It's always wonderful for minor characters to find their HEAs! I was so happy to read Ms Jeffries' story. When I realized almost immediately that the H & h were familiar, I smiled! The circumstances of the 3 stories are interwoven into each other which is fascinating to discover in each story. Ms. Hunter's and Ms. Putney's stories were also very enjoyable. What's more enjoyable than finding love at Christmas! This book brings so much joy, I thoroughly enjoyed it! Highly recommended!

I was provided an advance reader copy through NetGalley. These are my opinions voluntarily given.

These are three authors I always enjoy and this is a sweet Christmas collection of interrelated stories about three couples spending an icy Christmas in a remote inn. You have to suspend a lot of disbelief for the first and third stories as couples who knew each other years earlier, but were separated for different and rather abrupt reasons find themselves now stranded at this same inn. I had a bit of trouble buying their stories and how the heroines end up forgiving the heroes of their stories. That’s why I liked the middle story by Madeline Hunter about the woman who owns the inn taking care of a stranger who falls sick near the inn. Their relationship seemed more believable and I was more interested in their characters.

All in all, these stories provided an enjoyable few hours of reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance readers copy of this story.

A Yuletide Kiss is a collaboration between 3 authors with all 3 stories taking place at the same time in the same inn. An Ice storm brings out the best in the stranded strangers. But not all of them are strangers. The beauty of this book is that we're finding out what happened to a couple of secondary characters from each of the authors books. I liked all 3 and was very pleased when I realized I was getting a kind of epilog of characters I'd wondered about. Fabulous. If you're a fan then you already know these 3 ladies can write good stories so if you're curious then dive in for a pleasant journey.

#MadelineHunter #SabrinaJeffries #MaryJoPutney #AYuletideKiss #KensingtonPress #historicalromance #romance

I received a preview copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given review.

Another historical Christmas anthology, featuring three authors I do like and enjoy. It certainly was nice to read about ice and snow during the recent moist, unbearable period of heat and humidity we had. While this weather does not exactly make me want to burst out in carol singing, and drinking hot mulled cider, I still love Christmas stories. This trio of short stories was quite enjoyable, and it was written about three couples, and three different perspectives, but linked by one place and one event.

There was a terrible storm, and a number of travelers were forced to seek refuge at the White Rose Inn. Jenna Waverley, the owner and hostess had actually closed the inn down for several days and sent home the majority of her staff for the season, and was not prepared to take customers with her bare bones staff and lack of sufficient provisions. But in light of the weather and dangerous travelling conditions, she could not turn them away, so long as they were prepared to do for themselves and help out, considering the lack of resources at hand.

When We Finally Kiss Goodnight - Sabrina Jeffries - This is the story of Flora and Konrad. She is a young lady working as a companion to a rather interfering viscountess, both on their way to a house party. Konrad is a famed playwright. Both she and he had a prior attachment that ended abruptly years prior. He still carries a torch for her, but has many secrets that prevent him from declaring himself as a serious suitor, or being able to provide for her. She is distrustful and a bit bitter of how their relationship ended. This was a sweet story of two people from rather different backgrounds, and links to Jefferie's series, Duke Dynasty, which I have not read as yet. I quite enjoyed it, and makes me more interested in reading the other books in this series. I would give this Three French Hens out of five.

An Unexpected Christmas Gift - Madeline Hunter - This is Jenna's story. An injured and ill stranger was found by one of her staff and brought to her inn, at the beginning of this storm. She showed great generosity of spirit by taking him in, and nursing him back to health through his fever, despite the possible risk to herself. He turns out to be Lucas Avonwood, the son of a peer. We find out some interesting things about why he was travelling about alone during the winter storm, and about her owning the inn and her own familial troubles and how they intersect with Lucas. Ultimately their patient and healer relationship develops into something warmer and more intimate. I quite enjoyed their story, and deeply appreciated the dedication to medical professionals at the beginning of her story. Maybe I am a bit biased because of that, but little things like that warm my spirit and remind me to keep going myself not matter what - thanks for that. Four Calling Birds out of Five for this little gem.

