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The Beauchamp Heirs #3
Christmas with His Wallflower Wife
A convenient bride
Can he be the groom she deserves?
Part of The Beauchamp Heirs. Lord Alexander Beauchamp has protected Lady Jane Colebrooke since childhood. So seeing she’s about to be forced to wed, he steps in with a proposal of his own! But Alex underestimated the closeness that taking Jane as his bride demands—something he expected never to give. As Christmas approaches, he knows he must confront the dark secrets that shadow their marriage…
Can he be the groom she deserves?
Part of The Beauchamp Heirs. Lord Alexander Beauchamp has protected Lady Jane Colebrooke since childhood. So seeing she’s about to be forced to wed, he steps in with a proposal of his own! But Alex underestimated the closeness that taking Jane as his bride demands—something he expected never to give. As Christmas approaches, he knows he must confront the dark secrets that shadow their marriage…
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2019
39 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Janice Preston
84 books152 followersI grew up in Wembley, North London, with a love of reading, writing stories and animals. After leaving school at eighteen, I moved to Devon and any thoughts of writing became lost in the hectic rush of life as a farmer’s wife, with two children and many animals to care for. When my children left home for university, I discovered a love of history and of the Regency period in particular and began to write seriously for the first time since my teens.
Real life then got in the way and I didn't write again until 2009. I joined the Romantic Novelists' Association in 2012 and my first Regency romance was accepted for publication by Harlequin Mills & Boon in late 2013.
I now live in the West Midlands with my second husband and two cats and I continue to write Regency romances for Harlequin Mills & Boon.
Real life then got in the way and I didn't write again until 2009. I joined the Romantic Novelists' Association in 2012 and my first Regency romance was accepted for publication by Harlequin Mills & Boon in late 2013.
I now live in the West Midlands with my second husband and two cats and I continue to write Regency romances for Harlequin Mills & Boon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 21, 2020
I've given this a B+ at AAR.
Christmas With His Wallflower Wife is the sixth and final book in Janice Preston’s two trilogies featuring two generations of the Beauchamp family, and it focuses on Alex, younger son of the Duke of Cheriton and his struggle to find out the truth of his mother’s death almost two decades earlier. If you’ve read any of the other books in the series, you’ll know that Alex is a very troubled young man whose relationship with his father is strained and who has deliberately distanced himself from the other members of his family for reasons that have never been fully explained. In presenting Alex’s story, Ms. Preston does an excellent job of slowly unpacking his damaged soul and bringing to light the truth of the trauma he suffered that prompted his withdrawal from his family; Alex is both flawed and compelling, and while there were times I wanted to tell him to get over himself and stop behaving like an idiot, his thoughts and motivations are so very well examined that it was easy to sympathise with him even as I was disagreeing with his methods and seeing the pitfalls marking the horizon.
It’s been several years since Alex visited the family seat, Cheriton Abbey. When he was just seven years old, Alex discovered his mother’s dead body in the summer house by the lake there, and was so severely traumatised that he didn’t speak for a year afterwards. Even though he’s now in his twenties, Alex still avoids the place like the plague and continues to maintain the emotional distance he has painstakingly manufactured between him and the rest of his family. But he’s persuaded to return there for a garden party at which all his family members will be present – a rare occurrence – intending to leave as soon as he can. Another of the guests is his oldest friend, Lady Jane Colebrooke, who is present with her father and dragon of a stepmother, who dislikes Jane and is determined to marry her off to the odious Sir Denzil Pikeford by hook or by crook. It seems that she’s chosen the latter option when Alex hears screams coming from near the lake and immediately dashes to the rescue to discover Jane struggling under the weight of an inebriated Sir Denzil. Jane’s stepmother gleefully insists that Jane must marry Pikeford or be ruined, but Alex won’t hear of it. He’s always liked Jane, they get on well and have many interests in common… he’ll need to get married at some point, so why not marry a woman he already knows and likes? Jane has loved Alex for years and is aghast at the idea of his being forced to marry her, but he manages to overcome her objections and the couple is married without delay.
One of my favourite things about this sort of story is seeing how the relationship develops between two people who had had no thought of being married, watching them adjust to life as part of a couple and learning to compromise and take another’s feelings and wishes into account. Not surprisingly, it’s often the man who has most to learn about compromise and adjustment in these situations, and that’s true here. Ms. Preston writes the early days of Jane and Alex’s marriage very well indeed, showing them developing an awareness of each other and enjoying each other’s company. Alex is surprised at how well his marriage is turning out – Jane is a wonderful companion, an enthusiastic lover and he’s clearly very fond of her. But the rot sets in when he begins to experience nightmares in which Jane’s ordeal at the hands of Pikeford and the death of his mother start to overlap, and later, starts experiencing waking visions, flashes of memory about the past which seem to contradict the story he’s always believed – that he found his mother’s body. Jane wants desperately to help him, but recognises the signs of the return of the ‘old’ Alex, the one who keeps everyone at arm’s length and allows nobody to truly know him – and can only watch as he retreats farther and farther away from her, the relaxed and more open Alex she’s come to know disappearing under the weight of his burdens.
As I said at the outset, Ms. Preston does a marvellous job of conveying Alex’s increasing confusion over what his dreams and flashes of memory might mean, his fears that maybe he’s losing his mind and his desperation to keep it all bottled up for fear of being thought weak. Jane is presented equally well, her fears for Alex, her refusal to give up on him and desperation to help him… all of them portrayed with subtlety and nuance. I was thoroughly engaged by the story and eager to get back to it, although somewhere around the middle of the book the pacing slowed and I felt that we were treading water for a while, waiting for the next phase of the story to start. I also realised around the same time that while Alex’s story is, without doubt, an extremely well-written and interesting one, the romance is very much in the back seat. This is the story of a young man finding out the truth about a traumatic event which has shaped his life – which, to be fair, he probably wouldn’t have done without Jane’s staunch support – rather than one about two childhood friends falling in love. It’s clear that Alex thinks highly of Jane and there’s no doubt he’s sexually attracted to her but there’s not a great deal beyond that sexual attraction for most of the book; there’s no real indication he thinks of her as anything more than a great friend he happens to lust after, and I never really felt him as a romantic hero.
Christmas With His Wallflower Wife isn’t really a Christmas story – it ends at Christmas but the bulk of the action takes place before, so don’t go in expecting lots of Christmas cheer and festive spirit! It is, however, the engrossing tale of a man’s battle against what we might today call PTSD in an era where therapy was unheard of and men were expected to be strong and protective and to never show any sign of weakness. I’m giving the book a hearty recommendation because, even though the romance is perhaps not quite as strong as I’d have liked, the story as a whole held my interest and I was completely invested in discovering how everything would turn out.
Christmas With His Wallflower Wife is the sixth and final book in Janice Preston’s two trilogies featuring two generations of the Beauchamp family, and it focuses on Alex, younger son of the Duke of Cheriton and his struggle to find out the truth of his mother’s death almost two decades earlier. If you’ve read any of the other books in the series, you’ll know that Alex is a very troubled young man whose relationship with his father is strained and who has deliberately distanced himself from the other members of his family for reasons that have never been fully explained. In presenting Alex’s story, Ms. Preston does an excellent job of slowly unpacking his damaged soul and bringing to light the truth of the trauma he suffered that prompted his withdrawal from his family; Alex is both flawed and compelling, and while there were times I wanted to tell him to get over himself and stop behaving like an idiot, his thoughts and motivations are so very well examined that it was easy to sympathise with him even as I was disagreeing with his methods and seeing the pitfalls marking the horizon.
It’s been several years since Alex visited the family seat, Cheriton Abbey. When he was just seven years old, Alex discovered his mother’s dead body in the summer house by the lake there, and was so severely traumatised that he didn’t speak for a year afterwards. Even though he’s now in his twenties, Alex still avoids the place like the plague and continues to maintain the emotional distance he has painstakingly manufactured between him and the rest of his family. But he’s persuaded to return there for a garden party at which all his family members will be present – a rare occurrence – intending to leave as soon as he can. Another of the guests is his oldest friend, Lady Jane Colebrooke, who is present with her father and dragon of a stepmother, who dislikes Jane and is determined to marry her off to the odious Sir Denzil Pikeford by hook or by crook. It seems that she’s chosen the latter option when Alex hears screams coming from near the lake and immediately dashes to the rescue to discover Jane struggling under the weight of an inebriated Sir Denzil. Jane’s stepmother gleefully insists that Jane must marry Pikeford or be ruined, but Alex won’t hear of it. He’s always liked Jane, they get on well and have many interests in common… he’ll need to get married at some point, so why not marry a woman he already knows and likes? Jane has loved Alex for years and is aghast at the idea of his being forced to marry her, but he manages to overcome her objections and the couple is married without delay.
