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Respect for Christmas
A former courtesan and a new baron have a most unlikely Christmas in this special novella from the New York Times bestselling author of My One and Only Duke.
Previously published in Virtues of Christmas.
Henrietta Whitlow is leaving behind the life of a very successful courtesan in hopes of making peace with her family in the shires. Michael Brenner's family all but ignore him, despite his shiny new baronial title, and his errand along the Oxford road isn't half so benign as Henrietta's. While trying to settle a debt of honor involving Henrietta, Michael instead loses his heart and comes to understand the true meaning of holiday spirit.
Previously published in Virtues of Christmas.
Henrietta Whitlow is leaving behind the life of a very successful courtesan in hopes of making peace with her family in the shires. Michael Brenner's family all but ignore him, despite his shiny new baronial title, and his errand along the Oxford road isn't half so benign as Henrietta's. While trying to settle a debt of honor involving Henrietta, Michael instead loses his heart and comes to understand the true meaning of holiday spirit.
121 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2016
152 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
190 books2,934 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 11, 2025
3.5 stars
While this was a nifty idea for a Christmas novella, I don’t think the author fully resolved the difficulties of presenting a courtesan as a main character. For a woman “forced” by circumstances (and I put “forced” into quotations marks because, while Henrietta was indeed placed in a precarious position, seduced by her current employer and banned from returning home, she dismissed the idea of moving to another household and never considered finding other types of work unrelated to sex) into a life of disrepute, her feelings about that life were largely ignored. Of her six protectors over a ten year period, she had feelings for one, felt faintly scornful of the rest, and seemed to view all of it in light of business transactions. Both she and everyone else in the book except an innkeeper breezed past her notoriety with barely a blink. Really?
I did enjoy this, but wanted it to go much deeper.
While this was a nifty idea for a Christmas novella, I don’t think the author fully resolved the difficulties of presenting a courtesan as a main character. For a woman “forced” by circumstances (and I put “forced” into quotations marks because, while Henrietta was indeed placed in a precarious position, seduced by her current employer and banned from returning home, she dismissed the idea of moving to another household and never considered finding other types of work unrelated to sex) into a life of disrepute, her feelings about that life were largely ignored. Of her six protectors over a ten year period, she had feelings for one, felt faintly scornful of the rest, and seemed to view all of it in light of business transactions. Both she and everyone else in the book except an innkeeper breezed past her notoriety with barely a blink. Really?
I did enjoy this, but wanted it to go much deeper.
January 20, 2025
Henrietta Whitlow, former courtesan to the stars ton, is on her way to see her estranged father when she encounters Michael Brenner, newly minted Baron of Angelford. They get their establishing-a-charged-but-platonic-friendship-feelings on while traveling together due to unforeseen circumstances. Then there's sex, betrayal, familial reconciliation, romantic reconciliation, hoards of children, and proposals!
1. The title is confusing/terrible, and I wouldn't have bothered if not for the fact that it's a Burrowes.
2. The whole relationship between Henrietta and Michael is pretty light since this thing is so short.
3. There are two reconciliations with family in this, both brought about by interference from the hero/ine, but at least both expressed a wish for said reconciliation. And the reconciliations themselves did not descent into farcical weeping and wailing and regret. Still not my cup of tea but far more palatable.
4. This is a minor peeve but the thought of soap that smells like fresh cut grass makes me break out in hives. This message has been brought to you by loratadine!
1. The title is confusing/terrible, and I wouldn't have bothered if not for the fact that it's a Burrowes.
2. The whole relationship between Henrietta and Michael is pretty light since this thing is so short.
3. There are two reconciliations with family in this, both brought about by interference from the hero/ine, but at least both expressed a wish for said reconciliation. And the reconciliations themselves did not descent into farcical weeping and wailing and regret. Still not my cup of tea but far more palatable.
4. This is a minor peeve but the thought of soap that smells like fresh cut grass makes me break out in hives. This message has been brought to you by loratadine!
