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A Mistletoe Vow to Lord Lovell
Will their vows last a lifetime…Not just for Christmas?
Abandoned by her husband and society, because her father was a slave, Honora Blake will never rely on anyone again. Until dashing Lord Lovell breaks the news that she is a widow—and penniless—and insists she spend Christmas with him and his pregnant ward.
Beneath the mistletoe, passion flares between Honora and Isaac. Then childbirth places his ward’s life in jeopardy, and these strangers suddenly face marriage to protect the baby!
Abandoned by her husband and society, because her father was a slave, Honora Blake will never rely on anyone again. Until dashing Lord Lovell breaks the news that she is a widow—and penniless—and insists she spend Christmas with him and his pregnant ward.
Beneath the mistletoe, passion flares between Honora and Isaac. Then childbirth places his ward’s life in jeopardy, and these strangers suddenly face marriage to protect the baby!
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 29, 2020
8 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Johnson
119 books13 followersJoanna Johnson lives in a little village with her husband and too many books. After completing an English degree at university she went on to work in publishing, although she'd always rather she was working on her own books rather than other people's. This dream came true in 2018 when she signed her first contract with Harlequin and she hasn't looked back, spending her time getting lost in mainly Regency history and wishing it was still acceptable to write a manuscript with a quill.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 23, 2020
How I appreciate and love the fact that the writer chose an inter-racial relationship during historical times, I was a little sad by the pace and the action of the story. The pace didn’t really pick up until Charlotte had Christopher. I loved the plot and back story to the book. I also loved Issac and Honoria’s character. I think the story dragged out the come to realization moments for all three characters.
I felt that there was no romance that grew between the Issac and Honoria. I read as though it was forced and it was a fast pace to the alter. The book missed all the ideas of a romance novel. The plot was good though.
I felt that there was no romance that grew between the Issac and Honoria. I read as though it was forced and it was a fast pace to the alter. The book missed all the ideas of a romance novel. The plot was good though.
October 1, 2020
I did feel for Honora, in a different country, alone except for her maid and subject to prejudice because of her colour. Little wonder she was defensive and distrustful of people she didn’t know. Honora was a caring and brave person, and she had always longed for a child. Her first meeting with Isaac, Lord Lovell did not go well. Due to circumstances. Isaac had a wakeup call and had decided to mend his ways. Due to his past experiences with his father, he doesn’t wish to marry. Honora and Isaac are attracted to each other but they fight against it. As they get to know each other, and appreciate each other’s good qualities, they do become closer. However, there is a secret that Isaac is keeping from Honora that may spoil everything. This story had some wonderful characters, but it was a little slow in pace and the ending was quite abrupt. I would have liked an epilogue. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 29, 2020
A love story with protagonists who were different than the usual one and that I didn't even think possible at the time. Not unforgettable anyway.
Una storia d'amore con protagonisti diversi dal solito e che nemmeno pensavo possibili a quei tempi. Non indimenticabile comunque.
THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!
Una storia d'amore con protagonisti diversi dal solito e che nemmeno pensavo possibili a quei tempi. Non indimenticabile comunque.
THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!
September 19, 2020
A Mistletoe Vow to Lord Lovell is a standalone book by Joanna Johnson.
Honora Blake is just about making ends meet since her husband abandoned her a few years ago. When she is informed of his death she is relieved to know that at least in death her husband would be a help to her as he had written in his will for her to have a set amount of money regularly.
The person who informed Honora of his death was Lord Lovell, Isaac. He also had to tell her that she was to attend the reading of the man's will. Realising that she couldn't afford to get there by herself Isaac offered to travel with her and pay the costs. When it turns out that her husband had actually left her nothing in his will Honora has nowhere to turn except to Isaac's home. It's there that she meets his very pregnant young sister and they hit it off immediately.
When being snowed in has Honora staying longer than she intended she finds herself getting close to Isaac and there is definitely a very physical attraction between them. Unfortunately, Isaac has secrets that could ruin any relationship he could hope for between them. He knows he should tell her but can't bring himself to do so. Will she find out, and if she does what will she do?
I really liked Honora, she is a level-headed woman who deserves every happiness. Isaac is a reformed rake and although he should have told Honora his secrets from the start I could definitely understand why he couldn't. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop even though I knew there would be strife to follow. There were some lovely intimate scenes between them and a scene or two where Isaac got to show his heroic side. I also enjoyed how they both could be a hero when agreeing to marry despite thinking that the other would never love them!
