Pepper Basham is one of those writers who begin a tale with words and characters that draw you into the story in the first couple of pages. The Mistletoe Countess is a fun romance with some page turning mystery that kept me wanting to turn pages from start to finish. Grace is a delightful, quirky main character. And Frederick makes you want to root for him. The Christmas theme is definitely there, but in the background. This sweet romance made a perfect end of summer read too!

Not your typical Christmas novel! A charming and witty romance mixed with mystery! I love the upbeat attitude of the heroine, Grace. Pepper Basham did a great job balancing Grace’s positivity with a splash of clever wit. Grace is young, but I find her lack of caring about others’ opinions refreshing. Something many women don’t learn until they’re much older!

New to the genre, I’m surprised to find myself quite an Edwardian-ish era fan! If you prefer a cleaner romance, but don’t mind more than what they share in Hallmark land, this is your book! All private affections are modest but delightfully passionate and between a married couple. 

If this book does not put you in a good mood, please see a doctor!

Who wouldn’t like this book: Those who don’t like books set in 1913 in England, don’t enjoy books in the “clean and wholesome romance” category, or don’t like romances or cozy mysteries.

I’ve read several of Pepper Basham’s novels and have enjoyed them all. I really like her style of writing, her true appreciation for literature, and her combination of Blue Ridge Mountain and English settings. When I learned that she was writing a Christmas novel, I was all kinds of excited. In many ways, this book did live up to my expectations.

I loved Grace; she was a very original heroine full of whimsy and adventure. I can definitely relate to her enthusiasm over all things bookish. She was a really fun character to read about, making her my favorite part of the book. Fredrick was a decent hero. Leaning more on “the strong and silent” type, he was perhaps not my favorite sort of hero, but I thought he was a good juxtaposition to Grace. There’s a varied cast of supporting characters, from women that help and support Grace through this sudden transformation in her life, to a wicked stepmother, providing a solid backdrop for the story.

Of course, I love that this book took place at Christmas. I adore Christmas stories and the idea of Havensbrooke during the holiday season was just enchanting. Really, the setting as a whole was just lovely.

What I didn’t like about this book is that there are some rather steamy moments between Grace and Fredrick. I get that it’s the marriage of convenience trope and all, but it just pushed things a little too far for my taste. I would have rather there’d been more focus on them getting to know each other personally and not delved so far into their physical relationship.

The Mistletoe Countess is a nice historical romance with a lovely holiday setting. While there are some parts I didn’t care for, I like the book as a whole and think many fans of Christian fiction will enjoy it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wow! This book has all of the elements we love in Pepper Basham's books: a great historical setting, romance, quirky characters, lots of humor, an original plot, and wonderful dialogue. In The Mistletoe Countess Basham is channeling her inner Julie Lessman with passionate scenes that just stay within the bounds of Christian fiction. Avid readers will meet a kindred spirit in Grace. She will make readers want to see the world through her eyes. The mystery in this book allows her to hone her sleuthing skills learned from some of her favorite fictional characters. There are just too many reasons to like this book to include each of them in a book review.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

4.5 stars
This is a new to me author and I enjoyed reading the book. It almost felt like two books combined into one though both sections had some overlap. The beginning of the book focuses on the marriage and I seriously thought once we got to the wedding that the book was done. Nope. Now we've got a mystery to solve. The romance continues as they learn to find their way as a couple but they also have to figure out who and why someone is trying to kill them.

My favorite aspect of this book is Gracelynn's winning personality. The cover of the book depicts her personality very well. I found her adorable. I love that so many of her answers to life are based on the fiction she reads. I love that she is bursting with energy that feeds other people. I knew I would love her when her response to her future brother-in-law accidentally kissing her instead of her sister was analytical instead of emotional. She recognizes the emotions but analyzes the whole thing finding that kissing is rather enjoyable. I was so taken aback by that response. She is delightful. And she finds delight in everything. Including sex which we hear quite a bit about. It is all closed door but we still listen to conversation and thoughts about it. That could have been toned down a bit for me but her response to marital intimacy in general fits her personality quite well.

Frederick is pretty swoony when he isn't being stupid. Luckily once his stupidity is pointed out to him he does try to fix things. His mother is a piece of work but his aunt is delightful.

I think the villain(s) of the story are pretty obvious but I had to figure out how much fault there was. I would like to have known what happened to Gracelynn's sister and does Gracelynn ever bring her mil out of her unhappy state?