November 13, 2018
Even courtesan's can have a happily ever after. I love the Christmas hope filled season. Grace gives us the story of a good girl making the best of her ruined options and finding the one man who understands her struggles and dreams of family reconciliation. Henrietta Whitlow was a 16 year old good girl who ran from a strict, unreasonable father who contracted her to a middle aged widowed neighbor who needed a wife & mother to his children. She makes her way to London, as many young woman her age & circumstance have done to make her own way in the world. She unfortunately lands in Viscount Beltram's household as a housemaid. He sets about on the challenge to seduce this innocent lovely young woman. After a long subtle seduction and after promising her marriage she succumbs only to discover there's no future with him. He offers to set her up as a mistress when her father refuses to forgive and accept her back home.
Now 10 years later the very successful courtesan to Dukes has decided to retire and is traveling home for one final try to reconcile with her father & brothers. One of her coach horses throws a shoe so she stops at the next inn to fix the shoe. The innkeeper refuses to serve "her kind" so newly made Baron Michael Brenner, also on his way home to his unwelcome family for the holidays, offers to share his rented setting room for her & her maid to rest before continuing on their journey. Our adventure begins when their respective Scottish coachmen discover their employers both have a lonely Christmas ahead of them. The matchmaking pair plan how to keep their two employers traveling together giving them the opportunity to hopefully fall in love. I enjoyed this story of respect, love discovered, betrayal, forgiveness and seeking to bring family reconciliation. Thank you Grace and Forever Publishing for the opportunity to review this story for you.
Now 10 years later the very successful courtesan to Dukes has decided to retire and is traveling home for one final try to reconcile with her father & brothers. One of her coach horses throws a shoe so she stops at the next inn to fix the shoe. The innkeeper refuses to serve "her kind" so newly made Baron Michael Brenner, also on his way home to his unwelcome family for the holidays, offers to share his rented setting room for her & her maid to rest before continuing on their journey. Our adventure begins when their respective Scottish coachmen discover their employers both have a lonely Christmas ahead of them. The matchmaking pair plan how to keep their two employers traveling together giving them the opportunity to hopefully fall in love. I enjoyed this story of respect, love discovered, betrayal, forgiveness and seeking to bring family reconciliation. Thank you Grace and Forever Publishing for the opportunity to review this story for you.
December 9, 2018
This was quick, cute, and emotional all at once. I loved that the heroine, Enrietta, was a newly retired courtesan. The hero, Michael, was Irish, a newly-titled baron, and intent on stealing something from Henrietta. The two meet when Henrietta's traveling home to try and get acceptance from her father, which he's denied her for the past ten years. Michael's traveling that way, too, both on his way home and to intercept Henrietta. All this, combined with two matchmaking Scottish coachmen, made for a pretty perfect Christmas read. I think I need more Grace Burrowes books in my life.
August 4, 2019
3.5 out of 5 stars
November 17, 2023
A Charming and Different Regency
Actually, I think this story is set after the Regency… The book was enticing and Christmasy, with a lovely happily ever after.
Actually, I think this story is set after the Regency… The book was enticing and Christmasy, with a lovely happily ever after.
February 2, 2022
The couple: Michael and Henrietta
Romance genre: holiday story; redemption story
Length: 98 pages
Grovel: 4/5 -
Plot: Michael has been tasked by someone he owes a favor to steal back his journal from the woman he gave it to. Years ago, this duke corrupted Henrietta and thus began her life as a courtesan. When Michael meets Henrietta, he regrets having to perform this favor because she captivates him like no other woman has. She is equally intrigued, but both of them are on missions this holiday season, and getting hurt was not part of the deal.
Commentary: A hooker with a heart of gold! Henrietta was seduced and tricked when she was barely old enough, and then ruined, she went to the city and became a sought-after courtesan. She's not ashamed of what she's done but she's not exactly proud either. She did what she had to do, but now she's tired and just wants a chance to make up with her family and live a quiet life. I think that's what hurt so bad when she found out Michael betrayed her; she thought she might have found love as well as peace, and it was all destroyed at once. I love that in the process of making up, they helped each other make amends with their families.
