This was a crazy book. The wrong sister ends up married. This book will stick with you well after you’re finished. Definitely one you won’t want to miss.

‘Tis the season. This is the time of year that especially prompts me to curl up with my cat in a window seat, sipping tea, and breaking into my TBR pile.

Just in time for a Thanksgiving Day read, let me introduce you to a new Edwardian romance, The Mistletoe Countess, by Pepper Basham. Combining electric romance with mysterious adventures, this novel is sure to kick off this winter season with a bang.

Gracelynn Ferguson – In the wealthy Ferguson household, rank and value follows birth order. Lillias, the firstborn, is silver tongued, secretive, and trained to marry a lord. Grace, the second born, is a wildling in love with books, adventure, and truth-telling.

“I believe you underestimate me a great deal. Loving fiction, having an overactive imagination, and skirting along the edge of propriety at times does not make me weak. In fact, I may be prepared for many things no one else is.” (1008)

Frederick Percy – Also the second child, Frederick Percy recently gained an unwanted title after his father’s and brother’s tragic deaths. With a crumbling estate and generations of pressure now on his shoulders, he has little choice but to enter into marriage as a business transaction.

“Despite being second-born, the love for his land forked into his very nature, braiding through his bloodline. He lived for country air and open vistas, dirtying his hands alongside the gardeners at times to feel the earth of Havensbrooke beneath his fingers.” (195)

With only days until Frederick’s marriage to the elegant but cold Lillias, it seems that everything is going according to plan…everything, that is, except his and his bride-to-be’s hearts. A mistaken moonlight kiss transforms Grace, in Frederick’s eyes, from a humorous new friend into a bewitching attraction. When Lillias elopes with her lover, it is (to Frederick’s shock and secret relief) Grace who volunteers to stand in her place. Can a marriage of newfound friends become something more than convenience? And can it withstand the shadowy assassin who threatens Frederick and Grace’s lives?

“She looked up at his profile, attempting to make out his approach. Was he trying to dismiss her gently? Reject her in a kind way on a lanterned terrace surrounded by mountains and starlight at Christmas? That was too cruel. Clearly, he’d been reading all the wrong books.” (1121)

The above quote says everything about Grace. Her love of books and ability to turn any situation into a literary allusion was a heartwarming sight for this fellow book addict. Grace is a true descendant of L.M. Montgomery’s classic heroine, Anne of Green Gables. For both, the world is filled with inviting mysteries and enchanting discoveries. Grace brought a breath of fresh air to every room (and page) she entered into. Her nature combined with Frederick’s, staider exterior, (but hidden adventurous side) made this a story as unpredictable and sweet as their first kiss.

The reason I took a star away from a five-star rating is that, as endearing as Grace was, there were times her naivete made me lift a satirical brow. Grace’s complete lack of knowledge or even imagination that marriage relations went beyond kissing made for some awkward scenes. Frederick expected her to be sexually/physically aware as an adult and/or married woman would be, and his need to teach her these things led to an odd power dynamic. Grace in these moments seemed underage and unready for romance; however, the awkwardness faded by the 75% mark.

In the words of one astute young heroine (and her wise creator): “Truth and goodness gave a great deal of hope to the world” (810). This lovely theme was woven throughout The Mistletoe Countess, showing in sweet, stirring fiction that this goodness might truly be in reach in our everyday realities. May it be so, this holiday season!

4 out of 5 Stars

I didn't fall in love with this story, nor gravitate to it easily after setting it down. To be honest, the set-up to the marriage of convenience jarred my suspension of disbelief in one chapter, then later pushed me towards disinterest in the story altogether. This established the tone for my reading, although I do consider The Mistletoe Countess to be a decent read overall.

I did think that the main characters, Grace and Frederick, were likeable. Grace is a joyful, kind, and bookish heroine, who regularly compares life to her novels (this was sometimes cute, and sometimes not so much). I admit that she exasperated me at times, especially when her actions or words inclined toward dramatic and unsensible. Frederick is a brooding British earl, who has trouble escaping the shadow of his past and his story arc was really enjoyable to read. Together, I thought Grace and Frederick actually complemented each other very well and though Grace sometimes tipped the scales, I thought both types of characters were needed to balance out the story.