When Strangers Meet - Mary Jo Putney - This was a great story and I wish there was more because these were two such interesting characters and the story was so intriguing! Kate McLeod and Daniel Farringdon (sidebar - NOT Captain Ramesh Langdon as in the above blurb - though the implication of a mixed race hero in a Yuletide story from Regency England super intrigued me and I would totally read that story) met many years ago in India. She was a young orphan who was in serious danger and he was a deeply lost, troubled, and inebriated soul who did something very noble to help save her, and set her back on the path to England. That set him on a path to his own recovery, and she returned to safety and they both prospered in the intervening years. However, they were still integrally linked by past events, and through chance their paths reconnected. In their short period together, they went from being strangers to develop a strong attraction and connection. I think this one was a Five Golden Rings out of Five for me. I loved the depth of the characters and both their histories, and the backstory was intriguing.

This was a good anthology and very enjoyable read for me. Another one that I could so envision enjoying, sitting by a nice warm, golden fire, with a hot mug of cider, snuggled under a soft blanket with the dog at my feet, while ice and snow swirl outside (though the reality was really hot, moist greenhouse-like weather and the general smell of wet gym socks - very not Christmas like at all!)

WHEN WE FINALLY KISS GOOD-NIGHT by Sabrina Jeffries (DUKE DYNASTY SPIN OFF)

8 years ago Flora Younger traveled to Bath to find and marry a man of rank and fortune. While there she met Konrad Juncker, a low born playwright whom she quickly fell in love with. Sadly, Konrad abandoned her without a by your leave which ultimately forced Flora into becoming a paid companion.

They now find themselves trapped at the White Rose Inn together during a horrible snow storm. Will the forced proximity allow them to overcome the past and rekindle their lost romance?

AN UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS GIFT by Madeline Hunter

Lucas Avonwood works as an agent for The Home Office. While following a case lead during a blizzard he becomes lost in the storm and falls ill. Lucas is saved from the storm and nursed to health by local inn proprietress Jenna Waverly. During his stay at the White Rose Inn Lucas quickly finds himself falling for a potential suspect. Can he quickly crack the case without ruining a budding romance?

If you’re a fan of insta-love this ones for you!

WHEN STRANGERS MEET by Mary Jo Putney (My favorite of the three!)

Former soldier Daniel Faringdon has returned to England to assume responsibility of the barony he has inherited. While traveling to his new estate he gets caught in a snowstorm. Shortly after seeking shelter at the isolated White Rose Inn Daniel is surprised to find a familiar face… his estranged wife.

Kate McLeod has been trying to prove her husbands death in order to marry another. Has Daniel arrived in time to save his marriage?


I am a fan of the Duke Dynasty series by Sabrina Jeffries which is what originally drew my attention to this book. A Yuletide Kiss is three short novella's that all take place within the same world at the exclusive White Rose Inn. I found this anthology absolutely enchanting, the characters and their stories were so heart warming. During this upcoming holiday season I suggest everyone stop and take a much needed break. Curl up by the fire with a cocktail and enjoy this treat of a book.

An historical romance Christmas anthology. In this book three separate authors writes stories about one event. Two days before Christmas an unexpected storm strands different groups of people together at an inn. The inn was supposed to have been shut down letting the staff have the holidays with their families but the owner welcomes them. So in each book you have people attending the same events, hunting, making a holiday dinner, an evening of entertainment with a makeshift Christmas tree and the parties of each story interact. I really like the premise but sadly wasn't really swept away with any of the stories.

