An English Christmas

Rating:
Summary: A Bit Disappointing
Review: I hate writing a less than great review, but I was disappointed by this book, which contained a reprint of two earlier books. The first story, A Father For Christmas, had engaging secondary characters, but I didn't see much in the line of character in Mrs. Copley and Lord Wetherby until near the end of the story, and even then, their sudden decision to marry was a bit confusing considering that up to that point, there were (perceived or real) obstacles in their path. I thought it was just a bit too pat, it seemed almost rushed and thus cheapened everything the characters had gone through up to that point.

The second story, A Husband For Christmas, also showed a lack of character development, and a good portion of the book is spent with the hero and heroine apart. When they are together, the hero is in disguise most of the time, and one of his roles has him displaying a very unlikeable, dominant side that left me absolutely cold. I love an alpha male, but this guy--in that particular role--had few redeeming factors and no charm.

As with the first story, I thought the hero and heroine ended up together far too easily at the end. Despite very real problems of the time (his lack of station, her spoiled upbringing, etc.), I felt the author glosses over what would have been some great conflict, and provides readers with a too-easy ending that failed, at least for me, to satisfy. Coupled with some period inaccuracies of both stories (an earl could not adopt someone to be the heir to his title, women did not wear "suits," etc.), I was disappointed with what promised to be an outstanding read.

If you like an easy, quick Regency read with an emphasis on Christmas, you'll probably like this. Die-hard Regency fans might end up disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Reprint....
Review: This is a reprint of "A Father for Christmas" and A "Husband for Christmas." Enjoyed reading them a second time, but thought that this was a new book... and was disappointed.