by Michele Paige Holmes
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Just released: December 9, 2015
Publisher: Mirror Press
Genre: Historical, Holiday, Romance, Novella
eBook
Rating: 4
Hearthfire Romance series:
Saving Grace
Loving Helen
Marrying Christopher
Twelve Days in December
First sentence(s):
Charlotte Holbrook paused in the hall outside her sister's door, listening to the weeping coming from the other side.
A Christmas Novella from the bestselling Hearthfire Romance series by Michele Paige Holmes:
Five months isn’t enough time to grieve the death of her husband and marry again, but when the unexpected opportunity to take her sister’s place as the bride of wealthy New York businessman, William Vancer, presents itself, twenty-four year-old Charlotte Holbrook agrees. Their marriage of convenience will provide a secure future for her son, while William will be able to claim the inheritance he needs to expand his company westward.
To begin their perfect and perfectly safe arrangement, William allots the last twelve days in December to become acquainted with his new family—a task more easily accomplished than he had imagined. For in Charlotte he finds a tender heart and companion, while stepping into the role of father to her son, brings William a great measure of joy as well. Before the twelve days have passed, he finds himself wishing their marriage of convenience could be something much more.
For Charlotte, every day with William is one of overwhelming gratitude, as he anticipates and provides for her needs, as well as the fondest desires of her heart. More than material comforts, William offers friendship as well, and a loving concern that Charlotte has gone too long without. Guilt ridden, she struggles with her growing attraction and wonders how she can ever remain loyal to her first husband, while allowing herself to love William as he deserves.
My two-bits:
I found this to be a cozy gentle holiday romance complete with a tame ball scene drama.
The main characters were likable and we get to hear the perspective of each. Both were very polite and true to the time period.
The chemistry between the couple gradually increased through the story as they were thrown together last minute at the start. The couple struggled with inner turmoil in regards to their individual past relationships that made them tentative. However, it did not take too long as the title suggests.
The single parent perspective and matchmaking doings of the times were also presented and interesting to note.
Always nice to see love bloom again for widowers.
* review copy courtesy of eBooks for Review -get free ebooks for honest review (here)
