Review: 'Twas the Night After Christmas (Hellions of Halstead Hall #6) by Sabrina Jeffries
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Series: Hellions of Halstead Hall #6
Author: Sabrina Jeffries
Published October 29th 2013 by Pocket Books
Goodreads Synopsis
New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries unwraps a touching Regency tale brimming “with heart, soul, and holiday spirit” (Publishers Weekly)!
Pierce Waverly, the Earl of Devonmont, has never forgiven his parents for inexplicably abandoning him to distant relatives as a child. Nevertheless, when he receives word that the stranger he calls “Mother” is gravely ill, the unabashed rogue makes a rare return to Montcliff, his country estate. There he finds that the woman is perfectly healthy—and that he has fallen for a cunning ruse crafted by her lady’s companion, Mrs. Camilla Stuart. The lively vicar’s widow, too bright and beautiful not to arouse the scoundrel in Pierce, is determined to reconcile the Earl and Lady Devonmont. None of them can predict the secrets, both heartening and shocking, divulged between a mother and son, and between two lovers, each haunted by their pasts, that will make Christmas night at Montcliff one to remember—and the glorious night after, one to treasure for a lifetime.
Goodreads
Review
In 'Twas the Night After Christmas, Pierce Waverly, the Earl of Devonmont, comes to terms with demons that have plagued him since he was an 8 year old. He was sent to school after Christmas, and never was allowed to return home, instead spending his school holidays with distant relatives who became more like a true family than his mother and father ever were. The last time he spoke to his mother was at his father's funeral, and since inheriting the title and estate, he's kept away from her, on purpose. He can't forgive her, and utterly despises her for his mistreatment. The Dowager Countess, though, has always loved her son, and misses him dearly, so when her companion, the widowed Camilla Stuart, falsely tells Pierce she is deathly ill, it's a surprise when he turns up at Montcliff Estate. Pierce is enraged at the falsehoods, but agrees to stay, for a price - Camilla must entertain him, and he'll speak with his mother. The longer he stays, and spends his nights with Camilla - reading, playing cards, and simply talking - the less he wants to leave, and it may just be a Christmas miracle.
I've loved the five main books in the Hellions of Halstead Hall series, and when I saw that there was a companion/sequel about Virginia's cousin Pierce - who we saw in books 4 & 5 - I knew I needed to request a copy. This book was such a feel good story, perfect to start getting into a Christmassy mood. Camilla was one of the best heroine's I've seen in a while - widowed young, after spending her life in an orphanage, and hiding a son from most of the world - she was so strong, and was unbelievable when she stood up to Pierce. Pierce was, understandably, damaged by his abandonment, and there were a lot of evils to overcome before he could speak to his mother civilly, and start to consider forgiving her. The clash of wills, and to and fro between our couple was full of witty banter, and perfect chemistry, and I think I love them both. Adding little Jasper to the mix just made even so much better. The only negative I may have about this book was the lack of wider cast - there were very few mentions to the Sharpes and extended family, and if we had seen them, I might have exploded. An amazing, and unexpected, end to the series.
Dates Read:
October 27-28, 2020
Rating
4 Stars
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