N R. (Moonpie) reviewed Joy to the World: A Regency Christmas Collection on + 1175 more book reviews
I love reading Christmas fiction during the holiday. It always gives a warm cozy feeling and is one more thing to make it special. This book is a big plus as there are 3 stories in it by great authors. They are also set in an era I especially like, the 1800's.
"Heaven and Nature Sing" by Carolyn Miller made me a part of a really old fashioned Christmas with the wealthy. I love the descriptions of their entertainment. It was such a simple and uncomplicated time; gathering a yule log, making greenery decorations, performing with music and song. Edith Mansfield has been invited to a party by her God mother, Lady Grantley for the Christmas holiday. Her focus was entertaining a group of young people. The snafu to such a grand time is the beau, George Bannerman, whom Edith had shunned a marriage proposal from the year before was also invited. The reason for the breakup is not made clear at first but both obviously still have feelings for each other. There has definitely been a misunderstanding. The awkwardness in being tossed together is heightened by the complicated Victorian codes of conduct.
"Far as the Curse Is Found" by Amanda Barratt, I must admit was my favorite!
Dwight, the Earl of Amberly has returned to London briefly to sell his estate. He has been living in isolation in Yorkshire since returning from the war. It appears he is suffering from PTSD. Jenny an unwed mother, due to a rape, is very ill as is her baby girl. Dwight sees her collapse in the street with her infant and brings her to the estate do receive medical care. Upon her recovery he offers her a job at his home in Yorkshire. She accepts. He gives her shelter and provision while she gives him something much greater, friendship and God's word.
"The Wonders of His Love" by Erica Vetsch. Cilla Haverly was destined to become a duchess, and then her husband dies. She becomes trapped in the dull, lifeless, drudgery serving her mother-in-law. Hamish Sinclair is commissioned by the dowager to paint Cilla's brother-in-law and sister-in law's portrait. As cliché as it may sound, Hamish brings color to Cilla's gray life. He is poor and of a lower class, but has confidence in himself and purpose. She has all the trimmings of the upper class but is very insecure and has no purpose in her existence. I found it a beautiful example of how God can send someone into our life to not only change it but change us. Three wonderful Christmas novellas just in time for the season!
I received this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
"Heaven and Nature Sing" by Carolyn Miller made me a part of a really old fashioned Christmas with the wealthy. I love the descriptions of their entertainment. It was such a simple and uncomplicated time; gathering a yule log, making greenery decorations, performing with music and song. Edith Mansfield has been invited to a party by her God mother, Lady Grantley for the Christmas holiday. Her focus was entertaining a group of young people. The snafu to such a grand time is the beau, George Bannerman, whom Edith had shunned a marriage proposal from the year before was also invited. The reason for the breakup is not made clear at first but both obviously still have feelings for each other. There has definitely been a misunderstanding. The awkwardness in being tossed together is heightened by the complicated Victorian codes of conduct.
"Far as the Curse Is Found" by Amanda Barratt, I must admit was my favorite!
Dwight, the Earl of Amberly has returned to London briefly to sell his estate. He has been living in isolation in Yorkshire since returning from the war. It appears he is suffering from PTSD. Jenny an unwed mother, due to a rape, is very ill as is her baby girl. Dwight sees her collapse in the street with her infant and brings her to the estate do receive medical care. Upon her recovery he offers her a job at his home in Yorkshire. She accepts. He gives her shelter and provision while she gives him something much greater, friendship and God's word.
"The Wonders of His Love" by Erica Vetsch. Cilla Haverly was destined to become a duchess, and then her husband dies. She becomes trapped in the dull, lifeless, drudgery serving her mother-in-law. Hamish Sinclair is commissioned by the dowager to paint Cilla's brother-in-law and sister-in law's portrait. As cliché as it may sound, Hamish brings color to Cilla's gray life. He is poor and of a lower class, but has confidence in himself and purpose. She has all the trimmings of the upper class but is very insecure and has no purpose in her existence. I found it a beautiful example of how God can send someone into our life to not only change it but change us. Three wonderful Christmas novellas just in time for the season!
I received this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
