King Charles awards Captain Nicholas Sinclair the title of baronet and a country manor (Thornwood Hall) because he is a war hero. (The King also wants Nicholas to investigate why Thornwood Hall isn't making a profit.) When Nicholas arrives at the manor he has his work cut out for him with the troublesome crofters and Thornwood's current owner, the pretty and feisty Becky Forester.

This was an entertaining and light Harlequin Historical that also had its serious moments. I liked Becky, she was quite a character. She was very protective of the crofters who were relying on her, and she was a great sister to her siblings. Nicholas was a good hero. He felt guilty because he survived a ship battle in which his whole crew died. So he couldn't wait to get back to the sea to avenge them. Even though I thought he moped a bit too long over this. This book was filled with many humorous moments. I enjoyed the cast of characters and the verbal sparring between Nicholas and Becky, who made a wonderful couple. The book cover looked Christmassy, but Christmas only happened in the epilogue.

A lively and fun read. ( )