It was meant to be her older sister who married the earl, but when secrets emerge, Grace is the only one who can save both families. But her sister was prepared for the life of a countess, whereas Grace has always been exuberant and unconventional - not at all what Frederick had pictured his wife being like. In fact, he is doubtful that it's even fair to introduce such a vital, joyous creature into the darkness and secrets of his life - but marrying her is the only thing that can save his family legacy. As the pair grow into married life, will her brightness bring light into his life, or will his darkness put out her light? And when it becomes clear that someone's out to kill him, will the two come out of it alive?

This delightful book was the perfect mix of humour, mystery and romance. I don't think I've ever come across a character quite like Grace before, with her innocence, naivety and obsession with applying fiction to real life. I particularly loved the way that she brought God into things and attitudes in life in such a completely natural-feeling way - the message was there and quite inspiring, but never felt even the slightest bit 'preachy'. Some sections also had me laughing a lot (like Grace's rope trick), so readers may like to keep this on their pile to read when not in public! Readers who care about editing may like to note that there were various (too many) misuses of words, which I did find a little distracting (such as a fire 'dousing a room with golden light'), but I enjoyed the story so much that I couldn't bear to remove a star because of it. All in all, I loved this book and would highly recommend it. I've enjoyed previous books by the author, but this is definitely my favourite so far.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

“You are the hero of your own story.” “God has given you a life, and you’re the only one who can decide how to write it.” “And she would choose hope instead of despair, because she refused to be anything less than a heroine in her own life.”

When I pick up a Pepper Basham book, I know I’m in for a great read. The Mistletoe Countess is no exception. 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. When Frederick Percy, Lord Astley, finds himself engaged, and then married, to Grace instead of her sister, he’s not quite sure what he got himself into.

“My dear, if I didn’t know you had such a kind heart, I’d be terrified of you.”

Grace is determined to find who’s responsible for attempts to injure or kill Lord Astley, using ideas conjured up from her novel reading. Meanwhile, Lord Astley is trying to keep Grace alive and unharmed. Hilarity ensues as they try to solve the mystery.

“I wanted to remain your noble knight as long as possible, but I seem adept at falling off my steed.”

A stellar cast of secondary characters enlivens the tale. Lord Astley’s disagreeable mother takes an instant dislike of Grace and is particularly nasty to her, as well as to her son.

“Could someone die of dislike for a daughter-in-law? Would that be considered murder or suicide?”

With plenty of intrigue, suspense, romance, kisses, hope, and inspiration, this story is a charming and delightful read. Basham’s signature wit and humor shine through, and did I mention the kisses? There’s actually a little more passion and more innuendoes involved in this book than I’m used to in a Christian fiction story, although the couple is married and there’s nothing explicit. It did surprise me a little, though. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher and author through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Hosting Pepper for a launch week FB live here: https://fb.me/e/aXTTgcReh

Frederick and Grace are adorable, well-rounded characters to bolster a high-stakes and frankly genius hook


I prefer Grace to Anne Shirley ! She's spirited and book-loving and worthy of the love of a man slowly learning the intricacies of the heart

A delightful story, full of romance, mystery, faith and adventure. Set mainly in Edwardian England prior to WW1, Downton Abbey fans will love the setting of this one. With a crumbling mansion in need of repair, and financial needs, the new Earl of Astley must take an American heiress as a bride to save the estate. The last thing he expected was to fall in love with her.

"You are the hero of your own story."

This was a fun read once the story moved forward, as the newlyweds discover the strengths they have in each other, face dangers, work together to solve a mystery, and actually fall in love. Some definite romance happens, with swoonworthy kissing scenes, and marital relations discreetly behind closed doors.
Book-loving, positive-thinking, imaginative Grace is such a fun, unconventional, brave young woman. It made for many humorous moments as she challenged Frederick with her bookish references on how to solve problems, involved the servants in her escapades, and fearlessly takes on her bitter mother-in-law. Frederick never expected to receive such a gift of love and mercy in her. It was sweet to see their relationship grow. Their faith deepens as they encourage each other, look to God for answers, and others come alongside to help. Loved the timely wisdom of Mrs. Whitlock, Aunt Lavinia and the friendship of cousin Blake. I would love to read a sequel featuring his story. This would make a good series!

A thoroughly enjoyable read from beginning to end. Recommend especially for fans of marriage of convenience romance! 4.5 stars

Pepper Basham is one of my go-to authors, and _The Mistletoe Countess_ did not disappoint!

