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Christmas Belles #1
The Earl's Wagered Bride
The Countess of Marsden invites you to her house party! Seven nights and days of frolic, gossip, dancing…and match-making for her three nieces.
Sad, isn’t it, that none of the Craymore sisters wishes to wed?
Exciting, isn’t it, that three war heroes arrive who know precisely what they want for Christmas?
Wonderful, isn’t it, that each might gain the most precious Christmas gift of all?
A lady bets her future.
Miss Marjorie Craymore wants to surprise her two sisters with a wonderful gift this Christmas. A house. A home! One they can call their own. After their father gambled away their dowries and drank away the family reputation, the three young women have lived with their Aunt Gertrude. While that lady’s generosity is most kind, her charity chafes their pride. This Christmas at their aunt’s house party, Marjorie plans to employ the one talent she learned well from her notorious papa. She’ll gamble at cards and dice against every wealthy guest—and win. But she encounters one big problem. The man she’s craved all her life appears on Aunt’s threshold and challenges her. Tested by combat, he’s bolder. Dashing. A distraction. And suddenly too charming to resist.
A gentleman weighs the odds.
Griffith Harlinger, the war-weary fourth earl of Marsden, returns home from his duties in Paris with the Duke of Wellington to celebrate the joys of the Season. At urgent request of his step-mama, he must stop her niece Marjorie from creating a scandal by fleecing her house guests! Griff’s thrilled to engage the one woman who’s tormented him and beguiled him all his life. So he makes Marjorie a bet she can’t refuse: he’ll play her for enough money to buy the house she wants.
But can he let her win if he loves her too much to let her go?
And who really wins when both want what’s best for those they love?
If you love swoon-worthy historical romance, starring endearing heroes, sassy heroines and a house full of rogues and cardsharps, this book is for you! Buy THE EARL’s WAGERED BRIDE to attend this Christmas house party!
Sad, isn’t it, that none of the Craymore sisters wishes to wed?
Exciting, isn’t it, that three war heroes arrive who know precisely what they want for Christmas?
Wonderful, isn’t it, that each might gain the most precious Christmas gift of all?
A lady bets her future.
Miss Marjorie Craymore wants to surprise her two sisters with a wonderful gift this Christmas. A house. A home! One they can call their own. After their father gambled away their dowries and drank away the family reputation, the three young women have lived with their Aunt Gertrude. While that lady’s generosity is most kind, her charity chafes their pride. This Christmas at their aunt’s house party, Marjorie plans to employ the one talent she learned well from her notorious papa. She’ll gamble at cards and dice against every wealthy guest—and win. But she encounters one big problem. The man she’s craved all her life appears on Aunt’s threshold and challenges her. Tested by combat, he’s bolder. Dashing. A distraction. And suddenly too charming to resist.
A gentleman weighs the odds.
Griffith Harlinger, the war-weary fourth earl of Marsden, returns home from his duties in Paris with the Duke of Wellington to celebrate the joys of the Season. At urgent request of his step-mama, he must stop her niece Marjorie from creating a scandal by fleecing her house guests! Griff’s thrilled to engage the one woman who’s tormented him and beguiled him all his life. So he makes Marjorie a bet she can’t refuse: he’ll play her for enough money to buy the house she wants.
But can he let her win if he loves her too much to let her go?
And who really wins when both want what’s best for those they love?
If you love swoon-worthy historical romance, starring endearing heroes, sassy heroines and a house full of rogues and cardsharps, this book is for you! Buy THE EARL’s WAGERED BRIDE to attend this Christmas house party!
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2018
194 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Cerise DeLand
118 books339 followersI love to cook, hate to dust, live to travel and read and write! I've written #1 bestselling Regencies as well as contemporary romances starring SEALs that readers love! Come to my website, read my FREE books and buy my others! Then write to me. Love to hear from readers, especially those who dig my history, my sense of humor and my heroes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 31, 2018
Series: Christmas Belles #1
Publication Date: 10/29/18
This was a nicely written novella featuring three couples and three HEA’s. What more could you ask for? They had all been friends since childhood and they had all been in love about that long as well. The ladies are sisters and the men are returning war heroes. The main featured pair is Griffith Harlinger, the fourth Earl of Marsden and Marjorie Craymore. The secondary couples are Neville Vaughn, Viscount Bromley with Delphine (Del) Craymore and Alastair Demerest, newly ascended to a dukedom, and Belinda (Bee) Craymore.
As the three men head out together to attend Griff’s step-mothers Christmas house party in Brighton, two of them know that the reason they are going is to secure the women they have loved forever. Both of them were severely injured in the war and they value life and want to settle down. Griff knows he is looking forward to seeing Marjorie, she’s been with him in his heart and mind through all of his battles, but he doesn’t know he’s in love with her. Making that discovery is a bit of a shock to his system.
The Craymore sisters are all beautiful, sweet, caring, prideful and they are seeking atonement for their family as well as revenge. Their father, a Viscount gambled away the family fortune and even their dowry’s before he died. Then, their brother George died in the war and a cruel, uncaring relative took over what little remained of the Viscountancy. At that point, their aunt (Griff’s step-mother) took them in. Although she was loving and generous with them, they each felt they were taking charity and it grated on them. Each sister wanted to do her part to either gain revenge (Marjorie) or to atone (Bee) and they went about it in different ways. Marrying was something they never thought to do.
