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The Christmas Wager
Won One Perfect Note (Overall Honorable Mention) in the 2011 Rainbow Awards.
To discharge a debt to his friend, Andrew Nash, Lord Thomas Barrington returns to the family estate he fled six years earlier after refusing to marry the woman his father had chosen. To Thomas's dismay, Barrington Hall is no longer the joyful home he remembers from his childhood, and his young niece has no idea what Christmas is. Determined to bring Christmas back to the gloomy estate, Thomas must confront his tyrannical father, salvage a brother lost in his own misery, and attempt to fight off his father’s machinations. As the holidays near, Thomas and Andrew begin to realize they are more than merely close friends... and those feelings are not only a threat to their social positions but, in Victorian England, to their lives as well.
To discharge a debt to his friend, Andrew Nash, Lord Thomas Barrington returns to the family estate he fled six years earlier after refusing to marry the woman his father had chosen. To Thomas's dismay, Barrington Hall is no longer the joyful home he remembers from his childhood, and his young niece has no idea what Christmas is. Determined to bring Christmas back to the gloomy estate, Thomas must confront his tyrannical father, salvage a brother lost in his own misery, and attempt to fight off his father’s machinations. As the holidays near, Thomas and Andrew begin to realize they are more than merely close friends... and those feelings are not only a threat to their social positions but, in Victorian England, to their lives as well.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2010
About the author
Jamie Fessenden
45 books389 followersJamie Fessenden set out to be a writer in junior high school. He published a couple short pieces in his high school's literary magazine and had another story place in the top 100 in a national contest, but it wasn't until he met his partner, Erich, almost twenty years later, that he began writing again in earnest. With Erich alternately inspiring and goading him, Jamie wrote several screenplays and directed a few of them as micro-budget independent films. He then began writing novels and published his first novella in 2010.
After nine years together, Jamie and Erich married and purchased a house together in the wilds of Raymond, New Hampshire, where there are no street lights, turkeys and deer wander through their yard, and coyotes serenade them on a nightly basis. Jamie recently left his "day job" as a tech support analyst to be a full-time writer.
After nine years together, Jamie and Erich married and purchased a house together in the wilds of Raymond, New Hampshire, where there are no street lights, turkeys and deer wander through their yard, and coyotes serenade them on a nightly basis. Jamie recently left his "day job" as a tech support analyst to be a full-time writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 10, 2023
I was surprised to find that I owned this one already, a Secret Santa “gift” from a while back. And it was a nice read. Not great but nice enough and I was enjoying it up until the moment where the homophobic enraged father came out ..out of the blue and told us an OTT sob story about a past lover. I was like “Whaa?? The book would have been way better and realistic if the father had remained a raging bigot and went on with his plan to throw them out. Also Thomas went from “I’m not THAT way, I’m no pervert, ew, I don’t think I can get physical with you” to performing a stellar BJ right from the start and doing it with gusto.
As for the writing, it was kinda bad and clumsy. I HATE IT when authors refer to the characters with “the blond”, “the younger one”, “the doctor” etc. .
Cute historical yet kinda disappointing.
As for the writing, it was kinda bad and clumsy. I HATE IT when authors refer to the characters with “the blond”, “the younger one”, “the doctor” etc. .
Cute historical yet kinda disappointing.
July 20, 2018
I just realized that this beautiful, touching regency romance was written by the same author as 'Billy's Bones', which is an exceptionally well done psychological masterpiece.
The 'Christmas Wager' is a decidedly less dramatic Christmas romance between the son of a duke and a young business man. Still, it entertained me just as wonderfully, albeit for different reasons.
Gay men in regency romances often lack a bit of realism, as it's hard to get a believable HEA when two men together just wasn't a possible outcome at the time.
The Christmas Wager is one of the few romances that absolutely convinced me, largely also due to the character driven scenes.
I loved Andrew's self-perception as a man who loved men (and in particular his closest friend Thomas), while Thomas, the (slightly spoiled) son of a duke who was kicked out of his home by his strict father after refusing to accept an arranged marriage, is more on the bisexual side (if I may use this modern term). Thomas is a bit of a hedonist and an alcoholic (from my modern day point of view) who relies heavily on Andrew, going as far as even asking the guy to shave him in the morning.
Andrew is also the one who saves Thomas financially again and again, as his import business runs pretty successfully, while Thomas lives from only a small allowance that his father granted him after kicking him out.
Right before Christmas, Thomas needs Andrews help yet again to save him from a debt at cards, so Andrew calls it even if Thomas takes him to the renowned Christmas Ball at Thomas' homestead Branmoor Hall.
Arriving there, Thomas finds himself not only unwelcome, but also realizes that there has been no Christmas festivities ever since his brother's wife Lady Anne passed away three years earlier.
Determined to bring back Christmas to Branmoor Hall, if only for the sake of his little niece and his best friend, Thomas fights his father and brother and makes arrangements for a Christmas celebration that the town will never forget.
It's a very sweet story with an awesome twist and a wonderfully heartwarming resolution.
I especially loved how Andrew kept Thomas at a distance even after the guy wanted to love him back. He was convinced being 'a sodomite' was just an exciting adventure for Thomas that he would soon tire of, leaving Andrew and their friendship behind, eventually.
It took Thomas quite some time to get Andrew to open up to him fully, which was a beautiful and exciting development to watch.
I totally adore this story!
5 stars!
The 'Christmas Wager' is a decidedly less dramatic Christmas romance between the son of a duke and a young business man. Still, it entertained me just as wonderfully, albeit for different reasons.
Gay men in regency romances often lack a bit of realism, as it's hard to get a believable HEA when two men together just wasn't a possible outcome at the time.
The Christmas Wager is one of the few romances that absolutely convinced me, largely also due to the character driven scenes.
I loved Andrew's self-perception as a man who loved men (and in particular his closest friend Thomas), while Thomas, the (slightly spoiled) son of a duke who was kicked out of his home by his strict father after refusing to accept an arranged marriage, is more on the bisexual side (if I may use this modern term). Thomas is a bit of a hedonist and an alcoholic (from my modern day point of view) who relies heavily on Andrew, going as far as even asking the guy to shave him in the morning.
Andrew is also the one who saves Thomas financially again and again, as his import business runs pretty successfully, while Thomas lives from only a small allowance that his father granted him after kicking him out.
Right before Christmas, Thomas needs Andrews help yet again to save him from a debt at cards, so Andrew calls it even if Thomas takes him to the renowned Christmas Ball at Thomas' homestead Branmoor Hall.
