Mistletoe Christmas
An Anthology

Manipulation in the extreme by a difficult dying older man sees four rather unhappy women achieve unexpected happiness in this holiday romance anthology.

A MISTLETOE KISS by Eloisa James
Cressida has been kept back and kept down by her father but manages to come into her own as she manages the Revelry and is “seen” as she truly is by Elias. I liked watching Cressida emerge from her cocoon and Elias become aware of her and what he truly wanted for his future.

WISHING UNDR THE MISTLETOE by Christie Caldwell
Isabelle and Cyrus have spent ten years apart after a broken betrothal in this scrooge-like holiday second chance romance. Both were in the wrong ten years before but thankfully it all comes right at the end of the story.

COMPROMISE UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Janna MacGregor
Caroline and Stephen have been apart for a year when it becomes imperative for them to appear to be happily wedded. I liked the chemistry between this couple, wished they had been able to better communicate earlier, and was happy with how they managed things in the end.

MISCHIEF & MISTLETOE by Erica Ridley
Louisa and Ewan are an unlikely couple though there is attraction between them. The trouble all who read it seem to have is “the secret” Ewan carries around with him – one that is rather unpleasant, actually. I am not sure I would be as forgiving as Louisa was but did enjoy the story.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by these authors? Yes

NOTE: I really REALLY did not like Greystoke…the manipulative dying older man pulling the strings. I am curious about Val and wonder if HE might show up in a book of his own and if so…which author will write it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

A Christmas anthology of romance by well-known authors is centered around the Duke of Greystoke's annual Christmas Revelry.

A Mistletoe Kiss - Eloisa James: Lady Cressida has been the mastermind behind the lavish entertainments for the Christmas Revelry, however all the honor and accolades have gone to her demanding father, giving her no credit whatsoever. As he lies on his deathbed, the promises he made her are broken whilst spewing insults at her. Recognizing that after all the years of hard work, she has no future, Cressida is devastated, but all the more so that the heir and his friend have been present during the exchange. Despite having known Cressida since she was a little girl, Elias de Royleston sees her with fresh eyes even whilst her father is berating her. He sets out to understand just how involved she is in setting up the Christmas Revelry and is amazed at her organizational skills and creativity. He also comes to see that Cressida has a different kind of beauty, one the grows on a man, but persuading her that his intentions towards her are honorable is another matter altogether. Cressida longs for her own family, but with her father's insults ringing in her ears, she is hard-pressed to believe the sweet words Elias whispers in her ear. With her stalwart Nanny at her side, Cressida takes a stand and takes hold of her own future.

Wishing Under the Mistletoe - Christi Caldwell: Lady Isabelle, the granddaughter to the Duke of Greystoke, is finally invited to write and direct the Christmas pantomime for the Christmas Revelry. When her ex-fiancé arrives at the castle, invited by her cousin, the plot is complicated by pushing the two lovers back into each other's company. There are echoes of Charles Dickens's Christmas Carol as the story evolves and Cyrus Hill once more puts work before pleasure. Having found each other, it would seem that the spark that had never died is about to be put out once again, but a wise word in Isabelle's ear turns tragedy into triumph.

Compromise Under the Mistletoe - Janna MacGregor: Whilst most people would rejoice at receiving an invitation to the Christmas Revelry, Caroline Whitmore and her Stephen are forced to attend together in order for Caroline to request that her inheritance be released before her twenty-fifth birthday. However, the Duke of Greystoke has other plans for them. His spies are everywhere and as much as they would like to keep the fact that they are estranged, Greystoke is aware of every move they make, almost before they are aware of it themselves. Stephen sadly thought he was giving Caroline everything she wanted only to discover that his idea of a good husband and Caroline's are very different indeed. After a year apart they finally start to communicate, something that every couple to discover if they are going to have a happy marriage.

