Pepper Basham is a relatively new author (to me, at least), but she's quickly becoming a favourite. Her latest novel, The Mistletoe Countess is filled with swoon-worthy romance, heart-stopping suspense, and a healthy dash of humour, not to mention a gallant hero and the most delightful heroine I've "seen" in a while.

Only nineteen-years-old, Gracelynn has already lived an exciting life complete with epic adventures and true love--but only through her favourite novels. Whimsical and unafraid to say what she's thinking, she's never really fit in when it comes to society. Her somewhat boring life is about to suddenly come alive, however, when she meets the man who is supposed to be marrying her older sister. Lord Astley, aka Frederick, has nearly resigned himself to marrying for money instead of the love he secretly longs for, but struggles to find common ground with his betrothed despite his best efforts. Her redheaded sister, on the other hand, captured his attention from the moment he first saw her. Through a series of unexpected events, Frederick and Grace find themselves married and headed back to his England estate. It isn't long before suspicious accidents begin to happen, however, and as the experienced sleuth she is--thanks to all her mystery novels--Grace is determined to find the person behind it all.

Grace is such a delightfully refreshing character. She is unapologetically committed to being herself, despite what those around her may think, and always tries her hardest to see the good in others. Even when it comes to her mother-in-law, who seems to contain a heart of stone to match her caustic tongue. Frederick is understandably aloof (have you met his mother?) at first, but slowly softens as he grows to know his loveable wife. I loved seeing the initial attraction between Grace and Frederick blossom into a beautiful love story. I also really appreciated that the author made sure to keep faith at the forefront throughout the story.

All in all, The Mistletoe Countess was absolutely fantastic. Basham is an incredibly talented author and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

*I received a complimentary copy of The Mistletoe Countess through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

Any woman who loves to get lost in the world of her novels will laugh (with relatability) to the main character of this story.

Pepper Basham knows how to deliver. She is diverse and talented. I have only read two of her books and am delighted at the variegated audiences this author came write to. The first book was a "drama"--Between the Pages (and a must read), while Mistletoe Countess was a RomCom. Basham knows how to develop and write memorable characters.

While I did enjoy this book, I felt there was a little too much PDA for my bookshelf. It's a difficult line--the main characters are married so there isn't anything "wrong" with the PDA. Just, if my teen daughter wanted to read it I'd probably have her pass on it. I am very cautious about that in our home. There were a couple other moments in the story that popped that "fictive bubble" for me but there were also moments that I loved so it balanced out in the end. If you ever want a lesson on developing memorable characters, pick up a copy of one of Pepper's books and have a read; I think you'll really enjoy the journey.

Most historical romances I read (which is quite many) takes place in the 19th century, but this book takes place in early 20th century which was a nice surprise. We both get to read about electricity, trains, and cars and some much-needed plumbing upgrades. Our heroine is an American dollar princess that in the last minute takes her sisters place at the altar and is now the new countess for a large estate in England. This is the first historical romance I read about a dollar princess, but it is quite a similar story to Downton Abbey so if you are a fan of that show this could be something for you.

Our heroine is a bookworm who wants her life to be as exciding as the novels she reads. We get a lot of talk about Dickens, Doyle, Austen and the Brontë’s and is something our newly weds bound over. I really fell for her and do think she became a very memorable character. We also got to follow a lot from the male characters point of view, which is something I always like. A hero with a troubled past, that could use some help to get up on his steed again from a heroine.

There was a lot of mystery elements to the story, I would say that almost half the story was more mystery focused than romance focused. So, if you so not enjoy a lot of mystery I do not hink this book is for you. I would say it is not really a Christmas novel, but it has some Christmas elements which was nice.

If you think that a romance set around the same time era as Downton abbey, an endearing bookworm heroine, and some sleuthing to solve a mystery sounds good, I highly recommended this book!

Pepper Basham's stories get better and better. This story is not just simply a richly historical romantic tale but one full of many layers as another reviewer mentioned. There's this wonderful mystery which Basham gradually reveals to us that enables her to disclose the heart and soul of her characters.

