Rating: 4/5
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?
I received a free copy of Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor through Austenprose PR for a book tour. Thank you so much for this opportunity!
This was such an endearing historical holiday romance! I absolutely adored the holiday setting. I’ve never had the traditional sugar plum dessert, but oh my goodness, hearing our main characters describe them and gush over them, I want to try them! They sound divine!
Following Mariah was my favorite in this romance, her love for helping others, the holiday season, and fantasy stories were so charming! And these worlds that she created gave off vibes of the Nutcracker, especially with how she nicknamed their family’s manor, Sugar Plum Manor for the Christmas season. I felt for her as her family would chastise her for her silliness and love for the make-believe. I loved this side of her personality.
And I adored how much Cyril encouraged this side of her personality and stood up for her when she was told to behave or stop her childish antics. I found Cyril to be such a sweetheart, not only encouraging but also enjoying the fantasy tales alongside Mariah and looking out for someone to be the hero of her fairytale. The way these two bonded was so sweet and lovely.
But what’s a romance without some drama? This holiday romance has its fair share of drama! Mariah believing Cyril is about to be engaged to another lady, Lady Pearl, and a Danish lord trying to win Mariah’s hand. All this happening while they stay at the Sugar Plum Manor for Christmastide. All this drama led to an entertaining read that I simply didn’t want to put down, I had to know what would happen!
If you’re looking for a delightful holiday romance, I highly recommend this historical romance!
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