It was lovely to see these three engaging couples find their way to each other and gain their HEA. It was a lovely read.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 10/29/18
This was a nicely written novella featuring three couples and three HEA’s. What more could you ask for? They had all been friends since childhood and they had all been in love about that long as well. The ladies are sisters and the men are returning war heroes. The main featured pair is Griffith Harlinger, the fourth Earl of Marsden and Marjorie Craymore. The secondary couples are Neville Vaughn, Viscount Bromley with Delphine (Del) Craymore and Alastair Demerest, newly ascended to a dukedom, and Belinda (Bee) Craymore.
As the three men head out together to attend Griff’s step-mothers Christmas house party in Brighton, two of them know that the reason they are going is to secure the women they have loved forever. Both of them were severely injured in the war and they value life and want to settle down. Griff knows he is looking forward to seeing Marjorie, she’s been with him in his heart and mind through all of his battles, but he doesn’t know he’s in love with her. Making that discovery is a bit of a shock to his system.
The Craymore sisters are all beautiful, sweet, caring, prideful and they are seeking atonement for their family as well as revenge. Their father, a Viscount gambled away the family fortune and even their dowry’s before he died. Then, their brother George died in the war and a cruel, uncaring relative took over what little remained of the Viscountancy. At that point, their aunt (Griff’s step-mother) took them in. Although she was loving and generous with them, they each felt they were taking charity and it grated on them. Each sister wanted to do her part to either gain revenge (Marjorie) or to atone (Bee) and they went about it in different ways. Marrying was something they never thought to do.
It was lovely to see these three engaging couples find their way to each other and gain their HEA. It was a lovely read.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
October 26, 2018
This is a wonderful story that captivated my attention and kept me glued to the pages. The characters are intriguing, and believable; I enjoyed following along as they found their way to each other. I look forward to reading what happens next.
October 15, 2018
Enchanting book, most definitely one I can highly recommend, Ms DeLand as ever does not disappoint, we have a little naughtiness, sassy heroines, a naughty aunt, danger, heart break and joy all in one book. Christmas books I find are always more magical merely by the setting in the festive season, the impossible can happen especially if you fight for it hard enough.
I won't give spoilers but will say this truly a fantastic read at times fast paced at other times a little slower when needs be, I defy anyone who loves romance especially historical to not love it as much as I do.
I won't give spoilers but will say this truly a fantastic read at times fast paced at other times a little slower when needs be, I defy anyone who loves romance especially historical to not love it as much as I do.
October 8, 2018
The Earl's Wagered Bride
(Christmas Belles Book 1)
By Cerise DeLand
🔥🔥🔥
The countess of Marsden invites you to her house party! We are talking seven days of gossiping, frolicking, dancing, and yes match making for her 3 beloved nieces.
The sad part is none of them really want to get married. Then three war heroes arrive who know exactly what they want for Christmas. Isn't it wonderful that each just might gain the most precious Christmas gift of all?
Miss Marjorie Craymore wants to suprise her two sisters with a special Christmas present this year and that is a place to call home. A home of their own. You see their father gambled away their dowries and drank away their reputation and ever since then they have lived with their Aunt Gertrude. While her Aunts generosity is ever so kind, her charity chafes their pride. This Christmas during the house party, Marjorie plans to use her one talent she inherited from her father. She will gamble against every and any other of the house guests planning to always win however she does encounter one big problem. The only man she has ever wanted has showed up and challenges her. He's dashing, his presence a huge distraction, and too charming by far to resist.
Griffith Harlinger, the fourth Earl of Marsden war weary, has returned from his duties in Paris with the Duke of Wellington to celebrate the joyous season. Now he must stop Marjorie from creating a big scandal by fleecing the house guests. Griff is more then thrilled to engage the one woman who has tormented yet beguiled him for his whole life. So he makes Marjorie a proposition she can't refuse. He will play her for enough money to buy the house she so desperately wants. But can he let her win even though he loves her too much to let her go?
In the end who really wins when they both want what's best for those they love?
Cerise DeLand is absolutely brilliant. If you are looking for a wonderful Christmas story that has wonderful heroes, sassy heroines, cardsharps, and a house full of rouges you need not look any further as this is the book for you.
I truly enjoyed this lovely story and hope you will too.
(Christmas Belles Book 1)
By Cerise DeLand
🔥🔥🔥
The countess of Marsden invites you to her house party! We are talking seven days of gossiping, frolicking, dancing, and yes match making for her 3 beloved nieces.
The sad part is none of them really want to get married. Then three war heroes arrive who know exactly what they want for Christmas. Isn't it wonderful that each just might gain the most precious Christmas gift of all?
Miss Marjorie Craymore wants to suprise her two sisters with a special Christmas present this year and that is a place to call home. A home of their own. You see their father gambled away their dowries and drank away their reputation and ever since then they have lived with their Aunt Gertrude. While her Aunts generosity is ever so kind, her charity chafes their pride. This Christmas during the house party, Marjorie plans to use her one talent she inherited from her father. She will gamble against every and any other of the house guests planning to always win however she does encounter one big problem. The only man she has ever wanted has showed up and challenges her. He's dashing, his presence a huge distraction, and too charming by far to resist.
