. What did he ever do that she would think this?

And this is why I stopped reading. That Phoebe supposedly loves this man but her knee jerk, go-to reaction is, no matter the circumstances - good or bad - to think the absolute worst about her husband. She has zero confidence in this man. And it doesn't make any sense. I cannot recall an exchange between them that sets this up. But she does. He asks her several time, 3-5x, "you think me an ogre?" and she always whispers "no, I don't think that". And yet her language & behaviour set him up to ask her the question repeatedly. Just another lie, because she obviously does think he is an ogre. Frustrating because he never gave her a reason to think this about him. So sad, started off so well......

[Dottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully romantic tale, great for the holidays or any time of year! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:

Growing up in a Quaker household, Phoebe Linville’s one joy was the bedtime stories her mother told her of the fairies and sprites that roamed the green and gentle land of the old country. Her mother had been estranged from her English relatives after marrying a Quaker and moving to America, but she took comfort in telling the stories and Phoebe’s father had understood his wife’s need. So grown up now and assured of her grandfather’s welcome, Phoebe set sail for England. She had never met her grandfather, but after years of silence, he had finally acknowledged her in his letters to her. With both parents gone now, Phoebe accepted the invitation, but she knew she would miss her young nieces and nephews. However, her grandfather’s letters to her had been so filled with warmth, something that has been missing in her life for a long time. She could not wait to see him. However, by the time she arrived in England, her grandfather had contracted an infection and passed away. She had received the news the morning after her arrival in England after a storm-filled voyage, which had taken seven weeks instead of the expected three weeks. Ill from the voyage, she had collapsed into the arms of the messenger, Major Lucas Stanton, her distant cousin. But he was not finished bringing her up to date. Her grandfather had written her a letter just before his death and in it, he made plain that he wanted her to marry Lucas.

Major Lucas Stanton, the eighth Earl of Merritt, is the heir to Phoebe’s grandfather’s estate. He had made a solemn vow to the old earl that he would take care of Miss Linville, and he is determined to honor that promise. To placate the dying man, he had agreed to consider the marriage proposal if Phoebe was amenable. However, she seems to find the prospect disconcerting. At first, Lucas had not thought she could survive the ton or marriage to him, but after sitting and talking to her, he is pleasantly surprised by her inner fire.

Receiving the news of her grandfather’s death, Phoebe seems determined to return to America to her half-brother and his family. Nevertheless, Lucas decides to do all he can to get her to remain in England; both to honor a promise made to a dying man and because it is possible she is just what he needs in his life. In fact, she might be the antidote to the woman he had once loved and who had destroyed his life.

Spending time with him and succumbing to his devastating kisses, she finds herself in a compromising situation, and they are forced to wed. After the hasty wedding, they retire to their home, Mistletoe Manor, but can they overcome the differences in their pasts and the threat of smugglers?

Absolutely delicious, HIS MISTLETOE BRIDE, the latest book by phenomenal author Vanessa Kelly, is a heartwarming, witty and passionate historical romance that will keep you up late into the night, eager to see what happens next. Ms. Kelly is a genius at bringing her characters and her stories to life right before your eyes. She is one of my all-time favorite authors, and this story is one of her best in my opinion. Fans of her works will be delighted to be reunited with some of the characters from her previous books. It is enchanting to watch Phoebe as she tries to fit in and belong, determined to speak proper English, even as she lapses into her plain Quaker talk whenever she gets upset. I loved the servants at Mistletoe Manor and their unique names. The combination of seduction, holiday cheer, marriage, intriguing characters, Regency England, smugglers, romance, love and Ms. Kelly’s own unique writing style makes this story a favorite for the holidays and any time of year. I absolutely loved this story and look forward to Ms. Kelly’s future works. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of HIS MISTLETOE BRIDE.

Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

HIS MISTLETOE BRIDE by Vanessa Kelly is an wonderful holiday historical romance. Set in Regency England you can not go wrong by reading this fast paced,adventure filled,with a bit of seduction and a bit of holiday favorites story. Follow Major Lucas Stanton and Phoebe Linville,(an American Quaker), though their challenges of wedlock,seduction,a lot of surprises,holiday cheer,romance, and the challenges of love.The characters are engaging, witty,and will keep you engaged from the first page to the last page. Ms. Kelly has done it again with this holiday novel full of the twelve nights of Christmas. “His Mistletoe Bride” is a must for anyone who enjoys not only historical romance, Regency,but who also enjoys holiday cheer. I enjoy this author’s stories and “His Mistletoe Bride” did not disappoint. Received for an honest review from the author. Details can be found at the author’s website,Zebra Books, Kensington Publishing Corp.and My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY:AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews

[Becca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got halfway through and I found myself continually avoiding the novel. Therefore, after making a noble effort and getting 50% of the way through, I'm stopping. Phoebe comes across as a spineless, indecisive girl with annoying Quaker stereotypes and Lucas is a bit overbearing. I did not understand why the author said they were in love with each other because I saw no sparks. The Stanton feud was hard to get through, Phoebe was irritating, and the hero was decidedly lacking in the swoon department.

With a huge TBR pile to get through before Christmas, I'm calling it quits. It got 2 stars because the writing is good, the characters just don't do it for me.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

For a complete review, visit Affair de Coeur magazine, Oct. 2012 issue.

[Shana Galen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect holiday reading!

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story was meh. I liked Phoebe a lot more than other readers, apparently. She was a fish out of water, with a very strict moral compass that was constantly being tested and mocked. Yet, she was still gracious and loving. She wasn’t perfect, but everyone around her, especially the hero, needed to cut her more slack than they did.

Lucas had potential, but he kept disappointing me. I kept waiting for him to step up, but he would invariably say the wrong thing, get excessively angry, and/or be super dismissive. And he gaslighted Phoebe a lot, right up to the very end of the novel when he was declaring his feelings. I should have been swept away in the moment, but instead I was annoyed again. He was in this constant flux of being super angry or turning everything into a joke throughput the novel. First off, it gave me whiplash (I was completely sympathetic to why Phoebe never knew what to expect from him), but more so, it was just very immature, and that’s not what I want from my HR heroes.

The smuggling storyline was annoying, and the Christmas setting was ineffective. First off, it took way too long in the book to even get to Christmas (I was specifically looking to read a holiday romance), but then even once there, it somehow lacked any Christmas spirit, despite several Christmas related scenes.

Honestly, after thinking about it all, I’m knocking down my rating to 2.5 stars.

[Socrate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phoebe Linville stia ca nu avea sa isi mai vada niciodata caminul. Se propti bine pe picioare ca sa poata infrunta tangajul pachebotului, strangand cu putere lemnul umed al parapetului. Philadelphia, cu turlele bisericilor si clădirile ei de caramida rosie, ramanea in urma in ceata zorilor, plutind deasupra petelor albe de spuma de pe raul Delaware. Era o dimineata racoroasa de octombrie, iar aerul sarat prevestea ca anotimpul era deja in schimbare. „O zi perfecta pentru a incepe o noua viata." Emotia o facu să respire precipitat. Timp de luni in sir, isi concentrase toata energia asupra acestui moment, in ciuda faptului ca George o avertizase mereu, incercand sa o faca sa se razgandeasca. Nu avea sa-i fie dor de predicile lui galagioase, dar avea sa-i fie dor de cumnata ei, de nepoate si nepoti. Si acum, ca pleca, avea sa-i fie dor chiar si de George.

[Nessa · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF.

NO. I ALWAYS FIND MYSELF WANTING TO GIVE THIS AUTHOR A TRY BECAUSE AS MUCH AS I LIKE THE BLURB AND COVER??

THE CHEMISTRY WAS STILTED AND RIGID...
AM I READING FICTIONAL ROMANCE OR WHAT?
I DONT NEED IT TO BE REAL, JUST SOMETHING THAT SWEEPS ME AWAY FROM SAID REALITY.