There are some mild Christian themes. Overall, an enjoyable read and the heroine is the star.

Sex: closed door, innuendo
Language: no
Violence: yes
*I received a complimentary ARC through Netgalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

Grace is a fiction-loving, fanciful young lady, but when her family comes into a sudden dire circumstance, she lays her own hopes and dreams aside in order to save the day. Marriage to an earl can't be all that bad, can it?

Frederick Percy was never supposed to inherit his title. Especially not when his family has considered him a black sheep for years. True, some of that was due to his own poor choices, but some of it was from horrible family dynamics. Now he needs money to save the estate, and a wealthy American bride seems like the best ticket. But he didn't expect Grace. Her sweet, adventurous spirit takes him by surprise at every turn.

Accidents have been following Frederick recently. Grace smells trouble, and she's read enough detective books to have a good idea of how to investigate. Frederick isn't sure his new wife should trouble her pretty little head about these matters, but Grace soon proves her worth.

While the bond between the new husband and wife grows stronger, so does the danger surrounding them. Will Frederick be able to be the hero of his own life the way Grace encourages him? Will Grace's wits save the day? Find out in this delightful and romantic mystery set in 1913.

I really enjoyed this story, and especially loved the way Grace sees the world through the books she's read. There are so many fun literary references here! She also has a lot to say about heroes in talking with world-weary Frederick. I highlighted several quotes, but one of my favorites was: "A hero is never who he was. It's who he becomes."

If you like historical fiction with a dash of mystery and plenty of romance, be sure not to miss The Mistletoe Countess!

I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.

I thought this was a Christmas story and I just wasn’t ready for that. So I basically had put off reading it! Was I wrong! This book is full of surprises! Laughter, mystery, romance and a quite a few “Wow!, moments! I would highly recommend getting your hands on this book ASAP! I really hope there will be more books involving Grace and Frederick!

Where do I begin? I am left in such a state of Book Bliss, I haven't the words necessary to write a review.
This book is now one of my all-time favorites! Grace has the most amazing, loving heart. She is brilliant, fun, and delightfully bookish. She also has an honest, innocent charm. I adored how she and Frederick fall into friendship then love. Grace helps Frederick out from under the weight of his responsibilities and sees that he becomes the hero of his own story.
This truly is a great romantic adventure story. One I will enjoy over and over again.
Oh, I forgot to mention all the wonderful kisses 😍 This author writes the best clean romances.

Loved it!
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2021
I loved this book! Grace was such an interesting quirky character. At first I thought she was a complete romantic, but she is also very objective and not prone to overreact, but analyze a situation. I enjoyed that quirk about her. You never knew how she'd respond or react. Frederick is someone who has been looking for love most of his life in all the wrong places. It was so fun and sweet seeing their relationship develop. There is also a mystery or mysteries woven throughout the story and it was fun to see how they worked through it. I hope this will turn into a series. I would love to read Blake's story.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest review.

The Mistletoe Countess is wonderfully romantic and marvelously entertaining, and I simply cannot put into words how much I adored it. This purely delightful romantic comedy with a touch of mystery is one of the best Christian fiction books I have ever read! Grace is an utterly charming, spunky, and quirky heroine who is bookish in nature and so easy to love. Frederick is a swoon-worthy reformed rogue turned protective and adoring husband. What began as an impromptu arranged marriage turns into a love match, and as the newlyweds quickly and sweetly fall in love, there is plenty of spice in this book to make you swoon. Their romance is adorable and clean, and it assures us that this hero and heroine love each other quite ardently and are ready to tackle the world together. They face danger as they solve the mystery surrounding Frederick’s family and his unplanned inheritance of the title. Grace is sure that there is something suspicious going on, and when attempts on his life become attempts to harm his new bride as well, Frederick joins the case. Through their journey, Grace and Frederick learn much about marriage, redemption, and how God’s plan is always the best plan. This book does take place at Christmastime, but I firmly believe that this story can be cherished and enjoyed at any time of year. Needless to say, I highly recommend this book! This story has it all---a charming and spunky heroine, an endearing and passionate hero, breathtaking romance, laugh out loud moments, suspenseful adventure, deep spiritual truths, and a dash of Christmas joy. Do not miss it!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes, but my thoughts are my own. I really did love it!