Mischief and Mistletoe - Erica Ridley: Louisa Harcourt is weary of her mother's constant barrage of words and admonishments to find a husband. Arriving at the annual Christmas Revelry, Louisa discovers a man who stirs her heart for the first time. Unfortunately, it is not the same man that her mother thinks will be an ideal husband, one that would make her a lady. Hiding under the guise of a poet, Ewan Reid is surprised to find Louisa defending him against more powerful members of society. Unfortunately, Ewan is not the poet Louisa thinks he is and her disappointment knows no bounds. It is only when Ewan gives up his right to follow his own dream, that Louisa knows for certain that she has found her match.

I have read all the novellas in this boxset and while each story is a standalone and comes to a sweet conclusion, it is in spite of the cantankerous old Duke, rather than because of him. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Harper Collins Publishers and this is my honest and voluntary review.

MISTLETOE CHRISTMAS: An Anthology is a new historical romance anthology with four novellas all taking place at the most anticipated event of the winter season, the Duke of Greystoke’s annual Christmas Revelry. This is an entertaining and romantic anthology from start to finish with novellas from four of my favorite historical romance authors, Eloisa James, Christi Caldwell, Janna MacGregor, and Erica Ridley.

The first story is Mistletoe Kiss from Eloisa James.
Lady Cressida “Cressie” is the Duke of Greystoke’s youngest daughter and has always been too busy managing all the entertainments of the Revelry to enjoy them. This year, the duke is on his deathbed and his nephew Valentine Snowe, Viscount Derham, who will inherit learns he is to continue the tradition of the Revelry for ten years after the duke’s death in exchange for a Scottish estate that was to be Cressie’s dowry. Lord Darcy de Royleston is Val’s best friend and a neighbor of the duke. He does not like Cressie’s situation and as his friend points out her finer points and he gets to know her; Darcy decides he wants Cressie for his wife. But will Cressie agree?

The second story is Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell.
Lady Cressida’s cousin, Lady Isabelle Wilkshire has led a single life writing plays and is thrilled when she is assigned to direct the Revelry play. What she discovers when she arrives is that Val has paired her with the man, she broke off her betrothal from ten years earlier. Cyrus Hill has gone from the son of the stablemaster at Greystoke to a rich money manager to members of the ton. Numbers have been a cold master since Isabelle broke off their betrothal. Will they be able to work out their past hurts to have a second chance at love?
The third story is Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor.

Lady Caroline Whitmore left her husband a year ago to live a separate life in London. Now, they must return to Greystoke and pretend to be happily married to have her uncle, the Duke of Greystoke release her trust money early. Lord Stephen Whitmore does not understand where his marriage went wrong. With this trip to the Revelry, he is determined to get his wife back.

The fourth Story is Mischief & Mistletoe by Erica Ridley.
Miss Louisa Harcourt’s mother tells her that this is her chance to find a titled husband before she is off the market. Louisa is a dutiful daughter, but she also wants to write poetry more than husband hunt. She is excited to learn Val’s friend, the poet, Mr. Ewan Reid is in attendance. Louis and Ewan make a deal to spend as much time together as they can during the Revelry, but once it is over, so is their time together. But Ewan is keeping a secret that could ruin their time together even as he plans to ask Louisa for more time than just the Revelry.

This is one of the best Christmas anthologies I have read with every story pulling me in with believable couples and dilemmas. Each author is able to give the reader a hero and heroine that they are cheering on to their HEAs. There are sex scenes in each novella that are explicit, but I never felt they were gratuitous. Even with the shorter length of the stories, the characters are fully fleshed and the romance plots progress at a pace commensurate with the short length of the Revelry.

I highly recommend this Christmas historical romance anthology!

Spinsters and Second Chances at Christmastide

Mistletoe Christmas is a quartet of stories set at the Revelry, a yearly Christmas Bacchanal where matters of political import are decided and romance, deceit, and decadence are the order of the day.  Under the decaying eye of the Duke of Greystoke and his army of spies, four couples find love, reunite and recommit, and bare their souls (and far more!) under the mistletoe, which features prominently in each tale.

