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Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Chronicles #1
Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Goose
A lighthearted tale of Christmas long ago with a grandmother and three of her grandchildren, one lost soul, a lady driven to distraction, a recalcitrant donkey, and a flock of determined geese.
Three years after being widowed, Therese, Lady Osbaldestone finally settles into her dower property of Hartington Manor in the village of Little Moseley in Hampshire. She is in two minds as to whether life in the small village will generate sufficient interest to keep her amused over the months when she is not in London or visiting friends around the country. But she will see.
It’s December, 1810, and Therese is looking forward to her usual Christmas with her family at Winslow Abbey, her youngest daughter, Celia’s home. But then a carriage rolls up and disgorges Celia’s three oldest children. Their father has contracted mumps, and their mother has sent the three—Jamie, George, and Lottie—to spend this Christmas with their grandmama in Little Moseley.
Therese has never had to manage small children, not even her own. She assumes the children will keep themselves amused, but quickly learns that what amuses three inquisitive, curious, and confident youngsters isn’t compatible with village peace. Just when it seems she will have to set her mind to inventing something, she and the children learn that with only twelve days to go before Christmas, the village flock of geese has vanished.
Every household in the village is now missing the centerpiece of their Christmas feast. But how could an entire flock go missing without the slightest trace? The children are as mystified and as curious as Therese—and she seizes on the mystery as the perfect distraction for the three children as well as herself.
But while searching for the geese, she and her three helpers stumble on two locals who, it is clear, are in dire need of assistance in sorting out their lives. Never one to shy from a little matchmaking, Therese undertakes to guide Miss Eugenia Fitzgibbon into the arms of the determinedly reclusive Lord Longfellow. To her considerable surprise, she discovers that her grandchildren have inherited skills and talents from both her late husband as well as herself. And with all the customary village events held in the lead up to Christmas, she and her three helpers have opportunities galore in which to subtly nudge and steer.
Yet while their matchmaking appears to be succeeding, neither they nor anyone else have found so much as a feather from the village’s geese. Larceny is ruled out; a flock of that size could not have been taken from the area without someone noticing. So where could the birds be? And with the days passing and Christmas inexorably approaching, will they find the blasted birds in time?
First in series. A novel of 60,000 words. A Christmas tale of romance and geese.
Three years after being widowed, Therese, Lady Osbaldestone finally settles into her dower property of Hartington Manor in the village of Little Moseley in Hampshire. She is in two minds as to whether life in the small village will generate sufficient interest to keep her amused over the months when she is not in London or visiting friends around the country. But she will see.
It’s December, 1810, and Therese is looking forward to her usual Christmas with her family at Winslow Abbey, her youngest daughter, Celia’s home. But then a carriage rolls up and disgorges Celia’s three oldest children. Their father has contracted mumps, and their mother has sent the three—Jamie, George, and Lottie—to spend this Christmas with their grandmama in Little Moseley.
Therese has never had to manage small children, not even her own. She assumes the children will keep themselves amused, but quickly learns that what amuses three inquisitive, curious, and confident youngsters isn’t compatible with village peace. Just when it seems she will have to set her mind to inventing something, she and the children learn that with only twelve days to go before Christmas, the village flock of geese has vanished.
Every household in the village is now missing the centerpiece of their Christmas feast. But how could an entire flock go missing without the slightest trace? The children are as mystified and as curious as Therese—and she seizes on the mystery as the perfect distraction for the three children as well as herself.
But while searching for the geese, she and her three helpers stumble on two locals who, it is clear, are in dire need of assistance in sorting out their lives. Never one to shy from a little matchmaking, Therese undertakes to guide Miss Eugenia Fitzgibbon into the arms of the determinedly reclusive Lord Longfellow. To her considerable surprise, she discovers that her grandchildren have inherited skills and talents from both her late husband as well as herself. And with all the customary village events held in the lead up to Christmas, she and her three helpers have opportunities galore in which to subtly nudge and steer.
Yet while their matchmaking appears to be succeeding, neither they nor anyone else have found so much as a feather from the village’s geese. Larceny is ruled out; a flock of that size could not have been taken from the area without someone noticing. So where could the birds be? And with the days passing and Christmas inexorably approaching, will they find the blasted birds in time?
First in series. A novel of 60,000 words. A Christmas tale of romance and geese.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2017
543 people are currently reading
2168 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,585 followersStephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Stephanie and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
December 21, 2024
3,33 nice, cosy stars
A very slow-going, cosy, undemanding and relaxing Christmas read which I actually enjoyed much more than I expected.
It is a type of slice-of-life a la Regency fiction, with no grating blunders as to the time period (though the all-inclusive skating-party is a close shave) and you can overlook the smaller ones. Nothing much is happening with a nice, understated romance, low-angst, smoothly solved issues, sympathetic characters and a good narrator.
Happy Endings are all around guaranteed. (... well, apart from most of the geese, of course. They come to a sad, but predictable fate, but the most deserving survive.)
If the characters were a bit better drawn, with more layers, I would have given the book 4 stars, but while Stephanie Laurens writes quite nice characters, she is no league with D.E. Stevenson, Elizabeth Fair or Margery Sharp, so they are more types.
Currently the book and all its instalments are included in the Audible+ catalogue as free listens and I will at least try the next one in the series.
A very slow-going, cosy, undemanding and relaxing Christmas read which I actually enjoyed much more than I expected.
It is a type of slice-of-life a la Regency fiction, with no grating blunders as to the time period (though the all-inclusive skating-party is a close shave) and you can overlook the smaller ones. Nothing much is happening with a nice, understated romance, low-angst, smoothly solved issues, sympathetic characters and a good narrator.
Happy Endings are all around guaranteed. (... well, apart from most of the geese, of course. They come to a sad, but predictable fate, but the most deserving survive.)
