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Miss Merry's Christmas
David Worthington, Duke of Penrose is not happy with the American governess his new wards have arrived with. He especially dislikes his attraction to the insufferable woman, and is anxious for her replacement to arrive.
Meredith Chambers is thrilled when the Dowager Duchess Penrose hires her as her companion. Now she can stay with her beloved charges. But can she ignore how her heart thumps when the pompous duke gets close?
Two people determined to ignore each other despite the pull between them, and the sparks that fly when they're together.
Meredith Chambers is thrilled when the Dowager Duchess Penrose hires her as her companion. Now she can stay with her beloved charges. But can she ignore how her heart thumps when the pompous duke gets close?
Two people determined to ignore each other despite the pull between them, and the sparks that fly when they're together.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2012
132 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Callie Hutton
136 books1,440 followershttp://calliehutton.com/newsletter/ (receive a free book for signing up and be up to date on new releases and sales)
Hi Romance Fans,
My historical romances are full of heat, humor, and quirky characters. I’ve always loved history, which was my college major. Things of the past fascinate me. Not those boring history classes in high school, but the history of people. How they lived their lives, what they ate, what they wore, the challenges they faced, what they worried about.
I have recently delved into Historical Cozy Mysteries. My very first one, For the Love of the Baron, a Historical Romantic Suspense novella, spurred me to try a full length, non-romance focused cozy mystery. A Study in Murder released last year from Crooked Lane Publishing, and the reviews have been excellent. The second book, The Sign of Death, released this year and the next book, The Mystery of Albert E. Finch will release in January of 2022.
I've also been busy keeping up with my Regency/Victorian romances. Check out my latest series, The Rose Room Rogues. Four brothers who own a gambling club and find themselves caught in the net of love.
Watch for my new Highlander series, The Sutherlands of Dornoch. The first book in that series, To Deceive a Highlander, will release March 30th.
Take a look around my website and check out some of the books I write, and their lovely covers. www.calliehutton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 23, 2019
Me gustó mucho.
Este es una historia corta de navidad, ando con el espíritu navideño a todo lo queda.
AMO a los duques un poco fríos arrogantes y estirados, bueno amo a todo tipo de duques punto. Este no fue la excepción.
Y que una institutriz “americana” derritiera su corazón uuy más.
Me gustó mucho la relación de ellos.
No esperaba nada del libro y me llevé una sorpresa y no suelo dar calificaciones altas a libros cortos pero este me ganó.
Este es una historia corta de navidad, ando con el espíritu navideño a todo lo queda.
AMO a los duques un poco fríos arrogantes y estirados, bueno amo a todo tipo de duques punto. Este no fue la excepción.
Y que una institutriz “americana” derritiera su corazón uuy más.
Me gustó mucho la relación de ellos.
No esperaba nada del libro y me llevé una sorpresa y no suelo dar calificaciones altas a libros cortos pero este me ganó.
April 16, 2018
Novela cortita del tema duque-institutriz. Normal, nada para tirar cohetes.
Bastante tensión sexual.
Iba bien pero, hacia el final, esos malentendidos por escuchar conversaciones detrás de la puerta... meh. Eso si, nada de traumas del pasado.
2 y medio.
Bastante tensión sexual.
Iba bien pero, hacia el final, esos malentendidos por escuchar conversaciones detrás de la puerta... meh. Eso si, nada de traumas del pasado.
2 y medio.
April 4, 2016
http://kellisreviews.blogspot.com/201...
This beautifully written period romance struck a chord with me. I am eager to find out if there are similar books by Callie Hutton as her storytelling is wonderful.
Set in 1817 England, American Meredith Chambers, governess to two young orphans, takes the children to their new guardian, The duke of Penrose, David Worthington.
Simply being American is enough to upset Penrose, but it only gets worse when he learns that his new wards have had a carefree childhood thus far and are ill prepared for their places in society.
Penrose quickly replaces Miss Chambers and is anxious for her departure. This is due to the fact that he suddenly has conflicting feelings for her. Things don't go as planned, for either Miss Chambers or Penrose in this beautifully written story.
Come meet Meredith and David and travel back to a time when sleigh rides and high society ruled all, in a marvelous winter wonderland.
This beautifully written period romance struck a chord with me. I am eager to find out if there are similar books by Callie Hutton as her storytelling is wonderful.
Set in 1817 England, American Meredith Chambers, governess to two young orphans, takes the children to their new guardian, The duke of Penrose, David Worthington.
Simply being American is enough to upset Penrose, but it only gets worse when he learns that his new wards have had a carefree childhood thus far and are ill prepared for their places in society.
Penrose quickly replaces Miss Chambers and is anxious for her departure. This is due to the fact that he suddenly has conflicting feelings for her. Things don't go as planned, for either Miss Chambers or Penrose in this beautifully written story.