A Mistletoe Kiss by Eloisa James
Lady Cressida, or Cressie, is the unpaid personal assistant to her spiteful megalomaniac father, the dying Duke of Greystoke. Presiding from his deathbed, he decides to cement the future of the Revels by hamstringing his plain, plump daughter's future. This insult is witnessed by the heir apparent (and Cressie's cousin), Valentine, Viscount Derham, and his impossibly handsome friend, Elias, Lord Darcy de Royleston. In need of a wife, Elias decides his dowdy neighbor, Cressie, is a safe option and decides to woo her. Incredulous and busy beyond compare, she finds his suit insulting. He persists and shadows her throughout her breakneck hostess schedule, but can he convince her that his love is real?

While I didn't find the lightning flash realization of mutual love believable, the depiction of Cressie as an emotionally abused daughter rang true and her lovely gift to Elias incredibly sweet.

3/5*

Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell
Lady Isabelle Wilkshire, granddaughter to the dying duke, and Cyrus Hill, the striving son of Greystoke's stablemaster, had an Upstairs-Downstairs romance which ended due to his workaholism.  Ten years later the pair are forced together at the Duke's perhaps final Revelry, placed in charge of a Christmas pageant. Isabelle has pursued a career in the theatre, while Cyrus has built a private investment empire - many of his clients are guests at the Christmas house party. Working together forces Isabelle and Cyrus to face their past, their smoldering attraction, and wonder if they have a future together. Can they learn from their shared history and create a new life together?

This story features a slow build (or is it burn?) between these two star-crossed lovers. They circle one another, appreciating how each other have changed over their decade apart, and learn who they've become... and may I say the music room interlude is one of the hottest scenes I've read in a Christmas novella!

4.5/5*

Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor
Caroline and Stephen Whitmore are an estranged couple who are guests at the Revelry, where she hopes to ask her Uncle, the Duke, for an advance on her inheritance so she can support her passion project. She and her husband have been living separately for the past year -despite their attraction and chemistry- due to her feeling neglected by her busy, estate-focused husband. In order to liberate her funds, the two have to convince the Duke that they are happily married. In keeping with the other tales in this compilation, the wily Greystoke manipulates his niece like a marionette doll as his legion of retainers spy on the couple. As the two jump through hoops, they rediscover their love for one another - but can they work things out and stay together after the party ends?

I love a good "finding our way back to each other" story, but could not warm to the silly, petulant Caroline. She assumes, abandons her marriage on the flimsiest of premises, and acts like a spoiled ten-year-old. Stephen, on the other hand, seems clueless at times, though is a passionate, tender man who means well and extends himself for the good of his tenants and all who depend on him. The old trope of miscommunication writ large is at play here, but in truth how many relationships in real life are hampered by partners failing to understand one another?

It's a 4/5* for me as I adore Stephen - he's a peach, and I'd marry him! It's said that attraction is built in the smallest of interactions, and Stephen makes his adoration of his wife evident in every eyebrow lift, smile, and sensual touch. The tale veers into a bit of cheesiness at the end - a children's choir! - but the ending is poignant and satisfying.

Mischief and Mistletoe by Erica Ridley
Louisa Harcourt is a twenty-two year old spinster, destined to be shoved into a little-dusted region of The Shelf. She and her mother, Lady Harcourt, are neighbors of Greystoke and are headed to the Revelry to finally land the former a titled husband, as previous attempts ended in scandal rag-fed disaster. Louisa has a secret vocation, however, and nurses a dream of having her poetry published. Would a husband be so indulgent?

Enter Ewan Reid, society darling and poet at large. Not a scrap of his work has been published, but if you can't have Byron at your event, Ewan will do. Brooding , tall, and sanguine, Louisa sees in him a kindred spirit and perhaps a last chance for understanding - and even a bit of romance - before an unwanted marriage.

As the party progresses, Louisa's split personalities of poet and complaisant husband-hunter collide, and she and Ewan carve out a two-week space where they can enjoy and encourage one another. All is not as it seems, however, and one of the parties harbors a secret that will devastate the other. Louisa is within a hair's breadth of achieving her mother's aim of a brilliant marriage - sanctioned by the Duke, who shares a surprising history with Lady Harcourt - when she decides to take her future into her own hands.

