What a great way to welcome in the Christmas Season! This collection will make you smile. I haven’t read many, if any, books by these authors in the past and so I was excited to enjoy these new authors to me and look at what else they have out!

Heaven and Nature Sing by Carolyn Miller
Enjoyed this story. You get caught up in wondering why Edith originally turned George down. It also is interesting to see the antics of those conspiring to push them back together.

Far as the Curse is Found by Amanda
This story reminded me of a Beauty and the Beast story. It was very moving and made me smile as Dwight & Jenny began to blossom!

Wonders of His Love by Erica Vetsch
Another heartwarming story. I did keep rooting for Cilla to push back and make decisions for herself!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

"Joy to the World" is an entertaining, engaging set of 3 novellas set during the Regency era at Christmastime. I enjoyed a blink-and-you'll-miss-it reference to Jane Austen's "Emma," and felt the stories fit in well with the setting and genre. Austen (and Dickens, for that matter) fans will get a kick out of the style, setting, and characters; imagine a slice of Pemberley (with a bit of Dickensian London) at Christmas, and this is just about right.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A young woman who had to reject the man she loved for family reasons now meets him again at a Christmas house-party. He never knew why she rejected him and is unsure whether this is a second chance or merely an opportunity to get closure.

A horribly scarred veteran is on the point of leaving London for ever to hide on his estate when he meets and rescues a young woman and her child. Given a job on his estate, can she overcome the scars of his past to teach him the true Christmas spirit?

A painter who's struggling to get work meets the widow of a duke's heir, a 'nothing' position that leaves her subject to her somewhat domineering mother-in-law. He sees her as a person rather than a puppet - but can he help her become willing to show others who she really is?

I was eager to read this collection because I love the first author's books - but in the process, I've found two more authors I'd like to read more of! (One of the dangers of collections...) Three enjoyable if fairly short stories, good for if you want a bit of an escape into a world of good values and satisfying endings. This book provides a good helping of Christmas spirit if it's that time of year - or any other time of year, really! I loved all three stories and couldn't really pick a favourite. All in all, highly recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

I love reading Christmas books,they are always so much fun! When I saw Joy to the World I knew that I wanted to read it. I had read books by Erica Vetsch before and I was really excited to see that she had written one of the short stories. I hadn’t read any of the other authors' books before, but I ended up really liking them. Joy to the World is a collection of three different stories all focused on a line from the song Joy to the World.
Heaven and Nature Sings is by Carolyn Miller and it features a broken ex-couple. Edith Mansfeild and George Bannerman were once on the brink of engagement when they were driven apart by family secrets. Now forced together, will they be able to make up? This was a cute story. I really liked the couple and I really wanted George and Edith to end up back together. I thought that George was super sweet and kind, but I didn’t like Edith as much, however, she was still a good character. I thought that it was a lovely book and I adored Lady Grantley, she was so fun, as she tried to match make her godchildren.
Far as the Curse is Found is by Amanda Barratt and it features two people who are trying to find hope in the darkness of their pasts. Dwight Inglewood, the Earl of Amberly, has lived in the darkness of his past for quite a few years, while Jenny Grey is just trying to do her best to provide for her infant daughter. This was my favorite story of the collection. I loved the characters and the story line was so touching. Dwight was a broken character, having scars that marred his face and he needed to learn to see the joy in the world. Jenny was so strong, she was trying to care for her daughter, Anna. And although she had gone through some terrible things, she still trusted God. I loved the characters and the story, and I wanted Jenny and Dwight to end up together, working through their pasts.
Wonders of His Love is by Erica Vetsch and I was really excited for this book! Wonders of His Love is about Cilla Haverly, a widow, and Hamish Sinclair, a struggling painter. Cilla is the sister in law to Marcus Haverly, his book is called The Gentleman Spy. Cilla was sweet, but she was trying to figure out how to stand up for herself and raise her daughter well. I really liked reading about her interacting with Hamish because he helped bring out the best in her. Hamish was a nice guy, he was just trying to do what he loved. However, he had to face opposition from those who didn’t appreciate his art. Cilla and Hamish were cute together, but they had to figure out how to bypass the social standings of their time. Both Cilla and Hamish had to learn how to believe in themselves. It was also so fun to see Marcus and Charlotte again.
I really enjoyed reading all of these books and I would definitely recommend them all! Joy to the World was a wonderful Christmas collection! This book features clean, Christian romances.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

These stories, set in the Regency Era, have been brought together in a collection designed to bring joy to the reader’s Christmas. Each of these authors has taken a different line from the Christmas hymn “Joy to the World” and fashioned a novella that will refocus your mind on the true meaning of this holiday of hope.
So, settle down with your favorite hot winter beverage and relax as you are transported to a time when Christmas was about more than a gift list.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley but the thoughts expressed are my own.