Come meet Meredith and David and travel back to a time when sleigh rides and high society ruled all, in a marvelous winter wonderland.
July 15, 2022
Just A Feel Good Christmas Story!
I absolutely loved the characters and storyline so much. Merry and her Duke Penrose were so sweet. Funny parts as well with the smug Governess. This was Christmas in July reading this too short but very very good story. On to my next book. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜
I absolutely loved the characters and storyline so much. Merry and her Duke Penrose were so sweet. Funny parts as well with the smug Governess. This was Christmas in July reading this too short but very very good story. On to my next book. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜
December 17, 2021
I love all of Collette Cameron’s stories and this novella is no exception. Although I found David Worthington, Duke of Penrose, gruff, starchy and very biased against an American at the start of the story, the author did a wonderful job of showing small changes to his attitudes and behaviours that ended up making him an endearing character. I loved Meredith, otherwise known as Merry, right from the start and I felt for her with how hard it would be for her to leave her charges. This is an entertaining and emotional Christmas time novella that read as a book and engaged my emotions. A recommended read for a fast and emotionally gratifying romance.
May 3, 2021
Fue algo entretenida y rápido de leer.... lo único que al ser un relato corto todo fue muy apresurado (Y el instalove iba a estar presente, Of course!!) pero ademas la protagonista fue algo imprudente para ser una institutriz, ya que por muy americana que fuera su comportamiento dejo mucho que desear, por más atractivo que fuera el duque.
December 18, 2018
This is a delightful story that was a very enjoyable read. David Worthington, Duke of Penrose, has been given custody of two children after the tragic death of their parents. Meredith Chambers has been their governess in America for many years and brings them to England to be cared for by the Duke. She wants to remain as the children's governess, but David feels Meredith is not the right person for the job and wants to dismiss her. David's mother on the other hand decides to hire her to continue to care for the children, much to David's objections! What follows is a funny, emotional and a battle of wills story that brings the Christmas spirit alive. This book will pull you in from the first page and keep your interest through the end. Callie Hutton is a great storyteller and brings the characters and story alive!
July 26, 2020
3.5 STARS
I did enjoy the author included a blurb prior to the story. I love reading blurbs before I begin.
I've read the reviews on this story and some mentioned the explicit sex. This is such a personal choice! I personally did not find it explicit or vulgar. Do they make love outside of marriage? YES! Do they do it all the time? NO! Only once and mildly described - heat level 3 out of 5 if that. I know some find passionate kisses erotic, so again this is such a personal opinion.
I do agree with reviewer's that the girls didn't act their ages. I was surprised they were 9 and 12. I decided it was because they just lost their parents and their lives were upended.
Granted the h didn't talk to the Duke like people from the ton, but she grew up in America and had different ideas - such as everyone is equal. Does this cause eye rolling, yes, but I enjoyed her spirit and set down to the Duke, who was more than full of himself.
I thought it was out of character for the h to wear such a revealing dress to the ball, especially for the reason she gave.
I did enjoy the banter between the H/h and romance does build slowly.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and little spice. Story ends at 86% - rest blurb for another story. (ljb)
I did enjoy the author included a blurb prior to the story. I love reading blurbs before I begin.
I've read the reviews on this story and some mentioned the explicit sex. This is such a personal choice! I personally did not find it explicit or vulgar. Do they make love outside of marriage? YES! Do they do it all the time? NO! Only once and mildly described - heat level 3 out of 5 if that. I know some find passionate kisses erotic, so again this is such a personal opinion.
I do agree with reviewer's that the girls didn't act their ages. I was surprised they were 9 and 12. I decided it was because they just lost their parents and their lives were upended.
Granted the h didn't talk to the Duke like people from the ton, but she grew up in America and had different ideas - such as everyone is equal. Does this cause eye rolling, yes, but I enjoyed her spirit and set down to the Duke, who was more than full of himself.
I thought it was out of character for the h to wear such a revealing dress to the ball, especially for the reason she gave.
I did enjoy the banter between the H/h and romance does build slowly.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and little spice. Story ends at 86% - rest blurb for another story. (ljb)
November 16, 2016
3.5 stars.
This was a fun little Christmas historical romance between a duke and an American governess. Penrose was arrogant, but not a complete jerk. His duty kept him from having fun, which Merry, the heroine, helped him rediscover. I really liked Merry, what with her love of life and her attachment to her charges. Speaking of her charges, I loved Clare and Charlotte, the girls whom Merry was governess to. I thought they added a nice touch to the story. I also liked Penrose's mother the scheming duchess, and his rakish but loyal brother Brandon. I hated the new governess Penrose hired before even meeting Merry, as she was very snobbish and was out to snare the duke. The plot was simple, following Penrose and Merry as they went from dislike to love. There were snowball fights, sleigh rides, and Christmas balls. Some errors in the writing and an annoying misunderstanding near the end is what brought the book down for me, but I still recommend it if you're after something quick and fun.