Arriving there, Thomas finds himself not only unwelcome, but also realizes that there has been no Christmas festivities ever since his brother's wife Lady Anne passed away three years earlier.
Determined to bring back Christmas to Branmoor Hall, if only for the sake of his little niece and his best friend, Thomas fights his father and brother and makes arrangements for a Christmas celebration that the town will never forget.
It's a very sweet story with an awesome twist and a wonderfully heartwarming resolution.
I especially loved how Andrew kept Thomas at a distance even after the guy wanted to love him back. He was convinced being 'a sodomite' was just an exciting adventure for Thomas that he would soon tire of, leaving Andrew and their friendship behind, eventually.
It took Thomas quite some time to get Andrew to open up to him fully, which was a beautiful and exciting development to watch.
I totally adore this story!
5 stars!
December 7, 2019
4.5 Stars!! L❤️VED IT! 💕🎄 This was a really special little story that was sweet and surprising at the same time. I have never read anything by this author but wanted to read a holiday novella in the historical genre.. and I sure lucked out when I picked this one. 😍
Lord Thomas Barrington, after having a clash with his father, The Duke nearly six years ago regarding his refusal to go through an arranged marriage; has lived in London as a gentleman with a meagre allowance from his family estate. However, his best friend Andrew Nash, an independently wealthy business-man has been supplementing his income as a friendly gesture between friends since their university days. But what he has hidden from Thomas are his own feelings for him. Never having visited Thomas's home and curious to see the home Thomas grew up in, Andrew manipulates Thomas into taking him to Barrington Hall for Christmas Despite his shockingly contentious relationship with his father, Thomas is even more shocked to find that Barrington Hall no longer celebrates the festive season due to the death of his brother, Lord Edward's wife Anne a few years ago. Feeling sorry for his young niece who has never celebrated Christmas, he decides to bring Christmas festivities back to Barrington Hall🎄🎅🏼🌟. This leads to a wager between him and his father, the Duke ; which in turn leads to a lot of Christmas fun, party planning, surprising romances, friendships turning into more, secrets coming out... and a big surprising HEA at the end😍💝
The historical background in the plot is written quite well, keeping in mind how a romance between two men was taboo at the time. Also how Thomas slowly evolves and deals with his new found feelings for his friend. The MCs are lovable (despite Thomas's frequent drinking..😉) and the supporting characters make the story even more endearing💕. Highly recommended to all fans of historical M/M who are looking for an old-fashioned romance with a few surprises thrown in.. 👍👍
Lord Thomas Barrington, after having a clash with his father, The Duke nearly six years ago regarding his refusal to go through an arranged marriage; has lived in London as a gentleman with a meagre allowance from his family estate. However, his best friend Andrew Nash, an independently wealthy business-man has been supplementing his income as a friendly gesture between friends since their university days. But what he has hidden from Thomas are his own feelings for him. Never having visited Thomas's home and curious to see the home Thomas grew up in, Andrew manipulates Thomas into taking him to Barrington Hall for Christmas Despite his shockingly contentious relationship with his father, Thomas is even more shocked to find that Barrington Hall no longer celebrates the festive season due to the death of his brother, Lord Edward's wife Anne a few years ago. Feeling sorry for his young niece who has never celebrated Christmas, he decides to bring Christmas festivities back to Barrington Hall🎄🎅🏼🌟. This leads to a wager between him and his father, the Duke ; which in turn leads to a lot of Christmas fun, party planning, surprising romances, friendships turning into more, secrets coming out... and a big surprising HEA at the end😍💝
The historical background in the plot is written quite well, keeping in mind how a romance between two men was taboo at the time. Also how Thomas slowly evolves and deals with his new found feelings for his friend. The MCs are lovable (despite Thomas's frequent drinking..😉) and the supporting characters make the story even more endearing💕. Highly recommended to all fans of historical M/M who are looking for an old-fashioned romance with a few surprises thrown in.. 👍👍
May 28, 2013
I have this strange dichotomy in romance. When I read het romance I adore regencies. But when I read m/m (which is the bulk of what I read) I prefer contemporaries. Of course, a romance set in regency England between and man and a woman is a much different beast than a romance in the same era with two men. For one thing it was, oh, illegal and regarded as a terrible perversion. That's not necessarily the sort of angst I want to deal with while enjoying a sexy romantic romp.
That's not to say there aren't a few intrepid writers who make it work. Jamie Fessenden with The Christmas Wager is a fine example. It's a well-written piece, a longish novella or shortish novel(265 pages on my ipad). Here's what it has that I love about regencies:
* It's Christmas with the great country house bedecked with boughs of evergreens, a Christmas dance, dozens of Christmas trees, a Yule log, etc.
* It features a romance between a Lord's second, estranged son and a wealthy-but-not-titled young friend.
* It has all those lovely British characters -- jolly and loyal servants, the workaholic brother, the brother's dead wife and neglected child, the belligerent father who walks around with his shotgun and his hounds, the lady of the manor who is externally placid but secretly wise, etc.
* One MC is resisting his long-time desire for the other MC; that MC is clueless.
* Hunky male MC(s).
* Bathtub scenes, adjoining rooms, sex. Say no more.
The author doesn't shy away from the realities of being gay in this era at all. But the romance still works out in the end and the angst, guilt, and shame levels are never so strong that they overpower the cozy pleasure of the read.
Recommend for fans of Christmas stories, regencies and m/m.
That's not to say there aren't a few intrepid writers who make it work. Jamie Fessenden with The Christmas Wager is a fine example. It's a well-written piece, a longish novella or shortish novel(265 pages on my ipad). Here's what it has that I love about regencies:
* It's Christmas with the great country house bedecked with boughs of evergreens, a Christmas dance, dozens of Christmas trees, a Yule log, etc.
* It features a romance between a Lord's second, estranged son and a wealthy-but-not-titled young friend.
* It has all those lovely British characters -- jolly and loyal servants, the workaholic brother, the brother's dead wife and neglected child, the belligerent father who walks around with his shotgun and his hounds, the lady of the manor who is externally placid but secretly wise, etc.
* One MC is resisting his long-time desire for the other MC; that MC is clueless.
* Hunky male MC(s).
* Bathtub scenes, adjoining rooms, sex. Say no more.
The author doesn't shy away from the realities of being gay in this era at all. But the romance still works out in the end and the angst, guilt, and shame levels are never so strong that they overpower the cozy pleasure of the read.