I loved the Christmas setting; it really got me in the mood for the weather to start turning and seasonal decor to come out. I also loved the two main characters' shared love of books, and found myself literally LOLing at times. Their story really gave me insight into the power of shared interests in a romantic relationship. And, having read many of (or having at least a passing familiarity with) the period books mentioned, I definitely geeked out at each reference!

There were a few "warmer" romantic scenes that--for me, at least, as a single Christian female with probably a similar naïveté to Grace at the beginning of the book--I wished faded to black a bit earlier. On par with Julie Lessman and similar authors. But, that's solely me at this point in my life, and I would still totally recommend the read!

Very festive and entertaining, with twists and turns that kept me guessing from start to finish.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I do not have the right words to describe how good this book is, however, I will do my best to give this fantastic story a review it deserves.

The Mistletoe Countess (TMC) is the first book I have read by this Pepper Basham.  I  have been hearing and reading great feedback for other stories by her, so I was excited to get the opportunity to join the launch team for this release. 

The cast of characters is one of my favorite elements of TMC. Grace is refreshing and relatable. The other leads and supporting roles are just as winsome. I want to read more about each of them (bring on the sequels!)

The strong faith thread, focused on God's grace, mercy, forgiveness, and redemption is another huge draw for TMC. This added depth to balance out the fun antics. Pepper also added a dash of suspense, mystery,  adventure, and hearty helping of clean romance, to create a perfect recipe for a story that can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

I have never been a huge fan of kissing scenes, but Pepper's are so well done. I now know why she has gained the nickname of Kissing Queen.

I could write more-as there are so many things to love about this story- but, at this point I would just be gushing. If you love Christian, romantic fiction with a little adventure, I recommend giving TMC a try. After reading the ARC, I pre-ordered a physical copy to add to my shelves and already plan to re-read this holiday season.

The Mistletoe Countess is a delightful story. There are so many aspects of this tale that will entice anyone who loves romance, a bit of mystery, humor, and an almost fairytale quality to the story, as well as goodness and a strong spiritual sensitivity.

Our characters, Grace and Frederick, are so well written that I was genuinely charmed by them both from the moment they met. I did not want to put the book down and, since my time was limited, I found myself reading till 2 o’clock in the morning two nights in a row.

I love that from the very beginning there is a connection between them — even when unexpected. Grace’s naïveté is charming (even though I may have rolled my eyes a few times). She has spent so much time in books that she lives in a bit of a fairytale world and yet she is strikingly smart and brutally honest. Frederick is obviously kind of heart and yet somewhat brittle and withdrawn due to a rather loveless, shattered history. Frederick has come to America to marry a wealthy young woman whom he has yet to meet in order to save his family estate in England. However, due to a deception which Grace brings to light, Grace offers herself as a replacement for her older sister.

This could’ve been off to an awkward start which I’ve already come across in other stories. But I love that this was not the case with Grace and Frederick. Although there are uncertainties, especially for Frederick in marrying such a young innocent bride, the bond between them and the tangible physical attraction is clearly felt — as well as a sense that their union was more than happenstance and clearly a gift from their Creator.

There are threats they must face and mysteries to be solved, yet their relationship continues to thrive and their affections deepen.

I highly recommend this book and do truly hope it will eventually be an audiobook as well because I would love to recommend it to a couple of family members who primarily listen to audiobooks.

I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book in advance from NetGalley but all of the opinions above are definitely my own.

I absolutely loved this book! I have read a lot of Pepper Basham’s books, and I always enjoy them because they are so much fun to read! Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, and I loved seeing how that played out in this story.

Grace is boisterous, clever, and a romantic at heart. She loves to read, has a huge imagination, and she references characters from books often. I loved her so much!

Frederick has a difficult past and doesn’t trust women easily. It was so beautiful to see the two of them fall in love with each other!

This book has it all: swoony romance, strong character development, interesting and quirky characters, and there’s even a mystery! I loved the themes regarding faith and grace, as well as the theme of belonging. I highly recommend this book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely love Pepper Basham's books! The Mistletoe Countess definitely lived up to its reputation. I don't think I have laughed out loud at a heroine since Pippi Longstockings or Anne Shirley. The heroine Grace is delightful, full of joy and innocence. Her exuberance for life and an intrepid curiosity provide for many laugh-out-loud moments. Yet behind her big heart, is a woman who is relying upon her faith to strengthen her as she moves to a new country, a new home filled with many secrets.