If the characters were a bit better drawn, with more layers, I would have given the book 4 stars, but while Stephanie Laurens writes quite nice characters, she is no league with D.E. Stevenson, Elizabeth Fair or Margery Sharp, so they are more types.
Currently the book and all its instalments are included in the Audible+ catalogue as free listens and I will at least try the next one in the series.
December 18, 2022
Think Miss Marple and you have a vision for Lady Osbaldestone. I absolutely loved this short novel about a grandmother with the care of three active, inquisitive grandchildren. The mystery here involves the missing flock of geese. Since this means that there will be no goose for Christmas dinner, Lady Osbaldestone views this as an opportunity to reintroduce herself to the village and as a way to keep her grandchildren occupied for their visit as they roam around the countryside looking for the missing flock.
In the tradition of Miss M, Lady O tries her hand at matchmaking with the reclusive Lord Longfellow and the shy and delightful Miss Eugenia Fitzgibbon, with great success. While the endeavor to find the missing geese continues to elude them all, and her grandchildren continue to amaze and annoy her, Lady O and her three helpers need to step up their game if they hope to find the missing geese flock and save the villager's Christmas dinner.
In the tradition of Miss M, Lady O tries her hand at matchmaking with the reclusive Lord Longfellow and the shy and delightful Miss Eugenia Fitzgibbon, with great success. While the endeavor to find the missing geese continues to elude them all, and her grandchildren continue to amaze and annoy her, Lady O and her three helpers need to step up their game if they hope to find the missing geese flock and save the villager's Christmas dinner.
March 13, 2018
I've been looking forward to reading this since Stephanie Laurens announced that she was writing books focusing on this character. Lady Osbaldestone showed up for the first time in the very first Cynster novel, in all of her opinionated glory. She was one of the Grand Dames of the Regency era and her goal was to manage the Ton as she felt it should go. Especially focusing on the couples she felt should be together. This book is the beginning of Lady Osbaldestone's manipulations. She's newly widowed, much younger and looking for something to entertain her. You don't have to read the other books to read this, but if you're already acquainted with the character it makes it an even more enjoyable read.
June 24, 2024
Overall Rating:
⭐️: 3.5/5 🌶️🔥: 0/5
♡◜✧˖°*:･ﾟ✧
It’s not Christmas at my time of reading, but I absolutely enjoyed.
Nothing like a good Stephanie Laurens short story.
So sweet, clean romance. Told from multiple perspectives. The main character is, of course, Lady Osbaldeston, so most is told from her perspective, but it does shift. (No spice, but no spice needed.)
She is the grand dame always plotting romances around her!
Also, Jamie better be in more books! I would be such a proud mama of that boy!
Lady Osbaldestone Chronicles
Book 1
Chronological Yr: Dec 1810
- Book 2 -
All of Laurens' books are interconnected among six series (Bastion, Cynsters, Cavanaughs, etc.). I’ve been reading them all alternating with no order. So, I decided to start over, but from the very beginning in chronological year order. This is the 2nd, set in December 1810 (after "The Promise in a Kiss," set in 1783, dealing with Devil’s parents - but knowing how that relationship ends I’m avoiding it).
⭐️: 3.5/5 🌶️🔥: 0/5
♡◜✧˖°*:･ﾟ✧
It’s not Christmas at my time of reading, but I absolutely enjoyed.
Nothing like a good Stephanie Laurens short story.
So sweet, clean romance. Told from multiple perspectives. The main character is, of course, Lady Osbaldeston, so most is told from her perspective, but it does shift. (No spice, but no spice needed.)
She is the grand dame always plotting romances around her!
Also, Jamie better be in more books! I would be such a proud mama of that boy!
Lady Osbaldestone Chronicles
Book 1
Chronological Yr: Dec 1810
- Book 2 -
All of Laurens' books are interconnected among six series (Bastion, Cynsters, Cavanaughs, etc.). I’ve been reading them all alternating with no order. So, I decided to start over, but from the very beginning in chronological year order. This is the 2nd, set in December 1810 (after "The Promise in a Kiss," set in 1783, dealing with Devil’s parents - but knowing how that relationship ends I’m avoiding it).
October 27, 2017
- "Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Goose (Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Chronicles Book 1)" by Stephanie Laurens.
I absolutely love Lady Osbaldestone. During Cynster series she was always my favorite character I'm thrilled Stephanie finally gives a glimpse into her family and life.
Lady Osbaldestone and her three grandchildren are amazing combination. Their story is full of laughs and heroes.
Chasing after the Christmas geese, bring the whole village together. It shows much great human emotions with wounded war heroes, family struggles, near tragedies and acceptance for different lives.
I absolutely love Lady Osbaldestone. During Cynster series she was always my favorite character I'm thrilled Stephanie finally gives a glimpse into her family and life.
Lady Osbaldestone and her three grandchildren are amazing combination. Their story is full of laughs and heroes.
Chasing after the Christmas geese, bring the whole village together. It shows much great human emotions with wounded war heroes, family struggles, near tragedies and acceptance for different lives.
December 18, 2021
Tenía muchas ganas de leer Los Gansos Navideños de Lady Osbladestone desde que lo descubrí y ha sido todo lo que esperaba y más.
Tiene un misterio navideño encantador (han desaparecido los gansos para la cena de Navidad), es familiar (los protagonistas son la abuela y sus tres nietos) y acogedor con un lado romántico, que tiene lugar en 1810.
Lady Osbaldestone ha enviudado recientemente y ha decidido ir a vivir a la casa que recibió como dote. Tres de sus nietos van a pasar las vacaciones con ella, ya que se tienen que alejar de casa, porque su padre está enfermo, para no contagiarse.