If you're looking for a light and romantic Christmas collection, this is a good one to recommend. All based in the Regency era, the 3 authors in this collection used a phrase from the popular Christmas hymn by the same name and wove a romantic Christmas story around it. In the first, Heaven and Nature Sing, the hero and heroine are both music lovers whose duets are a thing of beauty. There was a misunderstanding in their past though, and they are stuck together during Christmas as they work through it. In the second, Far as the Curse is Found, a man whose family has been labeled as cursed comes to the rescue of a young single mother who is ill and out of work and upon her recovery brings her into his employ and she re-ignites the Christmas spirit in his home. In the third, "And Wonders of His Love", a young widow who has allowed decisions to be made for her is brought out of her shell and color is brought to her world when a painter who has been commissioned to paint her brother-in-law and sister-in-law sees her for who she is.

All of these novellas were well written with likable characters. For the 3rd novella, it helps if you've read the author's Serendipity and Secrets series. Though this would stand alone easily, I enjoyed seeing familiar characters and had the additional depth of history because I had. While I enjoyed 2 of the stories thoroughly (not so much the other), I think that anyone who enjoys historical romance would enjoy this collection.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Heaven and Nature Sing by Carolyn Miller
A lovely second chance romance! George and Edith’s story is very sweet and inspirational, and though I’d have liked just a bit more backstory, readers will feel sufficiently in the Christmas spirit while reading this enchanting tale. 4/5 stars

Far as the Curse is Found by Amanda Barratt
A beautiful story of loss, faith, and hope! This is a stunningly inspirational story, and I didn’t want it to end. Barratt has a gift for telling heart wrenching stories that also inspire and fulfill, and this one is no exception. 5/5 stars

Wonders of His Love by Erica Vetsch
A wonderful story from Erica Vetsch! Her writing grasps the reader and doesn’t let go. I didn’t want the story to end! Readers will also love seeing familiar faces from Vetsch’s Serendipity & Secrets series. 5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Three of my go-to authors come together in this collection of novellas that has shot to the top of my favorite Christmas reads list. Carolyn Miller, Amanda Barratt, and Erica Vetsch whisk readers back in time to the Regency Era.

Although with shorter word count, each of these stories felt complete by the end with happy endings for each of the three couples as they’ve overcome their challenges—very different ones in each story—and found love, grace, and abundance during the Christmas season.

I cannot pick a favorite out of this collection, either. Each story differs from the others, giving each its own merits and strengths. If you’re looking for a Christmas collection to read by the cozy fire and sweep you away, Joy to the World is exactly what you should lose yourself in.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Overall this collection of 3 short, but complete stories, is a wonderful Christmas addition. All have a lovely inspirational message and reference to the song Joy to the World. Each is a clean regency romances that is uplifting and enjoyable
1-Heaven and nature sing by Carolyn Miller
A sweet story of two young people brought together for a Christmas House Party, only a year after she refused him. Both feeling very awkward and nervous, make for a fun story. The chemistry is still there, if they can find a way to let go of the past.
2-Far as the curse is found by Amanda Barratt
I really enjoyed this story. The depth and sincerity of the characters was so heart warming and made you believe anything is possible.
3-Wonders of his Love by Erica Vetsch
In this story, characters from different stations in life, are pulled together. I liked the story and the transformation the made some women stronger and another softer. The Christmas season is all about seeing the good in those around us.
(Note- my favorite is book, followed by book 3, and then book 1). Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this book! Two of my favorite regency authors, and a pleasant introduction to a third, present a long-awaited Christmas edition. I love that these stories are based off of popular Christmas carols and creatively offer a warm, sweet tale that compliments the theme presented. The novellas are clean, faith based and full of hope and inspiration. I planned to pace myself and savor each tale, but they were all so well done I could not put the book down. I will be rereading and relishing each tale. Let yourself get swept away in the magic of regency Christmas love stories. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Five stars does not do it justice.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

A collection of sweet inspirational stories.
Each story had likeable characters.
Setting Christmas time.
Second chances, faith, love, forgiveness
Feel-good holiday stories

A beautiful collection of three novellas from some of my favorite Regency authors.