With a mystery that provides just the right blend of ghost hunts, unexplained accidents and possible murder, this delightful romance will charm its way into readers' hearts.

I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher and Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Fans of Pepper Basham will be more than happy with this new offering. Grace reminded me of an amped-up version of Anne Shirley. Throw in a little mystery, an English aristocrat, and A marriage -of-convenience trope, and you’ve got a book to curl up by the fire with

I found this book to be enchanting with a Downton Abbey-ish flavor—only clean and better! Handsome young Lord Frederick Percy is an earl whose past disappointments with love have left him jaded about the fairer sex. Due to the untimely deaths of his father and older brother, the weight of rescuing his beloved family estate from financial ruin has fallen on him. Gracelynn Ferguson, younger daughter of a well-to-do American businessman, has been so sheltered by her father that, in lieu of firsthand experience, she has had to depend on her extensive reading and her imagination in order to understand the world around her, But she is never happier than when traveling the globe through a good book. When her sister cannot fulfill the contract to marry Lord Percy, Gracelyn bravely offers to take her place—after all, in many novels and fairytales, a marriage of convenience often leads to true love and why shouldn’t it happen in real life—even if the groom’s kiss is a bit roguish? I was engaged and charmed from beginning to end with this romantic story that had an element of suspense. Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed in this voluntary review are my own.

One of the best books that I have read this year. I am so thrilled to have another author to follow!
Mistletoe steals the heart of everyone who crosses her path including Lord Frederick Percy. Never expecting to take her sister’s place in marrying Frederick, she decides to embrace the challenge and make the most of what life has to offer. Frederick is almost bowled over by her intensity but soon finds her positive spirit, brings peace to his soul, and makes him feel like the hero, that she says he is. Together they seem to make an unlikely pair and find themselves trying to unravel the mystery behind the death of his brother and father.
I loved Grace for her positive spirit. She is so entertaining and her every thought, seems destined to bring happiness to Frederick who has struggled in his loveless family life. I also loved his Aunt Lavenia, who brings such wisdom to this story. She had so many classic pieces of advice, that I almost found myself, highlighting the whole chapter. All the secondary characters are so well developed, that I found myself at a loss, at the end of the book. Thoroughly delightful!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Another delightful story from Pepper Basham! I loved the courage Grace showed in finding a way to honor the contract between her family and Frederick's. Not only was she strong, but she was smart, full of life, and so funny! I laughed out loud so many times at some of the things she said and did. And Frederick was so sweet in how he came to fall in love with his wife. If you love historical romance with a bit of humor and mystery, you don't want to miss this book.

**I do want to add that while this is a story about a married couple and is tastefully written, it does go in to more detail with the kissing scenes and how a young married couple gets to know each other than I personally prefer. It did not keep me from enjoying the story and I would love to see a series with these characters. :)

God has given you a life, and you’re the only one who can decide how to write it.

Frederick Percy is the Earl of Astley, Lord of Havensbrooke. Unfortunately the estate has seen much better days, and now he has no choice but to marry for money. Circumstances force him to take the lovely red-haired Gracelynn Ferguson as his bride. He’d never have chosen Grace, but God knew what he’d needed.

The author has done a fabulous job of giving us characters that will not soon be forgotten. Grace is just such a character - one that causes you to shake your head and laugh, wondering what she will get into next. Ready or not, she was now the Countess of Havensbrooke, but would the estate survive Gracelynn?

Oh my gosh, I absolutely love this book and wish there were more than 5 stars to be given. This copy was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. These impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

When Grace takes her sister's place and marries Frederick, the Earl of Astley, she never dreams that she'd find the fairytale prince she'd always dreamed of.

The Mistletoe Countess was a perfectly delightful read. Grace was quirky, fun, adventurous, and brave. She also had a lot of faith and the ability to see the best in people. She was exactly what Frederick needed.

Frederick had had a hard childhood and had made some mistakes in his past, mistakes that he was still trying to recover from. Grace was a breath of fresh air. She brought light into the darkest recesses of his heart and made him a better man...a true hero as Grace would say.

I liked watching these two characters find their way even as they unraveled a mystery that showed the darkest side of humanity.