Set at Christmas time the book had a lovely festive feel especially when there was talk of burning the yule log and about all the lovely greenery strewn around the house. There was a cute scene where Honora was being taught by Charlotte to make kissing boughs. I am smiling just thinking about it.
This is a nice feelgood story that will put you in the mood for Christmas even in September and I am happy to recommend it.
Honora Blake is just about making ends meet since her husband abandoned her a few years ago. When she is informed of his death she is relieved to know that at least in death her husband would be a help to her as he had written in his will for her to have a set amount of money regularly.
The person who informed Honora of his death was Lord Lovell, Isaac. He also had to tell her that she was to attend the reading of the man's will. Realising that she couldn't afford to get there by herself Isaac offered to travel with her and pay the costs. When it turns out that her husband had actually left her nothing in his will Honora has nowhere to turn except to Isaac's home. It's there that she meets his very pregnant young sister and they hit it off immediately.
When being snowed in has Honora staying longer than she intended she finds herself getting close to Isaac and there is definitely a very physical attraction between them. Unfortunately, Isaac has secrets that could ruin any relationship he could hope for between them. He knows he should tell her but can't bring himself to do so. Will she find out, and if she does what will she do?
I really liked Honora, she is a level-headed woman who deserves every happiness. Isaac is a reformed rake and although he should have told Honora his secrets from the start I could definitely understand why he couldn't. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop even though I knew there would be strife to follow. There were some lovely intimate scenes between them and a scene or two where Isaac got to show his heroic side. I also enjoyed how they both could be a hero when agreeing to marry despite thinking that the other would never love them!
Set at Christmas time the book had a lovely festive feel especially when there was talk of burning the yule log and about all the lovely greenery strewn around the house. There was a cute scene where Honora was being taught by Charlotte to make kissing boughs. I am smiling just thinking about it.
This is a nice feelgood story that will put you in the mood for Christmas even in September and I am happy to recommend it.
November 15, 2020
Although the premise was very interesting it took a long time to get there. There was a lot of introspection in this book, especially on the H part. There was so much ruminating over and over about the h deceased husband and his role in this story that I got sick of him and ironically how "stuck" the H was about thinking about him. I would have liked more of their romantic development. I did enjoy the characters and the uniqueness of the h and her ancestry.
September 29, 2020
Good book with an unusual twist. Honora's parents were a freed slave and a plantation owner's daughter who fell in love, married and lived in the mountains of Virginia. Honora fell in love with a visiting Englishman and married him against her parents' advice. Once in England, her husband Frank resumed his rakish ways and, after a couple of years, abandoned Honora. She hadn't seen him in three years when Isaac, Lord Lovell, arrived to tell her that Frank was dead, and she needed to attend the reading of his will.
I enjoyed the first meeting between Isaac and Honora. Isaac broke into her house, not realizing it was occupied, and she confronted him at gunpoint. The antagonism between them is fierce, as Honora believes Isaac was Frank's friend, and Isaac wants nothing to do with Frank's wife. However, when Isaac realizes that Honora doesn't have the money to get to the will reading, Isaac offers to take her with him. During the journey, it becomes evident that underneath the antagonism are sparks of attraction.
I liked the development of the relationship between Isaac and Honora. Honora is feisty and independent, thanks to her upbringing. Still under the impression that Isaac was one of Frank's friends, she makes no secret of her dislike and disapproval. Though she doesn't want to admit it, Honora is also attracted to him. Isaac finds Honora intriguing and is attracted to her. His mental chastisements to himself reveal his low opinion of marriage and his determination not to become involved with her. But when the reading of the will reveals that Honora is both penniless and homeless, Isaac steps up and invites her to spend Christmas with him and his ward while exploring her options.
Things begin to change when they are under one roof. Honora meets Charlotte, Isaac's young and pregnant ward. I loved watching the two women connect. Charlotte brings out Honora's mothering instinct, while Honora's practical attitude helps Charlotte adjust to her situation. Meanwhile, the more time they spend together, the more Honora realizes that she misjudged Isaac. Her feelings for him change and grow. At the same time, Isaac can't help thinking about Honora and how well she fits in his life. But he's keeping a huge secret that could ruin anything that they might have together.
