A Secret Christmas

Chase Family #8

by Lauren Royal

England, 1651: Christmas has been outlawed by the new Commonwealth government—but that won’t stop Lady Chrystabel Trevor from embracing the holiday spirit. When she finds herself snowed in with handsome and intriguing Joseph Ashcroft, the Viscount Tremayne, merrymaking leads to mayhem. In a time of fear and oppression, can the magic of Christmas bring two hearts together?

PLEASE NOTE: This book contains steamy love scenes. If you’d prefer to read a Sweet & Clean (kisses-only) version of this story, look for “The Cavalier’s Christmas Bride” by Lauren Royal & Devon Royal.

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

218 pages, ebook

First published October 10, 2017

About the author

FALL IN LOVE WITH A HISTORICAL ROMANCE BY LAUREN ROYAL!

LAUREN ROYAL is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of humorous historical romance. Her “truly enchanting” novels have won many awards including Booklist's “Top 10 Romance of the Year,” and they’ve earned raves from reviewers including Publishers Weekly, who calls her “an impressive talent.”

All of Lauren's books are complete, stand-alone stories, and yet they are also all connected—because they all feature her beloved “outrageously funny, loyal, compassionate, and unconventional” Chase family!

Lauren writes steamy historical romance on her own and sweet/clean historical romance with her daughter, Devon Royal. Lauren lives in Southern California with her family, two constantly shedding cats, and a stupendous collection of fuzzy socks. When she's not busy writing, she enjoys singing along (off-key) to Hamilton, dancing (badly), and (wasting time) watching HGTV.

Want great free and 99¢ books sent to your inbox on select Fridays? Sign up for Lauren's Book Club newsletter at http://royall.ink/Newsletter

Become an honorary Chase cousin (and get a FREE historical cookbook)! Join Lauren's Chase Family Readers Group on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/ChaseFamilyReaders

Visit Lauren’s website at LaurenRoyal.com, where you can learn about the real people and real places in her books, enter a contest to win jewelry, and see the ever-growing branches of the Chase Family Tree.

Join Lauren on Facebook...

Readers Group: facebook.com/groups/ChaseFamilyReaders
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Reviews

[Glynnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect jewel of a read, set in an oft-neglected but intriguing time period when Christmas was illegal in England, this novella is full of rich history, family tradition, and ambitious determination in the face of the daunting and oppressive strong arm of the law. Only a spirited and scheming heroine can save Christmas and matchmake herself in three days to the man of her dreams, all the while keeping the reader giggling and sighing over her machinations. And only Lauren Royal can place such a whimsical gem into a warm holiday setting with such delightful precision and care.

[Kellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lauren Royal's Jewel trilogy was my first introduction to historical romance, and I've been a fan of her's ever since. As such, I was excited to see that she had published a new book (her first original story in almost 10 years) and that it would not only return to 16th/17th Century England but also tell the story of Joseph and Chrystabel, the parents of the Flowers trilogy sisters.

Sadly, my excitement didn't extend through my entire reading of the book. While Royal continues to provide excellent (and fairly accurate) historical detail to her plot, the story is simplistic, and yet there is no development to any of the characters or motivation (beyond "love at first sight") for their actions. Royal wrote some of the best "steamy" scenes in her Jewels and Flowers trilogy, but we're limited to just one here and its decidedly lacking in creativity (in fact, some of the lines seem to be copied directly from previous books). In the end, I'm giving this book a pass because it returns to characters I have previously enjoyed, but not for much else.

[Mandygirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐️

[OLT · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy HR Christmas novellas. But they have to have an interesting plot, some depth to the romance, and writing that's good enough to get me emotionally engaged. This one, unfortunately, I found to be stultifyingly dull, with a superficial, simplistic romance. The only thing this has going for it is the fairly accurate historical information dumped in. That's interesting and educational if, for example, you don't already know about the 17th century Cromwell Commonwealth government and its extremely fanatical Protestant suppression and repression of anything fun, such as the celebration of Christmas.

Or other little tidbits such as priest holes and priest hunters and their Elizabethan origin, or the novelty of eating potatoes, a New World tuber still unknown to many at the time, or how to make mulled wine, or what people ate in the 1650s, etc. But the romance itself is juvenile, with silly anachronistic behavior, an annoying heroine and a clodpated hero. (There are actually two superficial romances here, both with insta-love, neither one emotionally engaging.)