I love Grace Burrowes' writing. I find it both straightforward and poetic. Her characters are unusually frank for their time period (compared to other books set in that time) but I feel like the relationships are deeper for the greater secrets and feelings and opinions they share with one another.
This was a lovely Christmas novella and if you like this author, you'll definitely want to add this one to your collection.
Romance genre: holiday story; redemption story
Length: 98 pages
Grovel: 4/5 -
Plot: Michael has been tasked by someone he owes a favor to steal back his journal from the woman he gave it to. Years ago, this duke corrupted Henrietta and thus began her life as a courtesan. When Michael meets Henrietta, he regrets having to perform this favor because she captivates him like no other woman has. She is equally intrigued, but both of them are on missions this holiday season, and getting hurt was not part of the deal.
Commentary: A hooker with a heart of gold! Henrietta was seduced and tricked when she was barely old enough, and then ruined, she went to the city and became a sought-after courtesan. She's not ashamed of what she's done but she's not exactly proud either. She did what she had to do, but now she's tired and just wants a chance to make up with her family and live a quiet life. I think that's what hurt so bad when she found out Michael betrayed her; she thought she might have found love as well as peace, and it was all destroyed at once. I love that in the process of making up, they helped each other make amends with their families.
I love Grace Burrowes' writing. I find it both straightforward and poetic. Her characters are unusually frank for their time period (compared to other books set in that time) but I feel like the relationships are deeper for the greater secrets and feelings and opinions they share with one another.
This was a lovely Christmas novella and if you like this author, you'll definitely want to add this one to your collection.
November 24, 2019
3.5 Stars!
Respect for Christmas was a very sweet, short read that’s the perfect thing to get you in the holiday spirit.
Henrietta Whitlow is done being one of London’s most successful courtesans and after ten years has decided to return home and make peace with her family. Alone for Christmas, Michael Brenner is journeying to his new homestead but first he must settle a debt of honor that involves Henrietta. Instead of finding the item he seeks, Michael finds he’s losing his heart to Henrietta.
Henrietta never imagined she’d have the life of a courtesan, but she ultimately embraced it while making the best life she could for herself. Now that she has enough money to live comfortably, she’s ready to leave London and live a simpler life. Her relationship with her family has been strained for ten years as her father disowned her and her siblings went along with his wishes.
Michael is an Irishman who recently received an English barony and is still unsure how to navigate his new station in life. Michael grew up with nothing and through his own determination, he worked hard to rise up in life which resulted in him receiving his title.
Henrietta and Michael’s relationship starts off nicely and then we learn Michael has been tasked with stealing an item from Henrietta by a man who saved his life. I liked that while he felt a sense of duty to this man, he was still conflicted about deceiving Henrietta. It’s clear that Michael cares about Henrietta very quickly and hates that he’s deceiving her. My one complaint about the relationship is that he didn’t come clean sooner. He does make up for it a bit later though by helping Henrietta mend her relationship with her father.
Respect for Christmas was a good holiday read and I wish it had been a bit longer. I would definitely recommend this novella if you’re in the mood for a historical romance holiday read.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Respect for Christmas was a very sweet, short read that’s the perfect thing to get you in the holiday spirit.
Henrietta Whitlow is done being one of London’s most successful courtesans and after ten years has decided to return home and make peace with her family. Alone for Christmas, Michael Brenner is journeying to his new homestead but first he must settle a debt of honor that involves Henrietta. Instead of finding the item he seeks, Michael finds he’s losing his heart to Henrietta.
Henrietta never imagined she’d have the life of a courtesan, but she ultimately embraced it while making the best life she could for herself. Now that she has enough money to live comfortably, she’s ready to leave London and live a simpler life. Her relationship with her family has been strained for ten years as her father disowned her and her siblings went along with his wishes.