Their lives become more complicated when complications of childbirth put Charlotte's life at risk, and she begs them to marry to protect the baby. Isaac's secret weighs on him even more, as he misses several chances to come clean because he's afraid of losing her. I ached for them both when the truth comes out. Honora once again feels betrayed and used. Isaac is heartbroken at losing the woman he loves. I loved how Charlotte gave him the kick in the pants he needed to make things right. Isaac's big moment at the end was sweet and romantic. I would have liked an epilogue, perhaps involving the promised trip to Virginia, to see how their future works out.
I enjoyed the first meeting between Isaac and Honora. Isaac broke into her house, not realizing it was occupied, and she confronted him at gunpoint. The antagonism between them is fierce, as Honora believes Isaac was Frank's friend, and Isaac wants nothing to do with Frank's wife. However, when Isaac realizes that Honora doesn't have the money to get to the will reading, Isaac offers to take her with him. During the journey, it becomes evident that underneath the antagonism are sparks of attraction.
I liked the development of the relationship between Isaac and Honora. Honora is feisty and independent, thanks to her upbringing. Still under the impression that Isaac was one of Frank's friends, she makes no secret of her dislike and disapproval. Though she doesn't want to admit it, Honora is also attracted to him. Isaac finds Honora intriguing and is attracted to her. His mental chastisements to himself reveal his low opinion of marriage and his determination not to become involved with her. But when the reading of the will reveals that Honora is both penniless and homeless, Isaac steps up and invites her to spend Christmas with him and his ward while exploring her options.
Things begin to change when they are under one roof. Honora meets Charlotte, Isaac's young and pregnant ward. I loved watching the two women connect. Charlotte brings out Honora's mothering instinct, while Honora's practical attitude helps Charlotte adjust to her situation. Meanwhile, the more time they spend together, the more Honora realizes that she misjudged Isaac. Her feelings for him change and grow. At the same time, Isaac can't help thinking about Honora and how well she fits in his life. But he's keeping a huge secret that could ruin anything that they might have together.
Their lives become more complicated when complications of childbirth put Charlotte's life at risk, and she begs them to marry to protect the baby. Isaac's secret weighs on him even more, as he misses several chances to come clean because he's afraid of losing her. I ached for them both when the truth comes out. Honora once again feels betrayed and used. Isaac is heartbroken at losing the woman he loves. I loved how Charlotte gave him the kick in the pants he needed to make things right. Isaac's big moment at the end was sweet and romantic. I would have liked an epilogue, perhaps involving the promised trip to Virginia, to see how their future works out.
October 14, 2020
[Disclaimer: NetGalley provided me with a review copy of this book in exchange for my opinion.]
Relative newcomer Joanna Johnson—this is her fourth title for Harlequin—has done something interesting in A Mistletoe Vow to Lord Lovell, her Christmas offering in the Harlequin Historical line (a monthly endeavor for the publisher). It’s possible that I’m the only one who thinks so, but here it is: she has given us an American heroine in a novel of Regency England. This is not unheard of, but Honora (Jackson) Blake stands out to me because her Americanness gets out to good use.
To wit: we are told that Honora grew up in some degree of wilderness (in Virginia), and Johnson doesn’t let that information fall by the wayside. Rather, she allows it to come out in moments big and small. We see Honora offering to assist with a Yule log. We see her roughing it, after a fashion, as she lives in a cold, poorly-lit home. We see it when she feels into the woods on the eponymous Lord Lovell’s estate.
In that regard, Johnson gets off to a great start, and her quick, efficient sketch of our lord, Isaac, grabs our attention. He is the kind of character who might do anything once we know he’s willing to show up, unannounced, inside Honora’s home.
Unfortunately, many intriguing avenues regarding Issac and Honora are passed by across the course of the novel. But I want to be clear: this is not the author’s fault. Rather, the limitations of the aforementioned monthly format are to blame.
We see this from the very beginning, when scene-setting is dropped in favor of action. There is no leisurely description of Honora’s surroundings. Even characters’ looks hardly get attention. There is nary a mention of how good Isaac (presumably) looks in his buckskins, and that is the Regency romance equivalent of not having a gun on the wall in a Chekov play; you begin to understand what I mean.
