A Yorkshire Carol

A Christmas Match #3

by Jennie Goutet

The heart is deceitful above all things. Who can understand it?

When Juliana Issot’s godmother invites her to spend the month of Christmas for a house party in Yorkshire, Juliana feels compelled by affection to accept. Never mind that she escaped Yorkshire at first chance to secure a more glittering match in London, and the only matrimonial prospect at home is her childhood playmate, Willelm.

Willelm Armitage is a born and bred Yorkshireman, and as far as he is concerned, Juliana belongs here, too—and at his side. However, the one time he tried to convince her of this, she speedily gave him the right-about, making him question whether she truly was the right choice for him. After all, if she cannot see how well they suit, he is not about to force her hand.

A Christmas house party with pudding, games, charades, riding, and carols turns out to be just the thing to remind Juliana of how much she loves Yorkshire. But when her nostalgia slips into love will she be able to admit that Willelm knew the longings of her heart better than she knew her own?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Regency, Clean Romance, Regency Romance

203 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 11, 2021

About the author

Jennie Goutet is the best-selling author of eighteen historical romances, including the Clavering Chronicles, Memorable Proposals, and The Bridwells’ Grand Tour series. Her books have received first place in historical romance for the New England Reader’s Choice Awards and have hit the number one spot in Regency Romance on Amazon. They have been featured on BookBub and Hoopla, and are translated into six languages. Jennie is an American-born Anglophile who lives with her French husband and their three children in a small town outside of Paris, but her imagination resides in Georgian England, where her proper historical romances are set. You can learn more about Jennie’s books and sign up for her newsletter on her author website, jenniegoutet.com.

Reviews

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet, this clean Christmas romance was nice little addition to my holiday lineup this year. Though this book features more romance than plot, it has a nice steady moving storyline and I was able to enjoy the full thing without getting bored or skimming any of the lines. I enjoyed it. :)

[Dana Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet romance! I did however, want to shake the hero and heroine a time or two, but over all I enjoyed this Christmas story very much!!
Also, I listened to the book on YouTube. Thr narrator did a fine job. The author has a YouTube channel and you can listen for free. The only drawback is having to listen to some commercials. I didn't mind because it was free after all.

[HR-ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas season 1815. Gave this 3.5 stars & rounded up.
Kisses only.

A godmother Mrs. Savile & a close friend, tried to match-
make several singletons for an upcoming Christmas season
house party. Mrs. Savile and her spouse hosted this small
house party, invited couples their age, a few young couples
w/ kids & 8 singletons. Who would pair up with whom?

Willhelm "Will" was a squire + sheep farmer, most thought
too serious. His best friend Juliana, who he called "Jules"
considered Will staid/ sober/ unexciting. She preferred her
life in London even though she'd been born and raised in
Yorkshire. The MCs were both horse-crazy.

Mrs. S., godmother of Jules, thought Jules + Will destined
to be together. Jules felt an attraction to one city guy at the
party but later decided this guy acted too fickle. The MCs
explored their feelings and connection, after she'd insulted
him in London 2 years prior. Will seemed determined to
court another lady. Or did he?

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great Childhood friends to lovers story. Willelm has always wanted to be with Juliana, but she turned him down flat. She left for London but when her Godmother invites her back to Yorkshire she comes and Willelm sees that as a second chance. However, Juliana isn't so easily convinced. After spending time with her old friend and having house party games she may change her mind.

Very cute story. The first little bit was a little slow for me but then it was great. I really liked the main characters. I always like stories involving house parties. I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a good job. Overall, a great clean read and I recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author . All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Christmas setting at the Yorkshire house party! It was interesting how the characters expressed the vast difference between London and Yorkshire culture and customs. London is seen as more refined and high society, while Yorkshire is country, with rougher manners. It was sad that Juliana didn't understand how to balance the two, and felt that she must shun one to belong in the other. I appreciated the character growth she went through, and was able to realize the comfort and authenticity of Yorkshire can compete with the shallow glamor of London. Willelm had his eyes opened with Juliana's London behavior, but their childhood bond helps them renew their friendship during the house party. He is the ultimate good guy, being able to forgive her and understand that she wants something different from life, while still enjoying her company. I loved reading as Juliana's more genuine character begins to shine and Willelm can't help but hope for a future together. A lovely story for the holidays!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adored this audiobook version of A Yorkshire Carol! The story is a friends-to-lovers trope and the way Jennie Goutet developed this theme was particularly well done. I loved how Juliana discovers that her old childhood friend might just be the love of her life.

Juliana grew up in Yorkshire, but when she moved with her parents to London, she got caught up in all the glitz and glamor of society. When her godmother asks her to return for Christmas, she grudgingly obliges.

