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Belles of Christmas: Frost Fair #5
The Christmas Foundling
A babe in a manger once saved the world. Can this one save a failing marriage?
Lydia Blakeburn, Baroness Lynham, wants nothing more than to present her husband with an heir, but after five years of marriage, she has all but given up on doing so. What started as a love match has since begun to sour, yet there is nothing Lydia can do to free Miles from a marriage she is certain he regrets. The future they had envisioned together is slipping farther and farther away.
Miles Blakeburn is at his wit's end. Not only has he failed to produce an heir to the family's ancient title, his wife has withdrawn from him entirely. The one thing in the world she wants, he has thus far been unable to give her: a child. He is a failure in every regard.
When they happen upon an abandoned baby at the Frost Fair, Miles simply can't resist the light he sees sparked in his wife's eyes as she holds the child. He agrees to take the foundling in until Christmastide is over, when they will find the babe a permanent home. But, for a couple who's been yearning for a baby for years, the infant can't help but expose all the feelings Lydia and Miles have long been trying to bury, feelings that have the power to bring them back together—or estrange them forever.
*This book deals with the topic of infertility, which can be triggering for some
Lydia Blakeburn, Baroness Lynham, wants nothing more than to present her husband with an heir, but after five years of marriage, she has all but given up on doing so. What started as a love match has since begun to sour, yet there is nothing Lydia can do to free Miles from a marriage she is certain he regrets. The future they had envisioned together is slipping farther and farther away.
Miles Blakeburn is at his wit's end. Not only has he failed to produce an heir to the family's ancient title, his wife has withdrawn from him entirely. The one thing in the world she wants, he has thus far been unable to give her: a child. He is a failure in every regard.
When they happen upon an abandoned baby at the Frost Fair, Miles simply can't resist the light he sees sparked in his wife's eyes as she holds the child. He agrees to take the foundling in until Christmastide is over, when they will find the babe a permanent home. But, for a couple who's been yearning for a baby for years, the infant can't help but expose all the feelings Lydia and Miles have long been trying to bury, feelings that have the power to bring them back together—or estrange them forever.
*This book deals with the topic of infertility, which can be triggering for some
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2020
388 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
November 23, 2020
I'm starting off with a disclaimer, this book is not the typical light read you will find with the other Belles of Christmas: Frost Fair stories. It deals heavily with infertility and while I found it to be very tastefully and beautifully done, it is an emotionally deep read and may be a trigger for some readers. I recently read a contemporary novel by another author with a different heavy topic (sexual abuse) which I couldn't rate more than three stars because it was really hard for me to read and didn't appeal to my personal tastes. Something about this book just worked for me, a mix of the author's approach and the uninhibited yet compassionate honesty. I am rating this book five stars for the reasons which will be found below in my review.
Right from the beginning of this story my heart immediately went out to the main characters Lydia and Miles. The couple is clearly hurting and estranged as the reader learns is a result of infertility and the different insecurities and missed expectations the couple started out with. Theirs was a love match and my heart broke, like teared up for real, at the struggles and heart ache they were each experiencing. While attending the Frost Fair, they discover an abandoned infant that they end up taking into their home and lives until a proper situation can be found for the child. This is both a blessing and a curse for the couple as it breaches the distance between them in some aspects, while simultaneously bringing out some of the deeper insecurities and feelings of rejection and inadequacy they have been carrying.
I don't want to spoil the story so I won't go into any more details regarding the plot, but I will say that I started this book and stayed up until the early hours of the morning because I could not put it down. In fact, I had to digest the story for a day before I could write this review. I was invested in the couple and their feelings were so raw on the page, I found this story to be deeply moving. Knowing people who have struggled with infertility, I believe the author captured the heart of it even knowing that not all experiences are the same. The author also gives us both Lydia and Miles perspectives, which I believe was instrumental in helping to paint the picture of what was really going on for each of them and in helping to understand their struggles. They both experienced infertility and yet their relationship itself was estranged for entirely different reasons.
Content warning: while the story is mainly focused on a married couple dealing with infertility, this is a clean read. The book implies relations between a husband and wife, but in a delicate way that uses nothing descriptive or offensive in my opinion. There is nothing really said other than in order to know they are infertile; one must understand that means they have shared in the type of relationship in which one may become pregnant. Nothing is described in any detail nor is there any foul or inappropriate language.
I receive an advance reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would recommend this book, though I would recommend the reader understand the tone of the story going in.
Right from the beginning of this story my heart immediately went out to the main characters Lydia and Miles. The couple is clearly hurting and estranged as the reader learns is a result of infertility and the different insecurities and missed expectations the couple started out with. Theirs was a love match and my heart broke, like teared up for real, at the struggles and heart ache they were each experiencing. While attending the Frost Fair, they discover an abandoned infant that they end up taking into their home and lives until a proper situation can be found for the child. This is both a blessing and a curse for the couple as it breaches the distance between them in some aspects, while simultaneously bringing out some of the deeper insecurities and feelings of rejection and inadequacy they have been carrying.
I don't want to spoil the story so I won't go into any more details regarding the plot, but I will say that I started this book and stayed up until the early hours of the morning because I could not put it down. In fact, I had to digest the story for a day before I could write this review. I was invested in the couple and their feelings were so raw on the page, I found this story to be deeply moving. Knowing people who have struggled with infertility, I believe the author captured the heart of it even knowing that not all experiences are the same. The author also gives us both Lydia and Miles perspectives, which I believe was instrumental in helping to paint the picture of what was really going on for each of them and in helping to understand their struggles. They both experienced infertility and yet their relationship itself was estranged for entirely different reasons.
