This was my first time reading Vanessa Kelly and it won't be my last! I loved the mix of family, steam, intriguing main characters and holiday cheer. Phoebe was a delight to read--I loved how when she was upset (and she gets upset with Lucas often for his hard headed ways) she reverts back into her Quaker plain speak. It becomes an enduring quality to her but she is also bold, smart, loyal, sassy and loves with her whole heart. When she learns more about the smuggling ring, she does all she can to help end it without getting anyone hurt. Phoebe also sees how the town is struggling and takes it upon herself to revive the holiday traditions of years past and as she grew up without all these traditions, she learns them all along the way. Lucas was a bit harder to warm up to. A former major, he has seen the horrors of war and takes his new, unexpected, responsibilities seriously...perhaps a bit too seriously at times. One moment he is warm and caring with Phoebe and the next, in his attempt to protect her, he comes off hard and standoffish. With his failed relationship in the past, he thinks will never love again but Phoebe just settles herself into his heart but it takes awhile for him to finally admit that. There are also so many wonderful secondary characters (all from previous books that I can't wait to read now) and they add some great fun banter but also some tension. Overall, a delightful holiday read filled with heart, hope, humor, family, trust and happiness that will be sure to warm the cold winter days. A perfect holiday treat! 4 solid stars
Review copy provided by the author, thanks so much!
No series per se but these books are all couples featured in His Mistletoe Bride
Can be read as standalones but will make you anxious to go back and dive into their stories as well!