Michael is an Irishman who recently received an English barony and is still unsure how to navigate his new station in life. Michael grew up with nothing and through his own determination, he worked hard to rise up in life which resulted in him receiving his title.
Henrietta and Michael’s relationship starts off nicely and then we learn Michael has been tasked with stealing an item from Henrietta by a man who saved his life. I liked that while he felt a sense of duty to this man, he was still conflicted about deceiving Henrietta. It’s clear that Michael cares about Henrietta very quickly and hates that he’s deceiving her. My one complaint about the relationship is that he didn’t come clean sooner. He does make up for it a bit later though by helping Henrietta mend her relationship with her father.
Respect for Christmas was a good holiday read and I wish it had been a bit longer. I would definitely recommend this novella if you’re in the mood for a historical romance holiday read.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
February 25, 2019
Read this because it was randomly at the end of a Kelly Bowen novel. I'm rating it separately mostly for 2019 Reading Challenge purposes (even though I never really finish those things).
Thing is, this suffers from the inherent problem of most novels in that it's a case of insta-love. There's also not a lot of conflict (which, admittedly, I generally like). I mean, there's probably the right amount for a novella, but coupled with the insta-love, it all feels a bit too easy.
It's fine. It's readable. The characters are well done. It also just felt sort of *there* for me. I didn't dislike it, but I didn't fall in love with it or connect all that much.
2019 Reading Challenge - Read a book during a season it's set in
Thing is, this suffers from the inherent problem of most novels in that it's a case of insta-love. There's also not a lot of conflict (which, admittedly, I generally like). I mean, there's probably the right amount for a novella, but coupled with the insta-love, it all feels a bit too easy.
It's fine. It's readable. The characters are well done. It also just felt sort of *there* for me. I didn't dislike it, but I didn't fall in love with it or connect all that much.
2019 Reading Challenge - Read a book during a season it's set in
November 4, 2018
Review by Georgianna Simpson (G.A. Hurst)
Respect for Christmas is a lovely romantic Christmas story.
Lord Michael Brenner, Baron Angelford is a titled Irishman with a lot of common sense and kindness He has a debt of honor to one Lord Beltram. Lord Beltram is an extremely unscrupulous man who long ago seduced his housemaid Henrietta Whitlow into his bed, then when tired of her sent her into a ruined life as a courtesan. Now he wants Michael to steal a book of bad poetry and sketches he’d written and given to Henrietta about their time together. Lord Beltram is afraid she’ll publish it and ruin his chances of securing a decent wife. Michael reluctantly agrees to settle his debt of honor to Beltram.
Henrietta Whitlow is a recently retired courtesan, whose only wish is to reconcile with her estranged father and family. She’s a kind person who knows her reputation is ruined, but who only wants to go back to the quiet life she was forced to leave hears ago.
I don’t do spoilers…so that’s as much detail as I will give. Author Grace Burrowes has written a heartwarming story of love and redemption, forgiveness and second chances. Just in time for the Christmas season! It’s not only well written, it’s compelling and scrumptiously romantic. I came to love both the main characters as they learned about each other. A wonderful story of how things can go wrong, and people aren’t always what you thought.
Do yourself a huge solid and cuddle up with this wonderful story.
Respect for Christmas is a lovely romantic Christmas story.
Lord Michael Brenner, Baron Angelford is a titled Irishman with a lot of common sense and kindness He has a debt of honor to one Lord Beltram. Lord Beltram is an extremely unscrupulous man who long ago seduced his housemaid Henrietta Whitlow into his bed, then when tired of her sent her into a ruined life as a courtesan. Now he wants Michael to steal a book of bad poetry and sketches he’d written and given to Henrietta about their time together. Lord Beltram is afraid she’ll publish it and ruin his chances of securing a decent wife. Michael reluctantly agrees to settle his debt of honor to Beltram.