Content warning: while the story is mainly focused on a married couple dealing with infertility, this is a clean read. The book implies relations between a husband and wife, but in a delicate way that uses nothing descriptive or offensive in my opinion. There is nothing really said other than in order to know they are infertile; one must understand that means they have shared in the type of relationship in which one may become pregnant. Nothing is described in any detail nor is there any foul or inappropriate language.
I receive an advance reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would recommend this book, though I would recommend the reader understand the tone of the story going in.
December 22, 2020
So beautiful and different
Wow! Get your tissues ready! This is such a unique regency story. It was well written and heart wrenching. I loved Miles so much. Seriously can’t imagine a sweeter husband! Lydia was harder for me to deal with at times, but I can understand her feelings and reasonings. Loved this whole series and highly recommend it!
Wow! Get your tissues ready! This is such a unique regency story. It was well written and heart wrenching. I loved Miles so much. Seriously can’t imagine a sweeter husband! Lydia was harder for me to deal with at times, but I can understand her feelings and reasonings. Loved this whole series and highly recommend it!
December 23, 2024
Sweet marriage story, but not very Christmassy. Deals a lot with infertility and how that affects each of the main characters and their relationship.
December 11, 2024
The Christmas Foundling is an emotional second chance romance featuring a married couple dealing with infertility. This is such a tough topic but Martha Keyes handled it beautifully. I wanted to finish reading the Frost Fair series this year and this book is one of my favorites from the series! The message of the book is hopeful and inspiring despite the very real trials the characters face. Pick this up if you are looking for a heartfelt romance this Christmas.
November 22, 2020
A sweet and inspiring story, The Christmas Foundling follows Lydia and Miles Blakeburn, who after five years of marriage, and despite their most fervent wishes, still do not have a child. Lydia despairs of ever giving her husband an heir and sees no way to remove him from the marriage she is sure he now regrets. Miles is equally distressed, not only at his inability to give his wife the child she desires and his lineage an heir, but also at the distance his wife now holds herself from him. He has failed in every regard. The discovery of an abandoned baby at the Frost Fair brings to surface long buried feelings that could either reunite the couple or forever destroy them.
Oh, the feels in this book! I so felt for both Lydia and Miles who were so hurting and felt so alone. They both were dealing with feelings of inadequacy and disappointment. They had been a love match and at the beginning of the book were so estranged from one another. Neither really talked to the other and so both wrestled with their feelings alone. Being in the Regency Era, infertility was not really understood or talked about, so Miles and Lydia were given few answers and fewer solutions. However, the foundling baby they discover brings so many changes. Lydia is immediately drawn to the child. It was so sweet to see how much she adored for him and cared for him. It was adorable! But caring for the child in their home brings new problems, as they are faced with the feelings and circumstances he brings. Lydia quickly grows attached. Miles cannot refuse her happiness, though he does begin to feel in some ways further from his wife. With their plan to find the baby a permanent home after Christmas time, questions begin to arise over what the couple really wants.
Lydia felt so deeply, yet she held it in. Both of them actually, held their feelings and thoughts very closely to them. Neither wanted to share insecurities or their conflicted feelings. There were some flashback like scenes in the book, chronicling their story and it really drove the pain they felt home. Their plan of a family and their hopes for the future when they were married seem so far. Although there were times where I wanted to just yell at them and make them have a full conversation, I knew that they were really struggling. And Miles’s mother was not helping, I was really frustrated with her through most of the book. She was very meddlesome and intrusive in their lives, although I realize she really did love her son. I also thought Lydia's sisters were very sweet. They did their best to support Miles and Lydia and love them although they did not know much of what they were experiencing. The story itself was full of growth and discovery. Lydia and Miles had to discover what they were really feeling and address it, personally and then address how it affected their relationship. Their growth was so beautiful and I am so glad for their journey. I would recommend this to those looking for a sweet clean Regency romance! If you are sensitive about infertility, this might not be for you.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Oh, the feels in this book! I so felt for both Lydia and Miles who were so hurting and felt so alone. They both were dealing with feelings of inadequacy and disappointment. They had been a love match and at the beginning of the book were so estranged from one another. Neither really talked to the other and so both wrestled with their feelings alone. Being in the Regency Era, infertility was not really understood or talked about, so Miles and Lydia were given few answers and fewer solutions. However, the foundling baby they discover brings so many changes. Lydia is immediately drawn to the child. It was so sweet to see how much she adored for him and cared for him. It was adorable! But caring for the child in their home brings new problems, as they are faced with the feelings and circumstances he brings. Lydia quickly grows attached. Miles cannot refuse her happiness, though he does begin to feel in some ways further from his wife. With their plan to find the baby a permanent home after Christmas time, questions begin to arise over what the couple really wants.