Thoughts on a Yuletide Kiss by Sabrina Jeffries should be #4.5 of Duke Dynasty series. It would probably be great if you read the series because Junker evidently makes several appearances. But I didn't have that connection. In this he has been pretending to be a playwright for works written by his titled best friend. At the Inn he meets the woman he flirted with in Bath seven years before. Not really knowing the rules of society he inadvertently messed up her chances for a proper marriage. There is still fondness and attraction. (3.25 stars)

The Unexpected Gift by Madeline Hunter. A man comes in sick and almost frozen in the storm. Inn Keeper owner Jenna Waverly takes him and nurses him through his fever etc. I'm not fond of caretaker tropes because even though one party gets to give service the romance can't advance because the other isn't awake or able to share much information. I really like Jenna's character and the practical way that she has taken care of herself. But in a matter of days is willing to toss it all aside and let her new guy make decisions for her. If is an instant love with a little mystery too. (3.5 stars)

When Strangers Meet by Mary Jo Putney. Kate comes to the Inn in the storm as do two men on horseback. She is stunned to see the man that saved her in India seven years before by marrying her and sending her back to her relations in England. To be fair he didn't realize it was a real marriage. She tells him she was on the verge of having him declared dead so she could marry. They spend the couple of days getting to know each other. This is very low angst and is clean except for a couple of kisses. They must decide quickly whether to stay married or continue on their separate ways. (3 stars)

Of the three authors I've only read Jeffries before and like I said I would probably have rated her story higher if I had read that series. These are perfectly good novellas (about 110 pages each) but I've read a couple other Christmas anthologies recently that I've enjoyed more. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

3.5*
A Yuletide kiss
**When We Finally Kiss Good Night
Sabrina Jeffries
3.5*
Second chance at love. I enjoyed Konrad and Flora’s HEA. They are characters from one of my favorite Sabrina Jeffries series.
**The Unexpected Gift
Madeline Hunter
3*
Jenna and Lucas, from the sick bed to a future of love and happiness.
** When Strangers Meet
Mary Jo Putney
4*
I loved this story. It was a great storyline and the characters Kate and Daniel were strong and very likable. I wanted more of them!

I enjoyed the stories woven around strangers taking shelter at an inn closed for Christmas. Details mentioned in each story take on a different significance when viewed by different characters. I'm a fan of Sabrina Jeffries' Duke Dynasty so I was thrilled to finally really "meet" Konrad Juncker. All of the characters appear in each story in different degrees. Each story is interesting on its own but weaving them together as the authors have done is magical.

A Yuletide Kiss is a great connecting Anthology. I love how the authors were able to seamlessly tell this lovely Christmastime story.

A group of travelers traveling during Yuletide are stranded at an inn that was closed for Yuletide. The owner having no choice but to open her doors for the travelers who are caught in a snow storm. There are three separate stories, written by three different authors, within this group of novellas. Each author has a writing style that I thoroughly enjoyed, they fill their stories with characters that come off the pages and pull you into their tale, all are well-written, with enjoyable plots that brings this read together perfectly!

Normally I adore a good Christmas anthology, but the pacing was incredibly slow. I struggled to get through When We Finally Kiss Good-night (Sabrina Jeffries' contribution). I just wasn't particularly invested in Konrad and Flora's story.

An Unexpected Christmas gift was sweet but not quite appropriate for the timeline- like too much happened in too little time, it was all crammed into a three day time line.

When Strangers Meet was the best of the three stories and I love a good spousal reunion and Daniel and Kate really carry the book.

A Yuletide Kiss was good, but not great. It was a good weekend read.

Three very talented authors have written three very wonderful Christmas stories.

All the action takes place during an ice and snow storm a few days before Christmas. Because travel is impossible, a group of travelers arrive at the White Rose Inn. The inn is closed for the holidays, there are no staff to speak of and anyone who stays will need to provide their own personal service and possibly some food.

Konrad and Flora have a history. She felt abandoned and he felt he had no choice. Now, their attraction is too great to ignore. Overcoming the pain of the past will be an uphill climb.

Jenna and Lucas begin a relationship when he is unconscious and she saves his life. When he returns to the land of the living, there is an immediate attraction. Lucas was on his way in search of a villain and instead he found love. Jenna considers herself on the shelf and in no way ready for a fling.

Kate and Nicholas have a history. Years ago, they were married in India. The wedding was a way for Nicholas to save Kate’s life. And that event also saved his life and made him in to a completely new man. Both of them have become different people, but those people are still feeling an attraction for one another.

Each of the stories gave me a wonderful sense of Christmas, happiness and love.

