MY REVIEW:
Lovers of Regency romance novels and/or Christmas should find this Regency Christmas Collection a perfect companion for those long, cold evenings of the holiday season. Inside the gorgeous cover is a compilation of three individual novellas by three of my favorite Regency authors. Each novella is based on a line from longtime favorite Christmas hymn Joy to the World, thus the name of the collection. Each one easily stands on its own and can be easily be read in one evening by many readers. I enjoyed getting a head start on the season with this amazing book.
“Heaven and Nature Sing” by Carolyn Miller
Due to certain family circumstances Edith had turned down George’s proposal a year ago and was perplexed to learn that he would also be a guest at the Christmas house party she was attending. With their hostess attempting to play cupid at every turn, Edith found it difficult to avoid George while longing for his presence at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the vivid descriptions of Christmas activities and decor during that historical period. Entertaining dialogue and interesting characters made this novella a fun read. I particularly liked the interest in music shared by the couple. I thoroughly enjoyed reading something new by Carolyn Miller and look forward to a full-length novel in the near future.
“Far as the Curse is Found” by Amanda Barratt
was not only alone in the world but had further isolated himself due to grievous injuries suffered during the war. When he crossed paths with a critically ill young woman and her sick baby during one of his nightly strolls, he instinctively took them home to care for them. Hating to send her back out on her own after she recovered, he hired her as a maid for his family estate where her joyful spirit brings life to the once somber home. At times this story made me think of Beauty and the Beast or Phantom of the Opera but the tale was infused with a hope, love, and faith that offered such encouragement.
“Wonders of His Love” by Erica Vetsch
The story of a young widow who is totally dominated by her demanding mother-in-law who obviously has plans for her life, Wonders of His Love features Lady Priscilla whose sister-in-law has become the Duchess. An artist has been hired to paint portraits of the new Duke and Duchess and Priscilla is inappropriately more attracted to him than the man her mother-in-law wishes her to marry. As always, this author has applied her own delightful twist to the story and I enjoyed every minute of it. I found it such fun to observe as Cilla became less compliant under the influence of Hamish and grew into the strong and capable woman she was meant to be. I also enjoyed spending time with a few characters from previous books by this author. 
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Kregel Publications. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Inspirational Regency romance with a Christmas twist from three best-selling authors
In Joy to the World, three popular authors come together to offer a heartwarming collection of holiday Regency romance. Based on lines from a beloved Christmas carol, these three novellas in one book have depth, faith, and satisfying stories all packed into the perfect length for readers to curl up and take a brief break from their holiday busyness.
“Heaven and Nature Sing” by Carolyn Miller
Two music lovers, deeply devoted to each other, were on the brink of engagement when family circumstances drove them apart. How can they ever overcome their obligations and fears to find their way back into each other’s arms?
“Far as the Curse is Found” by Amanda Barratt
One winter night, a woman struggling to provide for her illegitimate child encounters a scarred veteran of the Napoleonic Wars on the streets of London. Can love conquer the darkness of two broken pasts?
“Wonders of His Love” by Erica Vetsch
A Scots portrait painter with a hidden identity finds work at a noble manor house over the holidays. He never imagined he’d fall in love with the emotionally frozen widow there. Now he wants nothing more than to thaw her heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
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Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers. Check her out at www.carolynmillerauthor.com. |
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Amanda Barratt is the ECPA best-selling author of several novels and novellas, including My Dearest Dietrich. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a two-time FHL Reader’s Choice Award finalist. She and her family live in northern Michigan. Visit her at amandabarratt.net. |
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Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota. Learn more about Erica at ericavetsch.com. |