Griffith Harlinger, the fourth Earl of Marsden war weary, has returned from his duties in Paris with the Duke of Wellington to celebrate the joyous season. Now he must stop Marjorie from creating a big scandal by fleecing the house guests. Griff is more then thrilled to engage the one woman who has tormented yet beguiled him for his whole life. So he makes Marjorie a proposition she can't refuse. He will play her for enough money to buy the house she so desperately wants. But can he let her win even though he loves her too much to let her go?
In the end who really wins when they both want what's best for those they love?
Cerise DeLand is absolutely brilliant. If you are looking for a wonderful Christmas story that has wonderful heroes, sassy heroines, cardsharps, and a house full of rouges you need not look any further as this is the book for you.
I truly enjoyed this lovely story and hope you will too.
August 28, 2019
In full disclosure, I received a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
The premise of this book / series is rather interesting. You have three sisters who don't particularly want to marry and a aunt who decides to throw a house party to find them spouses. Then you have three war heroes who attend the party... and since we're talking about a romance, we know they're going to pair up.
All three books happen simultaneously over the course of a couple days. It was actually quite interesting to read books one and two back to back and to read about what was happening at this house party through the eyes of the different characters. Scenes were practically repeated, some almost word for word, but the internal thoughts and observations shifted slightly.
In this book, we have Marjorie who has the brilliant plan to gamble with the house party guests in order to win enough money for her sisters and herself to buy a house. Enter Griffith. He's attending the house party his step-mother is throwing with a couple of his friends. As kids they were friends of sorts... and now as adults, there are definite sparks between them. Marjorie is set on her gambling plan and Griffith is determined to stop her, sure that's it is going to end in disaster.
So, I liked the idea of the three books happening at the same time. That's a winner for me. The whole gambling plot was interesting enough, but something about it didn't work as well as I'd have liked. I think it was the reckless attitude that Marjorie had me on edge.
I mostly enjoyed the play between Marjorie and Griffith. There was a developed romance and character growth, which was much appreciated.
All in all, it was a solid set up for the series and an enjoyable Christmas romance.
The premise of this book / series is rather interesting. You have three sisters who don't particularly want to marry and a aunt who decides to throw a house party to find them spouses. Then you have three war heroes who attend the party... and since we're talking about a romance, we know they're going to pair up.
All three books happen simultaneously over the course of a couple days. It was actually quite interesting to read books one and two back to back and to read about what was happening at this house party through the eyes of the different characters. Scenes were practically repeated, some almost word for word, but the internal thoughts and observations shifted slightly.
In this book, we have Marjorie who has the brilliant plan to gamble with the house party guests in order to win enough money for her sisters and herself to buy a house. Enter Griffith. He's attending the house party his step-mother is throwing with a couple of his friends. As kids they were friends of sorts... and now as adults, there are definite sparks between them. Marjorie is set on her gambling plan and Griffith is determined to stop her, sure that's it is going to end in disaster.
So, I liked the idea of the three books happening at the same time. That's a winner for me. The whole gambling plot was interesting enough, but something about it didn't work as well as I'd have liked. I think it was the reckless attitude that Marjorie had me on edge.
I mostly enjoyed the play between Marjorie and Griffith. There was a developed romance and character growth, which was much appreciated.
All in all, it was a solid set up for the series and an enjoyable Christmas romance.
September 5, 2024
2nd reading: I liked this more than my first read. I got into this story a little quicker. Also, there is an excerpt of book 2 - Christmas Belles at the end of the book. 4☆
October 29, 2018
3.5 Stars, as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-OJ
Marjorie Craymore and her sisters, Delphine and Belinda, were left with nothing when their wastrel father died. They have since made their home with their Aunt Gertrude, and it grates on all three sisters to rely on her charity. Though Aunt Gertrude is generous and loving, Marjorie is determined to find the money to buy a small cottage, where the sisters can live independently. And Marjorie knows just how she’ll accomplish this – she learned a thing or two about gambling from her father, and it seems only fitting that some of the people who fleeced him should pay. When her aunt’s Christmas houseparty happens, she’ll be sure to have some private card games, which she intends to win, by fair means or foul.
Griffith Harlinger, Earl of Marsden, is happy to be coming home on leave for Christmas. He is weary of being a soldier and looks forward to seeing his stepmother (who is the sisters’ Aunt Gertrude) and having some wonderful food and enjoying good company. He brings his two friends, Neville and Alastair, with him to enjoy the holiday. Both of these men were also soldiers, and suffered injuries from which they are slowly recovering. All three of these men have histories with the three sisters, and hope to successfully renew their friendships, possibly leading to more permanent relationships.
While Griff’s two friends are determined to win Delphine and Belinda as their wives, Griff only knows that he’s glad to see Marjorie, the woman who has plagued him since they were children, and stayed in his thoughts all the years he spent away. He doesn’t understand Marjorie’s determination to gamble, as he’s more than willing to provide a home to the Craymore sisters for as long as they need it.
The more time Griff spends with Marjorie, the more he realizes that he doesn’t just desire her, but he wants her for forever. He proposes a private wager between the two of them, which will give Marjorie her heart’s desire if she should win. THE EARL’S WAGERED BRIDE is a short and sweet novella which gives a happy ending to all three couples, while focusing on Griff’s and Marjorie’s journey. It seems only fitting that Christmas, the most joyous time of the year, brings the gift of love and reconciliation to six very deserving people.