HERO was distant and aloof, not in the way I like it. There's nothing loveable about him or gets my heart racing. His perspective towards the heroine felt like an obligation that he starts feeling something for? But at the same time, the feelings didn't feel natural or genuine.

HEROINE was neutral for me. She could have been great if the hero played well alongside her persona.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoebe has come from her Quaker life in America by ship to meet her estranged grandfather. When she arrives, she learns that her grandfather has died and on his deathbed requested that his nephew marry her. Lucas, a 14 year military veteran, is struggling under his inheritance of her grandfathers title and her.

I liked this book. Phoebe is trying to fit into a new culture and a new family that she desperately wants while still staying true to who she is. Lucas is a hardened, rather fierce military man who carries much regret over mistakes from his past. Their differing backgrounds make it hard for them to communicate and understand each other. But they finally do and it works. I'm sure I will read it again next Christmastime.

[Juliewheatcox.Net · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story overall. There were just some scenes that didn’t ring true to the character/s involved.

In particular, the ballroom scene, where Mr. Church (?) should have had his nose broken.

The flirting scene with the doctor’s wife where his aunt should have taken Lucas to task for bad behavior in front of his new bride.

The romance was steamy which made up for some of the problems. There were just too many times I wanted to shake some sense into either Lucas and/or Phoebe.

[PATRICIA KUNA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book.

Phoebe is going to visit her grandfather.

Then Lucas Stanton comes to tell her bad news.

She goes with him to meet her family. She is welcome.

She now has a family.

They get close and eventually they come to marry.

They work together to restore his estate. Mistletoe Manor.

They work to hunt down smugglers.

They do come to find love with each other.

They love they both need and find it with each other.

Love this book.

I will read more.

[Luz T · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an okay read for me. There were times when both MCs would drive me a little crazy. The romance between seemed forced and the how they fell in love with each other was a surprise for me. They were rarely in agreement about anything. The only place they seemed to have chemistry was in the bedroom.

[Adelaide · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Quaker heroine was the most interesting part of this novel. I was annoyed by how little we saw of the early stages of their relationship, very little recorded conversation. The very isolated heroine who just falls into a marriage with a (pretty domineering) older man felt very 80s McNaught. The Christmas part was laid on thick but not used particularly well.

[Jennifer M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this, but struggled to like (or be interested in) the fairly one dimensional characters. For me, the relationships among them were predictable and I just couldn't muster the interest to finish it. I've enjoyed Vanessa Kelly's books before, so I'll try again with another book or series.

[Darlene Foster · Rating 2 out of 5]

Library loan

The writing is good, the plot had promise. The problem comes with unlikable characters. Phoebe has been raised Quaker but sure drops it quick enough. Lucas blows hot and cold. The secondary characters are quirky family members. A forced marriage, broken down estate and starving villagers. Didn't turn out to be a very happy Christmas. Sad because I usually like this author.

[Sandra Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I had loved Vanessa Kelly's writing as long as when her first book came out that I could get my hands on.....every time her stories get better An d better. I just scored this story An d fully recommend it to all.

[Serina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistletoe Manor is a place for cunning strategy, love and getting to know one’s inner self. With the chaos, drama and crazy temperments of the character you are in for a Christmas holiday of a lifetime.

[Sara Hoge · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, a good Christmas historical romance hurrah! Extremely promising start, very hot, simply abundant stupid conflict that did not quite get wrapped up soon enough. Loved the premise though! Would (and plan to) read some of the rest of this series.

[Niki (nikilovestoread) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I generally like Vanessa Kelly's books, but reading this one was a struggle. I didn't care much for the main characters and once they reached Mistletoe Manor with all the Christmases, I just lost all interest. It's time to move on to something else.

[Stacie Marquart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Loved it.

[Gayner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

Two very different cultures coming together is always interesting. I really enjoyed Lucas and Phoebe work their way to a fulfilling life.