The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham is a delightful book, well written with intriguing characters.

Lord Astley is to marry an American heiress to help save his beloved Havensbrook estate. But he ends up marrying the wrong bride. Grace Ferguson never expected to marry a Lord, but is thrust into the situation when her older sister runs off with her love.

As it turns out, Frederick really ends up marrying the right bride. There is a mystery that surrounds the death of Frederick's father and brother and Grace and Frederick join forces to investigate. From starting out as strangers, they learn that love is a strong bond.

This is a good clean read, with Grace's exuberant imagination, and rock solid faith. She comes along side and supports and upholds Frederick in so many ways. She looks for adventure in every corner, and Frederick finds himself enamored and uplifted by Grace's reinforcement.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Net Galley and the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

It's not often that I feel timid when it comes to writing a review, but I do in the case of this brilliant story, because I know there are no words I can string together that will come anywhere close to doing this incredible book justice! But I will do my best! For starters, I loved Grace, she is probably my favorite heroine of all time, she is so much fun in all her bookish delightfulness, she never fails to make me laugh, and I love her outlook on life! I seriously wish Grace was real because I would totally claim her as my BFF! And, Frederick, oh my stars, what a swoonilicious hunk of a hero! He is humorous, selfless, sweet, protective, caring, thoughtful, just the right amount of brooding, the tiniest bit deliciously roguish, and he's a reader! Trust me, you'll fall head over heels in love with him, and this book has plenty of kisses that are guaranteed to make you swoon!
This book is hilariously funny, it had me laughing out loud more times than I count, and in my opinion it's simply impossible for this story to not put a smile on your face.
The faith message in this book touched my heart with the reminder of who we are in Christ, how much God loves us just the way we are, and that even if our life story isn't playing out the way we thought it would the Author of life is still in control of our story and He is writing something for our lives that is more beautiful than we could have ever imagined!
The Mistletoe Countess truly contains everything you could ever want in a Christian historical romance: fantabulous characters that you fall in love with; humor; fun; an English country estate; drama; mystery; suspense; a faith message that will touch your heart; a Christmastime setting; all the bookish conversation; and of course a sigh-worthy romance that will put a giddy grin on your face, leave you hoping for a sequel, and have you gushing about it on social media with all the heart-eyes emojis!
I seriously can't find the words to describe my deep and abiding love for this story! The best way I can think of to describe it is to say, picture your perfect day and then imagine how that day would make you feel. Well, that's how reading this book made me feel, pure bliss! The Mistletoe Countess is my favorite book of Pepper's and it's one of my top 5 favorite reads of 2021!
The Mistletoe Countess is perfection! There were times I found myself re-reading lines just so I could bask in the sheer brilliance of the writing! This story is an absolutely and completely delightful romp that is guaranteed to bring immense joy to your life! Trust me, you do not want to miss this one!


I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley, but I will definitely be purchasing it in both paperback and audio because I love it so much! My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

This book is so deliciously adorable with so many laugh out loud quotes.
For example:
"Then why are you suddenly surprised that when the Almighty gives you what you asked? If I recall from sermons I've attended to God is known for lavashing. Love for His children. Grace I believe it's called. Why not shower Him with Thanksgiving and take the gift He's given before you? "I would hazard a guess that gratitude is never a bad start with any relationship."
I like Blake already. He's a wise man. He should be counselor!
This book was such a fun read! Basham is such a talented writer and humor is her best quality. Especially with this type of story! I loved it with all my heart because Basham made me giggle so much!
I think Grace will be forever my favorite character. She just has that amazing personality and like me has never grown up! Her outlook on life is so joyful and I don't know. I just love her! And she's very brave too! Best of all, she's a lover of fiction just like I am!
Lord Astly is quite the character too! He's more than just a lord. Much much more. Basham rounded him out quite well too. He'll make you "swoon" for sure!
Many surprises in this cute story and I think that this is Basham's best yet simply because of the humor and truth that woven throughout the novel
I finished this book in several days because I didn't want it to end! Good it was!
List of 2021 favorites folks! Even buying a copy for my keeper shelf!
Thanks Barbour publishing/Netgalley for a copy of this fun book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own,

I really enjoyed this book. It was a delightful read and it was an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon. Like other books I've read of Pepper Basham's, this one was well written and the characters were appealing to read about. This is a quirky historical novel which is a massive point in it's favour!

