I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

Thanks to Netgalley for the digital book in exchange for my honest review

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (3 Stars)
This was a good slow burn historical romance. I enjoyed some parts, I just think it could have been cut down just a bit. Overall a fun read.

Overall an enjoyable story with characters that captured my attention. I love slow burn romance stories and the author delivers well in this book. I will have to check out the rest of the series!

3 Stars

Sweet, fairly short love story with a happy ending set at Christmas. What more do you need? Widow left country house by elderly lord, son who is determined to despise her. Christmas and mistletoe. Quick easy entertaining read.

This was an enjoyable novella. The story was sweet. The characters had a lot of chemistry and I liked that they did not rush their physical relationship.

Thanks to the publishers, Netgalley & the author for an Advance Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a lovely novella, perfect for indulging in while getting ready for Christmas dinner. When the new Lord Paxton spends Christmas with a young woman and his son, he initially feels confused. Why would his deceased father want him to meet them? After an initial rocky start he starts to understand that Mrs Milne and her son may be just the Christmas present he needs.

A very quick and light read wrapped up in a bow.

A fairly typical story in the historical romance genre with the added (compulsory?) twist of Mary being very poor, a widow, with a small sickly son, and an unexpected inheritance.
An inheritance that the expectant heir was not pleased to discover that it had gone to her, rather than him. It was his favourite house after all, the one with the most pleasant memories. He had other houses of course, but he really wanted this one.
The expectant heir had also one final request to fulfil from the death bed of the previous owner – to spend the Yuletide at this very house! The house called Darnley – with the ‘doxy’ as he named her.
Things then progress as the original owner of Darnley house intended.
Nicely written and good of its type even if lacking any twists or unexpected turns.

Countess by Christmas was an unexpected spring read! I adore being transported by these beautiful historical tales and this spin on Christmas with the ton was top tier.

A quick little read! This is a very sweet story of an old earl, the young widow and her son, and the new earl. It's fast paced, but truly grabs your heart! Enjoy!

A touching beautiful story centered around my favourite time of year. It was a short read and I was able to get through it in one sitting. Definitely recommend for bedtime reading

Thank you NetGalley and Cheryl Bolen for the ARC copy in exchange for this honest review!

This book has an incredibly charming premise. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, which I think is the problem. I was left wanting more of it. I think this book would do fantastic as a full-length novel, or at least a longer novella, so that the reader can indulge more in Mary and David. I love a good slow burn, so this novella felt pretty rushed to me. I was also left to wonder about Stevie. And more on Mr. Knight.
Overall, I liked the story. It was cute, Christmasy, and romantic. I just wish it had some more length.

Mary Milne is a widow and mother to 8-year-old Stevie who has delicate lungs. She has been summoned to a solicitor who informs her that her old friend, Lord Paxton, who recently passed away has left her his home Darnley Lodge, plus 100 per year for her and Stevie. Mary and Stevie had been hired to live at Darnley Lodge with Lord Paxton so she could read to him as his eyes had become weak. He was a very kind man and both Mary and Stevie thought so much of him.

David Arlington, the new Earl of Paxton is lamenting that while he inherited quite a lot recently when his father passed away, he is upset that the man gave Darnley Lodge away. He can’t help but think she must be some woman who schemed him out of it. He had always loved spending time at the Lodge and is disappointed that it was not left to him. Since his father had requested that he spend Christmas at Darnley Lodge, he is heading there to find out who this woman is.

When David arrives, he finds himself very taken with the lovely woman that Mary is and also enjoys spending time with Stevie. As they prepare for Christmas, he wonders if he will be able to bring himself to leave once the holiday is over.

This is a sweet novel by an author that I have followed for many years. Cheryl Bolen writes the type of books I enjoy reading.

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

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary digital copy of Countess by Christmas by Cheryl Bolen. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this novel prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating.

Countess by Christmas is a well written novella with charming characters and a lovely Christmas story. The tale drew me in from the first page and held my attention until the last. The heroine’s delightful little son stole my heart.

