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Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Chronicles #4
Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Intrigue
#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens immerses you in the simple joys of a long-ago country-village Christmas, featuring a grandmother, her grandchildren, her unwed son, a determined not-so-young lady, foreign diplomats, undercover guards, and agents of Napoleon!
At Hartington Manor in the village of Little Moseley, Therese, Lady Osbaldestone, and her household are once again enjoying the company of her intrepid grandchildren, Jamie, George, and Lottie, when they are unexpectedly joined by her ladyship’s youngest and still-unwed son, also the children’s favorite uncle, Christopher.
As the Foreign Office’s master intelligencer, Christopher has been ordered into hiding until the department can appropriately deal with the French agent spotted following him in London. Christopher chose to seek refuge in Little Moseley because it’s such a tiny village that anyone without a reason to be there stands out. Neither he nor his office-appointed bodyguard expect to encounter any dramas.
Then Christopher spots a lady from London he believes has been hunting him with matrimonial intent. He can’t understand how she tracked him to the village, but determined to avoid her, he enlists the children’s help. The children discover their information-gathering skills are in high demand, and while engaging with the villagers as they usually do and taking part in the village’s traditional events, they do their best to learn what Miss Marion Sewell is up to.
But upon reflection, Christopher realizes it’s unlikely the Marion he was so attracted to years before has changed all that much, and he starts to wonder if what she wants to tell him is actually something he might want to hear. Unfortunately, he has set wheels in motion that are not easy to redirect. Although Marion tries to approach him several times, he and she fail to make contact.
Then just when it seems they will finally connect, a dangerous stranger lures Marion away. Fearing the worst, Christopher gives chase—trailed by his bodyguard, the children, and a small troop of helpful younger gentlemen.
What they discover at nearby Parteger Hall is not at all what anyone expected, and as the action unfolds, the assembled company band together to protect a secret vital to the resolution of the war against Napoleon.
Fourth in series. A novel of 81,000 words. A Christmas tale of intrigue, personal evolution, and love.
At Hartington Manor in the village of Little Moseley, Therese, Lady Osbaldestone, and her household are once again enjoying the company of her intrepid grandchildren, Jamie, George, and Lottie, when they are unexpectedly joined by her ladyship’s youngest and still-unwed son, also the children’s favorite uncle, Christopher.
As the Foreign Office’s master intelligencer, Christopher has been ordered into hiding until the department can appropriately deal with the French agent spotted following him in London. Christopher chose to seek refuge in Little Moseley because it’s such a tiny village that anyone without a reason to be there stands out. Neither he nor his office-appointed bodyguard expect to encounter any dramas.
Then Christopher spots a lady from London he believes has been hunting him with matrimonial intent. He can’t understand how she tracked him to the village, but determined to avoid her, he enlists the children’s help. The children discover their information-gathering skills are in high demand, and while engaging with the villagers as they usually do and taking part in the village’s traditional events, they do their best to learn what Miss Marion Sewell is up to.
But upon reflection, Christopher realizes it’s unlikely the Marion he was so attracted to years before has changed all that much, and he starts to wonder if what she wants to tell him is actually something he might want to hear. Unfortunately, he has set wheels in motion that are not easy to redirect. Although Marion tries to approach him several times, he and she fail to make contact.
Then just when it seems they will finally connect, a dangerous stranger lures Marion away. Fearing the worst, Christopher gives chase—trailed by his bodyguard, the children, and a small troop of helpful younger gentlemen.
What they discover at nearby Parteger Hall is not at all what anyone expected, and as the action unfolds, the assembled company band together to protect a secret vital to the resolution of the war against Napoleon.
Fourth in series. A novel of 81,000 words. A Christmas tale of intrigue, personal evolution, and love.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2020
318 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Laurens
206 books5,585 followersStephanie Laurens was born in Sri Lanka, which was at the time the British colony of Ceylon. When she was 5, her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she was raised. After continuing through school and earning a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in Australia, Stephanie and her husband moved to Great Britain, taking one of the last true overland journeys from Katmandu to London.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
Once in London, Stephanie and her husband both began work as research scientists in Kent. They lived in an area surrounded by history. Their own cottage was built in the 16th century, while next door were the protected ruins of an early Roman villa, and nearby was a 14th century castle.
After four years in England, Stephanie and her husband returned to Australia, where she continued to work in cancer research, eventually heading her own research laboratory. One evening Stephanie realized that she did not have any more of her favorite romance novels to read. After years of thinking about writing her own novel, during nights and weekends for the next several months, she began crafting her own story. That manuscript, Tangled Reins, was the first of her books to be published. After achieving a level of success with her novels, Stephanie "retired" from scientific research and became a full-time novelist. Her novels are primarily historical romances set in the Regency time period.
Stephanie and her husband live on peaceful acreage on the outskirts of Melbourne. If she isn't writing, she's reading, and if she's not reading, she's tending her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 12, 2022
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡
Romance: 💞💞
Sensuality: 0
Sex Scene Length: 0
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): only kisses
Humor: Yes, a touch.
Perspective: Third person from various characters, including the hero, heroine, and Lady Osbaldestone
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
I think all of these stand well alone. You could pick up any one of them and enjoy by itself. There's not much mention of previous characters, or character development for this hero/heroine in prior books. I will say though that books 3 and 4 do have some hints to Melissa and Dagenham's romance, which I think is the next book.