Para encontrar la gansos desaparecidos, Lady Osbaldestone y sus nietos piden ayuda a sus vecinos. Y es ahí donde vemos a la gran Dama en todo su esplendor. Con un simple movimiento de sus impertinentes y una mirada fija hace temblar a los jóvenes y, además, le gusta mucho hacer de celestina.
Los personajes están bien dibujados, la pequeña ciudad se siente muy real. Como punto negativo señalar que la historia romántica para mí es demasiado apresurada al final. Podrían haber empezado simplemente algo y ya estaba, pero bueno.
La parte navideña me ha gustado, porque tiene la ambientación de una zona rural de Inglaterra en 1810. Transmite esa sensación de comunidad y, además, muestra actividades más típicas como villancicos, abetos...
Tiene un misterio navideño encantador (han desaparecido los gansos para la cena de Navidad), es familiar (los protagonistas son la abuela y sus tres nietos) y acogedor con un lado romántico, que tiene lugar en 1810.
Lady Osbaldestone ha enviudado recientemente y ha decidido ir a vivir a la casa que recibió como dote. Tres de sus nietos van a pasar las vacaciones con ella, ya que se tienen que alejar de casa, porque su padre está enfermo, para no contagiarse.
Para encontrar la gansos desaparecidos, Lady Osbaldestone y sus nietos piden ayuda a sus vecinos. Y es ahí donde vemos a la gran Dama en todo su esplendor. Con un simple movimiento de sus impertinentes y una mirada fija hace temblar a los jóvenes y, además, le gusta mucho hacer de celestina.
Los personajes están bien dibujados, la pequeña ciudad se siente muy real. Como punto negativo señalar que la historia romántica para mí es demasiado apresurada al final. Podrían haber empezado simplemente algo y ya estaba, pero bueno.
La parte navideña me ha gustado, porque tiene la ambientación de una zona rural de Inglaterra en 1810. Transmite esa sensación de comunidad y, además, muestra actividades más típicas como villancicos, abetos...
January 20, 2019
Lovely story of village life, where there are grandchildren (which, for me, stole the show, along with their grandmother), wonderful array of characters, and a HEA. The writing is superb, but then always is with Stephanie Laurens. 5☆
December 1, 2021
Normally I like Stephanie Laurens stories, and I had high hopes for a new favorite holiday story, but this one was a snoozer. Maybe it's more interesting if you already know these characters from other stories?
Audiobook, borrowed from the Audible Plus catalog. Not impressed with Helen Lloyd's performance.
Audiobook, borrowed from the Audible Plus catalog. Not impressed with Helen Lloyd's performance.
December 13, 2020
Lady Osbladestone’s Christmas Goose is a charming, family-friendly cozy Christmas mystery with a side of romance, that takes place in 1810. The Lady in question is recently widowed and, after making a pilgrimage to all the cosmopolitan places she and her late husband loved, she’s spending the holidays at her dower house in the country. Three of her grandchildren come to spend the holidays with her and they immediately get caught up in the search for the missing Christmas geese. The entire flock has disappeared and no one will have a proper Christmas dinner unless they’re found. The Lady and her grandchildren enlist the help of their neighbors and do a spot of matchmaking between a Napoleonic War veteran who’s self conscious about his scars, and his lovely and lively neighbor. The characters are all well-drawn, the small town feels very real, the kids are smart and perceptive without being annoyingly precocious and the romance is sweet and believable.
CW: scarred, grumpy war veteran; children sent from home because dad has mumps; near-drowning when ice breaks during a village skating party; small animal stampede after live action nativity play; drunken teens have carriage fender-bender; kissing.
CW: scarred, grumpy war veteran; children sent from home because dad has mumps; near-drowning when ice breaks during a village skating party; small animal stampede after live action nativity play; drunken teens have carriage fender-bender; kissing.
December 1, 2023
rating this one high simply because it was just the book I was wanting.
it is maybe a bit cliche…but to me a cute, cozy read about a village of meddlers and their christmas traditions is perfect for almost-December.
Listened via the audible plus catalog!
it is maybe a bit cliche…but to me a cute, cozy read about a village of meddlers and their christmas traditions is perfect for almost-December.
Listened via the audible plus catalog!
December 9, 2020
3.5 stars. RTC
December 17, 2021
This audiobook was free from Audible Plus and was fun to listen to while I cleaned house in advance of my Christmas visit from my sister, niece, and nephew. I’m not finished, so queuing up the second volume right now.
dnf
January 4, 2021It's my fault for picking up this book after such a cursory glance based on a years ago recommendation, but I am NOT the intended audience for this book.
I thought it was actually going to be a about a grandmother solving a little cozy mystery with her grandchildren. Then there's a scarred war hero, and young lady from the village, and she's about to fall off a ladder, and I can see where this is going, but it seems very sweet so that's okay too.
And then all of a sudden there's 'supple feminine strength' and 'parts of him that he thought were dead stirring to unabashed life' and I'm sitting here torn between "What the..." and "I just wanted to know what happened to the geese!"
So, apparently even 'closed door' Regency romances are not my thing (or at least, when they're written by authors who typically write open door and are just trying to restrain themselves...). I might go read the last chapter to find out what happened to the geese though...
I thought it was actually going to be a about a grandmother solving a little cozy mystery with her grandchildren. Then there's a scarred war hero, and young lady from the village, and she's about to fall off a ladder, and I can see where this is going, but it seems very sweet so that's okay too.
And then all of a sudden there's 'supple feminine strength' and 'parts of him that he thought were dead stirring to unabashed life' and I'm sitting here torn between "What the..." and "I just wanted to know what happened to the geese!"
So, apparently even 'closed door' Regency romances are not my thing (or at least, when they're written by authors who typically write open door and are just trying to restrain themselves...). I might go read the last chapter to find out what happened to the geese though...