But for all of the restrictions our writer faces, she still manages to tell a good story. Her pacing is incredible; I spent a grand total of zero seconds bored while reading this book, and that is certainly an accomplishment!
I especially appreciated the way Johnson allowed us to see multiple facets of Isaac and Honora’s personalities as they interacted with each other and Charlotte. As far as that young character goes, I would have liked to spend more time with her, but again: I understand why I could not.
Overall, Johnson leaves me with the impression that she could knock a longer romance out of the park, given the chance, and I hope that she is afforded that opportunity soon!
Relative newcomer Joanna Johnson—this is her fourth title for Harlequin—has done something interesting in A Mistletoe Vow to Lord Lovell, her Christmas offering in the Harlequin Historical line (a monthly endeavor for the publisher). It’s possible that I’m the only one who thinks so, but here it is: she has given us an American heroine in a novel of Regency England. This is not unheard of, but Honora (Jackson) Blake stands out to me because her Americanness gets out to good use.
To wit: we are told that Honora grew up in some degree of wilderness (in Virginia), and Johnson doesn’t let that information fall by the wayside. Rather, she allows it to come out in moments big and small. We see Honora offering to assist with a Yule log. We see her roughing it, after a fashion, as she lives in a cold, poorly-lit home. We see it when she feels into the woods on the eponymous Lord Lovell’s estate.
In that regard, Johnson gets off to a great start, and her quick, efficient sketch of our lord, Isaac, grabs our attention. He is the kind of character who might do anything once we know he’s willing to show up, unannounced, inside Honora’s home.
Unfortunately, many intriguing avenues regarding Issac and Honora are passed by across the course of the novel. But I want to be clear: this is not the author’s fault. Rather, the limitations of the aforementioned monthly format are to blame.
We see this from the very beginning, when scene-setting is dropped in favor of action. There is no leisurely description of Honora’s surroundings. Even characters’ looks hardly get attention. There is nary a mention of how good Isaac (presumably) looks in his buckskins, and that is the Regency romance equivalent of not having a gun on the wall in a Chekov play; you begin to understand what I mean.
But for all of the restrictions our writer faces, she still manages to tell a good story. Her pacing is incredible; I spent a grand total of zero seconds bored while reading this book, and that is certainly an accomplishment!
I especially appreciated the way Johnson allowed us to see multiple facets of Isaac and Honora’s personalities as they interacted with each other and Charlotte. As far as that young character goes, I would have liked to spend more time with her, but again: I understand why I could not.
Overall, Johnson leaves me with the impression that she could knock a longer romance out of the park, given the chance, and I hope that she is afforded that opportunity soon!
October 26, 2020
Content warnings: spousal financial abuse; difficult pregnancy; detailed difficult birth on page; near-drowning.
Despite the rather intense list of content warnings above, this is a rather sweet little Christmas romance with a focus on finding a place to belong and a family to belong to. I enjoyed seeing how Honora and Isaac went from mutual dislike to love, and I really enjoyed the warm and cosy feel of the book once they became snowed in at Isaac's house. I would have liked more physical chemistry between the two of them, as this is fairly tame for the genre, but I did think their relationship was sweet, especially as they were both slightly older than your usual romance protagonists. I also loved seeing a historical romance centred around a Black heroine - more of this please! Honora was a great, believable character, and one that I really enjoyed getting to know.
However - I personally dislike historical romance focused on pregnancy and birth, especially when a heroine desires a child but has been unable to have one, so I was unpleasantly surprised by the amount of focus given to Isaac's pregnant ward Charlotte. I won't spoil it, but I thought that the way that her pregnancy and birth was handled bordered on voyeuristic, and was used more as a driving force for Honora's development than treating Charlotte like an actual character. As I say, I am sensitive to the mawkish use of pregnancy in historical romance so it isn't necessarily an objective flaw in the book, but it did lessen my enjoyment of an otherwise entertaining Christmas romance. Three and a half stars, rounded up.
Despite the rather intense list of content warnings above, this is a rather sweet little Christmas romance with a focus on finding a place to belong and a family to belong to. I enjoyed seeing how Honora and Isaac went from mutual dislike to love, and I really enjoyed the warm and cosy feel of the book once they became snowed in at Isaac's house. I would have liked more physical chemistry between the two of them, as this is fairly tame for the genre, but I did think their relationship was sweet, especially as they were both slightly older than your usual romance protagonists. I also loved seeing a historical romance centred around a Black heroine - more of this please! Honora was a great, believable character, and one that I really enjoyed getting to know.
