Narelle here. Today I’m sharing with you my book recommendation for the Regency romance Christmas collection ‘Joy to the World’ by Carolyn Miller, Amanda Barratt and Erica Vetsch.
Book Description:
Inspirational Regency romance with a Christmas twist from three best-selling authors
In Joy to the World, three popular authors come together to offer a heartwarming collection of holiday Regency romance. Based on lines from a beloved Christmas carol, these three novellas in one book have depth, faith, and satisfying stories all packed into the perfect length for readers to curl up and take a brief break from their holiday busyness.
“Heaven and Nature Sing” by Carolyn Miller
Two music lovers, deeply devoted to each other, were on the brink of engagement when family circumstances drove them apart. How can they ever overcome their obligations and fears to find their way back into each other’s arms?
“Far as the Curse is Found” by Amanda Barratt
One winter night, a woman struggling to provide for her illegitimate child encounters a scarred veteran of the Napoleonic Wars on the streets of London. Can love conquer the darkness of two broken pasts?
“Wonders of His Love” by Erica Vetsch
A Scots portrait painter with a hidden identity finds work at a noble manor house over the holidays. He never imagined he’d fall in love with the emotionally frozen widow there. Now he wants nothing more than to thaw her heart.
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I loved reading the three novellas in the Joy to the World Regency romance collection. The Christmas carol features in each story and highlights the faith journey of the characters. This is a great collection to read if you like Christmas romance stories with characters who open their Bibles and consider how their faith impacts their life.
Heaven and Nature Sing by Australian author Carolyn Miller has a charming house party setting over the Christmas season and a cast of endearing characters who kept me turning the page to find out what happens next. Difficult circumstances forced Edith to decline George’s marriage proposal and she has lived with regrets.
Second chances is one of my favourite romance tropes, and I enjoyed journeying with Edith and George as they overcame obstacles and dealt with the issues keeping them apart. The novella is a standalone story but has connections to Carolyn’s trade length Regency romance series. Their romance is fun, heartwarming and a delight to read.
Far as the Curse is Found by Amanda Barratt is a heavier read and opens with Jenny in a dire situation. Jenny’s life story is heartbreaking and, despite all the horrible circumstances, she hasn’t lost her faith and hope in a loving God.
Dwight is a reclusive Earl who struggles with his physical and emotional scars from the Napoleonic War. He rescues Jenny and her baby daughter when they’re out of options by offering Jenny stable employment in his household.
Drawing on beauty and the beast themes, a poignant and heartfelt friends-to-more romance develops as two broken people overcome their scars and open themselves to the possibility of love.
Wonders of His Love by Erica Vetsch is a different worlds romance that brings together Hamish, a struggling Scottish artist and Cilla, a young widow who would be a duchess if her late husband had lived. Cilla is in peerage no-mans-land with a baby daughter who isn’t a heir and a controlling mother-in-law who wants Cilla to marry well. The dowager has commissioned Hamish to paint the official portraits of the duke and duchess for Christmas.
Hamish and Cilla are drawn to each, despite their uneven social status. Hamish is an adorable and charming hero who aspires to make a name for himself in the art world. A lovely friendship blossoms and Cilla is challenged to move out of her comfort zone and seek her heart’s desire.
I highly recommend Joy to the World for fans of Christian Regency romance who enjoy Christmas stories.
Thanks so much for sharing your lovely review, Narelle – I’m so glad you enjoyed this Christmas collection!
Hi Carolyn, You’re very welcome. It’s a fun collection. 😊