December 2, 2020
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Goose is the first book in "Christmas Chronicles" series and I will say that when we chose this for a buddy read I really didn't know what to expect with this one going into it and I will admit that I stayed far away from looking at any reviews, I just wanted to be surprised with this book here and as much as I found enjoyment out of this book, Its definitely not a full four star read for me. This book is not very long, for the price you pay, its less than half of what I normally read so I do feel the kindle price should have been a bit lower considering. But also there is more to this book than just a "romance" so I do want to make that clear especially to those that prefer just romance focused on anything that they read that you might fight the focus of it less than expected.
The story begins with Lady Osbaldestone who has taken charge of her grandchildren and taken them to one of her country estates, which she has been neglecting of late. But her grandchildren are causing ruckus and drama, and then with Christmas time closing in, all the geese in the area have completely vanished and so she takes her grandchildren along to discover what happened to them. But then she discovers two single people who need each other and endeavors with the help of her grandchildren, to matchmake them together.
I found the set up of the story to be so endearing and adorable in a handful of ways and I truly loved Lady Osbaldestone, she is hilarious. I know she is in other books that this author has written but let me tell you I don't read this author as much as I think I probably should. I do love the "realism" that she displays in her stories as far as the era is concerned. I never have a issue with how she writes regency era romance because she doesn't sugar coat it or modernize it of feminize it, she just writes it where it feels more real to the time period without taking anything from the characters or their endeavors. I found in this story while the romance wasn't super focused, I loved the focus we gained on the characters that are involved within the story. From the local folk, to the minister, to the grandchildren, and to our main couple.
Now lets talk about the romance for a moment. I ADORED seeing these two together. You couldn't see two more opposite personalities than these two to be honest. Eugenia and Christian are delightful characters but so unique from each other. Eugenia is kind and compassionate and responsible and has a deep love for the Christmas season. Christian, is a military hero vet, but is scarred and has a lame leg because of the war and basically hides within the shadows of his own home. Until his whole community including a woman he has known most of his life forces him to breathe life and brave the community and not fear it. I actually enjoyed seeing Christian and Eugenia have their romance build here, I never felt quite satisfied as I wanted but it was cute and endearing.
Overall I found Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Goose to be a story of lifting others with the Christmas spirit, a mystery of geese chasing and a sweet spirit filled romance that was beyond endearing.
Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Goose is the first book in "Christmas Chronicles" series and I will say that when we chose this for a buddy read I really didn't know what to expect with this one going into it and I will admit that I stayed far away from looking at any reviews, I just wanted to be surprised with this book here and as much as I found enjoyment out of this book, Its definitely not a full four star read for me. This book is not very long, for the price you pay, its less than half of what I normally read so I do feel the kindle price should have been a bit lower considering. But also there is more to this book than just a "romance" so I do want to make that clear especially to those that prefer just romance focused on anything that they read that you might fight the focus of it less than expected.
The story begins with Lady Osbaldestone who has taken charge of her grandchildren and taken them to one of her country estates, which she has been neglecting of late. But her grandchildren are causing ruckus and drama, and then with Christmas time closing in, all the geese in the area have completely vanished and so she takes her grandchildren along to discover what happened to them. But then she discovers two single people who need each other and endeavors with the help of her grandchildren, to matchmake them together.
I found the set up of the story to be so endearing and adorable in a handful of ways and I truly loved Lady Osbaldestone, she is hilarious. I know she is in other books that this author has written but let me tell you I don't read this author as much as I think I probably should. I do love the "realism" that she displays in her stories as far as the era is concerned. I never have a issue with how she writes regency era romance because she doesn't sugar coat it or modernize it of feminize it, she just writes it where it feels more real to the time period without taking anything from the characters or their endeavors. I found in this story while the romance wasn't super focused, I loved the focus we gained on the characters that are involved within the story. From the local folk, to the minister, to the grandchildren, and to our main couple.
Now lets talk about the romance for a moment. I ADORED seeing these two together. You couldn't see two more opposite personalities than these two to be honest. Eugenia and Christian are delightful characters but so unique from each other. Eugenia is kind and compassionate and responsible and has a deep love for the Christmas season. Christian, is a military hero vet, but is scarred and has a lame leg because of the war and basically hides within the shadows of his own home. Until his whole community including a woman he has known most of his life forces him to breathe life and brave the community and not fear it. I actually enjoyed seeing Christian and Eugenia have their romance build here, I never felt quite satisfied as I wanted but it was cute and endearing.
Overall I found Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Goose to be a story of lifting others with the Christmas spirit, a mystery of geese chasing and a sweet spirit filled romance that was beyond endearing.
July 31, 2022
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋
Sex Scene Length: 0
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 0
Humor: Yes
Perspective: Third person from Lady Osbaldestone – we get some small scenes from the love story (hero and heroine) perspective too
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Basic plot:
Lady Osbaldestone needs a purpose in life after losing her husband. She travels to her dower home in the small village Little Moseley and soon finds herself involved in some minor matchmaking...
Give this a try if you want:
- more of a secondary romance feel – I feel like this barely qualifies as romance since we are in the shoes of Lady Osbaldestone and not the actual hero and heroine for the most part
- no steam
- Georgian time period (1810)
- Children in the story – a number of Lady Osbaldestone’s grandchildren have page time
- Heartwarming story about finding purpose in life
- Soldier hero that returns after a number of years away
- Scarred hero
- Shorter novel – this one was just over 150 pages
- A mystery to solve
My thoughts:
I wasn’t really sure what to expect with these but I ended up enjoying a lot of this sweet story! I usually really love the feisty older lady characters in romance books, so it was fun to see the life of one up close.
Lady Osbaldestone makes a number of appearances in Stephanie Lauren’s books but I haven’t read most of hers so I don’t recall her (you might get more enjoyment here if you are familiar with her!). She’s a fun character and I love the matchmaking theme so watching her set her sights on two lonely hearts in the village. Her relationship with her grandchildren was super precious too.