However - I personally dislike historical romance focused on pregnancy and birth, especially when a heroine desires a child but has been unable to have one, so I was unpleasantly surprised by the amount of focus given to Isaac's pregnant ward Charlotte. I won't spoil it, but I thought that the way that her pregnancy and birth was handled bordered on voyeuristic, and was used more as a driving force for Honora's development than treating Charlotte like an actual character. As I say, I am sensitive to the mawkish use of pregnancy in historical romance so it isn't necessarily an objective flaw in the book, but it did lessen my enjoyment of an otherwise entertaining Christmas romance. Three and a half stars, rounded up.
September 13, 2020
Honora Blake has been fending for herself since her husband, Frank left her on her own. Then Lord Isaac Lovell comes into her life to tell her that Frank has died. While she is grappling with that, Honora learns she is broke and without a place to live. Isaac opens his home to her and soon, Honora, finds herself a new family with his pregnant ward, Charlotte.
I loved the interracial romance factor and the fact that the hero and heroine were a little older and more mature. My heart melted at the tenderness between Honora and Charlotte. I loved how Honora was feisty and independent. And, I was glad to see how the author showed Isaac's soft side and how he became a man of honor - overcoming a rakish past.
Here's a quote of Honora's discovery:
"His face was handsome and his title might impress some, but it was the light in his soul that called to Honora and made hers cry out in return."
Honora and Isaac's romance also had passion but their conflict at the end felt...contrived. Honora had a premonition, it appeared, but then was shocked when she learned the truth. But this is a romance and there has to be a black moment, I guess...
Other than that, I enjoyed this read and look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you #Netgalley and #Harlequin
I loved the interracial romance factor and the fact that the hero and heroine were a little older and more mature. My heart melted at the tenderness between Honora and Charlotte. I loved how Honora was feisty and independent. And, I was glad to see how the author showed Isaac's soft side and how he became a man of honor - overcoming a rakish past.
Here's a quote of Honora's discovery:
"His face was handsome and his title might impress some, but it was the light in his soul that called to Honora and made hers cry out in return."
Honora and Isaac's romance also had passion but their conflict at the end felt...contrived. Honora had a premonition, it appeared, but then was shocked when she learned the truth. But this is a romance and there has to be a black moment, I guess...
Other than that, I enjoyed this read and look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you #Netgalley and #Harlequin
October 18, 2020
A romance set in Regency times focused on women's lack of rights in society. Honora naively marries a rake and travels to England only to be abandoned and left in a crumbling house. Issac Lord Lovell brings her news of her estranged husband's demise. She wonders if she can begin again, but her husband fails her even in death, and she forced to accept Issac's offer of a place to stay.
This is an enemy to lover trope, but it has more depth than this. Honora faces prejudice both because of her parentage and her gender. The attraction between her and Issac is unwelcome to both. Her past mistakes make trusting Issac difficult. Issac has a secret that may destroy any future they may have. Nevertheless, passion breaks through, but conflicts, both internal and external, make a festive happy-ending hard-won.
This gently paced story is about a romance, which succeeds despite the failings of Regency society.
The festive setting gives the story a sense of time and place and provides lighter moments in a story that explores social history inequality and prejudice.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This is an enemy to lover trope, but it has more depth than this. Honora faces prejudice both because of her parentage and her gender. The attraction between her and Issac is unwelcome to both. Her past mistakes make trusting Issac difficult. Issac has a secret that may destroy any future they may have. Nevertheless, passion breaks through, but conflicts, both internal and external, make a festive happy-ending hard-won.
This gently paced story is about a romance, which succeeds despite the failings of Regency society.
The festive setting gives the story a sense of time and place and provides lighter moments in a story that explores social history inequality and prejudice.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
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February 19, 2023Pull quotes/notes
"Ever since she'd seen the kindness inside him, his ability to care for those other than himself, the danger of her falling under his spell had grown in strength and now there was no question that she had succumbed." (183)
"I never wanted to let a man into my heart again after how Frank tried to grind it into dust and caused such a gulf between me and my parents, those who actually loved me." (204) stop making the subtext text
"It was all a lie. Every last word of it. He never loved me at all.
...