Henrietta Whitlow is a recently retired courtesan, whose only wish is to reconcile with her estranged father and family. She’s a kind person who knows her reputation is ruined, but who only wants to go back to the quiet life she was forced to leave hears ago.
I don’t do spoilers…so that’s as much detail as I will give. Author Grace Burrowes has written a heartwarming story of love and redemption, forgiveness and second chances. Just in time for the Christmas season! It’s not only well written, it’s compelling and scrumptiously romantic. I came to love both the main characters as they learned about each other. A wonderful story of how things can go wrong, and people aren’t always what you thought.
Do yourself a huge solid and cuddle up with this wonderful story.
November 20, 2018
Lord Michael Brenner, Baron Angelford, is sitting in a nearly empty inn watching the innkeeper attempt to turn away a red-haired woman named Henrietta Whitlow saying she is not welcome there. When Michael sees the innkeeper’s ire, he offers Miss Whitlow and her companion the use of his rooms. It appears that the woman is London’s most well-known courtesan.
Dining together, they learn more about one another. Henrietta is heading to Oxfordshire for the holidays as she always does. As they both know her profession, she informs Michael that she has decided to quit it. What surprises and pleases Henrietta the most is the way he treats her. He does not leer at her or act as if he is after her favors.
When the coachmen for Michael and for Henrietta, who have long been friends, decide to make their employers’ Christmas happy and special, things brighten up. They share one coach as they continue their journey to Oxfordshire. Henrietta is hoping that this will be the Christmas that her father will forgive her and welcome her back into the family after so many years. The hope of that and the relationship with Michael that is blooming may lead to the respect she has always wanted.
This was a simple little Christmas romance. I didn’t really find anything that spectacular about the story. Unfortunately. during that time period, a courtesan simply did not have respect because you just can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. But, it made for a nice little story for Christmas.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Dining together, they learn more about one another. Henrietta is heading to Oxfordshire for the holidays as she always does. As they both know her profession, she informs Michael that she has decided to quit it. What surprises and pleases Henrietta the most is the way he treats her. He does not leer at her or act as if he is after her favors.
When the coachmen for Michael and for Henrietta, who have long been friends, decide to make their employers’ Christmas happy and special, things brighten up. They share one coach as they continue their journey to Oxfordshire. Henrietta is hoping that this will be the Christmas that her father will forgive her and welcome her back into the family after so many years. The hope of that and the relationship with Michael that is blooming may lead to the respect she has always wanted.
This was a simple little Christmas romance. I didn’t really find anything that spectacular about the story. Unfortunately. during that time period, a courtesan simply did not have respect because you just can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. But, it made for a nice little story for Christmas.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 26, 2018
Please see all of my reviews on my blog at https://www.robinlovesreading.com.
Henrietta Whitlow is retiring. She was a courtesan, but is now seeking a new life. While traveling with her maid, she is stranded due to her a problem with one of her horses. Baron Michael Brenner show kindness to her by offering them further transport.
Henrietta is hoping for a happy future, which includes a hopeful reconciliation with her family. Meanwhile, Michael also wants to see his own family, especially as it is now Christmastime, but he has a difficult task to perform.
Oh my, when I read the word courtesan in the very beginning of the story, I wondered how her past would allow this couple to be together. I was definitely given a treat. But I was saddened as I began to feel for both Henrietta and Michael.
Respect for Christmas morphed into a warm, sensitive read, with a bit of fun and adventure. This book had one of the sweetest conclusions I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
This novella was a bonus story in Last Night With the Earl by Kelly Bowen.
Many thanks to Forever for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Henrietta Whitlow is retiring. She was a courtesan, but is now seeking a new life. While traveling with her maid, she is stranded due to her a problem with one of her horses. Baron Michael Brenner show kindness to her by offering them further transport.
Henrietta is hoping for a happy future, which includes a hopeful reconciliation with her family. Meanwhile, Michael also wants to see his own family, especially as it is now Christmastime, but he has a difficult task to perform.