One of my favourite things about this sort of story is seeing how the relationship develops between two people who had had no thought of being married, watching them adjust to life as part of a couple and learning to compromise and take another’s feelings and wishes into account. Not surprisingly, it’s often the man who has most to learn about compromise and adjustment in these situations, and that’s true here. Ms. Preston writes the early days of Jane and Alex’s marriage very well indeed, showing them developing an awareness of each other and enjoying each other’s company. Alex is surprised at how well his marriage is turning out – Jane is a wonderful companion, an enthusiastic lover and he’s clearly very fond of her. But the rot sets in when he begins to experience nightmares in which Jane’s ordeal at the hands of Pikeford and the death of his mother start to overlap, and later, starts experiencing waking visions, flashes of memory about the past which seem to contradict the story he’s always believed – that he found his mother’s body. Jane wants desperately to help him, but recognises the signs of the return of the ‘old’ Alex, the one who keeps everyone at arm’s length and allows nobody to truly know him – and can only watch as he retreats farther and farther away from her, the relaxed and more open Alex she’s come to know disappearing under the weight of his burdens.
As I said at the outset, Ms. Preston does a marvellous job of conveying Alex’s increasing confusion over what his dreams and flashes of memory might mean, his fears that maybe he’s losing his mind and his desperation to keep it all bottled up for fear of being thought weak. Jane is presented equally well, her fears for Alex, her refusal to give up on him and desperation to help him… all of them portrayed with subtlety and nuance. I was thoroughly engaged by the story and eager to get back to it, although somewhere around the middle of the book the pacing slowed and I felt that we were treading water for a while, waiting for the next phase of the story to start. I also realised around the same time that while Alex’s story is, without doubt, an extremely well-written and interesting one, the romance is very much in the back seat. This is the story of a young man finding out the truth about a traumatic event which has shaped his life – which, to be fair, he probably wouldn’t have done without Jane’s staunch support – rather than one about two childhood friends falling in love. It’s clear that Alex thinks highly of Jane and there’s no doubt he’s sexually attracted to her but there’s not a great deal beyond that sexual attraction for most of the book; there’s no real indication he thinks of her as anything more than a great friend he happens to lust after, and I never really felt him as a romantic hero.
Christmas With His Wallflower Wife isn’t really a Christmas story – it ends at Christmas but the bulk of the action takes place before, so don’t go in expecting lots of Christmas cheer and festive spirit! It is, however, the engrossing tale of a man’s battle against what we might today call PTSD in an era where therapy was unheard of and men were expected to be strong and protective and to never show any sign of weakness. I’m giving the book a hearty recommendation because, even though the romance is perhaps not quite as strong as I’d have liked, the story as a whole held my interest and I was completely invested in discovering how everything would turn out.
October 28, 2019
Oh my goodness, Alex what have you done to me? There I was minding my own business, happily swooning over Vernon, Dominic and Zach and boom; fragile, vulnerable, tragically lost, secretive Alex comes along and ruins me and breaks my heart, he does really does need a huge hug – something which I am more than happy to provide 😉 honestly though, I thought I was completely lost when Zach exploded into my life, but oh boy has Alex got to me or what. I may never recover from this, I may never be able to look at another hero again.
This is the third and final book in the Beauchamp Heirs series, and it is very sad that this beautiful series has come to an end, but I am hoping that there will be more books that at least feature the glorious Beauchamp’s in some way, yes I am blatantly hinting there that I want more Beauchamp’s in my life…no not want, I need them!! Over the course of this series and the previous, it has been a real joy getting to know each couple and their adorable pooches – by the way; thank you Janice for putting a bull terrier into your books and in such a fabulously central way, you wouldn’t believe how that tiny thing made me happy.
So, book three means; Alex, the one Beauchamp heir that I have been looking forward to meeting, Alex has always felt like the outsider, the black sheep of the Beauchamp family, he has never felt at ease or himself with them, the only person he has ever really felt comfortable around is his childhood best friend Jane. So when she needs rescuing from the unsuitable clutches of the dastardly Sir Pikeford, he does as he has always done with her; stand in and protect her. Once married he thinks that his personal scar’s and ghosts from his troubled past may finally leave him now he has to put all his focus on to equally vulnerable Jane. Oh, how wrong he is! Let us say, that Alex soon realises that burring your problems isn’t the answer and that the woman by his side could very well be just what he is looking for. That’s, of course, they both can move forward and past their issues.
If you have been following the series, you may know that Alex was the one who found his mother murdered as a child and that has weighed heavily on him for the rest of his life. I won’t say too much about that aspect of the story, but it is a huge part of why he is as troubled as he is and why there is animosity between him and his Ducal father. For me, t was that side of the story that captured my attention the most, the journey Alex must go on from rescuing and marrying Jane to facing some exceedingly difficult moments to finally reach that happily ever after, he so deserves and yearns for, that journey is one which is fraught with heartache, not just for Alex and Jane but for the reader too. It is expertly written, the emotion ripples and crackles right off the page.
I have been through the mill with this one, I have laughed, sighed, swooned, groaned in frustration, cried; basically, I have had some sort of little meltdown on the course of this book and, you know what I would happily do it all again. Then to top it all off, I ended up clinging to my kindle as I perched at the edge of my chair, terrified for my hero and hoping he comes through and gets his much deserved happily ever after (just a small hint at the turmoil which our characters go through) …Janice Preston, what are you doing to me?
I am an emotional mess, and loving it!
I have to mention the ending, no spoilers…just a nod to Ms Preston’s impressive gift at cementing a scene into the reader’s mind forever, it is perfect for the story, for the series and for the Beauchamp’s. Just one thing though, from the title you would think that this is a Christmas story, I personally wouldn’t say it is, but what I will say is; that this is a beautiful, illuminating and heartfelt romance with one of the most troubled and fragile heroes I have come across since Jamie Warriner from Virginia Heath’s Wild Warriner’s and dare I say it; Heathcliffe?! As you may except I was all over Alex…that doesn’t sound right, but I think you get the idea of how much I adored him.
Christmas with his Wallflower wife is a gorgeous love story, yet it is far more than your stereotypical; friends to lovers romance, with it’s an entertaining, intriguing and suspenseful subplot, rich details and outstanding emotional conflict between two incredible characters this is an engaging and enchanting page-turner that will captivate you right to the last page.
A beautiful and emotional finale to what has been a perfect series!
This is the third and final book in the Beauchamp Heirs series, and it is very sad that this beautiful series has come to an end, but I am hoping that there will be more books that at least feature the glorious Beauchamp’s in some way, yes I am blatantly hinting there that I want more Beauchamp’s in my life…no not want, I need them!! Over the course of this series and the previous, it has been a real joy getting to know each couple and their adorable pooches – by the way; thank you Janice for putting a bull terrier into your books and in such a fabulously central way, you wouldn’t believe how that tiny thing made me happy.
So, book three means; Alex, the one Beauchamp heir that I have been looking forward to meeting, Alex has always felt like the outsider, the black sheep of the Beauchamp family, he has never felt at ease or himself with them, the only person he has ever really felt comfortable around is his childhood best friend Jane. So when she needs rescuing from the unsuitable clutches of the dastardly Sir Pikeford, he does as he has always done with her; stand in and protect her. Once married he thinks that his personal scar’s and ghosts from his troubled past may finally leave him now he has to put all his focus on to equally vulnerable Jane. Oh, how wrong he is! Let us say, that Alex soon realises that burring your problems isn’t the answer and that the woman by his side could very well be just what he is looking for. That’s, of course, they both can move forward and past their issues.
If you have been following the series, you may know that Alex was the one who found his mother murdered as a child and that has weighed heavily on him for the rest of his life. I won’t say too much about that aspect of the story, but it is a huge part of why he is as troubled as he is and why there is animosity between him and his Ducal father. For me, t was that side of the story that captured my attention the most, the journey Alex must go on from rescuing and marrying Jane to facing some exceedingly difficult moments to finally reach that happily ever after, he so deserves and yearns for, that journey is one which is fraught with heartache, not just for Alex and Jane but for the reader too. It is expertly written, the emotion ripples and crackles right off the page.
I have been through the mill with this one, I have laughed, sighed, swooned, groaned in frustration, cried; basically, I have had some sort of little meltdown on the course of this book and, you know what I would happily do it all again. Then to top it all off, I ended up clinging to my kindle as I perched at the edge of my chair, terrified for my hero and hoping he comes through and gets his much deserved happily ever after (just a small hint at the turmoil which our characters go through) …Janice Preston, what are you doing to me?
I am an emotional mess, and loving it!
I have to mention the ending, no spoilers…just a nod to Ms Preston’s impressive gift at cementing a scene into the reader’s mind forever, it is perfect for the story, for the series and for the Beauchamp’s. Just one thing though, from the title you would think that this is a Christmas story, I personally wouldn’t say it is, but what I will say is; that this is a beautiful, illuminating and heartfelt romance with one of the most troubled and fragile heroes I have come across since Jamie Warriner from Virginia Heath’s Wild Warriner’s and dare I say it; Heathcliffe?! As you may except I was all over Alex…that doesn’t sound right, but I think you get the idea of how much I adored him.