Marjorie Craymore and her sisters, Delphine and Belinda, were left with nothing when their wastrel father died. They have since made their home with their Aunt Gertrude, and it grates on all three sisters to rely on her charity. Though Aunt Gertrude is generous and loving, Marjorie is determined to find the money to buy a small cottage, where the sisters can live independently. And Marjorie knows just how she’ll accomplish this – she learned a thing or two about gambling from her father, and it seems only fitting that some of the people who fleeced him should pay. When her aunt’s Christmas houseparty happens, she’ll be sure to have some private card games, which she intends to win, by fair means or foul.
Griffith Harlinger, Earl of Marsden, is happy to be coming home on leave for Christmas. He is weary of being a soldier and looks forward to seeing his stepmother (who is the sisters’ Aunt Gertrude) and having some wonderful food and enjoying good company. He brings his two friends, Neville and Alastair, with him to enjoy the holiday. Both of these men were also soldiers, and suffered injuries from which they are slowly recovering. All three of these men have histories with the three sisters, and hope to successfully renew their friendships, possibly leading to more permanent relationships.
While Griff’s two friends are determined to win Delphine and Belinda as their wives, Griff only knows that he’s glad to see Marjorie, the woman who has plagued him since they were children, and stayed in his thoughts all the years he spent away. He doesn’t understand Marjorie’s determination to gamble, as he’s more than willing to provide a home to the Craymore sisters for as long as they need it.
The more time Griff spends with Marjorie, the more he realizes that he doesn’t just desire her, but he wants her for forever. He proposes a private wager between the two of them, which will give Marjorie her heart’s desire if she should win. THE EARL’S WAGERED BRIDE is a short and sweet novella which gives a happy ending to all three couples, while focusing on Griff’s and Marjorie’s journey. It seems only fitting that Christmas, the most joyous time of the year, brings the gift of love and reconciliation to six very deserving people.
October 30, 2018
Sigh.. I just love Cerise DeLand's stories. I know I am in for a wonderful tale full of her great characters and often some mischief, adventure and of course a sigh worthy romance! Griffith, the Earl of Marsden has just come back from the war and heads home. He brings two fellow soldiers with him and finds that a house party is in progress with a few delightful ladies attending. But his focus is strictly on Marjorie Craymore, who with her two sisters have lived with his stepmother, their aunt, since their father passed and left them penniless. But Marjorie has a plan and she intents to win enough money to buy a home for her and her sisters. Yes, she is really good at cards and dice, which she learned from her wastrel father who gambled everything away! What she doesn't know is that her aunt had invited her stepson, Griffith to come save Marjorie from herself!
A delightful tale that will have you smiling and at the end make your heart warm. Cannot wait to read the next two in this series!!
A delightful tale that will have you smiling and at the end make your heart warm. Cannot wait to read the next two in this series!!
January 27, 2020
This is such a wonderful start to the Christmas Belles series in which three sisters find their lost loves at their aunts' Christmas house party. In this first book, it is Marjorie and Griffith's story. They have always had a close relationship but when he returns from the war, both have changed and passions get heated.
Marjorie is quite the card shark and she plans to have vengeance on those who had fleeced her late father and win the money back. She's also desperate to have her own money, to buy a cottage for her sisters and herself, a place they can call their own and not have to rely on their aunt's charity. Griffith intends to stop her and convince her that it's too dangerous, not really knowing the real reason she's doing this. I so enjoyed their banter and their steamy chemistry!!
Well written and definitely do recommend this book!
Marjorie is quite the card shark and she plans to have vengeance on those who had fleeced her late father and win the money back. She's also desperate to have her own money, to buy a cottage for her sisters and herself, a place they can call their own and not have to rely on their aunt's charity. Griffith intends to stop her and convince her that it's too dangerous, not really knowing the real reason she's doing this. I so enjoyed their banter and their steamy chemistry!!
Well written and definitely do recommend this book!
October 29, 2018
A novel with an intricate plot, in which three orphaned sisters, welcomed by an aunt, are eager to have their own home back (all the family fortune, including their dowry, was lost by their gambling drunken father).
When Christmas arrives, they have a plan to get enough money to buy a house.
Aunt Gertrude, Countess of Marsden, then asks for help to her stepson, Griffith Harlinger, Earl of Marsden.
Griffith, Neville Vaughn and Alastair Demerest are friends and together they suffered the hardships of war.
Now, they will join forces to prevent women they love from leaving forever.
5 stars
When Christmas arrives, they have a plan to get enough money to buy a house.
Aunt Gertrude, Countess of Marsden, then asks for help to her stepson, Griffith Harlinger, Earl of Marsden.
Griffith, Neville Vaughn and Alastair Demerest are friends and together they suffered the hardships of war.
Now, they will join forces to prevent women they love from leaving forever.
5 stars
November 14, 2022
Miss Marjorie Craymore lives with her two sisters and their Aunt Gertrude. Marjorie wants to have enough money to buy a cottage/home for she and her sisters. The only way to get money is through playing cards. Griffith Harlinger, Earl of Marsden returns from the war. He has his mind set on Marjorie, but is he ready for marriage? Wagers are made between them. Griffith is determined to win. Join Aunt Gertrude's Christmas house party and sneaking from room to room for some steam.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
January 1, 2019
4.5/5.0
This is historical romance at its finest, with well-crafted, mysterious, complex characters, a well-researched historical setting, and excellent writing that pulls you in from the beginning.
