Stevie‘s review of The Last Chance Christmas Ball by Mary Jo Putney, Jo Beverley & Joanna Bourne
Historical Holiday Romance published by Kensington 29 Sep 15
Themed anthologies are a great way to be introduced to a whole bunch of different authors, with the reassurance that if the theme appeals, then hopefully there’ll be something to delight in most, if not all, of the contributions. In the case of this selection, I was particularly struck by the part of the blurb that promised us a house abuzz upstairs and downstairs with preparations for the grand ball.
I think I was hoping for a little more romance going on below stairs: a housemaid and an under-footman, perhaps. While, however, the closest we get to that scenario is a conspiracy between a temporary maid who is much more than she at first appeared and one of the guests with plans of his own, we do see a variety of romances take place before, during, and after the ball itself.
Not all the liaisons are brand new to those involved; in fact, most stories involve some sort of reunion between former lovers, estranged couples, or friends with the potential to be more. And that works very well in the context of short stories set over the same few days during the Festive Season. While I feel there is an overemphasis on one particular type of unconventional heroine, I do appreciate getting to read a whole series of sweet romances that aren’t over-sugary. At a time when ‘mixed’ series with more than one brand of gender pairing in them are becoming more common, I’d have liked to see at least one relationship step a little further beyond the bounds of acceptable behaviour for the times, and had my hopes raised at one point, only to find that the beautiful boy in question is actually a girl in disguise.
Then again, I do appreciate having so many historical romances to read that took place not only far from the more commonly used (and overused) English cities, but also seeing them set about as far north as could be managed without getting into Scotland. Even then, the authors manage to fit in one Scottish-set story, which didn’t have the usual highland clichés cluttering it up, I’m pleased to say – and a very good story it is too.
Overall, I enjoyed each and every one of these stories, and love the way that events glimpsed in one are given centre stage in another, while the book mostly moves forwards chronologically with each couple’s take on events. Definitely a book to reread and savour closer to the season depicted in it, and I’ll be looking out for other historicals by all the authors who contributed.
Grade: B
Summary:
Christmas 1815. Upstairs and downstairs, Holbourne Hall is abuzz with preparations for a grand ball to celebrate the year’s most festive—and romantic—holiday. For at the top of each guest’s wish list is a last chance to find true love before the New Year…
A chance meeting beneath the mistletoe, a stolen glance across the dance floor—amid the sumptuous delicacies, glittering decorations, and swell of the orchestra, every duchess and debutante, lord and lackey has a hopeful heart. There’s the headstrong heiress who must win back her beloved by midnight—or be wed to another….the spinster whose fateful choice to relinquish love may hold one more surprise for her…a widow yearning to glimpse her long-lost love for even one sweet, fleeting interlude …a charming rake who finds far more than he bargained for. And many other dazzling, romantic tales in this star-studded collection that will fill your heart and spice up your holidays…
Read an excerpt.