Recommend for fans of Christmas stories, regencies and m/m.
January 31, 2011
This is rather a review in two parts as I explain what did work for me and what didn't.
I enjoyed the story--despite the things I say later about it--it's has a nice feel to it, and just about every character has something going for it. It has a coherent plot, and the slightly "gay for you" plot is well done, gradually realised and works well in this context.
I particularly liked the way the two main characters deal with their emotions for each other; Andrew, although initially a little put off when he finds out about Thomas's true nature and feelings, realises that he still wants him as a friend, and hopes to keep the friendship on that footing. I liked this, it seemed loyal and realistic for a loyal friend to do.
I liked the way they kept each other at arm's distance too, it was sweet and although I knew where it was all going, I enjoyed the journey.
There are two or three nicely juggled sub-plots too, which work well, even if (this is a Christmas story, after all, so that's forgiveable) it can be a little saccharine when it comes to the child involved. So taken aside the things that knocked this from being a really good read to an annoying one--I did like this book, and would probably recommend it to those who like big country house stories.
But.
I have to say that a sterner editor would have been a good thing--because the writing smacks a little of fandom. There's far too much use of epiphets "the blond" "the handsome blond" and such like. There are spelling mistakes, grammar errors and mistaken apostrophes liberally spattered throughout.
The constant use of "Christmas holidays" was an odd concept too--Andrew ran his own business, and--like Scrooge, most employees only had a day or so off, Christmas Day and perhaps another--and Andrew had no employment, living off his family's allowance, so he wouldn't have this idea in his head. I am reminded of the Dowager Duchess in Downton Abbey - "What is a weekend?"
The main trouble is that it's clearly an English historical written by an American. It's obvious that they've done a fair amount of research, but this could easily have been written in a 19th century New York setting and worked much better because the little niggles like the fifth of scotch and gottens would have been more excusable. There are a fair amount of anchacronisms here, too - words like teenagers and sabotage and the mentions of muffins and scones for breakfast--and using balsam as a decoration which isn't found in America and not England.
In an American setting, the rather republican aspects of the story which make any class conscious English person blanch, would have made a lot more sense. It's too late to invite the "proper people" to the Christmas Ball, so instead everyone from the village is invited--and this is done without even a murmur of dissent, disapproval, horror or even amusement from the local gentry. "how quaint, look at the poor stuffing the pastries in their pockets" was what I was expecting, but they invite the great unwashed in -- and the great unwashed know exactly how to behave -- without a ripple from anywhere.
It's a real shame, because I am sure Dreamspinner have or have access to editors who could have ironed these annoyances out, and if it had only had a couple of glitches I could have forgiven it. It would otherwise have been nudging a four stars, or even a four and a half, because the story is very charming, the characters loveable (although the child is not my cup of tea) but because of the "should have been set in the USA" aspect of it, I can only give it a grudging three.
I enjoyed the story--despite the things I say later about it--it's has a nice feel to it, and just about every character has something going for it. It has a coherent plot, and the slightly "gay for you" plot is well done, gradually realised and works well in this context.
I particularly liked the way the two main characters deal with their emotions for each other; Andrew, although initially a little put off when he finds out about Thomas's true nature and feelings, realises that he still wants him as a friend, and hopes to keep the friendship on that footing. I liked this, it seemed loyal and realistic for a loyal friend to do.
I liked the way they kept each other at arm's distance too, it was sweet and although I knew where it was all going, I enjoyed the journey.
There are two or three nicely juggled sub-plots too, which work well, even if (this is a Christmas story, after all, so that's forgiveable) it can be a little saccharine when it comes to the child involved. So taken aside the things that knocked this from being a really good read to an annoying one--I did like this book, and would probably recommend it to those who like big country house stories.
But.
I have to say that a sterner editor would have been a good thing--because the writing smacks a little of fandom. There's far too much use of epiphets "the blond" "the handsome blond" and such like. There are spelling mistakes, grammar errors and mistaken apostrophes liberally spattered throughout.
The constant use of "Christmas holidays" was an odd concept too--Andrew ran his own business, and--like Scrooge, most employees only had a day or so off, Christmas Day and perhaps another--and Andrew had no employment, living off his family's allowance, so he wouldn't have this idea in his head. I am reminded of the Dowager Duchess in Downton Abbey - "What is a weekend?"
The main trouble is that it's clearly an English historical written by an American. It's obvious that they've done a fair amount of research, but this could easily have been written in a 19th century New York setting and worked much better because the little niggles like the fifth of scotch and gottens would have been more excusable. There are a fair amount of anchacronisms here, too - words like teenagers and sabotage and the mentions of muffins and scones for breakfast--and using balsam as a decoration which isn't found in America and not England.
In an American setting, the rather republican aspects of the story which make any class conscious English person blanch, would have made a lot more sense. It's too late to invite the "proper people" to the Christmas Ball, so instead everyone from the village is invited--and this is done without even a murmur of dissent, disapproval, horror or even amusement from the local gentry. "how quaint, look at the poor stuffing the pastries in their pockets" was what I was expecting, but they invite the great unwashed in -- and the great unwashed know exactly how to behave -- without a ripple from anywhere.
It's a real shame, because I am sure Dreamspinner have or have access to editors who could have ironed these annoyances out, and if it had only had a couple of glitches I could have forgiven it. It would otherwise have been nudging a four stars, or even a four and a half, because the story is very charming, the characters loveable (although the child is not my cup of tea) but because of the "should have been set in the USA" aspect of it, I can only give it a grudging three.
July 16, 2021
NOTE: In his blog, Jamie Fessenden writes that "The Christmas Wager" was his first sale as a writer, published by Dreamspinner Press in December of 2010. This second edition gave Jamie an opportunity to correct some anachronisms and Americanisms in the original version as well as errors with British culture and the Victorian era. The second edition is also almost 50 pages shorter.
Thomas loses a wager with his close friend Andrew and to settle the debt agrees to bring him home to Branmoor Hall for a country Christmas. But Thomas hasn't been home in six years and finds a very different Branmoor Hall than he remembers. His brother is apparently still in deep mourning for his dead wife, their daughter Susan has no idea what Christmas is, there are no Christmas decorations anywhere and no plans for the Christmas ball.