Lydia felt so deeply, yet she held it in. Both of them actually, held their feelings and thoughts very closely to them. Neither wanted to share insecurities or their conflicted feelings. There were some flashback like scenes in the book, chronicling their story and it really drove the pain they felt home. Their plan of a family and their hopes for the future when they were married seem so far. Although there were times where I wanted to just yell at them and make them have a full conversation, I knew that they were really struggling. And Miles’s mother was not helping, I was really frustrated with her through most of the book. She was very meddlesome and intrusive in their lives, although I realize she really did love her son. I also thought Lydia's sisters were very sweet. They did their best to support Miles and Lydia and love them although they did not know much of what they were experiencing. The story itself was full of growth and discovery. Lydia and Miles had to discover what they were really feeling and address it, personally and then address how it affected their relationship. Their growth was so beautiful and I am so glad for their journey. I would recommend this to those looking for a sweet clean Regency romance! If you are sensitive about infertility, this might not be for you.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
November 20, 2020
Where to start? I read this in one day, but I can’t stop thinking about it.
What I Loved:
- perspective from both characters. Seeing from Miles and Lydia’s perspective really rounded off the book. They both had insecurities, and they both wanted what was best for their partner...they just couldn’t communicate.
- love conquers all. Like I said before, they really wanted what was best for each other and you can really see that when they learn to communicate at the end. They are both willing to make sacrifices for the other. I guess in today’s world we see a lot of people give up on their relationships for selfish reasons so it was nice to have a couple to root for (even if they are fictional).
- Thomas. That baby! I am all heart eyes! A cheerful, bubbly baby that was still realistic? Adorable. Completely adorable.
Other stuff about the book:
- it’s a really heavy topic. Don’t get me wrong- it’s a good book (or I wouldn’t have given it four stars) but.... it’s literally in a Christmas series. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I typically like lighter, happier things around Christmas time (and I get that that’s not super realistic...but I read to escape reality...). Anyway, if you’re looking for a light happy read, maybe stick this in your TBR pile until after December.
- the pacing. Okay. The pacing wasn’t bad. It just kind of started to drag at the end. Like, come on guys, talk to each other already. Stop jumping to conclusions. But... there wouldn’t be a story if they knew how to communicate so I guess I’m just glad they finally got there at the end.
- a lot was implied. This book is about a couple that struggles with infertility, folks. You know what’s coming. It IS clean. Nothing graphic...but while it’s not explicit, it IS implicit, so if you are very sensitive about married couples sleeping together...then you’re probably not married. Lol.
In conclusion:
This book was well written and I liked the characters. I read it in one sitting and can’t stop thinking about it, so that’s got to tell you something. I personally don’t think I was the right audience for this one. I’ve read a lot of Martha Keyes books and I’ve loved all of them. You can’t go wrong with a book by Keyes. However, I am single and in college, so frankly, I just couldn’t really relate. I think it did make me better understand the struggles of infertile couples though, so I definitely learned something from it.
Content: clean
Religion: a teensy bit
Language: none
I received an Advanced Reader Copy but all opinions are my own. Go get a copy and enjoy!!!
What I Loved:
- perspective from both characters. Seeing from Miles and Lydia’s perspective really rounded off the book. They both had insecurities, and they both wanted what was best for their partner...they just couldn’t communicate.
- love conquers all. Like I said before, they really wanted what was best for each other and you can really see that when they learn to communicate at the end. They are both willing to make sacrifices for the other. I guess in today’s world we see a lot of people give up on their relationships for selfish reasons so it was nice to have a couple to root for (even if they are fictional).
- Thomas. That baby! I am all heart eyes! A cheerful, bubbly baby that was still realistic? Adorable. Completely adorable.
Other stuff about the book:
- it’s a really heavy topic. Don’t get me wrong- it’s a good book (or I wouldn’t have given it four stars) but.... it’s literally in a Christmas series. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I typically like lighter, happier things around Christmas time (and I get that that’s not super realistic...but I read to escape reality...). Anyway, if you’re looking for a light happy read, maybe stick this in your TBR pile until after December.
- the pacing. Okay. The pacing wasn’t bad. It just kind of started to drag at the end. Like, come on guys, talk to each other already. Stop jumping to conclusions. But... there wouldn’t be a story if they knew how to communicate so I guess I’m just glad they finally got there at the end.
- a lot was implied. This book is about a couple that struggles with infertility, folks. You know what’s coming. It IS clean. Nothing graphic...but while it’s not explicit, it IS implicit, so if you are very sensitive about married couples sleeping together...then you’re probably not married. Lol.
In conclusion:
This book was well written and I liked the characters. I read it in one sitting and can’t stop thinking about it, so that’s got to tell you something. I personally don’t think I was the right audience for this one. I’ve read a lot of Martha Keyes books and I’ve loved all of them. You can’t go wrong with a book by Keyes. However, I am single and in college, so frankly, I just couldn’t really relate. I think it did make me better understand the struggles of infertile couples though, so I definitely learned something from it.
Content: clean
Religion: a teensy bit
Language: none
I received an Advanced Reader Copy but all opinions are my own. Go get a copy and enjoy!!!
October 16, 2025
Heart breaking and heart warming all in one book
Warning, possible spoilers ahead so be warned.
To start, I almost didn't read this book. There was a warning in Goodreads about this book discussing infertility and the author included an intro in the book to say this as well. While we've been blessed with a daughter, we've since experienced secondary infertility and recurrent miscarriages, so I was very concerned this would be too hard for me to read, especially knowing the time period was going to discuss the importance of a male heir and one of our losses we know was likely a boy, which has always been hard.
With that background in mind, I'm so glad I read this book. Martha Keyes handled the telling of Miles and Lydia's story so well, likely due to her own personal experiences. There were moments where I did want to cry, but it was just over the raw emotions experienced by this couple. Honestly, it didn't even trigger the personal feelings I was concerned would be brought up. I was so engrossed in their story, I almost finished the whole book the same day I started it. That pesky need for sleep got in the way.