Additionally, I thought the mystery was intriguing and amped up the story nicely. However, I did think the climax of the mystery held an over-the-top flair, especially on Grace's part in word and action. My favorite part of this story was the faith element - Pepper Basham expertly wove faith into the story and lives of her characters. I definitely enjoyed the beautiful and poignant lines, and how faith was blended into the characters' story arcs.

All in all, The Mistletoe Countess wasn't my favorite read and I just didn't connect to it as much as I would have liked.

*There is a fade to black scene and several mentions of sex (innuendos). This is not my personal preference, but this book doesn't go into detail.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This is my first book by this author and I was impressed. Set in 1913 in Virginia and England and populated with colorful, well-drawn characters, this story took me on a grand adventure. Grace Ferguson is delightful, charming, full of innocence, a bit naïve, and very wrapped up in her books of romance and mystery. Lord Astley is in America to spend time with his new bride-to-be, whom he is to marry in two weeks, this marriage has been arranged in order to save his family home in .England, Havensbrook. The wealthy woman he is to marry, Lilias, and he barely know one another, and a friend advises him to kiss here’s a way of connecting. They arrange a place and he goes in to begin kissing a lovely woman, who, it turns out, is the younger sister, Gracelyn. It ends up being a happy mistake, as Lilias is in love with another and would never have been able to love Frederick, Lord Astley. When Frederick Percy, Lord Astley, finds himself engaged, and then married, to Grace instead of her sister, not so her younger sister, he’s not quite sure what he got himself into. Grace and Frederick were perfectly suited and perfectly matched. Grace's social foibles had nothing on her faith and how I loved the expressions of her faith throughout. The literary references and love was definitely relatable to someone who loves books like I do. The faith of the characters was an integral part of who they were, not an add-on that often makes the reader roll their eyes. It delivers spiritual truth in a way that is natural and honest.
Thank you Barbour, the author and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book.

Basham does it again -- an interesting storyline, lots of historical details without overwhelming the reader, strong character development, and descriptive narrative, and faith elements that aren't preachy.

I have enjoyed many of Pepper's books in the past so I was eager to read this one. Unfortunately, this one was so painful that it took me months to get through it.
Most of my complaints are about Gracelynn. It seemed like she was 12 years old. She was so naïve that I cannot possibly believe any of it. Secondly, she compares literally EVERYTHING to a book she has read. Every situation that happened to her was also in a book except fixing pipes of course. She also has a strange habit of combining words in a way that just rubbed me wrong. Just say 'kidnapped'. Please don't ever let me hear the word 'man-napped' again.

1.5 stars

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.

The Mistletoe Countess is a slow burn read. When I was first reading it, it was taking a bit to get into it. So I set it aide for a bit and when I picked it back up, it was easier to get into and I found myself enjoying the slow burn. Jt was a story filled with fluff, comedy, and even a bit of mystery.

Gracelyn Ferguson lives in America and has an older sister Lillias. The year is 1913 and it has been arranged that Lillias will marry Fredrick Percy (Lord Astley) and return to England with him. It is an arrangement that will benefit both parties but almost falls apart due to complications with Lillias. Grace offers to take her sisters place and become Lady Astley. Suddenly, she is swept into a new world that she is not used to and one that may have something very sinister laying right under the surface.

Grace is such an adorable character. She starts out a little naïve but makes up for it with her larger than life personality. She is full of life and longing for an adventure of her own. She thinks marrying Fredrick may be just be that grand adventure when if they do not fall in love. For Fredrick this marriage is a business arrangement- a way to save his family's estate from financial and social ruin. Grace surprises him and brings out a side in him that he has tried to hide. He has always felt like he will never measure up to what is expected of him. Grace makes him feel like there is something for him to offer to her.

