Customer Reviews

Holly And The Ivy

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was touched by some of the relationships and characterisations in this story. Some of the relationships are quite good, especially those between the hero, heroine, her Gran, and various servants (alive and dead). Those relationships are credible and affecting. The hero's reaction to his relationship to his parents is believable and interesting and you can understand how his childhood affected his personality. When his mother shows up in person, her character and their relationship is unsatisfying. Plot revelations that affect them are confusing and there is an incomplete feeling to that aspect of the book. Overall, however, this book is still an enjoyable read.

I expected this book to be an entertaining bit of Christmas fluff. I was surprised to find that the book wasn't particularly merry for the most part, but actually dealt very realistically with issues of bereavement, loneliness, betrayal, and rejection, which contrast with the outward happiness of the holiday season. This book really took you inside the minds and hearts of the two main characters. When though Lord "Thorn" does a dishonorable thing, you are privy to his inner struggles and feelings of guilt. You know that he just wants someone to keep him from his lonliness. This was a very thought-provoking book that touches upon what love really means.

I confess I rarely read romance novels, but Ms Fairchild's deft descriptions and beautifully embroidered characters pull me in to her regency world, and I find myself wanting to turn off the phone and languish in the sights and smells of a long-ago Christmas. Best of all, though, are her characters--exquisitely layered, complex, and yet touching and real. Roll over, Jane Austen! Ms. Fairchild has a gift for writing, and it's a gift you'll savor unwrapping, even after the holidays are over.

I confess I rarely read romance novels, but Ms Fairchild's deft descriptions and beautifully embroidered characters pull me in to her regency world, and I find myself wanting to turn off the phone and languish in the sights and smells of a long-ago Christmas. Best of all, though, are her characters--exquisitely layered, complex, and yet touching and real. Roll over, Jane Austen! Ms. Fairchild has a gift for writing, and it's a gift you'll savor unwrapping, even after the holidays are over.

Ms. Fairchild has done it again--provided us with a wonderful story written in her uniquely lyrical style. Merry Mary is my kind of heroine--stromg yet vulnerable and "Lord Thorn" is eminently worthy of love and a lustful thought or two. If you're a Regency fan, you'll want to treat yourself to this Christmas gift.