The facts were so clear to her now she could have kicked herself for not seeing them sooner. Frank had fathered Charlotte's child and, in order to stop Honora from spreading the scandalous story, Isaac had made her believe he loved her, silencing her with false regard and the prospect of a family that now lay in tatters. Of course there had never been a true return of the feelings that had melted her cold heart." (253) that really doesn't seem accurate, based on the information you have. Since you didn't know Frank was the father. So...how could you have spread the story, Honora?
September 30, 2020
3.5 Stars
A very different historical romance, Honoria is the daughter of a freed slave & a plantation owners daughter who travelled to England to be married, she was then abandoned & now over three years later finds herself a penniless, homeless widow. Luckily Lord Lovell insists she spends Christmas with him and his pregnant ward. Beneath the mistletoe, passion flares between Honora and Isaac. Then childbirth places his ward’s life in jeopardy, and these strangers suddenly face marriage to protect the baby.
A well written book but I found the pace to be slow & so found my attention wandering. The characters had depth & were likeable, I especially liked the relationship between Honoria & Charlotte. I also liked Isaac but didn’t feel that there was much chemistry between him & Honoria. An interesting read but not a book I would re read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A very different historical romance, Honoria is the daughter of a freed slave & a plantation owners daughter who travelled to England to be married, she was then abandoned & now over three years later finds herself a penniless, homeless widow. Luckily Lord Lovell insists she spends Christmas with him and his pregnant ward. Beneath the mistletoe, passion flares between Honora and Isaac. Then childbirth places his ward’s life in jeopardy, and these strangers suddenly face marriage to protect the baby.
A well written book but I found the pace to be slow & so found my attention wandering. The characters had depth & were likeable, I especially liked the relationship between Honoria & Charlotte. I also liked Isaac but didn’t feel that there was much chemistry between him & Honoria. An interesting read but not a book I would re read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
September 15, 2020
4 stars
An interesting story. Honora is mixed race and her father was a freedman in America. She meets Frank and is persuaded by him to move the England. He thinks she will inherit lots of wealth from her plantation owning grandfather but Honora has other ideas. He abandons her and continues his Rakish ways, Frank meets the hero of the story, Issac and his ward Charlotte. I won't tell anymore as it'll spoil the story. I thought Honora was a very believable character and was keen for her to get her HEA. There's was something missing that would have made this a great romance. A fairly clean story perhaps it needed more passion ?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
An interesting story. Honora is mixed race and her father was a freedman in America. She meets Frank and is persuaded by him to move the England. He thinks she will inherit lots of wealth from her plantation owning grandfather but Honora has other ideas. He abandons her and continues his Rakish ways, Frank meets the hero of the story, Issac and his ward Charlotte. I won't tell anymore as it'll spoil the story. I thought Honora was a very believable character and was keen for her to get her HEA. There's was something missing that would have made this a great romance. A fairly clean story perhaps it needed more passion ?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
December 31, 2021
I’m please to see more historicals including people of color as lead characters and this may be the first I’ve seen in a category holiday romance. Daughter of a white woman and a freed slave, Honora Blake thought she was in love and left her family in America to move to England. After her husband abandoned her when she refused the inheritance from the family plantation, she’s barely hanging on. Lord Lovell arrives at her doorstep to inform her of her husband’s death, though he leaves out a few important details. She travels with him to his house for Christmas and his household, and him, fall in love with her. Lovell was not my favorite, but Honora was a wonderful heroine. 3.75/5 Worth putting on the Christmas book reread list.
October 3, 2020
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I thought that this was a really good book and it was a captivating story that was very well written.
The book was full of passion, romance and there was a great level of attention to detail. The book flowed really well and the pace was spot on which made it an additive read.
I thought that the characters were well developed and I loved the interaction.
This is an excellent book and a real page turner and a lovely historical romance – it is 5 stars from me for this one, very highly recommended!!
I thought that this was a really good book and it was a captivating story that was very well written.
The book was full of passion, romance and there was a great level of attention to detail. The book flowed really well and the pace was spot on which made it an additive read.
I thought that the characters were well developed and I loved the interaction.
This is an excellent book and a real page turner and a lovely historical romance – it is 5 stars from me for this one, very highly recommended!!
December 25, 2021
This was a different romance book. Our main character Honora is one interesting person
and Issac is an interesting man. Charlotte is a sweet young lady and then there is the baby.