Basic plot:
Christopher Osbaldestone is Lady Osbaldestone's youngest child and unwed. He must lay low for awhile to save the intelligence being collected in London and retires to Little Moseley for the perfect small town cover. Marion has been trying to get a message to him, and now finds she must follow him out of London to do so.
Give this a try if you want:
- Soldier/spy hero
- large family/lots of side characters
- Christmastime in a small town village
- Low steam - only kisses
- A touch of intrigue but not really as much mystery focus as the prior books
Ages:
- Heroine is 28, hero is 36
My thoughts:
I thought I'd like this one a lot more, being as it felt like it had more of a romance feel than the prior ones. Our hero is Christopher, Lady Osbaldestone's youngest and unmarried son. A lot of the book's perspective is from his point of view.
The book was fairly uneventful though - heroine wants to talk to the hero and they keep eluding each other/having interruptions. It resolves in some brief danger at the end. Overall it was okay. Nothing I would ever want to reread.
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡
Romance: 💞💞
Sensuality: 0
Sex Scene Length: 0
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): only kisses
Humor: Yes, a touch.
Perspective: Third person from various characters, including the hero, heroine, and Lady Osbaldestone
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
I think all of these stand well alone. You could pick up any one of them and enjoy by itself. There's not much mention of previous characters, or character development for this hero/heroine in prior books. I will say though that books 3 and 4 do have some hints to Melissa and Dagenham's romance, which I think is the next book.
Basic plot:
Christopher Osbaldestone is Lady Osbaldestone's youngest child and unwed. He must lay low for awhile to save the intelligence being collected in London and retires to Little Moseley for the perfect small town cover. Marion has been trying to get a message to him, and now finds she must follow him out of London to do so.
Give this a try if you want:
- Soldier/spy hero
- large family/lots of side characters
- Christmastime in a small town village
- Low steam - only kisses
- A touch of intrigue but not really as much mystery focus as the prior books
Ages:
- Heroine is 28, hero is 36
My thoughts:
I thought I'd like this one a lot more, being as it felt like it had more of a romance feel than the prior ones. Our hero is Christopher, Lady Osbaldestone's youngest and unmarried son. A lot of the book's perspective is from his point of view.
The book was fairly uneventful though - heroine wants to talk to the hero and they keep eluding each other/having interruptions. It resolves in some brief danger at the end. Overall it was okay. Nothing I would ever want to reread.
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
November 13, 2024
This has been my favorite Christmas series and I am so sad it is coming to an end. I have enjoyed both Lady Osbaldestone and her three intrepid grandchildren, Jamie, George and Lottie, as they have solved light mysteries set in the English village of Little Moseley. I so want to go to this place; it sounds like such fun at Christmas. This year they are joined by Lady Osbaldestone youngest and only unmarried son, Christopher, an agent in the Foreign Office.
With Napoleon still stirring up trouble, Christopher thinks he may have picked up a French agent following him around London. To protect him it is suggested that he go the ground where he can't readily be found. He heads for Little Moseley where any stranger will surely be noted, and the fun begins.
As an extremely marriageable young man, Christopher has recently foiled a plot to ensnare him and is on guard against being caught in a trap. When a lady from London shows up, Christopher assumes she has marriage on her mind. Christopher uses the children to find out why she is there, and they end up thwarting Miss Marion Sewell in her efforts to communicate with Christopher. When Christopher finally takes the time, he comes to realize that maybe there is something other than matrimony on Marion's mind and that maybe he needs to finally hear what she wants from him.
With Napoleon still stirring up trouble, Christopher thinks he may have picked up a French agent following him around London. To protect him it is suggested that he go the ground where he can't readily be found. He heads for Little Moseley where any stranger will surely be noted, and the fun begins.
As an extremely marriageable young man, Christopher has recently foiled a plot to ensnare him and is on guard against being caught in a trap. When a lady from London shows up, Christopher assumes she has marriage on her mind. Christopher uses the children to find out why she is there, and they end up thwarting Miss Marion Sewell in her efforts to communicate with Christopher. When Christopher finally takes the time, he comes to realize that maybe there is something other than matrimony on Marion's mind and that maybe he needs to finally hear what she wants from him.
December 4, 2023
Out of the four books in this small series, I found this one to be the least fun and Christmasy It's a shame because I really did love the first three books and was so looking forward to this one.
If you do read this short 4-book series, be sure to have a dictionary on hand because the author loves using obscure and antique words!~
If you do read this short 4-book series, be sure to have a dictionary on hand because the author loves using obscure and antique words!~
December 28, 2020
Laurens lost her way or her focus. The joy of the Osbaldstone novels is that they are so innocent and lacking in even mentions of violence or more adult "romance." The stories usually focus on elder ton queen, Lady Osbaldstone, and her three young grandchildren. The mysteries are delightful searches for missing geese or book of carols, or perhaps the mystery centers on treasure. The most adult scenario, until now, dealt with professional jealousy. In this installment, Lady Osbaldstone and the grandchildren are used as props and window dressing with the bulk of the plot and book going to the lady's adult son, Christopher, and a woman trying to convey information to him but mistaken as pursuing him romantically (which is no spoiler, since we learn that early on). The narrative was strangely repetitive in multiple instances, and really this turned into one of Laurens' regency romances. The bloom was off the fresh beauty in this one, and the charm missing. Too bad.
