This is a collection of 5 Mary Balogh Christmas stories. I am happy to while away a few hours on Mary Balogh's work, whether short of full-length stories. Actually, I have read each of these stories over the years; just not in this publication. The 5 stories were gathered into this 2003 publication.
It is unfortunate that the first two stories were so similar. By that I mean, each couple was married and are now trying to find common ground. If they had been placed further apart, maybe it would have made both stories more interesting.
A FAMILY CHRISTMAS -- 3.5 stars
An aristocratic young woman was 'sold' to a cit (a man who earned his money through business; not considered a gentleman) to enhance the (impoverished but aristocratic) family's fortunes. The young son (Edwin Chambers) of the cit went back to London after 2 weeks and in due time, a baby was born. The husband came to see the baby briefly and returned to London. The couple is almost strangers and they are fairly cold with each other because of Elizabeth's mother, Lady Templar (a vicious mother-in-law and ruthlessly, managing mother).
Now Edwin is back home for Christmas and to see if there is any chance of finding common ground for a marriage with the woman he loves. This plotline has been done to death (major misunderstanding); nothing new here.
THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM -- 3 stars
Estelle and her husband have been married for 2 years. Estelle wants Allan's attention and when she doesn't get it, she flirts outrageously with other men. Again, they suffer from a major understanding. Allan has given his wife (at their betrothal) a magnificent diamond and sapphire ring and she must admit she has lost the major stone when she threw it at him. There's a little chimney sweep involved who saves the day.
THE BEST GIFT -- 4 stars
This trope has been done before but Balogh handles it nicely. Jane is not a lady (she obviously was the illegitimate child between a woman and a wealthy man who supported Jane in a school until she was 17). Then she became a (not very appreciated) teacher at the same school. Lord Warren, who doesn't celebrate Christmas, is saddled with his 15-year-old niece for the holidays while her parents go to Italy. He doesn't know what to do with her and asks if there is someone at the school to help him tend to his niece. The only one left is Jane and she accepts his offer.
When Warren gets home, he finds out that his former mistress has died and left him their daughter (4-years-old). Warren is really frightened now. But Jane takes them all in hand and devises the Christmas she's always wanted (but never had). The warm kind of Christmas story readers will enjoy.
PLAYING HOUSE -- 5 stars
Lilias wants a special Christmas for her brother and sister because it will be their last one together. When their father died, there was no money. In two week's time, Lilias will become a governess and the other two children will be parcelled out to distant relatives. Lilias has no money, but a great deal of pride. When the Marquess of Bedford arrives home for the holidays, Lilias asks him to repay an old debt by giving them a goose, a fancy doll for her sister, and a pocket watch for her brother. The Marquess is fairly hostile but agrees. However, he has his own problem with his young, difficult daughter. This is the best story of the bunch; a wonderful Christmas story.
NO ROOM AT THE INN -- 2 stars
Some readers will like this; I wasn't impressed. This is an unhappy collection of people who just happened to have been forced to spend the Christmas holidays at a mediocre inn, far from the wonderful feasting they were expecting. Just as in stories one and two (above), a married couple is at a crossroads. However, the real story is that an unmarried couple is trying to get admittance (because the woman is getting ready to deliver) and is turned away because the inn is full. However, some of the guests refuse to allow the woman to have a baby in the barn stalls. The romance is absolutely ridiculous -- offering marriage after ~ 30 hours of knowing each other.
The overall score is 3.5 stars.
Five Christmas stories from Mary Balogh. This is one of the better historical anthologies that I've read. I liked all of the stories.
I liked the holiday stories, they were just the right length to give you a little holiday boost. They would all make a great book on their own. I would reccommend this even during the off season. Fun stories that have you wanting more.
If you only have a little time, each story here is a nice quick read.
