Yes, the holidays have come and gone but my reviews have not. I did read this in December but felt it was just too good not to post the review here. Whether you’re looking to expand your TBR for the holidays or just want a sweet historical romance to read right now, this one is for you.
Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: September 3, 2024
Genres: Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance
Pages: 204
Format: Paperback
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The Nutcracker and Edwardian-Era England combine to weave a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime.
As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn’t seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she’ll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.
Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family’s misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah’s hand by Christmas. Will the magic of the holiday season help lead to the discovery of true love, or will duty to country leave all longing for what could have been?
Lady Mariah Lyons is the beloved stepdaughter to the Earl of Castleton. She’s whimsical and fun and full of life. And, she’s lucky. Earl of Castleton does not expect her to marry for gains but allows her to choose her husband for love. Her childhood friend and crush, Cyril Lightbourne, is the distant cousin of the Earl and the heir apparent of the title and the estate and is coming to stay but they have not spoken in years and the boy has not grown to the man she has expected.
Cyril arrives at the castle out of duty only and starts training under the Earl to be ready to take the reins. At the same time that he arrives, Lord Gyldenkrone, a handsome Danish man who wants Lady Mariah as his bride. While Cyril feels that Mariah has changed over the years, he doesn’t think that this cold, hard-hearted man is right for Mariah.
It took me a bit to get into this book because I’m not a fan of love triangles. Lady Mariah was spontaneous and caring. At times she appears immature but at other times very down to earth and realistic. Cyril Lightbourne had a better balance for his character. Mature but yet still inquisitive. However, despite his cold, chilly demeanor, I fell in love with Lord Gyldenkrone. While this book has inspirations from The Nutcraker, I found Gylenkrone like the Grinch. You could slowly see his heart start opening up and thawing. He really made the book for me.
I think this book is great if you’re looking for a light-hearted historical read. Despite The Nutcracker and Christmas theme, I think it could be enjoyed at any time.
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