3.5 stars

The Gift of the Marquess is the second installment in the Love is All Around trilogy. Darcy Burke (according to the book bio) wanted to put a historical romance slant to common holiday classics. The Red Hot Earl was a take on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer where The Gift of the Marquess is her take on The Gift of the Magi. The series follows the Stafford siblings in their holiday pursuits surrounding St. Stephen's Day and the Christmas holiday.

This installment involves a topic that is a bit difficult for most to discuss. Poppy, the Marchioness of Darlington wants nothing more than to be a mother, but after nearly three years of trying is attempting to come to grips with the idea that she is barren. Gabriel, the Marquess of Darlington, is terribly in love with his wife but is silently happy and content with their childless state. He, unfortunately, lost both his mother and sister during childbirth and is scared beyond comprehension of losing his wife to the same fate. In his mind, losing his wife during childbirth will absolutely happen if it comes to pass. This story follows Poppy and Gabriel in their attempts to reconcile their childless state, their disappointments, hopes, and all that comes in between.

As I said before, this is a very difficult topic for many women and it can be very difficult to execute well. My qualms were more with the topic rather than it's execution. The story was very well told and you could feel the emotions coming off the page. I just prefer my romances a little less... heavy, topic-wise.

Poppy and Gabe were completely in love. Having been married for 11 years, I absolutely understand that most stories have 3 sides (mine, yours, and what actually happened). I like how you read a character's portion and were totally with them- on their side, and then you read the other's perspective and you changed your stance. lol. It's funny how perspective can absolutely change the story, eh? The ideas, perspective, and feeling absolutely poured off the page and in the end, the romance really took on a sweet and light air.

I still want to smack the remaining Stafford sibling, Calder, upside his head. I cannot wait for Joy to the Duke. I feel his comeuppance in my bones!

All in all, this was a cute wintery read when you need a quick dose of historical lurve, joy, and sweetness.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for this generously provided ARC!

This is a very emotional and loving journey for a already married couple and it was a true treat to see them grow as a couple while working on their issues together..... I really enjoyed this heartwarming read from beginning to end. Great reading!

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

This is the second book of a Christmas trilogy featuring two sisters and a brother. They each have a lot to overcome before they earn their HEA. I just fell in love with these siblings and their other halves. The short novel made character development compacted but the issues explored in "The Gift of the Marquess" were very real in this historical time era. Childlessness was a sad thing, especially for the nobility. Also playing a part in the plot is how this community deals with single women and their young children. The generosity of the community means the difference between living a decent life and the workhouse.

Poppy, the Marchioness of Darlington, has been married for almost three years and has not conceived a child. She is melancholy and has withdrawn from activities she enjoys and from her husband. When they finally discuss the situation and Poppy finds out her husband is more than okay with not having children, she is sad and not a little angry.

Gabriel Kirkwood, the Marquess of Darlington, has some very valid reasons for being relieved that the wife he loves very much is barren. Having lost his mother, sister and Poppy's mother in childbirth, he is terrified that he would lose Poppy too. Knowing how desperately Poppy wants a child, he brings a young unwed woman into their home when the woman tells him she doesn't want to keep her child. Gabriel sees this as the perfect solution - He and Poppy will take the child and raise it. But the best laid plans and the perfect solutions don't always happen. Reminds me of the Thomas Ritt song "Life Changes." "You make your plans and can hear God laughing, life changes."

Gabriel Kirkwood, Marquess of Darlington finds himself trying all that he can to make his wife Poppy, overcome her grief of not having a child. Their work together at the Institution for Impoverished Women, sees Gabriel aid a pregnant woman and offering for her to stay at a cottage at his estate. He hopes that she will let he and Poppy care for her child. However, Poppy misinterprets the situation, believing Gabriel to be having an affair. Soon after, they find their marriage challenged as they struggle to come to terms with their own fears.
Whilst a novella, this story was jam packed with emotions and so many great characters. The issue of infertility and the emotions that go with it, are well handled. The strength of their love for each other, is well displayed, as the work through how they will continue with their situation. The emotional connection between Poppy and Gabriel was well developed through this story. I also look forward to seeing how Poppy’s brother fares.

A great addition is this series; however, this is a standalone book. I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Poppy, the Marchioness of Darlington and her husband Gabriel have different feelings regarding her struggle to concieve. He does not feel the same level of loss that Poppy does. This has great potential but it veered off and became more of a set up for her brother' Calder's story. While I am looking forward to that one, it took away from this story.

our heart in many ways and perhaps heal it back up again as their marital adventures continue. What you really need to know before picking up this story can be found in the Cover Description. What you won’t find there is the emotional involvement you’ll find as you discover the heartache that Poppy is feeling as she remains year after year without becoming pregnant, as well as Gabriel’s absolute fear about his wife’s most personal, desperate wish to become a mother.