The Mistletoe Countess is a marvelous read full of romance, whimsy, and a side of mystery. Set in 1913, new and old meet in a clash of money from the USA and a title in England. Grace is a reader of the most voracious type who knows that she tends to let fiction intrude in real life from time to time. With her head wrapped up all things books, her manners tend to take a back seat. But Grace recognizes her short comings and strives to always work on them. While polite society doesn't know what to do with her, her honesty and transparency makes her a breath of fresh air for Lord Astley. But she is not the sister Frederick has an arranged marriage with. He has moved forward from a past marked with poor decisions and has put the needs of his title ahead of his heart. When Grace has to take her sister's place, Grace decides to see the new adventure ahead of her rather than the disappearance of her dreams. As the new Lady and Lord return to England and start their new lives, Grace's love of fiction and adventure ignites Frederick's love and passion for the future. But Frederick's past has a murderer hiding in it that has already touched his family. Now the murderer's sights are set on the Lord and Lady, with danger hounding them everywhere. Grace loves a good adventure and all her fictional detectives have given her the knowledge she believes she needs to solve it. Will the answers come before another murder is committed?
The romance in this book is sizzling, making the story jump off the page and into real life. Like Grace has trouble separating life and fiction, this book gives the reader the same issues. I laughed out loud, gasped at the detective blunders, and fell in love with Grace and Frederick. They are friends I will definitely visit again in the future. Pepper Basham brings this story to stunning life and I can't wait for the next adventure she takes me on. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Grace Ferguson lives and breathes novels. Everything is comparable to Mr. Darcy, Jo March, or Sherlock Holmes. Her sister is to marry Lord Frederick Percy, a title in exchange for her dowry. When she can’t go through with the marriage, Grace takes her place, and is plunged into a world of sinister events. She and Frederick join forces as amateur sleuths and discover murder.
Grace at times acts like a scatterbrain, contemplating solutions from novels in the midst of dangerous situations, but she possesses a clear, abiding faith in God that grounds her. Frederick, as a second son, never planned on being the earl and is weighed down by scandals. Finally, with Grace’s support, he finds traction and hope for the future.
Whimsy makes murder more palatable. Grace keeps you wondering what she’ll do next. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely adore Pepper Basham's writing. I do not know if all her books have literary references and bookish quotes, but the ones that I have read, do, and I LOVE it!!

Social engagements interfered with the most delightful bookish discoveries.

Grace is an absolute delight. She is all things bookish, preferring her nose in a book rather than making mundane conversations or engaging in other social engagements. She is witty, talkative, awkward, naive, and thinks without speaking. Her joy and enthusiasm are contagious.

Besides, there were so many things to look forward to instead of regret. Regret seemed a terrible waste of mental energy with no real outcome besides a headache.

Lord Frederick Percy is handsome, charming, tight-lipped, patient, and unwilling to marry for love. His heart has been broken, he has made mistakes and he prefers not to walk that road again. However, nothing had prepared him for Grace and the effect she would have on him and his household.

The horizon of mountains and sky beckoned her heart to trust in One who weaved the patterns of life and death and adventures and romances together in the tapestry of eternity.

This is an amazing story. I could not put it down. I loved the dialogue, chemistry between characters, story line, and mystery that was thread throughout! The faith element is natural and authentic. I could gush all day about this book, I want to reread it already! There is just so much to take in and it evokes so many feelings!!!

...fall beneath the weight of regret and lose her own story, or grasp with both hands and full heard the story God had placed before her.

While this has the makings of a Christmas story it is a perfect for an "anytime" story! Especially if you need something that is not too deep and has quite a bit of fun and humor in it...with romance, of course.

Thank you to Net Galley and Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to give a positive review but am happy to do so. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

#TheMistletoeCountess #Netgalley

Gracelynn Ferguson, is not your typical young lady, she loves life and notices the smallest details. Grace wants adventures and looks for them. A suspenseful read, that had me turning pages.
Grace, watches her older sister Lillias, preparing for her upcoming marriage, to the Earl of Ashley, glad that it's her sister marrying the Earl. Grace is into reading her books, and plans to marry a farmer one day.
Grace's plans change, when she over hears a conversation not meant for her to hear.
I loved this book so much. Grace and Frederick learning the ins and outs of their marriage. Grace is endearing, if not a little niaive. What a sweet book to add to my Christmas collection of books. I'll be reading this one again.