It's an empowering tale, but the two main characters seemed a bit one-dimensional for most of the story. Despite her limited role, I found Lady Harcourt to be more full-fleshed, and the Duke stole his scenes. I did find the tender, intimate world Louisa and Ewan created both believable and heart-warming, and am awarding it 3.5/5* for this reason. It's an enjoyable story, but not particularly memorable.

In its entirety, the book is a marvelous way to open your heart, stir a bit of passion, and get you into the mood for Christmas parties and a season of good cheer! A special thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an advanced digital copy of this work; my opinions were freely given.

The Duke’s revelry see four couples get a happy Christmas wish. Four wonderful authors collaborate to bring mistletoe and magic to the holidays. The Duke plays ringmaster from his sickbed and sees his family members and guests dancing to his tune and doing his bidding. Vows are renewed, weddings occur, and marriage proposals are made in the biggest party of the year.

3.5 *

Pleasant, but utterly forgettable. Unlike other anthologies I’ve read, however, these four stories are cohesive, all centered around a famous and sought-after Duke of Greystoke’s Christmas Revelry. The writing talent of all four authors is well-matched which is often not the case in these themed story collections. If you’re looking for an easy, quick read to get you in the mood for the holidays, this fits the bill.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Avon through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

The Duke of Greystoke's Christmas Revelry is famous throughout the British Isles for its plays, dancing, magical grotto... not to mention scandals leading to the marriage licenses he hands out like confetti. But not everyone welcomes a visit from Cupid. Lady Cressida, the duke's daughter, is too busy managing the entertainments--and besides, her own father has called her dowdy. Her cousin, Lady Isabelle Wilkshire, is directing Cinderella and has no interest in marriage. Lady Caroline Whitmore is already (unhappily) married; the fact that she and her estranged husband have to pretend to be together just makes her dread the party all the more. But not as much as Miss Louisa Harcourt, whose mother bluntly tells her that this is her last chance to escape the horrors of being an old maid.
Four of my must read authors collaborating together in this delightful anthology set at a house party, all of the four stories are well written with strong characters, there are different tropes but all have a charming journey to their HEAs.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is a wonderful Christmas treat for my historical romance lover! Mistletoe Christmas is an anthology of stories that take place during The Duke of Greystoke’s Christmas Revelry. The Regency background and story context is described in vivid detail. As each story takes place at the same holiday house party, they can be read as stand-alone romances, even though they are connected. The first story in this book is titled “A Mistletoe Kiss” by Eloisa James which is Cressida and Elias’ story. The second story is “Wishing Under the Mistletoe” by Christi Caldwell which is Isabelle and Cyrus’ story, a second chance romance. The Third is “Compromise Under the Mistletoe” by Janna MacGregor, Caroline and Stephen’s story. The fourth is “Mischief and Mistletoe” by Erica Ridley, Louisa and Ewan’s story. The stories range from nice and sweet to dramatic and angsty, with a bit of heat in the mix. I love these four authors because their heroines are women who make choices and deal with changes in order to find happiness. If you enjoy reading historical romances set during the holidays, you will enjoy Mistletoe Christmas.
Four plus stars - Highly recommended!

Four of my favorite authors, I knew I would be in for a treat! I loved how they were able to weave all four of their stories together and you couldn't tell that they were written by 4 different people. This is a wonderful Christmas treat for my historical romance lover!

