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Confirmed bachelor Richard Brockwell has no intention of going home to Ivy Hill for the holidays until his mother informs him that unless he shows up for Christmas, the family is cutting the purse strings. Upon arriving at Brockwell Court, Richard’s main focus is avoiding any attempts to match him up, especially with prickly Arabella Awdry. However, despite Richard’s best efforts to resist any changes in his life, the true spirit of Christmas begins working its magic on his "bah, humbug" character. Fans of Klassen’s superb Ivy Hill series will be completely entranced with this standalone novella that not only beautifully captures the kindness, hope, love, and faith of Christmas but also skillfully evokes the period holiday atmosphere of Regency England.

Publishers Weekly
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Klassen (The Bride of Ivy Green) returns to Ivy Hill, England, for this charming stand-alone Christmas romance. Richard Brockwell, a self-centered writer who lives alone in 1822 London, dreads going home to Brockwell Court for Christmas. Returning means facing a past Richard would rather forget, but what the confirmed bachelor doesn’t plan on when he arrives is falling for the lovely Arabella Awdry. Arabella knows of Richard’s rakish reputation and, having sworn off marriage in order to dedicate herself to charitable pursuits, rejects him. Richard’s normally tough exterior and heart soften, as he advocates for an orphaned apprentice who is suffering abuse and helps two widows whose home is in disrepair. But even as Richard thinks of others and make amends for his past, he struggles to believe that God loves him. Arabella, meanwhile, notices the changes in Richard and begins to have feelings for him—even though she is determined to continue with her own life plans. But Christmastime interventions from above work to place the two together. This feel-good tale of love and redemption will delight Klassen’s fans and new readers alike. Agent: Wendy Lawton, Books & Such. (Sept.)