This is Grace's story and what a delight she is. Only 19, prone to whimsy and naïveté, as one expects of one so young, Grace is very easy to fall in love with. I was smitten after the first few pages. Yes, there were a number of eye rolling moments but we can bear those because of the light and love that overflows from her whenever she steps onto the page. Full of spunk, curiosity and an incredible knowledge of great fiction, her love for Frederick Astley transforms him and opens his eyes to a future that he never imagined for himself.

Frederick is the surviving son of a prominent English aristocratic family that has fallen on hard times. A mutually agreeable arrangement is entered into by his mother with an American family for the hand of their daughter. Little does Frederick know what awaits him.

But certain unusual events take place within a short period of time that makes one wonder if Frederick is in some form of danger together with his new bride. This is where the mystery starts and it builds and builds giving the story this added substance. It is handled very well and keeps us on our toes as to what will be revealed and how will our newlyweds manage through this dastardly plot.

Yes, it is Grace's story but the romance is beautiful. Two wonderfully crafted characters thrust together learn to love each other and bring out the best in the other as we hope in all marriages. Both characters have this way of encouraging the other to use their skills and passions without any fear of it relegating themselves.

I was sad when I turned the last page and I so enjoyed spending a few hours with these two adorable people and so hope that there is a 2nd (why not a 3rd and 4th?) tale featuring these two in the near future.

I was very fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from Barbour via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review but I'm sure I'll be purchasing my own copy to have on my bookshelf in the not too distant future.

I was so excited to get an early copy of this book because of the description and all of the wonderful things I’ve heard about Pepper Basham! This is the first book of hers that I have read, and I’m definitely now a fan!

When Frederick heads to America to complete the negotiations for an arranged marriage with the daughter of a wealthy businessman, he never expected how unexpected everything would be! Needing money to save his estate after his brother’s death leaves him in charge of a financial mess, he works out a deal to marry for money. He almost has himself convinced he’ll be happy, even though he’s having no luck connecting with his bride-to-be.

He is, however, utterly fascinated with her younger sister Gracelynn, who has gone on all sorts of adventures in fiction, but has never had the chance to do much in her real life. He can’t even be upset when he accidentally kisses the adorable chatterbox when he thought he was meeting up with her sister! But when her older sister admits a huge secret to Grace, she selflessly makes a decision that will save both families a huge scandal and financial ruin.

So Frederick finds himself married to the wrong sister… but maybe she couldn’t be more right for him!

This story had EVERYTHING I love. Well-developed characters, history, romance, mystery… seriously, everything I want in a story. I love marriage of convenience, I love historical fiction, romance, and romantic suspense, and this was all of those and more.

Grace is the cutest!!! She’s so guileless and all of her bookishness is endearing. The things she just up and says… so refreshing and delightful in a character- I never knew what to expect! I love how she relates to everyone she meets- from her much loved, hot mess of a sister to her surly mother-in-law, and especially Frederick. Frederick is a little stiff when we first get to know him, but his relationship with Grace really brings him to life. I enjoyed his development into a reluctant hero in the story of Grace’s life.

I enjoyed venturing to 1913… a time on the cusp of a more modern era, so much tradition and history still lingering.

The romance? Pepper knows how to write it in a way that is just right- the balance between toe-tingling kisses and sweet getting-to-know-you romance. From the regretfully experienced Frederick and the extremely naive yet adorably expectant Grace, you get the perfect match! Watching this marriage of convenience transition into love was rewarding and enjoyable.

The mystery was the icing on the cake. It drove the relationship forward, it created the right amount of tension, and it kept me guessing until the pieces started coming together.

I was worried going in that I wouldn’t enjoy the Christmas elements while reading my early copy in August… but I can confidently say you can read this story at any time of year! The Christmas setting is subtle and makes an appearance in the back third of the book, so don’t let it stop you from picking this read up whenever.

