Title: Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor
Author: Roseanna M. White
Major Themes: Christmas, Romance
Synopsis: Lady Mariah Lyons has always adored the Christmas season, but with two men vying for her hand, the holiday this year is promising to be more of a challenge than she anticipated.
Although I’ve read and enjoyed many of Roseanna M. White’s books over the years, Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor was the first Christmas story I’ve read from her pen. This is, basically, a fluffy Christmas romance—not necessarily my typical preferred reading material, but I adored this story. It was sweet, the characters were lovable, and it had the perfect cozy atmosphere for a chilly evening.
Publisher’s description:
The Nutcracker and Edwardian-Era England combine to weave a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime.
As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn’t seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she’ll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.
Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family’s misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah’s hand by Christmas. Will the magic of the holiday season help lead to the discovery of true love, or will duty to country leave all longing for what could have been?
My thoughts:
If you struggle with books with a strong romantic plot, Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor likely isn’t for you. But what I discovered as I read it were charming themes of whimsy and delight in the world God made, gratefulness for family (even if they drive you crazy at times), and joy in what God gave us by sending Jesus to earth. Is this a strong faith-based read? Maybe not, although the real Christmas story was there. The focus is more on bringing joy and hope to people, complimented by a cast of characters that are about as different as they come.
I loved Lady Mariah—her joy at the simpler pleasures of life reminded me of an online friend I’ve had for years, and Mariah’s example made me want to choose delight more often, too. Cyril was also a lot of fun, and I especially enjoyed watching him grow in confidence and get a glimpse at what family life can look like. And then there’s Søren—I unexpectedly found myself rooting for him and absolutely loved his quirkiness (should I say nerdiness?) in wanting to document every little thing. That gave me more than one chuckle!
Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor is a whimsical, delightful, occasionally serious, and yet generally lighthearted Christmas romance set in upper-class Edwardian England. If you want an easy, soothing, gripping story, I recommend you check this out. I read it mostly in one afternoon and evening—it’s not a long book. On the other hand, if you enjoy more serious books or ones that don’t focus on romance, you likely wouldn’t enjoy this story. I enjoyed it, but I doubt I’ll ever re-read it. Still, if White ever comes out with another Christmas novella, I’d be interested in reading it; this one was a lot of fun!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
WARNING: Gracious is used in ch. 1; dratted is used in ch. 2 and 11; blast or blasted is used in ch. 2, 4, 9, and 13; “for heaven’s sake” is used in ch. 3; cursed is used in ch. 5; blighter is used when referencing a person in ch. 5 (four times) and 14; and sworn is used in ch. 13 and 15. There is brief touching between unmarried characters (on the hand/arm) in ch. 8, 9, 12, 14, and 15 (this chapter also has several kisses, not described). Characters dance in ch. 16.
Age levels:
Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Library Binding | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
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