Moreover, as I was reading, I kept being reminded of the other Stephanie, Barron that is, and her Jane series. But Jane is a heroine we know and love, and the Marion/Christopher duo seem to be a one shot deal. What a sacrifice of Lady Osbaldstone and her little ones for a not particularly endearing pairing.
Moreover, as I was reading, I kept being reminded of the other Stephanie, Barron that is, and her Jane series. But Jane is a heroine we know and love, and the Marion/Christopher duo seem to be a one shot deal. What a sacrifice of Lady Osbaldstone and her little ones for a not particularly endearing pairing.
November 14, 2020
This adventure was more adult oriented. The intrepid niece and nephews were involved. Unfortunately, like most budding teens they were neither fish nor fowl. It was enjoyable, but unlike the first three, lacked a true intrigue.
December 5, 2020
2020 bk 398. The fourth in the adventures of Lady Osbaldestone, foreign service relic and retired to a small village. But Christmas, Christmas brings her grandchildren with their fun sense of adventure and intelligence they use to solve mysteries. This year Lady Osbaldestone's son, the one who followed his father into the foreign service and runs spies, comes to stay and hide out from a possible assassin. While he tries not to tell his mother or nephews/niece, they are too sharp and quickly ferret out the problem. If not for their help, things would have gone poorly.. . An excellent fun book for the advent season.
December 26, 2024
Although I'm fully committed to reading all of the titles in this 5 book series, I fear that I don't love them as much as other readers do. I adore the characters of Lady Osbaldestone and her nieces and nephews, but I tend to feel bogged down with the stories and I'm always searching for more Christmas-y vibes.
I've been reading one of the Christmas Chronicles every single year for the past few years, which is a comforting tradition for me. I only wish that these books had more holiday details and less adventure...when they are actually more Regency adventure with a dash of romance and a mere sprinkle of Christmas cheer and coziness. I would love them so much more if this were the case!
But, I'm still looking forward to reading the last book next year. I'm hoping it'll be the best one yet.
I've been reading one of the Christmas Chronicles every single year for the past few years, which is a comforting tradition for me. I only wish that these books had more holiday details and less adventure...when they are actually more Regency adventure with a dash of romance and a mere sprinkle of Christmas cheer and coziness. I would love them so much more if this were the case!
But, I'm still looking forward to reading the last book next year. I'm hoping it'll be the best one yet.
January 2, 2022
3.5 stars.
Another fun Christmassy read. The three original grandkids are back with Lady O for more Christmas fun. This time they are joined by Lady O's youngest son Christopher who works for the Foreign Office and has to go into hiding from some French spies. The kids managed to be in the thick of things yet again. The skating party at the lake, the pageant and the Christmas Carols are all back. For readers who have been following this series, it does provide very familiar and comforting feels.
Another fun Christmassy read. The three original grandkids are back with Lady O for more Christmas fun. This time they are joined by Lady O's youngest son Christopher who works for the Foreign Office and has to go into hiding from some French spies. The kids managed to be in the thick of things yet again. The skating party at the lake, the pageant and the Christmas Carols are all back. For readers who have been following this series, it does provide very familiar and comforting feels.
December 17, 2020
I love reading these Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas stories. I always try to read them near Christmas time. There's always intrigue and romance in the village. The children are so enthusiastic and entertaining. Loved it. 5☆
September 27, 2021
My rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
This was a fun, quick read, with likable characters. It wasn't quite as light-hearted as the first 3 books in this series, simply because it involves espionage and dangerous French spies. The only real problem I found was that the plot developed a bit slowly -- I think mostly because it contained so many characters.
I have always enjoyed Lady Osbaldestone in all Laurens' books. She is an interesting, and quite entertaining character. I read, and enjoyed, the first three Christmas stories with her and her grandchildren as the main characters -- so I decided to finish the series.
I still like Lady Osbaldestone, and her grandchildren were adorable little imps. It was fun how she worked to find something to keep them busy, so that they wouldn't keep getting into trouble. I did think it was a bit odd that she, her son, and his guard were all willing to let children get involved in spying that could be dangerous. That just seemed a bit far-fetched to me, since most people wouldn't want children involved in dangerous activities. I did enjoy their antics, though, and the methods they used to help catch the bad guys were fun.
I loved how Lady Osbaldestone also encouraged her grandchildren to help with her matchmaking attempts, and they took to it immediately. It was cute how they thought of ways to encourage the couple, sometimes all on their own.
The part about Lord Dagenham's continued attraction to Melissa was a bit sad. He still cared deeply for her, but was beginning to think that there was no way they would be able to get back together. With the likelihood that he would be sent to Ireland for several years, he realized that she would probably get married before he came home. I am really glad that their book will be coming out soon -- I can't wait to read it, and have already pre-ordered it.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
This was a fun, quick read, with likable characters. It wasn't quite as light-hearted as the first 3 books in this series, simply because it involves espionage and dangerous French spies. The only real problem I found was that the plot developed a bit slowly -- I think mostly because it contained so many characters.
I have always enjoyed Lady Osbaldestone in all Laurens' books. She is an interesting, and quite entertaining character. I read, and enjoyed, the first three Christmas stories with her and her grandchildren as the main characters -- so I decided to finish the series.