Oh my, when I read the word courtesan in the very beginning of the story, I wondered how her past would allow this couple to be together. I was definitely given a treat. But I was saddened as I began to feel for both Henrietta and Michael.
Respect for Christmas morphed into a warm, sensitive read, with a bit of fun and adventure. This book had one of the sweetest conclusions I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
This novella was a bonus story in Last Night With the Earl by Kelly Bowen.
Many thanks to Forever for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
May 3, 2019
I rounded up because this deals with the double standard I find rampant in society, of punishing women and winking at men.
At 16, Henrietta, ran away because she didn't want to marry a man her father's age and drudge for his children from his first marriage. She went into service where a man wooed her diligently, with promises of marriage, until she lost her virtue. Her father refused to have her back and so she ended up becoming a courtesan. After 10 years she is "bored" and has enough to retire. She is headed back home to see if peace can be had with her father or if she should retire elsewhere.
Michael has earned his title through hard work. However, he made an unfortunate debt of honor in his youth. The man who stole Henrietta's innocence documented his villainy in a book and then gave it to Henrietta when he broke off with her. He has now found it necessary to enter the marriage mart and doesn't want Henrietta to use the book against him. He asks Michael to get the book.
At 16, Henrietta, ran away because she didn't want to marry a man her father's age and drudge for his children from his first marriage. She went into service where a man wooed her diligently, with promises of marriage, until she lost her virtue. Her father refused to have her back and so she ended up becoming a courtesan. After 10 years she is "bored" and has enough to retire. She is headed back home to see if peace can be had with her father or if she should retire elsewhere.
Michael has earned his title through hard work. However, he made an unfortunate debt of honor in his youth. The man who stole Henrietta's innocence documented his villainy in a book and then gave it to Henrietta when he broke off with her. He has now found it necessary to enter the marriage mart and doesn't want Henrietta to use the book against him. He asks Michael to get the book.
December 24, 2018
This story didn't work for me. I gave it 3 stars because Burrowes writes characters so well -- even side characters are uniquely themselves from the minute you meet them -- but Burrowes makes such a big deal about the courtesan being a good person despite her profession that it drove me crazy.
Yes she was a high class hooker, but lots of women make ends meet that way! But she only slept with six men! But she was systematically seduced! But she was originally so virtuous! But just look at her, she's clearly a lady.
Also she just doesn't seem impacted emotionally by what no doubt was a life spent on the edges of society, repeatedly snubbed and harassed (except in that she falls headlong in love with the first guy to look at her eyes, not her boobs). Rose Lerner's book Lily Among Thorns is a better telling of this same story.
I *so badly* want Grace Burrowes to write a story about two women falling in love. She would handle it so well.
Yes she was a high class hooker, but lots of women make ends meet that way! But she only slept with six men! But she was systematically seduced! But she was originally so virtuous! But just look at her, she's clearly a lady.
Also she just doesn't seem impacted emotionally by what no doubt was a life spent on the edges of society, repeatedly snubbed and harassed (except in that she falls headlong in love with the first guy to look at her eyes, not her boobs). Rose Lerner's book Lily Among Thorns is a better telling of this same story.
I *so badly* want Grace Burrowes to write a story about two women falling in love. She would handle it so well.
September 19, 2018
Henrietta is retiring. She is leaving London, never to go back to her life as a member of the demimonde. She has made enough money to live the remainder of her life comfortably. She hadn’t planned to live her life this way, and hopes that time and a quiet life will take her back to a place of obscurity.
Michael is an Irishman, just awarded an English barony. He too is traveling away from London, home to his country estate, and “bumps in to” Henrietta. He plays the gentleman and offers his assistance and is very helpful. Michael is very respectful, when others are not, even knowing of Henrietta’s past.
The two, and their colorful servants, move along to their planned holiday events, until....
This story has a bit of intrigue, a dash of longing, and is spiced with just the right amount of heat. The ending is perfect. A lovely little holiday novella.