Read full review in the 2018 holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This is historical romance at its finest, with well-crafted, mysterious, complex characters, a well-researched historical setting, and excellent writing that pulls you in from the beginning.
Read full review in the 2018 holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
October 29, 2018
I liked the camaraderie between the three men, Griffin, Neville and Alastair. Returning from the recent war, they meet at Griffin’s for a house party, each has his own reasons for being there. Three sisters, Majorie, Bee and Del are also there. Majorie is planning on using her skills to buy a house for her sisters. However things do not work out as planned. I enjoyed reading Majorie and Griffin’s developing relationship from friends to something much more special.
This was an entertaining read with engaging characters. I’m looking forward to reading about the other two sisters.
This was an entertaining read with engaging characters. I’m looking forward to reading about the other two sisters.
October 4, 2018
I love this time of year, all of the Christmas-themed stories that are happy and light and just fun to read. Here we have three sisters who want to right the wrong of their father and three war veterans trying to integrate back into society. Marjorie and Griffith are the main characters in this story. It is a nice story that takes you away from everyday life to another world with lovely people and their story of happily ever after. Looking forward to Delphine and Belinda’s stories.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
November 1, 2018
*** Thank you to the author for allowing me the chance to leave an honest review of this selection after receiving an ARC.***
If you are looking for the perfect romance to get you in the holiday spirit then this is the book for you! If I am being honest... I don't usually read Christmas-y romances but I love Cerise DeLand so I thought I would give this book a shot. I was not disappointed at all. It was a charming kickoff to the season as far as I am concerned. This also happens to be book 1 in her new Christmas Belles series and since I am now emotionally invested in the Craymore sisters I will be reading them all.
The Story:
The Craymore Sisters (Marjorie, Delphine, and Belinda) have been living with their Aunt Gertrude since their mother passed away and their father lost all their money. They love their aunt very much but are tired of depending on the charity of others so have decided to take matters into their own hands. Marjorie is a very skilled gambler when it comes to cards and has big plans to fleece their wealthy house guests during the Christmas party. She plans to buy a house for her and her sisters once she has raised enough funds and it just happens to work out that some of those same guests took some of the money her father so carelessly gambled away. The only person standing in her way is the man she has spent her whole life loving, the Earl of Marsden Griffith Harlinger. Griff knows that Marjorie is up to something and makes it his mission to find out and stop her from ruining a perfectly good house party. He figures it will give him a chance to keep her out of trouble and finally figure out why she is the one girl he has never been able to forget.
I am not saying anymore on the story because then I would be giving away spoilers. This was a really cute story and I do love a feisty female character!
If you are looking for the perfect romance to get you in the holiday spirit then this is the book for you! If I am being honest... I don't usually read Christmas-y romances but I love Cerise DeLand so I thought I would give this book a shot. I was not disappointed at all. It was a charming kickoff to the season as far as I am concerned. This also happens to be book 1 in her new Christmas Belles series and since I am now emotionally invested in the Craymore sisters I will be reading them all.
The Story:
The Craymore Sisters (Marjorie, Delphine, and Belinda) have been living with their Aunt Gertrude since their mother passed away and their father lost all their money. They love their aunt very much but are tired of depending on the charity of others so have decided to take matters into their own hands. Marjorie is a very skilled gambler when it comes to cards and has big plans to fleece their wealthy house guests during the Christmas party. She plans to buy a house for her and her sisters once she has raised enough funds and it just happens to work out that some of those same guests took some of the money her father so carelessly gambled away. The only person standing in her way is the man she has spent her whole life loving, the Earl of Marsden Griffith Harlinger. Griff knows that Marjorie is up to something and makes it his mission to find out and stop her from ruining a perfectly good house party. He figures it will give him a chance to keep her out of trouble and finally figure out why she is the one girl he has never been able to forget.
I am not saying anymore on the story because then I would be giving away spoilers. This was a really cute story and I do love a feisty female character!
October 14, 2018
4.25 Stars
The Countess of Marsden invites you to her house party! Seven nights and days of frolic, gossip, dancing…and match-making for her three nieces.
Miss Marjorie Craymore wants to surprise her two sisters with a wonderful gift this Christmas. A home oftheir own. After their father gambled away their dowries and drank away the family reputation, the three young women have lived with their Aunt Gertrude. While that lady’s generosity is most kind, her charity chafes their pride. This Christmas at their aunt’s house party, Marjorie plans to employ the one talent she learned well from her notorious father. She’ll gamble at cards and dice against every wealthy guest and win. Then man she’s craved all her life appears on Aunt’s threshold and challenges her. Griffith Harlinger, the war-weary fourth Earl of Marsden, returns home from his duties in Paris with the Duke of Wellington to celebrate the joys of the Season.
