Christmas at Falstone Castle 4*
Fans of Sarah M. Eden's Lancaster family books will appreciate this intimate look at the ever evolving relationship between Adam and his mother.  I admire the way the author is always consistent with plot lines, characters, and interweaving stories.  The details included allow this story to stand alone, although depth is always achieved by reading the other novels.

The Heart at Christmas 3.5*
Everything works out smoothly in this story by Anita Stansfield. The characters' gentle respect and need for each other is sweet.

'Tis the Season to be Daring 5*
Ester Hatch's contribution to this anthology is brilliantly crafted; full of fun and light and life!  This charming short story has unconventional, lively characters who make it such a fun read as they fall in love with each other.

A Christmas Dress 4.5*
A sweet story with universal themes of being loved for who you are, not your perceived worth or status.  Just the right amount of tension to make the happily ever after a satisfying conclusion for this wonderful tale by Joanna Barker.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

A heartwarming novella collection about hope and family! These four historical authors, Sarah M. Eden, Anita Stansfield, Esther Hatch, and Joanna Barker, are fabulous by themselves, but bringing them together for a novella collection was a brilliant idea. This collection is absolutely delightful. Each author has a unique voice and charming story that compliments the others in the collection. This is a fabulous fun and easy holiday read that will bring the warmth of family and the reminder of hope to all. This is a wonderful collection that readers will absolutely not want to miss!

Genre: holiday, Christmas, historical, romance
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: September 1, 2019
Number of pages: 304

5 Stars: 5/5 star rating
This novella collection is one of the best I have ever read! I really enjoyed these novellas and reading it at Christmastime made it even more special! Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and adding romance makes it a winner!
Thank you to the authors for making my holiday reading even more special.
I received a digital ARC of this book from netgalley and Covenant Communications in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

This book was filled with multiple short stories based around the Christmas season. While I would’ve enjoyed more to some of the stories it was nice and enjoyable to read through them. Overall I enjoyed them and I may look into the authors other written works.

I came into this anthology only knowing one of the authors listed, whom I adore, and was hopeful to find similar authors to enjoy. I was not disappointed. All Hearts Come Home for Christmas was a delightful collection of sweet Christmas short stories. I laughed, I cried, I stayed up late, just wanting "one more page." This will be on my Christmas Re-Read list for sure. I received this copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

"His enthusiasm for life was contagious, and when I was with him everything seemed larger. It was as if a vast existence that had never touched my being before had been opened up to me."

Perfect stories of love, at Christmas or any time of the year. Truly a special collection. Don't you just love that cover?

England 1816. Interesting twist, as the story begins with a seven year old boy who, because of the death of his father, has just become a Duke. The twist being that the story is about his mother, who had abandoned him. And the Vicar, also a lonely person.

London 1820 A young girl is working in a dress shop for nothing more than food to eat and a place on the floor to sleep when a gentleman stops in the shop with a button off his coat, and ends up asking if she'd come to care for his house, daughter and Aunt. An answer to prayer, and a great blessing.

London, 1814
Elizabeth wants to get out of going to the Ton's social events and away from her mother's attempts at match making, so she chooses to call out a confirmed bachelor and behave just slightly inappropriately so she'll have to sit out the season. She gets more than she expected!

Yorkshire, 1816
Nell, after her Pastor father died had to take a job as a seamstress. Jacob returned home after his cruel father died to care for his sister. When he had Nell come to the house to fit Alice with a new wardrobe, all of their lives turned for the better.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Though Christmas remained a number of weeks away, a whisper of it hung in the air."

This lovely Christmas collection was delightful! The perfect Yuletide treat to enjoy with a cup of cocoa, relaxing by the fire. Each heart warming love story was such fun.

There are four Stories in this Anthology

Christmas at Falstone Castle by Sarah M Eden

What I enjoyed most from this novella was the glimpse into the familiar characters lives. It can stand alone from the rest of her series, but it is more enjoyed by having a background with all the Lancaster books (Seeking Persephone, Courting Miss Lancaster, Romancing Daphne, Loving Lieutenant Lancaster) as you can really see the character development. While technically a love story between the Dowager Duchess of Kielder and the local vicar, I wasn't very invested in their romance. The touching moments of connection and forgiveness between the Dowager and her son Adam, due to their unsettled history present in previous novels, I very much connected with. This novella wraps up questions from the other books.

As a novella in it's own right, separate from the series, it's fairly weak, not having the poignant romance touches that Eden does quite well. 4 stars.

The Heart of Christmas by Anita Stansfield

DNF - I quit at about chapter 2. 1 Star.