Mary is the female lead, and I enjoyed her character quite a bit. She is a nurturer which come through as she cares for her son and the others around her. She wants to give her heart to the hero but fears that it is too soon, yet she is drawn to him and can’t resist his appeal.

David is the hero, and at first, I wasn’t sure if I would like him, but his anger toward Mary quickly dissipates as he sees her gentle kindness to her son and the care she shows to others. I could feel his anguish when he realizes his early actions hurt Mary. I loved his contrite apologize for his previous mistakes.

The romance between the couple progresses extremely fast, and it is difficult to imagine how they can be so in love, but alas, it’s a very short novella. I also do believe in love at first sight, so I overlooked the speed of their romance and just enjoyed their happy ending!

If you enjoy traditional Regency romances with just a slight touch of spice, then you will love Countess by Christmas as much as I did. I’ve read many of Ms. Bolen’s novels and always find them delightful. I do apologize that I didn’t get my review posted prior to publication, but I was on my own adventure and didn’t have access to my computer on my vacation. Happy reading!

Mary and David's story is a touching one.
Why has Old Lord Paxton left his hunting lodge to Mary when his son loved it so much.
This is an awesome story and I read it quickly.
Cheryl Bolen is a fantastic author and writes an interesting tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Mary Milne was a widow with an eight year old son, Stevie and is struggling to make ends meet. When she finds she has been left a property and an annuity, she is overjoyed. Mary was a very caring person and helps out the elderly people in the area. David, Lord Paxton is not happy Mary is in his family home. This was an entertaining read where some people find out that things are not what was imagined. This was a short but sweet romance. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Countess by Christmas is a sweet regency novella. Mary and David are lovely and caring characters and very quickly fall in love. David is initially mistrusting of Mary as she has inherited his late father's lodge and to a woman he never knew. He soon learns she is nothing but kind and delightful. A little treat for Christmas.

The story is sweet, simple and very swift. I did enjoy the book, however it was very short and moved quickly. If your wanting a quick read I’d recommend this novel.

Somewhat charming novella______2.5

A predictable Christmas romance with some hurdles that the hero must overcome, including his own prejudice. David Arlington, Lord Paxton expected to inherit Darnley Lodge when his father died as part of the estate. However it went to the widowed housekeeper, Mary Milne. Obviously, the old Lord was beguiled. Even more so as for some unknown reason Paxton was requested to spend Christmas at the lodge.
Of course we all know how magic happens at Christmas, even if it is directed from beyond the grave.

An Author Collective 20 ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

How could his father leave their beloved hunting lodge to a conniving woman and then make his last request that David spend Christmas there? When he arrives ready to set things straight, he discovers Mary Milne and her eight-year-old son. As they get to know each other, David realizes that his opinion of her is all wrong. Mary is a sweet, kind, and caring woman who is happy to be in the country where her son Stevie can thrive. Stevie is an absolute delight, and wins David’s heart. As Christmas nears, it appears love is in the air between David and Mary. Then one letter arrives that just might tear them apart. Now would be a good time for a Christmas miracle. A delightfully heartwarming tale with lovely characters. A feel-good read. Enjoy.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Old Lord Paxton had died a month ago. David Arlington, the New Lord Paxton was afraid his dad had betrayed him by giving Darnley
Lodge to some female and her son.
Mary milne had lost her husband in the war and had raised Stevie by herself but she was having a hard time of it. When she had been summoned by the solicitors office, she was very surprised. She was then told about her good fortune. How wonderful, she could get
Stevie out of London so he could breathe.
A lovely and endearing story. Stevie and Lord Paxton got along so well. They helped each other and played. The characters were marvelous and very kind. Lord Paxton got a girl to help one of his tenants. His wife had recently died and he was old enough that he could do very little for himself. I loved this book and enjoyed how every one seemed to want to help. I highly recommend this amazing novel.
I received this Arc from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.