The last thing she expects is to fall in love with her childhood friend. However, when Willelm starts paying attention to other women she begins to realize all the things she appreciates about her friend, but is it too late?

I loved the way this story progressed. At first, we are introduced to Willelm the way Juliana remembers him, as just an average man who is slightly awkward in fashionable society. As the story unfolds, we begin to see Willelm through new eyes as his strong character and delightful personality shine through. We fall in love with him just like Juliana!

The narrator did an amazing job bringing each character to life. I especially enjoyed the various accents and male voices. She has a pleasant voice and it was easy to listen to.

With all the fun traditions of a Yorkshire Christmas, this is definitely a book that will get you in the Christmas spirit with plenty of romance as well! Highly recommend this audiobook and the entire Christmas Match series! Each story is a stand alone read, but each has a charming matchmaker connecting the stories. Thanks to the author for gifting me an advanced copy of the audiobook. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second chances Regency romance where old friends rediscover the truth about love and the value of friendship. Having eschewed her Yorkshire origins and childhood friends, Juliana Issot longs for the excitement and romance of London. Certainly, her future does not lie with a Squire in freezing Yorkshire, where entertainment is minimal, the food is hearty but plain and the men without the grace and finesse of London society. In fact, Juliana has lost herself along the way as she patterns herself after the leaders in society and accepts the glamor and glitter of the City as the norm, rather than the solid values of the life she left behind. Invited by her Godmother to a month-long house party in Yorkshire, Juliana returns to the village where she grew up and surprisingly, finds herself enjoying it far more than she had anticipated. Meeting up with Willelm again brings back memories and they discover that the old connection is still there, even though she is fighting against being drawn in by the emotions he arouses. A kind and honorable man, Willelm becomes the friend and confidant of others attending the gathering and when it seems that Juliana isn't the only one attracted to him, she has to re-evaluate her feelings about him. Just when it seemed that all is lost, fate played her hand, bringing the novel to a happy and romantic conclusion. The plot would be incomplete without Juliana's meddlesome Godmother and her friends as quietly plot and plan and place wagers on the outcome. I received a copy of this sweet romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Yorkshire Carol was a festive Christmas Regency story. I listened to the audio book and truly enjoyed the narration.

It was sweet to see Juliana’s eyes begin to open to not only the fact that she had missed Yorkshire traditions, but also that she had missed Willelm. It still took her awhile to realize that Willelm could possibly mean more to her than she had ever understood. Would she discover that her feelings of childhood friendship had changed to more, only to find out that it was too late?

This Regency romance had a fun cast of characters and the setting of a house party, which made for ample opportunity to have the characters interacting with each other in many ways. There were feelings of happiness, jealousy, unrequited love, hopefulness, and much more as these young people ushered in the holidays and the new year. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when two of my favourite things get combined, Christmas and a Jennie Goutet book! This book was so very sweet! It moved a bit slower than I would’ve liked but not all romances can be firey, some have to be a nice slow burn too. I didn’t love Juliana at first but she slowly grew on me just like her feelings. I adored Willelm right from the start, even though he wasn’t your typical hero. Their friendship was so special and I loved watching it grow into more! And that last chapter was simply the best! I love all the covers in this A Christmas Match series but A Yorkshire Carol is hands down my favourite, it’s so gorgeous!

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mini review: A Yorkshire Carol by @aladyinfrance

Simplified Plot: Willelm decides to attend a holiday house party and reconnects with Juliana who pretty much ignored him at their last encounter even though they were friends in their younger years. Short pause to sigh for him.

Thoughts: Willhelms last name is Armitage so clearly I was a fan. Juliana took a bit for me to get behind because I mostly wanted to give her a shake because she needed to live up to the Armitage name. Hahaha. But a happily ever after does come and it’s a great little Christmas story about discovering how love changes our perspective. I adored Willhelm. Clearly. The audio is totally enjoyable. Add it to your Christmas list!

[Aquamarine♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the friends-to-lovers trope, it is one of my fave clichés and it had my not so lovely typical drama, i have a low tolerance for drama sorry, but either way it was nice😁

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely Christmas season read! Juliana and Willelm are childhood friends that have grown apart when Juliana moves to London. They meet again during the Christmas season at a house party in Yorkshire along with other unattached young people. Relationships grow and love blossoms for some. Wonderful characters in this book! I've enjoyed how the theme of matchmaking via correspondence among the matrons in the series has tied these books together. Another wonderful sweet regency romance by Jennie Goutet! A perfect book to curl up with during the holiday season!

[Courtney Lyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love a friends to more trope and this one was so sweet. This whole series has been just what I wanted!