'Tis the Season to be Daring by Esther Hatch

While I enjoyed the start of the story--the introduction of the characters and plot-- I didn't enjoy the development of their romance. Time wasn't spent in showing the character's romance, instead I was told that it was happening and more focus was spent on pointless dialogue and unnecessary characters. I also felt that the first person view point hindered the story rather than helping.

The few moments that I enjoyed were the first two chapters, the conclusion, and the snapdragon scene, where the heroine realizes that this is all just a game to her love interest (even though she's wrong, I still liked her though process and thought it was a logical conclusion to come to with her limited POV) This does tie in with another novel, Roses of Feldstone, as a prequel novel. 3.5 Stars

The Christmas Dress by Joanna Barker

This is my second foray into a Barker piece, and the first one left much to be desired. I was very much impressed with this one, however, and gobbled it up. Probably my favorite out of the 4 in the anthology. Even though it is a novella, Barker did a wonderful job with pacing and showing the characters falling in love. True, it's helped along by a previous relationship between the two characters, having been childhood acquaintances five years ago. But as our heroine interacts with our hero, each moment is important to developing their relationship, each conversation furthering the character falling in love. The reader can watch as the romance progresses naturally, consistently, and believably. Well crafted and enjoyable. 5 stars

This is a lovely holiday collection and a nice way to “meet” new authors. Faith is a low key part of the stories. I would enjoy reading more by any of these, especially by Ms. Eden and Ms. Elizabeth. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy gentle historical romance.

Christmas at Falstone Castle by Sarah M. Eden.
Adam, known as the Dangerous Duke, became the Duke at age seven when his father died. Adam’s face had been scarred as an infant and he believed his mother struggled with caring for him. Adam had been taught that “Duke’s don’t cry” and he hid his hurt when his mother returned to London after a short visit for his father’s funeral. He remained estranged from his mother for all these many years but this Christmas his mother has come home unexpectedly.

Adam was fortunate to have married a bright, beautiful woman, Persephone. They have been blessed with a boy, Oliver, and are expecting their second child which is due after Christmas. The local Vicar, Roswell Duncan, is visiting as a houseguest, rather than traveling back and forth in the snow.

Vicar Roswell and Dowager Duchess, Harriet, begin to enjoy keeping each other company. They decide on a special surprise for Christmas, hoping the plans will allow Harriet to heal the rift with her son.

I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the way the author brought them together. This is a lovely story. My rating 4.5.

The Heart of Christmas - Anita Stansfield.
Addie escaped a bad home life and was thankful to find a position as a seamstress that provided room and board although money for savings. One early morning a local businessman, Theo, sees the shop light on and stops in. He asks Addie to sew a button on his jacket. After they chat a bit, he asks her to come manage his home as his sister-in-law has become ill and can no longer take care of his daughter, Becky, and the household.

Addie is thrilled to find a better position. She is happy to step in and begin preparing food, and cleaning and straightening the house. Addie is especially glad to find herself caring for Theo, Becky and Marla. They all begin to flourish but sadness still pervades the house. As Christmas nears will Addie be able to find a way to bring joy to the season and the family?

The characters seemed very real and this is another lovely story. My rating 4.25.

’Tis the Season to Be Daring by Esther Hatch Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is in her second season and is fighting her mother’s plans to marry her to a wealthy nobleman, no matter how much older he may be. Her friend gives her the idea to be just a little daring to put off the current matchmaking. She learns that Lord Hawthorne, Davenport, is on the outs with society and he is not interested in marriage. Elizabeth decides to solicit his help in her plan.

Davenport is a delightful young man who is misunderstood by society. He is high enough in society to ignore rules but he will also be careful not to compromise Elizabeth. He agrees to help her and they are soon delighting in their shared adventures.
Elizabeth is charmingly natural and Davenport an unusual nobleman. This is wonderfully fun and I would love to read more by Author Elizabeth. My rating 5.0.

The Christmas Dress by Joanna Barker.
Nell Addington was gently raised as a Vicar’s daughter. After his death, she had to take work as a seamstress to help support the family. She is very pleased when her childhood friend, Jacob Hammond, commissions a dress for his shy sister.

Jacob is surprised to learn Nell is working as a seamstress. He has been away at town avoiding his own father and he didn’t realize the circumstances that impacted Nell’s life after her father died.

Nell agrees to come to the house for fittings and Jacob is pleased that her visits are helping to draw out his sister. A snowstorm causes Nell to have to spend extra time at Jacob’s estate. Even as she realizes she would like a deeper relationship with Jacob, she fears she may lose her job with her strict seamstress boss.

These characters are gentle, and the story is sweet. My rating 4.25.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. Overall Rating 4.5.

Confession: I picked up this book because of Sarah M Eden and her characters who I already love.
But oh what a wonderful introduction to other authors!!

