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amanda_siegrist's review against another edition
4.0
Fun read!
This was a fun, quirky read. It was a different kind of Christmas story for me, but that’s what made it fun! Really enjoyed it!
This was a fun, quirky read. It was a different kind of Christmas story for me, but that’s what made it fun! Really enjoyed it!
vitskapsdama's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
georgiemay7's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
tanyarobinson's review against another edition
3.0
What I liked about this book: It's set during Oliver Cromwell's Protectorate, but focuses on a couple of Royalist families who secretly celebrate Christmas, which was outlawed by the Puritan extremist government. I was interested in the questions raised about the correct length one should go to in supporting a cause; was it a point of honor for Charles's supporters to continue fighting for him until they lost everything, often unto death, or at some point (especially when it was clear his ship was sinking) was it all right to step aside and try to preserve some livelihood for your family?
What I didn't like: The romance was too silly, too quick, too juvenile. I believe in enduring and strong yet instant attraction, but the love at first sight stuff in A Secret Christmas was a bit much.
What redeemed the love story: Lauren Royal knows her heroine is silly, and she writes her in a sort of humorous way. Because she doesn't take Chrystobel Trevor too seriously, the reader can laugh and decide they like her despite her childishness.
What I didn't like: The romance was too silly, too quick, too juvenile. I believe in enduring and strong yet instant attraction, but the love at first sight stuff in A Secret Christmas was a bit much.
What redeemed the love story: Lauren Royal knows her heroine is silly, and she writes her in a sort of humorous way. Because she doesn't take Chrystobel Trevor too seriously, the reader can laugh and decide they like her despite her childishness.
britanee's review
3.0
Enjoyed this!
This had a fun group of characters. I enjoyed this book and look forward to read more from this author!
This had a fun group of characters. I enjoyed this book and look forward to read more from this author!
buttonsandbooks's review
2.0
2.5⭐️
This was a quick read and not as good as the other Chase Family books of this series, but it was nice to learn the back story of the Ashcroft parents, whose love is so obvious in the last three books.
This was a quick read and not as good as the other Chase Family books of this series, but it was nice to learn the back story of the Ashcroft parents, whose love is so obvious in the last three books.
bluestockingknits's review
2.0
I was sadly disappointed in this book. It was just too easily pieced together with little drama and I felt no connection between the characters. It was my first Lauren Royal novel an I am not sure I will even try another. I did finish it, which says something and the only reason i gave it 2 stars instead of one, but that might have been only because it was so short.
I didn't even read the whole experts at the end. Just tried one and didn't finish it.
I didn't even read the whole experts at the end. Just tried one and didn't finish it.
lissielove's review
5.0
I love this period of English history. I wish there were more stories set during this period.
inkdrinkermal's review
5.0
A really cute Christmas read! I read it in two sittings. Loved the history of the commonwealth and loved the characters. I only wish it were longer.
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