I'm going to be honest and say that The Mistletoe Countess did not end up being what I expected, and this ended up being both a good thing and a bad thing.

First off, I absolutely adored both of the main characters. Grace has to be one of my all time favorite protagonists, and I found myself rooting for her oddities and rather strange ideals over and over again. She definitely meets her match in Lord Frederick Percy, and I loved how much their friendship grows over the course of the story, and how they are both concerned with not abusing their power, and staying true to what God has asked of them.

The faith content is effortlessly breathed into each and every portion of the story, and it never comes across as inauthentic or out of place. Both Grace and Frederick have to truly come to terms with what it means to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, and their faith journey was one of my favorite parts of the story. I always appreciate when a book character is a fellow book lover, and I loved reading all the bookish tidbits that are scattered throughout the entirety of the story. One of my favorite parts of all had to be the library scene that was heavily reminiscent of my all time favorite scene in Beauty and the Beast.

Pepper Basham is the type of author who knows how to make her readers laugh and cry, and knows how to take them to places they never could have seen coming. The Mistletoe Countess ends up being a lot more than a simple historical romance as it quickly turns into a murder mystery with a dastardly plot that will have both Grace and Frederick scrambling to put together all the pieces.

Everything weaves together beautifully, and this story ended up being so much more than what I initially expected when I picked it up. However, there was one negative side to this as well. I can't wrap up my review without commenting on the plethora of sexualized content that rounds out this otherwise beautiful story, and I was definitely a tad turned off by it. Nothing is super graphic or explicit, but it plays a large part of the story, and it just seemed really out of place to have conversations of faith followed by many, many conversations about lust and desire and the like. I was definitely thankful that none of these type of situations occur between the mains before they are married, but I wasn't a fan and would have enjoyed the story much more without them.

Still a pretty amazing story though, and one that I will be recommending. I just advise that if you're uncomfortable reading that kind of content, then this book might not be for you.

Final Rating: 4/5.

Thanks so much to Barbour for allowing me to advance read and review this!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Mistletoe Countess was a very engaging book. It was a clean romance with humor and mystery. Pepper Basham is a very talented author and I look forward to reading more of her books. I really enjoyed Grace’s love of books and watching the relationship between Frederick and Grace develop. I’m hoping we will see a book for Blake and maybe even learn more about Frederick and Grace’s servants.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in return for my honest review.

What a delightful book! It is a clean romance with mystery that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I can't say enough good things about this book without letting a spoiler slip out. So all I'm going to say is if you are looking for a book that is an absolute wonderful read that you hate to see end, grab this book.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a warm hearted, delightful read, and quickly became a page turner.

Can you imagine being born with a silver spoon in your mouth, America with money, and being raised to marry English Royalty for a title, well, one of the Ferguson sister is ready to do so!

The author did such a wonderful job with this story, we are gifted with a blind marriage, a journey to togetherness, and with never a dull moment, attempts on their lives. Also be on the look out for some ghosts, can their be more? Oh yes, and you won't want to leave the lives of Grace and Frederick!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

Grace was the best character. Grace was so entertaining, funny, innocent, loving and so much more. This book is hard to review because I don’t want to give any spoilers. I loved how Grace used her love of books and what she read and applied it to real life. So many great quotes in the book. One is “ As an enthusiast reader, Lord Astley, I’m never really alone.” So many great scenes in the book. I learned a lot of new words reading this book. The Mistletoe Countess is a book I plan reading again.

I received a advance copy of the book from NetGalley. This book review is my opinion.

Some romance, some humor, some drama, some mystery thrown in...this was such a fun story! I liked both Grace and Frederick, and enjoyed watching both their relationship and mystery solving unfold. I have to say that I especially loved Grace. I often find female characters in historical fiction who are written to be unconventional and/or "quirky" to be a little...grating, I guess? Kind of over-the-top and rude or dismissive of others sometimes? The way Grace and her quirks and oddities are portrayed, however, just serve to make her more endearing to me. Maybe I see a bit of myself in her? Especially the love of fiction (I'm sure I'm in good company here) and the wealth of book knowledge with the dearth of actual experience (younger me felt very seen!), although Grace definitely had me beaten in the self-awareness department. Haha! Overall, I really enjoyed this sweet, light-hearted romance with a dash of mystery.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the eARC of this story in exchange for my honest review!

