Victorian Christmas Brides Review by Andrea Stephens

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. 

~One Golden Ring by C.J. Chase 

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?

Unmasked Heart by Vanessa Riley - Audiobook Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Blurb: Shy, nearsighted caregiver, Gaia Telfair always wondered why her father treated her a little differently than her siblings. She never guessed she couldn't claim his love because of a family secret, her illicit birth. With everything she knows to be true evaporating before her spectacles, can the mulatto passing for white survive being exposed and shunned by the powerful duke who has taken an interest in her? 

Ex-warrior, William St. Landon, the Duke of Cheshire, will do anything to protect his mute daughter from his late wife's scandals. With a blackmailer at large, hiding in a small village near the cliffs of Devonshire seems the best option, particularly since he can gain help from the talented Miss Telfair, who has the ability to help children learn to speak. If only he could do a better job at shielding his heart from the young lady whose honest hazel eyes see through his jests as her tender lips challenge his desire to remain a single man

Compelling Listen!

My review of Unmasked Heart: Challenge of the Soul, Book One. 

The narrator did a good job with Vanessa Riley's latest release. What a delight to be able to read this as an audiobook listen! Gaia is a sympathetic heroine whose heart belongs to an undeserving man with fickle romantic aspirations. William is a heartsick hero who has been betrayed. The two have the common experience of gut-wrenching betrayal by the very ones who should love them most.  Gaia also has the shocking discovery that she is not the person she's been told she is all her life.  

William has been receiving threatening letters for some time, as a blackmailer warns that the truth about William's unfaithful wife will be disclosed. And that blackmailer is getting bolder and bolder. Will the blackguard prevail? Can a biracial Regency-era young lady and a wealthy Duke possibly make a match -- against all odds? Or is Gaia right, and there is no way it could happen? Will her first love prevail and steal her from William?

I received an audible.com download of Unmasked Heart from the author, the beautiful Vanessa Riley - pictured below, and am under no requirement to write a positive review. My opinions are my own.

Giveaway: We're giving away a copy of Unmasked Heart (winner's choice of format). Answer this question -- have you experienced rejection or prejudice because of something you have no control over?