So yeah, a quick fun read, a sweet story. Definitely something you have to be in the mood for it and I wouldn’t recommend it for someone that was strictly a romance read. I do really enjoy Stephanie Laurens’ writing for the most part and I found myself just easily falling into this story.
A few other notes:
Content warnings:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋
Sex Scene Length: 0
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 0
Humor: Yes
Perspective: Third person from Lady Osbaldestone – we get some small scenes from the love story (hero and heroine) perspective too
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Basic plot:
Lady Osbaldestone needs a purpose in life after losing her husband. She travels to her dower home in the small village Little Moseley and soon finds herself involved in some minor matchmaking...
Give this a try if you want:
- more of a secondary romance feel – I feel like this barely qualifies as romance since we are in the shoes of Lady Osbaldestone and not the actual hero and heroine for the most part
- no steam
- Georgian time period (1810)
- Children in the story – a number of Lady Osbaldestone’s grandchildren have page time
- Heartwarming story about finding purpose in life
- Soldier hero that returns after a number of years away
- Scarred hero
- Shorter novel – this one was just over 150 pages
- A mystery to solve
My thoughts:
I wasn’t really sure what to expect with these but I ended up enjoying a lot of this sweet story! I usually really love the feisty older lady characters in romance books, so it was fun to see the life of one up close.
Lady Osbaldestone makes a number of appearances in Stephanie Lauren’s books but I haven’t read most of hers so I don’t recall her (you might get more enjoyment here if you are familiar with her!). She’s a fun character and I love the matchmaking theme so watching her set her sights on two lonely hearts in the village. Her relationship with her grandchildren was super precious too.
So yeah, a quick fun read, a sweet story. Definitely something you have to be in the mood for it and I wouldn’t recommend it for someone that was strictly a romance read. I do really enjoy Stephanie Laurens’ writing for the most part and I found myself just easily falling into this story.
A few other notes:
Content warnings:
January 22, 2018
Fun Christmas story starring the wonderful Lady Osbaldestone, Grande Dame of Regency society. She has been one of my favorite characters throughout the Cynster books, and it's always an experience when she shows up. As the story opens, Lady Osbaldestone is debating settling down in her widowhood at her dower property in the small village of Little Moseley. She's not sure there will be enough to keep her busy, but at the moment she is well-occupied. Three of her grandchildren are staying with her while their father is ill and they have her life turned topsy-turvy.
I loved the opening as the children explain the brouhaha they have caused to the church. They are obviously intelligent children with a lot of curiosity. I loved seeing Lady O try to keep a straight face as she deals with them and the vicar. She realized that she is going to have her hands full keeping them out of trouble. When the vicar mentions that the village's flock of geese has mysteriously disappeared, she gets the idea of involving them in the search. It will also give her a chance to get reacquainted with the residents of the village. I loved the call on Eugenia, who is in charge of their estate until her brother comes of age. She is frustrated with the antics of him and his friends while they are visiting from Oxford. I laughed out loud when those young men encountered Lady O.
Lady O also calls on another neighbor, the reclusive Lord Longfellow. Christian is a former soldier who is hiding away, as he received injuries that have caused facial scarring a feels that he isn't fit for society. Lady O gains access to Christian in a rather unorthodox way, but it is effective. She also settles on two goals for herself: bring Christian out of hiding so he can live again, and see if she can guide Eugenia and Christian together. Just the kind of challenge she loves!
I loved both Eugenia and Christian. She is kind and compassionate, but she also has spirit. Christian is a good man who believes that his future is now pretty bleak. He doesn't want to endure pity, so he locks himself away instead. Christian and Eugenia already know each other as neighbors but haven't seen each other in awhile. Sparks fly between them from the moment they meet again. I loved the encounter about the gate, Eugenia's conspiracy with Lady O, followed by the whole decorating gig.
Because Lady O is such a force, she generally gets her way. I loved her use of a small dinner party to ease Christian further out of his shell. The actions of those who attended warmed my heart with their matter-of-fact acceptance of Christian as he is. Each of them also does their part to pull him back into village life. Christian quickly finds himself getting more involved, no matter how he tries to avoid it.
I liked seeing the relationship develop between Christian and Eugenia. While she aches for his pain, pity isn't what she feels around him. Christian first tries pushing her away, but she won't be pushed. It also takes some additional prodding from a pint-sized matchmaker, which was fun to see. There are some hair-raising moments at the end when Christian discovers that he's not as useless as he thought he was. Both he and Eugenia realize the truth of their feelings for each other.
II loved following the mystery of the missing geese. All three children really got into the spirit of trying to find out what happened to them. I enjoyed the way it gave me the opportunity to meet various people in the village and experience a little of their daily lives. As Christmas nears and the village is without the geese for their Christmas dinners, the searchers become more determined. I loved seeing the way things came together to solve the mystery just in time.
I am looking forward to a yearly tradition of Christmas stories about Lady O and her adventures.
I loved the opening as the children explain the brouhaha they have caused to the church. They are obviously intelligent children with a lot of curiosity. I loved seeing Lady O try to keep a straight face as she deals with them and the vicar. She realized that she is going to have her hands full keeping them out of trouble. When the vicar mentions that the village's flock of geese has mysteriously disappeared, she gets the idea of involving them in the search. It will also give her a chance to get reacquainted with the residents of the village. I loved the call on Eugenia, who is in charge of their estate until her brother comes of age. She is frustrated with the antics of him and his friends while they are visiting from Oxford. I laughed out loud when those young men encountered Lady O.