The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper D. Basham is a fun read! It has romance, mystery and humor. After Frederick Percy make changes to his life he comes to America to marry a rich heiress to save his estate and legacy. In the process there are unexpected changes and he marries the other sister. Gracelynn is not what he was looking for. She is inexperienced and has an over active imagination and loves to read. Together they make discoveries concerning the loss of Frederick's family and finances. A fun and romantic romcom with interesting characters and situations.

I enjoy Ms. Basham's writing and always look forward to reading her coming books! I received this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

The Mistletoe Countess was a surprising and adorable read! I loved reading a novel that so positively and decently portrayed early newlywed love, without all of the details! This sweet love story was precious, and the mystery aspect of the story was even a bit darker than I was expecting, with such lightness in the romance part of the story. Grace was a wonderful heroine, and her love of all things books and mystery—really just a deep love of learning—was a delight. I look forward to many more books from Pepper Basham!

This was such a fun book. I enjoyed every moment of it and did not want to put it down. I loved the romance, the characters and all the twists and turns. There was just so much to enjoy about this book.

I really loved Grace. I could very easily relate to her, with her love of reading and her “friendships” with the characters. I really enjoyed her relationship with Frederick. I enjoyed the way their relationship developed and how they both were very open to more than just an arranged marriage, right from the beginning.

So if you are looking for a historical romance with swoony moments, plenty of suspense and humour, then look no further. This is the book for you.

This book releases 1st September so don’t miss out.

All you really need to know is that Pepper Basham can WRITE. This is the second book of hers I have read (so far!) and I continue to be impressed with her superior ability to weave a touching tale. The Mistletoe Countess is exquisitely romantic—you should know now, Basham really knows how to write impeccable romantic tension, and all the heart eyes for the kisses!—and is full of hope and delightful mystery. If you like books with a marriage trope, this is the book for you. Grace and Frederick will capture your heart immediately and won’t ever let go. Don’t miss Basham’s latest success! 5/5 stars

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

***WONDERFUL***

First time reading this author and I loved every bit of it! Highly recommend for those who enjoy historical fiction mixed with faith, mystery, a bit of humor and romance. This story has vivid descriptions throughout and I love all the ways Grace relates real life to the books she has read and uses her knowledge to her advantage. Although she is highly misunderstood, she is smart, entertaining and caring and exactly who Frederick needs. Frederick sees the value in her and is beyond intrigued; exactly who Grace needs.

Quotable: “Clearly you’ve not been reading your Sherlock. Every mystery starts with a remote theory based on inconclusive findings.”

Faith Moment: If David in the Psalms had to remind himself of the truth when his heart trembled with fear, Grace could do no less. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.”

Tea Moment: “I see the tea’s been brought up for you, my lady. Would you like me to pour out?” “No thank you, Mary. I’ll see to it myself.” With a bow of her golden head, Mary excused herself, leaving Grace to the impending silence. The fire crackled in the white marble hearth, adding flickering light to the electric ones dotted throughout the room.

Mature Elements: I will mention that although tasteful in nature, this book is probably more for mature audiences as it repeatedly shares the excitement a young couple feels after experiencing the marriage bed.

I was gifted an eBook via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.