What follows is a sweet tale of rediscovering Christmas as well as rediscovering lost love and lost opportunities. In keeping with the rather genteel Victorian setting, as Thomas comes to understand what he feels for Andrew, there are no explicit sex scenes but a growing realization of their love, and what the future holds for them:
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Thomas loses a wager with his close friend Andrew and to settle the debt agrees to bring him home to Branmoor Hall for a country Christmas. But Thomas hasn't been home in six years and finds a very different Branmoor Hall than he remembers. His brother is apparently still in deep mourning for his dead wife, their daughter Susan has no idea what Christmas is, there are no Christmas decorations anywhere and no plans for the Christmas ball.
What follows is a sweet tale of rediscovering Christmas as well as rediscovering lost love and lost opportunities. In keeping with the rather genteel Victorian setting, as Thomas comes to understand what he feels for Andrew, there are no explicit sex scenes but a growing realization of their love, and what the future holds for them:
It would be a hard life, a life of false facades and hiding the truth from people who might otherwise be their friends. The fear of discovery would dog them for the rest of their days—the fear of scandal, of incarceration, hard labor, even execution. He would never have chosen to bring Thomas into this. But he could not deny that the thought of Thomas loving him filled him with a joy so great it eclipsed all the rest. They would survive. Together, they would manage to endure.If you enjoy historicals with a gentle pace and a sweet story to tell coupled with a happy ending, I recommend you give "The Christmas Wager" a read this holiday season!
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
December 7, 2013
This was a cute Christmas story with some good sexual tension. The beginning was a little slow to get me hooked and I didn't find Thomas's quick 180 degree turn from loving Andrew only as a friend to being in love with him all that believable. Other than that, it was enjoyable read for me.
I would have liked to see what happens to them once they return to London and are able to further explore the changes in their relationship.
Love the cover!!!
3.75 stars
I would have liked to see what happens to them once they return to London and are able to further explore the changes in their relationship.
Love the cover!!!
3.75 stars
October 5, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
At 67% this just felt laborious, it had dragged on too long. Thomas is a feckless alcholic I don't understand how he'd engender Andrew's devotion. The storyline feels tired and predictable, the dialogue not drawing me in.
At 67% this just felt laborious, it had dragged on too long. Thomas is a feckless alcholic I don't understand how he'd engender Andrew's devotion. The storyline feels tired and predictable, the dialogue not drawing me in.
December 27, 2016
3.75 stars
This is the kind of book you’d want to curl up in a blanket to read while it’s snowing outside.
I really enjoyed the setting of Branmoor Hall. The large rambling house, the surrounding countryside, the village and villagers, and the residents and staff of Branmoor all made for a very cozy country Christmas.
Plus, Susan, Thomas’ four-year-old niece who has never had a joyful Christmas, stole my heart. She’s a cute kid, and plays a part in bringing Thomas and Andrew together.
Andrew and Thomas had me grinning from the first page. Their emotional connection was undeniable. It was pretty obvious that there was more than just friendship there, and not just from Andrew’s end. I’m not sure how many friends, not matter how close, help each other undress and take baths.
Thomas’ slow realization that he was gay and in love with Andrew was believable. Thomas grew up in a society where homosexuality was strictly criminalized and taboo, so it didn’t occur to him that what he felt for Andrew could be anything other than friendship.
But once Thomas realizes the truth, the romance was sweet and funny. His attempts to seduce Andrew were hilarious. I’d say the two were already a couple in many ways, and all that changed was adding a sexual relationship to the mix.
The HEA was incredibly sweet, and tied up everything nicely. I liked that the author acknowledged reality of Thomas and Andrew’s situation as gay men in Victorian England, but without becoming despondent.
If you’re looking for a fluffy friends-to-lovers MM historical read with lots of holiday feels, give ‘The Christmas Wager’ a try!
This is the kind of book you’d want to curl up in a blanket to read while it’s snowing outside.
I really enjoyed the setting of Branmoor Hall. The large rambling house, the surrounding countryside, the village and villagers, and the residents and staff of Branmoor all made for a very cozy country Christmas.
Plus, Susan, Thomas’ four-year-old niece who has never had a joyful Christmas, stole my heart. She’s a cute kid, and plays a part in bringing Thomas and Andrew together.
Andrew and Thomas had me grinning from the first page. Their emotional connection was undeniable. It was pretty obvious that there was more than just friendship there, and not just from Andrew’s end. I’m not sure how many friends, not matter how close, help each other undress and take baths.
Thomas’ slow realization that he was gay and in love with Andrew was believable. Thomas grew up in a society where homosexuality was strictly criminalized and taboo, so it didn’t occur to him that what he felt for Andrew could be anything other than friendship.
But once Thomas realizes the truth, the romance was sweet and funny. His attempts to seduce Andrew were hilarious. I’d say the two were already a couple in many ways, and all that changed was adding a sexual relationship to the mix.
The HEA was incredibly sweet, and tied up everything nicely. I liked that the author acknowledged reality of Thomas and Andrew’s situation as gay men in Victorian England, but without becoming despondent.
If you’re looking for a fluffy friends-to-lovers MM historical read with lots of holiday feels, give ‘The Christmas Wager’ a try!
April 22, 2011
The story was pretty enjoyable and I love historical romances, so that's always exciting for me. I wasn't exactly sold on the historical accuracy but it was still a good story. Andrew and Thomas's relationship is a nice and slow GFY, they take their time and it works well. Comforting and sweet, recommended.
January 4, 2017
There is something extra-special about Christmas in the Victorian age despite, or maybe because of, all the rules and restrictions people faced back then. ‘The Christmas Wager’ paints a perfect picture of late nineteenth-century English society, its way of thinking, and the festive holiday atmosphere – including all the food and celebratory customs. The main characters find themselves pulled into a Christmas celebration that turns out to be a rather sad affair, not at all the joyous occasion Thomas remembers from over six years ago when he left his father’s estate because he was not ready or willing to marry the woman his father had selected for him. Now he has to face the same parental demands yet again, and despite the fact that he is already half in love with his best friend, Andrew, Thomas sees no way out.
As the second son of a duke, Thomas has a little more freedom to make his own choices in life than if he were the designated heir. He has made full use of this ability for several years while he attended university, but his freedom may end now that Andrew has “tricked” him into returning home. Thomas has no choice though: he doesn’t have the money to settle his gambling debt, and Andrew does.
Andrew is not a member of the nobility, but he is a successful businessman and able to hold his own in most situations. He wants to spend the holidays in the country, just once, and the only chance he has is to accompany Thomas to his ancestral home. Andrew has loved Thomas for many years, but he knows that nothing can come of it (sodomy is illegal), so he wants to make the best of it while he can.