When this story starts Grace and Fredrick are complete strangers. Well except for that surprising kiss they shared in the library when he thought he was kidding Lillias. And trust me, you can see the potential from that kiss! Their relationship is a slow burn though built in companionship first, then friendship, and eventually romance. It was really beautiful to watch it unfold and watch them bring out the best in each other. There were several swoon worthy quotes throughout. It was worth the slow build up!

The main thing that brings Grace and Fredrick closer is actually the fact that their lives are in danger. There have been "minor" incidents which have put both of them in danger. Together, they try to figure out what was going on and who is out to get them. It turns out they make a good team together and there is alot more going on within Frederick's family estate than either of them knew. This is a Gothic style mystery with a few twists to keep the story interesting.

The Mistletoe Countess was an unexpected holiday read for me. Grace and Fredrick meet and marry prior to the holiday season but all the event following occur during it. This includes decoration their home with plenty of mistletoe for sweet hidden kisses. The slow build up makes everything worthwhile and shows exactly why these two characters are meant to be together. I recommend this story to anyone looking for a sweet holiday romance with a touch of mystery.

He’s reluctant but she is all in and ready to apply all that she’s learned from her fiction reading. Pepper Basham’s story of an arranged marriage between a British Peer and an American Heiress that does not go as planned is an effervescent and downright sparkling romance set in 1913.

I adored how ready Grace is for anything, at least in theory, and how Frederick is at first skeptical, then perplexed, and ultimately enchanted with his unexpected wife and her buoyant optimism. I found that I particularly appreciated how Grace appreciated how perfectly the villain embodies her role.

With danger and peril, an ancestral home that might be haunted, and a heroine for the book lover in all of us, The Mistletoe Countess is a sheer delight to read. Don’t wait for the holiday season to pick up Grace and Lord Frederick’s story! Highly recommended.

This review refers to a digital e-galley I voluntarily read and reviewed via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

1913 Virginia then England
A lovely, long read to get wrapped up in. You get the chance to know the characters well. The story is deep enough and deeply wound enough to keep you fully interested as things unwind slowly. Grace steps in to be the bride in an arranged marriage after things her sister did are revealed. But it was no mistake as it seems God chose her for Frederick. He's quite a broken man for many reasons, but Grace helps him to heal as their love for one another grows. She had been the poor choice because of her dislike for social norms, but it's those very reasons that make her perfect for the position. She has self doubt issues herself, but Frederick's genuine caring for her makes her self confidant. Thoroughly, swooningly romantic throughout. Romance, murder, mystery. Excellent read. Christian historical.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#TheMistletoeCountess #NetGalley

What happens when a younger sister takes her sisters place as the arranged bride? What starts as being married without love brings this story of change and a very interesting romance. Wonderful characters and a Christmas to remember made this a very good book! I received this book through NetGalley, No review was required, my opinion and review is voluntary.

An utterly delightful read from beginning to end, I couldn't help but love Grace's wild imagination, infectious enthusiasm, and never give up determination.

Grace never though that she would find herself in an arranged marriage, but when she bravely takes her sister's place as the bride of Lord Frederick Percy she is determined to make the best of the situation. All is not as it appears and she will need her quick wits and exuberant charm to not only win Percy's heart, but to solve a murder.

An enchanting romance, with excellent characters, riveting dialogue, and crackling chemistry. I loved how in awe Percy is of Grace, and how he is reminded by his friends and staff who are supportive of their relationship of what a treasure she is. I loved that even though Percy has made his mistake he still has many faithful friends in his corner. Grace is such a breath of fresh air to his estate, she isn't afraid to be upfront and open about her faith, while living every minute to the fullest, with a relatable love of novel adventures.

Overall, this was such a fun read. I couldn't help but fall in love with the characters from Grace and Percy to the staff of Havensbrook Hall. Grace is infectiously delightful, and without guile. A swoonworthy Christmas romance, full of adventure, sure to bring a smile to your face.


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

A great holiday read. I can totally relate to Grace- she loves to read and has no trouble speaking her mind. I thought she was a happy, quirky character.
I thought the storyline was fun and I loved the mystery woven throughout.
It was clean but I don’t think I would have my teen daughter read it. I only want super squeaky clean for her.