I know this story could have had a more "ideal" ending if Lydia had miraculously been able to conceive but I'm glad she didn't. As someone who hasn't been able to have a baby following fertility issues, it felt more realistic to acknowledge that sometimes it just doesn't happen. The beauty of taking multiple children into their home that otherwise wouldn't have a home was such a great ending in my mind. It also helped to remind me that even if I can't have another child of my own, there is always to the option to open our home through adoption. I definitely recommend this book, even if you're dealing with the grief of loss or infertility and you aren't sure you can do it.
Warning, possible spoilers ahead so be warned.
To start, I almost didn't read this book. There was a warning in Goodreads about this book discussing infertility and the author included an intro in the book to say this as well. While we've been blessed with a daughter, we've since experienced secondary infertility and recurrent miscarriages, so I was very concerned this would be too hard for me to read, especially knowing the time period was going to discuss the importance of a male heir and one of our losses we know was likely a boy, which has always been hard.
With that background in mind, I'm so glad I read this book. Martha Keyes handled the telling of Miles and Lydia's story so well, likely due to her own personal experiences. There were moments where I did want to cry, but it was just over the raw emotions experienced by this couple. Honestly, it didn't even trigger the personal feelings I was concerned would be brought up. I was so engrossed in their story, I almost finished the whole book the same day I started it. That pesky need for sleep got in the way.
I know this story could have had a more "ideal" ending if Lydia had miraculously been able to conceive but I'm glad she didn't. As someone who hasn't been able to have a baby following fertility issues, it felt more realistic to acknowledge that sometimes it just doesn't happen. The beauty of taking multiple children into their home that otherwise wouldn't have a home was such a great ending in my mind. It also helped to remind me that even if I can't have another child of my own, there is always to the option to open our home through adoption. I definitely recommend this book, even if you're dealing with the grief of loss or infertility and you aren't sure you can do it.
December 6, 2020
This was a hard, but fulfilling read. It does deal infertility, and I wanted to mention that as it may trigger some people. I've had my own experiences with infertility and so that made this hard at times to read, but also made me so thankful for my husband and being able to talk to him through the whole process. Lydia and Miles are such sweet people you can't help but want the best for them and want them to reconcile. Thomas is an added blessing and light in this story. This may seem like a hard topic for Christmas, but I liked that it wasn't life is perfect and miracles happen. It was kind of refreshing to have a real life struggle story.
December 26, 2021
This book was an emotional roller coaster for me. The story had me actually smiling, actually crying and actually frustrated. I can’t remember the last time I felt so many emotions and so strongly from a storyline. I would love to read about what happens with Michael!
March 9, 2024
Listened to on youtube
December 16, 2024
A good story… but very heavy. Not at all a light, happy Christmas read.
December 25, 2022
Really enjoyed this regency Christmas time romance. It deals with some pretty heavy topics, but it still manages to feel hopeful. If you have experienced infertility, be warned that this book deals with that heartbreak and might be hard to read.
December 10, 2024
An emotional Christmas novella that discusses infertility with care and doesn’t resolve itself with a miracle pregnancy. Watching these two set aside their insecurities and societal expectations to save their marriage and embrace an alternative road to happiness was lovely.
Want to read
January 6, 2021Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
December 28, 2020
This was a fun series to read. It was fun learning about the Frost Fair that took place in England. I liked how this book dealt with infertility and showing what a struggle it was for both the hero and the heroine. It was hard watching them blame themselves for the distance they felt developing between them. I loved how the baby they found and took in help them to start talking to each other about their fears and heartache and how it helped them to realize that they didn’t have to face this situation alone. I thought the author did a great job of addressing this hard issue in a sensitive manner.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
January 2, 2021
I’m glad that I didn’t know the plot of this book before reading it. I asked for it for Christmas because it was by Martha Keyes. Had I known it was about infertility and a broken marriage I would have hesitated and missed out. This book was heart breaking, and oh so beautiful. I loved seeing this relationship mend as lines of communication were opened, and dreams were adjusted together. This was a beautiful story of love and hope.
December 22, 2020
This was a clean regency romance that dealt with a difficult subject but I think this author did a wonderful job of describing what it would have felt like in that time period when the expectation was that a marriage would automatically bring an heir and how painful it was for the couple, women in particular, when that didn't happen. I was frustrated at times when Lydia wouldn't discuss with Miles the doubts and hurts that she felt, although, I do understand the additional vulnerability she must have felt, too.
I loved the idea of caring for children who were orphaned or otherwise not wanted and I would love to learn more about Matthew's story.
I've read several of the books in this series, each by a different author, and I have enjoyed each and everyone of them. I have read them out of order confirming that each is a standalone story and can be read independently.
I loved the idea of caring for children who were orphaned or otherwise not wanted and I would love to learn more about Matthew's story.
I've read several of the books in this series, each by a different author, and I have enjoyed each and everyone of them. I have read them out of order confirming that each is a standalone story and can be read independently.
December 23, 2020
Beautifully done. ❤ This book isn't a light read, but it's emotionally captivating and I found myself invested from the first chapter. I was sad to see it end.
December 4, 2020
I so enjoyed this story. My only complaint is that it ended! I so want to find out how the story continues - hopefully one day the author will write a sequel as there is so much potential - so many characters that have been developed so well and that I found intriguing. None more so that the main characters though. I can’t really say much more about that without giving spoilers so you’ll just have to read it yourself to understand what I mean.