Andrew and Thomas make great friends already, and they need the ability to trust each other once they make it to Branmoor Hall. Thomas faces a family situation he did not expect, his father is as demanding and unforgiving as ever, and Thomas’s brother and niece clearly need help. While dealing with the intrigue and machinations of various family members, Thomas begins to realize his feelings for Andrew run much deeper than he has been willing to admit. Their story is riddled with obstacles, unexpected twists and turns, and very new development had me crossing my fingers for a happy ending even more intensely. What a ride!
If you like historical settings for your Christmas stories, if you enjoy the “pomp and circumstance” of Victorian era London, and if you’re looking for a read that is as suspenseful as it is entertaining and heartwarming, then you will probably like this novella as much as I do. I loved everything about it: the setting, the characters, and the emotional ups and downs made reading ‘The Christmas Wager’ very enjoyable indeed.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
As the second son of a duke, Thomas has a little more freedom to make his own choices in life than if he were the designated heir. He has made full use of this ability for several years while he attended university, but his freedom may end now that Andrew has “tricked” him into returning home. Thomas has no choice though: he doesn’t have the money to settle his gambling debt, and Andrew does.
Andrew is not a member of the nobility, but he is a successful businessman and able to hold his own in most situations. He wants to spend the holidays in the country, just once, and the only chance he has is to accompany Thomas to his ancestral home. Andrew has loved Thomas for many years, but he knows that nothing can come of it (sodomy is illegal), so he wants to make the best of it while he can.
Andrew and Thomas make great friends already, and they need the ability to trust each other once they make it to Branmoor Hall. Thomas faces a family situation he did not expect, his father is as demanding and unforgiving as ever, and Thomas’s brother and niece clearly need help. While dealing with the intrigue and machinations of various family members, Thomas begins to realize his feelings for Andrew run much deeper than he has been willing to admit. Their story is riddled with obstacles, unexpected twists and turns, and very new development had me crossing my fingers for a happy ending even more intensely. What a ride!
If you like historical settings for your Christmas stories, if you enjoy the “pomp and circumstance” of Victorian era London, and if you’re looking for a read that is as suspenseful as it is entertaining and heartwarming, then you will probably like this novella as much as I do. I loved everything about it: the setting, the characters, and the emotional ups and downs made reading ‘The Christmas Wager’ very enjoyable indeed.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
November 29, 2011
Set in Victorian era, where relationship between two men could lead to death. The young Lord Thomas Barrington and Mr. Andrew Nash went to Oxford together, and became close friends. While Andrew is not a noble, he's a rich man, while Thomas was a so-so young Lord because he defied his father six years ago. Instead of agreeing to marry with Lady Rebecca Hudson, Thomas fled to London. While his father, the Duke of Barrington, didn't cut his allowance completely, Thomas only received limited amount of money.
Not being a noble, Andrew wanted to have a 'country Christmas', so he tricked Thomas to take him to the Barrington Manor several days before Christmas. Andrew thought that after six years the old Duke of Barrington must have mellowed by now. Unfortunately, he hadn't. The Duke demanded them to return to London immediately. Fortunately, the Duchess interfered and asked them to stay.
Eventually, the Duke let them stay, but with a condition. Thomas had to organize a Christmas Ball. They only had two days, and the two friends worked hard to make it happen. Along the line, Thomas found that Andrew loved him more than as a friend. While not sure about how he felt, Thomas embraced the feelings and started to return his friend's love.
At the end, they managed to put together a Christmas dance on the Christmas Eve, only to find that the Duke had invited the Hudson family and tried to arrange the marriage again. What should Thomas do?
What a beautiful story. I like that both characters are male. Both have doubts about what's happening between them, but they talk it out and work on their relationship. This book has all ingredients in M/M romance: good looking men, challenges, jealousy, and of course, love. In general it's sweet, but not without conflict and angst. The supporting characters are also lovely. Oh, there's also a four-year old girl.
Recommended.
Not being a noble, Andrew wanted to have a 'country Christmas', so he tricked Thomas to take him to the Barrington Manor several days before Christmas. Andrew thought that after six years the old Duke of Barrington must have mellowed by now. Unfortunately, he hadn't. The Duke demanded them to return to London immediately. Fortunately, the Duchess interfered and asked them to stay.
Eventually, the Duke let them stay, but with a condition. Thomas had to organize a Christmas Ball. They only had two days, and the two friends worked hard to make it happen. Along the line, Thomas found that Andrew loved him more than as a friend. While not sure about how he felt, Thomas embraced the feelings and started to return his friend's love.
At the end, they managed to put together a Christmas dance on the Christmas Eve, only to find that the Duke had invited the Hudson family and tried to arrange the marriage again. What should Thomas do?
What a beautiful story. I like that both characters are male. Both have doubts about what's happening between them, but they talk it out and work on their relationship. This book has all ingredients in M/M romance: good looking men, challenges, jealousy, and of course, love. In general it's sweet, but not without conflict and angst. The supporting characters are also lovely. Oh, there's also a four-year old girl.
Recommended.
Did Not Finish
April 12, 2024Short books are short either because they are a novella or they are not properly fleshed out. This is one of them. I like the appealing book cover and the interesting story idea, but it's all telling instead of showing. So it feels more like reading a draft rather than a finished book. It's exhausting to read.
DNF after the first two or three chapters.
DNF after the first two or three chapters.
August 16, 2024
Please ignore that terrible cover because the book is a lot better than you'd assume it is. I actually avoided putting this book on my TBR for years because the cover made me think it's a rom-com and that the author didn't take the historical aspects seriously. I was also cautious because this is the author's only Victorian historical (he also wrote a Vikings historical but his other romances are in other genres) so I wasn't sure how he'd do with a historical. To the author's credit - the cover depicts an actual scene from the story and it's a very important scene but I wish he'd taken into account that it makes the book seem like a rom-com and would probably turn off many readers. To my pleasant surprise, I ended up enjoying this friends to lovers historical a lot more than I thought I would. The historical and Christmas aspects were very well done and I liked all the characters. The weakest part of the story was the romance, which is why I'm only giving it 3 stars.
