Snowy Night with a Stranger (Anthology 3-in-1)

For the sake of a Re-Readathon I only read the Sabrina Jeffries story (also I have vague memories of not being terribly interested in either of the other two). For anyone who has a first edition of Let Sleeping Rogues Lie you might notice that the short excerpt in the back of that features Martin and Elinor of this story 'When Sparks Fly' but is entitled 'Once A Rake, Always a Rake'. I can only guess that the title changed at some point between the publication of Rogues and Snowy Night. And to be truthful the new title is definitely more fitting anyhow.

Remember rather shy Elinor from Rogues? She was Lucy's best friend and the one that Anthony proved to the class that scoundrels would tailor their behavior to their target? The one show more helping to get Madeline hooked up with Anthony. Yes that one! Anyhow she proves her mettle in this story. I didn't think she was a retiring person, shy, but not retiring and she proved she could speak up for herself in this story...so long as she keeps her glasses off when talking.

Even though this was a short story I found the characters of Elinor and Martin to be well-rounded out. Not so much the other characters, but they weren't the central focus. Her Aunt Alyss is bed ridden for much of the story, the kids are...kids and Elinor's father at the end is so busy misunderstanding and blustering that he doesn't really show off well. Elinor grows a bit--in confidence and handling situations mostly, but I think Martin had the most growth. Blockheaded as he was, it didn't take him long to need Elinor in his life--not just in a lustful sense, but in a 'she makes life worth living' sort of way. In the simplest terms, she makes him smile.

All things considered this didn't feel like a short story, but rather a novel that had unnecessary filler taken out. show less

3 very readable regency novellas, however I found their classic regency flavor somewhat marred by the excellently written but fairly inappropriate (in a classic regency format sort of way) aforementioned steamy sex scenes - perhaps it was just the juxtaposition of the 3 stories and my just having finished a few Heyer re-reads. Surely I can't be past the point of enjoying a bit of well-written steam?

The first story, A Holiday Gamble, was ok. It didn't really pull me in and I found myself rushing through it. I probably won't be reading more by Jane Feather unless the premise of one of her books strikes me. (2 stars)

The second story, When Sparks Fly by Sabrina Jeffries, was excellent. I am a big fan of the plain/spinster heroine and all the ensuing angst and insecurity. Perhaps it is because I can identify with the worry, and vicariously revel in having someone insist upon (in this case Ellie's) beauty and allure. Martin was another of my favorite tropes, tortured and withdrawn and lacking in social graces. I definitely enjoyed their romance and am off to the library to find more of the School for Heiresses series. (4.5 stars)

The show more last story, Snowy Night with a Highlander by Julia London also played to my tastes, with the heroine being hurt and insecure by a past insult of her looks by the leading man. The hero is scarred, which is another of my favorite themes. Their romance is sweet and was entertaining to read. (4.5 stars) show less

The first story, A Holiday Gamble, was ok. It didn't really pull me in and I found myself rushing through it. I probably won't be reading more by Jane Feather unless the premise of one of her books strikes me. (2 stars)

The second story, When Sparks Fly by Sabrina Jeffries, was excellent. I am a big fan of the plain/spinster heroine and all the ensuing angst and insecurity. Perhaps it is because I can identify with the worry, and vicariously revel in having someone insist upon (in this case Ellie's) beauty and allure. Martin was another of my favorite tropes, tortured and withdrawn and lacking in social graces. I definitely enjoyed their romance and am off to the library to find more of the School for Heiresses series. (4.5 stars)

The show more last story, Snowy Night with a Highlander by Julia London also played to my tastes, with the heroine being hurt and insecure by a past insult of her looks by the leading man. The hero is scarred, which is another of my favorite themes. Their romance is sweet and was entertaining to read. (4.5 stars) show less

Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Nov08

Ah, the joys of Christmas! Spending meaningful time and making memories with the ones that mean the most to you. But not everyone gets this picture-perfect Christmas. In “Snowy Night with a Stranger”, all three historical stories are written about individuals who end up spending Christmas somewhere they never expected to be. But thanks to the magic of romance, our ‘strandees’ find their perfect love in unexpected places. I can only imagine what wonderful stories these characters would have to tell their grandkids!

“A Holiday Gamble” by Jane Feather is the story of a plucky heroine plagued with a greedy guardian. As the once-disgraced Lord Allenton returns home from India to show more take up his duties as the new Viscount, he gets caught in a winter snowstorm, is robbed by a young rapscallion, and must take shelter at the home of Lord Selby—a thoroughly despicable character. It’s during Selby’s Christmas revels that he meets Lady Georgiana, Selby’s ward. He quickly realizes two things. First, Lady Georgiana is much more than just the beauty he can see. And second, she’s going to need his help to extract herself from a very ugly situation. This was the longest and most robust story at 135 pages. Includes a bit of action and good, steamy sexual tension!

