Holiday Romance: The Christmas Secret by Julia London
POCKET/ SIMON & SCHUSTER
SERIES:
The Secrets of Hadley Green #1.5
One of my favorite things about E-books is the ability to get novels for free or at a low price. I was searching for Christmas themed romances when I found this book/novella for $1.99. Julia London is a name I'm familiar with in the romance genre but this is my first time reading any on her work.
Though labeled 1.5 this story really stands well on it's own and was very enjoyable!
Set in England in 1808, "Secret" introduces us to Henry Bristol. Henry is a very cultured American who has come to England to study with a master horseman and breeder :Declan O'Connor, The Earl of Donnelly. Finding his tutor mysteriously detained Henry spends several months in London thoroughly entertained by parties, gambling and other social pursuits. Time passes and Henry is pleased to get a summons from Declan inviting him to Ballynaheath were his tutorship will began.
It is a momentous trip for Henry, especially when he meets Eireanne O' Conner sister to Declan. Henry has every intention to treat Eireanne with the up most respect, yet his attraction to her leads both of them down a difficult path. Despite their growing affection for each other their seperate familial commitments cn oly tear them apart. Henry needs to return home and Eireanne needs to marry well in English society in order to restore her family's reputation.
Yet a fiery passion between the two cannot help but grow and as the Holiday season arrives the two fall in love, an impossible passionate love. There are some very fun supporting charters in this book, including a pair of meddling twins and the secret admirer writing strange unsigned poetry and love letters.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were so interesting. I loved learning a bit about the Irish holiday celebrations as well as enjoying the chemistry between the two characters. Really passionate scenes!
I definitely will be seeking out the other books in series and reading a lot more of Julia's other books.
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