3.5-4 Stars! Cute book to read around the holiday season! This is 4 novellas in one book. Each story takes place at the same Christmas house party so they are semi connected, although they can be read as standalone, and they all have HEA endings, which are my favorite endings! Thankfully, there are NO CLIFFHANGERS in this book.
The first novella in this book is ‘A Mistletoe Kiss’ by Eloisa James. Cressida and Elias’ story - 2.5 Stars!
The second novella was ‘Wishing Under the Mistletoe’ by Christi Caldwell. Isabelle and Cyrus’ tale - 3.5 Stars!
Third was ‘Compromise Under the Mistletoe’ by Janna MacGregor. Caroline and Stephens novella - 4 Stars!
Last but not least was ‘Mischief and Mistletoe’ by Erica Ridley. Louisa and Ewans story - 4 Stars!
I did enjoy reading these novellas but I didn’t find the characters all that likable and they weren’t very memorable. Other than that though, I liked the stories.
Relationship advice I learned from this book is - Communication!! Communicate with one another and skip all the misunderstandings.
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

The best Christmas anthology I have read to date! My absolute favorite of the four stories was Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell. I never knew I wanted A Christmas Carol turned into a sexy romance novel featuring Ebenezer and his lost love. I absolutely adore a well done second chance romance trope and Caldwell did not disappoint. I could have cried when I finished the final chapter, I didn't want it to end!

A magical, romantic Christmas anthology!
During the Christmas season, I love reading historical romances set during the holidays; especially anthologies since I have very little time to devote to reading while preparing for Christmas. I was so excited to see a new historical romance anthology being released with these amazing authors. The premise sounded great and each story held promising love stories.
I'm happy to report that I adored each of the novellas. Each brought something different to the collection while also tying into the Christmas Revelry. I am always impressed when a group of authors are able to do that!
I particularly enjoyed Christi Caldwell's and Erica Ridley's novellas! Swoon city!
If you're looking for a book (or in this case several novellas) to get you into the Christmas spirit I would highly recommend this!
A great big thank you to NetGalley and Avon Romance for the eArc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“A Mistletoe Kiss” by Eloisa James
Lady Cressida is the youngest daughter of the Duke of Greystoke and has been running the Revelry for years. No one knows that she is the brain behind her father’s infamous party; all they see is a dowdy woman no one would look twice at. No one, except Elias, Lord Darcy de Royleston…

Eloisa James kicks off the Revelry with “A Mistletoe Kiss”. Cressie is brilliant, talented, and heartbreakingly lonely. Her father has beaten her down emotionally in order to keep her under his thumb and running the Revelry. As a last straw, he’s given away her dowry and now Cressie feels like she’ll be trapped even after his death. She wants a home and family of her own, but how can she trust when Elias starts flirting with her? Elias sees Cressie for all that she is, though not at first. I liked that he fell for her as he got to know her (though it does happen fairly quickly) and he does have to prove it. More than the happily ever after, I was rooting for Cressie to break free of her father’s control. I won’t spoil what happens, but of course there’s a delightful, satisfying ending.



“Wishing Under the Mistletoe” by Christi Caldwell
It’s been ten years since Cyrus Hill has seen Lady Isabelle Wilkshire. Their last communication was her breaking off their engagement. But now that they’re thrown together at the Revelry, perhaps Cyrus has a chance to see where he went wrong all those years ago. And maybe even win back the woman who has always held his heart.

“Wishing Under the Mistletoe” has elements of A Christmas Carol, albeit with a much happier ending. Cyrus isn’t cold and cruel like Scrooge, but having been the stablemaster’s son in love with a lady, he was very aware with their differences in station and was more focused on working and growing his coffers than paying attention to Isabelle. Cyrus is still focused on growing his business when they are reunited, but Isabelle calls out to him as always. What I appreciated about this story is that Christi Caldwell didn’t make everything Cyrus’s fault. Isabelle had her own part to play in the falling apart of their relationship. She needed to listen to Cyrus as much as he did to her. I enjoyed watching them learn from their past mistakes and open up their hearts for a second chance at love. Isabelle and Cyrus have a natural chemistry that makes their story fly by and I enjoyed it immensely.



“Compromise Under the Mistletoe” by Janna MacGregor
It’s been a year since Caroline left her husband, but her uncle has demanded that she and Stephen make an appearance at the Revelry. If Caroline wants to claim her inheritance, she must pretend to be reconciled with her husband. She strikes a bargain with Stephen, but what she doesn’t expect is to find the man she left eager to win her back.