If I don't appreciate the plot of a story, sometimes the way it's written will make up for that. But the writing style here was too YA (albeit with sex scenes) for me. I apologize for this impolite review, but I'm way too old to enjoy this Christmas novella and, in addition, as a longtime lover of HRs I am so disappointed in the quality of most of them nowadays.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the time when the Roundheads controlled England, in the 1650s, many pleasures were outlawed including celebrating Christmas. The Secret Christmas is a story about two arostricartic families planning and having a celebration.

Two couples found love in days in days within meeting, a young woman escaped an evil man seeking to marry her for the lands she owned and the Christmas celebration was magical.

I loved the characters, the crazy schemes and the happy ending.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Chrystabel Trevor and her family were planning for Christmas when the royalists came knocking at their door. They forced them out of their house and they set off for Wales. Along the way they encountered a really bad storm and took shelter at a nearby house. They came across the Tremaine household and for Chrystabel she encountered love at first sight with Joseph. Lots of details about hosting a secret Christmas and also trying to get Joseph to fall in love with Chrystabel.

[Korin: A Crone Running Amok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4 of my holiday reads.

The Trevor family had been turned out of their home by Cromwell's troups just before Christmas. Moving across the country they are caught in a storm & take shelter with the Viscount Tremayne & family who are having their own problems. Drama & romance follow

A lively historical romance.

[Anto64 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stelline e mezzo

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are looking for any plot or characters that act even remotely like normal humans from any time period, look elsewhere. If you're looking for an easy read, this is the book for you!

[Eugenea Pollock · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointingly cheesy—silly, immature, shallow, sophomoric main female character who is painfully inexperienced in matters of the human heart—had to speed read the last of it—despite its Christmas theme, I just could not take it any longer.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Lauren Royal and A Secret Christmas does not disappoint. In this time period, Christmas has been outlawed and many families had to risk it all to celebrate Christmas. A sweeping historical romance with the story of Joseph and Chrystabel makes this is a must-read. Escape to a long-distant past and let your heart soar. Highly recommend!

My Rating: 5+ stars

[Coco.V]

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[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this period piece on England's rule by Cromwell. He banished Christmas, alcohol, certain types of clothing, music and singing. It must have been a terrifying time to live in not knowing who was friend or foe. Spying was not beneath anyone. Trust was a hard commodity to come by. Lady Chrystabel Trevor lived with her older brother Matthew, The Earl of Gosmont and her younger sister Arabel at their home Grosmont Grange. They were given twenty-four hours to vacate their home because of money due Cromwell. They packed as much as they could and head off to Wales to Grosmont Castle. Waylaid by a snow storm, they arrived at the first residence they could see. They prayed the family of the house would take them in till the storm was over. At Tremayne Castle, they were greeted by Lord Joseph Ashcroft, Viscount Tremayne and his parents, Lord and Lady Trentingham, Earl of Trentingham. Lady Chrystabel is an unusual lady. When someone tells her she cannot have or do something, her attitude is "Watch me". While she and her family were staying at Tremayne Castle she decided to take things into her own hands when it came to celebrating Christmas. The other thing she has her eye on was Lord Joseph. From the moment she laid eyes on him she knew he was her soulmate and would be married to him. Little did she know he was betrothed to a guest who was hiding in their home named Lady Creath Moore daughter of a Baron. She is an orphan and her guardian, who is twice her age, wants to marry her for the land and money she possesses not for love. That is how she ended up in Joseph's home. She was running away. Creath had to wait ten days before she was emancipated. Joseph thought the only way to keep her safe was to wed her. But then Chrystabel had her own ideas of matchmaking and merry making. A very enjoyable book.

[Dottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the height of Oliver Cromwell's reign, Christmas has been outlawed. Royalist families are being targeted and their land can be siezed at any moment for minor infractions. Lady Chrystabel Trevor is one royalist who has lost everything, first her father in the war against the roundheads... then her mother to a new husband... now Cromwell has evicted her and her siblings from their family home. The Trevor's must make a perilous trek the the wilds of Wales to escape these injustices. It's on this journey that they are thrust into the company of the Ashcrofts. Among this "unconventional" family is the dashing Joseph Ashcroft, Viscount Tremayne... whom Chrystabel feels an instant attraction to. She sets out to marry this man by way of seduction. There's just one small hitch in her plan... Joseph is already betrothed (secretly) to a young lady who is in a world of trouble.
While planning a secret Christmas celebration, Joseph and Chrystabel fall even more for one another. Will Joseph honor his previous promise and marry his betrothed... or will he follow his heart, marry a woman he's just met, and find another way to save his friend?