Christmas with his Wallflower wife is a gorgeous love story, yet it is far more than your stereotypical; friends to lovers romance, with it’s an entertaining, intriguing and suspenseful subplot, rich details and outstanding emotional conflict between two incredible characters this is an engaging and enchanting page-turner that will captivate you right to the last page.
A beautiful and emotional finale to what has been a perfect series!
November 28, 2019
Christmas With His Wallflower Wife is an historical romance and part of the Beauchamp Heirs miniseries.
Alex Beauchamp cannot believe that he has just asked his childhood friend to be his wife. He did it to save her from a drunken rapist, though he'd never planned on a wife at his age.
Janey has loved Alex from afar all her life, but he has never seen her as more than a friend. But when he rescues her, saving her honour, she accepts his proposal of marriage. She’s the one person who has always understood Alex and his troubled mood swings. However, Alex becomes plagued with nightmares which he refuses to discuss; this severely tests their marriage. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-f5S
Alex Beauchamp cannot believe that he has just asked his childhood friend to be his wife. He did it to save her from a drunken rapist, though he'd never planned on a wife at his age.
Janey has loved Alex from afar all her life, but he has never seen her as more than a friend. But when he rescues her, saving her honour, she accepts his proposal of marriage. She’s the one person who has always understood Alex and his troubled mood swings. However, Alex becomes plagued with nightmares which he refuses to discuss; this severely tests their marriage. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-f5S
November 6, 2019
After being away four years, Lord Alexander Beauchamp has agreed to return to Cheriton Abbey for a garden party because the whole family would be reunited. He hates it there, and he vows to go back home to Foxbourne Manor and his horses as soon as he can. Unlike Alex, Lady Jane Colebrooke is thrilled that he is back. She's loved him for years but to him, she was always "good old Janey", to her chagrin. But Alex, ever her protector, rescues Jane and they are soon wed. Jane is happy in a way, but Alex was never easy; will marriage help him chase his demons away?
I was eager for the story of the enigmatic, rebellious Alex Beauchamp. Alex could hardly stand his father, the formidable Leo, Duke of Chariton; even marrying Jane consisted in an act of defiance against Leo. I knew Alex's story would be dark, but I did not anticipate such a dark Gothic tale. I also had a problem very early on: Jane has always loved Alex, and what bothered me until the very end was that there had never been any indication that Alex fancied Jane in any way. It had been a platonic friendship until the wedding, when Alex noticed Jane's beauty, and he became consumed with lust on the wedding night. In view of the circumstances - the reason why they married - Alex showed just how selfish and inconsiderate he was. The marriage seemed to work mostly on a physical level - they are always having sex, he tries to distract her away from their problems by having sex, he hopes to obliterate his black moods by bedding his wife - and the fact that Alex's sudden lust came out of nowhere threw me completely off.
The characters are exceptionally well drawn, particularly the villain and Leo, whom I adored in this book. But I really disliked Alex as a romantic hero, although he's a fabulous character. Alex is the broodiest, most tortured and tormented hero I have ever read, and they are not my favourite. CHRISTMAS WITH HIS WALLFLOWER WIFE makes one realise how difficult and dangerous it must have been before the advent of psychology and psychiatry for people to overcome their mental health issues, because Alex was a very troubled man - and he did have his reasons. I also thought him foolish to place his trust in the wrong person, never in the ones who cared about him; he was too proud, too stubborn. I couldn't help thinking what an utterly miserable life "a real Jane" would have suffered.
I don't know if it was a case of the right book at the wrong time, but CHRISTMAS WITH HIS WALLFLOWER WIFE didn't work for me, it was just too dark and Alex too frustrating. The writing is outstanding, as expected; the period details exquisite; and the dialogues absolutely brilliant and entirely in tune with the language of the era. The epilogue is particularly lovely with an authentic Regency Christmas atmosphere.
I give 3.5 stars
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was eager for the story of the enigmatic, rebellious Alex Beauchamp. Alex could hardly stand his father, the formidable Leo, Duke of Chariton; even marrying Jane consisted in an act of defiance against Leo. I knew Alex's story would be dark, but I did not anticipate such a dark Gothic tale. I also had a problem very early on: Jane has always loved Alex, and what bothered me until the very end was that there had never been any indication that Alex fancied Jane in any way. It had been a platonic friendship until the wedding, when Alex noticed Jane's beauty, and he became consumed with lust on the wedding night. In view of the circumstances - the reason why they married - Alex showed just how selfish and inconsiderate he was. The marriage seemed to work mostly on a physical level - they are always having sex, he tries to distract her away from their problems by having sex, he hopes to obliterate his black moods by bedding his wife - and the fact that Alex's sudden lust came out of nowhere threw me completely off.
The characters are exceptionally well drawn, particularly the villain and Leo, whom I adored in this book. But I really disliked Alex as a romantic hero, although he's a fabulous character. Alex is the broodiest, most tortured and tormented hero I have ever read, and they are not my favourite. CHRISTMAS WITH HIS WALLFLOWER WIFE makes one realise how difficult and dangerous it must have been before the advent of psychology and psychiatry for people to overcome their mental health issues, because Alex was a very troubled man - and he did have his reasons. I also thought him foolish to place his trust in the wrong person, never in the ones who cared about him; he was too proud, too stubborn. I couldn't help thinking what an utterly miserable life "a real Jane" would have suffered.
I don't know if it was a case of the right book at the wrong time, but CHRISTMAS WITH HIS WALLFLOWER WIFE didn't work for me, it was just too dark and Alex too frustrating. The writing is outstanding, as expected; the period details exquisite; and the dialogues absolutely brilliant and entirely in tune with the language of the era. The epilogue is particularly lovely with an authentic Regency Christmas atmosphere.
I give 3.5 stars
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 5, 2019
Christmas with His Wallflower Wife
The Beauchamp Heirs Series #3
Janice Preston
https://www.facebook.com/janice.prest...
Release date 12/01/2019
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
Blurb :
A convenient bride
Can he be the groom she deserves?
Part of The Beauchamp Heirs. Lord Alexander Beauchamp has protected Lady Jane Colebrooke since childhood. So seeing she’s about to be forced to wed, he steps in with a proposal of his own! But Alex underestimated the closeness that taking Jane as his bride demands—something he expected never to give. As Christmas approaches, he knows he must confront the dark secrets that shadow their marriage…
My review :
Will her love be enough when he can’t trust her enough ...
I have not yet read all the Beauchamps’ story but I will with time.
After reading Alex’s brother’s and father’s stories , I was deeply intrigued and very in need of answers about his distrust upon his father and was plagued him to isolate himself from his kin. Alex is the lost son, the one who always feels not at his place even when among his kin.
Enter Jane, his childhood friend, first I thought she would be a kind of Cinderella but outside her love for animals and her resilience to tolerate anything from her selfish stepmother, she is not so meek nor plain. All life she was belittled by her stepmother, so much she came to believe her.
With Alex, even after years apart, she is not shy but rather carefree of the consequences to express her own opinion, as she knows he will always stand by her side.
During the premise of this book, they get to rekindle their friendship and they settle easily in marital life.
Until the shadows of the past lurk on them ready to pounce and threaten their fragile truce. And Alex in his blindness and pride to accept the outstretched hand of his wife, lets the devil enters his home.
This tale is the perfect example of how talented is Mrs Janice Preston, her work is a kaleidoscope of sensations, at each turn of a page, I faced aplenty of feelings like anger, disappointment, sadness, warmth and fluttering belly...
Mrs Preston does not go easy on her characters, they are flawed, making mistakes after another’s. Why I was so angry at Alex but I also was torn between wanting to hug or shake Jane. But she also grants them enormous heart, and their shared love is the best of component for a tremendous love tale.
5 stars for this emotional tale stirring poignant moments.
I was granted an advance copy by the author but prior to it I preordered my own. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Beauchamp Heirs Series #3
Janice Preston
https://www.facebook.com/janice.prest...
Release date 12/01/2019
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
Blurb :
A convenient bride
Can he be the groom she deserves?
Part of The Beauchamp Heirs. Lord Alexander Beauchamp has protected Lady Jane Colebrooke since childhood. So seeing she’s about to be forced to wed, he steps in with a proposal of his own! But Alex underestimated the closeness that taking Jane as his bride demands—something he expected never to give. As Christmas approaches, he knows he must confront the dark secrets that shadow their marriage…
My review :
Will her love be enough when he can’t trust her enough ...
I have not yet read all the Beauchamps’ story but I will with time.
After reading Alex’s brother’s and father’s stories , I was deeply intrigued and very in need of answers about his distrust upon his father and was plagued him to isolate himself from his kin. Alex is the lost son, the one who always feels not at his place even when among his kin.