This was a fun little Christmas historical romance between a duke and an American governess. Penrose was arrogant, but not a complete jerk. His duty kept him from having fun, which Merry, the heroine, helped him rediscover. I really liked Merry, what with her love of life and her attachment to her charges. Speaking of her charges, I loved Clare and Charlotte, the girls whom Merry was governess to. I thought they added a nice touch to the story. I also liked Penrose's mother the scheming duchess, and his rakish but loyal brother Brandon. I hated the new governess Penrose hired before even meeting Merry, as she was very snobbish and was out to snare the duke. The plot was simple, following Penrose and Merry as they went from dislike to love. There were snowball fights, sleigh rides, and Christmas balls. Some errors in the writing and an annoying misunderstanding near the end is what brought the book down for me, but I still recommend it if you're after something quick and fun.
December 31, 2025
I received a free copy via the Xmas Romance Extravaganza. Worth 3.5 stars, rounded up.
The first few images of Miss Merry and her charges are quite funny. I was really sad to think that the duke didn't mind taking an innocent, even though he eventually marries her; he could have waited. Miss Merry got karma from listening to closed doors and that too was funny. Wrong words used has never been so funny as in this case: "He's treated them all the same. With respect, and a bit of condensation". LMAO. Just in case you don't get it, the word s/b condescension. The other edit needed would be: "he was looking at her as though she forgot to put her gown", it came twice in such a short book.
The first few images of Miss Merry and her charges are quite funny. I was really sad to think that the duke didn't mind taking an innocent, even though he eventually marries her; he could have waited. Miss Merry got karma from listening to closed doors and that too was funny. Wrong words used has never been so funny as in this case: "He's treated them all the same. With respect, and a bit of condensation". LMAO. Just in case you don't get it, the word s/b condescension. The other edit needed would be: "he was looking at her as though she forgot to put her gown", it came twice in such a short book.
May 14, 2018
I bought this for some "light reading" on the plane during my recent trip abroad. Simple, stereotypical plot -- overly starchy guy meets saucy, impertinent girl and after initial misunderstandings and insults they fall in love. Mild, somewhat wooden sexual content. And many (what I consider) anachronisms -- a child that says "me neither," for example. There were other inappropriately modern phrases, but I can't remember them at the moment. Don't know if this was self-published or not, but it could benefit from a good professional editing.
December 17, 2018
I loved reading this story about Penrose and Merry. You want Penrose to remember to have fun & realise what a wonderful wife Merry would make.
They are well written characters which you will fall in love with.
This is a great Christmas novella which leaves you with a warm feeling. It really got me in the mood for Christmas already ☃️
Callie Hutton writes so well you can imagine the era & she brings it to life. I can’t wait to start her next book (let’s hope another Christmas novella is on the cards soon)
They are well written characters which you will fall in love with.
This is a great Christmas novella which leaves you with a warm feeling. It really got me in the mood for Christmas already ☃️
Callie Hutton writes so well you can imagine the era & she brings it to life. I can’t wait to start her next book (let’s hope another Christmas novella is on the cards soon)
August 24, 2017
love this book! I love Christmas stories so I had to read this book too. This is the first book I have read by this author. the American governess Merry won't disappoint you in this story. The Duke of Penrose dislikes her, and detests his attraction to her. a wonderful read! You will enjoy the sparks flying!
March 2, 2018
BLOG: www.quiuboleecon.blogspot.com
Esta es una de esas lecturas que pasan desapercibidas y que se que dentro de unos meses ni recordare haber leído. No tiene nada del otro mundo y se podría decir que serviría para leer entre sagas eternas o después de un libro super largo como para despejar la mente.
Esta es una de esas lecturas que pasan desapercibidas y que se que dentro de unos meses ni recordare haber leído. No tiene nada del otro mundo y se podría decir que serviría para leer entre sagas eternas o después de un libro super largo como para despejar la mente.
December 12, 2020
Good entertaining story. Good characters. Merry is governess to two little girls who become wards of the Deke of Penrose. He does not approve of her as governess because she is American. He hires a real English governess. But the Duke finds he cannot get Merry out of his mind. His mother hires her as companion, so Merry stays at the estate. Penrose gets to know Merry better.
December 13, 2021
Merry Christmas
Great story about a governess and the two girls that she was teaching. With the death of their parents they were sent to David Worthington, Duke of Penrose as his wards. Miss Meredith Chambers is the governess until the Duke hired another one.
But with Christmas drawing near, Christmas wishes come true!
I would recommend this book!
Great story about a governess and the two girls that she was teaching. With the death of their parents they were sent to David Worthington, Duke of Penrose as his wards. Miss Meredith Chambers is the governess until the Duke hired another one.
