Synopsis from Amazon: As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn't seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she'll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.
Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family's misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas.
I loved Mariah's child-like joy in her approach to life. She interacts with the villagers and writes plays for the children to act out based on a play she wrote as a child. Cyril also helped her write the play and create the set for the play.
Mariah's stepfather has invited Cyril and another suitor to pursue Mariah. Cyril understands her while Soren Glyndekrone has a stodgier outlook on life. Soren wants to marry Mariah and then mold her into his perfect mate while Mariah's sister Louise is already the woman who fits Soren's ideal.
Roseanne M White writes with such grace and joie de vivre in her novels--this one especially. I've enjoyed everything I've read by her and this one is no exception. It is a quick read with a light-hearted air and deserves every star.
Four Stars.
Bethany House provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
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