I still like Lady Osbaldestone, and her grandchildren were adorable little imps. It was fun how she worked to find something to keep them busy, so that they wouldn't keep getting into trouble. I did think it was a bit odd that she, her son, and his guard were all willing to let children get involved in spying that could be dangerous. That just seemed a bit far-fetched to me, since most people wouldn't want children involved in dangerous activities. I did enjoy their antics, though, and the methods they used to help catch the bad guys were fun.
I loved how Lady Osbaldestone also encouraged her grandchildren to help with her matchmaking attempts, and they took to it immediately. It was cute how they thought of ways to encourage the couple, sometimes all on their own.
The part about Lord Dagenham's continued attraction to Melissa was a bit sad. He still cared deeply for her, but was beginning to think that there was no way they would be able to get back together. With the likelihood that he would be sent to Ireland for several years, he realized that she would probably get married before he came home. I am really glad that their book will be coming out soon -- I can't wait to read it, and have already pre-ordered it.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
December 12, 2022
That was so boring. How was this so boring? The other three of Lady Osbaldestone were sweet and charming and covered with mistletoe and sleighbells. Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Intrigue was like staring into a snow globe for days. Endless days. How many times do we hear that Haggerty makes delicious fruitcake and everyone is looking forward to the carol service? So slow. This book doesn't have a plot, except for twenty pages of action towards the end. The rest is filler.
Christopher Osbaldestone, Lady Osbaldestone' youngest son, is attached to the Foreign Office. Fictional connections: In Footsteps in the Snow, I was just reading about the 1813 group of Selkirk settlers indenturing themselves to the Cree people to survive the winter, and here Christopher Osbaldestone is hiding out at Lady Selkirk's London ball because he thinks Marion Sewell is trying to trap him in marriage. He's seen Bridgerton, he knows what's up. Also, there might be a Napoleonic spy trailing him, so the Foreign Office sends him away to hide at Little Mosley with his mother and nieces and nephews. Marion Sewell uses her lady network to find out where he's gone and travels to Little Mosley to make contact, because she's representing a Russian count attempting an anti-Napoleon diplomatic secret exchange. Christopher avoids her a bit but realizes she might have intentions other than matrimony. This all takes decades and millenia, but possibly it happens over the duration of one fortnight. Meanwhile, Lady Osbaldestone has the children spying on Marion Sewell for her own purposes, Henry's friends are having a nice visit, and Dagenham wishes Melissa was old enough to get with. Melissa went to Scotland this year.
Are French spies following Christopher Osbaldestone and Marion Sewell? God, it would be even duller if they weren't. They sure must be good spies though, if it takes them this many eons to get busted.
If you love hearing other people describe their family gatherings to you in incredible detail this book is for you. Not notable things, but knowing that everyone washed their hands, brushed their hair, ate crumpets, how the seating was arranged, and which vehicles they're leaving in. This was a rough one.
Christopher Osbaldestone, Lady Osbaldestone' youngest son, is attached to the Foreign Office. Fictional connections: In Footsteps in the Snow, I was just reading about the 1813 group of Selkirk settlers indenturing themselves to the Cree people to survive the winter, and here Christopher Osbaldestone is hiding out at Lady Selkirk's London ball because he thinks Marion Sewell is trying to trap him in marriage. He's seen Bridgerton, he knows what's up. Also, there might be a Napoleonic spy trailing him, so the Foreign Office sends him away to hide at Little Mosley with his mother and nieces and nephews. Marion Sewell uses her lady network to find out where he's gone and travels to Little Mosley to make contact, because she's representing a Russian count attempting an anti-Napoleon diplomatic secret exchange. Christopher avoids her a bit but realizes she might have intentions other than matrimony. This all takes decades and millenia, but possibly it happens over the duration of one fortnight. Meanwhile, Lady Osbaldestone has the children spying on Marion Sewell for her own purposes, Henry's friends are having a nice visit, and Dagenham wishes Melissa was old enough to get with. Melissa went to Scotland this year.
Are French spies following Christopher Osbaldestone and Marion Sewell? God, it would be even duller if they weren't. They sure must be good spies though, if it takes them this many eons to get busted.
If you love hearing other people describe their family gatherings to you in incredible detail this book is for you. Not notable things, but knowing that everyone washed their hands, brushed their hair, ate crumpets, how the seating was arranged, and which vehicles they're leaving in. This was a rough one.
May 6, 2024
"Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Intrigue" continues the charming and engaging saga set in the quaint village of Little Moseley, Hampshire. With the return of Lady Osbaldestone's beloved grandchildren and the unexpected appearance of her bachelor son, Christopher, the stage is set for another delightful tale filled with family, mystery, and Christmas spirit.
Christopher's involvement with the Foreign Office adds an exciting layer of intrigue to the story, injecting a sense of danger and urgency amidst the holiday festivities. Marion Sewell, a woman from a prominent London family, unexpectedly appears sparking Christopher's suspicions, leading to a cleverly crafted plot in which the children use their amateur detective skills to embark on a mission to uncover Marion's intentions and keep her away from Christopher. There is no doubt that a few smiles will follow.
The dynamic between Lady O, Christopher, the children, and Marion is both entertaining and suspenseful. Little did Christopher understand the resourcefulness and determination of his nieces and nephews to get the answers he needed. The children's amateur sleuthing not only adds an element of humor to the narrative but also showcases their intelligence and resourcefulness, making them endearing protagonists.
As with previous installments in the series, "Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Intrigue" perfectly balances heartwarming family moments and exciting adventures. Readers can expect to be swept away by the festive atmosphere, the endearing characters, and the captivating mystery woven throughout the narrative.