[Ashlee (bookswithnopictures) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seasonal regency read is refreshing for the friends-to-lovers trope. It's not a favorite trope of mine because - generally speaking - there's a severe lack of communication and the MC's are always playing nice, basically the opposite of enemies-to-lovers. However, Jennie's characters, Juliana and Willelm, have such great candor in key moments. It captured my interest and made me question by prejudices for the trope. This probably speaks too much on my own blunt personality.
The last half of the book is really great and made the story for me. The progression of Julianna's feelings were zero-to-sixty but Willelm's loyalty was a charming counterbalance.
I started my read of A Yorkshire Carol without having read the first two in the series. It's a mutli-author project, so I knew going in that the theme would be the same for all five but the character interaction would be extremely minimal.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another delightful Regency romance. It starts with a letter between some match-making matrons and two childhood friends meeting again at a Christmas house party. Will and Juliana grew up together in Yorkshire but she left that life behind three years ago for London society and never really looked back. Will is steady and constant and his feelings for Juliana have never changed but he tries to respect her wish to just be friends. There are so many great secondary characters and other possible romances between the guests. There’s also a lot of fun Christmas traditions including singing carols. It’s a sweet, friends to more romance that’s perfect for this time of year. It’s part of A Christmas Match series but can be read as a standalone story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 stars.

I received an eARC to review. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

[Marilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute friends to lovers Christmas regency romance! I always enjoy Jennie Goutet's books and this one was no exception.

Loved the matchmaking matrons and all the scenes with Christmas traditions like the yule log, the games, and the carols. I loved the Yorkshire slang that brought an extra authentic feeling to the story. Lots of misunderstandings between Wilhelm and Juliana but loved the slow burn realization on her part - totally worth the wait!

4.5 stars for this fun read that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit! It is part of the Christmas match series but can be read as a standalone.

I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.

[Karen Thornell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was delightful! It felt like the Christmas season wrapped up in a blanket and served with a cup of cocoa (okay that metaphor might have gotten away from me). It was perfect. No one writes history as beautifully and realistically (though still readable!) like Jennie does. She really truly transports you to the regency era, and I enjoyed every page of this book, from watching Juliana fall in love both with Willelm and Yorkshire to learning how they counted sheep (😂). It was wonderful.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to Yorkshire Carol on audio back in the fall of 2023. However, when it came time to write my review I couldn't remember enough about it. I kept putting off my review so long that I decided to re-listen to it since I knew I enjoyed it the first time and it's a short book so I knew it wouldn't take long. I am so thankful to Jennie Goutet for posting it to YouTube.

The A Christmas Match series is written by several authors: Jennie Goutet, Sally Britton, Laura Rollins, Jen Geigle Johnson, and Laura Beers. I have only read listened to two of these books because they are available on YouTube audiobooks. The others aren't that I'm aware of. Each author has set her book during Christmas time and each book includes a matchmaker facilitating a match.

Juliana comes from York but has been enamored with London and fashionable society. She desired to escape York and branch out into the world of sophistication. Her godmother has been after her to visit and circumstances occur that would make it rude for Juliana to turn down her invitation to spend Christmas with her godmother at her house party. Unknown to her, but her godmother is trying to play matchmaker. She hopes for Juliana to match with her old friend, Willelm.

Willelm followed Juliana to London during her first season. He sought her out at dances and such only for her to tell him that she didn't come to London to dance with her playmates. Willelm was heartbroken because he had been hoping to make Juliana his wife. He sees this Christmas house party for what it is--his last chance to show Juliana that he is the right man for her.

Juliana is reminded of the things she loves about York (and Willelm). She never left because she hated the place, but she still loved London. The two don't have an entirely direct path to happiness. And I liked the way Jennie Goutet worked in the actual Christmas carol to fit the title. I also liked that Willelm explored all his options as Juliana wasn't reciprocating at first. He didn't want to force something that wasn't right for her. Jennie Goutet worked this angle well. Juliana was forced to face the idea that Willelm might not always be waiting on her. The old adage "you don't know what you've got until it's gone."

Yorkshire Carol was good enough to listen to twice. I originally rated it 4 Stars, and I stand by that rating after a second listen. I liked Juliana and Willelm. And I enjoyed seeing them each come to view each other as their match. I want to continue this series, but I don't know if I will considering the other books aren't on YouTube audio. Have you listened to (or read) Yorkshire Carol? What did you think? Let me know!

A great choice to get you in the mood for the holiday season.

[maiaisreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

#BookReview: A YORKSHIRE CAROL by Jennie Goutet

Do you have a favorite Christmas Carol? I have many and one of them is God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Based on the title, I knew there will be singing in this book. But how perfect it was when one of the main songs is a favorite?

Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy....

