Sandy M’s review of His for Christmas (Lady Esme, Book 2) by Jennifer Haymore
Historical Romance published by Forever Yours 1 Oct 13
I so enjoy Jennifer Haymore’s writing, and it’s unfortunate that I’ve gotten behind in reading her books, something that happens more often than not with readers who have books everywhere. This Christmas novella has re-whetted my appetite for her stories. I’m definitely going to get back on track with her work, because I know I’ve been missing so much in those I’ve not read yet.
Amelia is determined to make it home for Christmas, despite the snow covering the land and still coming down as fast as it can. That’s when the law of averages works against her and her carriage breaks down with miles to go. Hopeful and then grateful she and her driver don’t have to walk to the next town when another carriage comes along, Amelia vows to do just that and walk when she discovers who it is offering refuge from the cold, as well as a much quicker way to get home.
Puzzled at Lady Amelia’s response to his offer, Evan eventually talks her into going with him, with the hope he can find out what it is that’s causing her frosty attitude toward him. They grew up together and always got along well, and though they haven’t seen one another in a number of years, he can’t understand her animosity. The plan to drive straight through doesn’t go well, and they are forced to stop at a roadside inn for the night – and share one bed in the last room available.
Their intentions are good. Their anger and upset with each other slips by the wayside amid the lust sparking between them. All the feelings that have been part of them for years and all of these new feelings, good and bad, that have taken over come together in a night neither Evan nor Amelia though would ever happen. Even with that now between them, however, they have a bit of a way to go to find that even keel for them to move forward, including the issues their respective parents have with any future union in store for them.
I like the spin Ms. Haymore puts on these stories, writing them for Lady Esme, a character in her previous works. Something a little different and lots of fun. The Christmas theme is used wonderfully throughout this short story. You feel it to the bone from the characters and the era and all the festive decorative details. This is a warm holiday jaunt that will bring anyone’s mood into focus for the season.
Grade: B+
Summary:
Lady Amelia Witherspoon simply must get home to her beloved family on Christmas Eve. So when a terrible storm threatens to leave her snowbound, she refuses to admit defeat-even if that means sharing a carriage with Evan Cameron, the last man she ever hoped to see . . .
Evan can’t fathom why his oldest friend is as icy to him as the winter wind. All he does know is that Amelia is still the loveliest, most tempting woman he’s ever laid eyes on. Their only option is to take refuge together at a nearby inn, sharing the one remaining room. Evan promises to be a gentleman . . . but it’s a promise neither of them wants him to keep.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
One Night with an Earl – April 2014