Such cute little Christmas books! I especially am a fan of Sarah's story. I love the "Dangerous" Duke Adam. He's so great at acting tough but I love seeing his heart soften over time.
The other stories are adorable and perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit!

I loved this Christmas compilation.
The first story, Christmas at Fallstone Castle starts out very melancholy. The Dowager Duchess of Kielder comes home for Christmas. She is accepted by the family, but it is her son's favor that she wishes to make. You see, she was rarely home when her son was young. This is her first Christmas with her son, in quite a long time. She wants to not only get to know her grandson, but her son as well. With the help of the Vicar, this melancholy story turns into one of love and hope. A promise that broken things can mend.

Do you believe in fate? Maybe? Maybe not?
When a seamstress is working early hours, a banker comes in asking to sew on a button. She makes quick work of the button. This banker not only pays for her services, but gives her extra for her troubles. He also offers her a job. A job as a maid. She knew that her seamstress job would be temporary, but can she give up what she has in this town, and go take care of this man, his daughter, and the child's grandmother along with an aging neglected house?

Rules are meant to be broken, right?
Well, not the rules of the ton. At least, not until Miss Davenport comes along. She gets so tired of society's rules that she does the unthinkable. She talks to a man without an introduction. Not just any man, a scandalous rake, Lord Hawthorne. Lord Hawthorne decides to help this beauty with her crazy scheme because he loves being contrary. Somewhere within the crazy scheme, feelings start coming to life. What will they do when faced with these new feelings?

In a small town, you can't help but know everyone. When a childhood friend, Jacob, comes in to commission a dress for his sister. Jacob's feelings run deeper than friendship for his childhood friend, but can anything come of it. He is wealthy, and she is just a seamstress. Thankfully, anything can happen at Christmastime.

I hope you enjoy these heartwarming stories like I did.

As soon as I found be out that Sarah Eden had a novella tied into her Lancaster series, especiallyvwith Adam's family, I couldn't wait to read this! Her story absolutely didn't disappoint and I thought it was sweet, both the romance, Harriet's realistic struggle to be accepted by her family, and more Adam and Persephone! Five stars for this novella alone!

The other 3 stories were lovely as well, maybe a bit of a letdown because Sarah's was the first novella in the book but overall very, very enjoyable. My favorite of the other stories was definitely Esther Hatch's, with her wonderful and at times hilarious characters. She's an author I'll be reading again!

Very good read!

Ok, so I absolutely LOVE Sarah Eden and wanted to read this book solely for her short story. I was not disappointed! A short romance involving Adam Boyce and Persephone’s family? Yes please!

I don’t usually read anthologies because I felt the other stories might not be worth it, but this sample has changed my mind. Every story was delightful. All the other authors were unknown to me, but I want to check them out now!!

Very good book! I highly recommend!

Rated PG for mild romance. Sweet, clean read.

I received this ebook free form NetGalley.

This is a delightful collection of Christmas stories to curl up with by a warm fire. They all take place in the regency era. I was most drawn to the book because I absolutely love Sarah Eden’s Lancaster family and couldn’t wait to read more about the Dangerous Duke and Persephone. I was not disappointed. I loved getting to know the Duke’s mother too. What ended up being my favorite story in this collection is TIS THE SEASON TO BE DARING. Elizabeth Davenport and Lord Hawthorne are hilarious! Esther Hatch is definitely an author I will have to keep my eyes out for. All of the stories in this collection warmed my heart and put me in the mood for Christmas.

This is a heartwarming collection of four novellas....beautiful Christmas regency romances written by different authors. Each story is very sweet with lots of romance, Christmas joy and miracles.
I can’t pick a favorite, they are all good! Perfect stories to get you in the mood for Christmas🎄
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review these heartfelt stories.

What a lovely collection of stories. It can sometimes be hard to find a collection of short romance stories that are free from vulgarities, so it was with delight that I saw this. A must read for a wintry Christmas night.

If you need a taste of Christmas romance, these short stories won't disappoint. I enjoyed each one! I'm never disappointed in Sarah M. Eden and she's joined by three other great authors. A great set of stories to get you in the Christmas spirit!

All Hearts Come Home For Christmas .
Published 2019 .

This is a collection of four short stories that are great if you’re looking for that simple sweet leave you feeling warm inside Christmas book.

Each of the authors put the feeling of Christmas into their own words which lead to four great stories. Some of them I felt were a little slow but still a good read.
I hadn’t heard of these authors before but I’ll definitely be looking them up .

Thank you to Netgalley, the authors and publisher for this digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Covenant Communications, Inc. for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This collection of four heartwarming short stories brings to mind the old-fashioned Christmas of years gone by. It's a lovely way to be introduced to authors that one might not be familiar with.