Enter Jane, his childhood friend, first I thought she would be a kind of Cinderella but outside her love for animals and her resilience to tolerate anything from her selfish stepmother, she is not so meek nor plain. All life she was belittled by her stepmother, so much she came to believe her.
With Alex, even after years apart, she is not shy but rather carefree of the consequences to express her own opinion, as she knows he will always stand by her side.
During the premise of this book, they get to rekindle their friendship and they settle easily in marital life.
Until the shadows of the past lurk on them ready to pounce and threaten their fragile truce. And Alex in his blindness and pride to accept the outstretched hand of his wife, lets the devil enters his home.
This tale is the perfect example of how talented is Mrs Janice Preston, her work is a kaleidoscope of sensations, at each turn of a page, I faced aplenty of feelings like anger, disappointment, sadness, warmth and fluttering belly...
Mrs Preston does not go easy on her characters, they are flawed, making mistakes after another’s. Why I was so angry at Alex but I also was torn between wanting to hug or shake Jane. But she also grants them enormous heart, and their shared love is the best of component for a tremendous love tale.
5 stars for this emotional tale stirring poignant moments.
I was granted an advance copy by the author but prior to it I preordered my own. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
September 29, 2020
We are told the H is moody, but to me he acted like a sulky teenager. He offered for the h, but he did not love her passionately, even at the end, he was only comfortable in his love for her. We are told the h was sweet, but she's written as a constant nag, saying 'yes, but' over and over. I liked the idea of the plot, but it was let down by dull characters. The bad guy was obvious, and the H wasn't smart. Others rated this highly, so it must be me?
November 24, 2019
This was a story that was difficult to put down. The main characters of Jane and Alex were very engaging. Jane had such a caring nature and an absolutely dreadful stepmother. Alex and Jane has been friends since childhood. I loved how gentle Alex was with Jane, given her previous experience. Unfortunately, their marriage is not without its problems. Alex has a past trauma to come to terms with and others do not help. The way the family all pulled together and cared for each other was very enjoyable to read. This was an emotional read at times, as Alex and Jane negotiate their way to a happy ending. This was one of those stories where the characters stay with you, long after you have finished reading the book.
November 27, 2019
Absolutely enchanting read, Utterly adore this beautiful story and very fitting finale to the series, even though each can be read as stand alone or each in turn.
I loved the twists and turns through out this beautiful journey, the villains I'd love to slap silly. Adore that as always some old friends we've met are here with us, I've laughed, been enraged, welt with heartache and joy throughout this book and I adore the epilogue. Highly recommended series.
Thank you for another amazing read.
I loved the twists and turns through out this beautiful journey, the villains I'd love to slap silly. Adore that as always some old friends we've met are here with us, I've laughed, been enraged, welt with heartache and joy throughout this book and I adore the epilogue. Highly recommended series.
Thank you for another amazing read.
October 12, 2019
Christmas with His Wallflower Wife (The Beauchamp Heirs Book 3) by Janice Preston is a delightful and beautiful Christmas Romance. While, book 3 it can be read as a stand alone.
This is the final Book in the Beauchamp Heirs, and what an ending!
Well written with interesting and engaging cast of characters. Steady paced, with a storyline that flows seamlessly and effortlessly.
Meet, Lord Alexander (Alex) Beauchamp and Lady Jane Colebrooke, Alex has been Jane's protector since childhood. When, Alex learns Jane's being forced to wed, of course, he steps in to protect her.
A friends to lover to romance, with dark secrets, romance, deceit, adventure, Christmas magic, danger, misunderstandings, a bit of mystery and suspense with twists and turns and suspense, makes "Christmas with His Wallflower Wife" an exciting and magical Christmas read. I was pulled into this story from the first page to the last. The characters are easy to connect to, as well as to love with hope of a HEA.
A must read for fans of Regency Romance, Christmas Romance, with characters who the reader will watch grow. This story pulls together family, and shows what a true Christmas Romance entails, love, peace, and happiness. A must read Christmas Romance. Very enjoyable, entertaining and satisfying read.
"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Sweet/Clean
Reviewer: AprilR
This is the final Book in the Beauchamp Heirs, and what an ending!
Well written with interesting and engaging cast of characters. Steady paced, with a storyline that flows seamlessly and effortlessly.
Meet, Lord Alexander (Alex) Beauchamp and Lady Jane Colebrooke, Alex has been Jane's protector since childhood. When, Alex learns Jane's being forced to wed, of course, he steps in to protect her.
A friends to lover to romance, with dark secrets, romance, deceit, adventure, Christmas magic, danger, misunderstandings, a bit of mystery and suspense with twists and turns and suspense, makes "Christmas with His Wallflower Wife" an exciting and magical Christmas read. I was pulled into this story from the first page to the last. The characters are easy to connect to, as well as to love with hope of a HEA.
A must read for fans of Regency Romance, Christmas Romance, with characters who the reader will watch grow. This story pulls together family, and shows what a true Christmas Romance entails, love, peace, and happiness. A must read Christmas Romance. Very enjoyable, entertaining and satisfying read.
"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Sweet/Clean
Reviewer: AprilR
March 22, 2022
This was the third in the series of the Beauchamp heirs. It stars Alex the middle son of the Duke of Cheriton as the hero who is forced into marrying Jane his childhood friend. Alex was always characterized as being a difficult young man with a terrible relationship with his father. This book reveals all the trauma that the young man has suppressed of his childhood. The author builds up the mental breakdown of a young man troubled with visions of his mother's murder extremely well. Instead of finding happiness with his newly wed bride, Alex pushes her away until the resolution. An old villain reappears and Alex behaves just as foolishly like Rosalind his stepmother did in the first story. The first half was romantic, the second half was Gothic and I was waiting for the book to end. There was not much Christmas cheer in this story.
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November 18, 2019Categories
Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Holiday Romance, Regency Romance
Miniseries
The Beauchamp Heirs (Book #3)
Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Holiday Romance, Regency Romance
Miniseries
The Beauchamp Heirs (Book #3)
November 24, 2019
Christmas with his Wallflower Wife is the third and final book in author Janice Preston’s "The Beauchamp Heirs" series. For those of us who are fans of Janice Preston’s Beauchamp family series, this is a sad day to have to say goodbye to this family. I’m hoping that at some point, Ms. Preston will find a way back to the Beauchamp family, but if this truly is the end, then I must say she ended it with complete and utter perfection!
Lord Alexander Beauchamp is the youngest son of the Duke of Cheriton. He’s considered the rebellious son, the loner, an outsider who never feels comfortable around his family, especially his father.
Lady Jane Colebrooke’s family estate adjoins the Beauchamp’s in Devonshire. She grew up with the Beauchamp children and was particularly close to Alex. Over the years her hero-worship of Alex has matured into love, but she knows he still sees her as the little girl who followed him around.
I love when a couple has a past together and when friendship turns to love. Although we’ve seen Alex in all the previous stories, Jane is a fairly new character for us. We first met her in the previous book in this series, Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir. I liked her in that story and was happy to hear she was the heroine in this story. She’s grown up with the Beauchamp’s and as we get to know her, we see that Alex has always stood up for her and protected her. So when Jane is being pressured into an unwanted marriage, Alex steps in and offers to marry her himself. I really felt Jane was good for Alex and the one person who could eventually get through to him.
I am a big fan of the Beauchamp Family and was looking forward to Alex’s story to see if we finally get to see the source of his anger. I’ll admit that when it came to Alexander Beauchamp, I really didn’t feel I knew him or understood him… If you’ve followed the series from beginning to end, you are aware Alex was traumatized at an early age and since that time has been troubled and upset. This story brings everything out in the open and explains it all! It’s an extremely emotional read as we watch this young man go through the process of discovering the truth of many years ago.
Ms. Preston is such an excellent writer and this story definitely goes up there as one of her best! This story is so much more than just a newly married couple’s journey from friendship to love. It’s a story about family, secrets, hope, and yes… love. The story takes the reader on an emotional journey and we end up with an extremely perfect ending set at Christmas time. With all of our favorite characters from the previous stories making an appearance, I couldn’t ask for a better ending for a beloved series and family! I’ll admit I closed this book with happy tears! I highly recommend all of Janice Preston’s books, but will always hold a special place in my heart for the Beauchamp Series! Loved it!
Lord Alexander Beauchamp is the youngest son of the Duke of Cheriton. He’s considered the rebellious son, the loner, an outsider who never feels comfortable around his family, especially his father.
Lady Jane Colebrooke’s family estate adjoins the Beauchamp’s in Devonshire. She grew up with the Beauchamp children and was particularly close to Alex. Over the years her hero-worship of Alex has matured into love, but she knows he still sees her as the little girl who followed him around.
