I received this book via I Am a Reader. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Twelve Days in December Series: A Hearthfire Romance Published by Mirror Press on 2015-12-09
Length: 81 pages
Reviewing eARC from I Am a Reader
Rating:
Five months isn’t enough time to grieve the death of her husband and marry again, but when the unexpected opportunity to take her sister’s place as the bride of wealthy New York businessman, William Vancer, presents itself, twenty-four year-old Charlotte Holbrook agrees. Their marriage of convenience will provide a secure future for her son, while William will be able to claim the inheritance he needs to expand his company westward.
To begin their perfect and perfectly safe arrangement, William allots the last twelve days in December to become acquainted with his new family—a task more easily accomplished than he had imagined. For in Charlotte he finds a tender heart and companion, while stepping into the role of father to her son, brings William a great measure of joy as well. Before the twelve days have passed, he finds himself wishing their marriage of convenience could be something much more.
For Charlotte, every day with William is one of overwhelming gratitude, as he anticipates and provides for her needs, as well as the fondest desires of her heart. More than material comforts, William offers friendship as well, and a loving concern that Charlotte has gone too long without. Guilt ridden, she struggles with her growing attraction and wonders how she can ever remain loyal to her first husband, while allowing herself to love William as he deserves.
Twelve Days in December by is a sweet romantic novella set in New York. While it is a part of a series, I can tell you that it does not have to be read with the series to enjoy it. I haven’t read any of the previous books and loved this one! William and Charlotte are characters from Marrying Christopher, and while I hadn’t read that book, I found the two quite charming.
William Vancer is a wealthy NY businessman, who is set to claim an inheritance only if he is married. He is kind, gentle with Charlotte, and takes up with her son as if he was his own. Yet he guards his own heart fiercely. This marriage with Charlotte will be his third attempt, after being jilted twice. My heart broke a bit for him and what he has faced.
Charlotte is Marsali’s older sister (for those that have read the other books) and is recently widowed. When her own sister’s husband turns up alive, Charlotte offers to take her place. She has a young son and no home to go back to. But she is still grieving, hurting over the loss of her husband and afraid to give more than just friendship to William.
This short story focuses on the 12 days that William has taken from work to get to know his new wife and step son. It really is amazing to me just how much an author can pack into these short stories. In just 80 pages, there is tremendous character growth for both Charlotte and William along with a budding romance. It’s sweet, tender, and moving!
Overall I really enjoyed their story! Personally I could’ve read a full novel about the two, it is that good 😀 I hope to go back and read the entire series as I’d like to know more about Marsali and her husband. If you enjoy historical fiction and a little clean romance, I highly recommend this one!
Final Conclusion:
About Michele Paige Holmes
Michele Paige Holmes spent her childhood and youth in Arizona and northern California, often curled up with a good book instead of out enjoying the sunshine. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Elementary Education, and found it an excellent major in which to indulge her love of children's literature.
Her first novel, COUNTING STARS (Covenant Communications 2007), won the 2007 Whitney Award for best romance. The sequel, a romantic suspense titled, ALL THE STARS IN HEAVEN (Covenant 2009), was a Whitney finalist, as was her first historical romance, CAPTIVE HEART (Covenant 2011). MY LUCKY STARS (Covenant 2012) completed the Stars series.
In October 2014 Michele launched the Hearthfire historical romance line with the publication of SAVING GRACE (Mirror Press 2014). The companion novel, LOVING HELEN (Mirror Press 2015) was released in February 2015. A third book about this same family, MARRYING CHRISTOPHER, will be published in summer 2015, with another historical to follow later this year.
Michele has been a member of the same critique group for over fifteen years and feels that joining a critique group is the single best thing an author can to do help improve his or her writing. She has been a member of RWA and URWA, LDStorymakers, and The League of Utah Writers. Michele enjoys both attending and teaching at conferences.
When not reading or writing romance, Michele is busy with her full time job as a wife and mother. She and her husband live in Utah with their five high maintenance children and a Shitzu that resembles a teddy bear, in a house with a wonderful view of the mountains. You can find Michele on the web at michelepaigeholmes.com and on Facebook and twitter.
Leave a Reply