Michael is an Irishman, just awarded an English barony. He too is traveling away from London, home to his country estate, and “bumps in to” Henrietta. He plays the gentleman and offers his assistance and is very helpful. Michael is very respectful, when others are not, even knowing of Henrietta’s past.
The two, and their colorful servants, move along to their planned holiday events, until....
This story has a bit of intrigue, a dash of longing, and is spiced with just the right amount of heat. The ending is perfect. A lovely little holiday novella.
December 10, 2018
This was a cute Christmas novella.
I really liked the main characters in this one especially Henrietta. She is a retired courtesan who is full of spunk and self respect which I loved! It was so interesting because she could care for herself and she doesn't need to get married to afford her life. Also I loved Henrietta's maid!
As for the hero of this story Micheal, I enjoyed that he was raised to his position and for most of his life he had to work. Now he is a viscount and has different types of responsibilities. I loved how he respected Henrietta and her decisions though the whole trying to steal from her a certain keepsake from a past lover of Henrietta made me cringe a bit!
Overall this is a quick, cute Christmas read and I would recommend it if you want a quick historical romance read!
I really liked the main characters in this one especially Henrietta. She is a retired courtesan who is full of spunk and self respect which I loved! It was so interesting because she could care for herself and she doesn't need to get married to afford her life. Also I loved Henrietta's maid!
As for the hero of this story Micheal, I enjoyed that he was raised to his position and for most of his life he had to work. Now he is a viscount and has different types of responsibilities. I loved how he respected Henrietta and her decisions though the whole trying to steal from her a certain keepsake from a past lover of Henrietta made me cringe a bit!
Overall this is a quick, cute Christmas read and I would recommend it if you want a quick historical romance read!
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August 9, 2020Full review available at The Smut Report.
Heat Factor: Fade to black
Character Chemistry: She’s jaded after years of being the most sought-after courtesan in London, but he makes her feel sparks
Plot: Two lonely souls are traveling to Oxfordshire. Their coachmen intervene to keep them together as long as possible.
Overall: Moderately heartwarming, but no butterflies
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Heat Factor: Fade to black
Character Chemistry: She’s jaded after years of being the most sought-after courtesan in London, but he makes her feel sparks
Plot: Two lonely souls are traveling to Oxfordshire. Their coachmen intervene to keep them together as long as possible.
Overall: Moderately heartwarming, but no butterflies
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
December 24, 2021
A Third Reading Does Not Disappoint
When I saw the book was being offered for a pittance,I snapped it up. It is the story of a woman who’s left her life in London to try to make her curmudgeon of a father want to acknowledge her and maybe show his love for her.
Henrietta Winslow had been a courtesan. She met a newly minted Baron who fell in love with her knowing who she had been. Michael was the name of the Baron.
Their relationship was grand to read about.
I am glad to have read it again.
When I saw the book was being offered for a pittance,I snapped it up. It is the story of a woman who’s left her life in London to try to make her curmudgeon of a father want to acknowledge her and maybe show his love for her.
Henrietta Winslow had been a courtesan. She met a newly minted Baron who fell in love with her knowing who she had been. Michael was the name of the Baron.
Their relationship was grand to read about.
I am glad to have read it again.
November 3, 2018
A short-ish novella, also published in the volume The Virtues of Christmas.
Henrietta Whitlow was a very sought-after courtesan, a role she never wanted, but now she has retired and is returning to Oxfordshire to try to mend fences with her family. Michael Brenner is a newly-minted baron with an unwanted obligation to steal a diary from Henrietta. This will be a Christmas to remember.
Charming but brief.
Henrietta Whitlow was a very sought-after courtesan, a role she never wanted, but now she has retired and is returning to Oxfordshire to try to mend fences with her family. Michael Brenner is a newly-minted baron with an unwanted obligation to steal a diary from Henrietta. This will be a Christmas to remember.
Charming but brief.
