Delightful story full of the magic of Christmas. Mariah Lyons, stepdaughter of the Earl of Plumford, loves her stepfather and Plumford Manor. Too bad she cannot inherit the estate. It goes to a distant relative, Cyril Lightbourne. Long ago, Cyril and Mariah were friends but lost touch as they grew up. Now Cyril has returned to learn to become the Earl.

Cyril and Mariah unearth an old play they composed when they were youngsters and enlist the village children to entertain everyone on Christmas Eve.

Full of the spirit of Christmas and quite a few things Nutcracker Suite, this tale also has themes of reconciliation, forgiveness and childhood innocence. And above all, it showed the reason for Christmas: that Christ came in humility to dwell among His people.

This story totally put me in the mood for Christmas with snow, sugarplums, nutcrackers and fairies. It was a community working together to bring joy.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author and an ecopy via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

This novella is a delightful, sweet romance set in 1902 in England. Mariah wants a husband who will appreciate her for who she is: Her sense of child-like fun. Her caring for the people of the village. But her sister is much pretty than her, and her current suitors both came very close to proposing to the beautiful but self-centered Lady Pearl. It's clear she'd only be their second choice, mainly desirable for her connections and as a way to get back at the other suitor. Cyril fully appreciates her sense of whimsy and caring, but how to prove it? The Danish lord isn't marrying for love and assumes she'll grow out of her silliness, but Mariah's sister encourages him to treat her as a person rather than a goal.

The characters were likable, complex, and acted realistically. Historical Christmas details were woven into the story. A moment happens when both men realize they've been acting badly and need to change their behavior. Everyone gets a happy ending, filled with fun and delight in the Christmas season. The focus of Christmas was the birth of Christ, and why He came was woven into the story. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this enjoyable novella.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Mariah is one of my favorite types of characters. She sees the wonder in the world and is all about spreading joy and light and love. Yet some think she needs to put those ways behind her and become a practical, sensible adult. Thankfully there are some who embrace her as she is. This story brings out the magic of Christmas and is delightfully whimsical.

One thing I appreciated about this story is that it didn't take the typical path to get to the right one. I liked how everything resolved. I wish more books took the unexpected route. It was also a treat to see how one man's humility changed the course of things.

This is a fun, quick Christmas novella. I'd highly recommend it. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Perfectly lovely. Loosely modeled after The Nutcracker with wonderful characters brought to life and life lessons to be learned. Edwardian era flawed and un-self-assured young adults against icy stiff foreign royal arrogance and yet each learns about their own true self. Christian values, love stories in a fanciful, creative and seasonal noble setting. Did you ever know how sugar plums are made? A treasure for Christmas or any time.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#ChristmasatSugarPlumManor #NetGalley #BethanyHouse #RoseannaMWhite #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalRomance

4.5 Stars

CHRISTMAS AT SUGAR PLUM MANOR is a story about childhood friends who find themselves together after years apart with a chance at love set in the country at a manor house at Christmastime. Likable characters, small-town warmth, complex family dynamics, a bit of a love triangle, themes of faith and sweet romance make for a heartwarming tale perfect for some Christmas cheer.

This story was lovely from the start. I found myself smiling throughout and enjoying the antics of the kids as well as those of Mariah and Cyril. I dearly loved these characters! I loved the family dynamics, the fun and joy, and the softening of hearts. I loved how inspiration from The Nutcracker was weaved throughout. The town and country setting were simply charming and leant a warmness to the story. Everything was perhaps tied up too prettily, but it was full of happiness, family and love from start to finish.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a joyful story! I loved sitting and being immersed in these characters' lives at Christmas time for a few hours. Highly recommended to fans of the author and genre, and those who are looking for the spirit of Christmas.

Content: Clean

Source: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.