While it is a romance, there were themes of redemption, conquering the past etc. The story compliments the themes beautifully.

While I got this free in exchange for a review, I'm pleased to be able to highly recommend it. I read this quickly as I couldn't put it down. I'm definitely hoping that one of the side characters will get their own story as I would love to revisit this world.

‘God hadn't created her for plastic smiles and shallow relationships.’

Basham has gone all-out in The Mistletoe Countess, blending humor, adventure, longing and love to such an incredible extent that I could hardly put the book down! And it's the most quotable book I think I've ever read. I would give it 10 stars if I could!! Seriously, this story exceeded every expectation I had. It's filled with such an astounding uplifting of spirit through Grace, literally in the character, and in God's grace.

“I have very high standards, Lord Astley.” Her brows darted northward with a playful intensity. “I read fiction.”

Grace's character jumps right off the page and infuses life with boundless joy, energy, and love. She truly is one-of-a-kind in the heroine department. Her bravery and love know no bounds and draws everyone to life, especially Frederick. Grace is young, just 18, but God has gifted her such a strong faith in Him, even someone as wounded as Freddie can't help but be compelled by it.

‘He'd never have chosen Grace, but God knew what he'd needed. What his heart, future, and even Havensbrooke needed.’

It's no spoiler they get married and I loved seeing how they went from being virtual strangers to having their hearts forever woven together. Oh, they are just the best fictional couple!!! I sure hope the author decides to write an adventure mystery series featuring them. It would be simply smashing!!

"I know my heart holds a great number of emotions all the time and my head swirls with uncommon notions, but I do think you are the very best for me, and I can't imagine loving you more." She shrugged, hoping he caught her intention. "You've been absolutely and deliciously wonderful, Frederick Percy."

Basham includes an exceptional array of secondary characters as well. Readers will be clamoring for more, more, MORE!!!

I received an electronic copy from the publisher through Netgalley. No compensation has been received.

I received an advance copy of, The Mistletoe Countess, by Pepper Basham. This is a good Christmas story. I liked the characters and the setting.

The Mistletoe Countess is the perfect marriage of English historical with timeless romantic comedy!

The story begins with a prearranged marriage between a wealthy American's daughter and nobleman, Frederick Percy, Earl of Astley, who's much in need of funds to keep Havensbrooke, his family estate going.

It didn't take too many pages for talented author Pepper Basham to flip this classic marriage of convenience to one of the most enchantingly humorous action-packed adventures I've ever read! Readers will delight at meeting naive Gracelyn Ferguson and will thrill at her inquisitive nature while enjoying quite a number of her misadventures along the way. She's a force to be reckoned with and duty bound Frederick has met his "match" in more ways than one.

Pepper writes some of the best romances I've ever read, but The Mistletoe Countess raises the bar another level with innocent Grace's marriage to older experienced Frederick. When I wasn't laughing out loud at their step by step "testing the waters" relationship I was swooning, when my toes weren't curling I was laughing again. These are Pepper Basham's writing specialties, romance and humor.

Frederick and Grace are the heartbeat of this story, but other characters are so diverse and appealing readers will feel as if they've fallen into a British historical mystery series. I especially love best friend Blake and Aunt Lavenia.

In addition to being one of the best books I've read this year, it also is the most quotable. There are so many funny lines, inspirational thoughts and words of wisdom readers will come away with a heart fully satisfied with this outstanding reading experience.

A few of my favorite quotes from Grace,
"Oh dear, I've gone down the dark road of impropriety again, haven't I?"
"Could someone die of dislike for a daughter-in-law? Would that be considered murder or suicide?"