The expectations were that these authors would provide wonderful holiday stories. And I was not the least bit surprised that they surpassed my expectations.

I received this anthology from the publisher through NetGalley in the hope that I would write a fair and honest review.

All opinions are completely my own. I am a fan of each of the authors and I was not disappointed by the examples of their skills.

All 3 stories in this anthology are delightful and all take place at the same time and in the same inn. I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.


When We Finally Kiss Good Night by Sabrina Jeffries

Konrad and Flora have a past but when he left without saying goodbye, she thought she'd never see him again. Now, years later, they are both stranded at The White Rose inn just before Christmas. It's time to put the past behind and look towards the future but with secrets between them, that is easier said than done. I enjoyed this novella, Sabrina Jeffries did a wonderful job with it. I really loved the part where Flora sees a Christmas tree for the very first time:)


The Unexpected Gift by Madeline Hunter

With an inn full of unexpected guests at Christmas time, the owner, Jenna, does the best she can with a limited amount of servants, as well as having to take care of a man found wounded and ill in the snow. Lucas works for the Home Office and is in search of a stolen brooch. When he recovers from his illness, it seems he's finally going to find that brooch and the man who had stolen it!! Romance blooms between Lucas and Jenna and it really will put a smile on your lips and hope in your heart. Madeline Hunter is a gifted writer and this novella proves it:)


When Strangers Meet by Mary Jo Putney

Being snowbound at an inn can be quite the experience, especially when two people who hadn't seen each other in 7 years are actually legally married to each other! I really enjoyed Kate and Daniel's story, how he had saved her and married her, only to send her to safety while he put his life back together again. Their attraction to each other makes them agree to get to know each other and see if they could make this marriage work...only problem is, she was in the process of having him declared dead so that she could be free to marry another man!! Mary Jo Putney is always a delight to read!

A Yuletide Kiss is the combined stories of the snowy weather and ice bringing together three couples, family members, friends and servants in the White Rose Inn. It is an adorable Christmas anthology. The ‘introduction’ of a Christmas tree due to the German connection was fun and enlightening to the inn’s inhabitants. These new found friends took care of each other making the best of a difficult situation and finding romance in the air.

When We Finally Kiss Good Night is the perfect extension to the Duke Dynasty series. If you have not read the series, do so following this second chance romance. This romance is absolutely a stand-alone romance novella. Konrad Juncker, to me, was kind of a questionable character in Who Wants to Marry a Duke, but I loved him here. He seems to lack the self-confidence needed to be Flora’s HEA. You know these two love each other and just need to find their way. With a little help from Viscountess Whitmarsh, Flora’s employer, and the weather, love finds its way.

The Unexpected Gift is the sweetest Christmas Jenna could have hoped for in her little snowed in inn. She gave her servants time off with their families for Christmas leaving her and only a handful to care for all of those who joined them at the inn due to the weather. Jenna finds herself caring for a sick, but handsome gentleman. One whom she draws close to aw she cares for him. It is no mistake Lucas Avonwood is found near her inn by one of her servants. He is actually looking for a man who seduced his own sister and believes that man was headed to the inn. Yet, Lucas finds himself falling for the sweet innkeeper who is caring for him. As their love grows so very quickly, Lucas quickly realizes Jenna’s brother is the very man for whom has been searching. Lucas is not going to let that hurt his love for Jenna.

When Strangers Meet is kind of a second chance romance that never really got off the ground. Daniel married Kate to protect her from her own uncle while in Bombay. Said uncle was basically auctioning her off to the highest bidder. Daniel looked in her eyes and knew he had to save her, which meant marrying her for her own protection. Here they are years later on a chance meeting. She is nearly betrothed, but Kate and Daniel use the snowed in days to get to know each other. There is still doubt in Kate’s mind due to her ‘almost betrothal’ that she is unsure of her growing feelings for Daniel.

This is one of those romantic collections you will want to read during the holidays, or any time as far as romance goes.