I love when a couple has a past together and when friendship turns to love. Although we’ve seen Alex in all the previous stories, Jane is a fairly new character for us. We first met her in the previous book in this series, Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir. I liked her in that story and was happy to hear she was the heroine in this story. She’s grown up with the Beauchamp’s and as we get to know her, we see that Alex has always stood up for her and protected her. So when Jane is being pressured into an unwanted marriage, Alex steps in and offers to marry her himself. I really felt Jane was good for Alex and the one person who could eventually get through to him.
I am a big fan of the Beauchamp Family and was looking forward to Alex’s story to see if we finally get to see the source of his anger. I’ll admit that when it came to Alexander Beauchamp, I really didn’t feel I knew him or understood him… If you’ve followed the series from beginning to end, you are aware Alex was traumatized at an early age and since that time has been troubled and upset. This story brings everything out in the open and explains it all! It’s an extremely emotional read as we watch this young man go through the process of discovering the truth of many years ago.
Ms. Preston is such an excellent writer and this story definitely goes up there as one of her best! This story is so much more than just a newly married couple’s journey from friendship to love. It’s a story about family, secrets, hope, and yes… love. The story takes the reader on an emotional journey and we end up with an extremely perfect ending set at Christmas time. With all of our favorite characters from the previous stories making an appearance, I couldn’t ask for a better ending for a beloved series and family! I’ll admit I closed this book with happy tears! I highly recommend all of Janice Preston’s books, but will always hold a special place in my heart for the Beauchamp Series! Loved it!
December 1, 2019
Christmas With His Wallflower Wife (Mills & Boon Historical) is the third book in The Beauchamp Heirs series by Janice Preston.
I really loved this story because not only was it a beautiful romance, there was also some angst and a big mystery that needed to be solved too. It's one of those books that once you start to read it you just don't want to put it down.
The lead female in this story, Lady Jane Colebrooke, has the proverbial wicked stepmother. She will stop at nothing to get Jane out of the house including trying to get her to marry a man that Jane despises. When that man puts Jane in a compromised situation after trying to have his wicked way with her, her lifetime hero steps in to help.
Lord Alexander Beauchamp is that hero and he has known Jane nearly all her life. He has always looked out for her. When he realises what has happened to Jane and how devastated she is, not only about the near-rape but because she is going to be forced to marry the man, he steps in. He offers to marry her instead. Jane has loved Alex for as long as she can remember so for her it would be a dream come true to wed him. But after they wed she realises he has some secrets, something wrong that is tearing him apart but which he feels he can't share with her. Will he learn that he can trust her and that he can let her in, let her help him, or will their marriage be over not long after it starts?
I don't want to say any more than that because I don't want to give away the story. Just so you know, there is more than one wicked person in this story, and if you are anything like me you will want to jump into the book and smack him! I love when an author can write a villain that you can so easily dislike that much. I also love that although we all know that romance stories tend to have a happy ending, I really didn't know how this one could work out as well as it does. But it was done beautifully and believably and I was left feeling happy at the end of the story.
I enjoyed the book and am very happy to recommend it.
I really loved this story because not only was it a beautiful romance, there was also some angst and a big mystery that needed to be solved too. It's one of those books that once you start to read it you just don't want to put it down.
The lead female in this story, Lady Jane Colebrooke, has the proverbial wicked stepmother. She will stop at nothing to get Jane out of the house including trying to get her to marry a man that Jane despises. When that man puts Jane in a compromised situation after trying to have his wicked way with her, her lifetime hero steps in to help.
Lord Alexander Beauchamp is that hero and he has known Jane nearly all her life. He has always looked out for her. When he realises what has happened to Jane and how devastated she is, not only about the near-rape but because she is going to be forced to marry the man, he steps in. He offers to marry her instead. Jane has loved Alex for as long as she can remember so for her it would be a dream come true to wed him. But after they wed she realises he has some secrets, something wrong that is tearing him apart but which he feels he can't share with her. Will he learn that he can trust her and that he can let her in, let her help him, or will their marriage be over not long after it starts?
I don't want to say any more than that because I don't want to give away the story. Just so you know, there is more than one wicked person in this story, and if you are anything like me you will want to jump into the book and smack him! I love when an author can write a villain that you can so easily dislike that much. I also love that although we all know that romance stories tend to have a happy ending, I really didn't know how this one could work out as well as it does. But it was done beautifully and believably and I was left feeling happy at the end of the story.
I enjoyed the book and am very happy to recommend it.
December 22, 2021
41/2 stars. Lovely story of Lord Alexander Beauchamp, a man tortured by nightmares of the day his mother died, and Lady Jane Colebrooke, his friend from childhood. Felt for these two and their struggles and the story was good and kept my interest. Knocked off 1/2 star because I got frustrated with Alex and his stubbornness (but he redeems himself in the end).
December 16, 2019
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-13L
Lady Jane Colebrooke’s stepmother is determined to marry Jane off and remove her from the household to focus on her two daughters who will soon be making their entrance into society. Though Jane would love her own home, and to have a family, she has no desire to marry Sir Denzil Pikeford, the man her stepmother is pushing on her. There’s only one man Jane wants to marry – Alexander Beauchamp, her own childhood friend, and brother of her best friend, Olivia. The problem is that Alex has never noticed that Jane has grown up. He still sees her as his young friend, and treats her with the casual affection he would show to a sister.
When Jane’s stepmother engineers a situation that ensures Jane will be compromised with Piketon, Alex arrives in time to rescue her. Amidst the ensuing chaos, Alex asks Jane to marry him, only wanting to protect her from having to marry the awful Piketon, and to get her away from her stepmother. Because of Alex’s past, he never intended to marry, but if he has to, it seems like a dear friend is a good choice. Though Jane has her heart’s desire within reach, she’s hesitant to accept, not wanting to force Alex into an unwanted marriage. Alex, however, charms her, as he always has, and they marry within days.
When Alex was only seven years old, he found his murdered mother’s body, and was so severely traumatized that he didn’t speak for a year. He had nightmares, and has tried his best to block out that memory. He certainly never speaks of it. Though he loves his family, there is a distance between them, particularly his father, the Duke of Cheriton. Alex has become something of a loner, and avoids returning to his family home, where the long ago tragedy happened.
After Alex and Jane marry, Alex finds that he is somehow mixing up in his mind the attack on Jane by Piketon with the long ago attack on his mother. Soon he’s having nightmares again, though Jane is always able to soothe him back to sleep. After some initial hesitancy on Jane’s part, due to the trauma she suffered at Piketon’s hands, she and Alex begin to share a wonderful physical relationship. They have steamy nights and their days are full of both fun and work, as they settle into their new life together.
Their happiness is short lived, as Alex begins to have waking episodes. He zones out as he begins to see more and more of what happened years ago, realizing that he actually witnessed his mother’s murder. As more memories come to him, he realizes that the truth will tear his family apart. He’s determined to keep the secret, though it’s destroying him, and ruining his relationship with Jane. He won’t talk to her about it, despite her pleas, and becomes more troubled and distant. When Alex refuses to attend his family’s Christmas gathering, Jane is heartbroken. Alex arrogantly suggest she go without him if it means so much to her, and much to the surprise of both of them, she does. Alex’s home is not the same without Jane, and he is in such a fragile state, that he chooses to finally confide in someone, the worst possible decision he could have made.
CHRISTMAS WITH HIS WALLFLOWER WIFE is so well written, literally a book I couldn’t put down. Alex is the kind of hero who breaks your heart for what he’s suffering, yet maddens you when he makes wrong decisions. He’s a sexy, charming hero with vulnerabilities he’s determined to hide from the world. Jane is truly not a wallflower, but a strong and determined woman, one who’s in love and will do anything to help and protect her husband. Janice Preston has ended the Beauchamp series beautifully in this passionate and emotional romance. The reconciliation and healing was tear inducing, along with all the highs and lows along the bumpy road. And, oh, what a despicable villain there is in this story! I was so invested that I wanted to engineer his demise myself. I feel that CHRISTMAS WITH HIS WALLFLOWER WIFE is the best book of the series, one that I highly recommend to all lovers of historical romance, particularly those, like me, who adore friends to lovers, family love, and Christmas joy.
Lady Jane Colebrooke’s stepmother is determined to marry Jane off and remove her from the household to focus on her two daughters who will soon be making their entrance into society. Though Jane would love her own home, and to have a family, she has no desire to marry Sir Denzil Pikeford, the man her stepmother is pushing on her. There’s only one man Jane wants to marry – Alexander Beauchamp, her own childhood friend, and brother of her best friend, Olivia. The problem is that Alex has never noticed that Jane has grown up. He still sees her as his young friend, and treats her with the casual affection he would show to a sister.
When Jane’s stepmother engineers a situation that ensures Jane will be compromised with Piketon, Alex arrives in time to rescue her. Amidst the ensuing chaos, Alex asks Jane to marry him, only wanting to protect her from having to marry the awful Piketon, and to get her away from her stepmother. Because of Alex’s past, he never intended to marry, but if he has to, it seems like a dear friend is a good choice. Though Jane has her heart’s desire within reach, she’s hesitant to accept, not wanting to force Alex into an unwanted marriage. Alex, however, charms her, as he always has, and they marry within days.