An engaging delightful read which I read in an afternoon. The story flows very well & had me drawn in from the start & held my interest until the end. The characters are well fleshed. Griff is a lovely hero, Marjorie wants revenge on the people who gambled against her father but also is desperate for herself Bee & Del to be independent. However Griff & Marjorie have loved each other for what seems like forever they just need to admit it to each other. The road to their HEA was very entertaining & I loved their banter. I look forward to reading Bee & Del’s stories
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The Countess of Marsden invites you to her house party! Seven nights and days of frolic, gossip, dancing…and match-making for her three nieces.
Miss Marjorie Craymore wants to surprise her two sisters with a wonderful gift this Christmas. A home oftheir own. After their father gambled away their dowries and drank away the family reputation, the three young women have lived with their Aunt Gertrude. While that lady’s generosity is most kind, her charity chafes their pride. This Christmas at their aunt’s house party, Marjorie plans to employ the one talent she learned well from her notorious father. She’ll gamble at cards and dice against every wealthy guest and win. Then man she’s craved all her life appears on Aunt’s threshold and challenges her. Griffith Harlinger, the war-weary fourth Earl of Marsden, returns home from his duties in Paris with the Duke of Wellington to celebrate the joys of the Season.
An engaging delightful read which I read in an afternoon. The story flows very well & had me drawn in from the start & held my interest until the end. The characters are well fleshed. Griff is a lovely hero, Marjorie wants revenge on the people who gambled against her father but also is desperate for herself Bee & Del to be independent. However Griff & Marjorie have loved each other for what seems like forever they just need to admit it to each other. The road to their HEA was very entertaining & I loved their banter. I look forward to reading Bee & Del’s stories
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 1, 2018
Engaging story of the three young ladies Craymore, left destitute by their gambling father’s death, taken in by their maternal aunt’s stepson, who must now must stand on their own feet and make their future secure as single young women. With the loss of their home along with their dowery, one girl, Delphine, lost her love to another more prosperous young woman. Another, Belinda, lost her love to the war, never to be heard from again. And the third, Marjorie the middle sister, expects that her secret love for her step cousin will suffer heartache when he returns from the war, likely with a bride. Then, where will the girls live? How will they provide for themselves?
Each has taken steps on her own in preparation to be self-sufficient, albeit in different ways. Marjorie, although the middle girl, feels compelled to win back from those who fleeced their father of home and funds, sufficient monies to buy a home for the 3 sisters so they will no longer need be dependent on their step-cousin, Griffith, the Earl who has extended protection to the Claymore sisters. Will she be successful gambling during the house party to achieve her goal?
Suddenly, 3 soldiers return from the war, shocking all present with the timing of their arrival. Will Griffith put an end to Marjorie’s gambling plan? Will the other 2 soldiers interfere with any marriage plans that their Aunt had hoped would ensue from the party? This engaging story ends with a HEA for all 3 girls, but not without some excitement along the way.
Each has taken steps on her own in preparation to be self-sufficient, albeit in different ways. Marjorie, although the middle girl, feels compelled to win back from those who fleeced their father of home and funds, sufficient monies to buy a home for the 3 sisters so they will no longer need be dependent on their step-cousin, Griffith, the Earl who has extended protection to the Claymore sisters. Will she be successful gambling during the house party to achieve her goal?
Suddenly, 3 soldiers return from the war, shocking all present with the timing of their arrival. Will Griffith put an end to Marjorie’s gambling plan? Will the other 2 soldiers interfere with any marriage plans that their Aunt had hoped would ensue from the party? This engaging story ends with a HEA for all 3 girls, but not without some excitement along the way.
January 4, 2019
I very much enjoyed The Earl's Wagered Bride. It is a perfect start to the Christmas Belles novellas by Cerise DeLand. The Belles are three sisters whose Aunt provided them a home after the death of their father who gambled away the family fortune and their dowries. Their Aunt Gertrude plans an extended holiday party gathering and invites several eligible bachelors with the hope some matchmaking will take place. Three surprise guests arrive as the party begins. All have returned from the war with Napoleon and all have known the sisters for some time. One is the step-son of Gertrude and the other two have motives for accompanying Griffin (Griff) when he returns home.
The Craymore sisters do not want to rely on charity from their aunt anymore. Each one has a different plan for establishing their independence. Marriage has never been a plan as they all feel their father's actions sullied their reputations beyond repair.
As she is able to do so well, Cerise DeLand provides an enchanting story with lovable characters, swoon-worthy swains, a little skullduggery, some mischief and most of all a sweet passion between our two main characters. Definitely worth a read and a reason to continue the series.
Reasons I enjoyed this book: entertaining, wonderful characters, original, steamy, romantic
The Craymore sisters do not want to rely on charity from their aunt anymore. Each one has a different plan for establishing their independence. Marriage has never been a plan as they all feel their father's actions sullied their reputations beyond repair.
As she is able to do so well, Cerise DeLand provides an enchanting story with lovable characters, swoon-worthy swains, a little skullduggery, some mischief and most of all a sweet passion between our two main characters. Definitely worth a read and a reason to continue the series.
Reasons I enjoyed this book: entertaining, wonderful characters, original, steamy, romantic
October 19, 2019
A lady bets her future.
Miss Marjorie Craymore wants to surprise her two sisters with a wonderful gift this Christmas. A house. A home! One they can call their own.
After her wastrel father gambled away everything can Marjorie make gambling go her way and fleece the fleecers.
A gentleman weighs the odds.