This is a bit of an unusual historical gay romance. Not only did the author clearly do tons of research to depict the time period and all the day-to-day details accurately, but his approach to Thomas' sexuality was also historically accurate. During this time period, the concept of sexuality was something many people weren't familiar with or didn't care about. Your attraction or lack of attraction to other people was a minor consideration when it came to choosing a marriage partner and ensuring you'd have a good life and would be able to provide for any children that you have. In the story, Andrew has known he's gay (the word is never used, which was also historically accurate) since he was in his teens but Thomas comes into the story having no idea that homosexuality exists. Due to the way he was raised, the only thing Thomas knows about men who do things together that men usually do with women is that certain activities between men are wrong/disgusting and punishable by law. He has no idea that men who do such things are attracted to other men, he has no clue what those illegal activities between men actually involve and he has no idea that men are capable of having romantic feelings for each other and can be in long term relationships. Basically, when he finds out that his best friend Andrew is attracted to him, it blows Thomas' mind and he has way more questions than answers about the situation.
While I thought Thomas' ignorance about homosexuality was a unique approach, it ended up backfiring because it meant the romance didn't work for me. Thomas' progression with his feelings towards Andrew made no sense. Sorry, but this was one of the weakest sexuality discovery progressions I've come across in a romance. I'm even more annoyed about it than I was with terrible stories such as Eden Finley's Blindsided where something very similar happens because I know Fessenden is a really good writer and he's capable of doing a much better job.
Asides from the romance being lackluster and not believable, the story focused way too much on other side plots. To the author's credit, I actually liked these other plotlines and I enjoyed the presence of the many side characters. There's the plotline of the MCs introducing Thomas' 4 year old niece to the concept of Christmas, since her father (Thomas' older brother) has been in mourning for her entire life and refuses to celebrate Christmas, so the holiday is a big presence in the story and I enjoyed all the Christmas related things that took place. I also liked the character arcs for Thomas' brother, Thomas' father and I liked that many of the servants were recurring characters whose personalities helped add depth to many of these plotlines.
I also liked Andrew and Thomas' friendship dynamic. Thomas is pretty immature and spoiled and he takes full advantage of Andrew's kindness and his enjoyment of being a caregiver by using Andrew as an unpaid valet. Some reviewers didn't care for this dynamic, but I liked that the author made me believe that this friendship works for both of them. Andrew may fuss and complain about it, but he likes taking care of Thomas and it was clear that when things get serious, Thomas is capable of being mature, kind and intelligent.
The only aspect of their friendship that I felt was a missed opportunity was Thomas' drinking. It would have been really interesting if the author had done more with this plotline but I think the author got too distracted by the Christmas stuff and the character arc for Thomas' brother.
Overall, I wish the author had made different choices with Thomas' sexuality arc, which would have made the romance much more appealing and that would have resulted in me enjoying the story a lot more. But when it comes to Victorian gay romances, this one is pretty solid and way better than the cover and the average would suggest it is.
This is a bit of an unusual historical gay romance. Not only did the author clearly do tons of research to depict the time period and all the day-to-day details accurately, but his approach to Thomas' sexuality was also historically accurate. During this time period, the concept of sexuality was something many people weren't familiar with or didn't care about. Your attraction or lack of attraction to other people was a minor consideration when it came to choosing a marriage partner and ensuring you'd have a good life and would be able to provide for any children that you have. In the story, Andrew has known he's gay (the word is never used, which was also historically accurate) since he was in his teens but Thomas comes into the story having no idea that homosexuality exists. Due to the way he was raised, the only thing Thomas knows about men who do things together that men usually do with women is that certain activities between men are wrong/disgusting and punishable by law. He has no idea that men who do such things are attracted to other men, he has no clue what those illegal activities between men actually involve and he has no idea that men are capable of having romantic feelings for each other and can be in long term relationships. Basically, when he finds out that his best friend Andrew is attracted to him, it blows Thomas' mind and he has way more questions than answers about the situation.
While I thought Thomas' ignorance about homosexuality was a unique approach, it ended up backfiring because it meant the romance didn't work for me. Thomas' progression with his feelings towards Andrew made no sense. Sorry, but this was one of the weakest sexuality discovery progressions I've come across in a romance. I'm even more annoyed about it than I was with terrible stories such as Eden Finley's Blindsided where something very similar happens because I know Fessenden is a really good writer and he's capable of doing a much better job.
Asides from the romance being lackluster and not believable, the story focused way too much on other side plots. To the author's credit, I actually liked these other plotlines and I enjoyed the presence of the many side characters. There's the plotline of the MCs introducing Thomas' 4 year old niece to the concept of Christmas, since her father (Thomas' older brother) has been in mourning for her entire life and refuses to celebrate Christmas, so the holiday is a big presence in the story and I enjoyed all the Christmas related things that took place. I also liked the character arcs for Thomas' brother, Thomas' father and I liked that many of the servants were recurring characters whose personalities helped add depth to many of these plotlines.
I also liked Andrew and Thomas' friendship dynamic. Thomas is pretty immature and spoiled and he takes full advantage of Andrew's kindness and his enjoyment of being a caregiver by using Andrew as an unpaid valet. Some reviewers didn't care for this dynamic, but I liked that the author made me believe that this friendship works for both of them. Andrew may fuss and complain about it, but he likes taking care of Thomas and it was clear that when things get serious, Thomas is capable of being mature, kind and intelligent.
The only aspect of their friendship that I felt was a missed opportunity was Thomas' drinking. It would have been really interesting if the author had done more with this plotline but I think the author got too distracted by the Christmas stuff and the character arc for Thomas' brother.
Overall, I wish the author had made different choices with Thomas' sexuality arc, which would have made the romance much more appealing and that would have resulted in me enjoying the story a lot more. But when it comes to Victorian gay romances, this one is pretty solid and way better than the cover and the average would suggest it is.
December 21, 2018
This was a delightful regency story with the twist of an M/M romance. I liked how the author dealt with the fact that such relationships were not only taboo, but illegal at the time, yet Andrew and Thomas's love was still right and beautiful. I loved the secondary characters and the family dynamics as well.
December 11, 2017
3.5 stars
Synopsis: Thomas, who hasn't been home to see his family in six years, loses a bet to his closest friend, who wants to go to the family estate for Christmas. When Thomas and Andrew get there, they find that nothing has been done for Christmas, and Thomas' father wants them gone by the next day. Before they leave, however, Thomas gets to know his niece, whom he had never met, and realizes that she doesn't know what Christmas is. Bound and determined to show her Christmas, since 4 years is long enough for mourning, Thomas determines that he and Andrew will stay. He is allowed to do so by his father if he can pull off getting the place decorated and planning a ball to happen in a couple of days' time.