When Alex was only seven years old, he found his murdered mother’s body, and was so severely traumatized that he didn’t speak for a year. He had nightmares, and has tried his best to block out that memory. He certainly never speaks of it. Though he loves his family, there is a distance between them, particularly his father, the Duke of Cheriton. Alex has become something of a loner, and avoids returning to his family home, where the long ago tragedy happened.
After Alex and Jane marry, Alex finds that he is somehow mixing up in his mind the attack on Jane by Piketon with the long ago attack on his mother. Soon he’s having nightmares again, though Jane is always able to soothe him back to sleep. After some initial hesitancy on Jane’s part, due to the trauma she suffered at Piketon’s hands, she and Alex begin to share a wonderful physical relationship. They have steamy nights and their days are full of both fun and work, as they settle into their new life together.
Their happiness is short lived, as Alex begins to have waking episodes. He zones out as he begins to see more and more of what happened years ago, realizing that he actually witnessed his mother’s murder. As more memories come to him, he realizes that the truth will tear his family apart. He’s determined to keep the secret, though it’s destroying him, and ruining his relationship with Jane. He won’t talk to her about it, despite her pleas, and becomes more troubled and distant. When Alex refuses to attend his family’s Christmas gathering, Jane is heartbroken. Alex arrogantly suggest she go without him if it means so much to her, and much to the surprise of both of them, she does. Alex’s home is not the same without Jane, and he is in such a fragile state, that he chooses to finally confide in someone, the worst possible decision he could have made.
CHRISTMAS WITH HIS WALLFLOWER WIFE is so well written, literally a book I couldn’t put down. Alex is the kind of hero who breaks your heart for what he’s suffering, yet maddens you when he makes wrong decisions. He’s a sexy, charming hero with vulnerabilities he’s determined to hide from the world. Jane is truly not a wallflower, but a strong and determined woman, one who’s in love and will do anything to help and protect her husband. Janice Preston has ended the Beauchamp series beautifully in this passionate and emotional romance. The reconciliation and healing was tear inducing, along with all the highs and lows along the bumpy road. And, oh, what a despicable villain there is in this story! I was so invested that I wanted to engineer his demise myself. I feel that CHRISTMAS WITH HIS WALLFLOWER WIFE is the best book of the series, one that I highly recommend to all lovers of historical romance, particularly those, like me, who adore friends to lovers, family love, and Christmas joy.
November 25, 2019
The sixth and final book in Janice Preston’s excellent Beauchamp’s series finds Alexander Beauchamp struggling to understand the past, solve a family mystery and finding his place within his family along with learning that falling in love could provide the solutions to many of his problems. Amongst all this though, the main thread of the story involves Alex heroically stepping in and proposing to his childhood friend Jane who finds herself the victim of a shocking assault.
One of the things I love about Janice Preston’s writing is her ability to use characters across books, and regular readers will be familiar with Alex and his troubles from the earlier instalments of this series. Here, strong writing and clever plot development add to the earlier hints and present Alex as a deeply troubled man struggling to fit in with his family, but also provide the reader with a likeable hero who you instantly feel for and want to be happy. Likewise, Jane is a well created leading lady who is clearly in love with Alex from the outset, but develops into a strong heroine as the story progresses, and it is enjoyable to watch her come out of her shell and into her own as the plot progresses and she begins to unravel Alex’s troubled mind. Indeed, the two work well as a couple from the outset; Alex’s proposal to Jane says so much about his characters and his plans to make Jane happy (even if he feels he can’t love her) allow for numerous romantic moments between the two that fuel the reader’s desire for the two to find their happy ending.
Whilst this book works perfectly well as a stand alone story, regular readers will remember the mysterious murder of Alex’s mother, Margaret Beauchamp, has always been a cloud over various members of the family, and here the unsolved crime is explored in more details, cleverly drawing together the entire family as Alex struggles to comprehend what he thinks happened to his mother. Similarly, the return of the excellent villain, Anthony Lascelles, who tormented Leo and Rosalind back in the first book of the series, is an excellent plot device for which I can only praise the author as it neatly ties the series together whilst also working as a new story in it’s own right (and needless to say, he’s no more likeable than he was when first introduced to the series). As a villain, he is an excellent character, and the reader really does worry as Alex appears to fall under his spell, and the revelations that follow, with lots of hints before the big reveal, work well within the context of Lascelles and Alex’s story and provide a satisfactory conclusion.
Villainous plots and unsolved murder aside, this is ultimately Alex and Jane’s story and it is a beautiful slow burning friends to lovers romance with two characters who you cannot help but fall in love with as they try to navigate their way through their unexpected marriage and realisations that their convenient marriage could actually develop into something much more. The scenes as the two separately realise just how much the other means to them are highly romantic and touching, whilst befitting of a relationship that progresses beautifully across the book.
The fact that the story rolls towards its conclusion with appearances from all the Beauchamp’s and their significant others is a highlight for regular readers as we catch up with things that have happened since each book ended, and the epilogue with its festive season setting provides a romantic backdrop to Alex and Jane’s story.
Overall, this is another excellent, beautifully created romance about finding your place in the world with a generous helping of mystery, excellent secondary characters and the realisation that sometimes falling in love is easier than you think.
One of the things I love about Janice Preston’s writing is her ability to use characters across books, and regular readers will be familiar with Alex and his troubles from the earlier instalments of this series. Here, strong writing and clever plot development add to the earlier hints and present Alex as a deeply troubled man struggling to fit in with his family, but also provide the reader with a likeable hero who you instantly feel for and want to be happy. Likewise, Jane is a well created leading lady who is clearly in love with Alex from the outset, but develops into a strong heroine as the story progresses, and it is enjoyable to watch her come out of her shell and into her own as the plot progresses and she begins to unravel Alex’s troubled mind. Indeed, the two work well as a couple from the outset; Alex’s proposal to Jane says so much about his characters and his plans to make Jane happy (even if he feels he can’t love her) allow for numerous romantic moments between the two that fuel the reader’s desire for the two to find their happy ending.
Whilst this book works perfectly well as a stand alone story, regular readers will remember the mysterious murder of Alex’s mother, Margaret Beauchamp, has always been a cloud over various members of the family, and here the unsolved crime is explored in more details, cleverly drawing together the entire family as Alex struggles to comprehend what he thinks happened to his mother. Similarly, the return of the excellent villain, Anthony Lascelles, who tormented Leo and Rosalind back in the first book of the series, is an excellent plot device for which I can only praise the author as it neatly ties the series together whilst also working as a new story in it’s own right (and needless to say, he’s no more likeable than he was when first introduced to the series). As a villain, he is an excellent character, and the reader really does worry as Alex appears to fall under his spell, and the revelations that follow, with lots of hints before the big reveal, work well within the context of Lascelles and Alex’s story and provide a satisfactory conclusion.
Villainous plots and unsolved murder aside, this is ultimately Alex and Jane’s story and it is a beautiful slow burning friends to lovers romance with two characters who you cannot help but fall in love with as they try to navigate their way through their unexpected marriage and realisations that their convenient marriage could actually develop into something much more. The scenes as the two separately realise just how much the other means to them are highly romantic and touching, whilst befitting of a relationship that progresses beautifully across the book.
The fact that the story rolls towards its conclusion with appearances from all the Beauchamp’s and their significant others is a highlight for regular readers as we catch up with things that have happened since each book ended, and the epilogue with its festive season setting provides a romantic backdrop to Alex and Jane’s story.
Overall, this is another excellent, beautifully created romance about finding your place in the world with a generous helping of mystery, excellent secondary characters and the realisation that sometimes falling in love is easier than you think.
November 19, 2019
For the six books in the Beauchamp series (2 separate but connected series) Alexander Beauchamp, 2nd son of the Duke of Cheriton, has been problematic. He takes nothing serious except horses, and has confused and mixed feelings for his father the Duke. When a childhood friend Jane Colebrooke is being forced to marry through no fault of her own, Alex steps in and proposes. She tries to talk him out of it, but her wicked stepmother relishes the match to a handsome rich son of a duke. And that's where it gets interesting.
Jane understands Alex and has loved him for her entire life. She realized he sees her only as a friend, but will not give up on him, her marriage, or discovering a very sad past. I loved Jane, she was strong and didn't even know it. Who could resist Alex anyway, though I wanted to smack him a couple of times.
The HEA is dramatic but satisfying, with everyone from all 6 books back in the mix. There was a bit too much steaminess at the beginning for my taste, which cost it a star. But once the mystery of Alex's emotions began to explode, the story was very intriguing. I am sad to see both series end.
I won this book from the author, and have given a true and honest review.
Jane understands Alex and has loved him for her entire life. She realized he sees her only as a friend, but will not give up on him, her marriage, or discovering a very sad past. I loved Jane, she was strong and didn't even know it. Who could resist Alex anyway, though I wanted to smack him a couple of times.