Each of these novellas takes their title from the lyrics of Joy to the World, telling tales of hope, second chances, love, and the True Light of Christmas.

Heaven and Nature Sing is a story of second chances. Both Edith and George have love of music, which initially brought them together years ago. This is a charming holiday tale of second chances, I loved how the author brings to life the Christmas traditions of the times.

Far as the Curse is Found, is a story of hope. Dwight and Jenny are both struggling, Jenny is trying to raise her young child alone in less than favorable circumstances, while Dwight wears a mask to cover the scars of war. A beautiful story of love in unexpected places, and hope in the darkest of times. I loved the characters, strong faith, and original take on the genre.

Wonders of His Love was probably my favorite of the collection, as it features a few familiar faces from another series by this author. Cilla and Hamish are from very different worlds, in this heartwarming sweet romance, with fantastic character interaction. Strong faith and great character arcs make this story stand out.

Overall, a must read for fans of Christian Regency fiction, a great gift for yourself or for a loved one. This was a quick read, completely enjoyable, and highly entertaining. Well worth the read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I can confidently say that Joy to the World is now one of my favorite novella collections ever! I love reading clean Regency romance novels and these three authors did an outstanding job of creating stories and characters that captured my heart. And even though these were novellas, each story felt complete. I was connected to all of the main characters and felt fully immersed in the time period.

In Heaven and Nature Sing by Carolyn Miller, Edith and George received a second chance at love together. I could feel the hurt that both Edith and George carried from their previous broken relationship. Christmas traditions of the time were beautifully described, making me feel as if I was part of the Christmas preparations, too.

In Far as the Curse is Found by Amanda Barratt, I absolutely loved watching as Jenny and Dwight both received a second chance at life. Dwight was a scarred hero who was wounded on the outside and on the inside. His true, kind nature was clear, though, in his rescue of Jenny and her baby from almost certain death. It was also beautiful to watch as Jenny helped open Dwight’s eyes to what true love looked like and to the reality of a loving God.

In Wonders of His Love by Erica Vetsch, artist Hamish Sinclair and the widowed Lady Cilla Haverly were drawn to each other from their first meeting. It was wonderful to watch as Cilla began to stand on her own and make decisions that were not guided by her mother-in-law. It was also so nice to see that the main characters from The Gentleman Spy, Marcus and Charlotte, were in this novella. However, this novella can easily be enjoyed without having read The Gentleman Spy.

I loved this book from start to finish and definitely plan to read it again and again!

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

Joy to the World is a collection of three Regency inspired stories from three different well known Regency Fiction authors that I adore. These stories include:
Heaven and Nature Sing by Carolyn Miller
Far as the Curse Is Found by Amanda Barratt
Wonders of His Love by Erica Vetsch
I enjoyed every single one of these novellas. I am not sure if I could pick one over another. Each one was sweet, delightful, inspiring, and such a pleasure and joy to read.

I am going to give Joy to the World five plus stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy sweet Regency tales and for those set during the magical time of Christmas. It is most definitely worth a read and not one to be missed this Holiday season.

I received Joy to the World from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Step into the rich tradition of Christmas long ago...

I've been anticipating Joy To The World for months now as I really wanted to read Erica Vetsch's story in this three novella collection. But, just as I knew I would, I enjoyed Carolyn Miller's and Amanda Barratt's stories every bit as much.

I'll confess that Regency is not an era that I usually favor because the portrayal is frequently boring and silly. However, there are many exceptions to that and Joy To The World is one. It's true that the novellas in the collection are full of romance and holiday cheer but there is a lot more to each one. There's also a dash of danger and adventure woven into these tales of forgiveness, hope, redemption, and faith.

I found quite a bit within the pages of Joy To The World. Heaven And Nature Sing introduced me to a new author for me to enjoy. Far As The Curse Is Found gave me my favorite story in the book. And Wonders Of His Love was the tale that I most looked forward to finally reading.

