Edith Layton était une auteure primée avec plus de trente romans et de nombreuses nouvelles à son actif. Elle a consacré son écriture à capturer l'esprit de lieux et de personnes historiquement éloignés, soulignant la nature intemporelle de l'amour à travers les époques. Ses œuvres ont été saluées comme des "romans historiques" et louées pour leur capacité à transporter les lecteurs dans le passé. Layton a fait preuve d'un talent exceptionnel dans son art, obtenant la reconnaissance comme l'une des écrivaines les plus talentueuses du genre.
Featuring four heart-warming tales, this anthology brings together Edith Layton's beloved Regency romance Christmas stories, previously published separately and now available in one volume for the first time. These holiday novellas capture the spirit of the season through enchanting characters and romantic plots, showcasing Layton's signature storytelling style. Perfect for fans of Regency romance, this collection revives timeless tales that celebrate love and the magic of Christmas.
This collection brings together four previously published novellas into one volume for the first time. Each story offers a unique narrative, showcasing diverse themes and characters, allowing readers to explore a variety of experiences and emotions. The compilation highlights the author's storytelling prowess and provides an opportunity for fans to enjoy these tales in a single, convenient format.
Five Stories
Mary Balogh, Anne Barbour, Elisabeth Fairchild, Carla Kelly, and Edith Layton present a collection of five spectacular song-inspired Christmas tales that capture the true spirit and romance of the holidays.
Katherine Corbet is determined to combat injustice, which leads her to help the charming Sir Alasdair St. Erth thwart a scheming suitor. As they navigate the social scene of London, Katherine grapples with her growing feelings for Alasdair, knowing their relationship is merely a facade. The tension between her desires and the reality of their situation creates a poignant conflict as she struggles with her unrequited love for the enigmatic rogue.
He sailed to England for revenge... She journeyed there for love. Five-year-old Della Kensington first saw the proud, half-starved bond boy who dared call himself a dispossessed earl on the docks of Virginia Colony. The moment she laid eyes on him she loved him. And from that day, in spite of all evidence, she believed his bizarre story, that he was truly Jared St. Andrew Bellington, Earl of Aveston--nobly born, kidnapped, and sold into bondage. Della had grown into a woman wanting him. Jared had grown into a man burning for revenge. When at last he could return to his beloved Hawkstone Hall, he entered a world of bejeweled ladies and elegantly attired gentlemen, a world he intended to conquer--no matter the cost to his life. Fashionable Georgian England dazzled sweet Della, but her eyes remained clear. She saw that if Jared gained everything he'd sought, she might lose him forever, and he might lose his chance at real happiness. She was ready to fight on this new terrain for his love--dancing a quadrille of intrigue and desire, risking all, and challenging his elegant world with her irrepressible heart.
Regina Berryman finds herself at the center of a fierce competition between two of London's most notorious bachelors: the seductive Duke of Torquay and his rival, the Marquis of Bessacarr. As they vie for her affection, Regina must navigate their advances while safeguarding her honor and heart. In a clever twist, she decides to turn the tables on her suitors, challenging the conventions of Regency London's romantic pursuits. This tale explores themes of love, honor, and the power dynamics in courtship.
The story follows Julia Hastings, a beautiful young woman whose life is shattered when her fiancé, Robin Marlowe, leaves her on their wedding night, tarnishing her reputation. Struggling to navigate a world where men see her as an easy target, Julia becomes wary of love. However, her defenses are tested by the charming Lord Nicholas Daventry, Robin's uncle, as she grapples with the complexities of trust and desire. Julia's journey reveals the dangers of both ignorance and excessive wisdom in matters of the heart.
Set against the backdrop of the Caribbean, the story revolves around Cristabel Stew, the spirited daughter of the notorious pirate Old Captain Whiskey. Her father, valuing her above all treasures, arranges a hasty marriage to Magnus Titus Snow, a reluctant English nobleman. This unexpected union transforms Cristabel into Lady Cristabel Snow, blending the worlds of piracy and aristocracy. The plot explores themes of love, identity, and the clash between duty and desire in a vibrant, adventurous setting.
Francesca Wyndham, burdened by her family's gambling history, finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Arden Lyons, a man whose charm masks a ruthless nature. Despite her reservations, she is captivated by him from their first encounter, unaware of his dark past and motives. As Francesca navigates her feelings, she embarks on a risky romance, pitting her innocence against Arden's calculated desires in a passionate game that challenges her understanding of love and trust.
Lady Leonora Talwin is determined to resist the charms of the notorious Marquess of Severne, known for his seductive prowess and past conquests. Despite her resolve, she underestimates the power of her own emotions and the Marquess's allure. As the story unfolds, themes of love, temptation, and the struggle between heart and reason come to the forefront, challenging her vow to remain untouched by his rakish ways.