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Secret Christmas (Chase Family #8) by Lauren Royal was an historical romance set during Christmas. However in England during 1651 while Commonwealth was the ruling factor there was no celebration of Christmas. For many people this change was different and not acceptable. Chrystabel Trevor was forced with her siblings to give up their home (taken by the government) and start a journey to Wales during the holiday season. The journey is really cold and difficult and the Tevors are forced to seek shelter at the Tremayne’s house. It is here that Chrystabel meets Joseph, the Viscount of Tremayne and her brother meets a neighbor and everyone falls in love. Chrystabel leads everyone on a journey of celebration love of the season, while the younger people fall in love.

The novel is closer to a YA novel than a traditional historical romance. While I enjoyed the overall storyline, I found Chrystabel too impulsive and the other characters too invested in following her plans despite the danger to themselves. A Secret Christmas (Chase Family #8) by Lauren Royal was an okay read.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked about this book: It's set during Oliver Cromwell's Protectorate, but focuses on a couple of Royalist families who secretly celebrate Christmas, which was outlawed by the Puritan extremist government. I was interested in the questions raised about the correct length one should go to in supporting a cause; was it a point of honor for Charles's supporters to continue fighting for him until they lost everything, often unto death, or at some point (especially when it was clear his ship was sinking) was it all right to step aside and try to preserve some livelihood for your family?

What I didn't like: The romance was too silly, too quick, too juvenile. I believe in enduring and strong yet instant attraction, but the love at first sight stuff in A Secret Christmas was a bit much.

What redeemed the love story: Lauren Royal knows her heroine is silly, and she writes her in a sort of humorous way. Because she doesn't take Chrystobel Trevor too seriously, the reader can laugh and decide they like her despite her childishness.

[Lara (Atlas Of Stories) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3,5 / 5

Another Christmas novel that I read on a cold winter evening in December.
The story takes us back in time in this historical setting during the Christmas season. Where we meet a young woman who desperately wants to celebrate an illegal Christmas party. While she is stranded at a stranger's place due to bad weather, she meets a young man, with whom she immediately decides she wants to marry. But some things get complicated during her stay.

Afterwards, I found out that this book is part 8 of a series, but it can be read as a standalone.

The story of young lovers and Christmas celebrations brought me joy and heart-warming feelings. However, I did not connect too much with the characters. I missed some personalities and character traits. It mostly felt like a fast-paced historical romance, with a steamy scene in the dark. Overall, the book left me with a warming, romantic feeling and a wish for Christmas.

I recommend this book to people who like a short historical romance, about younger people falling in love.

[Teri Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful additional to a fabulous series. In previous books, we have learned the stories of the sisters Rose, Violet and Lily. Now, we get to meet their parents, Joseph and Chrystabel. After reading this book, I now know why the girls are truly their mother's daughters!
This delightful book takes place during the time when it was illegal to celebrate Christmas. Just imagine. No decorations, no carols, no celebrations. This does not stop Chrystabel as she and her family have to make an unexpected stop at the Ashcroft castle due to poor weather. While cold outside, the heat is turned up in the castle. It will have you believing in love at first sight.
The story is very entertaining, interesting and intriguing. The beautiful cover provides a hint of what is inside. It draws you in and continues with the entire story. I loved every bit of it.
While this is part of a series, it can easily be enjoyed as a stand alone.

[Carol Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful Christmas read. 🎄💝

Losing their home from a debt that they couldn’t pay the family of an only brother and his two younger sisters must travel to Wales with whatever possessions they could take and the servants that wanted to go along, they start out on the long and very cold pre-Christmas journey. It is bitterly cold and now snowing and they needed to find shelter, the next castle they saw, far of the road, was were they would look to for safety.
Young marriage aged folks meet two more marriage aged people and all the fun begins. This is a fun romp just before and during their, outlawed, Christmas celebration. The h is a very strong young woman with the gift of figuring people out rather quickly and she orchestrates who will marry for two couples. HEA of course which leads into much more family adventures in the future. This is a complete story and no cliffhanger. Enjoy ☺️💝

[Candy Laine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chrystabel & Joseph Ashcroft are extremely unusual parents. They tie into the Chase family romances once Ford comes into the life of Violet, their eldest daughter. As much as I have enjoyed the inventive Ford and the intellectual Violet's story, it was interesting to get an insight into her parents who are always questioning convention.
At a time when Royalist families were being persecuted and Chrystabel has to flee to Wales with her brother and sister, the last thing she expects is to find shelter with the Ashcrofts and fall in love with their son. Unfortunately that son is trying to save his childhood friend from an unsavory future by marrying her.
It's a beautiful story speaking of the difficulties that people of that time endured. Imagine being forbidden to celebrate Christmas?Of course that's not
going to happen with Chrystabel around.

