I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Finding herself widowed was not a surprise to Honora Blake, but being woken up by the handsome Lord Lovell breaking into her home to find her and tell her definitely was. Her husband was useless and abandoned her almost as soon as they were married, when he realised there weren't any children in sight. Hidden away in the country because of her colour and her father's history as a slave, Honora has learnt that the only person she can rely on is herself, though Isaac insists she can't be alone for Christmas, not when she is homeless and penniless. Arriving at his home, she realises he isn't as much of a stick when she sees him with his young, and very pregnant ward, Charlotte. As the imminent birth approaches, sparks fly between the pair.

This was an okay book, but not one which is that memorable, nor was it really gripping. The pace was really slow, and the 'mystery' over the father of Charlotte's baby was clear to see from the beginning. I felt sorry for Honora having so many people fail her and lie to her over the years, though she had become strong because of it. The romance was also just okay, nothing really exciting, and felt a little forced at times. An alright Regency story, and a good one to read around Christmas time.

A n interesting novel with storylines that cross the racial and social divides of the Regency era this is a festive romance which encompasses and intertwines with the important issues of the day, some of which still resonate now, without appearing sanctimonious or artificial.

Another enjoyable and well written historical romance from Joanna Johnson with strong characters and a story of love across the class divide. The story covers a lot of serious issues in and amongst its festive side, adding a healthy dose of drama into the romance, and the author has once again shown her skill in portraying the different classes of society and the difficulties faced by her characters when they come together.

A Mistletoe Vow to Lord Lovell was a lovely romance that had a sprinkling of festive spirit. There were some wonderful moments in this story that made me smile. A couple that stood out for me was when Honora met Isaac’s ward, Charlotte. Along with when Honora was learning how to make kissing boughs. These all added an extra layer of charm. Even though A Mistletoe Vow to Lord Lovell is set at Christmas it actually didn’t feel overly festive. So if you don’t like to start your Christmas books too early and are looking for a lighter festive read then this might be a good option.

The plot moves at a steady pace and I enjoyed seeing Honora and Isaac’s story play out. To begin with they are unsure of each other especially on Honora’s part. Then the trust begins to form and it was lovely to see their chemistry burn brighter as the story progressed. Honora has a strong personality even after all the disappointments in her past. I loved how she stuck up for herself especially in that first meeting with Isaac! Then you have Isaac who’s personality appears at times to be playful however he has deeper concerns that weigh heavy on his mind. There are also secrets just waiting to be revealed and a touch of drama to keep the momentum going throughout.

If you enjoy a slow burn romance then A Mistletoe Vow to Lord Lovell could be ideal for you. It is a cosy, sweet historical romance and one that was the perfect read for this time of year!

Isaac has come to Somerset to tell Honora that her husband had died and that his solicitor is now in Northampton instead of where she believed it was and he is willing to travel with her as he lives near the solicitor. However Isaac has a secret that could destroy everything between them
Honora is a fabulous character, she first greets Isaac with a pistol pointing at him as he was creeping around her house like a burglar and her feistiness continues from then. She was treated badly in her marriage and she is wary of men, especially handsome charming ones like Isaac. She is smart and aware of what she wants which made me love her even more
Isaac was much harder to like initially, he believed Honora to be like her husband and it takes time for him to realise that she is nothing like her thinks. I very quickly came to love Isaac, his care for his ward is what his actions stem from and he clearly loves her. He can see the positive impact that Honora has on his ward and the rest of his life and is willing to do a lot to make them happy
This book does look at some of the harder aspects of the more upper class part of life and how they impact on those around them
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a historical romance with a Christmas theme with characters you will adore

A romance set in Regency times focused on women's lack of rights in society. Honora naively marries a rake and travels to England only to be abandoned and left in a crumbling house. Issac Lord Lovell brings her news of her estranged husband's demise. She wonders if she can begin again, but her husband fails her even in death, and she forced to accept Issac's offer of a place to stay.