I obviously loved everything about this story, especially the faith woven gently into its adorably romantic pages. Like I said at the beginning- Pepper Basham has a new fan!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Calling all slow burn romance fans who love Christmas. This is a book for you. Mystery romance fans, this one is for you too. Coming of age fans, well even you will enjoy this tale. The Mistletoe Countess is a delightfully light, slightly humorous (is slightly the right word? I literally burst out laughing, more than once), deeply romantic, wonderfully sweet Christmas novel. And it is actually a novel, as in full length novel - something I actually hunt for as holiday themed novella's often leave me wanting more. Our leading lady, Grace, is one of the sweetest characters you'll find. Lord Frederick Percy is a swoon worthy hero. Even the supporting cast is entertaining. The plot begins with a coming of age storyline, then turns into an entertaining mystery, full of romance throughout. This is a novel that will appeal to many and I recommend this as a start to the quickly approaching holiday season. Thank you Pepper Basham, for writing such an entertaining read to put me in the Christmas mood.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This was a refreshing romance. I enjoyed getting to know Grace & Frederick. Grace is my favorite kind of heroine. She's strong, intelligent, beautiful, & creative. Frederick is the ultimate handsome hero with her help. I couldn't help but have a smile on my face as I read their story. I loved how faith was interwoven throughout as well. Highly recommend reading this one!

Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for advanced copy in exchange for my honest review

The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

Pepper Basham brings readers a book that will engage your heart, soul, mind and body (with happy dances) in a beautiful and inspiring story of marriage.

Don't you love when you find a book that makes you truly happy to read? This latest story from Pepper Basham might just have edged out a number of previously loved books for the leading competitor for my favorite book of the year. I've read her books before and knew to expect wit and swoony romance but this story is truly exceptional. She begins with a fabulous character named Grace Ferguson who is an avid reader and proponent of romance. Her sister is soon be be married to Fredrick Percy, Lord Astley and she is very excited about joining them at his estate in England, Havensbrook Hall. She imagines she'll finally find the adventure she's always longed for and get a chance to see some of the places she's only thus far visited in her imagination. Scandalous circumstances befall Grace's sister, leaving her unable to fulfill the marriage contract so Grace musters her courage to become the requisite bride. Determined to make her new life both pleasant and an adventure, Grace makes it her mission to teach her husband to love and trust her. Frederick has long mis-trusted women after a tragic relationship in his past. But he cannot help but be drawn to his new wife and her imaginative tendencies. With her love of books and her enthusiasm for all situations, Frederick is a little bit overwhelmed and a whole lot interested in what Grace will say or do next. Though they agreed to become friends first before becoming lovers, both Frederick and Grace soon find that being apart from the other is a sad state. Thus their romance grows steadily as they spend more time together. But there is much mystery surrounding the death of Frederick's brother and his father. Can they sort everything out before further tragedy befalls the residents of Havensbrook Hall? And will their love be strong enough to face the trials and betrayals that come to light as they dig deeper into the mystery? Come read and find out if you really want to know!!
Gosh, I loved this book! It was funny, engaging, beautiful and, at times, heartbreaking. It provides such an inspiration for marriage and how to encourage your spouse in the very best ways. Mind you, it wasn't a fluff piece of only sappy love story moments. It was a boots-on-the-ground deep dive into a love story that could have been really terrible if the couple had not been so determined to succeed. Grace is a fabulous character with all the best parts of a book lover and a romance enthusiast all wrapped up in a fiery haired explosion of imagination. Her book references were epic and so apropos for all situations. She grabs life and its happenings with both hands and wrings out all the joy and good she can and in turn showers both on those around her. Her faith is incredible and encouraged by her father, a man wholly concerned with the good of his family. Frederick was a marvelous marriage partner for her. His more staid and decidedly English personality comes from a past littered with loss and betrayal. From the moment he meets Grace his world is upended in the most wonderful way. He doesn't even realize he's falling for her as he enjoys her joy of life and makes the best out of every bad situation. Frederick has never had someone love him so willingly and completely without strings. I loved seeing him fall for Grace and enjoyed his reactions to her imaginative solutions for solving the mysteries. This book gives me very great hopes for a future marriage where both people are committed to doing and giving their upmost for the good of the other. More people should read this book and apply it to their own lives and relationships. I have no doubt that the world would be better for it. I will most certainly be recommending this delightful read to others and hope that I can encourage as many people as possible to have this book in their lives and hearts.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. I am voluntarily offering this review and am not required by anyone to write it. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