I enjoyed the blend of historical setting, mystery, and the holidays blended into one tale.
Gracelynn Ferguson comes across as quite naive on some things, but her bookworm lifestyle has her imagination and problem-solving skills working overtime.

4.5 stars- I have read several of Pepper’s books and they never fail to entertain me. She has a way of writing characters that find a way into your heart where they become “real”. The “Mistletoe Countess” was just such a story. Fun, insatiable optimism, mystery and romance all thrown into one.
Grace Lynn Ferguson never expected to marry the Earl of Astley, that was her sister’s job. But things don’t go as planned and Grace winds up as the new Countess instead. Frederick, the Earl of Astley doesn’t know what to make of Grace and her high spirited ways and never ending optimism. When he brings her home to England, will his dismal home and unbearable mother be too much for Grace’s sunny ways?
At first Grace struck me as a bit immature, but as I got to know her better I discovered that wasn’t the case. Young and naïve, yes, and with a magnificent imagination. She is the embodiment of Anne of Green Gables and what I loved about Anne, I loved about Grace.
If you are in search of a fun, lighthearted romance with a dash of mystery then you will enjoy this book. The end was hilarious and I couldn’t help but smile when I finished the last page. Just like Frederick in the story, I want to personally strive to be more like Grace everyday-to look at each day with joy and enthusiasm.
I highly recommend this novel and look forward to Pepper’s next story. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

‘“I’ve been on treasure hunts, solved mysteries, been captured by pirates, but my favorite stories are romances.”’

Mystery, romance and kissing, oh my! Basham knocked this historical romance out of the park with an intriguing mystery and truly romantic scenes. “The Mistletoe Countess” had all the things that made my heart happy when reading. The romance was sweet, the mystery was intriguing, and the marital devotion was beautiful. I was riveted by the entire storyline. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something else unfolded that just grabbed my reader’s heart.

‘“He’d never known love until her. He’d been a man as untouched in his heart as Grace’s lips had been with a kiss.”’

I found it hard to describe the intrigue of this book as there were so many layers to it. I felt like I was opening a Christmas box with so many presents revealed in it. Basham really brought out a hero and a heroine that gripped me as a reader. I enjoyed seeing more of their story unfold in every page I turned. Where many books end with “the guy gets the girl and lived happily every after,” Basham brought out the beauty before and after in this marriage of convenience story. The banter was witty and the heroine had this intriguing quality that had me laughing one moment and amazed by her boldness the next. I loved everything about this book!

‘“You think I’m strong enough for this?” “Of course I do, but not only I. God doesn’t go about placing people haphazardly into their stories. He must think you are strong enough too.”’

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and are given honestly.

The Mistletoe Countess is a fun historical mystery romance set in the early 1900’s. This was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it! Grace is a fun, relatable main character, as is Frederick, in a way. I enjoyed their journey to a strong, trusting relationship; it seemed authentic. I also enjoyed the mystery, though it seemed a bit drawn out towards the last quarter of the book. Though this book is set at Christmas, that event takes a back seat to the mystery and Grace and Frederick’s relationship. There were moments I laughed out loud and tons of swoon-y moments in this story, as well. I think those moments were handled well and within the bounds of marriage (all moments were closed-door). I also loved the theme of redemption. Fredrick struggled with others’ negative opinions of him and his past mistakes. But he found redemption throughout the story, and realized God had given him a second chance. Overall this was a sweet story, and I hope there will be a book 2! I think a couple of these characters should get their own story. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley, and was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Where to begin...this book was simply wonderful! It's been a while since I read a truly great mystery and to have one with ties to classic literature was great. Pepper Basham always find a way to insert her love of the classics into her books. The story was really heartwarming. The romance was really spicy, while holding to Christian fiction propriety. I loved the suspense! This is definitely going to be a book I re-read and suggest to friends.

I loved this story. Pepper Basham is certainly becoming a favorite author for me. This is the second of hers that I have read and it did not disappoint.

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 characters weren't perfect, but they knew they weren't perfect, which worked really well as they interacted and grew together. This was such an uplifting and lovely story of two worlds colliding.

The mystery was captivating and had some fun twists and turns. Our pragmatic heroine was definitely intelligent enough for what faced her and worked to keep her hero involved. Her faith was inspiring in times when he felt less than and helps him see his own faith and forgive himself.

I was blessed to receive an early copy through the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest review.