Regency Christmas Carol [Mass Market Paperback]

This heart-lifting volume collects the storytelling talents of some of Signet's most beloved Regency authors, all spinning tales with Christmas carols as a central part of the yarn. These talented ladies pack into less than one hundred pages each an emotional wallop that is rarely found in novellas--sure to please even readers who do not usually find the depth they hope for in anthologies.

Mary Balogh starts us off with "The Bond Street Carolers" in which Lord Heath, who dislikes Christmas, stops in his tracks on Bond Street to hear a boy's angelic voice raised in song. Lord Heath decides that this young man must perform at his annual winter concert--but the boy's mother, Fanny Berlinton, does not want her son exploited. Little Katie Berlinton sees the tall man enjoying her brother's singing, and renews her wish for a Papa for Christmas. Even readers who do not normally care for children intruding on their romance will be enchanted by the parts these two take in this delighful story.

In "The Earl's Nightengale" by Edith Layton, a young woman pawns a musical mechanical bird left to her by the grandmother she never met--a gift that her grandmother said would bring her happiness. When she goes back a week later, as promised, to pay the loan and reclaim her heirloom, it is gone. She catches up with the Earl of Elliott, who purchased it, because it is her only link with her grandmother, and because she and her mother could certainly use some happiness right now. Ms. Layton's Nightengale is a charming gift to her readers, topped with an extra-special bow of an ending.

Next up is Elisabeth Fairchild with "The Mistletoe Kiss." On St. Thomas's Day, five days before Christmas, governess Constance Conyngham is convinced by her young charges to take them "a gooding"--but they did not expect to encounter Lord Deleval at The Devil's Keep, and everyone was even more surprised when he showed up the the bell-ringers' rehearsal. This is a heartening story of two wounded souls who can perhaps heal each other.

In "Make a Joyful Noise" by Carla Kelly, Lord Wythe is charged by his mother to help recruit new choir members for the annual competition between the churches of the neighboring shires. One of his first requests is to Rosie Wetherby, but soon he is ent ranced by more than just her beautiful voice... and Ms. Kelly's readers are entranced as well with the relationship that blossoms.

Anne Barbour concludes this collection with "Melody" in which American Josh Weston, now Earl of Sandbourne, meets his match in Melody Fairfax, companion to the dowager countess. We are emotionally involved from the beginning as we watch these two meet and quickly find a fearsome affinity towards each other. In a collection of masters of the Regency subgenre, Ms. Barbour shines as the star atop the tree.

Kimberly Borrowdale, Under the Covers Book Reviews

A Regency Christmas Carol, a collection of seasonal stories written in the spirit of gentle romance . . .

Mary Balogh: "The Bond Street Carolers." Grade: A-
A delicate, lovely story. All little Katie Berlinton wanted, for Christmas, was a papa. Of course, she told everyone, who asked, she wanted a doll. Because in her little heart she knew that was what they wanted to hear, but in her prayers she asked for a daddy. Mary Balogh delivers a beautiful seasonal story in THE BOND STREET CAROLERS. The author writes her tale using little Sarah's point of view, an idea which proves to be ingenious.

Edith Layton: "The Earl's Nightingale." Grade: B
A gentle story. Impoverished Eliza Dumont sadly pawns a family heirloom - a delicate golden cage, containing a tiny jeweled bird. Truly, an exquisite piece shimmering with magic. Hopefully Eliza will reclaim this token of love. A token of love from her grandmother. But alas, the shop's unscrupulous proprietor sells Eliza's dainty treasure. The buyer -- the roguish Earl of Elliot. The author's clean writing style spins THE EARL'S NIGHTINGALE into a very nice holiday read.

Elisabeth Fairchild: "The Mistletoe Kiss." Grade: C
Good heavens, THE MISTLETOE KISS is a dark dreary story. Constance Conyngham is the governess of Leland Manor and a lonely widow. Her husband, of three months, was taken by the unforgiving sea. Lucian Deleval is soured with memories of a runaway bride, for Lucian Deleval was abandoned at the matrimony altar. On the 21st day of December, Mrs. Conyngham's three small charges think Lord Deleval is in need of some blessed goodness and they employ their governess to help them deliver the honor. This story is too melancholy for the joy of the Christmas season.

Carla Kelly: "Make a Joyful Noise." Grade: A-
A beautiful story. This is the Carla Kelly I love to read - poignant and touching. Peter Chard, the Marquis of Wythe, lives the life of a doting father, a successful landowner, and a very lonely man. Lately, Peter Chard finds himself intrigued by a woman. A woman he sees every day out walking on his estate. Who is she? She is the lovely widow, Rosie Wetherby. Ms. Kelly does a fine job in MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE. Her characters are well drawn and real, her words are touching, and her story is truly divine.

Anne Barbour: "Melody." Grade: A-
A bright, uplifting story. Reluctantly, American born Josh Weston realizes he is the Eighth Earl of Sandborne. Gently-born Melody Fairfax is a lady's paid companion. The lady she serves is Josh Weston's aunt. Josh Weston arrives in England with American views and reasonably disregards the stringent English social rules. He falls in love with his sweet, gentle friend -- Melody. Well done; MELODY is truly a `make you feel good' read. Ms. Barbour presents a wonderful style of writing -- descriptive and smooth.

Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.

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