If you are looking for a charming jaunt into Christmas past during this holiday season I would definitely recommend this novella collection from the talented pens of Carolyn Miller, Amanda Barratt, and Erica Vetsch. Grab a fuzzy blanket and cup of hot cocoa or tea and simply enjoy...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Joy to the World is a book of three historical romance stories wrapped around the Christmas season in England. All three stories are named from lyrics of the beloved holiday song. Each story is filled with warm characters that you will become so enamored with, that you won’t want the stories to end.
In the first story, “Heaven and Nature Sing”, former lovers are staying at a mutual godmothers home. The time spent makes them see how much they mean to each other, but unsure if they are meant to be. In “Far as the Curse is Found”, a young, single mother with a painful past is helped by a young, wounded earl. He comes to her rescue, but in the end she rescues him.
The third story, “In Wonder of His Love” a young, widowed aristocrat is living in her mother-in-laws home. She is controlled by her, which makes her meek and unable to live her life. A handsome Scottish artist comes during the Christmas season, and shows her who she really is. Unfortunately, her social status and her controlling mother-in-law will not allow her to act on the feelings she has for this talented man.
Each story is full of breathtaking moments and each leave you with the warmth of Christmas miracles. The characters aren’t just focused on romance, but also their trust in God and His guidance. Though a large book, I breezed through it, unable to put it down. This would be a wonderful gift for the book lover on your Christmas list or for yourself, to spend reading with a hot drink on a winters day.
#joytotheworld
#netgalley

Filled with three heartwarming and inspirational stories, Joy to the World is the perfect read for when you’re snuggled up in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate.

I’m not quite sure where to begin. I loved this collection, and I think it may be the best novella collection I’ve ever read. Honestly, I wanted to read it mainly because of Erica Vetsch, but I thoroughly enjoyed each and every story. Allow me to share a few thoughts on each.

“Heaven and Nature Sing” by Carolyn Miller
Carolyn Miller is a new author to me. I’ve heard of her but had never read any of her novels. After reading this novella, however, I’m excited to read more of her work! Miller has great characterization. From the beginning, I sympathized with Edith even thought I didn’t know quite what happened between her and George.

Miller does a great job developing their relationship and the path to grace and forgiveness, and she includes some great thought food for thought about God’s grace and forgiveness.

“Far as the Curse Is Found” by Amanda Barratt
Exceptional. Just exceptional. I loved watching Jenny and Dwight’s relationship grow. Barratt’s writing style shines in this poignant novella. I especially loved how relevant the themes are to modern-day readers.

The romance is well-developed, and Barratt did a great job of proving that Dwight and Jenny are a perfect pair. I liked Jenny’s determination to talk to Dwight about Christ, especially since Jenny doesn’t just talk. Jenny also shows the love of Christ, which I think is a great reminder to all Christians.

“Wonders of His Love” by Erica Vetsch
I cheated and read this one first because I was so excited about it! If you’ve read The Lost Lieutenant and The Gentleman Spy, you probably understand my excitement. Especially since this novella features Cilla, Marcus’s widowed sister-in-law. Getting to see all the beloved characters again is always exciting.

I think this romance was my favorite of the collection. I loved the spiritual thread about being seen by God. Cilla and Hamish both feel like they’re often overlooked, and the realization that God sees them, and that they see each other, made the romance deeper and more meaningful.

Overall, Joy to the World is a great romance collection perfect for Regency fans.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

Joy to the World is a beautifully written collection of three Regency romance novellas written by three gifted storytellers. Each story is unique with a common thread connecting them—finding love at Christmastime. In these stories, we find the power of love triumphing over past circumstances, broken lives, and conventional social class differences. These touching novellas feature engaging, memorable characters; well-developed, entertaining plots; expressively described settings; and sweet, heart-warming romance. The faith element is woven throughout each story delivering the message of God’s unconditional love and provision for all people as well as conveying the real meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus that brought Light into a dark world. I enjoy reading anthologies, and this is my favorite Christmas one to date. I highly recommend it as an any time of the year read!

I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Amanda Barratt's novella:

Regency romances are my comfort book, the warmth, the old fashioned details, and the sweet romances.

And Far As the Curse Is Found is one that I very much loved.

The redemption, the new found joy, and the family bond all tugged at my heart with whispers of God's love.

Amanda Barratt did a wonderful job with this lovely novella.

In a delightful collection, these three authors (Carolyn Miller, Amanda Barratt, and Erica Vetch) bring Christmas cheer to the reader’s heart. Each novella is a stand alone and will take you back in time to the early 1800s.
Character development and plot flow is great in all three novellas.