Overall, this latest addition to the series is sure to delight fans with its blend of holiday cheer, romance, and suspense. I thought that "Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Intrigue" was the final book in this charming series, but there is one more. I will be reading that one soon.
Helen Lloyd continues to narrate this series beautifully.
Christopher's involvement with the Foreign Office adds an exciting layer of intrigue to the story, injecting a sense of danger and urgency amidst the holiday festivities. Marion Sewell, a woman from a prominent London family, unexpectedly appears sparking Christopher's suspicions, leading to a cleverly crafted plot in which the children use their amateur detective skills to embark on a mission to uncover Marion's intentions and keep her away from Christopher. There is no doubt that a few smiles will follow.
The dynamic between Lady O, Christopher, the children, and Marion is both entertaining and suspenseful. Little did Christopher understand the resourcefulness and determination of his nieces and nephews to get the answers he needed. The children's amateur sleuthing not only adds an element of humor to the narrative but also showcases their intelligence and resourcefulness, making them endearing protagonists.
As with previous installments in the series, "Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Intrigue" perfectly balances heartwarming family moments and exciting adventures. Readers can expect to be swept away by the festive atmosphere, the endearing characters, and the captivating mystery woven throughout the narrative.
Overall, this latest addition to the series is sure to delight fans with its blend of holiday cheer, romance, and suspense. I thought that "Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Intrigue" was the final book in this charming series, but there is one more. I will be reading that one soon.
Helen Lloyd continues to narrate this series beautifully.
January 5, 2022
Christopher Osbaldestone, assigned to a key position in the Foreign Office, may be being followed by Napoleon’s spies. Due to his secret network on the continent and the value of that resource as Napoleon may being brought to bay, Christopher’s superiors want him safely hidden in an undisclosed location. He goes to ground at his mother’s dower house in Little Moseley, a place he has never been and where he is unlikely to be found.
Lady O is at the dower house for the few weeks before Christmas when she will join the family for the annual celebration. Three of her grandchildren are with her as the have been for the past 3 years. James, George, and Lottie are bright, curious, and involved in checking for strangers in the village and protecting Uncle Christopher’s privacy.
Installment number 4 is another charming read. There is humor, some suspense, good guys and bad guys, a light romance, the routines of village life, and participation with the village’s people. This is a feel-good read for any time of year but will definitely put you in the mood for holidays. Recommended.
Readalikes:
Stephanie Laurens’ Osbaldestone series and Cynster series; Grace Burrowes – Truly Beloved; Mary Balogh – Simply Unforgettable; Lisa Kleypas – Mine Till Midnight; Julie Anne Long – I’m Only Wicked with You; Eloisa James – A Fool Again; Cynthia Rylant – Christmas in the Country; Elvira Woodruff, Troy Howl – The Christmas Doll.
Pace: Fast-paced
Characters: Strong, intelligent women; well-developed residents of the village; likeable
Storyline: Character-driven
Writing style: Engaging;
Tone: Charming; Upbeat
Frame: Hartington Manor, Little Moseley, Hampshire, Gt. Britain; 1813
Themes: Love in a small town; village life
Lady O is at the dower house for the few weeks before Christmas when she will join the family for the annual celebration. Three of her grandchildren are with her as the have been for the past 3 years. James, George, and Lottie are bright, curious, and involved in checking for strangers in the village and protecting Uncle Christopher’s privacy.
Installment number 4 is another charming read. There is humor, some suspense, good guys and bad guys, a light romance, the routines of village life, and participation with the village’s people. This is a feel-good read for any time of year but will definitely put you in the mood for holidays. Recommended.
Readalikes:
Stephanie Laurens’ Osbaldestone series and Cynster series; Grace Burrowes – Truly Beloved; Mary Balogh – Simply Unforgettable; Lisa Kleypas – Mine Till Midnight; Julie Anne Long – I’m Only Wicked with You; Eloisa James – A Fool Again; Cynthia Rylant – Christmas in the Country; Elvira Woodruff, Troy Howl – The Christmas Doll.
Pace: Fast-paced
Characters: Strong, intelligent women; well-developed residents of the village; likeable
Storyline: Character-driven
Writing style: Engaging;
Tone: Charming; Upbeat
Frame: Hartington Manor, Little Moseley, Hampshire, Gt. Britain; 1813
Themes: Love in a small town; village life
December 17, 2021
Vánoční intriky lady Osbaldestoneové jsou další příjemnou oddechovkou z této série. Opět se ocitáme na anglickém venkově počátku 19. století v době předvánoční, setkáváme se starými známými tvářemi, potkáváme postavy nové a znovu s postavami prožíváme vrcholné body (před)vánočních oslav, které jsou ve vesničce Little Mosley již tradicí.
Autorka nám znovu připravila příjemně odsýpající příběh, v němž se naše postavy vydávají za určitým dobrodružstvím. Tentokrát se jedná však o dobrodružství vážnějšího a trochu nebezpečnějšího charakteru, než jsme v této sérii mohli být dosud zvyklí. Myslím si však, že tou lehkou změnou v pojetí autorka do této série přinesla určitou svěžest, aby se neopakovala úplně ve všem.
