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tfpeel's review against another edition
4.0
Anche questa seconda novella mi è piaciuta molto. Presto la recensione sul blog
a_reader_obsessed's review against another edition
4.0
4 Hearts - Team review with Chelsea!
To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of MM historicals yet, but I am slowly coming around more this year and will say that this series thus far, has been quite enjoyable to my nervous nelly self.
Having read the first story and now this second one, I’ve concluded that this is pure fantasy where there’s simply no need to worry too much about bigotry and discovery and to really just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Here, the benevolent angel has set her eyes on Alby and Xeno, two men on complete opposite sides of the societal spectrum who keep bumping into each other and eventually, come to realize that their differences complement rather than contrast.
There is a good dose of angst regarding Alby's sad story as he returns to NYC in search of his family. Though he’s had it rough, he’s definitely a survivor in all the best ways. When Alby is hit with wondrous happiness by the charming and forwardly eccentric Xeno, he resigns himself to just enjoy the moments so he can have plenty of memories to warm himself with later. Of course though, his and Xeno’s guardian angel has something else in mind for the both of them and that doesn't involve them being apart.
This was smexy lite but still very sweet with a happy fairytale ending (plus epilogue!) that’s pretty implausible. However, I really wouldn’t want my holiday stories, especially historic ones, ending any differently, so cheers!!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of MM historicals yet, but I am slowly coming around more this year and will say that this series thus far, has been quite enjoyable to my nervous nelly self.
Having read the first story and now this second one, I’ve concluded that this is pure fantasy where there’s simply no need to worry too much about bigotry and discovery and to really just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Here, the benevolent angel has set her eyes on Alby and Xeno, two men on complete opposite sides of the societal spectrum who keep bumping into each other and eventually, come to realize that their differences complement rather than contrast.
There is a good dose of angst regarding Alby's sad story as he returns to NYC in search of his family. Though he’s had it rough, he’s definitely a survivor in all the best ways. When Alby is hit with wondrous happiness by the charming and forwardly eccentric Xeno, he resigns himself to just enjoy the moments so he can have plenty of memories to warm himself with later. Of course though, his and Xeno’s guardian angel has something else in mind for the both of them and that doesn't involve them being apart.
This was smexy lite but still very sweet with a happy fairytale ending (plus epilogue!) that’s pretty implausible. However, I really wouldn’t want my holiday stories, especially historic ones, ending any differently, so cheers!!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
papercranestitches's review against another edition
5.0
*** 4.5 Stars ***
I used to avoid m/m historical romances like the plague - partially because I found most of them to be poorly researched and detailed, but mostly because I didn't believe that authors would be able to provide me with a satisfying happily ever after in a time when the world was so cruel to same sex couples. I mean, is "happily ever after" really happily ever after if the men can't live together openly, if they're forced to deny who they are to each other to almost - if not every - person they know?!
But a handful of stellar recommendations from friends led me to a very select group of authors that I trust to work within the realities of the time periods that they write about and yet still give me an ending that will make my heart happy.
Kim Fielding is on this short list.
Fielding made New York City in the 1880s come alive for me in a way that I've never experienced before - not through (numerous) history textbooks, not through period dramas, and certainly not through any mainstream MF romance novel I've ever read. Her descriptions of big picture details like the eye-watering stench of the city, the sadly sagging tenement housing, and the way neighbourhoods changed hands from one ethnic group to another over the decades pulled me in, but it was the minute details - like the hardy but boring food at the YMCA, and the use of a magic lantern when giving a presentation - that spoke to my museum curator's soul.
And I could tell that this story was special because despite reading nearly the entire story with a low-grade heartache for these two characters who society told weren't worthy of love and commitment and family the same way that hetero couples are, I was still smiling with every page. Alby and Xeno were an unlikely couple and yet I just believed that they worked together. I basked in their joy of each other and the world around them, and the story just made me happy to read it.
And, okay, I acknowledge that the chances of Xeno's father knowing about and being supportive of "his proclivities" is unlikely, but by that point my yearning for their happily ever after and my acceptance of a little Christmas novella glitz was able to shout down my inner realist and I was able to just enjoy the ooey, gooey, heart meltingly perfect ending to Summerfield's Angel.
It's been twenty minutes since I finished the book and I am still smiling, so there's got to be something said for that, right?!
I used to avoid m/m historical romances like the plague - partially because I found most of them to be poorly researched and detailed, but mostly because I didn't believe that authors would be able to provide me with a satisfying happily ever after in a time when the world was so cruel to same sex couples. I mean, is "happily ever after" really happily ever after if the men can't live together openly, if they're forced to deny who they are to each other to almost - if not every - person they know?!
But a handful of stellar recommendations from friends led me to a very select group of authors that I trust to work within the realities of the time periods that they write about and yet still give me an ending that will make my heart happy.
Kim Fielding is on this short list.
