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itsjustlinds's review
3.0
This was a rather sweet and cozy read! Albeit, I was immediately captivated by the BEAUTIFUL cover
catmel's review
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
bluelast04's review
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
bookish_kristina's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this but wanted a better ending.
This was such a good Christmas novella with a sweet, taciturn hero and a strong, beleaguered heroine with all the Victorian Christmas traditions and cozy feels. I didn’t even mind that all of the side characters were terrible and I hated everyone of them because I held out hope. I thought Mimi would give me a great comeuppance at the end and everybody would get their due while the main characters lived on, in their happily ever after. Only the latter happened. All of the evil family members got their happy endings too, which sucked. The only satisfying conclusion would have been that the house burned down around her father’s ears due to faulty gaslighting, taking her sister, her sister’s fiancé and both mothers with him! Arg! I guess massive casualties in a house fire isn’t that christmassy for most, for me I’d roast my chestnuts over the bones of the vanquished.
But if you aren't a petty person who lives for vengeance, this is a great short Christmas read.
Spoiler
This was such a good Christmas novella with a sweet, taciturn hero and a strong, beleaguered heroine with all the Victorian Christmas traditions and cozy feels. I didn’t even mind that all of the side characters were terrible and I hated everyone of them because I held out hope. I thought Mimi would give me a great comeuppance at the end and everybody would get their due while the main characters lived on, in their happily ever after. Only the latter happened. All of the evil family members got their happy endings too, which sucked. The only satisfying conclusion would have been that the house burned down around her father’s ears due to faulty gaslighting, taking her sister, her sister’s fiancé and both mothers with him! Arg! I guess massive casualties in a house fire isn’t that christmassy for most, for me I’d roast my chestnuts over the bones of the vanquished.
But if you aren't a petty person who lives for vengeance, this is a great short Christmas read.
ilaurin's review against another edition
4.0
Sweet, short regency. The h is independent and opened minded. The H is hard working and from a lower class. Their story is sweet and feels realistic. He is rich, she i spoor but will not sell off for someone she cannot appreciate.
flowersofquiethappiness's review
4.0
This book began making it's rounds on twitter and several of my blogging friends gushed over it's delightfulness. Yet it wasn't until I saw it compared to North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell that I knew I'd be reading it! I'm a goner for N&S and any story even remotely related to it. ;) All the gushing reviews are correct, my friends! It's definitely got N&S vibes going on and it's simply a really sweet little short story, perfect for Christmastime! Of course, Christmas is now over, but this book is still worthy of picking up. :) I was swept up into chapter one and very quickly knew I wouldn't be putting it down until I reached the end. Sophie is definitely my favorite character! Quite spunky underneath her proper exterior, she surprised me a few times with her choices. And she certainly surprised her suitor! Which was perfect and wonderful and made for a few awfully swoony moments! :D If you haven't read this one, friends, then you really should. I've already re-read it two or three times!
carleneslibrary's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It was a sweet, quick read. I loved the swoon and I loved the ending. I liked the characters, but my complaint is, like most novellas, everything felt too rushed. I left wishing I'd had more time with the characters and had more time to see the romance develop. Otherwise it was perfect, and I thought Ned and Sophie were well suited. And teasing and talking about the kisses before they happened? Oh my! That was brilliant! I have so many good things to say, and only wish things were a little longer and slower!
library_of_kindredspirits's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
There was nothing remarkable about this book, however, it was very cute and wholesome. I would recommend to anyone looking for some light reading over the Christmas holidays.
There was nothing remarkable about this book, however, it was very cute and wholesome. I would recommend to anyone looking for some light reading over the Christmas holidays.