Griffith Harlinger, the war-weary fourth earl of Marsden, returns home from his duties in Paris with the Duke of Wellington to celebrate the joys of the Season. At urgent request of his step-mama, he must stop her niece Marjorie from creating a scandal by fleecing her house guests!
Will Griffith fail at his step mother's request or will he be the one person who can stop Marjorie from ruining the festivities?
Will their mutual attraction turn their wager into something more?
I loved this short read and finished it promptly. I gave it 4.5 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization. This is just the first of three novellas, each featuring one of the sisters and a war hero returned home. They had all known each other in the past and all three gentlemen held a tender for one of the sisters.
I read a complimentary ARC of this title and am leaving a voluntary review of this book.
Miss Marjorie Craymore wants to surprise her two sisters with a wonderful gift this Christmas. A house. A home! One they can call their own.
After her wastrel father gambled away everything can Marjorie make gambling go her way and fleece the fleecers.
A gentleman weighs the odds.
Griffith Harlinger, the war-weary fourth earl of Marsden, returns home from his duties in Paris with the Duke of Wellington to celebrate the joys of the Season. At urgent request of his step-mama, he must stop her niece Marjorie from creating a scandal by fleecing her house guests!
Will Griffith fail at his step mother's request or will he be the one person who can stop Marjorie from ruining the festivities?
Will their mutual attraction turn their wager into something more?
I loved this short read and finished it promptly. I gave it 4.5 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization. This is just the first of three novellas, each featuring one of the sisters and a war hero returned home. They had all known each other in the past and all three gentlemen held a tender for one of the sisters.
I read a complimentary ARC of this title and am leaving a voluntary review of this book.
October 29, 2018
Cerise DeLand is a "must-buy" author for me when it comes to Historical Romance. She always has such interesting characters in her stories and I enjoy reading about how the main characters get together and fall in love.
In The Earl's Wagered Bride which is the first book in the Christmas Belles series Cerise DeLand gives her readers a truly delightful heroine in Marjorie Craymore. Marjorie and her sisters are living with their aunt after the death of their father who boozed and gambled away everything. Marjorie wants a home for herself and her sisters and to live independently. She learned cards and dice from her father and she intends to put that knowledge to good use gambling with the rich aristocrats attending her aunt's Christmas house party to get the money to buy a cottage. Her aunt is well aware of this and wishes to save her from a scandal so she asks her step-son to come save Marjorie from this foolishness. Her step-son, Griffen Harlinger, Earl of Marsden is just back from the Napoleonic Wars in France. What can he do to "save the day?" I loved reading this story to find out the answer to that question.
In The Earl's Wagered Bride which is the first book in the Christmas Belles series Cerise DeLand gives her readers a truly delightful heroine in Marjorie Craymore. Marjorie and her sisters are living with their aunt after the death of their father who boozed and gambled away everything. Marjorie wants a home for herself and her sisters and to live independently. She learned cards and dice from her father and she intends to put that knowledge to good use gambling with the rich aristocrats attending her aunt's Christmas house party to get the money to buy a cottage. Her aunt is well aware of this and wishes to save her from a scandal so she asks her step-son to come save Marjorie from this foolishness. Her step-son, Griffen Harlinger, Earl of Marsden is just back from the Napoleonic Wars in France. What can he do to "save the day?" I loved reading this story to find out the answer to that question.
December 9, 2021
A home for love
Grif aka Colonel Marsden is home for Christmas with his comrades after many years away at war. Marjorie childhood best friend is elated for Grif to be home safe! She hopes he does not interfere with her plans to fleece the guests for money for a home! Grif doesn't know why Marjorie gambles or what the money is for just that her gambling buddies have low morals!
Grif has a plan but he can not shake the fact that he is much more excited to spend time keep Marjorie out of trouble or fall in love!? These two are destined for love but lots of detours! Majorie father was also fleeced by several guests so there is a twofold reason for her gambling! One is also for revenge!
Grif aka Colonel Marsden is home for Christmas with his comrades after many years away at war. Marjorie childhood best friend is elated for Grif to be home safe! She hopes he does not interfere with her plans to fleece the guests for money for a home! Grif doesn't know why Marjorie gambles or what the money is for just that her gambling buddies have low morals!
Grif has a plan but he can not shake the fact that he is much more excited to spend time keep Marjorie out of trouble or fall in love!? These two are destined for love but lots of detours! Majorie father was also fleeced by several guests so there is a twofold reason for her gambling! One is also for revenge!
October 26, 2018
Griffith Harlinger, the Earl of Marsden has come home from the war just in time for the Christmas celebration. His stepmother has a big party planned and he and two friends will surprise her.
Marjorie Craymore and her sisters have lived with their aunt since the death of father. He lost everything, their home and all the money and left them with nothing. The only thing she wants now is to win enough money to buy a house, so that they didn't gave to depend on charity any more. The Christmas party is the perfect opportunity.
A lovely fun filled Christmas story with characters you will fall in love with.
Good sweet romance.
Marjorie Craymore and her sisters have lived with their aunt since the death of father. He lost everything, their home and all the money and left them with nothing. The only thing she wants now is to win enough money to buy a house, so that they didn't gave to depend on charity any more. The Christmas party is the perfect opportunity.
A lovely fun filled Christmas story with characters you will fall in love with.
Good sweet romance.