I adore a good second chance romance and Janna MacGregor has penned a great one in “Compromise Under the Mistletoe”. Caroline had her reasons for leaving Stephen, but it wasn’t because he was a bad person. Rather, she felt like she wasn’t important to him. Stephen is hoping to win her back by finding out what he did wrong. The sparks between them burn hot the instant they’re reunited, but in order to get the happily ever after they desire both Stephen and Caroline need to work on their communication.

It’s easy to root for this couple because they’re clearly meant to be. They have great chemistry, a natural compatibility in bed and out, but they just need to learn and grow a bit in order to make a life together. I loved watching them both come to understand each other and was delighted by “Compromise Under the Mistletoe” from beginning to end.



“Mischief & Mistletoe” by Erica Ridley
Louisa Harcourt is at the Revelry to catch a title and make her mother’s dreams for her come true. There are two available viscounts who may be amenable to marrying the woman society deems utterly forgettable, but it’s brooding poet Ewan Reid she can’t seem to stay away from…

“Mischief & Mistletoe is a delight. Erica Ridley delivers a tale of rather ordinary people on the fringes of society that warms the heart. Louisa has a dowry but after the scandal sheets dubbed her dreadfully dull, she can’t seem to catch a husband. Men don’t see her…until Ewan. Ewan is known for being brooding and handsome – he’s invited to house parties everywhere for just that reason. But the poet has a secret, one that is slowly tearing at his soul. Louisa, a poet herself, is delighted to meet someone who finally understands her. I loved their interactions and how Ewan supported and believed in Louisa’s writing. Both Louisa and Ewan have good hearts, though Ewan has made mistakes in the past which may haunt him now. I was rooting for them every step of the way and found their romance to be heartwarming and utterly charming.



Mistletoe Christmas features four stories of women who won’t settle for less than they deserve, which I loved. All four stories are charming holiday romances, but they’ve got added depth with characters who take charge of their future rather than bending to the whims of society. Janna MacGregor’s installment was my favorite of the lot, but there’s something for any historical romance fan to warm your heart this winter.

Even though we haven’t yet made it to the actual Christmas season, I’m excited that I get to dive into my beloved holiday themed fiction already. The magic of hope and possibility that surrounds the yuletide makes it my very favorite time of the year. Add in a sprinkle of romance and you’ve got everything at the very heart of this anthology. The stories range from silly and sweet to dramatic and angsty, with a good dose of sizzling thrown in. Really, there’s a little bit of just about everything between these covers, and most of the stories are a mix of all of the above. My heart sighed in happiness to see new love discovered and the broken pieces put back together as second chances were given. I fell in love with these characters and I’m a little sad to let them go now that the book is over. These were stories that reaffirmed my faith in the miracle of Christmas.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

MISTLETOE CHRISTMAS by Eloisa James, Christi Caldwell, Janna MacGregor, and Erica Ridley.
This is a Anthology box set of Christmas theme story made around the up and coming Revelry. So although the main character couple changes the theme is toward Christmas and the Revelry. I am such a big fan of these authors this was a must have for me. I am also a fan of holiday themed romances. This is also a good way to get a taste of each author's writing if you haven't read them before. I highly recommend this box set....Loved it!
Here are the books that you will be getting:
A Mistletoe Kiss by Eloisa James
Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell
Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor
Mischief & Mistletoe by Erica Ridley

I loved this anthology sooo much! It has the perfect Christmas spirit that we all need right now.
Eloisa James, Christi Caldwell, Janna MacGregor, and Erica Ridley brought us four original stories that tell a hilarious tale of a Christmas house party that serves up love and scandal in equal measure!
The Duke of Greystoke’s Christmas Revelry is famous for the scandals leading to the marriage licenses he hands out like confetti.
Lady Cressida, the duke’s daughter, is too busy managing the entertainments—and besides, her own father has called her dowdy. Her cousin, Lady Isabelle Wilkshire, is directing Cinderella and has no interest in marriage. Lady Caroline Whitmore is already (unhappily) married; the fact that she and her estranged husband have to pretend to be together just makes her dread the party all the more. But not as much as Miss Louisa Harcourt, whose mother bluntly tells her that this is her last chance to escape the horrors of being an old maid.
I’m a huge fan of Eloisa James, but I have to say that my absolutely favorite story was the one written by Christi Caldwell. Nevertheless, all of them are really engaging. There are great sexy times, deep kisses under the mistletoe, illicit affairs, a lot of snow and magical places. All of the stories are beautifully written, with great meaningful dialogs and lovely characters that you can’t stop reading about.
I highly recommended this book, it’s easy to read, romantic, sweet, sexy and entertaining. What else could we need?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