The HEA is dramatic but satisfying, with everyone from all 6 books back in the mix. There was a bit too much steaminess at the beginning for my taste, which cost it a star. But once the mystery of Alex's emotions began to explode, the story was very intriguing. I am sad to see both series end.
I won this book from the author, and have given a true and honest review.
November 19, 2019
This is the book with Alex's and Jane's story; of the Beauchamp's Heirs this is the story I most wanted to read. The pain that Alex is having in nightmares and in not wanting to have anything to do with his family (not much), just wanting to runaway or getting into trouble. Not being able to confide in anyone(because he has buried in his mind that he doesn't know) he just wants to be alone with his horses.
Then there is Jane, she has been in love with Alex ever since she was little when she followed him around. As she grew up her father had remarried and her stepmother made it her goal to get Jane married through any means (without letting anyone know) but when she planned to have Jane marry a gentleman, that Jane didn't like not just because he was older but that he drank and that he was not who she really wanted.
At the beginning if this book you are seeing Alex finally coming home to visit, and of course Jane will be there and maybe Jane can see if Alex could love her but do to a situation that was planned by Jane's stepmother, everything goes to...
I really loved how this book went as to being at a house party then to an incident to wedding then through many page turnings to see the HEA and Janice has done a wonderful way to theirs.
After reading the start of the Beauchamp's elder's books and starting this Heirs set of books, Janice has brought a family that you can't help but fall in love with, their many different personalities that would seem to not match but with her magic in spinning many obstacles and situations Janice has won me over to them. And after finishing Alex and Jane's book there is so much I would love to continue this family... but we still have Janice's other wonderful books to read.
Then there is Jane, she has been in love with Alex ever since she was little when she followed him around. As she grew up her father had remarried and her stepmother made it her goal to get Jane married through any means (without letting anyone know) but when she planned to have Jane marry a gentleman, that Jane didn't like not just because he was older but that he drank and that he was not who she really wanted.
At the beginning if this book you are seeing Alex finally coming home to visit, and of course Jane will be there and maybe Jane can see if Alex could love her but do to a situation that was planned by Jane's stepmother, everything goes to...
I really loved how this book went as to being at a house party then to an incident to wedding then through many page turnings to see the HEA and Janice has done a wonderful way to theirs.
After reading the start of the Beauchamp's elder's books and starting this Heirs set of books, Janice has brought a family that you can't help but fall in love with, their many different personalities that would seem to not match but with her magic in spinning many obstacles and situations Janice has won me over to them. And after finishing Alex and Jane's book there is so much I would love to continue this family... but we still have Janice's other wonderful books to read.
October 26, 2019
I have loved all the Beauchamp family stories. They've all been full of depth with characters that are real and situations that drew me in completely. But with this last book, Janice Preston has saved the best for last.
Alexander Beauchamp is a very complex individual and the face he presents to Society is a mask covering a world of pain. If he lived in the 21st century, we'd say he had PTSD following an horrific incident in his childhood. Psychiatrists would no doubt also call attention to repressed emotions, repressed memories, leading to false memories and mental agony.
Alas, Alex doesn't live in the 21st century , but in the early 19th, when men in England had stiff upper lips and just got on with it, leaving the emotion to the ladies. Thus, the mask.
Unfortunately, his act is so good that no-one has seen through it, and everyone assumes the devil-may-care rakish facade is the real Alex. Only one person has what it takes to look further.
Jane has also suffered, and although what has happened in her childhood is not as horrific as Alex’s incident, she has been traumatised and made miserable by it. This is compounded by the dreadful event at the beginning of the book, which provides the reason that she and Alex must wed.
Over the course of the story, I laughed and cried with both of them. I felt for them and cheered them on, and sat up reading until my eyes could barely stay open, so determined was I to know what would happen to them and how things would turn out.
I would thoroughly recommend this book. It works as a standalone, though I would encourage you to read all the Beauchamp stories. I believe you'll be glad you did.
Alexander Beauchamp is a very complex individual and the face he presents to Society is a mask covering a world of pain. If he lived in the 21st century, we'd say he had PTSD following an horrific incident in his childhood. Psychiatrists would no doubt also call attention to repressed emotions, repressed memories, leading to false memories and mental agony.
Alas, Alex doesn't live in the 21st century , but in the early 19th, when men in England had stiff upper lips and just got on with it, leaving the emotion to the ladies. Thus, the mask.
Unfortunately, his act is so good that no-one has seen through it, and everyone assumes the devil-may-care rakish facade is the real Alex. Only one person has what it takes to look further.
Jane has also suffered, and although what has happened in her childhood is not as horrific as Alex’s incident, she has been traumatised and made miserable by it. This is compounded by the dreadful event at the beginning of the book, which provides the reason that she and Alex must wed.
Over the course of the story, I laughed and cried with both of them. I felt for them and cheered them on, and sat up reading until my eyes could barely stay open, so determined was I to know what would happen to them and how things would turn out.
I would thoroughly recommend this book. It works as a standalone, though I would encourage you to read all the Beauchamp stories. I believe you'll be glad you did.
December 9, 2019
This is book 3 in the Beauchamp heirs series. The other books in the series are lady Olivia and the infamous rake and daring to love the dukes heir. Although you dont necessarily have to of read the other books in the series I do recommend it as it is such an addictive series.
In this amazing book we have the dashing Lord Alexander Beauchamp who by the end of the book I was totally in love with. Alex suffers from bad nightmares after the troma of finding his mother died. Alex is one character that will definitely pull on your heart strings.
In this book we finally find out more about the Beauchamps mother and the big mystery is finally revealed. I don't want to go to much into that side of the story in my review as I would hate to give anything away.
Our story first starts with Alex and his childhood friend Jane Colebrooke reunion, they haven't seen each other in ages. Unfortunately for Jane she ends up getting herself into a scandalous situation. Alex feels very protective of Jane and ends up coming to her rescue in the form of a proposal, rather than her be forced to marry another man. Alex has alot of dark secrets to face and over come and marrying jane is just what he needed.
I think this book tied the series up beautifully and after reading it I felt for-filled, however slightly disappointed that the series had come to an end.
I love Janice Prestons writing. Style, her books are easy to get into and always extremely enjoyable. I definitely recommend this author.
In this amazing book we have the dashing Lord Alexander Beauchamp who by the end of the book I was totally in love with. Alex suffers from bad nightmares after the troma of finding his mother died. Alex is one character that will definitely pull on your heart strings.
In this book we finally find out more about the Beauchamps mother and the big mystery is finally revealed. I don't want to go to much into that side of the story in my review as I would hate to give anything away.
Our story first starts with Alex and his childhood friend Jane Colebrooke reunion, they haven't seen each other in ages. Unfortunately for Jane she ends up getting herself into a scandalous situation. Alex feels very protective of Jane and ends up coming to her rescue in the form of a proposal, rather than her be forced to marry another man. Alex has alot of dark secrets to face and over come and marrying jane is just what he needed.
I think this book tied the series up beautifully and after reading it I felt for-filled, however slightly disappointed that the series had come to an end.
I love Janice Prestons writing. Style, her books are easy to get into and always extremely enjoyable. I definitely recommend this author.
October 15, 2019
The third book in The Beauchamp Heirs series, Christmas With His Wallflower Wife is the story of the troubled Beauchamp, Alexander and his journey to his happily ever after.
The story starts with Alex rescuing his childhood friend from an unwanted marriage by offering for her himself. Jane has always loved Alex and rather than face a life with the odious Sir Pikeford, she accepts Alex’s offer. They begin their marriage on a harmonious note and are both quite pleased at being with each other, however, Alex’s troubles creep back into his life and Jane desperately wants to help him overcome his demons.
Jane’s character showed ever growing strength through the story and her determination to help Alex led to a wonderful ending. Alex’s character was exceptional. The changes in his character from start to finish flow seamlessly and his internal conflicts and resulting actions were beautifully written and are thoroughly captivating for the reader. The relationship between Alex and Jane was so perfect it gave me a warm fuzzy feeling and had me smiling.
Ms Preston has written another wonderful instalment to add to an incredible series about what has fast become one of my favourite fictional families. Meeting all the Beauchamps again, with the setting of Christmas was the perfect finish. A beautiful festive offering from the incomparable Janice Preston.
The story starts with Alex rescuing his childhood friend from an unwanted marriage by offering for her himself. Jane has always loved Alex and rather than face a life with the odious Sir Pikeford, she accepts Alex’s offer. They begin their marriage on a harmonious note and are both quite pleased at being with each other, however, Alex’s troubles creep back into his life and Jane desperately wants to help him overcome his demons.
Jane’s character showed ever growing strength through the story and her determination to help Alex led to a wonderful ending. Alex’s character was exceptional. The changes in his character from start to finish flow seamlessly and his internal conflicts and resulting actions were beautifully written and are thoroughly captivating for the reader. The relationship between Alex and Jane was so perfect it gave me a warm fuzzy feeling and had me smiling.
