Silver Bells

The Power of One Little Word -- The title and description of this book make you think it is a Christmas novella, but it isn't really in the sense that we readers believe that to be. Rather, the story simply takes place at Christmas. I have read a number of books by this author, and they're either hit or miss for me, I’ve found, with little middle ground. I thought this book might be veering in the wrong direction when I read one little word that described one of the hero's preferred activities. What might that be? When the hero shows up for what he believes will be a Christmas house party at his sister's father-in-law's house and his sister isn't already there, the hero thinks that perhaps he should have stayed in London and enjoyed the holiday with his friends doing a number of unsavory activities, including “wh0ring.” I prefer historical heroes not to partake in that activity, even if they are rakes and rogues! (Enjoy the willing widows instead!) But I'm glad I kept going with this story, which ended up to be touching, about a widow trying to protect her son when others who should have cared about them clearly did not, only thinking about themselves and “the family.” I particularly enjoyed the secondary characters, including Parker (the hero’s valet) and Pip (the heroine’s son). Though authors often depict valets and children as 2D side characters, both felt like 3D characters. In fact, I think Parker deserves his own book! I think he might have a colorful history and deserves a lady who will appreciate all his talents! Little Pip was sweet and brave in his own way. The one thing I didn't think was well developed in this book was the hero's transition from confirmed bachelor to wannabe family man. That should have been shown more fully, although the extenuating circumstances could bring about an abrupt shift (though it would have been nice to see him heading that way before the horrible incident). After my first initial repugnance describing the hero’s preferred activities, I actually ended up completely enjoying this book. -- I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

Surprise, surprise when Hector arrives at The Vynes expecting to spend the holidays with his sister and her family only to find they've not arrived and the poor weather does not bode well for their arrival. Instead, only Ruby, Lord Vyne's widowed niece, and her young son arrive. In this short story, the author manages to create a gothic-like atmosphere in the large, nearly empty house full of secrets, some suspense, an unexpected character revelation, and a satisfying ending. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Silver Bells by Heather Boyd Distinguished Rogues #17 What a nice way to get away from it all today by reading a heartwarming romance with a happily ever after. Not too long and not too short…just right in every way. What I liked: * Ruby: married for love, lost her family, had a son, then lost her husband only to have to worry about how to keep herself and her son safe. Her choices were limited but she did the best she could with what she had. * Hector: a scoundrel with a heart of gold. Charming, a good brother, wealthy, a lord, not in the market for a wife…until he was. I liked him. * Pip: Ruby’s son: a typical four-year-old boy loved by his mother and able to charm Hector. * Parker: Hector’s valet, an ex-soldier, wiser than most, a great defender, looked out for Hector and those Hector cared about * Samuel Blackwell: I kind of would like to know more about him and wonder if he had a book of his own in this series. * That the bad guys didn’t get away with their evil schemes * That the story, though short, had everything required in a romance. What I didn’t like: * Mr. Roper: Ruby’s father-in-law was someone to get away from as soon as possible. * Vyne: reprehensible and alone due to his choices Did I enjoy this story? Yes Would I read more by this author? Definitely Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review. 5 Stars