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Winter Wonderland
Ten years after Miranda Pardew haughtily turns down Barnaby Traherne's shy request for a dance, the still-smitten Barnaby has an opportunity to hire the now-impoverished Miranda as governess to his brother's children.
203 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 1993
About the author
Elizabeth Mansfield
63 books68 followersElizabeth Mansfield is the author of numerous regency romances. She is an intelligent and thoughtful writer, a hidden gem whose novels deserve to be more widely read and enjoyed.
Elizabeth Mansfield is the pen name of the talented Paula Reibel Schwartz. Ms Schwartz also wrote different genres under the pen names Paula Reibel, Paula Reid, and Paula Jonas.
Elizabeth Mansfield is the pen name of the talented Paula Reibel Schwartz. Ms Schwartz also wrote different genres under the pen names Paula Reibel, Paula Reid, and Paula Jonas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 12, 2015
I’m glad that the story was included in the same volume as A CHRISTMAS KISS. I was not impressed with A Christmas Kiss but liked this story.
The short prolog sets the main conflict of the story: painfully shy, gawky nineteen-year-old Barnaby Trahern asked beautiful Miranda Pardew for a dance but she not only turned him down but publicly humiliated him. This single event, in some ways, has determined Barnaby’s future. He vowed never to be vulnerable again.
“He would enter the fray again, and the next time he would be better prepared. The war’s not over yet.. Not by a long shot!”
When we meet Barnaby again, 11 years later, he is well respected thought-out bachelor , veteran of the Waterloo with a reputation in the Foreign Office to be “the only man there with backbone to stand up to the Prime Minister.”
The passing years were not so favorable for Miranda. Disastrous marriage, that thankfully ended with a death of her profligate, womanizing, lecherous husband, loss of her home to her husband’s heir and his smugly condescending wife – all of it was unbearable.
“She had to find a way to support herself, there was no other choice.”
Hired as a governess to oversee education of three boys, Miranda travels to Norfolk. The house belongs to Barnaby’s brother and Barnaby is also traveling there to join his family for Christmas….
This was a very good story filled with romantic tension, family warmth, and sense or redemption. The author did an excellent job of making me forgive Miranda and to cheerfully embrace their eventual HEA.
The short prolog sets the main conflict of the story: painfully shy, gawky nineteen-year-old Barnaby Trahern asked beautiful Miranda Pardew for a dance but she not only turned him down but publicly humiliated him. This single event, in some ways, has determined Barnaby’s future. He vowed never to be vulnerable again.
“He would enter the fray again, and the next time he would be better prepared. The war’s not over yet.. Not by a long shot!”
When we meet Barnaby again, 11 years later, he is well respected thought-out bachelor , veteran of the Waterloo with a reputation in the Foreign Office to be “the only man there with backbone to stand up to the Prime Minister.”
The passing years were not so favorable for Miranda. Disastrous marriage, that thankfully ended with a death of her profligate, womanizing, lecherous husband, loss of her home to her husband’s heir and his smugly condescending wife – all of it was unbearable.
“She had to find a way to support herself, there was no other choice.”
Hired as a governess to oversee education of three boys, Miranda travels to Norfolk. The house belongs to Barnaby’s brother and Barnaby is also traveling there to join his family for Christmas….
This was a very good story filled with romantic tension, family warmth, and sense or redemption. The author did an excellent job of making me forgive Miranda and to cheerfully embrace their eventual HEA.
December 1, 2016
My thanks to NetGalley and Open Road Integrated Media for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
I almost don't know where to start. So I will start here.
Do NOT read this book. If you want a cute Christmas Regency read by this author, read "A Christmas Kiss" instead. That book was nothing short of adorable and I absolutely loved it.
So it's not the author, she has good writing chops, it's just the plot and the Hero and the heroine left a SUPER bad taste in my mouth. Please note, this is my view of things. I ran the "kissing" scene past my SO and a female friend and they saw nothing wrong with it. They were like, "that seems realistic to me" and "she wanted it". That last statement was from the female and I was so floored when I heard that I couldn't respond. Read my synopsis of the "kiss" and let me know what you think. :/
SPOILERS FOLLOW. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Let's start with the heroine.
1) As a young woman, maybe 17 or so, she snubbed the Hero (19) at his first ball. She didn't know him, he didn't know her. She was a proud, vain thing. Married a man who was a rake and confirmed bachelor. He ended up being a horrible womanizer and she had a horrible 10 years of marriage until he died, leaving her penniless. This built character. My first quibble, and I KNOW this is a romance, so therefore a fantasy, but if her husband was a womanizer, sooner or later, he would end up contracting a disease and passing it to her, unless he didn't grace his marriage bed at all, which wasn't specified. I'm assuming it was something that affected her brain, because her actions with the Hero seem to indicate a lack of the common sense she was shown to have at the beginning of the book, before the Hero makes his appearance.
2) She is hired as a governess by, unknowingly, the Hero's sister. She is traveling by public stage to get to her new job. The Hero is on the stage and recognizes her instantly, because he is full of hatred for the woman who humiliated him. He meant so little to her that she has no idea who he is. There is another male on this stage coach, who decides to make himself incredibly glad handed with her and tried to push himself onto her. This is where I start to get pissed off.
A) The hero makes NO move to stop the guy, even though it is the gentlemanly thing to do, until the guy actually puts his hand on her leg after smushing her into the corner of the coach. He purposefully doesn't because, despite the fact that it was 11 years ago, he wants to PUNISH her and he wants his REVENGE.
B) She makes no move to stand up for herself. Say WHUT?!? I guess it's the modern day feminist in me, but if someone touches me with ANY part of their body and they know they are in the wrong, they are losing that part of their body. I'm not a violent person by any means, but violate my body and you get what's coming to you.
3) continuing on with the heroine, the Hero treats her like absolute GARBAGE, because he is butt-hurt over something that happened 11 years ago and he wants her to suffer. Not that she hasn't suffered enough already, having the wastrel of a husband and being forced into the service, but that's neither here nor there to the Hero. He treats her like garbage for two weeks, the time frame of this book.
4) One night, he said something SO horrible to her, that she couldn't take it anymore and she went to smack him. He grabbed her arm, pinned it behind her back, dragged her to him and forcibly kissed her. Like she was struggling, hitting him (ineffectually might I add) with her other hand, trying to turn away, etc. He didn't stop She gave up and went limp. The kiss became more tender. She is now starry eyed over the @ss and loves him, despite the fact that he just assaulted her and has been a raging @sshat to her for the last two weeks. When she thinks about "the kiss", she completely overlooks the assault part of it and only focuses on the "tender" part. PTSD? If not, then this is where I think the brain affecting VD comes in. Because if you have one hand free, it can gauge an eye or jab the throat pretty effectively. And ladies of the Regency era, lift that knee with FORCE. But again, that may be the modern day woman in me coming out.
5) When she is reminded of the incident that the guy is so butt-hurt over, she acts like she murdered his favorite puppy. DUDE! It was a snub 11 years ago! He needs to let it go and you should feel no guilt over it! You should be angry he's such a petty jerk incapable of being civil to you!
6) At the end, when he's trying to apologize, she is running up stairs to get away from him. He grabs her foot and TRIPS her and then covers her body with his so she can't get away while he's trying to explain his nasty behavior to her. She accepts his apology.
The Hero
1) He's butt-hurt over her snubbing him ELEVEN YEARS AGO, something she doesn't even remember and she is polite to him now.
2) He treats the heroine like garbage because he wants revenge and because he's afraid of the hold she has over him. That isn't her fault, she doesn't know why he's so mean or that he has taken school boy dipping school girl's hair in a inkwell to a whole new level.
3) He is convinced that his older brothers protect him too much and never let him make his own decisions and be a man. So he resents being treated like a child, even though he's acting like one.
4) He lays his hands on a woman in anger and in trying to get his way. Not hitting, but it's still scary and if for all intents and purposes a stranger that I only knew for a week or two did that to me, along with the verbal abuse, I would worry that he had an unhealthy fixation with me. I would also do my best to protect myself if he touched me in an unsolicited way.
5) He didn't grovel NEARLY enough to make up for all of the horrible things he said and did to her. Not at ALL.
So yeah, this book was NOT for me. It might be up your alley, the heroine might like it rough, who knows. I just got VERY ANGRY when I read this book and was cheering for the highwaymen to blow his brains out by the first 20% or so.
The highwaymen scene also irked me. She didn't do much to help during the whole thing. And I find it unbelievable that her one super nice dress would have survived the snow for days and that the rest of her clothes that were made of more practical material did not. Also, why go through her things and not the guy's, when he was the one with all of the money? Go through both, get double the stuff, especially if his items were quality goods.
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone, unless those scenes I mentioned don't bother you. One star.
I almost don't know where to start. So I will start here.
Do NOT read this book. If you want a cute Christmas Regency read by this author, read "A Christmas Kiss" instead. That book was nothing short of adorable and I absolutely loved it.
So it's not the author, she has good writing chops, it's just the plot and the Hero and the heroine left a SUPER bad taste in my mouth. Please note, this is my view of things. I ran the "kissing" scene past my SO and a female friend and they saw nothing wrong with it. They were like, "that seems realistic to me" and "she wanted it". That last statement was from the female and I was so floored when I heard that I couldn't respond. Read my synopsis of the "kiss" and let me know what you think. :/
SPOILERS FOLLOW. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Let's start with the heroine.
1) As a young woman, maybe 17 or so, she snubbed the Hero (19) at his first ball. She didn't know him, he didn't know her. She was a proud, vain thing. Married a man who was a rake and confirmed bachelor. He ended up being a horrible womanizer and she had a horrible 10 years of marriage until he died, leaving her penniless. This built character. My first quibble, and I KNOW this is a romance, so therefore a fantasy, but if her husband was a womanizer, sooner or later, he would end up contracting a disease and passing it to her, unless he didn't grace his marriage bed at all, which wasn't specified. I'm assuming it was something that affected her brain, because her actions with the Hero seem to indicate a lack of the common sense she was shown to have at the beginning of the book, before the Hero makes his appearance.
2) She is hired as a governess by, unknowingly, the Hero's sister. She is traveling by public stage to get to her new job. The Hero is on the stage and recognizes her instantly, because he is full of hatred for the woman who humiliated him. He meant so little to her that she has no idea who he is. There is another male on this stage coach, who decides to make himself incredibly glad handed with her and tried to push himself onto her. This is where I start to get pissed off.
A) The hero makes NO move to stop the guy, even though it is the gentlemanly thing to do, until the guy actually puts his hand on her leg after smushing her into the corner of the coach. He purposefully doesn't because, despite the fact that it was 11 years ago, he wants to PUNISH her and he wants his REVENGE.
B) She makes no move to stand up for herself. Say WHUT?!? I guess it's the modern day feminist in me, but if someone touches me with ANY part of their body and they know they are in the wrong, they are losing that part of their body. I'm not a violent person by any means, but violate my body and you get what's coming to you.
3) continuing on with the heroine, the Hero treats her like absolute GARBAGE, because he is butt-hurt over something that happened 11 years ago and he wants her to suffer. Not that she hasn't suffered enough already, having the wastrel of a husband and being forced into the service, but that's neither here nor there to the Hero. He treats her like garbage for two weeks, the time frame of this book.
4) One night, he said something SO horrible to her, that she couldn't take it anymore and she went to smack him. He grabbed her arm, pinned it behind her back, dragged her to him and forcibly kissed her. Like she was struggling, hitting him (ineffectually might I add) with her other hand, trying to turn away, etc. He didn't stop She gave up and went limp. The kiss became more tender. She is now starry eyed over the @ss and loves him, despite the fact that he just assaulted her and has been a raging @sshat to her for the last two weeks. When she thinks about "the kiss", she completely overlooks the assault part of it and only focuses on the "tender" part. PTSD? If not, then this is where I think the brain affecting VD comes in. Because if you have one hand free, it can gauge an eye or jab the throat pretty effectively. And ladies of the Regency era, lift that knee with FORCE. But again, that may be the modern day woman in me coming out.
5) When she is reminded of the incident that the guy is so butt-hurt over, she acts like she murdered his favorite puppy. DUDE! It was a snub 11 years ago! He needs to let it go and you should feel no guilt over it! You should be angry he's such a petty jerk incapable of being civil to you!
6) At the end, when he's trying to apologize, she is running up stairs to get away from him. He grabs her foot and TRIPS her and then covers her body with his so she can't get away while he's trying to explain his nasty behavior to her. She accepts his apology.
The Hero
1) He's butt-hurt over her snubbing him ELEVEN YEARS AGO, something she doesn't even remember and she is polite to him now.
2) He treats the heroine like garbage because he wants revenge and because he's afraid of the hold she has over him. That isn't her fault, she doesn't know why he's so mean or that he has taken school boy dipping school girl's hair in a inkwell to a whole new level.
3) He is convinced that his older brothers protect him too much and never let him make his own decisions and be a man. So he resents being treated like a child, even though he's acting like one.
4) He lays his hands on a woman in anger and in trying to get his way. Not hitting, but it's still scary and if for all intents and purposes a stranger that I only knew for a week or two did that to me, along with the verbal abuse, I would worry that he had an unhealthy fixation with me. I would also do my best to protect myself if he touched me in an unsolicited way.
5) He didn't grovel NEARLY enough to make up for all of the horrible things he said and did to her. Not at ALL.
So yeah, this book was NOT for me. It might be up your alley, the heroine might like it rough, who knows. I just got VERY ANGRY when I read this book and was cheering for the highwaymen to blow his brains out by the first 20% or so.
The highwaymen scene also irked me. She didn't do much to help during the whole thing. And I find it unbelievable that her one super nice dress would have survived the snow for days and that the rest of her clothes that were made of more practical material did not. Also, why go through her things and not the guy's, when he was the one with all of the money? Go through both, get double the stuff, especially if his items were quality goods.
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone, unless those scenes I mentioned don't bother you. One star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2018
incredibly boring and the narrator wasn't that good.
December 15, 2024
Ugh rage kissing. Like, who even does that?! Better yet, who LIKES it?!?! Besides our heroine, I mean. 🙄 The hero in this story was a little boy in a man's body and the heroine deserved better.
December 22, 2020
This is such a deliciously romantic & fun (clean) regency romance!! I enjoyed every single minute of listening to it & could not put it down. (The narrator was fantastic!!) The characters are so vibrant & the story so original!!
Barnaby, the youngest of 4 much older brothers, was a shy teen & feel in love with the beautiful Miranda at his first ball where she proceeded to embarrass & roast him in front of many people; As a result, it changed his personality & he grew to be assertive but severe & stern in countenance. 11 years later they are thrown together by chance while she’s on her way to become governess to his nephews due to becoming impoverished after her not-so-great husband died.
Miranda was so cruel as a teen in the beginning scene I was so worried I wasn’t going to like her 😲 ... but I LOVED her. Adult Miranda was mature, sweet, gracious & very forgiving of his now rude behavior towards her. I couldn’t wait for her to find out why he was so moody with her/ realize it was he she had treated wrongly in the beginning. I loved how she was so humble & knew that she was a vain & silly teen. The whole cast of characters were well rounded& likeable; I loved how his older brothers & sisters-in-laws were like parents to him. I like that this author finds a love match for side characters who could potentially be rejected- no spoilers 😜.
Again, the cover of this book is dated & questionable looking but I adore this story!! It’s clean regency perfection 💓. I hate to say it but I’ve liked the only 2 books I’ve read from this author way more than the Georgette Heyer novels I’ve read 😬
Barnaby, the youngest of 4 much older brothers, was a shy teen & feel in love with the beautiful Miranda at his first ball where she proceeded to embarrass & roast him in front of many people; As a result, it changed his personality & he grew to be assertive but severe & stern in countenance. 11 years later they are thrown together by chance while she’s on her way to become governess to his nephews due to becoming impoverished after her not-so-great husband died.
Miranda was so cruel as a teen in the beginning scene I was so worried I wasn’t going to like her 😲 ... but I LOVED her. Adult Miranda was mature, sweet, gracious & very forgiving of his now rude behavior towards her. I couldn’t wait for her to find out why he was so moody with her/ realize it was he she had treated wrongly in the beginning. I loved how she was so humble & knew that she was a vain & silly teen. The whole cast of characters were well rounded& likeable; I loved how his older brothers & sisters-in-laws were like parents to him. I like that this author finds a love match for side characters who could potentially be rejected- no spoilers 😜.
Again, the cover of this book is dated & questionable looking but I adore this story!! It’s clean regency perfection 💓. I hate to say it but I’ve liked the only 2 books I’ve read from this author way more than the Georgette Heyer novels I’ve read 😬
December 28, 2011
Reviewed for THC Reviews
Winter Wonderland is a sweet Traditional Regency romance that got off to a good start. It begins with a prologue where the author gives us a look back at the incident between the then-nineteen year-old hero and heroine which in many ways shaped Barnaby's life. Then it quickly fast-forwards eleven years to a much more mature heroine who has seen a great deal of hardship since then and a hero who has changed from a painfully shy youth into a man who, while no longer bashful, is still on the reserved side and described by many of the young ladies of the ton as forbidding. They chance to meet up again as both are traveling to Barnaby's brother's house, he for the holidays and she to become their new governess. The early chapters where they are journeying by stagecoach, robbed by highwaymen, and then stranded alone together for a couple of days at a small inn were delightfully warm and witty with just the right amount of emotion. Once Barnaby and Miranda were found by Barnaby's brother, Terrence, and returned to his home, I felt like some of the magic they had shared began to fade. Also, the misunderstanding drug on a little too long, really for the entire book, which I usually don't care for, because in my opinion, it takes away from the intimacy that could be building between the characters while they are instead holding themselves at arms-length.
I felt so sorry for poor Barnaby in the opening pages. The cut Miranda gave him at his first ball no less, was absolutely brutal. Having been timid in my youth like Barnaby and the butt of much teasing and jokes as well, I could really relate. In the moment, it was completely devastating to him, but immediately after, he vowed never to let something like that happen again. Since then, he has apparently enjoyed a rather storied career in the military and now works for the home office as a diplomat. Although his sister-in-law seems to be constantly playing matchmaker, Barnaby doesn't appear all that interested in marriage. In fact, he's been scaring away the young ladies with his cold and daunting frowns. When he meets up with Miranda again, Barnaby immediately recognizes her as the girl who humiliated him, and finds that he's still holding a grudge about it. In spite of him still stinging from Miranda's set-down all those years ago, I liked that Barnaby managed to behave like the proper gentleman he was, kindly saving her from both the unwanted advances of their fellow coach passenger and the highwaymen. Also, when they were stranded at the inn, and he got worked up into a pique of temper and was rude to her, he had the decency to feel badly about it later. During these parts, I found Barnaby to be quite funny, because it was obvious that he still liked Miranda and was very attracted to her, but wasn't about to admit it to himself or anyone else. After that though, I thought he allowed his resentment to go too far, even to the point of proposing to another woman just because he was too closed-minded to let himself believe that Miranda could have changed. At this point, I started to loose some respect for him. I know that he had been very hurt by Miranda in the past, but it was obvious to almost everyone but Barnaby that she was a very different woman than she was in her youth. At least, he made something of a comeback at the end, so I still generally liked him after all.
The way Miranda cut Barnaby in the prologue was so rude and obnoxious I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to warm up to her, but the author did an excellent job of making me forgive her almost instantly. It seems in the last eleven years, she has had to eat a huge slice of humble pie. Any happiness she might have had in the marriage she thought would be perfect, was in actuality very short-lived. She herself felt the constant sting of humiliation as her husband gambled away their fortune and ran through a succession of mistresses until he ultimately died in a duel with a husband he'd cuckolded. The uncaring lout didn't even leave Miranda a penny in his will, so after her year of mourning was up, she had to turn over all property to her brother-in-law who was the rightful heir to her husband's estate. He and his wife were going to allow Miranda to stay with them, but it turned out to be a backhanded offer with the wife in particular behaving insufferably toward Miranda until she knew she had to get away from them by making her own way in the world. She had already learned to live with a skeleton staff, doing many of the household chores herself, so applying for a position as a governess didn't seem like much of a stretch. Even the few meager possessions that Miranda called her own were cruelly taken from her, so she definitely was a sympathetic character in spite of her inauspicious beginning. I liked her determination to make lemonade with the lemons life had handed her. She ended up being very good with Terrence and Delia's children even though she had no real experience with kids. I also liked her willingness to sincerely apologize to Barnaby when Delia finally reminded her of her transgression, and that she was properly horrified by her former behavior. I think it all showed that she truly was a changed woman.
Winter Wonderland has a colorful cast of secondary characters, primarily Barnaby's brothers and their wives who seem to have a penchant for meddling in his life to the point of driving Barnaby to distraction. Being the youngest of four brothers by ten years, Barnaby's siblings have essentially lavished him with fatherly affection since he was born, and have always been overprotective of him, never allowing him to fight his own battles. Barnaby's sisters-in-law, especially Honoria, have a penchant for matchmaking. Honoria seems to think it her sworn duty to find him a wife, and she believes she found the perfect mate for him in sweet little Livy, a comely but timid girl who appears to be having trouble finding a husband due to her shyness. I liked Livy through most of the story and was hoping that as the third wheel, she wasn't going to get left out in the cold. I needn't have worried, because as it turns out, she already had a suitor waiting in the wings. Her mother simply thought the man wasn't good enough for her and Barnaby would be a better catch. I wholeheartedly believe that Livy ended up with the right guy, but I do wish that she had shown a little more backbone when making her choice. Her indecisiveness left me with a little doubt about her HEA. Then there were Barnaby's nephews, of whom the youngest, Jamie, reminds Barnaby of himself at that age. The boy is kind of on the shy side and like Barnaby is coddled by his older brothers, so Barnaby tends to show Jamie special attention.
Overall, Winter Wonderland was a pretty good read. The beginning really drew me into the story, and I thought it might end up becoming a keeper for me. It probably would have too, if it hadn't been for Barnaby's grudge and the misunderstandings resulting from it dragging on too long for my liking. He kept going back and forth between being Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and wouldn't communicate with Miranda at all about the incident that left him “scarred for life.” Not being a fan of anger turned to passion moments, their first kiss didn't do much for me either. However, both Barnaby and Miranda were pretty likable characters, and their “starting over” scene was really cute and romantic as was the epilogue, so in the end it balanced out fairly well for me. Elizabeth Mansfield is one of the better Traditional Regency authors I've read, so I'm looking forward to checking out some of her other non-Christmas-y works. Winter Wonderland can be purchased as a separate book or as part of the two book anthology A Christmas Kiss and Winter Wonderland.
Winter Wonderland is a sweet Traditional Regency romance that got off to a good start. It begins with a prologue where the author gives us a look back at the incident between the then-nineteen year-old hero and heroine which in many ways shaped Barnaby's life. Then it quickly fast-forwards eleven years to a much more mature heroine who has seen a great deal of hardship since then and a hero who has changed from a painfully shy youth into a man who, while no longer bashful, is still on the reserved side and described by many of the young ladies of the ton as forbidding. They chance to meet up again as both are traveling to Barnaby's brother's house, he for the holidays and she to become their new governess. The early chapters where they are journeying by stagecoach, robbed by highwaymen, and then stranded alone together for a couple of days at a small inn were delightfully warm and witty with just the right amount of emotion. Once Barnaby and Miranda were found by Barnaby's brother, Terrence, and returned to his home, I felt like some of the magic they had shared began to fade. Also, the misunderstanding drug on a little too long, really for the entire book, which I usually don't care for, because in my opinion, it takes away from the intimacy that could be building between the characters while they are instead holding themselves at arms-length.
I felt so sorry for poor Barnaby in the opening pages. The cut Miranda gave him at his first ball no less, was absolutely brutal. Having been timid in my youth like Barnaby and the butt of much teasing and jokes as well, I could really relate. In the moment, it was completely devastating to him, but immediately after, he vowed never to let something like that happen again. Since then, he has apparently enjoyed a rather storied career in the military and now works for the home office as a diplomat. Although his sister-in-law seems to be constantly playing matchmaker, Barnaby doesn't appear all that interested in marriage. In fact, he's been scaring away the young ladies with his cold and daunting frowns. When he meets up with Miranda again, Barnaby immediately recognizes her as the girl who humiliated him, and finds that he's still holding a grudge about it. In spite of him still stinging from Miranda's set-down all those years ago, I liked that Barnaby managed to behave like the proper gentleman he was, kindly saving her from both the unwanted advances of their fellow coach passenger and the highwaymen. Also, when they were stranded at the inn, and he got worked up into a pique of temper and was rude to her, he had the decency to feel badly about it later. During these parts, I found Barnaby to be quite funny, because it was obvious that he still liked Miranda and was very attracted to her, but wasn't about to admit it to himself or anyone else. After that though, I thought he allowed his resentment to go too far, even to the point of proposing to another woman just because he was too closed-minded to let himself believe that Miranda could have changed. At this point, I started to loose some respect for him. I know that he had been very hurt by Miranda in the past, but it was obvious to almost everyone but Barnaby that she was a very different woman than she was in her youth. At least, he made something of a comeback at the end, so I still generally liked him after all.
The way Miranda cut Barnaby in the prologue was so rude and obnoxious I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to warm up to her, but the author did an excellent job of making me forgive her almost instantly. It seems in the last eleven years, she has had to eat a huge slice of humble pie. Any happiness she might have had in the marriage she thought would be perfect, was in actuality very short-lived. She herself felt the constant sting of humiliation as her husband gambled away their fortune and ran through a succession of mistresses until he ultimately died in a duel with a husband he'd cuckolded. The uncaring lout didn't even leave Miranda a penny in his will, so after her year of mourning was up, she had to turn over all property to her brother-in-law who was the rightful heir to her husband's estate. He and his wife were going to allow Miranda to stay with them, but it turned out to be a backhanded offer with the wife in particular behaving insufferably toward Miranda until she knew she had to get away from them by making her own way in the world. She had already learned to live with a skeleton staff, doing many of the household chores herself, so applying for a position as a governess didn't seem like much of a stretch. Even the few meager possessions that Miranda called her own were cruelly taken from her, so she definitely was a sympathetic character in spite of her inauspicious beginning. I liked her determination to make lemonade with the lemons life had handed her. She ended up being very good with Terrence and Delia's children even though she had no real experience with kids. I also liked her willingness to sincerely apologize to Barnaby when Delia finally reminded her of her transgression, and that she was properly horrified by her former behavior. I think it all showed that she truly was a changed woman.
Winter Wonderland has a colorful cast of secondary characters, primarily Barnaby's brothers and their wives who seem to have a penchant for meddling in his life to the point of driving Barnaby to distraction. Being the youngest of four brothers by ten years, Barnaby's siblings have essentially lavished him with fatherly affection since he was born, and have always been overprotective of him, never allowing him to fight his own battles. Barnaby's sisters-in-law, especially Honoria, have a penchant for matchmaking. Honoria seems to think it her sworn duty to find him a wife, and she believes she found the perfect mate for him in sweet little Livy, a comely but timid girl who appears to be having trouble finding a husband due to her shyness. I liked Livy through most of the story and was hoping that as the third wheel, she wasn't going to get left out in the cold. I needn't have worried, because as it turns out, she already had a suitor waiting in the wings. Her mother simply thought the man wasn't good enough for her and Barnaby would be a better catch. I wholeheartedly believe that Livy ended up with the right guy, but I do wish that she had shown a little more backbone when making her choice. Her indecisiveness left me with a little doubt about her HEA. Then there were Barnaby's nephews, of whom the youngest, Jamie, reminds Barnaby of himself at that age. The boy is kind of on the shy side and like Barnaby is coddled by his older brothers, so Barnaby tends to show Jamie special attention.
Overall, Winter Wonderland was a pretty good read. The beginning really drew me into the story, and I thought it might end up becoming a keeper for me. It probably would have too, if it hadn't been for Barnaby's grudge and the misunderstandings resulting from it dragging on too long for my liking. He kept going back and forth between being Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and wouldn't communicate with Miranda at all about the incident that left him “scarred for life.” Not being a fan of anger turned to passion moments, their first kiss didn't do much for me either. However, both Barnaby and Miranda were pretty likable characters, and their “starting over” scene was really cute and romantic as was the epilogue, so in the end it balanced out fairly well for me. Elizabeth Mansfield is one of the better Traditional Regency authors I've read, so I'm looking forward to checking out some of her other non-Christmas-y works. Winter Wonderland can be purchased as a separate book or as part of the two book anthology A Christmas Kiss and Winter Wonderland.
November 24, 2016
I might have rated this 4 stars, but I wasn't happy with some of the vocal choices the narrator made, especially for the men. Still, I remember reading and loving Mansfield's books in the 90s--delightfully satisfying and gentle Regencies with strong and often outspoken heroines and Alpha males who are brought around. This plays out a little differently--it's the heroine, former diamond of the first water, who has suffered the slings and arrow of misfortune and reformed, although the hero isn't sure he can believe that. Nicely played out story with children and siblings in major roles, some good banter between hero and heroine finally as they realize they're made for each other. I'm glad to see some of the classic Regency authors reprinted and on audio. And if I checked my list on Goodreads, I wouldn't find myself re-listening to titles I didn't find wonderful, although Mansfield is always a pleasant read.
October 19, 2026
A Wonderful Regency Read
Strong characters and an engrossing plot make this a wonderful romance. I am a Elizabeth Mansfield fan and while it’s not my favorite, it’s still an excellent read.
Strong characters and an engrossing plot make this a wonderful romance. I am a Elizabeth Mansfield fan and while it’s not my favorite, it’s still an excellent read.
December 7, 2016
This is an old Regency Romance and read just like it. A nobleman had been spurned 11 years ago. When they meet again, he remembers her but she has no knowledge of who he is. She has changed a lot. Now a widow and lost her home she becomes a governess to the nobleman's family. They meet up on their way to her new job and his family and are robbed in their coach.
After a few days and their bickering she is told who he is. He just got betrothed to someone so he could forget her. Typical Regency book. I received this from NetGalley for a review.
After a few days and their bickering she is told who he is. He just got betrothed to someone so he could forget her. Typical Regency book. I received this from NetGalley for a review.
May 30, 2018
a strange concept of love
November 23, 2025
One loses a lot of sympathy for the FMC in the prologue. In subsequent chapters, one loses a lot of sympathy for the MMC. She came across as a vain bully in the opening scene. But then he builds up a mountain of judgment on this one incident from years ago, treating her very rudely. Then there's some hate kissing that comes across a tad nonconsensual, at least to begin with, and THEN he goes on to court somebody else.
There were things I liked about the plot and side characters but the main couple have some hurdles to climb over.
There were things I liked about the plot and side characters but the main couple have some hurdles to climb over.
December 9, 2016
A sweet Regency!
First let me start by saying that this type of book is not my cup of tea. By that I mean that it is not the kind of book I usually read. That being said, I really had to put some thought into my review and rating. I didn't want to compare Apple's to oranges by comparing this book to my usual reading choices. Don't get me wrong, I love Pride And Prejudice which this book definitely is not. It is exactly what I stated a sweet Regency. A light hearted romance that plays on misunderstandings, manors, and characters too polite to state what they are thinking most of the time. This allows for the characters to be mistaken about their fee!ings until the end. Throw in some highway men for added excitement. It all comes together in the end because it is a romance after all! So I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a heart warming, straight forward Regency romance.
First let me start by saying that this type of book is not my cup of tea. By that I mean that it is not the kind of book I usually read. That being said, I really had to put some thought into my review and rating. I didn't want to compare Apple's to oranges by comparing this book to my usual reading choices. Don't get me wrong, I love Pride And Prejudice which this book definitely is not. It is exactly what I stated a sweet Regency. A light hearted romance that plays on misunderstandings, manors, and characters too polite to state what they are thinking most of the time. This allows for the characters to be mistaken about their fee!ings until the end. Throw in some highway men for added excitement. It all comes together in the end because it is a romance after all! So I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a heart warming, straight forward Regency romance.
December 3, 2010
This was a great book. Just a sweet romance with characters that I could really care about.
January 19, 2024
Loved it!! Happily Ever After romance story that was at times laugh out loud funny. Great banter and chemistry between characters. Highly recommend!!
December 22, 2019
Winter Wonderland by Elizabeth Mansfield is another wonderful, and romantic Christmas book. I just love reading all these books this time of year. Yes, they're a bit corny and somewhat predictable, but for me they're my Hallmark movies since I don't watch TV. This one has Miranda who as a young woman shunned and embarrassed Barnaby when he tried to catch her attention at the Lydell Ball. He'll never forget how she made him feel. Eleven years later, Miranda finds herself a widow and left in dour financial circumstances. She's given the opportunity to live with her former husband's brother and sister in law, but after only a short time she realizes this will not work. She seeks a job as a governess and is happy to find a family that can use her skills. This starts out all wrong, with her coach being attacked by thieves on the way to their house and her new job. On the coach with her is a gentleman who seems rough and not very nice. He particularly doesn't like Miranda, who has no idea why this man is so rude to her. They survive the attack, but lose all their belongings, including Miranda's treasured cameo. They walk to the closest inn for help, arguing and fighting the whole way. Miranda doesn't realize this gentleman is the same man she treated so poorly at the ball. He remembers her, that's for sure, she had such an important role in his life at the time. Barnaby recognizes her as soon as she boards the coach prior to their travels. Turns out Miranda will be the new governess to Barnaby's three nephews. Therefore she's going exactly where he is and once she realizes who Barnaby is, with the help of a couple other ladies in the house she's shocked and feels horrible for treating him so poorly. She finds him crass and rude and he even tries to get his sister in law to fire her, but thankfully she will hear nothing of it and loves the job Miranda is doing with the boys. Barnaby, in an effort to deny his feelings for Miranda promises to marry the meek, simple minded Livey who's been invited to the house in an effort to hook up with him. Miranda, realizing her true feelings is devastated when she learns Barnaby is betrothed so soon to Livey. She lashes out at him every chance she gets. After the whole story of who Barnaby is and why he's so against Miranda, she realizes what a horrible person she was eleven years ago at the ball and prepares to apologize to him. Barnaby decides to confront the thieves who stole all their property while they were traveling and gets back the treasured cameo Miranda lost that day. He presents it to Miranda who is ever so grateful. Livey, Barnaby's new fiance is so unhappy and doesn't really want to marry him, as she's already betrothed to a young man she fell in love previously, so when this young man shows up to win back his love, Barnaby is more than happy to let her go, as he's always been in love with Miranda and now that she's apologized for her boorish behavior at the ball, he feels there's a chance at love. This was a fun, entertaining and somewhat predictable read, however I really loved it. I've never read anything from this author, but after reading this I've already bought another Christmas book written by her and will begin that one today. Her character development is right on and you really feel like your standing there in the room with them. The dialogue was wonderful and easy to follow. I found this to be a great book for this time of year and am so glad to have found it with the help of Goodreads. If you're like me and love reading a book's version of a Hallmark movie pick this one up, you won't be disappointed. Happy Reading!
September 27, 2020
I 'romanzi di Natale' sono una costante della letteratura inglese (più o meno 'alta'), a partire da Dickens. In genere non li amo, per quell'eccesso di sentimentalismo che nei paesi anglosassoni si accompagna ai ritrovi familiari che caratterizzano questa parte dell'anno. Ma l'autrice è riuscita a schivarne le insidie, e a concepire, con eleganza, un romanzo pieno di humor e di leggerezza, di cui non posso fare a meno di ringraziarla.
December 20, 2025
3.5 stars for this regency romance written in 1993. The reader, Jen Taylor, is very good. A lot of coincidences, a little bit of over-dramatic emotions, and big mistakes that the other characters learn to forgive. This story has some aspects that are a bit unbelievable, but other things to redeem it. Overall cozy and kind, but some rough handling of the heroine by the hero, and a highway robbery. Clean.
August 2, 2020
This author is great but stay away from this stinky Pete
The book is Meh. Not good. The entire premise was just too bizarre. He’s angry and revengeful because she was snotty to him at a party when they were young. Really? Like a decade passes and he’s still but hurt? He needs some therapy and surgery to remove the stick outta his behind. Lol
The book is Meh. Not good. The entire premise was just too bizarre. He’s angry and revengeful because she was snotty to him at a party when they were young. Really? Like a decade passes and he’s still but hurt? He needs some therapy and surgery to remove the stick outta his behind. Lol
June 6, 2026
Smiling
This author's work always makes me smile. Yes. The stories are somewhat predictable, but they give me a needed break from the world at large and other, heavier reading. The descriptions are easily envisioned. The characters are charming. The endings are happy!
This author's work always makes me smile. Yes. The stories are somewhat predictable, but they give me a needed break from the world at large and other, heavier reading. The descriptions are easily envisioned. The characters are charming. The endings are happy!
December 13, 2017
Sometimes it was hard to like the main characters in this book, but overall it worked very well.
December 27, 2017
It was quite good, though the author could to a bit better with the "end" suspense scene, honestly I wasn't worried. Not like the hold up, that one you did worry. But still very enjoyable.
January 5, 2018
Entretenida
Una historia para leer en vacaciones con Algunas sorpresas lástima que el final parece un poco apresurado y predecible pero no la hace una mala lectura
Una historia para leer en vacaciones con Algunas sorpresas lástima que el final parece un poco apresurado y predecible pero no la hace una mala lectura
February 4, 2018
Nice clean read.
December 9, 2022
An unusual twist on an often-used plot. Most interesting. Worth reading.
August 1, 2013
Included in the same volume as A Christmas Kiss.
At age 19, Barnaby Traherne attended his first ever ball. A shy, gawky youth, used to being petted and protected by his much older brothers and sister-in-law, he is awkward in social situations. When his eye catches the reigning beauty, Miranda Pardew, Barnaby is determined to be introduced despite his sister-in-law's worries. Miranda, a hardened flirt, makes mincemeat out of young Barnaby without even learning his name. Needless to say, Barnaby will never ever forget his first ball. Eleven years later, Miranda is an impoverished widow who is being displaced from her home by her late husband's greedy relatives. After less than a day, Miranda realizes she is not welcome in her own home and applies for a position as a governess in the home of a Mrs. Terrance Traherne. Barnaby, heading to his brother Terrance's home for Christmas, is no longer the shy youth he once was. In fact, some ladies find him downright formidable. Certainly the impertinent gentleman who dares insult the young lady traveling on the stage with them finds Barnaby formidable. The highway men who rob the stage also find Barnaby a worthy opponent though he is no match for their pistols. Circumstances force Barnaby and Miranda together. He instantly recognizes her but she has no notion of his identity. Barnaby refuses to acknowledge the fact that they are acquainted, confusing Miranda who senses that Barnaby acts as if she had once done him an injury. Once safely arrives at Terrance's house, Miranda takes charge of Barnaby's three nephews, the youngest who is shy and timid like his uncle was before him. Miranda and Barnaby clash over child rearing as he continues to hold a grudge. His sisters-in-law have matchmaking on their minds with different brides in mind. His eldest sister-in-law believes Barnaby needs a shy, modest bride like Miss Olivia Ponsonby. Poor Livy can hardly say two words to this strange gentleman. Delia, Mrs. Terrance, learns of Miranda's past treachery and discovers a growing attraction between her brother and her governess. First Barnaby has to learn to be a man and then he must forgive Miranda. Can he find it in his heart to do so during this joyous season?
This story is better written than the previous one. The characters are vastly different from the common Regency novel types. I really liked the focus on the younger son and his journey to manhood, except that it made him VERY unlikable. He's angry and acts like a complete jerk towards Miranda and I could not like his behavior. Miranda is a well-developed character and I really liked her and wished she had a better hero. I also liked the lively, loving Traherne family. It's a refreshing change from the usual distant Regency family. The children were charming except for lisping Jamie who I thought was rather bratty. The epilogue is mostly unnecessary and what happens there to tie in earlier events should have been part of the action of the main plot. This is a slightly above average novel that is a good, quick read.
At age 19, Barnaby Traherne attended his first ever ball. A shy, gawky youth, used to being petted and protected by his much older brothers and sister-in-law, he is awkward in social situations. When his eye catches the reigning beauty, Miranda Pardew, Barnaby is determined to be introduced despite his sister-in-law's worries. Miranda, a hardened flirt, makes mincemeat out of young Barnaby without even learning his name. Needless to say, Barnaby will never ever forget his first ball. Eleven years later, Miranda is an impoverished widow who is being displaced from her home by her late husband's greedy relatives. After less than a day, Miranda realizes she is not welcome in her own home and applies for a position as a governess in the home of a Mrs. Terrance Traherne. Barnaby, heading to his brother Terrance's home for Christmas, is no longer the shy youth he once was. In fact, some ladies find him downright formidable. Certainly the impertinent gentleman who dares insult the young lady traveling on the stage with them finds Barnaby formidable. The highway men who rob the stage also find Barnaby a worthy opponent though he is no match for their pistols. Circumstances force Barnaby and Miranda together. He instantly recognizes her but she has no notion of his identity. Barnaby refuses to acknowledge the fact that they are acquainted, confusing Miranda who senses that Barnaby acts as if she had once done him an injury. Once safely arrives at Terrance's house, Miranda takes charge of Barnaby's three nephews, the youngest who is shy and timid like his uncle was before him. Miranda and Barnaby clash over child rearing as he continues to hold a grudge. His sisters-in-law have matchmaking on their minds with different brides in mind. His eldest sister-in-law believes Barnaby needs a shy, modest bride like Miss Olivia Ponsonby. Poor Livy can hardly say two words to this strange gentleman. Delia, Mrs. Terrance, learns of Miranda's past treachery and discovers a growing attraction between her brother and her governess. First Barnaby has to learn to be a man and then he must forgive Miranda. Can he find it in his heart to do so during this joyous season?
This story is better written than the previous one. The characters are vastly different from the common Regency novel types. I really liked the focus on the younger son and his journey to manhood, except that it made him VERY unlikable. He's angry and acts like a complete jerk towards Miranda and I could not like his behavior. Miranda is a well-developed character and I really liked her and wished she had a better hero. I also liked the lively, loving Traherne family. It's a refreshing change from the usual distant Regency family. The children were charming except for lisping Jamie who I thought was rather bratty. The epilogue is mostly unnecessary and what happens there to tie in earlier events should have been part of the action of the main plot. This is a slightly above average novel that is a good, quick read.
November 29, 2016
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
The prelude for Winter Wonderland sets up the background for this romance between Barnaby and Miranda quite nicely. It’s definitely a reminder to be careful what you sow, and that first impression and memories do indeed matter. Just remember – karma is a witch with a very long memory.
While I felt quite badly for Miranda”s circumstances, there is also a part of me that wasn’t surprised that life had treated her so unfairly. Now she’s working for her living tending to young boys as a governess for the brother of the man she’d so rudely and thoughtlessly cut down eleven years ago. She’s learned some difficult life lessons in the past decade, and this Miranda is not the same cold beauty of the season Barnaby had been slighted by. That doesn’t temper his need for a severe set down for this lady – except he’s finding that the attraction is still quite alive in his heart… now what does he do.
Winter Wonderland was a delight to read once again. It’s been years since I visited with this couple and they were as delightful as I remembered. This is a reissue of one of Elizabeth Mansfield’s charming Regency romances. She was such an amazing writer and she will be missed.
I am a true believer in karma but of fate as well. Miranda and Barnaby fought their attraction but in the end, love overlooked flaws. I believe you will find this a delightful Christmas tale of love, redemption and making a wrong into a very right choice. I would recommend Winter Wonderland to any reader who enjoys the more traditional Regency Romances, and as simply a lovely Christmas Romance for the season.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this novel. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this story.*
The prelude for Winter Wonderland sets up the background for this romance between Barnaby and Miranda quite nicely. It’s definitely a reminder to be careful what you sow, and that first impression and memories do indeed matter. Just remember – karma is a witch with a very long memory.
While I felt quite badly for Miranda”s circumstances, there is also a part of me that wasn’t surprised that life had treated her so unfairly. Now she’s working for her living tending to young boys as a governess for the brother of the man she’d so rudely and thoughtlessly cut down eleven years ago. She’s learned some difficult life lessons in the past decade, and this Miranda is not the same cold beauty of the season Barnaby had been slighted by. That doesn’t temper his need for a severe set down for this lady – except he’s finding that the attraction is still quite alive in his heart… now what does he do.
Winter Wonderland was a delight to read once again. It’s been years since I visited with this couple and they were as delightful as I remembered. This is a reissue of one of Elizabeth Mansfield’s charming Regency romances. She was such an amazing writer and she will be missed.
I am a true believer in karma but of fate as well. Miranda and Barnaby fought their attraction but in the end, love overlooked flaws. I believe you will find this a delightful Christmas tale of love, redemption and making a wrong into a very right choice. I would recommend Winter Wonderland to any reader who enjoys the more traditional Regency Romances, and as simply a lovely Christmas Romance for the season.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this novel. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this story.*
October 30, 2016
He truly dislikes her; she truly can’t understand why he does. She is attracted to him, in fact she is falling in love with him but he rebuffs her and is rude to her at every turn. And yet, he is attracted to her in spite of the fact that he despises her. He takes a rather careless turn and we the reader, are left to wonder if this relationship can be salvaged. Set at Christmas in Barnaby’s brother’s home, with all the family around and the new governess, Miranda, winning over everyone but Barnaby. We hope all can be merry and bright.
This was a fun read. Since we really already know there will be a HEA, seeing how Ms. Mansfield gets our lovers to that point is the fun. And she does so skillfully. This is a short read, only takes an afternoon or an evening and you will be filled with some Christmasy, heartwarming feelings. This is a sweet, tender(eventually) story, not sensuous but ultimately satisfying.
I received this book free for review from the publisher.
http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
This was a fun read. Since we really already know there will be a HEA, seeing how Ms. Mansfield gets our lovers to that point is the fun. And she does so skillfully. This is a short read, only takes an afternoon or an evening and you will be filled with some Christmasy, heartwarming feelings. This is a sweet, tender(eventually) story, not sensuous but ultimately satisfying.
I received this book free for review from the publisher.
http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
September 27, 2016
In this historical romance, Miranda Pardew meets Barnaby Traherne as a popular but spoilt debutante. She is unspeakably rude to him. It is his first ball and he is ill prepared for the social scene, never mind coming face-to-face with such a beautiful woman and does not make a good impression.
However, karma rears it's head and Miranda's poor choice of a husband leaves her destitute and looking for employment...unknowing the job offer is from Barnaby's sister-in-law.
After surviving highway men, a snow storm, and multiple misunderstandings, they both come to realize they have deep feelings for each other.
Very nicely told with situations...some laced with sadness, some with joy and others...humor.
I received a free copy for my honest opinion.
However, karma rears it's head and Miranda's poor choice of a husband leaves her destitute and looking for employment...unknowing the job offer is from Barnaby's sister-in-law.
After surviving highway men, a snow storm, and multiple misunderstandings, they both come to realize they have deep feelings for each other.
Very nicely told with situations...some laced with sadness, some with joy and others...humor.
I received a free copy for my honest opinion.
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