The love between Poppy and Gabriel is obvious throughout their story, which was never in doubt in my mind. Their perceptions of their life together, the fears and longings are very real and dealt with in a realistic fashion. After all, what was Poppy to think when a strange woman takes up residence in a cottage on their estate? Although they do have some bumps in the road full of misunderstandings, they also talk which is refreshing – they simply don’t talk about their deepest fears until it’s almost too late. Watching the lengths that Gabriel will go to in order to make his wife happy was amazing, which makes his real fears all the more poignant. This one will touch your heart as two people already in love find that love tested and perhaps, strengthened by the events in their story.

What is up with Calder? I need their brother’s story now for his actions have continued to confound me and I need answers. You, too? Hopefully, we get those answers in the next story JOY TO THE DUKE. I would not hesitate to recommend Poppy and Grabriel’s story to any Historical Romance reader who loves watching an established, in love couple face life’s difficulties and come out stronger on the other side.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

<strong>In want of a child.</strong>

Poppy and Gabriel have been married for three years and they still have no children. The arrival of a sick pregnant young lady in need at the Hartwell House gives Gabriel an idea. It could be an answer to Poppy's depression. After the baby's birth, Gabriel's renewed fear of childbirth brings distance between he and Poppy. A surprise gift gives hope for Poppy and Gabriel. In the meantime, Bianca and Ash marry. There's still the question....who will sponsor the St. Stephen's Day party? Why is Poppy and Bianca's brother so cold? What influence does Felicity have on their brother? I recommend reading this holiday series in order.

County Durham, England - 1811

Gabriel Kirkwood, the Marquess of Darlington, is doing some repairs to Hartwell House, also known as the Institution for Impoverished Women. Mrs. Armstrong oversees the Institution. Both Gabriel and his wife, Poppy, the marchioness, have done a lot to help them.

After three years of marriage, Gabriel and Poppy have yet to have a baby. When Dinah Kinston, an unwell and heavily pregnant woman comes to the Institution for help, she finds that all of the beds there are filled. So, Gabriel offers her the cottage on theirs estate and one of the workers volunteers to go with her to help care for her. Dinah says she does not want to keep her baby but they encourage her saying that surely when she sees her baby, she will fall in love with it.

Poppy wants a baby so much but Gabriel is afraid he might lose her in childbirth as have many others of their relatives.

Poppy’s older brother, Calder, the Duke of Hartwell, has become very tight-fisted since taking over the dukedom. When she confronts him about it, he coldly refuses to help. This infuriates Poppy because her father had always helped to support the Institution and it needs money desperately.

Will Poppy find happiness in her life helping other young children but never experiencing the joy of motherhood?

This is yet another story that shows us we cannot give into fear but trust that things in life will go well. I’m sure readers will enjoy it.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Darcy Burke is one of my go-to authors whenever I need a satisfying historical romance. This story takes place at about the same time as the first in the series, but it can still be enjoyed on its own in my opinion.

This one did leave me a bit disappointed, but I honestly couldn't say why. Because it has so many things going for it! The couple has already been married for a few years. and therefor have learned to solve their problems through actual communication! Yes, there was a tad of (understandable) brooding and sulking, but in the end, communication saved the day. There was not a lot of drama, which I loved, and both characters were really decent, good, and kind people.

I didn't enjoy t his as much as the first book in the series, mostly because the plot (Poppy's desperation for a child) is not really my cup of tea. But again, that's all me and not the book.

I can say that I am now looking forward to the next book even more! I really want to know why the last sibling is such a scrooge now!

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review

Short and sweet and sexy, this series just keeps getting better and better! Looking forward to the next one

The Marchioness of Darlington wants nothing more than a houseful of children, but after three years of marriage Poppy has given up hope. When she learns her husband doesn’t share her sense of loss.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Darcy Burke is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. A sad but beautiful Christmas tale that reminds you there are blessings to be found in almost anything.

The Gift of the Marquess is such a wonderfully sweet story. I loved Poppy and Gabriel and their relationship. I was a little frustrated with Poppy's inability to understand or even really take into consideration Gabriel's fears over childbirth and only see things from her perspective. She accuses him of not sharing in her disappointment and is critical of him having any concerns. I also got frustrated with him for not being able to talk to her when his emotions and memories get the better of him. But I also appreciated those aspects of these characters because it made them more real and believable. Seeing their struggles and then how they worked through them endeared them to me that much more. The ending of their story was especially satisfying. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series.

3.5 stars of 5

I love Ms. Burke's books and this one was a pleasant read. Gabriel, the Marquess of Darlington, is secretly relieved that his wife Poppy has not conceived a child in their three years of marriage. Having lost his mother and sister in childbirth, he's terrified of losing his beloved wife, but Poppy is distraught at not having a child. She longs to be a mother and her sadness clouds her daily mood. This is the second book in the series about three siblings and this one focuses on Poppy and Gabriel. While I enjoyed the book, I wish almost a third of it was not featuring different sex scenes. I would have preferred there was more character development and less sex.

