Monday 16 December 2013

Review: A Grosvenor Square Christmas by Anna Campbell, Shana Galen, Vanessa Kelly, and Kate Noble


Four breathtakingly romantic tales of a Regency Christmas from four bestselling romance authors.

Down through the years, enchantment touches a tall gray house in Grosvenor Square. The legend of Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball promises true love and happiness to one lucky couple. Who will feel the magic this winter?

1803 - The Seduction of a Duchess by Shana Galen

Rowena Harcourt, the Duchess of Valère, never forgot the handsome footman who helped her escape the French Revolution. For fourteen years, Gabriel Lamarque has loved Rowena—now at Lady Winterson’s Christmas ball, has fate finally delivered a chance to win her hand?

1818 - One Kiss for Christmas by Vanessa Kelly

Nigel Dash is London’s most reliable gentleman, a reputation he never minded until he fell in love with beautiful Amelia Easton. Unfortunately, Amelia sees Nigel as a dependable friend, not a dashing suitor. At Lady Winterson’s famous Christmas ball, Nigel vows to change Amelia’s mind—by sweeping her off her feet.

1825 - His Christmas Cinderella by Anna Campbell

At the season’s most glittering ball, a girl who has never dared to dream of forever after discovers a Christmas miracle.

1830 - The Last First Kiss by Kate Noble

Susannah Westforth has always loved Sebastian Beckett – but he’s only ever seen her as a friend. When Sebastian takes his Grand Tour, Susannah transforms herself into a woman he’ll notice. Now Sebastian is back, just in time for Lady Winterson's Christmas ball – but the last thing he expects to see is his little Susie, all grown up...

You’re invited to join the whirling dance at Lady Winterson’s sparkling Christmas ball, where miracles happen and true love shines forever. How can you resist?


Terri's Review

I downloaded this book from Amazon and I am writing my thought on each story as I read them.

The Seduction of a Duchess: 

This was the first story in the Grosvenor Square Christmas collection.  Due to it's short length it is difficult to formulate an honest review however I will try.

There were two things that I really enjoyed about this story.  The first being that it took place in 1803 and had all of the social customs typical of that period.  The second being that the story focused around a woman who was considered of a "certain age" and that she had a second chance at romance.  Although her age would not even get a nod in today's times it was considered quite old for the times.

The love story was simple and clean and left everything up to the imagination of the reader.  This was a refreshing change.  There is a hint that the butler plays a role in all of the stories and I am hoping to learn more about him as I read the remaining stories.  He has piqued my interest...

One Kiss for Christmas:

This story continues the tradition of Lady Winterson's Christmas ball.  This instalment surrounded Nigel in his hopes of having Amelia see him as more than just a friend.  I found this story very short and felt that nothing occurred during it.  It was just ok for me.  I did however find moments amusing particularly when it came to Amelia;s pompous suitor.  I also liked the fact that the butler was mentioned again and appeared to be one of the masterminds behind Lady Winterson's matchmaking.

His Christmas Cinderella:

This story is exactly as advertised in the title.  A girl who is treated as nothing by her Aunt and cousin who finds her prince charming to take her away.  This story ventures away from 3 Grosvernor Square a little more than the others as most of the story takes place prior to the ball.  In keeping with the theme of the series it does conclude at the ball and there is mention of the notorious butler.  I think I may have mentioned it but for some reason I look forward to any scene with the butler in it.  This instalment is a little more racy than the first two.

The Last First Kiss:

This was a sweet story about a young girl in love with her neighbor who leaves for three years while she grows up.  Although we know how this story will conclude based on the previous stories it was still pleasing to see Sebastien actually see Susannah for who she was upon his return at the ball.  More pleasing was that we finally got to see the conclusion of Philbert (the butler) and Lady Winterson's romance.  I was waiting on that from the first story and I am happy that this series concluded with that.

Overall a pleasant read of stories surrounding the annual Christmas ball at 3 Grosvenor Square.




About the Authors

Anna Campbell
(From Goodreads profile)

I've always been a voracious reader! I write Regency historical romance for Grand Central Publishing and Avon.My latest release is A RAKE'S MIDNIGHT KISS from Grand Central, book 2 of the "Sons of Sin" series. My next "Sons of Sin" book is WHAT A DUKE DARES, out late August 2014.

And don't miss my short story "His Christmas Cinderella" in the Christmas anthology, A GROSVENOR SQUARE CHRISTMAS, which includes stories by me, Shana Galen, Kate Noble and Vanessa Kelly.

You can find excerpts, news and contests on my website at www.annacampbell.info

You can usually catch me hanging around with my bandita buddies on the Romance Bandits blog - www.romancebandits.com Pop by and say hello!

I'd love you to join my fan page on Facebook where I like to chat and run contests. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anna-Ca...

I'm also on Twitter at @AnnaCampbellOz

I love to hear from readers and you can contact me on anna@annacampbell.info


Shana Galen


Shana Galen is the author of numerous fast-paced adventurous Regency historical romances, including the Rita-nominated Blackthorne’s Bride. Her books have been sold worldwide, including Japan, Brazil, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and the Netherlands, and have been featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. A former English teacher in Houston’s inner city, Shana now writes full time. She’s a wife, a mother, and an expert multi-tasker. She loves to hear from readers: visit her website at www.shanagalen.com or see what she’s up to daily on Facebook and twitter.


Twitter:  shanagalen
 Vanessa Kelly

 
Vanessa Kelly writes Regency-set historical romance for Kensington Zebra. Her books have finaled in numerous contests, and she has been named by Booklist as "one of the new stars of historical romance." Her third book, My Favorite Countess, was nominated for a Reviewers' Choice Award by RT Book Reviews. Her second book, Sex And The Single Earl, won the Maggie Medallion for Best Historical Romance. When not immersed in the Regency period, Vanessa writes USA Today Bestselling contemporary romance with her husband under the pen name of V.K. Sykes. Find her on the web at www.vanessakellyauthor.com or at www.vksykes.com.
Twitter: VanessaKellyAut

Kate Noble


Kate Noble love books. Romances especially. But, being born into a family of doctors, scientists, and mathematicians, she didn’t discover she was adept at writing until, oh, about junior year of high school. Which came as something of a relief, as she was hopeless at memorizing the Latin names for all the bones in the human body. The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle eludes her to this day.


Website:     

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