Welcome! This was a wonderful read! Find my review below...
Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor
By Roseanna M. White
Christian Historical Romance, Retelling
Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 208 Pages
September 3, 2024 by Bethany House Publishers
Summary
The Nutcracker and Edwardian-Era England combine to weave a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime.
As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn't seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she'll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.
Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family's misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas. Will the magic of the holiday season help lead to the discovery of true love, or will duty to country leave all longing for what could have been?
Advance Praise
"So many delightful layers to this tale, along with intriguing characters and beautiful descriptions...It really puts you in the mood for Christmas."— Melody Carlson, author of The Christmas Tree Farm and A Royal Christmas
"Sugar plums, gingerbread, and all the Christmasy feels go into this charming holiday romance."— Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas
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My Review
CHRISTMAS AT SUGAR PLUM MANOR is a story about childhood friends who find themselves together after years apart with a chance at love set in the country at a manor house at Christmastime. Likable characters, small-town warmth, complex family dynamics, a bit of a love triangle, themes of faith and sweet romance make for a heartwarming tale perfect for some Christmas cheer.
This story was lovely from the start. I found myself smiling throughout and enjoying the antics of the kids as well as those of Mariah and Cyril. I dearly loved these characters! I loved the family dynamics, the fun and joy, and the softening of hearts. I loved how inspiration from The Nutcracker was weaved throughout. The town and country setting were simply charming and leant a warmness to the story. Everything was perhaps tied up too prettily, but it was full of happiness, family and love from start to finish.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a joyful story! I loved sitting and being immersed in these characters' lives at Christmas time for a few hours. Highly recommended to fans of the author and genre, and those who are looking for the spirit of Christmas.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
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