Rating: 
Summary: Stunning and Original
Review: There's certainly a gamut of opinion about this book, as evidenced by the reviews here, but, for my money, this is one of the more memorable romance novels ever written. Balogh breaks a lot of rules in this book, especially with her portrayal of the heroine, but she makes it work and gives us a deeply affecting and original story.I bought every word of it. It's a testament to just how gifted Mary Balogh is that she can make this story so moving. As another reviewer has suggested, Helena's guilt over her treatment of her step-son doesn't seem so overwrought if we change the sex of the characters. If it was a 35 year old man regretting his attempted (more than once, remember) seductions of a five-years-junior stepdaughter we would judge him very harshly indeed. Helena's guilt and self-loathing is deserved and her attempts to cope with that guilt very believeable to me. Edgar Downes is perfectly portrayed. What a hero! Balogh gets their "cannot be resisted" attraction, and Helena's refusal to allow herself happiness with the man, just right. Of course this is a romance novel and the ending is unrealistic but romance novels are fairy tales reworked. To take them literally is fatal. Their message--their importance--lies in the truth at the heart of the tale. And the truth here is that forgiveness for any crime is possible. Bravo to Mary Balogh for creating a memorable, beautiful work!
Rating: 
Summary: Very Different & Interesting Read
Review: This book has a dark side, but I enjoyed it very much. Helena is different then most of the women found in Regency novels. She believes she does not deserve love and respect. But somehow Edgar worms his way into her heart, even as she holds him an arms length away. He is determined to break through all her defenses. But her dark secret is finally revealed and amends are begun. I found some of the revelations almost as painful to deal with as Helena did. But life is not always light hearted and occasionally it is good to read a more intense book. Worth reading but do not expect a light hearted Christmas tale.
Rating: 
Summary: Stunk.
Review: This book really stunk. I was very disappointed in the end and thought the bride shouldn't have married the man. Besides who gets married on Christmas anyway. You don't want to ruin the spirit by not getting enough presents or anything like that.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful - not your usual romance
Review: This is my first book by this author, and I'm hooked. My heart went out to Lady Helena, whose torment was heartbreaking. Its unusual for the heroine to carry such torment with the hero as the mender. A must read. In Helena's own words--Damm you Edgar.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful - not your usual romance
Review: This is my first book by this author, and I'm hooked. My heart went out to Lady Helena, whose torment was heartbreaking. Its unusual for the heroine to carry such torment with the hero as the mender. A must read. In Helena's own words--Damm you Edgar.
Rating:
Summary: A Christmas Bride
Review: This is not the usual Regency comedy of manners. The plot is original and thus very refreshing. The charaters are so alive that they breathe and have human emotions and desires which the writer is not afraid to explore.I think this is one reason her books are so popular.
Rating:
Summary: Original and enjoyable .
Review: This is not the usual Regency comedy of manners. The plot is original and thus very refreshing. The charaters are so alive that they breathe and have human emotions and desires which the writer is not afraid to explore.I think this is one reason her books are so popular.
Rating:
Summary: A sequal.
Review: This is the Lady Helena Stapleton from a Precious Jewel. Worth reading if only to get her side of that story.
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