Líbilo se mi, že Laurensová v této knize poprvé trochu více reflektuje historické události dané doby, v níž se kniha odehrává. Zakomponovala to do příběhu s lehkostí a srozumitelně a přitom čtenáře nezahlcuje zbytečnými, resp. nadbytečnými detaily, které by děj zdržovaly či zahlcovaly. Byť jsou ty historické události důležité pro rozprostření zápletky, nestrhávají na sebe zbytečnou pozornost a tvoří spíše kulisu, což bylo na čtení příjemné.
Kniha je opět psaná s lehkostí, je dosti přímočará. Pro někoho by mohl děj příliš klouzat po povrchu, ale kniha si neklade za cíl být spletitým románem. Jedná se hlavně o oddechovou záležitost s předvánoční atmosférou a trochou napětí a lehkým náznakem romance. Na nic víc si kniha nehraje.
Pro mne průměrné hodnocení. Příjemná jednohubka před Vánoci, nikterak složitá (což jsem čekala) a před svátky vlastně fajn.
Autorka nám znovu připravila příjemně odsýpající příběh, v němž se naše postavy vydávají za určitým dobrodružstvím. Tentokrát se jedná však o dobrodružství vážnějšího a trochu nebezpečnějšího charakteru, než jsme v této sérii mohli být dosud zvyklí. Myslím si však, že tou lehkou změnou v pojetí autorka do této série přinesla určitou svěžest, aby se neopakovala úplně ve všem.
Líbilo se mi, že Laurensová v této knize poprvé trochu více reflektuje historické události dané doby, v níž se kniha odehrává. Zakomponovala to do příběhu s lehkostí a srozumitelně a přitom čtenáře nezahlcuje zbytečnými, resp. nadbytečnými detaily, které by děj zdržovaly či zahlcovaly. Byť jsou ty historické události důležité pro rozprostření zápletky, nestrhávají na sebe zbytečnou pozornost a tvoří spíše kulisu, což bylo na čtení příjemné.
Kniha je opět psaná s lehkostí, je dosti přímočará. Pro někoho by mohl děj příliš klouzat po povrchu, ale kniha si neklade za cíl být spletitým románem. Jedná se hlavně o oddechovou záležitost s předvánoční atmosférou a trochou napětí a lehkým náznakem romance. Na nic víc si kniha nehraje.
Pro mne průměrné hodnocení. Příjemná jednohubka před Vánoci, nikterak složitá (což jsem čekala) a před svátky vlastně fajn.
October 17, 2020
Another superbly fun and intriguing Christmas novella
I look forward to these stories every year. To me, Stephanie Laurens never disappoints. Lady O and the kids are back in Little Moseley but there is no apparent mystery to solve, until Lady O's youngest son drives you in his curricle to join them. And he has a mysterious new valet, who doesn't seem to understand all that job entails. Then this woman seems to have followed him there and there is even more to deduce!
These stories are always great fun to read, with no steam at all... just romance and mystery! The pace is not too fast but not really what I would call leisurely either! The tone is mysterious and hopeful with a character oriented storyline with some action and no steam. The characters are vibrant and endearing. We get to revisit Little Moseley and all the inhabitants and visitors. It is just plain enjoyabrwle to read. You will get more of you read at least these in order. But you will get the most of you read the Cynster series and at least the Cynster Next Generation stories. There are other related series, but those are the two key ones in.my opinion, although if I could remember which book/series features Lord North and Lady O's daughter, I would add that one in as well. I don't remember. Any way you go about it, if you read this book you will be transported away. Enjoy!
I look forward to these stories every year. To me, Stephanie Laurens never disappoints. Lady O and the kids are back in Little Moseley but there is no apparent mystery to solve, until Lady O's youngest son drives you in his curricle to join them. And he has a mysterious new valet, who doesn't seem to understand all that job entails. Then this woman seems to have followed him there and there is even more to deduce!
These stories are always great fun to read, with no steam at all... just romance and mystery! The pace is not too fast but not really what I would call leisurely either! The tone is mysterious and hopeful with a character oriented storyline with some action and no steam. The characters are vibrant and endearing. We get to revisit Little Moseley and all the inhabitants and visitors. It is just plain enjoyabrwle to read. You will get more of you read at least these in order. But you will get the most of you read the Cynster series and at least the Cynster Next Generation stories. There are other related series, but those are the two key ones in.my opinion, although if I could remember which book/series features Lord North and Lady O's daughter, I would add that one in as well. I don't remember. Any way you go about it, if you read this book you will be transported away. Enjoy!
December 14, 2020
We are back in Little Moseley with Lady O and her 3 grandchildren, ready to enjoy the traditional Village celebrations - the Skating Party, the Carol Singing and the Pageant. It's the final months of the Peninsular Wars, the months just prior to Napoleon's first defeat, and a feeling of tentative joy at the war being soon over is cautiously being explored. Into this mix comes Lady O's youngest, Christopher, a rising star in the Foreign Office, and also unmarried at the age of 36. Along comes Marion Sewell, recently returned to London from the courts in Russia and Austria, daughter of a highly placed FO member, coming into Christopher's orbit - or at least trying to - as communication facilitator for a secret negotiation. Much of the story revolves around an increasiningly absurd espionage plot that is drawn out a tad too long. While amusing to see the grandchildren and Lady O running circles around the various adults at the center of the intrigue, you really have to just let it all flow over you for the the plot device it is, to wit: providing an opportunity to see a glimpse of Lady O's past life as the influential wife of a foreign diplomat.
