A Kiss At Christmastide - Christina McKnight (Review)

A Kiss At Christmastide by Christina McKnight
Series: Connected by a Kiss #1
Genres: Historical, Romance
Publication date: November 9, 2016
Publisher: Christina McKnight
Format: audiobook, 4 hours and 13 minutes
How I got it: Barclay Publicity for an honest review
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
My rating: 4/5 
Lady Pippa Godfrey has suffered the most ruinous London Season. She escapes to her Somerset estate for a quiet Christmastide holiday with her family, away from society’s prying eyes. But before her parents can join her, a storm crashes down on Somerset to destroy any hope of Pippa’s white Christmas dream. The roads have flooded and travel is impossible, leaving her stranded and alone. But a muddied, angry and devilishly handsome lord appears at her door demanding shelter. 

Lucas Hartfeld, the Earl of Maddox, has been summoned by his parents, the Marquis and Marchioness of Bowmont, to attend a holiday party in the wilds of the country, far from his London townhouse. He suspects they command his attendance for far different reasons than a simple country party. When a storm strands his carriage, he’s forced to seek shelter at the only home for miles around, a local manor called Helton House. 

When Lady Pippa is reluctant to admit him, he does what he’s been raised to do—demand she provide him and his servants with shelter until the storm passes. But the beautiful woman draws his interest far more than he’s willing to admit. Can Lucas find a way out of the predicament his parents are planning?

As Lady Pippa scrutinizes another arrogant, demanding lord, she is bombarded with memories of betrayals in her past. Can she forget those difficult life lessons to claim a Christmastide kiss from a perfect stranger?

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My thoughts:

This book follows Lady Pippa who was ruined in London society after her friend made comments about something happening with a man who was not her husband.  Lady Pippa went back to the country where she is more comfortable to ride out the destruction.  During a storm when her parents are out of town Lucas Hartfeld the Early of Maddox breaks down in his carriage and seeks refuge with Lady Pippa.

Lady Pippa is a very formal girl who happened to be friends with a wicked girl.  Lady Pippa has a large heart that easily peaks through her personality.  I loved that she was concerned about getting gifts out to the townspeople and anyone less fortunate then her during the storm as well as making sure the house was perfect for her parent’s arrival.

Lucas comes in with some interesting intentions, but soon after he finds himself trapped his mind begins changing.  I loved getting a look at Lucas’s life as well as his past.  He lost a brother a long time ago and it has affected his family and himself deeply.  I loved how he could openly talk about it.  I enjoyed that we got to get his POV and what he was willing to risk for love.

The author does a great job creating the personalities of both Lucas and Lady Pippa.  They both have very well-developed backstories that we get to look at.  They also have their own issues that they are fighting against while trying to figure out the future.

The romance between Lady Pippa and Lucas is cute.  The book is short, but we get a quick from unsure to love.  The two characters couldn’t be any more different, but they find something in each other that they can’t live without.

 

I love the ending of this book there are so many ups and downs and a great love story, but the ending is cute.  I love the change of heart that the characters experience and without giving too much away it comes to a great peak.

I guess my one complaint was that I felt there was unfinished business in the end for Lady Pippa.  I would have loved a little glimpse into what happens to her friend.The author does a great job leaving it open for a sequel.

I highly recommend the audio for this book.  The narrators where perfect for this book.  They both captured the spirit of the two main characters and it made it very easy to listen too.

I received a copy of this audiobook from Barclay publicity to provide an honest review.  This does not affect my opinion of this book. 

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About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author Christina McKnight writes emotional and intricate Regency Romance with strong women and maverick heroes. 

Christina enjoys a quiet life in Northern California with her family, her wine, and lots of coffee. Oh, and her books...don't forget her books! Most days she can be found writing, reading, or traveling the great state of California.

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