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❄ At first glance, this appears to be a Christmas novel, and while it concludes on Christmas day, it doesn't have the feel that most holiday books do, and I think that works in its favor!!! It didn't feel out of place at all reading it in August 😁
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❄ @sincerely_reading and @heather.wood.author tipped me off to this one, and so thankful I was able to get a copy from @netgalley and @barbourbooks!!! As always, my reviews are completely my own🥰
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❄ This is for those who enjoy the regency genre, though it takes place in 1913. It's for those who enjoy Downton Abbey and Edenbrooke and marriages of convenience. It's also for those who love Christian romance ❤❤❤
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❄ I will say, this book read very differently then most Christian fiction I've read. Excellent writing, nothing cheesy, great dialogue, and SUPER swoon worthy. Like....waayy swoonier then any others in this genre I've read (except maybe Francine Rivers). While it did surprise me, it was all in the context of marriage and from a Biblical worldview. It actually struck me as quite precious, though perhaps a TAD too frequent for my taste. But I absolutely adored how these two fell in love, it was just a delight to read.
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❄ There is also a mystery that needs solving, and if I'm honest, I could have done without that part of the story. But it didn't take away from how much I enjoyed Grace and Frederick ❤❤
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❄ No language here, as mentioned above, romance abounds and is more detailed then usual in the Christian genre, but stays COMPLETELY closed door and contains no details to kick it out of my "clean" rating!!
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❄ Keep your eyes open, this one is available in September!! And while it can be enjoyed any time of year, it would also make a super cozy winter read

This book is awesome and hits all the notes of a wonderful book--mystery, romance, suspense, etc. Gracelynn is such a fun character. She is innocent, sweet and full of knowledge of literary works! Frederick is an earl and is trying to find his way in the world! This is one that will get your heart racing for the mystery and the romance!!!!!

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

Pepper Basham has quickly become one of my favorite authors! She deftly weaves historical detail into a book with characters I want to meet in real life and a story I can't wait to finish but don't want to end!

I received an ARC from Net Galley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book really delivers some of everything! It would be a great story to put on your Christmas book list.
Often, the matches of long ago English titled nobility drag as you wade through romance or lack thereof. Marrying nobility and money was vital to keep these huge estates in the family.
The author weaves in romance in a very attractive way, but there is also such a journey that you will not want to put the book down! Brush up on long ago classic English tales. Both the dark and crime solving haunting English books many of us still read and love.
Grace, the new wife, is such a vibrant wonderful character and out of place for the time she lives in. Her new husband, Frederick, is saddened by a troubled past and must marry into money, it so happens American money, to save his estate. But, “accidents” follow him around.
I highly recommend this read!

This was so much fun from the start and I am so glad that I got the chance to read it! The Mistletoes Countess is only the second book that I have read by Pepper Basham but I greatly enjoyed this book. This book was so much fun!
Grace was a joy to read about! She was a young girl, but she was so full of life. I liked reading about Grace as she learned how to be the wife of an earl and how to love her husband. She knew that love at first sight wasn’t really real, but she wanted to grow a relationship with her husband. She also wanted to help him find peace from his past. However helping her husband wasn’t without troubles, there were times where Grace felt so alone. But Grace had to learn how to trust that God had a plan for her and rest in his kindness. She had to learn that God would be with her even when she felt alone.
Frederick was a kind man, but he had grown up with so many doubts. He didn't know how to believe in himself or really trust those around him. He had fallen so many times. It was sweet to read about Frederick falling in love with Grace and growing more hopeful as he saw the good in her. He wanted to protect his sweet little wife, and help her feel loved. However, Frederick will have to learn what it means to have Grace by his side and protect her, while they fight to uncover the secrets of his home. Frederick will have to learn that sometimes God gives gifts in the most unlikely of places.
Frederick and Grace had to work together to make their marriage work and protect each other. I was so intrigued by the plot and I didn't want to put the book down. It had a lovely mix of romance and mystery. I adored the literary easter bunnies in this book. They were a wonderful addition to the story. The side characters were a lot of fun, Blake was such a good friend to Frederick.
The Mistletoe Countess was a wonderful book and I would definitely recommend it! The characters were engaging and the storyline was so interesting. I can’t wait to see what else Basham writes!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Pepper Basham crafts another exhilarating romance with The Mistletoe Countess.

This book was fantastic. I was a little unsure how I felt at the beginning knowing Frederick was planning on marrying Grace’s sister, but I think Basham did a great job setting up why Frederick and Grace are good together. Then when the wedding plans changed, it made perfect sense why Frederick would agree to it.