November 24, 2018
A strange title that only becomes clear as you read the story. Henrietta Whitlow and Michael Brenner do quite dance in this charming novella. Family and the importance of family is at the heart of the story. Of course it is a love story and there are problems and perceptions that must be resolved. That is where the respect comes in. A very nice Christmas tale.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
December 21, 2018
A lovely novella. It wan't overrun with passion, but that seemed appropriate because the heroine was a retired courtesan, so passion wouldn't have meant as much to her, she would have known how passing it could be. No, this book is more about two people getting to know each other and deciding they want each other, and although there was some deception in involved, the hero came clean, and tried to make things better for the heroine.
June 7, 2019
A short story at the end of a Kelly Bowen book, makes me want to find out what I know of Micheal from her other books. Henreitta was ruined by her employer and became a sought after courtesan. She had 6 protectors in 10 years, one whom I am sure we met in other Burrowes books. Micheal has promised to steal a book from her, but instead falls in love. I was crying through a large part of the story and was happy with the HEA ending. Isn't that why we read Romances??
December 24, 2025
Real, sweet, marvelous—a love story with main characters you'll care about
Getting to know Michael and Henrietta as they get to know each other is interesting and delightful. Their previous lives add depth to their characters and falling-in-love story, which includes their past professions, their angst with their families, the social expectations of the historical period, and their needs for belonging and building their lives on respect and love. A beautiful, satisfying story.
Getting to know Michael and Henrietta as they get to know each other is interesting and delightful. Their previous lives add depth to their characters and falling-in-love story, which includes their past professions, their angst with their families, the social expectations of the historical period, and their needs for belonging and building their lives on respect and love. A beautiful, satisfying story.
November 20, 2018
Light. Jolly. A fun holiday read. Respect for Christmas is a classic sweet romance with all those good old-fashioned Christmas themes that make us feel so good. Redemption and grace. Forgiveness and second chances. You now the ones. Respect for Christmas is a relatively short novella so if you're looking for something Christmasy and quick you might want to pick this one up.
November 29, 2018
Provided by #netgallley for an honest review. Burrowes is one of my mainstays in historical romance, so I am happy to provide it:
Warm little holiday story the fits Burrowes' usual pattern of humor and great character-building. At less than a hundred pages, however, do not expect much chemistry between the two primaries.
#respectforchristmas
Warm little holiday story the fits Burrowes' usual pattern of humor and great character-building. At less than a hundred pages, however, do not expect much chemistry between the two primaries.
#respectforchristmas
August 30, 2019
It's more to Ms. Burrowes' writing style is not my cup of tea. Frequently I wanted to not finish the story, but I finished it in the end. The story was on Kelly Bowen's Last Night with the Earl as a bonus story. I read it because I actually like this sort of storyline. The difference-in-standing kind of style. But as I stated before, the writing style is just not for me. Thus, I found it boring.
December 31, 2021
I read this one before, I think, in an anthology, but I was happy to reread it. It's a bit different from a lot of historicals in that a retired courtesan wants to reconcile with her family with the aid of the newly-coined baron who is trying to steal a journal left her by her first lover. Of course, it all works out in the end with a happy holiday for all, including this reader.
January 5, 2022
Wonderful story of Henrietta Whitlow, a former courtesan, on her way to her family for Christmas and Baron Michael Brenner, also on his way home to family for Christmas but also with another task involving Henrietta. These two surprise each other with their true selves, and the passion gets intense. Loved these characters and the story is real. Highly recommend.
November 25, 2023
In the literary world of historical romance, where it seems every main character is a Duke, this book is a refreshing change. I enjoyed Grace Burrowes’ gift for conversation between characters. The people in this book have the feeling of every day people and not just the chosen few. A great book for Christmas time or any time
December 14, 2025
Historical romance novella set during Christmastime, hitting that itch for carriage rides through snowy weather, no room at inns so they have to share a room, and both characters wanting their family closer. Very sweet and a lot of funny lines. Since it was a novella, a few times it was very short, and seemed like it skipped some plot in order to be a quick read.
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