5 stars

A sweet Novella. It's set in a sort of Regecy time but I'm not convined it's all that historically accurate. I think the ton would have frowned on the marriage of a Countess to a groom however talented. If eventually he has his own stud farm perhaps this would be received better. I realised that I have read book three in this series so I'm going about this out of order. The other thing that worried me was her son Oliver. If she was the countess then he was the Earl and I would have thought that her brother-in-law would then have been his guardian. In those days they also had funny rules about the Countesses portion should she remarry but then perhaps as a Duke's daughter she got her substantial dowry back.

On the whole I did like this book and am looking forward to reading book 2 The passion was well written and came towards the end of the book.

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

This was a nice pallet cleanser for my larger series I end up reading, took me an evening to read it entirely - mostly because I didn't want to put it down. It was quite enjoyable, I love a good historic romance. I loved the banter in this story, it made it fun and you want to turn the page to see what happens next. I think this is a series that will be super enjoyable from this author.

This is book one in the Blakeley Manor series. It was absolutely a charming and original Christmas love story. There was drama, action, high emotions, and interesting issues that kept me very entertained. The characters were delightful, likable, and open-minded. I really enjoyed that in the end, the class difference didn't matter, and that a beautiful and enduring love became reality. I can't wait for the next book. I highly recommend reading!

A lovely little historical romance, easily read in 1 sitting.
Lady Katherine Colworth's is recently widowed, and rumours are going wild that she's the one who did it. To be fair, it wasn't exactly a happy marriage.
She's gone to spend Christmas with her brother the duke, and meets a deeply unsuitable (but very handsome groom)...

A little love, a little kidnapping and some witty banter make for a nice introduction to the Blakely Manor series. I personally prefer the author's full length books (including the rest of this series), as I'm not big on insta-love, but this is still very fun and a good introduction to the series. Can absolutely recommend if you're looking for a light and fun historical romance!

An endearing story that sinks deep into the heart. Katherine Blakeley made a poor choice in her first marriage and has paid the price dearly. Broken and beaten down, she has retreated from life content to be just her and her son, as content as is possible anyway. Her family tries to pull her out of her misery with a house party, but Kat is no longer a part of that world. When Ashley Spencer is taken from the stables and forced to serve as a footman, he never would’ve suspected what he would find in the manor. It takes only one moment for him to fall. The story the follows is a beautiful second chance romance. Ash is everything kind & gentle, patient & loving, both with Kat & her son, Oliver. There were so many moments that touched me on such a deep level. But his declaration…swoon! He is everything Kat has always deserved and seeing her family support it proves what a wonderful family the Blakeley’s are. I am eager to read the next books in this series.