This was a wonderful compilation with two of my favorite historical authors and one new to me. As always, Sabrina Jeffries and Madeline Hunter have written wonderful tales that follow some of their other books I love. Mary Jo Putney is a wonderful writer as well and someone I will be adding to my list of authors to follow. These three Christmas novellas tell of a holiday shared with strangers due to severe weather, They are told from three different perspectives and each story is enchanting and enjoyable. Highly recommended.

This is a lovely holiday romance. It is pure escape and would best be read in a cosy chair by a fireplace. Travelers seek refuge at a closed inn during a holiday snow storm. Three romances will unfold over the few days they spend snowbound at the inn. Three authors contribute a story each, all intertwined with the location, holiday and weather.

An enjoyable trilogy of short stories set in a "closed" Inn during an ice and snow storm. The three stories, each written by well know romance authors, Sabrina Jeffries, Madeline Hunter and Mary Jo Putney, flow together amazing well, it seems like a situation where the first was written and then the next and the next, since parts of the previous books were in the second and third book. I've never, personally, read a collection book that worked that way, but it really tied it all together.

Thank you Kensington Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book was filled with three historical romance novellas that I couldn't put down. They were filled with characters and situations that were very intriguing. All three stories were based on the same set of events, but each story was based on different characters point of view. I loved that! I expect anyone who enjoys a good historical romance will love this book. I received an advanced reader's copt from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed that the anthology revolved around an inn that was shut down for Christmas, and that most of the action took place there. I have a definite favorite among the three stories, although I was engaged by each of them. It is fun to see the same timeframe repeatedly reported from different points of view. I am a fan of sweet Regency so some of the stories were a little less appreciated, but overall 'A Yuletide Kiss' is a good holiday read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Thoughts on a Yuletide kiss
When we Finally Kiss Goodnight
Sabrina Jeffries
Konrad Junker and Flora Younger
I was really wanting this story since I’d read all the previous books in the series and wondered how Junker would end up. It was quite obvious around the middle of the story how easily Junker’s problems would be resolved. I enjoyed Flora and her little pie making escapade however I didn’t feel like we got a whole lot of character depth or development from her. It seemed like she got over his abandonment of her relatively easily, it was interesting to me that she was the discerning lady in previous books. I did enjoy their Christmas decorating and the discussion of baking and the work involved in living and caring for themselves. I also enjoyed the story of them working together to write a Christmas carol. However there were not enough details, the conflict was too easily resolved. Not enough co backstory of their previous entanglement. Not enough time for me to have real deep feelings about them as a couple. 1 short “romantic” scene and a few kissing/groping scenes. I was slightly disappointed in this story probably because I was more invested in it from the previous books. I just wanted more.

The unexpected gift
Madeline Hunter
Jenna waverly and Lucas Avonwood

I am unfamiliar with Madeline Hunter’s writing but was immediately interested in the sick man and the owner of the inn when I started reading the beginning of A Yuletide Kiss. I always enjoy a caretaker trope. The dedication to healthcare workers at the beginning was lovely. I loved their quick romance and the story involving the scandal with her brother. It was well done and well resolved. I liked both characters and their development and romance as the story unfolded. I didn’t enjoy their romantic scenes as I prefer them to be lengthier and more explicit. Overall a good short story.


When Strangers Meet
Mary Jo Putney
Kate Macleod and Daniel Faringdon

I struggled with this one. It’s very contrived and unrealistic. The writing is awkward and sometimes cringeworthy. The 2 characters are very immature especially Kate. It’s also clean with nothing but a few kisses. I did not like Kate.

Overall the first 2 stories were the most enjoyable of the 3 stories. I wish there would have been a more cohesive ending to the whole book instead of just ending the 3rd story. I know these are short stories but honestly the only one that held my interest and gave me feels was the 2nd one. I was looking forward to Junker’s story but wasn’t happy with the details or length. Not sure I’d re read these. I do think I will give Madeline Hunter a good look since I enjoyed her story most and will continue to read other Sabrina Jeffries and Mary Jo Putney novels. I do have a feeling that these collaborative novels/novellas are just not for me. Thank you very much for the opportunity to read it.