I devoured this delightful tale in one setting. Basham has a way of writing sweet, clean romances that leave me smiling, blushing, and tingling from head to toe. In this case, Grace is a mixture of sweet, fun, and naivety that makes her enduring to all who cross her path. Lord Frederick has no idea what he has stepped into when signs a contract with this family. Grace is fiercely loyal, which is what prompts her to take her sister’s place. She manages to turn Frederick’s world upside down in every way possible. While she is young and innocent, she is a voracious reader and highly intelligent. Turns out, she is exactly what Frederick needs in his life. Grace comes to realize how much she truly likes being friends with Frederick and a sweet romance ensues. I recommend everything about this book. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

I simply loved this book. When a book makes you smile in the first chapter and then continues to do so throughout you know you've picked a great book. The heroine in this book, Grace, is unconventional, free-spirited, has a mind with multiple nooks and crannies and is quite endearing. You can't help but be impacted by her positive belief in people and grace.. Frederick - her hero ... is brooding, has a not perfect history but is fascinated by her. Watching their relationship develop through the book is wonderful. Grace, a quite well-read individual often times views life's occurrences through a fiction lens which a fan of fiction can relate to. She is into solving mysteries and Frederick and other engaging characters find themselves pulled into her thinking/views with many positive impacts regarding themselves, the mysteries, and each other. She takes great thought in everything she does, and the rationale behind her gift-giving at Christmas even have messages/meanings - that yet again make you smile and even laugh. The author quite succeeds in drawing you in, and you find yourself truly caring about the characters wanting to see what happens next. The Mistletoe Countess is a delicious escape to read and just enjoy. I can't recommend it enough.

Oh my goodness, this book!!!!!!
You most definitely need this book in your life.
So I have read many of Pepper's books and while they are fabulous this one is off the charts AMAZING! This is her best book yet I am not sure how she'll be able to top this one.
The presentation of the story,the descriptions,the mood setting it's all just incredible!
What more could you ask for in a book, there is humor,love,laughter,swoon worthy romance,suspense,murder,an amazing plot. So many twists and turns kept me glued to this impossible to put down book.
Please,please,please Barbour Publishing, The Mistletoe Countess is not a one and done book we need a sequel!
I give this book 10 stars+.

Pub Date 01 Sep 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

This book was awesome! I was pulled in from the very beginning and couldn’t put it down. There is romance, mystery, secrets, danger in every page. I loved Graces quirky character most of all, she was fantastic with every thing in life being related to books. I laughed even while hanging on the edge of my seat in this fun story. The mansion with all the secret passages and beautiful decorations for Christmas were so real I could almost walk the halls myself. The innocence of Grace was so refreshing and kept a smile constantly upon my face. I’m so sad this book had to end but will be anxiously waiting for another of Pepper’s excellent novels.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book. It's the first one I've read by Pepper Basham and it will certainly make me reach for another. From the first pages, it's clear that there is going to be a bride switch and I was glad that it took place quickly.

Grace is a remarkable character and woman. She is guileless and full of hope and faith. She is just what Frederick needs. You never know what she'll say. Every time she opened her mouth, I laughed or smiled at the way her mind worked. She definitely brought excitement and adventure into Havensbrook Hall. I loved how she looked to books to help her figure out how to solve problems from the mundane to the dangerous. "If they survived this suspense, she was going to make certain the servants had an opportunity to read a healthy share of detective books. She shouldn't be the only one equipped to rescue people in such situations" (location 4097). She was a delight.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I hope there are more books coming that focus on Grace and Frederick with more mysteries for them to solve. I would love to see Blake featured more as well. Thank you to Barbour Books for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I'd highly recommend it. All opinions are my own.

Pepper Basham never disappoints, and her latest, The Mistletoe Countess, was no exception.

