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melissasbookshelf's review
5.0
Twin sisters switching places, mistaken identity, endearing characters, witty humor, a Christmas house party, and plenty of swoony romance make this a must read!
There’s something about identical twins switching places that’s so much fun. In this case, Cassie switches places with her sister Vivian when they arrive at a Christmas house party and Vivian is ill. Not just a temporary sickness, but one that lasts several days. Vivian is hoping to turn her meeting last season with Roland Hastings into something more when she’s invited to a house party by his mother. Not wanting to let the other women have an advantage, she begs Cassie to pose as her until she’s well enough to resume her identity.
Cassie is so darling. She’s funny, forthright, and willing to speak her mind. She’s the opposite of all the society debutants Roland’s encountered and that’s what makes her so adorable. The more time he spends with her, the more he likes her and wants to get to know her better. She’s thoughtful, sweet, and has a dry sense of humor he loves. But what happens when her sister is well again? Will she be able to let go of the man she’s fallen in love with for her sister’s sake? Will Ronald ever learn her true identity?
This novella was so hard to put down and even though it’s shorter in length, there’s so much packed into it. I loved the alcove scene after a disastrous performance, the archery in the ballroom, the roof scene, and the parrot! So many great romantic moments. This is definitely one you’ll want to have and reread. I loved the epilogue as well. Definitely a must read for Regency romance readers! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
There’s something about identical twins switching places that’s so much fun. In this case, Cassie switches places with her sister Vivian when they arrive at a Christmas house party and Vivian is ill. Not just a temporary sickness, but one that lasts several days. Vivian is hoping to turn her meeting last season with Roland Hastings into something more when she’s invited to a house party by his mother. Not wanting to let the other women have an advantage, she begs Cassie to pose as her until she’s well enough to resume her identity.
Cassie is so darling. She’s funny, forthright, and willing to speak her mind. She’s the opposite of all the society debutants Roland’s encountered and that’s what makes her so adorable. The more time he spends with her, the more he likes her and wants to get to know her better. She’s thoughtful, sweet, and has a dry sense of humor he loves. But what happens when her sister is well again? Will she be able to let go of the man she’s fallen in love with for her sister’s sake? Will Ronald ever learn her true identity?
This novella was so hard to put down and even though it’s shorter in length, there’s so much packed into it. I loved the alcove scene after a disastrous performance, the archery in the ballroom, the roof scene, and the parrot! So many great romantic moments. This is definitely one you’ll want to have and reread. I loved the epilogue as well. Definitely a must read for Regency romance readers! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
morgangiesbrecht's review
4.0
Barker never fails to entertain! This story is cute & sweet & fluffy & really all the comfort you want in a Christmas novella. Personally, I’m not a tremendous fan of the “switch identity” trope because of the amount of lying it requires. However, I did love Roland & Cassie together. ☺️
mom_loves_to_read's review
5.0
(Reread Dec 2023) Loved this one just as much the second time. Roland makes me swoon!
(Nov 2022) I absolutely loved this sweet Christmas novella!
Identical twin sisters, Cassie and Vivian, may look just alike, but that’s where the similarities end. While Vivian is a proper lady, Cassie often gets in trouble for speaking her mind. The sisters are invited to a house party with the hopes of Vivian catching the eye of the handsome Mr. Hastings. When Vivian becomes ill and must remain in her room for days, the sisters come up with a sneaky plan to keep Mr. Hastings attention on Vivian and not the other single ladies at the party.
This was perfectly short and sweet with just enough angst and emotion to make it feel like a full length novel. Cassie has a down to earth personality and it’s easy to love her. I loved how neither she or Roland wanted to be at the house party and how it brought them together.
Joanna wrote a brand new epilogue in for this novella and it was just the sweetest! As a twin mom myself, it was extra sweet for me!
(Nov 2022) I absolutely loved this sweet Christmas novella!
Identical twin sisters, Cassie and Vivian, may look just alike, but that’s where the similarities end. While Vivian is a proper lady, Cassie often gets in trouble for speaking her mind. The sisters are invited to a house party with the hopes of Vivian catching the eye of the handsome Mr. Hastings. When Vivian becomes ill and must remain in her room for days, the sisters come up with a sneaky plan to keep Mr. Hastings attention on Vivian and not the other single ladies at the party.
This was perfectly short and sweet with just enough angst and emotion to make it feel like a full length novel. Cassie has a down to earth personality and it’s easy to love her. I loved how neither she or Roland wanted to be at the house party and how it brought them together.
Joanna wrote a brand new epilogue in for this novella and it was just the sweetest! As a twin mom myself, it was extra sweet for me!
rbmommareads's review
4.0
Cute Christmas story
This is a very sweet and delightful story. I already knew how it was going to flow, but the little details about Roland and the Misses Bells were entertaining and cute. I am very glad I picked this book from my TBR pile to be read now.
Side note: There are a couple of spelling errors and the doctor who treats Miss Bell when she is ill is called by different names, which is odd and confused me until I caught the mistake. Probably just missed during editing. The story is still worth the read!
This is a very sweet and delightful story. I already knew how it was going to flow, but the little details about Roland and the Misses Bells were entertaining and cute. I am very glad I picked this book from my TBR pile to be read now.
Side note: There are a couple of spelling errors and the doctor who treats Miss Bell when she is ill is called by different names, which is odd and confused me until I caught the mistake. Probably just missed during editing. The story is still worth the read!
nevergiveyoupeaceswift's review
4.0
This was supposed to be at Christmas time but I didn’t get the Christmas vibe. However, it was a cute short story. I enjoyed it.
gracamp's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
wakemannc's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lectora21's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25