Ms Preston has written another wonderful instalment to add to an incredible series about what has fast become one of my favourite fictional families. Meeting all the Beauchamps again, with the setting of Christmas was the perfect finish. A beautiful festive offering from the incomparable Janice Preston.
October 14, 2019
If you’re expecting a Christmas story when you open
Janice Preston’s Christmas with His Wallflower Wife
you will be sorely disappointed. What you will get, however, is an absolutely brilliantly written story.
This is the tale of Alex and is the last in the Beauchamp series. Right at the beginning of the book Alex marries his childhood playmate, Jane, to save her reputation. They are good friends and that’s more than most society couples have when they start life together, right?
Unfortunately, Alex was traumatised as a seven-year-old child when he was the one to find his mother after she had been murdered. He has always suffered from nightmares and now, after his marriage, begins to get flashbacks.
What exactly did Alex see? Are his memories true or just what he was told as a child? Who actually killed his mother? Is he going mad? Ms Preston handles all these questions beautifully.
Alex and Jane are perfectly drawn characters and their story brings the Beauchamp family story to a most satisfying end. Oh, and Christmas? You will have to wait for the epilogue for the family to celebrate it.
**I received an ARC in return for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for reviewing this book.**
This is the tale of Alex and is the last in the Beauchamp series. Right at the beginning of the book Alex marries his childhood playmate, Jane, to save her reputation. They are good friends and that’s more than most society couples have when they start life together, right?
Unfortunately, Alex was traumatised as a seven-year-old child when he was the one to find his mother after she had been murdered. He has always suffered from nightmares and now, after his marriage, begins to get flashbacks.
What exactly did Alex see? Are his memories true or just what he was told as a child? Who actually killed his mother? Is he going mad? Ms Preston handles all these questions beautifully.
Alex and Jane are perfectly drawn characters and their story brings the Beauchamp family story to a most satisfying end. Oh, and Christmas? You will have to wait for the epilogue for the family to celebrate it.
**I received an ARC in return for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for reviewing this book.**
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December 1, 2019Categories
Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Holiday Romance, Regency Romance
Miniseries
The Beauchamp Heirs (Book #3)
Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Holiday Romance, Regency Romance
Miniseries
The Beauchamp Heirs (Book #3)
December 18, 2020
I probably should have read the series, as the family is the center of the story, but I really only read HRs that cater to my favorite tropes. There was some delicious angst, not about the heroine’s supposed plainness like I prefer - in fact, there is only one offhand reference to that, and the number her stepmother supposedly did on her self-esteem seems to disappear too - but there is plenty of drama about the hero not confiding in the heroine while putting his trust in someone else instead. I had this on the plain heroine shelf but it’s coming off of it. I was hoping for a good grovel, and there is a nice one, if brief, but I felt like the angst kinda evaporated due to so I was a bit disappointed there. I felt like Alex was kind of an idiot and I kept urging Jane to stand up for herself, but they weren’t bad characters overall. I probably would have liked them more if I had read the previous books. Jane is going on the traumatized heroine shelf because an attempted rape is what leads to their marriage, and she has a couple of trauma reactions in the beginning, but this book is all about the hero’s healing.
December 17, 2020
I enjoyed this”lively novel. It had a somewhat predictable plot but was sprinkled with enough intrigue to keep you reading.
November 3, 2024
Beauchamp series has been so good! Alex and Dominic stole my hearth!
December 17, 2025
Just okay.
December 30, 2019
Talented historical romance author Janice Preston deftly blends danger, desire, family secrets, passion and suspense in her latest irresistible Regency tale, Christmas with His Wallflower Wife.
Lady Jane Colebrooke has been in love with Lord Alexander Beauchamp ever since she was a child in the school room. However, Alex has never reciprocated her feelings. He has always thought of Jane as a very good friend, but not somebody whom he would ever consider courting. No longer children, Alexander spends most of his time raising merry hell and fighting off the scores of women who throw themselves at him whilst Jane leads a quiet life in the countryside and has to put up with her stepmama’s wicked barbs and snide comments. Jane is well aware that her stepmother is desperate to marry her off and the man she has chosen for her is somebody who makes Jane’s skin crawl and her flesh creep. Desperate to do whatever it takes to ensure that her stepmother’s plans do not go ahead, Jane would love nothing more than marry for love – or at least wed a man who doesn’t turn her stomach. But little does she realise that her prayers are going to be answered by the most unlikely of sources: Lord Alexander Beauchamp himself!
With his childhood friend threatened by scandal, Alex is not about to sit idle and let her be ruined. Stepping in with a proposal of marriage surprises all of polite society – and Alex himself! But now that he has given his word to Jane, he is not about to renege on his proposal. A marriage of convenience would surely be beneficial to both parties and being wed to somebody he likes and respects is a good starting point. Alex never imagined that he would find himself married to Jane Colebrooke – but he is even more surprised when he finds himself attracted to his wallflower wife…
As incendiary passion consumes both Alex and Jane, shadows from the past threaten to destroy their fledgling happiness. Still being held hostage by an event which took place during his childhood that had transformed his life and made him feel like an outsider in his own family, Alex might have no qualms about sharing his bed and his body with Jane, but letting her in and making her privy to the darkness and sadness that consumes him is out of the question. But the more he bottles up his feelings, the more he ends up pushing Jane away.
As a dangerous enemy comes back into their lives, will Alex and Jane manage to find a way to vanquish past demons and spend the rest of their lives together? Or is their marriage doomed?
Christmas with His Wallflower Wife is a multi-layered historical romance rich in atmosphere, authenticity, emotion and suspense. Janice Preston has penned a poignant, captivating and evocative romantic read that touches the heart and keep readers riveted to the page as they find themselves completely and utterly swept away by Alex and Jane’s mature, heart-wrenching and intense love story.
Jane was a terrific heroine and her journey from shy wallflower to a strong and determined woman was an absolute joy to read and Alex was a wonderful hero whom readers will love as he was flawed, vulnerable, charismatic and brooding.
A fabulous historical romance from an immensely gifted writer, Janice Preston’s Christmas with His Wallflower Wife is an outstanding tale of laying old ghosts to rest, second chances and healing from the past which I highly recommend.
Lady Jane Colebrooke has been in love with Lord Alexander Beauchamp ever since she was a child in the school room. However, Alex has never reciprocated her feelings. He has always thought of Jane as a very good friend, but not somebody whom he would ever consider courting. No longer children, Alexander spends most of his time raising merry hell and fighting off the scores of women who throw themselves at him whilst Jane leads a quiet life in the countryside and has to put up with her stepmama’s wicked barbs and snide comments. Jane is well aware that her stepmother is desperate to marry her off and the man she has chosen for her is somebody who makes Jane’s skin crawl and her flesh creep. Desperate to do whatever it takes to ensure that her stepmother’s plans do not go ahead, Jane would love nothing more than marry for love – or at least wed a man who doesn’t turn her stomach. But little does she realise that her prayers are going to be answered by the most unlikely of sources: Lord Alexander Beauchamp himself!
With his childhood friend threatened by scandal, Alex is not about to sit idle and let her be ruined. Stepping in with a proposal of marriage surprises all of polite society – and Alex himself! But now that he has given his word to Jane, he is not about to renege on his proposal. A marriage of convenience would surely be beneficial to both parties and being wed to somebody he likes and respects is a good starting point. Alex never imagined that he would find himself married to Jane Colebrooke – but he is even more surprised when he finds himself attracted to his wallflower wife…
As incendiary passion consumes both Alex and Jane, shadows from the past threaten to destroy their fledgling happiness. Still being held hostage by an event which took place during his childhood that had transformed his life and made him feel like an outsider in his own family, Alex might have no qualms about sharing his bed and his body with Jane, but letting her in and making her privy to the darkness and sadness that consumes him is out of the question. But the more he bottles up his feelings, the more he ends up pushing Jane away.
As a dangerous enemy comes back into their lives, will Alex and Jane manage to find a way to vanquish past demons and spend the rest of their lives together? Or is their marriage doomed?
Christmas with His Wallflower Wife is a multi-layered historical romance rich in atmosphere, authenticity, emotion and suspense. Janice Preston has penned a poignant, captivating and evocative romantic read that touches the heart and keep readers riveted to the page as they find themselves completely and utterly swept away by Alex and Jane’s mature, heart-wrenching and intense love story.
Jane was a terrific heroine and her journey from shy wallflower to a strong and determined woman was an absolute joy to read and Alex was a wonderful hero whom readers will love as he was flawed, vulnerable, charismatic and brooding.
A fabulous historical romance from an immensely gifted writer, Janice Preston’s Christmas with His Wallflower Wife is an outstanding tale of laying old ghosts to rest, second chances and healing from the past which I highly recommend.
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