This is a clean and wholesome story which I thoroughly enjoyed and one that is rather different to previous books of the series and even previous books by this author. I found it to be very original and realistic as well. I could just imagine things happening as they did in real life. I like that it centres around an already married couple and their lives together. The fact that they’re already in love but have challenges in their lives that they need to combat together is a main factor for the story and as I said, I think it was well done and realistic. I can definitely recommend this book as well as the previous books of this series.
I received an arc of this book from the author however this in no way influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave this review.
This is a clean and wholesome story which I thoroughly enjoyed and one that is rather different to previous books of the series and even previous books by this author. I found it to be very original and realistic as well. I could just imagine things happening as they did in real life. I like that it centres around an already married couple and their lives together. The fact that they’re already in love but have challenges in their lives that they need to combat together is a main factor for the story and as I said, I think it was well done and realistic. I can definitely recommend this book as well as the previous books of this series.
I received an arc of this book from the author however this in no way influenced my opinion and I am under no obligation to leave this review.
December 13, 2020
Beautiful story
This was a tear jerker! Very well done and touching Christmas Story. I’ve read the whole series and recommend each one.
This was a tear jerker! Very well done and touching Christmas Story. I’ve read the whole series and recommend each one.
December 5, 2020
This is book number 5 in the Frost Fair series, although it can definitely be read as a standalone novel. The Christmas Foundling tells us the story of Lydia and Miles. Through flashbacks we can see their courtship and early marriage and it is very evident that their relationship held so much love. We find as we read though that Lydia is despondent over having been married 5 years and they still hadn't had a baby. Their marriage suffers as a result and they become estranged. It is so sad seeing what a lack of communication does, and definitely a lesson to those of us with partners to always relay to them our feelings before misunderstandings erupt. We follow their relationship over the course of a Christmas season and how finding an abandoned baby brings them close once again. This is a sweet novel filled with difficult emotions but also filled with hope.
December 29, 2020
As you all know, I have really been enjoying the Frost Fair series and wanted to be able to finish the entire series before Christmas. I read the description of book 5 and saw the trigger warning and hesitated. Having had experience with secondary infertility, miscarriage and loss, I knew I was taking a risk. I had read several reviews before picking this one up; and having gotten to know author Martha Keyes through her instagram account, I felt confident that if someone was going to tell a story about these heartbreaking issues Martha would be the one to do it right.
I’m so glad I trusted my feelings on this one! I was able to sympathize with Miles and Lydia during their struggles. Their journey was heartbreaking but beautiful. I don’t want to give any spoilers but I loved how realistically this story ended. I really enjoyed the theme in this book that even though life may not be turning out exactly how you planned or hoped, it can still be beautiful.
I’m so glad I trusted my feelings on this one! I was able to sympathize with Miles and Lydia during their struggles. Their journey was heartbreaking but beautiful. I don’t want to give any spoilers but I loved how realistically this story ended. I really enjoyed the theme in this book that even though life may not be turning out exactly how you planned or hoped, it can still be beautiful.
December 19, 2020
"The Christmas Foundling" tells the bittersweet story of Lydia and Miles , a childless couple who has been married for 5 years. Their desire for a child is strong. However as the years pass, their efforts come to an end and their marriage takes a turn for the worse as both of them begin to emotionally close themselves off from one another. Lydia blames herself and Miles himself for failing to produce a heir. The societal pressure, the pressure from each partner's parents to produce a child is so strong that it starts to cause an emotional rift between the couple. A rift that starts to seem unfixable to Lydia and Miles as the years pass.
Reading this book was to say the least an experience. As I kept reading the story I genuinely hoped for a Christmas miracle for these two and indeed it does happen but not in a way you would have expected it to. You see this book is very bittersweet and realistic ,and as much as I hoped for them to have their own child ,in the end I was kind of glad the author didn't do this. Childlessness can be a choice ,but it can also be a heartbreaking problem when it happens to people who greatly desire for a baby like Miles and Lydia. I have heard many life-stories of couples who were once childless, but not all of these couples end up bearing their own children. Adoption is another valid choice and I am glad that it is presented here. However, "The Christmas Foundling" is so much more than just a story about a barren couple whose all problems will be solved by the coming of a child. Definitely not. That's why this book holds a special place in my heart. At its core "The Christmas Foundling" is a Christian tale about understanding, accepting and unconditionally loving the other, especially your partner. The inclusion of diary-like parts in the beginning of each chapter was a great way to show the growing emotional distance between Miles and Lydia as these diary-like segments present the past of the couple, when both of them used to make dreams for the future, be close to one another and communicate directly with each other. I usually hate the communication issues trope in romances as they are overused and are mostly an excuse to have some drama, but here it serves a purpose.
What changes the thick atmosphere of the story and brings happiness to the couple is an abandoned baby that they find at the Frost Fair during a snowy day and decide to take in. Even though the foundling brings joy to the couple, it doesn't help bring the couple closer ,maybe even hinders this closeness as Lydia places the young foundling, whom they later name Thomas, as her top priority. The whole situation feels so real and I am glad this is being presented as a child cannot fix a broken marriage. Of course, like in any romance, there is a good ending for Miles and Lydia as they finally push away the societal and parental pressure and rekindle their love for each other. However, there were times were I genuinely felt there wouldn't be a happy ending, especially with how intense Lydia's self-hatred and sadness was described.