This third book in A Christmas Match series was a slow burn friends to more clean romance. I enjoyed the second half of the book as things picked up. I like Willelm’s steady and caring character. Juliana’s character reminds me that we want things we don’t really need. We may think it’s the end of the world if we don’t get it. But God has better things in store for us.

It took Juliana years to return Willelm’s affection. Her struggle was real. That song she created was amazing and cute! The Christmas festivities at the Savile’s turned out great. Reading about the service à la russe made me so full. My heart was full too with all the fun and love found in Yorkshire.

4 stars

Thank you for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
#kindleunlimited

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very well written book about a Christmas house party ,that takes place in Yorkshire. There are to be a total is eight young people of marital age The hostess is hoping her God daughter will be one of them . She had left behind Yorkshire thinking it was to provincial, and in doing so, the best of male friends, knowing his heart was not in London. This Christmas book was delightful, as it contained all types of Christmas games, food, decorating,playing in the snow, and even a Christmas ball. I really enjoyed as all the young people took walks, and talks trying to get to know each other better. I enjoyed getting to know them all as well. There were a few false leads as to who would end up together. I wanted to yell at the book, for the ladies to tell the certain gentleman, that had caught their notice, and their hearts, instead of staying silent. It became rather frustrating, as the men could not feel comfortable, without encouragement from the ladies, plus so many chaperones. Thankfully by the end everyone was sorted out! It had a very satisfying ending, to my way of thinking. I gave it 4.5 stars rounded to a five. It simply took them all to long to speak up, and the hesitation was a bit long. The ending, and all the fun activities made the book a joy. I wish our Christmas season was longer, and not so much hustle ,and bustle . Then again these were people with servants, which most of us do not have.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute Christmas romance set during the holidays at a house party. It is a friends to lovers tale. Willelm has loved Juliana for years. But she makes it clear when she came out in society that she wasn’t interested. She wants someone that spends there time in Lindon, not a small town with no entertainment. She wants to have fun and meet new people. She doesn’t care about a love match. Two years after this declaration she is invited to this house party. She loves her friendship with Willelm but she doesn’t want more. However a little Christmas magic may just make her change her mind about love. A taste of love can change a lot. Willelm has to decide if pursuing the woman he cares for is worth the potential heartbreak.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this Christmas series. I love the matchmaking grandmas, aunts, godmothers and I love how that is how all the books are connected. I liked how in this book Juliana had to figure out what she really wanted and to realize that it was right in front of her the whole time. I liked that even though Willelm wanted to put Juliana and his love behind him, he gave winning her heart one more try. I thought this was wonderfully written and perfect for the holidays.

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. 

[Bonnie Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this Christmas Regency romance. Juliana and Willelm have been friends all their lives, but now Willelm wants something more. Juliana feels only friendship for him, until a month-long Christmas party has them in close proximity after two years of separation, and sparks begin to fly. I really loved all the misunderstandings because they weren't cliché. The author is creative and comes up with a unique way for our two lovers to overcome their own shortcomings to be able to find love. Definitely a fun way to spend a few hours cozied up on the couch this holiday season!
Thanks to the publisher for the advance copy!

[Becky of Becky's Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Yorkshire Carol by Jennie Goutet is a delight! Juliana and Wilhelm have grown up together in Yorkshire, but currently Juliana is living in London and has moved beyond her hometown. She visits Yorkshire for a Christmas house party. There is nothing quite like a Regency Christmas house party that is filled with games, a yule log, Christmas carols, wonderful food, and a friends to lovers trope.

This was a sweet story that put me in the Christmas spirit! It was fun to learn some Yorkshire slang, celebrate Christmas with friends, and read a Regency novel. I recommend this adorable Christmas story.

I was given a copy by the author and not required to write a positive review.

[RivkaBelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for instagram book club: it's so fun and sweet. Friends to lovers will forever be my favorite. The idea of a month long house party is ... too much, LOL! But it was nice to see the Yorkshire Christmas traditions. A nice little holiday offering.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet regency Christmas story. Really enjoyed this one.

[Happy Reading Watching · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Yorkshire Carol

I read this one a little early it's October, it was a sweet short novel. Might reread in December 🎄

[Alisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh, it was ok. The girl in it DROVE ME CRAZY!! She was a typical I don't want him until I can't have him attitude and I do not like that. Their constant miscommunication and misinterpretation of situations was so frustrating. I was just glad to have it over...

[Kimberly Hampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a shorter book that’s centered around Christmas time and old friendships. It was a cute story in which you want to shake the main characters to communicate better. Classic tale of assumptions.

[snowy the penguin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and lighthearted seasonal read! Perfect to cozy up and de-stress with under a warm blanket. :)