June 6, 2019
A Christmas to remember!
Marjorie Craymore, along with her two sisters, have been forced to live on their Aunt Gertrude's wealth since their deceased father lost their dowries. Devising a plan of her own, Marjorie intends to surprise her sister's by buying a home of their own. With the annual Christmas party approaching, Marjorie intends to gamble and win enough money from the wealthy guests to fulfill her dream. Little does she know that the one man she has always loved, Griffith Harlinger, will be in attendance to stop her. Will Marjorie win her fortune or will she lose more than she anticipated? I can't get enough of author Cerise DeLand's works!
Marjorie Craymore, along with her two sisters, have been forced to live on their Aunt Gertrude's wealth since their deceased father lost their dowries. Devising a plan of her own, Marjorie intends to surprise her sister's by buying a home of their own. With the annual Christmas party approaching, Marjorie intends to gamble and win enough money from the wealthy guests to fulfill her dream. Little does she know that the one man she has always loved, Griffith Harlinger, will be in attendance to stop her. Will Marjorie win her fortune or will she lose more than she anticipated? I can't get enough of author Cerise DeLand's works!
June 24, 2021
Coming home hopefully for Love
Griff the Earl of Marsden has been in love with Marjorie for a long time. He is on leave since there is peace know from Wellington to spend Christmas with his step mother and her nieces which Marjorie is one.
Marjorie is going to fleece all the men whom her Aunt invited to the house party. They are the same men who fleeced her father of his money years ago. Since her father is gone she wants revenge on them. What she doesn’t expect is for Griff to be home for Christmas and the house party.
A beautiful story with a very strong willed Marjorie realizing having Griff in her life is more important than revenge.
Griff the Earl of Marsden has been in love with Marjorie for a long time. He is on leave since there is peace know from Wellington to spend Christmas with his step mother and her nieces which Marjorie is one.
Marjorie is going to fleece all the men whom her Aunt invited to the house party. They are the same men who fleeced her father of his money years ago. Since her father is gone she wants revenge on them. What she doesn’t expect is for Griff to be home for Christmas and the house party.
A beautiful story with a very strong willed Marjorie realizing having Griff in her life is more important than revenge.
September 20, 2022
DNF 40%
This book is way too short to have any sort of decent development. It's all very rushed, shallow and lifeless.
If you are setting your book in a historical setting, your heroine needs a really good reason to defy all societal expectations by not getting married. A woman would be opening herself up to be pitied and ostracized, especially in such a rigid patriarchal society. This heroine, however, doesn't seem to actually have a reason for not wanting marriage.
I actually like the idea of her getting revenge on people that gambled with her father, but it needed a much longer book to actually explore the concept.
This book is way too short to have any sort of decent development. It's all very rushed, shallow and lifeless.
If you are setting your book in a historical setting, your heroine needs a really good reason to defy all societal expectations by not getting married. A woman would be opening herself up to be pitied and ostracized, especially in such a rigid patriarchal society. This heroine, however, doesn't seem to actually have a reason for not wanting marriage.
I actually like the idea of her getting revenge on people that gambled with her father, but it needed a much longer book to actually explore the concept.
November 21, 2021
Come eat, drink and be Merry at The Countess of Marsden Christmas house party... and maybe a little mischief too in The Earl's Wagered Bride! It promises to be a time of laughter, good cheer and falling in love with that special someone. Cerise Deland has written a holiday delight with characters that come off the pages and pull you into their tale of enchantment and a little Christmas magic sprinkled in.
July 18, 2022
Lovely start to the Christmas Belles series.
Griffith is back from fighting Napoleon and is staying with his step-mother for a Christmas house party.
Marjorie is ther with her two sisters and is trying to win sufficient money to allow her to buy a house of their own.
Griff offers her a chance to win enough without fleecing the other guests.
Will she take the bet or will their love for each other overcome the obstacles they are putting in their own way?
Griffith is back from fighting Napoleon and is staying with his step-mother for a Christmas house party.
Marjorie is ther with her two sisters and is trying to win sufficient money to allow her to buy a house of their own.
Griff offers her a chance to win enough without fleecing the other guests.
Will she take the bet or will their love for each other overcome the obstacles they are putting in their own way?
October 31, 2018
Oh My! This book is an amazing love story you will not want to miss! When a woman knows her own mind, especially in the regency era, it is definitely something to see. This woman certainly knows what she wants…or thinks she does. When some unexpected guests arrive, things may change. There is no shortage of action and adventure at this party! A completely enjoyable read for anytime!
November 4, 2018
An unexpected wager on love
This is a delightful Christmas romance. Marjorie and her sisters Del and Bee find unexpected romance at a family Christmas house party. Cerise DeLand has gifted her readers with a great tale of action packed delight ushering us into the Christmas season.
This is a delightful Christmas romance. Marjorie and her sisters Del and Bee find unexpected romance at a family Christmas house party. Cerise DeLand has gifted her readers with a great tale of action packed delight ushering us into the Christmas season.
August 12, 2022
Nice, easy, read about three single sisters, orphaned and left destitute by their father’s gambling debts. They were taken in by their mother’s sister and her step son. With a Christmas ball set as a house party for 7 days and nights, their aunt hoped to gently push the girls to find a husband. Each sisters case is delightful but you must read to see how things turn out. 😊
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