Readers will be reminded that though there is darkness in the world, God has not left you alone to deal with it. He's always with you and can redeem what seems hopelessly lost. God uses our trials to strengthen us and that's a reason to celebrate.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

This is a delightful historical Christian romance with a thread of suspense set in 1913 when automobiles are just becoming popular. It started out in the Blue Ridge Mountains and ended in the countryside of Derbyshire, England. Lord Frederick Percy needs to marry into wealth in order to save his family ancestral home and estate, Havensbrook. Gracelynn Ferguson's father needs to make connections for business so he contracts with Frederick to benefit both. Grace is a refreshing free spirit with a love of life and everything and everyone she comes into contact with but reading is her passion, especially those with characters who enjoy sleuthing. She sees life from the pages of a book but in positive, straightforward way. It was so fun to watch the two get to know each other and unite over a mystery that builds gradually and involves some sleuthing as well as in their faith that means so much to them. I so enjoyed the book with the lovely settings, manor house, wonderful characters and uplifting theme. This would make a great new series with these two and other secondary characters that filled out the background to make this a rich and satisfying read. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a good historical romance with a mystery to solve.
I received a complimentary ARC from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only..

The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham is one my favorite books of the year. With the best heroine who is absolutely adorable with her quirkiness and soft, tender heart, you'll find yourself with a best friend for life. The hero, let's just say I've pictured a very handsome and broody man who fits every Mr. Rochester and Mr. Darcy fantasy of romance, but with a heart that is redeemed and let's his wife be herself. And loves her for it. The inspirational and spiritual nuggets throughout the book are thought provoking. I found this book to be... unique, original, whimsy, gothic, humorous, witty, mysterious...and oh so romantic!!! I loved it. Great job!! Please tell me this will be a series.
*I was given a copy of this book by Barbour Publishing and this is my honest opinion.

1913 Virginia and England

This cover is adorable!

The Mistletoe Princess is an example of a titled European finding a wealthy American bride. Lord Frederick Percy travels to Virginia with a contract signed and plans to marry Lillias Ferguson. When revelations come to light, younger, whimsical sister Grace offers to marry him instead.

Grace is an avid reader and applies lessons or plots from novels to most any situation. This aspect of the novel was delightful.

After Frederick and Grace marry, they make their transition to life in England. Grace doesn't fit the expectations of what Lady Percy should be and her ideas and actions add spice to the sedate home.

While I enjoy mysteries, it wasn't my favorite aspect of this novel. It primarily surfaced in the second half of the novel. The words spent on kissing and other physical aspects of the relationship between Frederick and Grace will appeal to many readers, but was more than I would have preferred. Overall, a good novel that includes warm characters and a dash of humor as expected in a Basham novel.

What an absolutely delightful story!! I typically do not have the time to re-read books with my long to-be-read pile, but I will totally make an exception to read this delightful story every Christmas season. The Mistletoe Countess is charming and laugh-out-loud funny. You've probably seen t-shirts and coffee cups with this saying "That's what I do, I read books and I know things." This TOTALLY describes Gracelynn Ferguson who never expected to take her elder sister’s place as a Christmas bride. She is so lovable, kind, funny, and an avid reader. She is a hoot, not at all conventional, and brings light to all those she meets. Frederick Percy (Lord Astley) is a second son who inherits his debt-ridden British family estate after his older brother died too young. His marriage would unite British Aristocracy with American new money. It was fun to see Frederick bloom and become a romantic hero.

This book may take the record of the most highlighted quotes in a book I've read.

"But in all honesty, why did everyone think she couldn't manage distressing news? With the amount of fiction she consumed, she would likely be the least shocked of anyone."

"Social Engagements interfered with the most delightful bookish discoveries."
"I love it when you speak fiction."
"Kindness as her grandfather had always said, was one's greatest weapon."
"The test of good manners is to be able to put up pleasantly with bad ones."
"There was something disarming about a man who framed an apology with a truth on one end and a darling on the other."
"Her life, her hopes overflowed with the fathomless love of God."
"Conflight can become one of the greatest shapers of our lives. God uses conflict to reach the deepest levels of who we are as nothing else can."
"And she would choose hope, instead of despair, because she refused to be anything less than a heroine in her own life."

I highly recommend The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham!
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed aspects of this novel. The romance was sweet, but almost too sweet. Our heroine Grace felt “too perfect”, and a lot of time was spent analyzing Frederick’s childhood wounds and insecurities. I found the mystery interesting but a bit overwrought. I really wanted to like it more, but it felt a bit long and I found my interest waning. Lots of promise, but it just wasn’t my favorite.