This is an enemy to lover trope, but it has more depth than this. Honora faces prejudice both because of her parentage and her gender. The attraction between her and Issac is unwelcome to both. Her past mistakes make trusting Issac difficult. Issac has a secret that may destroy any future they may have. Nevertheless, passion breaks through, but conflicts, both internal and external, make a festive happy-ending hard-won.

This gently paced story is about a romance, which succeeds despite the failings of Regency society.
The festive setting gives the story a sense of time and place and provides lighter moments in a story that explores social history inequality and prejudice.

I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Another in the Black Lives Matter and slavery theme. Set in the time period (1817) when being Black in England was unusual and not always recognised well by Society. Even when people were born free. And the ideas that brought about Abolition of Slavery were still in their infancy.
Honora came from America and had been courted for her dowry by a scoundrel – of which there were quite a few as Society men didn’t dabble in Trade or work to make a living – other than gambling of course! She existed, one can’t really say lived considering the state of it, in a house her husband had left her in, 3 years previously, with no money and no way of gaining any – her only options being to wait on her husband to deign to send her some, or for her to sell her possessions. She was far too proud to go home – even if she could afford the fare – and admit just how right her family had been about Frank Blake.
We also have the illegitimate children theme added in to this story and the need to conceal a pregnancy from Society as it would impact on future marriage possibilities let alone the difficulty of concealing the existence of the child if you were a woman and the father did t take responsibility. It was not uncommon for a rich man to require his wife to take into her family the offspring of his lovers – as long it wasn’t too many! It was easy enough to isolate yourself in the country if you were married, for a few months after a discrete bit of padding to enhance the lie…
A nice story line bringing out some of the social issues of the time. And a promise to kiss under the mistletoe…

Historical romance following a familiar pattern. Wronged heroine ,vengeful hero , lots of misunderstandings,happy ending.

Content warnings: spousal financial abuse; difficult pregnancy; detailed difficult birth on page; near-drowning.

Despite the rather intense list of content warnings above, this is a rather sweet little Christmas romance with a focus on finding a place to belong and a family to belong to. I enjoyed seeing how Honora and Isaac went from mutual dislike to love, and I really enjoyed the warm and cosy feel of the book once they became snowed in at Isaac's house. I would have liked more physical chemistry between the two of them, as this is fairly tame for the genre, but I did think their relationship was sweet, especially as they were both slightly older than your usual romance protagonists. I also loved seeing a historical romance centred around a Black heroine - more of this please! Honora was a great, believable character, and one that I really enjoyed getting to know.

However - I personally dislike historical romance focused on pregnancy and birth, especially when a heroine desires a child but has been unable to have one, so I was unpleasantly surprised by the amount of focus given to Isaac's pregnant ward Charlotte. I won't spoil it, but I thought that the way that her pregnancy and birth was handled bordered on voyeuristic, and was used more as a driving force for Honora's development than treating Charlotte like an actual character. As I say, I am sensitive to the mawkish use of pregnancy in historical romance so it isn't necessarily an objective flaw in the book, but it did lessen my enjoyment of an otherwise entertaining Christmas romance. Three and a half stars, rounded up.

A Mistletoe Vow to Lord Lovell is a standalone book by Joanna Johnson.

Honora Blake is just about making ends meet since her husband abandoned her a few years ago. When she is informed of his death she is relieved to know that at least in death her husband would be a help to her as he had written in his will for her to have a set amount of money regularly.

The person who informed Honora of his death was Lord Lovell, Isaac. He also had to tell her that she was to attend the reading of the man's will. Realising that she couldn't afford to get there by herself Isaac offered to travel with her and pay the costs. When it turns out that her husband had actually left her nothing in his will Honora has nowhere to turn except to Isaac's home. It's there that she meets his very pregnant young sister and they hit it off immediately.