[Anna Bowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's a Christmas-loving heroine to do when the Lord Protector (this delightful Christmas confection is set during the reign of Oliver Cromwell) bans her favorite holiday and seizes the family estate? if any answer other than "have it anyway, and fall in love in the process," comes to mind, then that answer is wrong.

Stuffed to the brim with Christmas preparations that would make Martha Stewart weep with envy, this novella shows the very beginning of a beloved fictional family, as the spirit of the season brings two made-for-each other lovers together, with a side dish of secondary romance.

[Colleen Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good Romance story

4 stars, the beginning was a little bit overwhelming.. Chrystabel, the heroine, was a little bit forward and pushy. It was a little hard for me To get into it, little too much, at first. The story seemed a little far fetched. The romances developed a little too fast to be believed. Joseph, the hero, a little gullible. But moved fast, and never bored me. It is a fun Christmas story. There was a villain, to fear, and dislike. There was a little steam. All in all it was an enjoyable story. A little Different than other books, by this author., but I do recommend it. I always enjoy books by this author.

[Joan Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful Christmas romance

This was a wonderful Christmas romance with an interesting storyline. I didn't know that Christmas became a crime to celebrate during that period of time that Cromwell ruled England and I found that very interesting. The story depicted realistically how people would have felt during that time. Things happened rather quickly between Crystabel and Joseph as well as Creath and Matthew though and I could have believed it might have happened to one couple but two falling in love at first sight felt a bit unrealistic. However, it didn't take away from the delightful romance or the story at all. A most enjoyable read that I definitely recommend.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the setting of this book during the 1650s, when Oliver Cromwell led Britain, and his Puritan government forbade luxuries such as the celebration of Christmas. While there are some interesting details about the period in this book, the story is boring and the characters have no depth whatsoever. The heroine is a ninny who is maybe supposed to be a bit of a Emma Woodhouse (or Cher Horowitz) but is less interesting than either of them. The "love at first sight" plot gives absolutely no reason why the couples in the novel should fall in love, and the obstacles set between them are flimsy.

[Kim James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book from Lauren Royal!! I loved, loved, loved it. It was wonderful to get to see the family history that you didn't get to see fully in previous books. The dynamic between characters and the banter between siblings was amazing as well as the relationship between Joseph and Chrystabel. I can't imagine living in that time when you can not celebrate and could lose everything with no warning. I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series and I can't wait to see what Lauren comes out with next. I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Carole Burant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun novella to read and I'd like to think I would have been like Chrystabel and have a secret Christmas celebration even though it was illegal at that time! I can't even imagine NOT being able to celebrate Christmas!!! It's a good thing I do believe in love at first sight, otherwise having two couples fall in love within 3 days would seem to be a bit far fetched....but this author makes it work and it makes for a delightful story.

[Michele Packard-milam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Christmas Novel set in 17th Century England

I truly enjoyed this light-hearted story about family and love under stressful circumstances. Though some other readers found the heroine unlikeable, I did not. She was impetuous and lively, like most wealthy 19-year-olds are in any era. I have already read the flower novels, so I found the origin of Chrystabel and Joseph’s romance to be charming.

[Lita · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this was sort of a prequel to the Chase family series being Crystabel and Joseph's love story. It was sweet but contained passages literally copied from some of the other Chase family stories which was disappointing. Lauren Royal can write some sweet love stories and some spicy sex scenes so I feel like she basically just phoned this one in. At least she only copied herself.

Beyond that, it was sweet and I enjoyed it.

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I love all of Lauren's books and this one was no exception. She writes with such enthusiasm and reality that you fall in love with the characters. But I am a bit confused because I know I have read this book before! It must have been a holiday edition or something so I was a bit disappointed over that. Nevertheless, excellent story. Good read!

[Virginia Tican · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too American! The dialogue and sentence construction, though humorous, is quite present day Americanism. The English (specially the aristocracy) during this timeline still think of the New World and its inhabitants as bloody upstart colonials and NEVER would they even think or talk like the people they perceive are totally beneath them. This work is a fake, a sham and a Royal flaw. The Time Warp is too pronounced in this one and I could not move past the Annoying Americanisms ~ no True Blue historical reader can tolerate such major desecration of the timeline and genre. I leave this work to the more forgiving and maybe less discerning.