Books Like...

"A Holiday by Gaslight" by Mimi Matthews is a Christmas novella set in Victorian times, following the story of Sophie, a daughter of a noble family facing financial ruin, and Ned, a wealthy businessman courting her. The plot revolves around their courtship, filled with miscommunications and family pressures, as they navigate the expectations of their society. The writing style is described as charming, engaging, and delightful, capturing the essence of a Victorian romance with traditional Christmas atmosphere.

'Penny's Yuletide Wish' by Sally Britton is a historical romance novella set in Regency England. It follows the story of childhood friends, Penelope and Robert, who reunite after a long separation due to tragic events. The plot revolves around their rediscovery of each other, their mutual attraction, and the obstacles they face in realizing their feelings amidst societal expectations. The writing style is described as heartwarming, with well-developed characters and a richly detailed plot that immerses the reader into the festive setting of Christmas balls and mistletoe kisses.

'Once Upon a Christmas Eve' in the 'Maiden Lane' series by Elizabeth Hoyt follows the story of Sarah St. John and Adam Rutledge, Viscount d'Arque, who are forced into close proximity during a Christmas gathering after an accident. Sarah, a smart and witty woman, harbors past hurts that challenge her relationship with Adam, a rake with a heart due to his love for his grandmother. Despite their initial animosity, a simmering attraction between them leads to combustible interactions. The novella is a sweet and engaging Victorian romance filled with humor, passion, and a heartwarming ending.

Duke the Halls by Felicity Niven is a heartwarming Christmas novella that follows the story of Kit, the Duke of Kittredge, and Franny, a cheerful and charming young woman. The plot revolves around Kit's escape from a Christmas house party and his chance encounter with Franny in a stagecoach. As the two characters navigate through the holiday season, readers witness a delightful and spicy romance unfolding between the socially awkward duke and the lovable Franny. The writing style is described as exquisite, scrumptiously delightful, and charmingly intimate, making it a perfect festive read with a dash of spice.

The book is praised for its well-crafted characters, refreshing plot twists, and the perfect blend of humor, heart, and heat. Readers appreciate how Felicity Niven creates relatable and flawed characters, making them easily identifiable and engaging. The chemistry between Kit and Franny, the witty dialogues, and the charming storyline contribute to the overall appeal of the novella, providing a cozy and festive reading experience.

A Wallflower Christmas is a novella that serves as a delightful epilogue to the Wallflower series by Lisa Kleypas. Set during Christmas in London, the story follows the wealthy American Rafe Bowman as he arrives to meet his intended bride, Lady Natalie, but finds himself drawn to her companion, Hannah. With the Wallflowers playing matchmaker, unexpected consequences ensue, making it a Christmas to remember. The book captures the essence of Victorian celebrations, filled with romantic entanglements, witty banter, and heartwarming moments, all wrapped in Kleypas's charming writing style.

'When She Was Naughty' by Tessa Dare is a heartwarming Christmas novella that tells the story of a confused relationship blossoming into a beautiful romance during the holiday season. The book is described as a light, sweet, and fun read that is both romantic and funny, featuring engaging characters and a plot that leaves readers laughing out loud. Despite being short in length, the story is beautifully written, leaving readers wishing for more.

The novella follows the mischievous heroine and the hero who has secretly been in love with her for years, leading to humorous and heartwarming moments as their feelings unfold. The writing style is described as low steam, light-hearted, and funny, creating a delightful and uplifting read perfect for those looking for a quick dose of romance and holiday cheer.

In "Miracle on Ladies' Mile" by Joanna Shupe, readers are transported to the Gilded Age of New York City where Grace, a new city dweller, finds herself working on late-night holiday window displays at Macy's. A chance encounter with a mysterious man, Alex, changes her perspective on her job and life. As their relationship develops, secrets are revealed, past grief is confronted, and a heartwarming romance blossoms amidst the backdrop of the holiday season and historical details of the late 19th century.

Grace and Alex navigate through personal struggles, unexpected connections, and the complexities of their individual pasts, all while exploring themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and newfound love in a festive and historical setting. Joanna Shupe's writing style beautifully captures the essence of the Gilded Age, weaving together a tale of romance, growth, and holiday cheer in this novella set in 1895 America.

In the book 'The Lady Most Willing...', Laird Taran Ferguson decides to secure the family line through his nephews by kidnapping several eligible young heiresses and bringing them to his castle in Scotland. A snowstorm cuts off the castle from the main road, leading to a few days of hunkering down for all. The plot involves charming characters, misdirection, and monkey business as the blizzard rages on, resulting in interesting proposals and couples emerging before their eventual rescue.

The collaborative effort by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Connie Brockway creates a sweet and light-hearted read with intertwined love stories of four separate couples. The book features delightful characters, a fun storyline, and smooth transitions between the different stories, making it an enjoyable read for fans of historical romance.

In "The Christmas Cuckoo" by Mary Jo Putney, the story revolves around Major Jack Howard, who mistakenly ends up spending Christmas with a warm and welcoming family due to a case of mistaken identity. The plot unfolds with humor, romance, and a touch of mystery as Jack finds himself entangled in the lives of the Lambert family, particularly forming a special bond with Meg Lambert. The writing style is described as tight, delightful, and quick-paced, capturing the essence of family, friendship, and the holiday spirit.

Once Upon a Winter's Eve is a novella from the Spindle Cove series by Tessa Dare that follows the story of Violet Winterbottom, a quiet and intelligent woman who unexpectedly encounters a mysterious and wounded stranger during a Christmas ball. As Violet delves into his secrets, she embarks on a night filled with love, adventure, and unexpected twists. The book is praised for its fast-paced storyline, feisty characters, and engaging writing style that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.