I enjoyed reading The Mistletoe Countess. I was surprised by some of the twists and turns in the story. The characters were believable and a strong female lead character increased my interest in the story. The story was well developed and well written. I would recommend this book and I will look at other books by Pepper Basham.

I am a fan of Historical Romance and have read many books set in the Victorian era. The Mistletoe Countess is the first book that I am reading to be set in the year 1912. And this is the first time I am reading a book by author Pepper Basham. Having read this book, I would slot her into a style similar to that of Rose Pearson, Joyce Alec and Sophie Barnes. But she also adds some faith based elements into her stories that give the story an inspirational feel.

The Mistletoe Countess is a very regular, often told story where you have one unusual, less popular sister taking the place of a very popular sister, when she has to back away from getting married to the person she has been engaged to marry. Our heroine Grace agrees to marry the hero Lord Frederick so that her sister can marry the guy whom she actually loves. But that is there is the similarities with other stories ends. Grace is a delightful, intelligent and sensible heroine who doesn't look for a man to take care of her. She is an amateur detective and likes nothing more than to figure out a mystery. And Lord Frederick never thought he will become the Earl but has to now, as his elder brother has passed away, as had his father and both seem to have died under mysterious circumstances.

Since Frederick has become the Earl, he seems to be having a little too many accidents, and his closest friend and cousin thinks someone might be trying to kill him as well. Grace becomes his wife at this juncture and finds herself intrigued both by her husband and the happenings around him. The people in the lands belonging to the Earldom find Grace unusual and fascinating. As the story flows, we get to see how Grace helps Frederick heal his broken and longing heart. And what she does to find out the person behind all their misfortunes.

This was a tastefully told story with interesting sequence of events which are mysterious and intriguing. I liked the hero particularly - very rarely do we get to see a hero who is vulnerable, sweet and swoon-worthy too. He has his faults but he is also mindful of doing right by all people in his life. Overall, this book is a lovely read with a good intriguing element at the base of it. I would love to check out more works from Pepper Besham; she has become my new favourite.

Basham writes the best kissing books!

This was such a delightful Christmas novel. I loved that it was a mix of whodunnit and romance.

One thing I love about marriage of convenience is how so much of the book is after they've gotten married. I Ioved watching them grow in their marriage.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

The Mistletoe Countess is my first Pepper Basham book and now I’m wondering why I haven’t read one of hers sooner! Grace is one of my favorite female heroes, partly because I saw much of myself in her. I appreciated her strength and desire to see the positive in a difficult situation.

Frederick was great, too, though I enjoyed Grace so much, he was a bit overshadowed. I loved how Grace brought out his best self and how sweet he was to her (though the heat level, even though they were married, was more than I generally prefer). Marriage of convenience stories are some of my favorite and the way Grace got into her situation fit her perfectly.

Add in the books and the attempt at amateur detective work—it made for a positively delightful story! I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for Pepper Basham’s next book.

—
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

I loved this Christmas book by Pepper Basham! The heroine, Grace was both brilliant and hilarious! Frederick was dashing yet vulnerable. His descriptions of his love for Grace left me swooning. Though I figured out the mystery early in the book, it was still fun reading how it played out in the characters' lives. I would love to see these characters and their adventures in more books! Pepper Basham has become one of my must read authors!

A sweet Christmas read from Pepper Basham that I just loved. Every time I pick up her books I know I am going to get a sweet romance with a happy ending.

A swoony Christmastime marriage of convenience murder mystery where the heroine feels like all of my favorite literary heroines put together. Bonus points for a Tarzan reference and lots of kisses.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing Inc. for my copy of The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham in exchange for an honest review. It published September 1, 2021.
If you are in the mood for a good period-piece, you will enjoy this one. The history, setting and relationships are very well-written.
However, I was a little surprised at the sexual tension, given that this is considered a Christian romance. I felt like it came on a little too strong, and I actually ended up skipping over some of the parts due to them seeming a little too explicit for my convictions.