“When Sparks Fly” is a delightful tale by Sabrina Jeffries about a young heiress who’s given up on love, and her grouchy and unwilling host, ‘The Black Baron’. A coach accident sends ‘Ellie’ and her aunt and three children to the home of Baron Thorncliff. While her aunt recuperates, Ellie tries to keep the children entertained and out of her grouchy host’s hair. Baron Martin Thorncliff is a misunderstood scientist who still suffers guilt from the accidental death of his charismatic older brother. Their story is a sweeter tale about the value of looking beyond rumor and overcoming grief with the help of love.

“Snowy Night with a Highlander” by Julia London tells of a scarred and reformed highland rogue and the girl he never took the time to know. After 8 years, Fiona is back in the highlands. She’s on a mission to find her brother before the Prince Regent’s men. Of course, her brother is gallivanting about the highlands and Fiona ends up seeking assistance from the one person she never wanted to see again, her girlish crush—Laird Buchanan. Duncan Buchanan is now a changed man. He’s physically scarred from the fire that took the life of his friend and hides himself from society. When he and Fiona end up in a storm, she doesn’t recognize him behind his scarves and he’s in no hurry to enlighten her. Their enforced intimacy grows into deeper feelings…until he’s ‘outed’ before confessing. I found this the most moving story of the lot. Both characters were required to look ‘below the surface’ and beyond station and appearances.

While none of the stories were exceptional, each was entertaining in its own way. “Snowy Night with a Stranger” should appeal to fans of Jane Feather, Sabrina Jeffries, & Julia London as I believe each has a tie to one of their previous or forthcoming books. It’s a pleasant way to while away two hours and appreciate being warm and secure. show less

Three well developed historicals. Each story was only about 130 pages long but they all told wonderful stories that made you care about their characters. Great holiday read.

Snowy Night With a Stranger (anthology w/Jane Feather, Sabrina Jeffries, Julia London)

A Holiday Gamble by Jane Feather
After his brother's death, Ned Vasey must return to his home in Northumberland from India, where he has earned his personal fortune after being exiled by his family. Since he is now the heir to the title (Viscount Allenton), he is now responsible for taking over his family home and doing what he must to restore its success after his brother's incompetent handling. Along the way, his carriage is caught in a snowstorm and he is accosted by highwaymen. He must rely on the hospitality of a neighbor, a known reiver and unethical businessman, Roger Selby, who is currently entertaining several friends over the holidays, as well show more as his ward and cousin, Lady Georgiana Carey. Georgiana slowly reveals herself to him as being a cheater of cards, skilled at sleight of hand and being a pickpocket when necessary. She is charming and much more intelligent than she allows the others to see. She has an ulterior motive which Ned tries to figure out and then help her with.

When Sparks Fly by Sabrina Jeffries
Elinor "Ellie" Bancroft has had enough of society life and has decided to become a spinster. She's tired of only getting interest from gentlemen who are only interested in her fortune. She is traveling with her aunt and cousins when their carriage is involved in an accident in the snow and they are rescued and taken in by a grouchy figure, Martin Thorncliff. He has developed a bad reputation due to an explosion in his family's coal mine wherein his brother was killed. Now he devotes his life to developing a "safe fuse" so future accidents will be less likely to occur. He starts off snappish and scary to everyone but as more is learned about his past, it becomes understandable. After exposure to Ellie and the children, he loosens up.

Snowy Night With a Highlander by Julia London
Lady Fiona Haines is ushered away from London back to Scotland to warn her reckless brother to go into hiding before being charged with treason for a reputed dalliance with the Princess of Wales. She unwillingly but necessarily enlists the help of a former acquaintance, Lord Blackwood, Duncan Buchanan, to bring her safely to Scotland. She remembers him as arrogant and irresponsible and sometimes even cruel. She hasn't seen him in years and doesn't know about a devastating house fire he lived through after failing to rescue a friend. Through his secretary, she makes her request and is given assistance by one of the laird's "tenants" not knowing it is actually Blackwood in disguise, hiding his burn scars and identity from her. After Fiona's ladies maid and traveling companion abandons her, she is forced to travel the rest of the way alone with Blackwood, wherein a friendship forms. Once they arrive, they have to sort out the mess of his true identity, his rudeness to her in the past, etc. show less