about the book
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?
"So many delightful layers to this tale, along with intriguing characters and beautiful descriptions... It really puts you in the mood for Christmas."
--Melody Carlson, author of The Christmas Tree Farm and A Royal Christmas
"Sugar plums, gingerbread, and all the Christmasy feels go into this charming holiday romance."
--Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas
publisher: bethany house publishers
release date: september 3, 2024
review
what a lovely historical christmastime romance!
it's time for lady mariah lyons to marry. childhood friend cyril lightbourne would seem like the obvious choice, since he's inheriting her stepfather's estate—except their once warm friendship turned cold as they grew up, any dreams of romance with him now dismissed. still, when cyril arrives for christmas, their friendship seems to pick up easily enough, but romance, of course, is complicated—with a danish lord on the premises vying for her affections, too.
now, i'm not familiar enough with the story of the nutcracker to see the inspiration in christmas at sugar plum manor—but roseanna m. white's story is enjoyable nonetheless. the feeling of celebrating the holiday at an english estate comes to life in the pages of this book, and i just loved the whole festive, cozy atmosphere. the characters, too, feel vibrant and well-established and really had me excited to see how their complicated circumstances would be resolved. the themes of faith woven throughout their story add to the wholesome, hopeful nature of it all—and all together, the atmosphere, the characters, the faith blend into a delightful christmas read (and i'm sure i will be revisiting it in future christmas seasons).
if you love historical romances and cozy christmas stories, christmas at sugar plum manor is a perfect book for you.
considerations:
—language: none
—spice: kisses only
—faith: strong faith themes
—content: none
No comments:
Post a Comment