Thomas has Andrew's help, of course, as well as his niece's and all the servants. Thomas doesn't trust his father to not try to cheat to win the wager (if Thomas doesn't pull this off, he is cut off from any of his allowance.), but he really wants his niece to have Christmas.
Along the way, Thomas learns that Andrew is one of those unnatural blokes, and that he also has feelings for Thomas. Thomas is repulsed at first, but realizes that he doesn't want to lose Andrew, since Andrew is the best friend that he's ever had, and then slowly comes to realize that he might have feelings for Andrew, too.
What I liked: how Andrew and Thomas included his niece in everything that they did with regards to getting ready for Christmas, and didn't entirely hold themselves above the servants. I liked the realistic aspect of getting caught and what that would mean for someone in Thomas' position as a second son of nobility, as compared to what it would mean for someone like Andrew, who was just wealthy. I also liked the fact that it was mentioned that the servants did most of the work, and that Thomas' mother taking charge of the invitations meant that his mother's secretary was actually doing the invitations.
What I didn't like: I found it a little hard to believe that Thomas had never realized that he had any sort of feeling for men, even if it was completely dangerous and illegal at the time, and that he went from feeling revulsion for Andrew to "I'm an unnatural, too, and I completely embrace being gay" in a day. Also, they knew the consequences of getting caught, even by a servant, and they seemed to take no care whatsoever.
Synopsis: Thomas, who hasn't been home to see his family in six years, loses a bet to his closest friend, who wants to go to the family estate for Christmas. When Thomas and Andrew get there, they find that nothing has been done for Christmas, and Thomas' father wants them gone by the next day. Before they leave, however, Thomas gets to know his niece, whom he had never met, and realizes that she doesn't know what Christmas is. Bound and determined to show her Christmas, since 4 years is long enough for mourning, Thomas determines that he and Andrew will stay. He is allowed to do so by his father if he can pull off getting the place decorated and planning a ball to happen in a couple of days' time.
Thomas has Andrew's help, of course, as well as his niece's and all the servants. Thomas doesn't trust his father to not try to cheat to win the wager (if Thomas doesn't pull this off, he is cut off from any of his allowance.), but he really wants his niece to have Christmas.
Along the way, Thomas learns that Andrew is one of those unnatural blokes, and that he also has feelings for Thomas. Thomas is repulsed at first, but realizes that he doesn't want to lose Andrew, since Andrew is the best friend that he's ever had, and then slowly comes to realize that he might have feelings for Andrew, too.
What I liked: how Andrew and Thomas included his niece in everything that they did with regards to getting ready for Christmas, and didn't entirely hold themselves above the servants. I liked the realistic aspect of getting caught and what that would mean for someone in Thomas' position as a second son of nobility, as compared to what it would mean for someone like Andrew, who was just wealthy. I also liked the fact that it was mentioned that the servants did most of the work, and that Thomas' mother taking charge of the invitations meant that his mother's secretary was actually doing the invitations.
What I didn't like: I found it a little hard to believe that Thomas had never realized that he had any sort of feeling for men, even if it was completely dangerous and illegal at the time, and that he went from feeling revulsion for Andrew to "I'm an unnatural, too, and I completely embrace being gay" in a day. Also, they knew the consequences of getting caught, even by a servant, and they seemed to take no care whatsoever.
February 13, 2011
Being in love with another man in Victorian England is a risky proposition, one that Thomas Barrington and Andrew Nash of 'The Christmas Wager' by Jamie Fessenden, know well. Men of that sort were shunned at best and imprisoned and possibly hanged at worst. So valued is their friendship, neither wants to admit their true feelings for fear of losing the other. As stated in their Christmas wager, Thomas takes Andrew to his home for Christmas. Their visit leads to revelations which changes their lives forever.
Jamie Fessenden ushers us into the elegance Victorian Era with flair, describing daily life, including customs, dress, and language. He leads us into a time when life was simpler in some regards – no cars, cell phones or internet, and more complicated in others—the strict social order, traveling by horse and carriage and no running water or electricity.
Because of the book's formal language, identifying with the characters was more difficult than usual; however, once I got the hang of it, Thomas and Andrew quickly worked their way into my heart and I became emotionally invested in their relationship. All of the characters are interesting, but my favorites, aside from Thomas and Andrew, are the twins—Hew and Duncan. They are great ambassadors, bridging the gap between the upper and lower class people. They are hilariously impertinent at times and loyal to a fault when it comes to Thomas and Andrew.
If you would like to read an interesting love story, written in the language of the past, and, of course, a happy ending, you may enjoy 'The Christmas Wager'.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
Jamie Fessenden ushers us into the elegance Victorian Era with flair, describing daily life, including customs, dress, and language. He leads us into a time when life was simpler in some regards – no cars, cell phones or internet, and more complicated in others—the strict social order, traveling by horse and carriage and no running water or electricity.
Because of the book's formal language, identifying with the characters was more difficult than usual; however, once I got the hang of it, Thomas and Andrew quickly worked their way into my heart and I became emotionally invested in their relationship. All of the characters are interesting, but my favorites, aside from Thomas and Andrew, are the twins—Hew and Duncan. They are great ambassadors, bridging the gap between the upper and lower class people. They are hilariously impertinent at times and loyal to a fault when it comes to Thomas and Andrew.
If you would like to read an interesting love story, written in the language of the past, and, of course, a happy ending, you may enjoy 'The Christmas Wager'.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
March 12, 2016
The Christmas Wager is told in third person through the eyes of Lord Thomas Barrington, and his friend of three years, Andrew Nash, a businessman.
September 5, 2012
It's after Labor Day and Christmas will be here before I know it. What a perfect way to get in the mood - reading a Christmas story set in England in....well, the time period isn't explicity stated. They don't have electricity or cars so 19th century. Buckingham Palace is mentioned so not really earlier than maybe mid 1800's? I enjoyed the pacing of the plot and the fact that Thomas didn't immediately decide, hey, I'm gay! Let's roger each other. The ending with the father's revelation felt a little forced but I didn't throw my hands up in disgust, just mumbled to myself and moved on. However, I was tempted to throw my iPad across the room if "the blond" was used to describe Andrew one more time. For some reason that description, used incessantly, drove me crazy. But other than a few small things the rest was enjoyable.
(The Blond) Ajax
(The Blond) Ajax
July 10, 2013
It was an "ok" read.
It had some errors regarding correct speach for the time it was set in, which is no desaster but still irks experienced historical readers - it felt like a contemporary novel set into another time as an afterthought. And not for good reasons, because the much discussed "this perversion will bring us into prison if found out", didn't impede the MCs a bit, they still made out in the hallway (even after one close catch in the bedroom by a servant).