I loved the main characters and how their romance unfolded. I especially loved that their love story didn't end when they got married. We were able to see them grow and develop deeper feelings throughout the novel. I loved the mystery elements intertwined in the book, too. All together, this book was a delight!

Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour books for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.

I have followed Pepper Basham since her very first book and she is definitely a wordsmith. Anytime she puts a “pen” to paper it’s bound to be a winner. Why, I’ll bet she even writes a lovely grocery list that would enthrall and give a chuckle to anyone.
The Mistletoe Countess is a big hit in my book, pardon the pun! Its storyline all happens within a short span of time, not much more than a month. It’s so full of hope, joy, mystery, caring and surprises. I absolutely adored Grace! I wish she were real so I could share a spot of tea with her. No matter the situation she always seems to find delight and joy in it. Bubbly and optimistic to a fault. Frederick was a true hero. He was handsome, dashing and a gentleman in all his dealings.
That they would find themselves in a marriage of convenience after her older sister runs away from her commitment, delights this reader no end.
I loved Grace and her enthusiasm over kissing. Frederick was her very first and only and the descriptions of their interactions was so heart-pounding and sweet. Once again, no one writes kissing scenes like this author!
A bitter mother in law, the death of a brother, a ghost walking about, all add mystery and intrigue to this lovely story! It was a pure pleasure to read and I hated for it to end. If only the story of Grace and Frederick could continue.
I received a complimentary ebook from the publisher through Netgalley but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

This was a sweet and festive Christmas romance! I would definitely recommend trying it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

In Pepper Basham’s The Mistletoe Countess, Lord Frederick Percy is supposed to marry a wealthy American to help save his struggling English estate but instead marries her younger sister, Grace. This treasure of a book full of unexpected love, secrets, murder, and mystery where the past haunts the present will have you guessing until the end!

Don’t Wait ‘til Christmas to Read This!

While the title and setting for this story are Christmas-related, feel free to read this delightful novel at any time of the year! I had heard so many good comments and recommendations about this book that I couldn’t wait to read it. And I was not disappointed. I heartily add my kudos to Pepper Basham, as she knocked this book out of the ballpark! It is filled with swoony, sweet romance between two characters who might not, at first, seem right for each other but soon come to find out the opposite is true, and it has page-turning drama, mystery, and heartfelt inspirational themes as well. I loved Grace’s personality and the banter between her and Frederick. They were such a wonderful couple and their seemingly disparate personalities served to complement one another as they learned about patience, trust, forgiveness as well as acceptance in being the person God created them each to be. I loved this book! Do yourself a favor and get your hands on a copy of this highly recommended and captivating novel!

I received an advanced review copy from the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are my own.

A delightful read!

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. Not so her younger sister!

Grace is such a delightful character, and she is truly able to be the perfect wife to Frederick. There is intrigue, mystery and danger as they begin their marriage at Havensbrook. You should read this book to see what a great marriage can be despite a dubious beginning. God can orchestrate His perfect plan for those who are willing.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Five stars!

"There's no need to ponder the what-ifs. They steal the truth of what is. You are soul mates by choice and will. How closely you wrap your souls around one another is of your own choosing."

What a truly delightful historical romance! I love Pepper Basham's contemporary romances but this is the first historical romance from the author I have read. Boy, have I missed out! The writing is smooth and easy to read while the characters are incredibly charming and enchanting. The romance is so lovely and sweet though Grace and Freddie's marriage starts out more as a business transaction. And the plot has delicious twists and turns with more than a dash of mystery and intrigue. Going on this grand adventure with Grace and Freddie was one of the best decisions I made this summer.

Grace is young, innocent, totally unexpected in her honesty, refreshing in her outlook, funny but also incredibly intelligent, observant, and selfless in her outpouring of love. Freddie is burdened by weight of his past and responsibilities and hungry for love and acceptance but also kind, thoughtful, gentle, and compassionate. Themes of forgiveness and freedom to love and be loved for their true self are embedded into the characters' core and so well played out.

If you're looking for heart-stopping romance and a fantastic adventure, look no further. I received the book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.