But with Christmas drawing near, Christmas wishes come true!
I would recommend this book!
May 5, 2017
Sweet, fun, and very quick read. I enjoyed it.
July 20, 2017
Absolutely loved it. Callie Hutton has a gift for storytelling.
December 31, 2017
Quick read with a rushed ending.
January 21, 2018
Una bonita historia navideña...
Me gustó mucho la época en que esta ambientada la historia y la forma en que poco a poco los protagonistas se enamoran. Perfecta para navidad.
Me gustó mucho la época en que esta ambientada la historia y la forma en que poco a poco los protagonistas se enamoran. Perfecta para navidad.
May 9, 2018
I liked it a lot
A nice short love story was just what I needed. It was an adorable hate to love story. Which is my weakness.
A nice short love story was just what I needed. It was an adorable hate to love story. Which is my weakness.
May 10, 2018
With more plot and character development, this could have been a much better book. Parts of it were silly and illogical.
May 28, 2018
Wonderful witty tale
I loved this book. I is so much fun. Very funny and quite romantic. I can’t wait to read more from Callie.
I loved this book. I is so much fun. Very funny and quite romantic. I can’t wait to read more from Callie.
May 2, 2023
História curtinha agradável, cujo casal são de diferentes classes. Um mocinho sisudo e uma babá espevitada e sem papas na língua. Uma boa leitura para passar o tempo.
June 10, 2023
Both strong leads in this story and both from the way they were brought up!
It was wonderful to see how both of them could change to make a perfect ending!
It was wonderful to see how both of them could change to make a perfect ending!
December 22, 2023
Enjoyed the bickering and how she riled him.
November 15, 2025
short, sweet, read
A couple hours of light cheerful reading. It is probably an unlikely story but it was a cheerful couple hours read.
A couple hours of light cheerful reading. It is probably an unlikely story but it was a cheerful couple hours read.
March 8, 2017
I love historical books. This didn't disappoint. It read fast but was enjoyable. Will definatly be reading more from this author.
December 31, 2016
Truly lovely
Such a wonderful creation of sweet love and scandalous love. A mixture that will make you smile and keep reading.
Such a wonderful creation of sweet love and scandalous love. A mixture that will make you smile and keep reading.
August 24, 2017
Publisher's Description:
England, 1817
David Worthington, Duke of Penrose is not happy with the American governess his new wards have arrived with. He especially dislikes his attraction to the insufferable woman, and is anxious for her replacement to arrive.
Meredith Chambers is thrilled when the Dowager Duchess Penrose hires her as her companion. Now she can stay with her beloved charges. But can she ignore how her heart thumps when the pompous duke gets close?
Two people determined to ignore each other despite the pull between them, and the sparks that fly when they're together.
My Thoughts:
This is a sometimes funny, touching and well written novella by Callie Hutton.
Merry comes to England from America as the governess of two young girls who have recently lost their previous governess to an illness that took her life.
After several years employed by the girls parents she becomes the one person left to them after the tragic deaths of both parents. They do however have a guardian and she accompanies the girls to his home only to have him decide she would not make a suitable governess for the girls.
Now she is likely unemployed until his mother steps in and hires her as her companion. What ensues is highjinks and a developing love from a man who has never nor feels he will ever feel such emotions.
This is a well thought out story with well developed characters in spite of the short novel length of this book.
I would give this book 4.5 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and 3 of 5 flames for heat.
Although there is only one sexually physical scene in this story it is quite heated.
I received this book through InstaFreebie. This in no way affected my opinion of this title.
England, 1817
David Worthington, Duke of Penrose is not happy with the American governess his new wards have arrived with. He especially dislikes his attraction to the insufferable woman, and is anxious for her replacement to arrive.
Meredith Chambers is thrilled when the Dowager Duchess Penrose hires her as her companion. Now she can stay with her beloved charges. But can she ignore how her heart thumps when the pompous duke gets close?
Two people determined to ignore each other despite the pull between them, and the sparks that fly when they're together.
My Thoughts:
This is a sometimes funny, touching and well written novella by Callie Hutton.
Merry comes to England from America as the governess of two young girls who have recently lost their previous governess to an illness that took her life.
After several years employed by the girls parents she becomes the one person left to them after the tragic deaths of both parents. They do however have a guardian and she accompanies the girls to his home only to have him decide she would not make a suitable governess for the girls.
Now she is likely unemployed until his mother steps in and hires her as her companion. What ensues is highjinks and a developing love from a man who has never nor feels he will ever feel such emotions.
This is a well thought out story with well developed characters in spite of the short novel length of this book.
I would give this book 4.5 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and 3 of 5 flames for heat.
Although there is only one sexually physical scene in this story it is quite heated.
I received this book through InstaFreebie. This in no way affected my opinion of this title.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews