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Love & Temptation #6
Miss Davenport's Christmas
WHEN A PURITAN MISS DISCOVERS THE JOYS OF CHRISTMAS, LOVE'S AS NEAR AS THE MISTLETOE.
The Davenport sisters were alone, without even a dour-faced maid to supervise their strict puritanical devotions. Then the elder, flame-haired Gillian, boldly decided it was high time they let their hair down. So, with the help of a kindly relation, the two daring misses exchanged their somber attire for modish gowns and hairstyles that would surely give their parents apoplexy!
But the best was yet to come: plum pudding, eggnog, carols, and a most breathtaking tree. The Davenport sisters reveled in the rituals of Christmas --- and in the selection of handsome gentlemen who decorated the festivities!
But when Gillian was caught under the mistletoe by Lord Ranger Marden, she discovered things her mother had never dreamed of telling her!
The Davenport sisters were alone, without even a dour-faced maid to supervise their strict puritanical devotions. Then the elder, flame-haired Gillian, boldly decided it was high time they let their hair down. So, with the help of a kindly relation, the two daring misses exchanged their somber attire for modish gowns and hairstyles that would surely give their parents apoplexy!
But the best was yet to come: plum pudding, eggnog, carols, and a most breathtaking tree. The Davenport sisters reveled in the rituals of Christmas --- and in the selection of handsome gentlemen who decorated the festivities!
But when Gillian was caught under the mistletoe by Lord Ranger Marden, she discovered things her mother had never dreamed of telling her!
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 1993
85 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Marion Chesney
139 books751 followersMarion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 20, 2016
A charming favorite of Marion Chesney's Regency romances. Two sheltered young girls with Puritan parents find themselves the guests of a warm, Christmas-loving family as well as courted by two handsome lords. The book is a bit heavy with info dumps about the origins of Christmas traditions in England, but the book is a delight all the same. I reread this every Christmas.
Reread 2015: Finished on Christmas Eve, with the presents all ready and having spent the day with family. So delightful!
Reread 2016: I think I have this book memorized.
Reread 2015: Finished on Christmas Eve, with the presents all ready and having spent the day with family. So delightful!
Reread 2016: I think I have this book memorized.
December 3, 2024
One of the best Regency romances MC ever wrote
Jillie and Mandy Davenport are the 20-year-old and 19-year-old daughters of repressive, Puritan parents. In spite of their parents' being quite wealthy, because of their hellfire religion, they have forced their daughters to live a secluded, depressing life as virtual prisoners in their own home. In the name of religion, they have been constantly criticized and frequently beaten and locked in dark cupboards by the evil maid that is their wardress. Then one day, almost miraculously, because of highly unusual circumstances, they are allowed to spend Christmas with some distant relatives, Mr and Mrs Harrington. That wonderful experience totally changes their lives, including falling in love.
The two male, romantic protagonists are BFFs who are both 32-year-old younger sons of dukes. They have just resigned their commissions in the army. Jillie's love interest is Lord Ranger Marden, and Mandy's is Lord Paul Fremont.
Unlike the vast majority of Regency romances by MC, there are no murderous villains in this novel. The main plot is the dual romances of the two sisters. The secondary plot is the Christmas revelries in the wonderful home of the kind, generous and affectionate Harringtons. The tertiary plot involves three different, cruel females who try to sabotage the young women's Christmas and, most especially, stop them from winning the hearts of Lord Ranger and Lord Paul. Other than the very beginning of the book, where we witness the dismal parental home of the two heroines, most of this book is a pleasant journey, with very little melodrama, and across the course of the novel, all four of the romantic protagonists have strong and inspiring growth arcs.
This is a fun novel anytime of the year but especially during the holiday season. As is typical for MC, there is no sex on the page, but there is plenty of emotional and sensual chemistry between the two sets of lovers.
Third reread 12/3/24: I had just as much fun reading this novel a third time as I did the other two times. It is available in audiobook format for free through Hoopla. The female, British narrator, Lindy Nettleton, does a very good job.
Jillie and Mandy Davenport are the 20-year-old and 19-year-old daughters of repressive, Puritan parents. In spite of their parents' being quite wealthy, because of their hellfire religion, they have forced their daughters to live a secluded, depressing life as virtual prisoners in their own home. In the name of religion, they have been constantly criticized and frequently beaten and locked in dark cupboards by the evil maid that is their wardress. Then one day, almost miraculously, because of highly unusual circumstances, they are allowed to spend Christmas with some distant relatives, Mr and Mrs Harrington. That wonderful experience totally changes their lives, including falling in love.
The two male, romantic protagonists are BFFs who are both 32-year-old younger sons of dukes. They have just resigned their commissions in the army. Jillie's love interest is Lord Ranger Marden, and Mandy's is Lord Paul Fremont.
Unlike the vast majority of Regency romances by MC, there are no murderous villains in this novel. The main plot is the dual romances of the two sisters. The secondary plot is the Christmas revelries in the wonderful home of the kind, generous and affectionate Harringtons. The tertiary plot involves three different, cruel females who try to sabotage the young women's Christmas and, most especially, stop them from winning the hearts of Lord Ranger and Lord Paul. Other than the very beginning of the book, where we witness the dismal parental home of the two heroines, most of this book is a pleasant journey, with very little melodrama, and across the course of the novel, all four of the romantic protagonists have strong and inspiring growth arcs.
This is a fun novel anytime of the year but especially during the holiday season. As is typical for MC, there is no sex on the page, but there is plenty of emotional and sensual chemistry between the two sets of lovers.
Third reread 12/3/24: I had just as much fun reading this novel a third time as I did the other two times. It is available in audiobook format for free through Hoopla. The female, British narrator, Lindy Nettleton, does a very good job.
May 22, 2019
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
A tale of two Puritan sisters that meet a pair of roguishly dashing younger sons at Christmastide and all of the historic thrills to be had from ice-skating t0 mistletoe kisses to baking mince-pies. Sparkling with the all the scenic and metaphoric descriptions and snarky dialogue that Chesney is known for, this book came to life with Lindy Nettleton's narrative. Despite the zealot parents--descended from Cromwell supporters *shudder*--the young ladies come to life and find their much deserved HEA with the men of their dreams.
A hint of P&P with a twist of Cinderella surrounded by holiday cheer and fun times in the English countryside.
A tale of two Puritan sisters that meet a pair of roguishly dashing younger sons at Christmastide and all of the historic thrills to be had from ice-skating t0 mistletoe kisses to baking mince-pies. Sparkling with the all the scenic and metaphoric descriptions and snarky dialogue that Chesney is known for, this book came to life with Lindy Nettleton's narrative. Despite the zealot parents--descended from Cromwell supporters *shudder*--the young ladies come to life and find their much deserved HEA with the men of their dreams.
A hint of P&P with a twist of Cinderella surrounded by holiday cheer and fun times in the English countryside.
December 15, 2020
The Davenport girls have had a staunch Puritan upbringing, full of beatings and deprivations. However, this Christmas will be different, as a twist of fate has sent them to spend the Christmas holiday with a relative who is determined to help them have a wonderful time. Never being allowed to celebrate Christmas before, or really have any sort of fun ever, they are elated to experience it all - ice skating, sledging parties, dancing, new dresses, etc. And the fact that two eligible Dukes happen to be visiting the neighbors, just adds another element of fun into the mix. Knowing that this time will be short, they make the most of the opportunity, never realizing that their enthusiasm and genuineness will endear them to those around them - especially the dukes.
I loved this delightful book. I loved the girls immediately, and I loved rooting for them to have a wonderful Christmas, and to maybe even get the guy :). It was the perfect light, fun, and romantic Christmas read. I need to get my own copy, as I am always on the lookout for a great Christmas story, and this would be a fun one to reread.
**Just reread this - this time in paperback, and I found it just as delightful and charming. 4.5 stars
I loved this delightful book. I loved the girls immediately, and I loved rooting for them to have a wonderful Christmas, and to maybe even get the guy :). It was the perfect light, fun, and romantic Christmas read. I need to get my own copy, as I am always on the lookout for a great Christmas story, and this would be a fun one to reread.
**Just reread this - this time in paperback, and I found it just as delightful and charming. 4.5 stars
January 4, 2026
A nice, romantic Christmas story, with a description of many holiday customs that I had no idea about.
November 28, 2015
Mr. and Mrs. Davenport, the strictest of all Puritans, are in despair. First a regiment of redcoats was posted in their Yorkshire neighborhood posing a threat to their teenage daughters, Miss Jillian and Miss Amanda. Then, a smallpox outbreak chases them from their London home. The Davenports turn to their acquaintances, Sir John and Lady Harrington, to take Jillian and Amanda into their home with strict instructions to avoid participation in Christmas. The Harringtons, sensing the girls need some holiday cheer, take Jilly and Mandy home and rush headlong info a fun season of holiday cheer. Lord Ranger and Lord Paul, attending a house party nearby, are delighted with the innocent, fresh young ladies but are cautioned that the Davenports will be choosing their daughters' husbands and the rakish sons of Dukes are not on the approved list. Bold Jilly and shy Mandy are having the time of their short lives but when they lose their hearts they fear that their parents will show up and crush their dreams. If only Lord Ranger and Lord Paul would propose and whisk them away.
This story has much darker undertones than most of Chesney's Regencies. The heroines have been abused by a cruel maid and their dour, unfeeling parents. Their fear of repercussions for any kind of behavior that their family would consider unseemly (anything fun) runs through the story. In the beginning the Davenport girls have a hard time accepting kindness. It puts a different spin on the romance aspect of the story. I could have done without the jealously plot. There was enough going on here without it. I think the ending is improbable. The "villains" are vanquished too easily. The author steps out of the story a lot to explain the history of Christmas customs. I learned a lot about the history of Christmas celebrations but it was a little too much history and could have been worked into the plot better. This story is missing Chesney's trademark humor. It made me smile in places but not laugh out loud.
The romance in this story just didn't work for me. I can see why the rakish heroes would fall in love with such fresh, innocent girls and why the girls would fall for any man who was kind of them, but for a story about a passionate girl, there is surprisingly little chemistry between the heroines and heroes. Most of the romance is told to us from the point-of-view of one of the characters. There is a bit of showing the growing friendship but no real chemistry. I don't need sizzling heat, but some connection would be nice. I thought there was going to be a big misunderstanding plot towards the end but thankfully Chesney refrained from that trope. 99% of this story is kisses only. At the very end, the last scene he takes off her clothes, then his and lays his naked body over hers- fade to black. Chesney's trademark is a naked person!
The characters are rather two-dimensional. The heroines are, of course, good looking, sweet, kind and very innocent. The heroes are supposedly rakes but they don't exhibit any rakish tendencies in the story. I did have sympathy for Jilly and Mandy and wanted them to be happy. I especially liked Lady Harrington and how she dealt with her rival and I also liked the Colonel's story. Lady Harrington and Sir John are wonderful people that I would like to live with. Lady Harrington is the only older adult with any real warmth. Lady Tenby has a large personality but is rather stereotypical.
The reader is very good. She speaks in an upper-class British accent and pitches her voice for different characters. However, I couldn't really tell any of them apart without listening carefully to the words explaining who was speaking. Overall, this is a pleasant sort of read. Not exactly a heartwarming Christmas story but a nice read for a snowy or rainy afternoon.
This story has much darker undertones than most of Chesney's Regencies. The heroines have been abused by a cruel maid and their dour, unfeeling parents. Their fear of repercussions for any kind of behavior that their family would consider unseemly (anything fun) runs through the story. In the beginning the Davenport girls have a hard time accepting kindness. It puts a different spin on the romance aspect of the story. I could have done without the jealously plot. There was enough going on here without it. I think the ending is improbable. The "villains" are vanquished too easily. The author steps out of the story a lot to explain the history of Christmas customs. I learned a lot about the history of Christmas celebrations but it was a little too much history and could have been worked into the plot better. This story is missing Chesney's trademark humor. It made me smile in places but not laugh out loud.
The romance in this story just didn't work for me. I can see why the rakish heroes would fall in love with such fresh, innocent girls and why the girls would fall for any man who was kind of them, but for a story about a passionate girl, there is surprisingly little chemistry between the heroines and heroes. Most of the romance is told to us from the point-of-view of one of the characters. There is a bit of showing the growing friendship but no real chemistry. I don't need sizzling heat, but some connection would be nice. I thought there was going to be a big misunderstanding plot towards the end but thankfully Chesney refrained from that trope. 99% of this story is kisses only. At the very end, the last scene he takes off her clothes, then his and lays his naked body over hers- fade to black. Chesney's trademark is a naked person!
The characters are rather two-dimensional. The heroines are, of course, good looking, sweet, kind and very innocent. The heroes are supposedly rakes but they don't exhibit any rakish tendencies in the story. I did have sympathy for Jilly and Mandy and wanted them to be happy. I especially liked Lady Harrington and how she dealt with her rival and I also liked the Colonel's story. Lady Harrington and Sir John are wonderful people that I would like to live with. Lady Harrington is the only older adult with any real warmth. Lady Tenby has a large personality but is rather stereotypical.
The reader is very good. She speaks in an upper-class British accent and pitches her voice for different characters. However, I couldn't really tell any of them apart without listening carefully to the words explaining who was speaking. Overall, this is a pleasant sort of read. Not exactly a heartwarming Christmas story but a nice read for a snowy or rainy afternoon.
November 25, 2021
A nice clean Christmas romance set in early 1800s England.
November 26, 2023
Years later, still just so good
This is a lovely book. It was published during the years I have come to think of as the heyday of the Regency Romance. During those years, publishers appear to have commissioned authors to write both romantic short stories and novels with Christmas themes. Christmas customs were often woven into the stories adding festive charm. This excellent book is a wonderful example of the Christmas Regency. I wish these would be brought back, although I think the publishing world has moved on. While Christmas romances are still written (and I'm still reading them) they seem to lack the singular ambience reflected in this book and others written during this time. If you want to immerse yourself in both Christmas spirit and romance, this book would be just the thing.
This is a lovely book. It was published during the years I have come to think of as the heyday of the Regency Romance. During those years, publishers appear to have commissioned authors to write both romantic short stories and novels with Christmas themes. Christmas customs were often woven into the stories adding festive charm. This excellent book is a wonderful example of the Christmas Regency. I wish these would be brought back, although I think the publishing world has moved on. While Christmas romances are still written (and I'm still reading them) they seem to lack the singular ambience reflected in this book and others written during this time. If you want to immerse yourself in both Christmas spirit and romance, this book would be just the thing.
April 27, 2025
What a lovely story. Perfect for the Christmas season.
The two Miss Davenports are being raised very striclty by their puritan parents. They have never known what it is to be young and joyous.
Due to certain unforseen circumstances, they get to stay with relatives over the Christmas season. Their aunt is a very loving woman who despairs of the way these two lovely young ladies have been deprived of fun. She arranges for some lively entertainement for the two of them.
The girls positively blossom under her guidance. A couple of eligible lords are house guests at a neigboring estate, but find themselves drawn to the cheerful atmosphere at the house of the Aunt. They are also charmed at the delight expressed by the two heroines at every new experience.
All to the annoyance of two other sophisticated ladies who hope to lure the Heroes into marriage. These villainesses constantly try to bring down the Davenport sisters, but are foiled a couple of times. They almost succeed in the end, but thankfully it backfires on them.
The two Lords have realized that they want the sisters as their wives, quite desperately and whisk them off to get married.
The puritan parents also come round in the end for a truly happy ever after.
The author included a lot of Christmas traditions during the Regency period, which made the story more interesting and perfect for a Christmas read.
The two Miss Davenports are being raised very striclty by their puritan parents. They have never known what it is to be young and joyous.
Due to certain unforseen circumstances, they get to stay with relatives over the Christmas season. Their aunt is a very loving woman who despairs of the way these two lovely young ladies have been deprived of fun. She arranges for some lively entertainement for the two of them.
The girls positively blossom under her guidance. A couple of eligible lords are house guests at a neigboring estate, but find themselves drawn to the cheerful atmosphere at the house of the Aunt. They are also charmed at the delight expressed by the two heroines at every new experience.
All to the annoyance of two other sophisticated ladies who hope to lure the Heroes into marriage. These villainesses constantly try to bring down the Davenport sisters, but are foiled a couple of times. They almost succeed in the end, but thankfully it backfires on them.
The two Lords have realized that they want the sisters as their wives, quite desperately and whisk them off to get married.
The puritan parents also come round in the end for a truly happy ever after.
The author included a lot of Christmas traditions during the Regency period, which made the story more interesting and perfect for a Christmas read.
July 11, 2013
I read Marion Chesney courtesy of my library many years ago and something reminded me of her books and I decided to see if they were available as an e-version. This book was one of the cheaper ones and I thought 'why not'.
This is the tale of two sisters who have been repressed and strictly disciplined and managed by parents and a servant having their first taste of Christmas, socialising - simple pleasures.
Their delight in life and all it has to offer and their lack of artifice prove attractive to two younger sons of Dukes visiting neighbours. The girls hosts (distant relations) are very relaxed and hospitable people who enjoy casually entertaining whomever care to present themselves. Of course there is competition in the form of two perfect, very proper and thoroughly jaded young ladies who believe they deserve it all.
This is a nice story. It's not very "regency" in that it is more about fun and simple pleasures than balls, modistes, walks in the park and morning calls but the story does not lack because of this. It is a nice break from London (as it were).
This is the tale of two sisters who have been repressed and strictly disciplined and managed by parents and a servant having their first taste of Christmas, socialising - simple pleasures.
Their delight in life and all it has to offer and their lack of artifice prove attractive to two younger sons of Dukes visiting neighbours. The girls hosts (distant relations) are very relaxed and hospitable people who enjoy casually entertaining whomever care to present themselves. Of course there is competition in the form of two perfect, very proper and thoroughly jaded young ladies who believe they deserve it all.
This is a nice story. It's not very "regency" in that it is more about fun and simple pleasures than balls, modistes, walks in the park and morning calls but the story does not lack because of this. It is a nice break from London (as it were).
December 15, 2018
I have really been enjoying M.C. Beaton’s Regency romances and learning about that time period but this story falls short. The eccentric very well developed characters are not there, and if I had read the book when it was written, the reference to “girls,” and “little faces” may not have bothered me. The age difference between the Lords and the Misses Davenport and reference to the gap in their sexual experience was troubling.
March 27, 2017
Another fun Regency romance/suspense novel. I love all the little tidbits about how a traditional English Christmas was celebrated and where some of those traditions came from.
September 14, 2022
By some miracle, I discovered I hadn't read all of Marion Chesney's historical romances after all. Sadly although this was written in the later part of her romance-writing career, this one lacked the oomph of her series. By series, I meant her actual planned series, not the ones that have been reprinted and packed together into series that were never meant to be series. (Yes, sorry, I know that sentence had way too many "series" in it.)
Anyhoo, this story read like maybe her publisher begged her to write something Christmassy so that they could print something short and sweet for the holidays. There's a toooooooon of Christmas details for historical fans, and yes, I did enjoy those tidbits, thank you very much. Marion Chesney, as befitting her background as a reporter, always does the best research of all the historical romance writers around, and here she talks about the history of Christmas trees, and caroling, and yule logs, and basically a ton of other factoids that were littered around like Easter eggs for the readers to find. (Yes, I'm not only mixing metaphors but holidays as well, oh well.)
Apart from that, the romance part of the story falls flat. There are no Marion Chesney-esque villains, save the two jealous OW floating around in the background, trying ineffectively to sabotage our two Puritan girls. The girls have their heads turned by the two leading men fairly early on, but because there are two of them, what with the word count, there just isn't enough character or relationship development. There is the usual host of Marion Chesney side characters who cavort on the sides to try to bring out romance to its inevitable end, but essentially the best part of the book was the history lesson. Perhaps Marion Chesney did her best work in series, because she could then develop one leading character throughout the course of six books and in that character's interactions with other people. This one, despite being later in her career, suffers from not enough of anything.
Still, there's a lot of Christmas fun to be enjoyed, despite the Scrooge-like figures of the Puritan parents.
Anyhoo, this story read like maybe her publisher begged her to write something Christmassy so that they could print something short and sweet for the holidays. There's a toooooooon of Christmas details for historical fans, and yes, I did enjoy those tidbits, thank you very much. Marion Chesney, as befitting her background as a reporter, always does the best research of all the historical romance writers around, and here she talks about the history of Christmas trees, and caroling, and yule logs, and basically a ton of other factoids that were littered around like Easter eggs for the readers to find. (Yes, I'm not only mixing metaphors but holidays as well, oh well.)
Apart from that, the romance part of the story falls flat. There are no Marion Chesney-esque villains, save the two jealous OW floating around in the background, trying ineffectively to sabotage our two Puritan girls. The girls have their heads turned by the two leading men fairly early on, but because there are two of them, what with the word count, there just isn't enough character or relationship development. There is the usual host of Marion Chesney side characters who cavort on the sides to try to bring out romance to its inevitable end, but essentially the best part of the book was the history lesson. Perhaps Marion Chesney did her best work in series, because she could then develop one leading character throughout the course of six books and in that character's interactions with other people. This one, despite being later in her career, suffers from not enough of anything.
Still, there's a lot of Christmas fun to be enjoyed, despite the Scrooge-like figures of the Puritan parents.
December 21, 2021
3.5🌟 I really enjoyed this Christmas regency romance! I think I would consider it to be one of my top 3 favorites of the Love & Temptation series. The plot line was slightly different from the others (not much), but still made a nice change. The Davenport sisters, Gilly and Mandy, were easy to cheer for and I really wanted them to be free of their strict, Puritan parents. I loved the Lady and Sir John Hamilton the best. They were both wonderful allies to the young sisters and their personalities made this book worth reading. A quick and fun holiday read!
December 31, 2023
Two young puritan women are exposed to the ton and to what life can be. Mixed in is some history of Christmas, Christianity, and even some Judaism and it's relationship to this festive season.
I also learned about the old mentality of the English when it came to rearing children - you must thrash them to get the devil out! - yikes!
Turns out it used to be fashionable even back then for ladies to look bored, a fashion which, no surprise, had originated in France. I was glad when these ladies came short when contrasted with our two innocent and benevolent heroines.
I also learned about the old mentality of the English when it came to rearing children - you must thrash them to get the devil out! - yikes!
Turns out it used to be fashionable even back then for ladies to look bored, a fashion which, no surprise, had originated in France. I was glad when these ladies came short when contrasted with our two innocent and benevolent heroines.
January 2, 2023
I thought this was a delightful and festive regency romance. I loved seeing this poor deprived pair of sisters get a taste of freedom and independence being away from their puritanical (and abusive) parents and as a result experiencing the joys and magic of celebrating the Christmas season for the first time. It was a light, quick read, but entertaining and surprisingly funny. Loved the writing and the characters. Great dialogue and banter. I would absolutely read more from this author.
December 22, 2025
Listened to this on a drive -- short listen. Fun and cute, but I kept thinking Chesney was being tongue-in-cheek throughout. Nothing scandalous. Nothing especially deep.
I did thorougly enjoy that this book was about two sisters who share names with my sister and I and whose physical descriptions were fairly on the nose. That made me smile.
Not really interested in pursuing more by this author, but not a bad little listen.
I did thorougly enjoy that this book was about two sisters who share names with my sister and I and whose physical descriptions were fairly on the nose. That made me smile.
Not really interested in pursuing more by this author, but not a bad little listen.
July 2, 2017
A cozy Christmas romance
A lovely little fairy tale with two Cinderella-sisters managing to escape their severe, oppressive parents, find love, and celebrate Christmas for the first time. A fairly typical Recency romance, with no twists or surprises, but still entertaining. Charming touches and vivid detail move the story along while showcasing English Christmas traditions.
A lovely little fairy tale with two Cinderella-sisters managing to escape their severe, oppressive parents, find love, and celebrate Christmas for the first time. A fairly typical Recency romance, with no twists or surprises, but still entertaining. Charming touches and vivid detail move the story along while showcasing English Christmas traditions.
December 6, 2024
I listened to this short novel for the Christmas time period which was nice. Two young, very naive sisters meet two rakes. Two rakes that had reputations for trying to seduce women. Nevertheless they fall in love with these men. And these rakes are supposedly both reformed simultaneously? I have my doubts..
January 11, 2025
A delicious Regency romance set in Christmas time with many historical details and traditions described in the most enlightening way. It has been so refreshing discover Christmas through the eyes of the two inexperienced and puritanically raised sisters Jilly and Mandy who eventually conquer the worldly Lords Ranger and Paul with their innocent, playful and sweet enthusiasm.
December 18, 2020
Just re’read’ this again and upped it to 4 stars. It was the perfect light listen while shoveling snow and doing Christmas tasks.
Interesting to see later that this is actually written by the same author I like to listen to while cleaning! She writes the Agatha Raisin series under the name MC Beaton.
Interesting to see later that this is actually written by the same author I like to listen to while cleaning! She writes the Agatha Raisin series under the name MC Beaton.
December 20, 2021
This was a really sweet, typically-Chesney novel. It was a nice read right before Christmas, as in it didn't really have any conflict at all save for a couple envious Marriage Mart rivals.
If you enjoy romance novels that are 99% fluff, you'll probably enjoy this for what it is.
If you enjoy romance novels that are 99% fluff, you'll probably enjoy this for what it is.
November 23, 2025
A regency romance at Christmas, much like a Hallmark movie only with a darker premise behind the Davenport sisters and their first Christmas away from their cruel parents. I appreciated the bits of information regarding the historical aspects of Christmas celebrating in England at the time.
December 12, 2016
What a cute little romance!!! I enjoyed the fairy tale like story of the two sisters brought up with so much cruelty and punishments that your heart went out to them. But more than the sisters Jilly and Mandy it is Lady Harrington who is the hero of this story. And I think that is what made this one so endearing. And there are snippets on Christmas 's origin and the various celebrations which added to the enjoyment.
December 27, 2017
once again I remember why I love this author.
July 24, 2018
Centered around Christmas this book is about two sisters who were abused but blossomed with with kindness and love.
February 15, 2019
It is always fun to read a book that was written by this author. Very entertaining, fast read, enjoyable.
October 2, 2019
Audible Romance Package
AUDIOBOOK: Read 30 September 2019
5hrs 6min
Narrator: Lindy Nettleton does a good job
It was fun predictable but fun.
AUDIOBOOK: Read 30 September 2019
5hrs 6min
Narrator: Lindy Nettleton does a good job
It was fun predictable but fun.
December 24, 2019
A little Christmas reading
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