I didn't like the side characters much. The whole christmas thing was ok, but not great and overall, it was not so very interesting or original.
The writing style was good, and I kind of liked the way Thomas came to understand his own feelings.
It had some errors regarding correct speach for the time it was set in, which is no desaster but still irks experienced historical readers - it felt like a contemporary novel set into another time as an afterthought. And not for good reasons, because the much discussed "this perversion will bring us into prison if found out", didn't impede the MCs a bit, they still made out in the hallway (even after one close catch in the bedroom by a servant).
I didn't like the side characters much. The whole christmas thing was ok, but not great and overall, it was not so very interesting or original.
The writing style was good, and I kind of liked the way Thomas came to understand his own feelings.
December 14, 2018
This story just didn’t feel organic. It was obvious an American wrote this British historical, and I didn’t buy its historical accuracy. I was also skeptical about Thomas’ flip from straight to gay in about 24 hours, their less than serious reaction to a servent’s potentially devastating discovery, and the out-of-the-blue revelation by Thomas’ father at the end. All that said, there were many charming moments and I did rather like our two protagonists, along with house servants Hew and Duncan, and of course sweet little Susan. Not my favorite winter holidays story, but nice enough.
November 27, 2011
It's a bit historically inaccurate, and quite a bit far fetched in reactions, but it's lovely nonetheless.m Christmas, reconciliation and the realization of who matters.
August 25, 2011
*Whistles*
*Stomps Feet*
I really liked this one.
*Stomps Feet*
I really liked this one.
July 21, 2023
5 - Stars
Don’t wait for Christmas!
Anytime you’re ready for a wonderful character driven historical gay romance novel that bring tears of joy to your eyes, simply pick up Jamie Fessenden’s heart-warming story, The Christmas Wager.
Andrew Nash, Lord Thomas Barrington, the entire Barrington family and all the servants at their family home, Barrington Hall, will remain with you long after you’ve finished this delightful read.
Don’t wait for Christmas!
Anytime you’re ready for a wonderful character driven historical gay romance novel that bring tears of joy to your eyes, simply pick up Jamie Fessenden’s heart-warming story, The Christmas Wager.
Andrew Nash, Lord Thomas Barrington, the entire Barrington family and all the servants at their family home, Barrington Hall, will remain with you long after you’ve finished this delightful read.
January 6, 2020
Classic story of both parties liking each other but don't want to be make it obvious with many twists thrown in!
It was total from alternating POV between Andrew and Thomas. It was sometimes difficult to realize who was speaking because there were no titles like in other alternating POV books.
It was total from alternating POV between Andrew and Thomas. It was sometimes difficult to realize who was speaking because there were no titles like in other alternating POV books.
December 26, 2010
I am not usually a lover of historicals (besides Outlander, the book that got my back in to reading after a 20 year "break) I LOVED The Christmas Wager! It was wonderful. I could feel the tension between Andrew and Thomas, the tension of going back home where Thomas was not wanted, the drearyness of a non-festive Christmas season in a sad, lonely house.
I loved the adventures Andrew, Thomas, Hew and Duncan took with Susan. It was wonderful "seeing Hew leap up the tree to grab the mistltoe and explore the forest for Christmas trees.
The entire story was lovely and I would love to read at least a short to see how the men live (hopefully happy and safe) in old England where men like them were i constant danger of jail or death. I kept wishing they lived in the here and now so they would be safer but of course it is just a book! <~~ had to remind myself of that a time or two!
I loved the adventures Andrew, Thomas, Hew and Duncan took with Susan. It was wonderful "seeing Hew leap up the tree to grab the mistltoe and explore the forest for Christmas trees.
The entire story was lovely and I would love to read at least a short to see how the men live (hopefully happy and safe) in old England where men like them were i constant danger of jail or death. I kept wishing they lived in the here and now so they would be safer but of course it is just a book! <~~ had to remind myself of that a time or two!
August 2, 2016
Bet You Can!
This is such a sweet Regency romance that I finished it hoping author Fessenden has a sequel in mind for three of the supporting characters--no spoilers--because I thoroughly enjoyed how he handled the situation between Thomas and Andrew.
Of course, having the clever, somewhat reticent, but ultimately precocious 4-year-old Susan around helped keep things ticking along sweetly.
There is the usual "they'll pillory and hang us" going on here, somewhat more subtly than in other similar books, probably because Andrew is so terrified of losing Thomas' friendship, and Thomas simply has no clue until mistletoe intervenes.
I gave this one five stars because everything works--the nice characters, the dubious characters, the nasty characters. It's more than a Christmas tale, it's a simply delicious treacle.
This is such a sweet Regency romance that I finished it hoping author Fessenden has a sequel in mind for three of the supporting characters--no spoilers--because I thoroughly enjoyed how he handled the situation between Thomas and Andrew.
Of course, having the clever, somewhat reticent, but ultimately precocious 4-year-old Susan around helped keep things ticking along sweetly.
There is the usual "they'll pillory and hang us" going on here, somewhat more subtly than in other similar books, probably because Andrew is so terrified of losing Thomas' friendship, and Thomas simply has no clue until mistletoe intervenes.
I gave this one five stars because everything works--the nice characters, the dubious characters, the nasty characters. It's more than a Christmas tale, it's a simply delicious treacle.
December 9, 2013
This was a sweet story in which the main characters Thomas and Andrew find themselves breaking down conventions of class, decorum, and sexuality at a time of change in England. Fessenden’s writing style deftly offers obstacles one after the other, so that the story is well paced and never drags. And each of those obstacles is resolved in a way that you can see coming but still somehow find surprising and enjoyable. While the story does deal with potential ramifications of Thomas and Andrew’s relationship
August 20, 2013
Meh ... this one just didn't really click with me ... there was an attempt to use historical language but it was clunky and inconsistent ... Thomas' character was insipid and selfish ... Andrew's character was a bit too Maiden-Aunt-ish ... there were just lots of little niggles that spoiled the story for me ... the father's great reveal at the end of the book didn't really ring true either ... not the worst historical romance I've read but far from the best.
October 8, 2011
A simple (complicated) romance, set in the 19th century English countryside. A familiar story, to readers of romance, yet fresh and inventive. When I said I was going to read this, I was told to expect some problems—anachronisms and such. Maybe so. But you know what? Fessenden just knows how to tell a story. I'll read it again just because it feels good.
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