The lives are changed and things are hidden....and so many twist and turns but the ending
is just beautiful and warms your heart.
and Issac is an interesting man. Charlotte is a sweet young lady and then there is the baby.
The lives are changed and things are hidden....and so many twist and turns but the ending
is just beautiful and warms your heart.
January 5, 2023
Interesting read, a lovely romance novel but a bit too predictable and… it fades to black. I’m here for the nitty gritty of romance and the smut, but alas, there’s only sparks. The story did have some moments that had me hooked, and as always, I love a bit of romance so I enjoyed this read on my summer break.
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September 24, 2020Categories
Historical Romance, Holiday Romance, Regency Romance
Historical Romance, Holiday Romance, Regency Romance
August 6, 2022
This was the first book I'd read by this author and I really enjoyed it. Highly recomended
May 31, 2023
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Finding herself widowed was not a surprise to Honora Blake, but being woken up by the handsome Lord Lovell breaking into her home to find her and tell her definitely was. Her husband was useless and abandoned her almost as soon as they were married, when he realised there weren't any children in sight. Hidden away in the country because of her colour and her father's history as a slave, Honora has learnt that the only person she can rely on is herself, though Isaac insists she can't be alone for Christmas, not when she is homeless and penniless. Arriving at his home, she realises he isn't as much of a stick when she sees him with his young, and very pregnant ward, Charlotte. As the imminent birth approaches, sparks fly between the pair.
This was an okay book, but not one which is that memorable, nor was it really gripping. The pace was really slow, and the 'mystery' over the father of Charlotte's baby was clear to see from the beginning. I felt sorry for Honora having so many people fail her and lie to her over the years, though she had become strong because of it. The romance was also just okay, nothing really exciting, and felt a little forced at times. An alright Regency story, and a good one to read around Christmas time.
Finding herself widowed was not a surprise to Honora Blake, but being woken up by the handsome Lord Lovell breaking into her home to find her and tell her definitely was. Her husband was useless and abandoned her almost as soon as they were married, when he realised there weren't any children in sight. Hidden away in the country because of her colour and her father's history as a slave, Honora has learnt that the only person she can rely on is herself, though Isaac insists she can't be alone for Christmas, not when she is homeless and penniless. Arriving at his home, she realises he isn't as much of a stick when she sees him with his young, and very pregnant ward, Charlotte. As the imminent birth approaches, sparks fly between the pair.
This was an okay book, but not one which is that memorable, nor was it really gripping. The pace was really slow, and the 'mystery' over the father of Charlotte's baby was clear to see from the beginning. I felt sorry for Honora having so many people fail her and lie to her over the years, though she had become strong because of it. The romance was also just okay, nothing really exciting, and felt a little forced at times. An alright Regency story, and a good one to read around Christmas time.
December 21, 2020
Isaac, Lord Lovell, carries news to Honora that the husband who abandoned her three years ago is dead. Honora expects to receive the farm she has been working in her husband's absence—and her widow's jointure besides. Instead, she finds herself alone and penniless.
With nowhere else to go, Honora seeks shelter from Lord Lovell in a snowstorm. She hates taking charity from the handsome rake who reminds her too much of her ne'er-do-well husband.
Lord Lovell can't ignore his attraction to the beautiful but abrasive widow. A kiss under the mistletoe confirms that she feels the pull between them, too. Plus, she's the only one who can soothe the heartache of his orphaned ward, a sixteen-year-old girl in desperate need of a mother figure. Can love bloom between two people determined not to wed?
This is a well-written story with strong characters and an intriguing plot. It engaged me from the beginning. The pace is steady, never rushed or lagging. A heart-warming holiday romance.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
With nowhere else to go, Honora seeks shelter from Lord Lovell in a snowstorm. She hates taking charity from the handsome rake who reminds her too much of her ne'er-do-well husband.
Lord Lovell can't ignore his attraction to the beautiful but abrasive widow. A kiss under the mistletoe confirms that she feels the pull between them, too. Plus, she's the only one who can soothe the heartache of his orphaned ward, a sixteen-year-old girl in desperate need of a mother figure. Can love bloom between two people determined not to wed?
This is a well-written story with strong characters and an intriguing plot. It engaged me from the beginning. The pace is steady, never rushed or lagging. A heart-warming holiday romance.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
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