by Mary Jo Putney, Jo Beverly, Joanna Bourne, Nocola Cornick
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
In this sparkling holiday collection, eight acclaimed authors unwrap the most daring of Regency delights… Christmastime in England—a time for passionate secrets, delicious whispers, and wicked-sweet gifts by the fire. From a spirited lady who sets out to save her rakish best friend from an unsuitable engagement, to a bold spy who gets the unexpected chance to win the woman he’s always loved, to a vicar’s daughter who pretends to be a saucy wench, these holiday tales will make you curl up in front of the fire for a memorable season of mischief and mistletoe…
Mischief and Mistletoe is a collection of historical fiction romances set around the Yuletide season. This was a delightful collection and while I had favorites I can honestly say I enjoyed each and every tale by these talented authors.
She Stoops to Wenchdom by Mary Jo Putney shares the story of a damaged young man’s return from war and that of a young woman who goes to extremes to get his attention. It was sweet, funny and made me feel warm and fuzzy.
Miss Brockhurst’s Christmas Campaign by Jo Beverley is about Pen a young woman who at twenty-three is called the heartbreaker. She has broken three engagements and only recently has she learned why or should I say whom. This holiday she plans to finally get her man. This was fun, and Pen’s plotting made me laugh.
Intrigue and Mistletoe by Joanne Bourne shares the tale of a spy on a mission who falls in love, only to lose her. When they are reunited can he win her back? This was interesting and had a little mystery.
Wench in Wonderlandby Patricia Rice was a delightful tale about a young woman who helps her friend to escape an arranged marriage even though it will mean she will become destitute. Fearful of the future but confident of her decision this holiday tale her faithfulness might give her the greatest gift of all.
On a Wicked Winter Night by Nicola Cornick, a young unwed woman with a child is the landlord of Silent Wench in Newport and the fallen daughter of a Duke. On a stormy night, a childhood friend arrives at the inn and she discovers he is the new Baron of Newport. Johnny is delighted to see Lydia again and determined to not let her get away this time. This was a warm tale about allowing yourself to be happy.
Weathering the Storm by Cara Elliot was an adventure at high sea with Sophia and Bentley, full of danger, pirates and near mishaps this short story held the promise of new beginnings.
The Mistletoe Bride by Anne Gracie was a delightful tale set in Scotland. A young man must marry before thirty to get the funds he needs to replenish his estates. The plan, marry a dying woman. Of course, things don’t always work out as planned. I loved this one. I laughed and even got misty eyed.
A Wilder Wench by Susan King set in Scotland this was another delightful tale. We meet Cristina who is eager to save her brother wrongfully being held. Dunallan the new sheriff might just be able to save her. This was a fun read.
I highly recommend Mischief and Mistletoe. All of the tales were delightful and this would make a fabulous gift for yourself or someone on your shopping list. I read this over Thanksgiving weekend and was able to complete a story at a time. The length of each tale is perfect for reading one a night to get you in the holiday spirit.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Blodeuedd
I am not the biggest novella fan, but..xmas stories, yeah, those works 😀
kindlemom1
I love anthologies because they not only give you a taste of a writer’s talent but they are also just fun to have to read when you don’t have a lot of time on your hands but still want a great story.
It sounds like you enjoyed this one.
kimbacaffeinate
I do too for the exact same reason, and when done right they are very enjoyable.
kimbacaffeinate
Me too Meg and this was delightful.
Jenny
This sounds like such a fun anthology Kimba! And obviously perfect for this time of year. I so enjoy the historical romance genre as a whole, so this one is going on my list for sure:)
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Jenny this was good and I am with you on the historical romance love!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, and I loved that I could read each one in a single sitting, especially this time of year.
kimbacaffeinate
psst it’s called a bookstore…LOL Thanks Michelle!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Aurian I try to make it as easy as I can for followers. You can get the code for that button under my Blogger Tips and Tricks page. Check the bar under my blog logo.
Andrea
I have to say that I am so jealous of all the holiday books you’ve been enjoying. I’m definitely planning to do that next year. I love anthologies, this sounds wonderful!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Andrea, I so enjoyed all of them, and what’s really funny is that I read ahead for posts. So I read all of these at the beginning of December, end of November and as Christmas approaches I am reading all of these dark, gritty dystopians for January..LOL Not to worry, I bought a few New Adult genre books to read around them!
Kristin Clifton
I think historical fiction has the market on holiday reads, hands down (her dress)… tee hee… I’m going to add this one for next year so I can try something like what you’re doing for next year. I love anthologies for this reason – to try stuff out and, like you say, quickies (that’s 2!). Great review, but your really must stop changing up the coffee names – I’m craving a mocha something or another like nobody’s business!!
kimbacaffeinate
hahaha…I promise to go back to straight up leaded coffee after Christmas..LOL
Heidi
I have been drinking Peppermint Mochas like crazy… I liked all the interesting titles of the short stories in this one. Lots of wenches! Made me smile today.
kimbacaffeinate
I giggled at the titles too!
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
This sounds like a great read for the holidays…easy to pick up…read one story and then put down when things get busy!!
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly, it was perfect for over the long Thanksgiving weekend 🙂
Christy (Love of Books)
I can’t wait for December to be over. lol. There’s a lot of wenching going on i this one. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yes the titles are funny..and what’s the matter my little Grinchy friend?
Candace Robinson
Wow, you really sk read the holiday reads! I picked up an anthology of Christmas reads that I plan to read pretty much at Christmas. Or right before. If I didn’t have it I think I would be grabbing this one though. I normally don’t love anthologies but that doesn’t seem to apply for Christman themes books.
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I am not a huge fan of anthologies but these sound like a lot of fun & perfect for this time of the year.
A great review Kimba, thanks for sharing 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Somehow they work really well for holiday books
kimbacaffeinate
O.o I hope it’s a good one, enjoy!
GRgenius
LOVE the cover on this one. Really puts me in the mood for the winter holidays. ^_^ Genre…eh, not my preference, but so glad YOU enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
thank you and I like the cover too.
Turning the Pages
I. Love the cover of this one! I’m not usually a fan of anthologies especially holiday ones but this one sounds really good I might have to give this one a try 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I like them as it often lets me get a taste of different authors 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
This was fun, and easy to read 🙂
Aurian
That is promising, an anthology with no real disappointments for you. I have added it to my wishlist. I must say, that goodreads button is very handy.