Christmas came a little early for me when I opened this brightly wrapped, autographed book!
Review of The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection by Andrea Stephens
I met a couple new to me authors on this journey back to a different time. Nothing is perfect and there are many twists, mysteries, and surprises along the way but each of the 9 novellas has a happy ending. I highly recommend this book for all historical Christian fiction fans especially those that love unique Christmas love stories. This book makes a perfect gift for yourself or your favorite book lover.
Some feelings on each novella.
Good story! It is clear that Marianna and Tristam belong together. Miss Nowell seemed to know it too. ~Star of Wonder by Susanne Dietze Much mystery involving the stolen diamond necklace. I loved the children being seen and heard, not stuck in a nursery with a nanny. I loved how Bennet and Celeste became more than friends despite their desire not to wed. Love finds a way!
~The Holly and The Ivy by Rita Gerlach
A very sweet Christmas love story. Lily and Andrew have been writing each other for a year. In the beginning, was about some old letters but as time went on, things became more personal but she only signed her letters with an L. He comes to lecture at the Smithsonian Institute where Lily faints. He sees that she gets home and after much discussion, he realizes who she is. I loved Lily's parents. The secret is very touching and Lily gets her longtime wish.
~Love Brick by Brick by Kathleen L. Maher
Misunderstandings and other confusions keep Rufus and SarahAnn apart. Love, however, does find its way. I can't imagine bringing a house in pieces from England to New York. Rufus will do anything to make sure his ailing mother is happy. SarahAnn goes above and beyond in caring for her too. A very nice story with a bit of mystery regarding the elder Mr. Sedgewick too.
~A Christmas Promise by Gabrielle Meyer
Their late mother's agreement forces Christopher and Ashleigh to be in the same place at the same time. Neither one wants to marry. But...The child she disliked most in the world had somehow become the man she adored. A sweet story!
~The Sugarplum Ladies by Carrie Fancett Pagels
A wonderful story! I loved how Percy and Eugenie meet then meet again. I loved the work Eugenie does with the war widows. With the help of Eugenie and her Sugarplum Ladies catering, what was going to be a lonely Christmas turned into a wonderful family & friends reunion. The ending was perfect!
~Paper Snowflake Christmas by Vanessa Riley
A dare. A kiss. A separation of hearts. Years later will the two hearts find forgiveness and love again? This was a bit heart wrenching to see a mother forced by her late husband's will to give up her son. I enjoyed this story. I loved what the Paper Snowflakes were made of, you will too.
~Father Christmas by Lorna Seilstad
I really liked this story. I did not like Fern Kent at all! She was a controlling, shrew of a mother-in-law. Blaming Beatrix for her death the death of her son and more. UGH! I loved little Clara and her father Hugh. He was such a sweet gentle, man. He did so much to help Beatrix. How she helped him pick out a doll for his daughter's Christmas gift was so sweet. Mean old Fern stirs up trouble. Will the truth bring healing and love? I loved the Christmas in this story.
~A Perfect Christmas by Erica Vetsch
This truly was a perfect Christmas! I love how the author used Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" in Melisande's window design and in Gray's heart. I was happy with the ending but would love to read more of Melisande and Gray's story as well as see what becomes of Vonetta in the future.
As you can see, I really do love this collection!
GIVEAWAY: A copy of the paperback of The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection autographed by Carrie (and maybe even a couple more authors!) Answer this question to enter: What's your favorite thing about Victorian era Christmases that you've read about?
I don't know a lot about Victorian era Christmases, but it seems that that was the time when a lot of our traditions were established. Thank you for your review. This sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeletesusanmsj at msn dot com
It's a great collection, Susan. Lot's of happy ever after endings.
DeleteThe elaborate decorating.
ReplyDeleteI always find it amazing how much they decorated then.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
I love the Christmas balls, the meals and how they decorated. It seems like they went all out to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteThere are several decoration and meal scenes in this book. I think you would like it, Joy.
DeleteIt was so welcoming and inviting...such attention to detail! :)
ReplyDeleteI loved the detail the authors shared in their novellas.
DeleteThank you for stopping by!
I love Yule logs and caroling.
ReplyDeleteHi, Nancy! I do not have a fireplace but have continued the Yule log tradition with a modern day twist. There is a tv channel that shows a Yule log burning, though it lacks warmth it is beautiful to watch.
DeleteThanks for coming by!
Most Victorian era Christmases give us a glimpse into the parlour games played. Charades for one.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Oh, yes! Parlour games! I used to be very fond of such games. Technology has taken over so many things. I often wonder if today's young people would even know how to play the old games.
DeleteThanks for coming by, Mary!
I'd say the elegance of that era. The gowns were so beautiful & the homes were gorgeous. Lovely ballrooms bathed in candlelight...amazing!
ReplyDeleterw620 AT aol DOT com
Hello, Robin. Things were so lovely then. Even the simple homes seemed to have a special elegance at Christmastime.
DeleteI like the ornaments and the fashions. paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet
ReplyDeleteI like looking at the fashion of the time period, I would never be comfortable wearing it though. (Comfy is my style)
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
What a pretty cover. From what I remember about victorian christmas's is was very festive. Full of parties with lots of pretty dresses and lots of food.
ReplyDeletequilting dash lady at comcast dot net
I love the cover of this book in person. Photos fail to show the deep, deep green against the red.
DeleteThanks for coming by, Lori!
Wonderful review Andrea.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed each novella in the collection and I love the book cover!
Blessings, Tina
You are so kind, thank you, Tina. I'm glad you enjoyed the book.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
Decorating the Christmas tree wasn't a major production like it is now. Home-made ornaments, popcorn and cranberries strung on a string, and gifts that were made with love.
ReplyDeleteJanet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
I think the making of the ornaments and of decorating the tree or even just an evergreen bough were part of the family celebration.
DeleteThanks for coming by, Janet!
I love the traditions they keep and the beautiful decorating they do. mauback55 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteHi, Melanie! I think it would be lovely to bring back some of the old traditions. Though, there are a few modern ones I will keep.
DeleteI enjoy reading about the Victorian traditions. Andrea, Thank you for a lovely review.
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138atgmaildotcom
I enjoy reading about the Victorian traditions too! There are a couple new ones in these novellas that I didn't know about.
DeleteThanks for stopping by Caryl!
The fun traditions that I didn’t know much about until I read the first Victorian Christmas novel.
ReplyDeletemindyhoung AT msn DOT com
Hi, Mindy! I read that Queen Victoria had roast Swan along with other roasted meats for Christmas. I can't even imagine that.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!