Lady O also calls on another neighbor, the reclusive Lord Longfellow. Christian is a former soldier who is hiding away, as he received injuries that have caused facial scarring a feels that he isn't fit for society. Lady O gains access to Christian in a rather unorthodox way, but it is effective. She also settles on two goals for herself: bring Christian out of hiding so he can live again, and see if she can guide Eugenia and Christian together. Just the kind of challenge she loves!
I loved both Eugenia and Christian. She is kind and compassionate, but she also has spirit. Christian is a good man who believes that his future is now pretty bleak. He doesn't want to endure pity, so he locks himself away instead. Christian and Eugenia already know each other as neighbors but haven't seen each other in awhile. Sparks fly between them from the moment they meet again. I loved the encounter about the gate, Eugenia's conspiracy with Lady O, followed by the whole decorating gig.
Because Lady O is such a force, she generally gets her way. I loved her use of a small dinner party to ease Christian further out of his shell. The actions of those who attended warmed my heart with their matter-of-fact acceptance of Christian as he is. Each of them also does their part to pull him back into village life. Christian quickly finds himself getting more involved, no matter how he tries to avoid it.
I liked seeing the relationship develop between Christian and Eugenia. While she aches for his pain, pity isn't what she feels around him. Christian first tries pushing her away, but she won't be pushed. It also takes some additional prodding from a pint-sized matchmaker, which was fun to see. There are some hair-raising moments at the end when Christian discovers that he's not as useless as he thought he was. Both he and Eugenia realize the truth of their feelings for each other.
II loved following the mystery of the missing geese. All three children really got into the spirit of trying to find out what happened to them. I enjoyed the way it gave me the opportunity to meet various people in the village and experience a little of their daily lives. As Christmas nears and the village is without the geese for their Christmas dinners, the searchers become more determined. I loved seeing the way things came together to solve the mystery just in time.
I am looking forward to a yearly tradition of Christmas stories about Lady O and her adventures.
July 22, 2020
2020 bk 247. It is hot here - I've lost count of the number of days over 90 with no rain. (The weatherman says rain - I can look out my window and see the rain, but it always seems to stop three streets over from me.) When it's that hot outside, my mind turns to Christmas stories - the ones with snow, snowmen, sledding, ice and cold weather. A chance glance encounter with a remainder table a year ago had me acquiring this title and I deemed the time perfect for reading it.
I LOVE the main character. Lady Osbaldestone has decided it is time to stop traveling and settle down in her dower property - in a village. Used to London, Ankara, St. Petersburg and the glittering capitals, will she be able to be useful to a small village. What's more can she handle her three grandchildren who are left to her charge (the nursery made decamped) when their parents succomb to measles. Oh - this was so much fun and I so enjoyed the authors very descriptive scene of the children looking for goose poo. Yes, there is romance, but it is almost an aside. The real stars of the show are the lady, her grandchildren and the residents of the village.
I LOVE the main character. Lady Osbaldestone has decided it is time to stop traveling and settle down in her dower property - in a village. Used to London, Ankara, St. Petersburg and the glittering capitals, will she be able to be useful to a small village. What's more can she handle her three grandchildren who are left to her charge (the nursery made decamped) when their parents succomb to measles. Oh - this was so much fun and I so enjoyed the authors very descriptive scene of the children looking for goose poo. Yes, there is romance, but it is almost an aside. The real stars of the show are the lady, her grandchildren and the residents of the village.
October 19, 2021
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it. Excellent historical details and beautifully written with a very good narrator. It's a traditional Regency set in early 1800s England and the plot revolves around a missing flock of geese just before Christmas. The story is entertaining and there's a very sweet romance that Lady Osbaldestone has managed, (with the help of her grandchildren), to set up. I felt like I was right there in the countryside with them all. There are no steamy scenes and this story is very heartwarming and feel good.
November 5, 2020
Milý a príjemný oddychový príbeh s atmosférou Vianoc a starého Anglicka. Na spríjemnenie adventných večerov fajn, nečakajte ale žiadnu vysokú literatúru či prešpekulovanú psychológiu postáv. Moje očakávania ale splnil, zrejme si prečítam aj další diel :-)
October 30, 2017
FINAL DECISION: This is a lovely Christmas story with a little mystery and a little romance. Lovely and sweet, I didn't have high expectations but found this a pleasant little story.
THE STORY: Lady Osbaldestone, after being widowed a few years before has three of her grandchildren joining her for Christmas. Lady Osbaldestone has come to her dower house and the nearby village to see if wants to reside there more permanently. Despite not being high society, the village has plenty to keep a lady occupied. Among other things, the flock of Christmas geese have gone missing and a local gentleman and lady need a push to discover their destiny.
OPINION: This is a sweet Christmas story combined with a tiny mystery and a gentle romance. It was an interesting choice for the author to give the story from the perspective of Lady Osbaldestone who is discovering her own path after the death of her husband. This isn't a story of grief because she has been a widow for several years, but rather her finding a purpose and a usefulness and a place.
I didn't expect to like the story, but I really did. I thought the village was charming and Lady Osbaldestone's relationships interesting and funny. I also loved seeing her work her matchmaking magic on a man who has lost hope and a woman who is living her life for her brother's future. I thought the romance worked extraordinarily well and felt nice for the type of story this is.
I enjoyed this book and would definitely read more of this series.
WORTH MENTIONING: This is a clean romance. Kissing only.
CONNECTED BOOKS: Lady Osbaldestone is a recurring secondary character in many of Lauren's novels. This book, however, is completely separate and doesn't require reading any of the other books. In fact, it occurs prior to the other books.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
THE STORY: Lady Osbaldestone, after being widowed a few years before has three of her grandchildren joining her for Christmas. Lady Osbaldestone has come to her dower house and the nearby village to see if wants to reside there more permanently. Despite not being high society, the village has plenty to keep a lady occupied. Among other things, the flock of Christmas geese have gone missing and a local gentleman and lady need a push to discover their destiny.