All in all, this is a great story and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes regency romance and wants to read something emotional for the holidays. I hope Ms. Keyes keeps tackling more tough subject matter in her future books.
I tried to make my review quite vague in order to avoid spoilers.
Reading this book was to say the least an experience. As I kept reading the story I genuinely hoped for a Christmas miracle for these two and indeed it does happen but not in a way you would have expected it to. You see this book is very bittersweet and realistic ,and as much as I hoped for them to have their own child ,in the end I was kind of glad the author didn't do this. Childlessness can be a choice ,but it can also be a heartbreaking problem when it happens to people who greatly desire for a baby like Miles and Lydia. I have heard many life-stories of couples who were once childless, but not all of these couples end up bearing their own children. Adoption is another valid choice and I am glad that it is presented here. However, "The Christmas Foundling" is so much more than just a story about a barren couple whose all problems will be solved by the coming of a child. Definitely not. That's why this book holds a special place in my heart. At its core "The Christmas Foundling" is a Christian tale about understanding, accepting and unconditionally loving the other, especially your partner. The inclusion of diary-like parts in the beginning of each chapter was a great way to show the growing emotional distance between Miles and Lydia as these diary-like segments present the past of the couple, when both of them used to make dreams for the future, be close to one another and communicate directly with each other. I usually hate the communication issues trope in romances as they are overused and are mostly an excuse to have some drama, but here it serves a purpose.
What changes the thick atmosphere of the story and brings happiness to the couple is an abandoned baby that they find at the Frost Fair during a snowy day and decide to take in. Even though the foundling brings joy to the couple, it doesn't help bring the couple closer ,maybe even hinders this closeness as Lydia places the young foundling, whom they later name Thomas, as her top priority. The whole situation feels so real and I am glad this is being presented as a child cannot fix a broken marriage. Of course, like in any romance, there is a good ending for Miles and Lydia as they finally push away the societal and parental pressure and rekindle their love for each other. However, there were times were I genuinely felt there wouldn't be a happy ending, especially with how intense Lydia's self-hatred and sadness was described.
All in all, this is a great story and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes regency romance and wants to read something emotional for the holidays. I hope Ms. Keyes keeps tackling more tough subject matter in her future books.
I tried to make my review quite vague in order to avoid spoilers.
December 3, 2020
I am really enjoying this Frost Fair series - every book is so different yet delightful, and this one is such a sweet, poignant and heartbreaking yet hopeful story that I was in tears at times. Its a story of love and loss, love and loss, and (it wont be a surprise as its a HEA) so much more love at the end.
Miles and Lydia are estranged within their marriage, lost to each other whilst trying to keep up a facade for the world, and deal with his mother's well meaning but meddlesome advice and suggestions. The intensity of their grief at infertility and the loss of their hopes and expectations is gently and sensitively shown from both points of view, and Miles' anguish at Lydia drawing away from him and their relationship is very touching. Their mutual confusion, frustration, misconceptions and misunderstandings of what each other feels and wants is, at times, heart breaking to read yet shown with so much care and understanding.
How they met, married and their life together to this point is shown through a series of moving flashbacks, which structure and contribute really well to the story around the foundling Thomas, and their current and future relationship. I particularly enjoyed the ones about how Miles and Lydia met at the beach, which showed the underlying depth and strength of their love.
Lydia's sisters and Miles' brother and friend add some welcome lightness to the story (although Diana appears to be one to watch - managing, mischievous, perceptive and wise beyond her years, that one!), and even his Dowager mother, despite her tactless comments and making a terrible decision about Thomas' future, is given understanding, context and redemption at the end. Such a lovely, lovely tale.
It wasn't mentioned in the copy I received, but more can be found out about the London Foundling Hospital where the family gave out Christmas gifts as its currently a museum, with information about the children and the mothers who were determined to reclaim them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Miles and Lydia are estranged within their marriage, lost to each other whilst trying to keep up a facade for the world, and deal with his mother's well meaning but meddlesome advice and suggestions. The intensity of their grief at infertility and the loss of their hopes and expectations is gently and sensitively shown from both points of view, and Miles' anguish at Lydia drawing away from him and their relationship is very touching. Their mutual confusion, frustration, misconceptions and misunderstandings of what each other feels and wants is, at times, heart breaking to read yet shown with so much care and understanding.
How they met, married and their life together to this point is shown through a series of moving flashbacks, which structure and contribute really well to the story around the foundling Thomas, and their current and future relationship. I particularly enjoyed the ones about how Miles and Lydia met at the beach, which showed the underlying depth and strength of their love.
Lydia's sisters and Miles' brother and friend add some welcome lightness to the story (although Diana appears to be one to watch - managing, mischievous, perceptive and wise beyond her years, that one!), and even his Dowager mother, despite her tactless comments and making a terrible decision about Thomas' future, is given understanding, context and redemption at the end. Such a lovely, lovely tale.
It wasn't mentioned in the copy I received, but more can be found out about the London Foundling Hospital where the family gave out Christmas gifts as its currently a museum, with information about the children and the mothers who were determined to reclaim them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2020
I liked the connected theme of the Frost Fair in this series. It is unique in both the actual occurrence and as a topic for regency romance. This book didn't spend a lot of time at the fair but it did set up the rest of the story quite well.
