What’s more decadent at Christmastime than curling up with a Christmas themed Regency romance? Nothing, that’s what. This year’s book was Snowy Night with a Stranger. I believe I saw it at the grocery store, wrote down the title, and then Paul brought him home from the library a week before Christmas. Three stories, perfect length for busy Christmas season when your mind might be on wrapping and gifting and creating and baking. They were all delightful, though I believe my favorite was Julia London’s Snowy Night with a Highlander. Apparently it snows a lot during the winter in Scotland, as that was something that was a big part every story. Fiona has to go find her rake of a brother and the tragically scarred-brought to his senses man who accompanies her on the snowy journey is of the course the man for her (though he had foolishly spurned her when he was young and haughty.)
The stranded travelers in Sabrina Jeffries When Sparks Fly must stay at a baron’s home that hasn’t seen merriment since the death of his brother some years ago. The “Black Baron” as he is known now is your typical gruff, all because of people’s misunderstandings and tremendous guilt, afraid to love, heart of gold hidden by mean exterior type of character. The interesting thread in this story is that he is a bit of a scientist working on explosives. Also interesting? The traditional game of Snapdragon, wherein you pluck raisins from a bowl of burning brandy. I’m half tempted to try it!
Jane Feather’s A Holiday Gamble features a feisty heroine who is in a forced betrothal with a horrible brute of a man. She has plans to escape and fortunately for her a stranded traveler, the Viscount Allenton recently returned from India, not only is willing to aid and abet, but also turns out to be the one to show her true love and passion. There was a bit of excitement and mystery in this story, which I liked.
Delightful light Christmas reading!