It's also a bit bittersweet as this is our last visit to Little Moseley and its Christmas Traditions and Lady O and her grandchildren.
It's also a bit bittersweet as this is our last visit to Little Moseley and its Christmas Traditions and Lady O and her grandchildren.
December 23, 2020
Stephanie Laurens has long been one of my favorite authors. Lady Osbaldstone is a recurring character across many of her series, a grande same of the ton who everyone respects (and may find slightly terrifying).
In this series, three of her grandchildren come to stay with her in the weeks leading up to Christmas in the small village of Little Moseley. Lady Osbaldstone looks for quests for her grandchildren to solve to keep them busy. The result is that each book includes hilarious hijinks and adventures, a mystery, and because it's Stephanie Laurens, a romance. The romances are more side points, as much of the focus is on Lady Osbaldstone and her grandchildren.
I especially love the first three books (Christmas Goose, the Missing Christmas Carols, and Plum Pudding). This year's felt a little like a mix between the other Christmas Chronicles and a call back to the Bastion Club series.
I love the town of Little Moseley and their many annual Christmas traditions including ice skating, a pageant, and a caroling concert. The books are all sweet and funny, and I highly recommend them.
In this series, three of her grandchildren come to stay with her in the weeks leading up to Christmas in the small village of Little Moseley. Lady Osbaldstone looks for quests for her grandchildren to solve to keep them busy. The result is that each book includes hilarious hijinks and adventures, a mystery, and because it's Stephanie Laurens, a romance. The romances are more side points, as much of the focus is on Lady Osbaldstone and her grandchildren.
I especially love the first three books (Christmas Goose, the Missing Christmas Carols, and Plum Pudding). This year's felt a little like a mix between the other Christmas Chronicles and a call back to the Bastion Club series.
I love the town of Little Moseley and their many annual Christmas traditions including ice skating, a pageant, and a caroling concert. The books are all sweet and funny, and I highly recommend them.
December 9, 2020
The fourth installment of the Lady Osbaldestone series does not disappoint. Her son Christopher, who works in the Foreign Office, decides to go to ground at her home in Little Mosely when his superiors order him to stay out of sight while they investigate the rumor of French spies out to get him. The children are recruited to keep an eye out for foreign strangers in the village.
It was nice to visit this world again for the holidays. This series continues to keep me entertained and wanting more. It's frustrating that readers have to wait till 2022 to find out how the romance between Dagenham and the young Melissa will progress. But the author has also promised to write the children's own stories when they grow up, so that is more to look forward to.
It was nice to visit this world again for the holidays. This series continues to keep me entertained and wanting more. It's frustrating that readers have to wait till 2022 to find out how the romance between Dagenham and the young Melissa will progress. But the author has also promised to write the children's own stories when they grow up, so that is more to look forward to.
January 27, 2021
What better than a mystery in a small English village?
Lady Obaldestone’s visiting grandchildren, Jamie, George and Lottie, are a major part of this story. Their uncle Christopher who is in the foreign office has been ordered to get out of London and settle in a bolt hole for a couple of weeks until they find out if the man following him is a French agent. He decides to visit his mother at Hartington Manor, her dower house in Little Mosely. Being bright and inquisitive, the children are asked to be on the lookout for a stranger showing up in the small town. Little do they know just how just how successful they will be. Adding Christmas events into the story makes it even better.
Lady Obaldestone’s visiting grandchildren, Jamie, George and Lottie, are a major part of this story. Their uncle Christopher who is in the foreign office has been ordered to get out of London and settle in a bolt hole for a couple of weeks until they find out if the man following him is a French agent. He decides to visit his mother at Hartington Manor, her dower house in Little Mosely. Being bright and inquisitive, the children are asked to be on the lookout for a stranger showing up in the small town. Little do they know just how just how successful they will be. Adding Christmas events into the story makes it even better.
March 18, 2021
This is the 4th year that Lady Osbaldestone has hosted 3 of her grandchildren before Christmas. This year finds her youngest (& unmarried) son hiding away with her on orders from the Foreign Office. It seems a French agent was spotted following him in London and the F.O. wants to deal with the agent before the agent can get to Christopher. His valet is a fellow F.O. agent and of course, the kids figure out real quick that he's not a valet. The children are enlisted to be on the look out for strangers in Little Mosely. Lord Longfellow's friends are back and also enlisted to help keep Christopher safe.
This mystery is not quite as kid entertaining as the previous years but has its moments.
Still too good to pass up. Hope there is another next Christmas.
This mystery is not quite as kid entertaining as the previous years but has its moments.
Still too good to pass up. Hope there is another next Christmas.
October 22, 2020
Another year of pre Christmas at Little Mosely for James, George and Lottie, Mrs O's intrepid grandchildren. This is the fourth year they have joined her. This year they are joined by Mrs O's youngest son Christopher. The Foreign Office has sent him into hiding while trying to capture the French Spy after him. You will love the ingenuity and matchmaking ways. Joining the festivities are the five young men who have visited the last few years plusof course the townfols. Add two bodyguards for Christopher, two Russians, two french spies and the lovely Lady Marion Sewell. This is another great book by Stephanie Laurens
October 24, 2020
If this is an example of how English spies moved about in ton and otherwise, its a surprise that they won the war against Napoleon! The h doesn't confide in her parents and is reluctant to hand over a simple letter to H's mother but immediately passes it on to a very distant social acquaintance! She really doesn't come across as the brightest woman let alone a 'dragon in the making'! Then on top of that with H constantly playing peek a boo with h and being reluctant to meet her directly goes off haring after her with a bunch of men after choir practice. The whole plot makes no sense whatsoever.
