Not just for Christmas?
Abandoned by her husband, and society because her father was a slave, Honora Blake will never rely on anyone again. Until dashing Lord Lovell breaks the news that she is a widow—and penniless—and insists she spend Christmas with him and his pregnant ward. Beneath the mistletoe, passion flares between Honora and Isaac. Then childbirth places his ward’s life in jeopardy, and these strangers suddenly face marriage to protect the baby!
Good book with an unusual twist. Honora's parents were a freed slave and a plantation owner's daughter who fell in love, married and lived in the mountains of Virginia. Honora fell in love with a visiting Englishman and married him against her parents' advice. Once in England, her husband Frank resumed his rakish ways and, after a couple of years, abandoned Honora. She hadn't seen him in three years when Isaac, Lord Lovell, arrived to tell her that Frank was dead, and she needed to attend the reading of his will.
I enjoyed the first meeting between Isaac and Honora. Isaac broke into her house, not realizing it was occupied, and she confronted him at gunpoint. The antagonism between them is fierce, as Honora believes Isaac was Frank's friend, and Isaac wants nothing to do with Frank's wife. However, when Isaac realizes that Honora doesn't have the money to get to the will reading, Isaac offers to take her with him. During the journey, it becomes evident that underneath the antagonism are sparks of attraction.
I liked the development of the relationship between Isaac and Honora. Honora is feisty and independent, thanks to her upbringing. Still under the impression that Isaac was one of Frank's friends, she makes no secret of her dislike and disapproval. Though she doesn't want to admit it, Honora is also attracted to him. Isaac finds Honora intriguing and is attracted to her. His mental chastisements to himself reveal his low opinion of marriage and his determination not to become involved with her. But when the reading of the will reveals that Honora is both penniless and homeless, Isaac steps up and invites her to spend Christmas with him and his ward while exploring her options.
Things begin to change when they are under one roof. Honora meets Charlotte, Isaac's young and pregnant ward. I loved watching the two women connect. Charlotte brings out Honora's mothering instinct, while Honora's practical attitude helps Charlotte adjust to her situation. Meanwhile, the more time they spend together, the more Honora realizes that she misjudged Isaac. Her feelings for him change and grow. At the same time, Isaac can't help thinking about Honora and how well she fits in his life. But he's keeping a huge secret that could ruin anything that they might have together.
Their lives become more complicated when complications of
childbirth put Charlotte's life at risk, and she begs them to marry to protect
the baby. Isaac's secret weighs on him even more, as he misses several chances
to come clean because he's afraid of losing her. I ached for them both when the
truth comes out. Honora once again feels betrayed and used. Isaac is
heartbroken at losing the woman he loves. I loved how Charlotte gave him the
kick in the pants he needed to make things right. Isaac's big moment at the end
was sweet and romantic. I would have liked an epilogue, perhaps involving the
promised trip to Virginia, to see how their future works out.
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