OPINION: This is a sweet Christmas story combined with a tiny mystery and a gentle romance. It was an interesting choice for the author to give the story from the perspective of Lady Osbaldestone who is discovering her own path after the death of her husband. This isn't a story of grief because she has been a widow for several years, but rather her finding a purpose and a usefulness and a place.
I didn't expect to like the story, but I really did. I thought the village was charming and Lady Osbaldestone's relationships interesting and funny. I also loved seeing her work her matchmaking magic on a man who has lost hope and a woman who is living her life for her brother's future. I thought the romance worked extraordinarily well and felt nice for the type of story this is.
I enjoyed this book and would definitely read more of this series.
WORTH MENTIONING: This is a clean romance. Kissing only.
CONNECTED BOOKS: Lady Osbaldestone is a recurring secondary character in many of Lauren's novels. This book, however, is completely separate and doesn't require reading any of the other books. In fact, it occurs prior to the other books.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
December 27, 2020
Digital audiobook performed by Helen Lloyd.
Set in 1810 England, just on the cusp of the Regency period, this delightful Christmas mystery focuses on the recently widowed Lady Therese Osbaldestone, her three young grandchildren, a flock of missing geese, a “spinster” forgoing her own happiness to look after her younger brother, and a wounded war veteran.
Lady Osbaldestone is a marvelous character; bright, opinionated, kind, inquisitive (some might say nosy), and confident in her right – nay, duty – to oversee everyone’s business. As she enlists the help of the children in finding clues as to the whereabouts of the missing geese, she stumbles upon two people in desperate need of matchmaking. Lord Christian Longfellow is living the life of a recluse, certain that his scars make him a pariah to his neighbors. But it is the wounds to his psyche that affect him far more than those to his visage. Meanwhile Miss Eugenia Fitzgibbon has her hands full trying to manage the estate of her younger brother, who would rather party with his equally immature and irresponsible friends than attend to business. Of course, Lady O will begin with a plea to Eugenia’s organization skills and need to be helpful; poor Lord Longfellow hasn’t yet decorated his home for Christmas, and Miss Eugenia is JUST the person to fix that!
This is a delight on so many levels, from the marvelous characters to the charming scenes of Regency village holiday life – ice skating parties, a live nativity pageant, holly and mistletoe, and, of course, the geese!
Helen Lloyd perfectly performed the audio version. She gives us a Lady Osbaldestone who is every bit the dowager and up to whatever task may come her way. She’s equally deft at giving voice to the very young grandchildren, Lord Longfellow and a host of villagers. A splendid narration.
Set in 1810 England, just on the cusp of the Regency period, this delightful Christmas mystery focuses on the recently widowed Lady Therese Osbaldestone, her three young grandchildren, a flock of missing geese, a “spinster” forgoing her own happiness to look after her younger brother, and a wounded war veteran.
Lady Osbaldestone is a marvelous character; bright, opinionated, kind, inquisitive (some might say nosy), and confident in her right – nay, duty – to oversee everyone’s business. As she enlists the help of the children in finding clues as to the whereabouts of the missing geese, she stumbles upon two people in desperate need of matchmaking. Lord Christian Longfellow is living the life of a recluse, certain that his scars make him a pariah to his neighbors. But it is the wounds to his psyche that affect him far more than those to his visage. Meanwhile Miss Eugenia Fitzgibbon has her hands full trying to manage the estate of her younger brother, who would rather party with his equally immature and irresponsible friends than attend to business. Of course, Lady O will begin with a plea to Eugenia’s organization skills and need to be helpful; poor Lord Longfellow hasn’t yet decorated his home for Christmas, and Miss Eugenia is JUST the person to fix that!
This is a delight on so many levels, from the marvelous characters to the charming scenes of Regency village holiday life – ice skating parties, a live nativity pageant, holly and mistletoe, and, of course, the geese!
Helen Lloyd perfectly performed the audio version. She gives us a Lady Osbaldestone who is every bit the dowager and up to whatever task may come her way. She’s equally deft at giving voice to the very young grandchildren, Lord Longfellow and a host of villagers. A splendid narration.
October 28, 2020
Very enjoyable. I liked very much.
December 28, 2021
An enjoyable Regency Christmas story, nicely narrated by Helen Lloyd.
November 13, 2022
3.5🌟 An easy and enjoyable read. Lady Osbaldestone is very entertaining with her old-fashioned, but wise ways. She's someone you would love to have on your side, but might be frightened to have as an enemy. Her actions and responses made me chuckle, especially the way that she deals with people of whom she disapproves.
I would have given this book 4 stars, but I found this story to be a little bit too slow and slightly boring. On the whole, though, I was glad that I read it and I'm sure I'll continue with the series since I love all things Christmas. Definitely not as sparkling and well-written as a Georgette Heyer novel, but if you mixed GH's Regency romances with one of her mysteries, you'd get an idea of what this book is like .
I would have given this book 4 stars, but I found this story to be a little bit too slow and slightly boring. On the whole, though, I was glad that I read it and I'm sure I'll continue with the series since I love all things Christmas. Definitely not as sparkling and well-written as a Georgette Heyer novel, but if you mixed GH's Regency romances with one of her mysteries, you'd get an idea of what this book is like .
December 12, 2019
Nutika raamatukoguhoidja väljakutse Veebruar: vanadest inimestest. Stephanie Laurens Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Goose (Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Chronicles Book 1), 194 lk, 2017, Savdek Management Pty Ltd
Hing ihkab midagi pühade-eelset ja kerget ja meeleolukat, et sellest detsembrihallusest üle olla. Seega siis Stephanie Laurens, kes on üks mu lemmikutest armastusromaanide autoritest, kelle lugudes on alati isepäised ja eneseteadlikud naised 19. sajandi Inglismaal.