I'm looking forward to the third book and can't to find out why Calder has turned so cold and hostile to everyone that loves him.

Adorable boys.

He didn't realize his wife hadn't been around?

That is a lot of women in one family dying in childbirth.

He's already jumping to adoption.

Bottling it up won't help.

Separation is not the answer.

Calder needs a punch in the head.

Hear, hear, Dinah!

Aw.

The Marchioness of Darlington wants nothing more than a houseful of children, but after three years of marriage Poppy has given up hope.
After losing his mother and sister in childbirth, Gabriel, the Marquess of Darlington, is secretly glad his wife hasn’t been able to conceive. He can’t bear the thought of losing her, not even to achieve their dream of having a family.
Gabriel makes a shocking proposition. It’s a risk, but if he can overcome Poppy’s fears and hesitation, he can give her what she wants most for Christmas. But Poppy has other ideas for the young woman who has landed on their doorstep.. Her pregnancy and the fact that she doesn't want the baby tears at Poppy's heart. Although she wants a baby of her own she can't fathom anyone not wanting their child.
As Poppy tries to convenience the young mother to keep her child, Gabriel seeks to make this child theirs.
How will this convoluted second book in this Love is All Around series end?
Although this is the second book in this holiday romance series it can easily be read as a stand alone. There are linking characters but you will never be lost if you choose to read the out of order or read only one.
I gave this touching book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization.
I was granted a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Poppy Kirkwood, the Marchioness of Darlington, wants a child, but after nearly three years of happy marriage with no children she is convinced she's barren. Her grieving turns to anger when she learns that her husband Gabriel is actually rather relieved they haven't conceived. Poppy feels alone and turns her attention to the Institute for Impoverished Women her husband sponsors.

Gabriel Kirkwood, the Marquess of Darlington, lost both his mother and sister in childbirth and he's terrified to lost his beloved wife the same way. Still, he would love to be a father and Poppy's despair breaks his heart so when he meets a young pregnant woman who has no desire to raise a child, he wonders if this is his chance to give Poppy what she most wants. But as Poppy pulls away from him, he just hopes his efforts won't come too late.

As someone who's under pressure to have kids but is in no way ready to do so, I found Poppy very difficult to relate to and it seemed she was rather unfair to Gabriel. But he did the same thing to her in some instances, so he wasn't perfect either. Nonetheless, I loved having an already married couple in this one and the love between these two was clear and lovely and watching them work through their issues together was actually rather inspiring and I really enjoyed it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A beautifully written, touching, and soul-searching story. The characters are very lovable, and your heart will ache for them. The different advice from the different sub-characters help the main characters accept their disappointment at not being able to conceive a child. Caution that this story may cause triggers in a reader who is struggling to conceive a child. However, the different views from each character will minimize any trigger effect.. I read this ARC in two sittings, it was not a book you want to put down.

Will their love be enough to go past life’s deceptions ...

I confess it is not often I read a story about an already established couple with no doubt about their feelings.
But when circumstances wound them, will their love from one another suffice.
Life has its uncertainties but becoming a mother in past time was having a lot of faith and courage as a happy outcome was never assured.
And a woman’s worth was alas often measured on her womb’s production.

Mrs Darcy Burke is a painter of the soul, she gave such a range of colors to her characters, she put them in the middle of an artist’s canvas and life and love decide on the right shade at the right moment.
They are dark when mourning what will not come, then green of hope, red of passion , blue with acceptance ...
Poppy has everything life could grace her, a fulfilled existence, a successful marriage, a devoted and loving husband, except children. So when she cries her empty womb, secretly her husband breaths more easily, so scared to lose her in childbed.
So it is perfectly understandable she felt betrayed when the man she loves reveals he is relieved by her barrenness.
Poppy and Gabriel, each faces this issue a different way, and at first alone, until they both accept to bare their heart to the other and share their fears and scars.
It is no easy road, paved with dents and holes but it hold the promise of a harmonious avenir together.

I can only recommend everyone to read this amazing tale of love.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, but I previously preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. The Gift of the Marquess by Darcy Burke is the second book in her regency Christmas trilogy of novellas Love is All Around. Poppy Kirkwood, Marchioness of Darlington is devastated by her failure to conceive a child after 3 years of marriage. Her husband Gabriel Kirkwood is secretly relieved as he is terrified of losing Poppy in childbirth because he has already lost both his mother and sister that way. When just before Christmas a pregnant young woman turns up at the home for single women and their children that they support it seems if perhaps they can find a way to have a family. Short and sweet and full of the joys of the season this novella is a perfect read for the Christmas season. Publishing Date October 15, 2019. #TheGiftOfTheMarquess #NetGalley #DarcyBurke #historicalromance #bookstagram
#christmasnovella