And a few of my favorite quotes from Frederick,
"Is it exhausting to live inside your mind?"
"My dear, if I didn't know you had such a kind heart, I'd be terrified of you."

I cannot recommend The Mistletoe Countess highly enough. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to read future exploits of Grace, Frederick and the Havensbrooke staff. I appreciate Barbour Publishing, through Netgalley, providing a copy of The Mistletoe Countess available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

Since I read my first book by Pepper Basham, I will pick up almost anything she writes. I've had a dearth of good ARC books to read lately and I was thrilled to see her newest novel come up in my potential books to read. Pepper's style runs toward a literary inclusivity, with references to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Jane Austen, and others. Books play a huge part of the plot and enhance the characters' attractiveness.

Frederick Percy, Earl of Astley, has made a deal with Mr. Ferguson to marry one of his daughters in exchange for a sum of money that will save his home. The promised daughter is Lillias Ferguson, but she's not mentioned specifically in the contract. When Gracelynn finds out Lillias' secret, she offers to stand in for her sister in the marriage contract.

At times I was confused about the timeline of the events happening in the novel, I thought that the wedding was supposed to happen right at Christmas, but it seemed to have been a few weeks earlier, because when Frederick and Grace get back to England, Grace is given free reign to decorate Havensbrook for Christmas to her heart's content.

The most important line in the whole book is this: "There's no need to ponder what ifs. They steal the truth of what is." This seems to be what Grace lives by. As events unfold over a short period of time, Frederick and Grace have to put on their sleuthing hats to find the truth, and get caught up in a web of greed, deceit, and murder. The intrigue of those events keep the reader involved until the very last page.

Pepper has included in her cast of characters a very embittered mother/mother-in-law who would make most other monsters-in-law look kind by comparison, a greedy and power-hungry wench who stoops to murder to get her way, a cast of minions who follow orders a little too exuberantly, and a household staff that falls in love with their new mistress because they simply cannot resist her winsome and caring ways. I asked Pepper where she came up with Lady Moriah, Frederick's mother. I wondered if she'd been reading reddit stories about women who live to make their in-law children's lives miserable. She said that Lady Moriah's past figured into her present personality and mood, that she was a broken woman in need of redemption. And she truly is.

There is one character that needs his own book, Frederick's friend, Blake. He seems to have all kinds of knowledge about marriage for someone who has never been married himself. He always shows up at just the right time to save the day. He needs someone to shake up his life and make him see what he's missing.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a Deerhunter hat for sleuthing.


Barbour Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham is a treat for booklovers and romance lovers. How many readers wish they could use the skills that they read about and chase down a bad guy? Or fall in love with the dashing hero? This is exactly what Basham does in her story. Grace is reader with her head in the books and sees mystery and romance around every corner. The plot features a number of many twists and turns that really held my attention. The story features a mystery that needs to be uncovered in order to bring happiness back to the Manor. Grace is just the woman to do that. The hero has to overcome some of his own flaws and hurts in order to open his heart to love from Grace. The hunt for the mystery was my favorite part. Plus, I did enjoy watching Grace and the hero fall in love as the story progressed. A definite keeper for the shelf.

I received a complimentary copy of The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham from Barbour Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

I just loved this story! The characters are so well defined and the storyline so well crafted - it's a beautiful story!

It starts at a house party, to celebrate the pending marriage of Lillias and Lord Astley, where nothing goes as planned, but ends up as it should! Watch out for the mistletoe! A whirlwind of adventure from younger sister, Gracelynn's, discovering Lord Astley in the library, to Lillias' secret and a surprising bride...and that's just the start!

Oh, the mysteries in this one are so intriguing and will keep you reading on to find out how it's going to end. The death of Frederick's brother, who's trying to kill him, is there a ghost in the east wing of his home, Havensbrooke, and his ward. There is a whole lot packed into this story - thankfully, Grace is well read in mysteries and how to solve them! Grace is a wonderful, spunky, smart, fascinating character and Lord Astley is her perfect hero!