Lady Osbaldestone on väga paljudes lugudes olnud oluline kõrvaltegelane, kelle terav keel ja lollust mitte taluv käitumine on paljud kangelased ja kangelannad kriitilisel hetkel hädast välja aidanud. Ja suur oli mu rõõm, kui ma nägin, et talle on kohe eraldi sari pühendatud. Nimelt on tema jõulukroonikatest tänaseks juba kolmas ilmunud. Igal aastal üks, selline helge ja meeleolukas lugu.
Varasematest raamatutest on jäänud mulje, et Therese Osbaldestone on selline pigem 70-80 eluaastates eakas daam, terava keele ja veelgi teravama jalutuskepiga. Selles raamatus seikleb aga viiekümnendates vanaema oma kolme lapselapse, 5, 7 ja 9-aastastega väikeses Little Moseley külakeses. Lapselapsed tulevad külla, sest nende isal on mumps ja nad saadetakse ohtlikku haiguse eest pakku. Alguses tundub, et tuleb väga igav jõul, kuid siis on ühel päeval kadunud kõik küla jõupraadideks nuumatud haned. Ja lähebki lahti Stephanie Laurensi tuntud headuses lugu hanejahist, kosjasobitusest ja jõuluootusest Inglismaa väikekülas.
Selline lõputult helge lugemine väikese hingevärina ja seiklusega, soovitan kõigile, kes jõule oodates midagi head ja armast lugeda tahavad. 4/5.
Hing ihkab midagi pühade-eelset ja kerget ja meeleolukat, et sellest detsembrihallusest üle olla. Seega siis Stephanie Laurens, kes on üks mu lemmikutest armastusromaanide autoritest, kelle lugudes on alati isepäised ja eneseteadlikud naised 19. sajandi Inglismaal.
Lady Osbaldestone on väga paljudes lugudes olnud oluline kõrvaltegelane, kelle terav keel ja lollust mitte taluv käitumine on paljud kangelased ja kangelannad kriitilisel hetkel hädast välja aidanud. Ja suur oli mu rõõm, kui ma nägin, et talle on kohe eraldi sari pühendatud. Nimelt on tema jõulukroonikatest tänaseks juba kolmas ilmunud. Igal aastal üks, selline helge ja meeleolukas lugu.
Varasematest raamatutest on jäänud mulje, et Therese Osbaldestone on selline pigem 70-80 eluaastates eakas daam, terava keele ja veelgi teravama jalutuskepiga. Selles raamatus seikleb aga viiekümnendates vanaema oma kolme lapselapse, 5, 7 ja 9-aastastega väikeses Little Moseley külakeses. Lapselapsed tulevad külla, sest nende isal on mumps ja nad saadetakse ohtlikku haiguse eest pakku. Alguses tundub, et tuleb väga igav jõul, kuid siis on ühel päeval kadunud kõik küla jõupraadideks nuumatud haned. Ja lähebki lahti Stephanie Laurensi tuntud headuses lugu hanejahist, kosjasobitusest ja jõuluootusest Inglismaa väikekülas.
Selline lõputult helge lugemine väikese hingevärina ja seiklusega, soovitan kõigile, kes jõule oodates midagi head ja armast lugeda tahavad. 4/5.
December 1, 2018
A new glimpse into Lady Osbaldestone’s life
If you are like me and have ready many (if not all) of Stephanie Lauren’s books you know Lady O is a grande dame who appears in almost every book. She terrifies the Alpha males with her matchmaking and sage advice for the spirited heroines. This book provides a different look into her life. She is middle aged with young grandchildren. We see her diplomacy and manipulations as her three grandchildren help find Christmas geese and a couple find love. Sweet and fun...makes me want to back and read some of Ms. Lauren’s sexier reads and remember What Lady O has done over the stories to influence The Regency world created by the author.
If you are like me and have ready many (if not all) of Stephanie Lauren’s books you know Lady O is a grande dame who appears in almost every book. She terrifies the Alpha males with her matchmaking and sage advice for the spirited heroines. This book provides a different look into her life. She is middle aged with young grandchildren. We see her diplomacy and manipulations as her three grandchildren help find Christmas geese and a couple find love. Sweet and fun...makes me want to back and read some of Ms. Lauren’s sexier reads and remember What Lady O has done over the stories to influence The Regency world created by the author.
February 2, 2021
3+
Well, this was a lovely audiobook that, as you can see, arrived a bit too late for a holiday read for me. The audiobook narrator really did a fabulous job and nearly made this 4 stars for me (three plus is a good rating for me for this sort of book).
While I enjoyed the characters and the story quite a bit, it was a lovely, predictable book (but of course knowing it will end happy is part of the fun of it), and it made good listening while driving. I plan to listen to the second one, but in my entire state library catalogue, there are only these two audiobooks and that is it.
Well, this was a lovely audiobook that, as you can see, arrived a bit too late for a holiday read for me. The audiobook narrator really did a fabulous job and nearly made this 4 stars for me (three plus is a good rating for me for this sort of book).
While I enjoyed the characters and the story quite a bit, it was a lovely, predictable book (but of course knowing it will end happy is part of the fun of it), and it made good listening while driving. I plan to listen to the second one, but in my entire state library catalogue, there are only these two audiobooks and that is it.
December 14, 2023
Such an adorable story.
November 19, 2024
Pedestrian. Dull.
December 2, 2024
Ahh, finally! A book that scratched my Christmas theme itch!! The setting of 1810 English country village was sprinkled with old-fashioned Christmas charm. The variety of characters, all ages, are very engaging. The mystery involves missing geese (no dead bodies). And some sweet matchmaking, yes predictable but not the entire focus of the story so was nice.
I listened to audiobook and Helen Lloyd does a great narration.
I listened to audiobook and Helen Lloyd does a great narration.
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