Fielding made New York City in the 1880s come alive for me in a way that I've never experienced before - not through (numerous) history textbooks, not through period dramas, and certainly not through any mainstream MF romance novel I've ever read. Her descriptions of big picture details like the eye-watering stench of the city, the sadly sagging tenement housing, and the way neighbourhoods changed hands from one ethnic group to another over the decades pulled me in, but it was the minute details - like the hardy but boring food at the YMCA, and the use of a magic lantern when giving a presentation - that spoke to my museum curator's soul.
And I could tell that this story was special because despite reading nearly the entire story with a low-grade heartache for these two characters who society told weren't worthy of love and commitment and family the same way that hetero couples are, I was still smiling with every page. Alby and Xeno were an unlikely couple and yet I just believed that they worked together. I basked in their joy of each other and the world around them, and the story just made me happy to read it.
And, okay, I acknowledge that the chances of Xeno's father knowing about and being supportive of "his proclivities" is unlikely, but by that point my yearning for their happily ever after and my acceptance of a little Christmas novella glitz was able to shout down my inner realist and I was able to just enjoy the ooey, gooey, heart meltingly perfect ending to Summerfield's Angel.
It's been twenty minutes since I finished the book and I am still smiling, so there's got to be something said for that, right?!
hartd's review against another edition
5.0
I like holiday fluff, historical romance, and Kim Fielding, so of course I had to read this book. If you like those things, you'll probably enjoy it as much as I did.
I especially liked the view of 1880s NYC. Many of the book's locations were familiar to me, and it was interesting to see a historical version of these places. I really felt like I was walking around with Alby and sharing his experiences.
The matchmaking angel was a great idea for a multi-author holiday series, although I'll probably only read one more of the books. The angel plays a big role in this story, of course, and she even has a little bit of a personality herself.
I especially liked the view of 1880s NYC. Many of the book's locations were familiar to me, and it was interesting to see a historical version of these places. I really felt like I was walking around with Alby and sharing his experiences.
The matchmaking angel was a great idea for a multi-author holiday series, although I'll probably only read one more of the books. The angel plays a big role in this story, of course, and she even has a little bit of a personality herself.
mommasaystoread's review against another edition
4.0
The angel has made it to 1880's New York and used her magic to bring together another great couple. The down on his luck cowboy, Alby, and the well-to-do businessman, Xeno, seem like an unlikely pair on the surface, but somehow, they just work. This may be a novella length read, but there is a lot of story packed into those pages. With a little magic of her own, Kim Fielding has crafted a wonderfully atmospheric historical romance, and even gives it the feel of a slow-burn love story. I love that the hardships of being a same sex couple in that time period are addressed. It isn't glossed over, but the angst isn't overwhelming. Even with that bit of angst, Xeno is just so enthusiastic about everything that it's impossible to read this one without smiling. All in all, Summerfield's Angel is a sweet romance with a bit of Christmas magic, and a solid addition to the Christmas Angel series.
hartd's review against another edition
5.0
I like holiday fluff, historical romance, and Kim Fielding, so of course I had to read this book. If you like those things, you'll probably enjoy it as much as I did.
I especially liked the view of 1880s NYC. Many of the book's locations were familiar to me, and it was interesting to see a historical version of these places. I really felt like I was walking around with Alby and sharing his experiences.
The matchmaking angel was a great idea for a multi-author holiday series, although I'll probably only read one more of the books. The angel plays a big role in this story, of course, and she even has a little bit of a personality herself.
I especially liked the view of 1880s NYC. Many of the book's locations were familiar to me, and it was interesting to see a historical version of these places. I really felt like I was walking around with Alby and sharing his experiences.
The matchmaking angel was a great idea for a multi-author holiday series, although I'll probably only read one more of the books. The angel plays a big role in this story, of course, and she even has a little bit of a personality herself.
josy's review against another edition
4.0
I don't even know what is happening right now...
Like seriously... Impatient Elf has rendered me speechless!!
I just came home to find not 1, not 2, not 3, but 7 books in my inbox!!!
[b:Christmas Angel|41718418|Christmas Angel (The Christmas Angel #1)|Eli Easton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1541504503s/41718418.jpg|65075312], [b:Summerfield's Angel|41718433|Summerfield's Angel (The Christmas Angel, #2)|Kim Fielding|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1541504561s/41718433.jpg|65075360], [b:A Soldier's Wish|41730466|A Soldier's Wish|N.R. Walker|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1541504792s/41730466.jpg|65109172], [b:Santa Daddy|42904546|Santa Daddy|Keira Andrews|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1542823258s/42904546.jpg|66693324], [b:The Magician's Angel|42931806|The Magician's Angel|Jordan L. Hawk|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1543873971s/42931806.jpg|65075378], [b:Christmas Prince|42645523|Christmas Prince|R.J. Scott|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1541569703s/42645523.jpg|65075485], and [b:Christmas Homecoming|41718469|Christmas Homecoming|L.A. Witt|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1541504702s/41718469.jpg|65075431]
I'm grateful beyond words for all this Christmas fluffiness <3<3<3<3
Like seriously... Impatient Elf has rendered me speechless!!