The feel of this book is pretty heavy since it is dealing with infertility and a struggling marriage. I'm probably not the best audience for it since I prefer light hearted and escaping the difficulties in life but I also know this is real stuff that real people struggle with. These two could really use a very good therapist to help them work through their issues. They are both on the same side but looking at the problem through their own lenses and not communicating at all so things keep spiraling to worse. For my own tastes I felt like the struggle went on too long and the story started to feel like it wasn't moving anywhere but just spinning its wheels. At the same time, I think if you were, in reality, in this situation in your marriage the struggle would feel like it lasted forever so perhaps this is perfectly designed.
I appreciated that Lydia's sister, Diana, was able to help Lydia see some things from another perspective. She was like that much needed therapist a couple times in the book. I also appreciated that the male considered that he could be the cause of the infertility because usually in this era it is blamed on the female.
Because this is a married couple dealing with infertility there are often implicit references to marital intimacy but there is no sex in the book.
In the end we do get to see the happily ever after ending. It is just a struggle for this couple to get there.
Possible triggers: infertility and a struggling marriage
Sex: implied marital intimacy
Language: no
Violence: no
*I received and complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
The feel of this book is pretty heavy since it is dealing with infertility and a struggling marriage. I'm probably not the best audience for it since I prefer light hearted and escaping the difficulties in life but I also know this is real stuff that real people struggle with. These two could really use a very good therapist to help them work through their issues. They are both on the same side but looking at the problem through their own lenses and not communicating at all so things keep spiraling to worse. For my own tastes I felt like the struggle went on too long and the story started to feel like it wasn't moving anywhere but just spinning its wheels. At the same time, I think if you were, in reality, in this situation in your marriage the struggle would feel like it lasted forever so perhaps this is perfectly designed.
I appreciated that Lydia's sister, Diana, was able to help Lydia see some things from another perspective. She was like that much needed therapist a couple times in the book. I also appreciated that the male considered that he could be the cause of the infertility because usually in this era it is blamed on the female.
Because this is a married couple dealing with infertility there are often implicit references to marital intimacy but there is no sex in the book.
In the end we do get to see the happily ever after ending. It is just a struggle for this couple to get there.
Possible triggers: infertility and a struggling marriage
Sex: implied marital intimacy
Language: no
Violence: no
*I received and complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
December 31, 2020
This book is very different from any Regency book I’ve read and definitely doesn’t fit a “light, fluffy” Christmas mold either. But it is so well written and you just experience with the characters what they are going through. So well written, Martha! So very good!
The idea of following a married couple is different on its own. Seems like a lot of regency romances are centered around two single people who fall in love. Or two people with a marriage or convenience, who again, learn to fall in love. This story is about a married couple who were once madly in love but have since found their relationship growing a little cold because of the struggles they are experiencing.
I thought it was so interesting to see how infertility could have been handled back then. Having had many friends go through the struggle of infertility, I’ve seen how the pressures, stress, heartache, and pain put so much strain on the individuals and the relationship. I can only imagine what a devastating thing it would be to deal with. But I found it fascinating how much people would comment on this highly personal aspect of the married couples’ lives. And of course, the added pressure of providing an heir for titles must have been incredibly difficult.
I loved the relationships between the sisters and I loved how the married couple slowly figured out how to work through their difficulties and still find love together, even if it meant they had to do so without their much-longed-for children. I felt that the problems were dealt with and approached very tactfully and thoughtfully by Martha. Also, this book totally made me sob. I felt all the feelings in this one.
Good job, Martha! You know I’ll be looking forward to your next book!
The idea of following a married couple is different on its own. Seems like a lot of regency romances are centered around two single people who fall in love. Or two people with a marriage or convenience, who again, learn to fall in love. This story is about a married couple who were once madly in love but have since found their relationship growing a little cold because of the struggles they are experiencing.
I thought it was so interesting to see how infertility could have been handled back then. Having had many friends go through the struggle of infertility, I’ve seen how the pressures, stress, heartache, and pain put so much strain on the individuals and the relationship. I can only imagine what a devastating thing it would be to deal with. But I found it fascinating how much people would comment on this highly personal aspect of the married couples’ lives. And of course, the added pressure of providing an heir for titles must have been incredibly difficult.
I loved the relationships between the sisters and I loved how the married couple slowly figured out how to work through their difficulties and still find love together, even if it meant they had to do so without their much-longed-for children. I felt that the problems were dealt with and approached very tactfully and thoughtfully by Martha. Also, this book totally made me sob. I felt all the feelings in this one.
Good job, Martha! You know I’ll be looking forward to your next book!