October 31, 2020
Another great book by Stephanie.
She knows how to give great historical romance novels.
Christopher Osbaldestone comes to visit his Mom, but he is hiding out.
He is avoiding a lady plus possible French agents.
Lady Osbaldestone has her grandchildren with her once again. Lottie, George, and Jamie. They help as they know the village of Little Mosley.
They all work together to find the spies and Christopher find something that he never expected.
Marion Sewell is there to give him a message. They have sparks and eventually find that love that neither of them expected.
They find the love the is meant just for them.
I love her books.
She knows how to give great historical romance novels.
Christopher Osbaldestone comes to visit his Mom, but he is hiding out.
He is avoiding a lady plus possible French agents.
Lady Osbaldestone has her grandchildren with her once again. Lottie, George, and Jamie. They help as they know the village of Little Mosley.
They all work together to find the spies and Christopher find something that he never expected.
Marion Sewell is there to give him a message. They have sparks and eventually find that love that neither of them expected.
They find the love the is meant just for them.
I love her books.
October 18, 2020
Satisfying
I enjoyed volume 4 of the Christmas chronicles and am sad to see them end. It has been a lovely way to anticipate the holiday season through 4 volumes. This one led us down an unexpected path of mystery and intrigue on a higher scale than the previous adventures. The author’s afterward promising stories for some of the other characters in future was greatly appreciated. They have become like family and I want to know how they get their happily ever afters too!
I enjoyed volume 4 of the Christmas chronicles and am sad to see them end. It has been a lovely way to anticipate the holiday season through 4 volumes. This one led us down an unexpected path of mystery and intrigue on a higher scale than the previous adventures. The author’s afterward promising stories for some of the other characters in future was greatly appreciated. They have become like family and I want to know how they get their happily ever afters too!
November 29, 2020
Love the latest Christmas book
Stephanie Laurens has a knack for telling the Osbaldestone stories about Little Mosley. This one doesn't disappoint. I look forward every year to the next story. The ending of this one was particularly beautiful with the description of the stars.
I hate that Jamie, George and Lottie have to grow up. It will be interesting to see how new adventures evolve.
Stephanie Laurens has a knack for telling the Osbaldestone stories about Little Mosley. This one doesn't disappoint. I look forward every year to the next story. The ending of this one was particularly beautiful with the description of the stars.
I hate that Jamie, George and Lottie have to grow up. It will be interesting to see how new adventures evolve.
January 27, 2022
Ima be brief get my immediate thoughts out. I love these kids. Obvs love Lady O. I’m excited to get into Melissa and Dags’ story bc they are cute, but I very much hope this is not the last of the Christmas tales featuring our intrepid children, I know SL has promised their HEAs, but I’m not ready for them to grow up yet, I’d love to see them more as they are, and have some more adventures before we skip ahead to them as adults, delightful though I’m sure they will be!
December 17, 2022
Friend or foe!
Lady Osbaldstone's three grandchildren come to stay for Christmas again followed by a surprise. Lady O's youngest son has come to stay, which is a surprise to everyone. Christopher is under orders to lie low because someone is watching him. They think it's the French. Now the children take him under their wing and show him everything Little Moseley has to offer while keeping an eye out for trouble. Always so much fun to be back to Little Moseley.
Lady Osbaldstone's three grandchildren come to stay for Christmas again followed by a surprise. Lady O's youngest son has come to stay, which is a surprise to everyone. Christopher is under orders to lie low because someone is watching him. They think it's the French. Now the children take him under their wing and show him everything Little Moseley has to offer while keeping an eye out for trouble. Always so much fun to be back to Little Moseley.
December 6, 2024
Audible book. I think if I had actually read the story I might not have finished it. Slightly boring. I am not really into spy or espionage stories. Not too much happens in this story. The ending was sweet but it was def a book that is hard to get into. I do think reading the first in the series endeared me to Lady Osbaldestone and the grandchildren who were delightful. It had some Christmas parts to it but really just a cozy spy story that took forever to get into.
December 22, 2024
Wonderful!
I'm a great fan of your books. I enjoy your stories where Lady Osbaldestone and her three grandchildren are the protagonists. There is a freshness with Lady Osbaldestone and her grandchildren, plus a willingness to learn and to be taught by their grandmother that is missing from today's relationships with elderly grandparents and their grandchildren.
I always look forward to your next episode.
I'm a great fan of your books. I enjoy your stories where Lady Osbaldestone and her three grandchildren are the protagonists. There is a freshness with Lady Osbaldestone and her grandchildren, plus a willingness to learn and to be taught by their grandmother that is missing from today's relationships with elderly grandparents and their grandchildren.
I always look forward to your next episode.
November 4, 2020
Another wonderful story!
The fourth in a series of Christmas stories, each one a fun and interesting read. This one a little more exciting with the three precocious grandchildren getting involved and helping to solve a mystery. Well worth reading as Christmas approaches. I'm already looking forward to next year's story.
The fourth in a series of Christmas stories, each one a fun and interesting read. This one a little more exciting with the three precocious grandchildren getting involved and helping to solve a mystery. Well worth reading as Christmas approaches. I'm already looking forward to next year's story.
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