I was so excited for this book. The original series came to a nice conclusion with book 3(in case you missed the series, click here for book 2 and book 3), but Charlotte and Mister Vancer’s tale did merit some attention of their own. So I was glad to get my hands on their tale. And once again, what a lovely, heart-warming read! Michele has warmed me up to regency, and I am hooked on here work!
Book
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.
Review
I have read all 3 books in the series, and loved getting to see the 3 siblings get their own HEA.
In book 3 we get to meet Mister Vancer, and Marsali’s sister Charlotte. When they decide on a marriage of convenience, Marsali is so focused on her own quest at hand, little attention goes to what will become of this pair.
I was very excited to see a novella giving us their story, and I am a real sucker for a marriage of convenience with a HEA.
This is just such a tale, a sweet, slow buildup of first an understanding, to a friendship based on respect and candid communication, to an attraction, to deep feelings of love and longing. And all comes to pass in the short span of twelve days in December. As much as it seems to be so short of a span of time, and only a novella, the whole tale is executed exceptionally well, and sweeps you right off your feet along with Charlotte.
I am forever grateful to Miss Holmes for restoring my love for regency reads, and the elements so typical to that style. I look forward to her next book!
About the Author
Michele Paige Holmes spent her childhood and youth in Arizona and northern California, often curled up with a good book instead of out enjoying the sunshine. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Elementary Education, and found it an excellent major in which to indulge her love of children’s literature.
Her first novel, COUNTING STARS (Covenant Communications 2007), won the 2007 Whitney Award for best romance. The sequel, a romantic suspense titled, ALL THE STARS IN HEAVEN (Covenant 2009), was a Whitney finalist, as was her first historical romance, CAPTIVE HEART (Covenant 2011). MY LUCKY STARS (Covenant 2012) completed the Stars series.
In October 2014 Michele launched the Hearthfire historical romance line with the publication of SAVING GRACE (Mirror Press 2014). The companion novel, LOVING HELEN (Mirror Press 2015) was released in February 2015. A third book about this same family, MARRYING CHRISTOPHER, will be published in summer 2015, with another historical to follow later this year.
Michele has been a member of the same critique group for over fifteen years and feels that joining a critique group is the single best thing an author can to do help improve his or her writing. She has been a member of RWA and URWA, LDStorymakers, and The League of Utah Writers. Michele enjoys both attending and teaching at conferences.
When not reading or writing romance, Michele is busy with her full time job as a wife and mother. She and her husband live in Utah with their five high maintenance children and a Shitzu that resembles a teddy bear, in a house with a wonderful view of the mountains. You can find Michele on the web at michelepaigeholmes.com and on Facebook and twitter.
Thank you, Mylissa!