December 7, 2020
So Real and Brings the Feels
The mere premise of this book and the author's note at the beginning of the story already had me in tears before the novel even began. I actually love a story that brings the feels like that, and my history with infertility made this book an even more emotional read. The author captured the feeling of what it is like to go through infertility and the problems it can cause for a couple. Ms. Keyes artfully weaves in the couple's painful backstory by sharing a snippet of it at the beginning of each chapter (a great way to reveal the past!!). When they find an abandoned infant at the Frost Fair, they try to locate the mother and do the right thing (find a constable, go to a foundling hospital), but ultimately they take the child home for what they imagine will be a temporary stay as they figure out the best thing for them to do for him. For both the hero and the heroine, having this child to care for in their home brings up so much, fulfilling their need to parent and allowing them moments of healing as a couple. It is unusual enough for a romance novel to be about a married couple (as romances are typically about the courtship and possibly early marriage)—and they are quite physically and emotionally distant at the start of the book—but to have it address infertility as well is highly unusual in romances, especially Regency ones. But the author tackled these difficult subjects with sensitivity and realism that made it an amazing read. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
The mere premise of this book and the author's note at the beginning of the story already had me in tears before the novel even began. I actually love a story that brings the feels like that, and my history with infertility made this book an even more emotional read. The author captured the feeling of what it is like to go through infertility and the problems it can cause for a couple. Ms. Keyes artfully weaves in the couple's painful backstory by sharing a snippet of it at the beginning of each chapter (a great way to reveal the past!!). When they find an abandoned infant at the Frost Fair, they try to locate the mother and do the right thing (find a constable, go to a foundling hospital), but ultimately they take the child home for what they imagine will be a temporary stay as they figure out the best thing for them to do for him. For both the hero and the heroine, having this child to care for in their home brings up so much, fulfilling their need to parent and allowing them moments of healing as a couple. It is unusual enough for a romance novel to be about a married couple (as romances are typically about the courtship and possibly early marriage)—and they are quite physically and emotionally distant at the start of the book—but to have it address infertility as well is highly unusual in romances, especially Regency ones. But the author tackled these difficult subjects with sensitivity and realism that made it an amazing read. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
December 7, 2020
Such a lovely Christmas story! This was just the thing to get me into the spirit this season.
Brief overview:
Our main characters, Lydia and Miles, have been married for over 5 years. The problem, they can't get pregnant, and it has put major strain on their marriage. When they find an abandoned baby at the frost fair, it will definitely change their lives, for better or for worse.
Possible spoilers ahead
Things I loved:
- Thomas!! That baby was flippin adorable. Watching Lydia and Miles relationship with the baby grow was one of the best parts of the book.
- Though these characters have already been married for many years, we were still delivered a swoon-worthy romance story.
- The author's writing! She does such an amazing job of pulling you into the story and helps you to feel as the characters do. As someone who is unmarried and has never dealt with the challenges of infertility, I was able to feel that I could understand a part of their pain.
Other comments:
- This is not a typical light-hearted Christmas novel. We're dealing with real problems that real people deal with, and it could be triggering to some who read it. However, the author in no way treats the situation lightly and gives it the consideration it deserves.
- This was a bit frustrating to read at times, just because you could read from both characters' perspective and see that they wanted the same thing, just didn't know how to communicate it to their partner.
Overall, it was a very sweet story of love and acceptance, and I would highly recommend it.
I was given an advance copy from the author and was in no way obligated to give a positive review.
Brief overview:
Our main characters, Lydia and Miles, have been married for over 5 years. The problem, they can't get pregnant, and it has put major strain on their marriage. When they find an abandoned baby at the frost fair, it will definitely change their lives, for better or for worse.
Possible spoilers ahead
Things I loved:
- Thomas!! That baby was flippin adorable. Watching Lydia and Miles relationship with the baby grow was one of the best parts of the book.
- Though these characters have already been married for many years, we were still delivered a swoon-worthy romance story.
- The author's writing! She does such an amazing job of pulling you into the story and helps you to feel as the characters do. As someone who is unmarried and has never dealt with the challenges of infertility, I was able to feel that I could understand a part of their pain.
Other comments:
- This is not a typical light-hearted Christmas novel. We're dealing with real problems that real people deal with, and it could be triggering to some who read it. However, the author in no way treats the situation lightly and gives it the consideration it deserves.
- This was a bit frustrating to read at times, just because you could read from both characters' perspective and see that they wanted the same thing, just didn't know how to communicate it to their partner.
Overall, it was a very sweet story of love and acceptance, and I would highly recommend it.
I was given an advance copy from the author and was in no way obligated to give a positive review.
December 12, 2020
First my usual points:
- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
- This is a standalone
- No errors that I caught as far as editing.
- The author was new to me.
This was an unexpected joy. I was intrigued by the fact that the main characters were already married and had lived a bit of their happily ever after. However real life and real-life struggles set in. They lost their way to each other for a time before finding their way back. There are NOT enough romance novels like this. I would recommend this beautiful story to anyone wanting a touch of reality in their reading.
SPOILERISH:
This book deals with infertility and its effects on a couple. It's easy to think infertility didn't happen in times long ago but we are shown here that the pain and loss that is experienced by so many today were possibly experienced throughout time. The human feelings never changed when a child is so dearly wanted but never received. To see the Hero evolve and accept the situation and possible outcome; to see the heroine realize her actions had affected the one person she loved so dearly and make a change regardless of how much it pained her both situations were well written and emotional. It truly did reflect a loving relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
- This is a standalone
- No errors that I caught as far as editing.
- The author was new to me.
This was an unexpected joy. I was intrigued by the fact that the main characters were already married and had lived a bit of their happily ever after. However real life and real-life struggles set in. They lost their way to each other for a time before finding their way back. There are NOT enough romance novels like this. I would recommend this beautiful story to anyone wanting a touch of reality in their reading.
SPOILERISH:
This book deals with infertility and its effects on a couple. It's easy to think infertility didn't happen in times long ago but we are shown here that the pain and loss that is experienced by so many today were possibly experienced throughout time. The human feelings never changed when a child is so dearly wanted but never received. To see the Hero evolve and accept the situation and possible outcome; to see the heroine realize her actions had affected the one person she loved so dearly and make a change regardless of how much it pained her both situations were well written and emotional. It truly did reflect a loving relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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