It started with a kiss, but it wasn't supposed to be her kiss. I loved every word of the Mistletoe Countess! Grace and Frederick are fantastic characters! Think Heart To Heart set in 1913. I loved the setting, beginning in the Blue Ridge Mountains, ending in an English country Manor house. This book has romance (think sizzling kisses!), mystery, humor, and dare I say murder... even a ghost! So grab your copy, a pot of tea, and find a cozy reading nook! You are not going to want to put this book down until it's finished! I hope you love this masterpiece by Pepper Basham as much as I do!

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All Thoughts are my own.

Another enthralling “keeper” from Pepper Basham! Her brilliantly crafted expressive prose drew me in from the beginning and held me fast till the end. The characters vaulted off the pages straight into my heart and kept me thinking about them long after I turned the last page. I fell in love with Grace and Frederick immediately. I admire Grace’s exuberant imagination, her enthusiasm for life, and her generous heart. Her willingness to always extend mercy and do what is right is endearing. I also adore Frederick who is the perfect match for Grace. He aptly describes their relationship as “a botched contract turned hopeful beginning.” They are now at the top of my favorite fictional couples list. As for the sweet romance, this story gives new meaning to the term “marital bliss”! My description would be “tastefully steamy”.

The amateur sleuthing is delightful and entertaining. The mystery kept me anticipating, and the humor kept me smiling and at times laughing out loud. The literary references are decidedly apropos and enjoyable. The story is brimming with much needed inspiring reminders of spiritual truths regarding forgiveness and God’s love. The Mistletoe Countess is another Basham book to add to my Best Books Ever list. I highly recommend it especially for lovers of historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Will the magic of Christmas bring these two newlyweds closer together, or will the ghosts of the past lead them into a destructive discovery from which not even a Dickens’s Christmas can save them?

Mistletoe is beautiful and dangerous, much like the woman from Lord Frederick’s Percy’s past, so when he turns over a new leaf and arranges to marry for his estate, instead of his heart, he never expects the wrong bride to be the right choice. Gracelynn Ferguson never expected to take her elder sister’s place as a Christmas bride, but when she’s thrust into the choice, she will trust in her faithful novels and overactive imagination to help her not only win Frederick’s heart but also to solve the murder mystery of Havensbrook Hall before the ghosts from Frederick’s past ruin her fairytale future.

THE MISTLETOE COUNTESS by PEPPER BASHAM is a delightful romantic, historical, suspense novel with wonderful characters, some "laugh out loud" moments and a deep Christian message underlying the story.
Grace and Lillias Ferguson are very different. Grace is intelligent, genuine and selfless. She is full of joy and innocent, an avid reader of fiction, an amateur sleuth, and says of herself "at times my feelings are so large they must burst out into words." She is prepared to give up her dreams to help her family by marrying Frederick Percy, Earl of Astbury, in Lillias' place, in order to avoid a nasty situation. She does not feel she is suitable with her flaming red hair and unladylike behaviour, but she is prepared to do her best. Lillias, on the other hand, is selfish and deceitful. She says of marriage "Love isn't necessary., Money is."
Frederick never received love from his parents and his mother is always reminding him of his failures. Grace encourages him and builds him up. She says to him,"God has given you a life and you;re the only one who can decide how to write it."
It is a story about love and second chances, and I like to see the development of the characters as they move into the plans God has for them.
Add to all this murder and attempted murder, a ghost hunt, betrayal and deception, and you will not be able to put the book down.
I cannot recommend The Mistletoe Countess highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

'There are times when my feelings are so large, they must burst into words.'

1913. Frederick Percy, Lord Astley, must marry for money to save his family’s financially strapped estate. So he goes to America to make a deal with a very rich man to marry his eldest daughter. He signs the agreement to wed Miss Lillias Ferguson. Then he inadvertently kisses her younger sister Grace. The situation then takes a turn Lord Astley never expected and Grace volunteers to marry him in place of her sister to turn scandal away from both families.