When being snowed in has Honora staying longer than she intended she finds herself getting close to Isaac and there is definitely a very physical attraction between them. Unfortunately, Isaac has secrets that could ruin any relationship he could hope for between them. He knows he should tell her but can't bring himself to do so. Will she find out, and if she does what will she do?

I really liked Honora, she is a level-headed woman who deserves every happiness. Isaac is a reformed rake and although he should have told Honora his secrets from the start I could definitely understand why he couldn't. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop even though I knew there would be strife to follow. There were some lovely intimate scenes between them and a scene or two where Isaac got to show his heroic side. I also enjoyed how they both could be a hero when agreeing to marry despite thinking that the other would never love them!

Set at Christmas time the book had a lovely festive feel especially when there was talk of burning the yule log and about all the lovely greenery strewn around the house. There was a cute scene where Honora was being taught by Charlotte to make kissing boughs. I am smiling just thinking about it.

This is a nice feelgood story that will put you in the mood for Christmas even in September and I am happy to recommend it.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

I found this not the usual kind of romance which was great - it made it a little more unpredictable and found myself invested in the characters really quickly.

I really enjoyed this. I hadn't read anything by this author before but it was a great introduction and now looking forward to reading more from them

I thought that this was a really good book and it was a captivating story that was very well written.

The book was full of passion, romance and there was a great level of attention to detail. The book flowed really well and the pace was spot on which made it an additive read.

I thought that the characters were well developed and I loved the interaction.

This is an excellent book and a real page turner and a lovely historical romance – it is 5 stars from me for this one, very highly recommended!!

I did feel for Honora, in a different country, alone except for her maid and subject to prejudice because of her colour. Little wonder she was defensive and distrustful of people she didn’t know. Honora was a caring and brave person, and she had always longed for a child. Her first meeting with Isaac, Lord Lovell did not go well. Due to circumstances. Isaac had a wakeup call and had decided to mend his ways. Due to his past experiences with his father, he doesn’t wish to marry. Honora and Isaac are attracted to each other but they fight against it. As they get to know each other, and appreciate each other’s good qualities, they do become closer. However, there is a secret that Isaac is keeping from Honora that may spoil everything. This story had some wonderful characters, but it was a little slow in pace and the ending was quite abrupt. I would have liked an epilogue. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 Stars
A very different historical romance, Honoria is the daughter of a freed slave & a plantation owners daughter who travelled to England to be married, she was then abandoned & now over three years later finds herself a penniless, homeless widow. Luckily Lord Lovell insists she spends Christmas with him and his pregnant ward. Beneath the mistletoe, passion flares between Honora and Isaac. Then childbirth places his ward’s life in jeopardy, and these strangers suddenly face marriage to protect the baby.
A well written book but I found the pace to be slow & so found my attention wandering. The characters had depth & were likeable, I especially liked the relationship between Honoria & Charlotte. I also liked Isaac but didn’t feel that there was much chemistry between him & Honoria. An interesting read but not a book I would re read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

4 stars

An interesting story. Honora is mixed race and her father was a freedman in America. She meets Frank and is persuaded by him to move the England. He thinks she will inherit lots of wealth from her plantation owning grandfather but Honora has other ideas. He abandons her and continues his Rakish ways, Frank meets the hero of the story, Issac and his ward Charlotte. I won't tell anymore as it'll spoil the story. I thought Honora was a very believable character and was keen for her to get her HEA. There's was something missing that would have made this a great romance. A fairly clean story perhaps it needed more passion ?

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

A really enjoyable story with characters you can't help but get emotionally wrapped up in. I liked seeing how things played out with Honora and Isaac and appreciated the author showing the inner workings of each of their thoughts. It was also nice to read about a POC and their story without it constantly stating the colour of their skin instead of their personality as so many books do today, which makes it seem as if the colour of a person's skin is more important than who they are on the inside. I admired Honora's courage and strength, and Isaacs humility. The only thing I wish was different is the addition of an epilogue as it felt the ending, although good, needed a bit longer and it would've been nice to see how their lives turned out a year later or so