This is one of those romances where I couldn’t stop smiling. For one, I identified with Grace and her very active imagination. But I also loved watching the relationship between them bloom. Grace’s unabashed worship and authenticity served as a gentle prod regarding my own walk with God. Isn’t that we all should do? I could definitely see why Frederick loved her.

And goodness, I could see why she loved him. Though Frederick is flawed and has a past he regrets, he works hard to be a better man, especially for Grace. It warmed my heart every time he defended her. Crazy as it sounds, I also enjoyed seeing them argue. There were just as many sparks in those scenes as in the kissing ones!

Lest I forget, let me also mention the bit of mystery intertwined with the romance. It kept me on the edge of my seat. While a bit more subtle than, say, a suspense novel, the mystery still played a big part in the story. And I loved every minute of it. There were definitely some twists I wasn’t expecting, as well as some moments where I patted myself on the back.

Overall, The Mistletoe Countess is a beautifully written Christmas romance paired with just enough mystery to keep you enthralled from the first page.

(Blog goes live 8/6/21 at 12:oo PM EST

Absolutely the most fun I’ve had reading a novel in a long time. Grace is an extraordinary character full of love and the joy of life. Grace decides to marry to help save her family from scandal while Lord Fredrick marries her to save his legacy. Much of the story was just hilarious as we are privy to Grace’s musings. Thoroughly delightful romance with just a hint of mystery.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Pepper Basham has penned a fantastic holiday romance novel highlighting identity, filled it with characters who bounced out of the pages alive and full of energy and peppered it with grace and humour, making it a novel I will not forget any time soon. It has all the ingredients I look for in a great read: murder, attempted murder, betrayal, greed, deceit, second chances and a ghost hunt!

The Earl of Astley, Frederick Percy, is dutifully pledged to marry Lillias Ferguson, an American heiress who will save his Havensbrooke estate. However, due to a surprising twist of circumstance, her younger sister, Gracelynn, steps in to fill her place. Grace never expected to marry a Lord, nor is Grace the bride Frederick expected. She is, nonetheless, the bride he needed.

I absolutely LOVED Gracelynn Ferguson! Basham has filled her to the brim with love, joy, acceptance, adventure, bravery and faith. This “ginger-headed trinket” made me laugh, but she also made me want to become a better person! Not prepared for the life of a Countess, not prepared for life amongst the aristocracy, and certainly not prepared for her malevolent mother-in-law, Grace accepts where she’s been placed. She’s confident in who she is and knows she’s loved and so it reflects in the way she treats others who are wary of her. Grace brings the setting to life and makes the plot work because she’s so adaptable. I love the thought that we are all placed in the perfect story for us and that God doesn’t make mistakes. I really, really hope to see her and Frederick in another novel.

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

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

Frederick, a “chocolate-covered English toffee” with bronzed skin and brown eyes is a downtrodden, yet lovable soul. I wanted to hug the stuffing right out of him! He’s never felt love, never felt he measured up and is constantly questioning his worth. He distrusts everyone and his every action is geared towards love and acceptance. Although it’s a marriage of convenience, Freddy learns what love is because of Grace.

“A hero is never who he was. It’s who he becomes.”

I loved to hate Grace’s mother-in-law, Lady Moriah, until with goosebumps I realized that the poor woman’s past created her present personality and that she was really a tender, broken woman who was in need of redemption. What’s that phrase…”there but for the grace of God go I”? Grace has been placed in this family. This is no haphazard accident.

“As long as you draw breath, there is a chance for redemption.”

This highly engaging Christian historical fiction enhanced with masterfully crafted characters and a compelling plot filled with bookish references, incredible chemistry, intrigue and suspense needs to be at the top of your TBR list come September 01, 2021.

I was gifted this advance copy by Pepper Basham, Barbour Fiction, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

This was such a sweet "clean" historical romance and yes, it's set at Christmas but it is so much more than just another Christmas novel. I absolutely love the wit and humor, the strength and character of the romantic leads, plus the haunted house element made this such a pleasure to read. I really loved this novel for feel-good, captivating engagement.

I received a complimentary copy of this title via NetGalley from the publisher. Opinions are entirely my own.