They marry and head home to England. But not before an attempt is made on Lord Astley’s life. Followed by more attempts.
Grace is convinced something sinister is afoot and is bound and determined to discover just what is going on in this family. After all, she reads Conan Doyle and is an amateur sleuth.


Pepper Basham has just created the best story! Her concoction of Grace Ferguson was so amazing! Grace is the most delightful creature, full of exuberance and longing for an adventure of her own. She is a total bookworm and completely guileless. Grace’s character is one you’ll love to love. She is full of life, totally to the brim. She is one of those people who lives 1 Corinthians 13: ‘love is patient and kind, not jealous, boastful or proud, or rude, doesn’t demand its own way, not irritable, keeps no record of wrongs, never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance.’ Grace sacrificed her own desire for adventure to help Lord Astley’s family and does it willingly. As she danced along the pages of this book, I smiled near continuously at her simply ‘being’. Grace longs for a grand adventure and believes this just may be it.


Lord Astley was developed quite well also. A man who feels he’ll never measure up and haunted by past mistakes discovers how loved he is by God and just how much he has to offer.
On the pages of this book, both Frederick and Grace discover that dreams can come true that you didn’t even know you were dreaming. Basham’s way with a story is completely irrepressible. Her way with characters is not to be missed as the reader is carried along on a wave of pure delight as the story unfolds. And she gives us more than a good dose of her charming humor. There were parts I laughed out loud! Basham also throws in a great Gothic-like mystery along the lines of Daphne Du Maurier and Agatha Christie. Well done!

I could not put this I could not put this book down! I tried, so as to prolong the reading pleasure, but my hunger to discover the ending captured me at every turn. This one is destined to be a top read for 2021! Highly recommended.

My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book via Net Galley.I was not compensated and the opinion here is entirely my own.

If you like irrepressible heroines who read too many books, smouldering, broken heroes trying to overcome past mistakes, dastardly villains, “accidents,” secrets and mysteries, beautiful mansions and castles, romance, and a good dose of common sense based on Biblical values, you’ll enjoy this book as much as I did! There’s humor, sorrow, love, hate, hope, fear, and many more emotions you’ll encounter as you read this tale. Some may think it is a silly story, but it’s not shallow. Most of the characters are lovable, some of the villains prove to be redeemable. The plot twists kept me reading, and knowing something bad was likely to happen in the next chapter brought shivers of anticipation. And if you’re an avid reader, you’ll recognize many favorite books as they’re mentioned. If you’re a Basham fan, I think you’ll love this book as much as I did.
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book with no obligation to post a review
#MistletoeCountess #NetGalley

If you love English mysteries, you’ll enjoy this book.

With this book, author Pepper Basham has gifted us with a lovely, spirited, and unique young lady in Grace Ferguson. Grace’s personality sparkles and shines throughout this story. She’s a beautiful redhead who is a delightful combination of faith, spunk, humor, and compassion. Grace is also an avid reader, and she especially loves detective stories such as those written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Grace lives in her book-fueled imagination, and she considers herself an amateur detective who has never had a chance to solve a mystery. When she suddenly finds herself taking her sister’s place marrying Frederick, becoming Lady Asterly, and moving to England, Grace finds that her true adventure is just beginning.

Even though their marriage begins as a marriage of convenience, Frederick is the perfect gentlemen and the perfect match for Grace. As they become best friends, their friendship soon turns into romance. Grace finds that real life romance and mystery is much more satisfying—-and dangerous—than anything she’s read in the novels that she loves. Grace will need her strong faith and courage more than she’s ever needed it before.

Just a note: This book begins with Fredrick and Grace getting married. Their romance is a sweet one, but it also has it’s married “spice”. There’s never anything inappropriate, but this book has more romantic overtures than just one sweet kiss at the end. Some readers of Christian fiction will be completely fine with this; others may think it’s a little too much.

I loved Franklin and Grace and I’m hoping there’s more to come of them solving mysteries together.

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