I just came home to find not 1, not 2, not 3, but 7 books in my inbox!!!
[b:Christmas Angel|41718418|Christmas Angel (The Christmas Angel #1)|Eli Easton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1541504503s/41718418.jpg|65075312], [b:Summerfield's Angel|41718433|Summerfield's Angel (The Christmas Angel, #2)|Kim Fielding|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1541504561s/41718433.jpg|65075360], [b:A Soldier's Wish|41730466|A Soldier's Wish|N.R. Walker|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1541504792s/41730466.jpg|65109172], [b:Santa Daddy|42904546|Santa Daddy|Keira Andrews|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1542823258s/42904546.jpg|66693324], [b:The Magician's Angel|42931806|The Magician's Angel|Jordan L. Hawk|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1543873971s/42931806.jpg|65075378], [b:Christmas Prince|42645523|Christmas Prince|R.J. Scott|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1541569703s/42645523.jpg|65075485], and [b:Christmas Homecoming|41718469|Christmas Homecoming|L.A. Witt|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1541504702s/41718469.jpg|65075431]
I'm grateful beyond words for all this Christmas fluffiness <3<3<3<3
suze_1624's review
4.0
Enjoyed this second book in the collection - and I will be reading them in chronological order even though technically they are standalone.
1880’s New York comes over so well - the up town/down town differences, the despair of people in the slums, the smells, the poverty, the desperation. Learned some new facts.
Alby is a cowboy but not quite so out of place having spent his first 13 years there but is still on the wrong side of town. We gradually learn why he is there, how he left and the results of his search.
Xeno is in the right place at the right time to save Alby - the doings of the angel again. He is the quintessential up town boy with understanding family and the wealth to do something for Alby.
The book read quickly, it kept my interest and i liked it!
1880’s New York comes over so well - the up town/down town differences, the despair of people in the slums, the smells, the poverty, the desperation. Learned some new facts.
Alby is a cowboy but not quite so out of place having spent his first 13 years there but is still on the wrong side of town. We gradually learn why he is there, how he left and the results of his search.
Xeno is in the right place at the right time to save Alby - the doings of the angel again. He is the quintessential up town boy with understanding family and the wealth to do something for Alby.
The book read quickly, it kept my interest and i liked it!
rebecca_3's review against another edition
4.0
As good as book one! Even though Eli Easton is an insta-buy author for me, this book is just as good! What an incredibly sweet series so far! Loved Xeno!
nigmatillium's review against another edition
4.0
I am so, so glad the second book in The Christmas Angel series was pretty great too. I absolutely love the idea of different authors writing their own version of this plot, but at the same time I was a bit wary because I am not familiar with some of these authors (one in particular I don't really like, but more about that when I get to their book) and the first book, [b:Christmas Angel|41718418|Christmas Angel (The Christmas Angel, #1)|Eli Easton|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1541504503l/41718418._SY75_.jpg|65075312] written by [a:Eli Easton|7020231|Eli Easton|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1425767966p2/7020231.jpg], was great. So I was a bit fearful that the next books won't rise up, perhaps, but I am glad to say that while I did like Easton's story more, I liked this one as well. There are really a few small things that make me rate it less.
While the plot was great, pretty solid, and well thought through, I felt like things were advancing a little too fast at some point between the two main characters, next they came to a slower speed, and then took off again. I understood later why I thought that was happening and I have to say I would have benefited of Xeno's point of view as well. I liked Alby, but him alone wasn't quite enough for me since I think I actually like Xeno a bit more, he was a ray of sunshine.
I liked Alby's story a lot, everything made sense, the events flowed nicely and it all came together to build up this nice character. All in all, Summerfield's Angel is a great story, I definitely enjoyed it and is, obviously, a great read for the holiday season.
I have to add that the title is pretty clever, as in Summerfield's angel referring to both the angel in the shop window, and Alby himself. That's a really nice way to spin it.
While the plot was great, pretty solid, and well thought through, I felt like things were advancing a little too fast at some point between the two main characters, next they came to a slower speed, and then took off again. I understood later why I thought that was happening and I have to say I would have benefited of Xeno's point of view as well. I liked Alby, but him alone wasn't quite enough for me since I think I actually like Xeno a bit more, he was a ray of sunshine.
I liked Alby's story a lot, everything made sense, the events flowed nicely and it all came together to build up this nice character. All in all, Summerfield's Angel is a great story, I definitely enjoyed it and is, obviously, a great read for the holiday season.
I have to add that the title is pretty clever, as in Summerfield's angel referring to both the angel in the shop window, and Alby himself. That's a really nice way to spin it.