An anthologies of stories with a common thread: they all take place during The Duke of Greystoke’s Christmas Revelry.
Historical romances are always a hit or miss with me and this anthology is surely a hit.
I read other stories by these authors and knew they are excellent storyteller, my expectations were high and I wasn't disappointed.
I loved all the stories as they are well plotted and the characters are interesting.
My favorite is Mistletoe Christmas as it's poignant and romantic at the same time. I couldn't help feeling for Lady Cressida, the woman behind the Revelry. Her destiny has been decided and she's not destined to marry but to keep on organising the parties.
It's an excellent depiction of what could happen to a woman in an age were they when the couldn't inherit and their father ruled their life. She will be able to change her life and find happyness.
The other stories also features women who takes their life in their hands and face changes in order to achieve happiness.
I appreciated the storytelling and how the stories worked in a novella format. The historical background is vivid and well researched.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

4.5 stars - So far, I’ve read 3 or 4 Christmas anthologies set to release in late 2021. Mistletoe Christmas is, by far, the best I’ve read. Eloise James'’s A Mistletoe Kiss is the shining star in this set of holiday romances. It’s success is rooted in her writing chops, for sure, but also the presence of a prologue and epilogue that make the story feel whole. The other reads are good too, but secondarily so. They all include a prologue or epilogue, but not both.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“Mistletoe Christmas: An Anthology” by four great authors was entertaining and a tear-jerker. The more the novellas in an anthology intertwine, the more the more I love the book, and this book did it for me. I did not feel the stories were rushed. There was compromise, different perspectives, love, support, and working aristocratic women to name a few things I love reading about. I felt very satisfied reading well-written work about four couples who found/rekindled love at the Duke of Greystoke’s Christmas Revelry house party!

In “A Mistletoe Kiss” by Eloisa James, Lady Cressida’s ailing father’s reveals his daughter’s dowry was reissued. The future duke asked one of his oldest friends to consider Cressie as his wife because he needs one eventually. I love the message that beauty is really in the eye of the beholder, we got a mini history lesson of Arthur and Guinevere, and ideas for our personal holiday parties.

In “Wishing Under the Mistletoe” By Christi Caldwell, after a ten-year separation, the duke’s granddaughter, Isabelle, and her Scrooge-like, ex-fiancé Mr. Cyrus Hill were requested to attend the party. I absolutely love how the story came full-circle, how Isabelle rewrote their past, and how the grand gesture was written.

In “Compromise Under the Mistletoe” by Janna MacGregor, the duke’s niece, Caroline, and her husband she left a year ago, Lord Stephan Whitmore, needed to prove they were in love for her to receive her trust fund early. I loved their chemistry, how they were interrupted at the right moments, and how hidden mistletoe both did and did not help their mission.

In “Mischief and Mistletoe” by Erica Ridley, Louisa Harcourt’s marriage-minded mama wanted her engaged by the end of the house party. However, her squirrel fur eyes kept staring at the faux-Poe(t), Mr. Ewan Reid. This one was juicy and I loved it! Of course she falls in love the man who’s words ruined her years ago.

Thank you to Net Galley, Avon Books, and Harper Voyager US for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Four stories of one lavish holiday party, each told by a different author from a different attendee's point of view, with each including some of the same characters. Each of the stories was wildly descriptive. Cute, enjoyable, historical romantic fiction, good for when you want to read something light.