A Cup of Cheer
by Deb Marlowe
Publisher: Deb Marlowe
Release Date: December 10, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
Wine, women, song, adventure, even scandal. Lord Chester pursued them all—and used the chase to outrun the pain in his past. But when his carousing endangers a young boy, he wonders if he must reevaluate the choices he's made.
The pain of Miss Julia Deering’s past keeps turning up in her present. She’s settled and content, now, though, as a lady’s companion, until the dowager countess’s notorious grandson arrives.
They are charged with bringing Christmas alive for the boy, the dowager and a quiet house, but they’ll uncover some truths about themselves along the way. Will the magic of the season convince them to believe in themselves—and each other?
PJ's Thoughts:
A Cup of Cheer is a quick, charming story that was exactly what I needed this weekend. With likeable characters, a thoughtful story, witty banter, emotional depth, and a happy ending that was all I wanted...and more...it checked all of my happy holiday reading boxes.
Lord Chester is a man who has lost his way. At a crossroads in his life, he finds himself at his grandmother's home in the days approaching Christmas, facing a number of decisions that will impact not only his life but the lives of those around him. But before he can move forward, Chester must face his past, something that up to this point he has refused to do. He's a scoundrel and a flirt but, at his core, he's a good man who wants to be better. His journey is heart-tugging and uplifting and had me hopefully cheering him on.
Julia, a most unconventional heroine, in both appearance and attitude, is an absolute delight. Filled with positivity and love, she brings joy to everyone at Chester's grandmother's home but life has taught her hard lessons and trust does not come easily. I want to be friends with her. She deserves someone who will cherish her and put her first. I was in her corner the whole way.
Charlie is a young boy who just wants a family to love. He's a heart-stealer and a scene-stealer. I adored him. And Grandmama is a wily old lady who quietly and carefully works behind the scenes to guide everyone in the direction of what she hopes will be a Christmas happily ever after.
If you're looking for a fun, charming, heart-tugging Christmas novella that will have you laughing, sighing, and possibly shedding a few tears (happy ones, I promise), add Deb Marlowe's A Cup of Cheer to your holiday reading list. It's a keeper.
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Tell me about a holiday novella you've read this year that has filled your heart with joy. Or, tell me about one you'd like to read.
One randomly chosen person who comments before 11:00 PM, December 22 will receive a Kindle copy of A Cup of Cheer.
*Must be 18
*Amazon U.S. only
I've read several Christmas themed books this year. Can't decide which one I liked best so I'll just post a list of the ones I read:
ReplyDeleteLady Osbaldestone’s Christmas Intrigue by Stephanie Laurens, #4 Lady Osbaldestone Series
Snowbound with a Viscount by Shana Galen
Under the Mistletoe by Stefanie Sloane, #1 A Cotswolds Christmas Book
I think of the 3, I enjoyed Stephanie Lauren's book the most. Love everything she writes.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone one this blog.
Reread Under the Mistletoe Mary Balogh
ReplyDeleteI have been on a quest to read a bunch of old Signet Christmas anthologies. I have read some of the stories that were wonderful and some which were shallow. I imagine that it is difficult to do an entire story in a novella. But, please try to make things interesting and a plot which makes sense.
ReplyDeleteI think my favorite is An Object of Charity by Carla Kelly. A Captain in the British Navy has lost his best friend, David, and his ship is now in dry dock for repairs. He has not been home to see his family in over 20 years. All in all, Christmas is going to be very lonely for him. Then he meets a niece and nephew of his best friend. They have come to Portsmouth to see David and they are devastated when they find he has died. There is no money and no hope.
But, there is a happily ever after. Ms Kelly writes with humor and tenderness and generosity to her characters. Her characters are not perfect people, but they are always charming and entertaining and fun.
I thank you for this review. You have made the story sound very good.
I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.
My favorite historical novel so far this year has been "The Captain's Midwinter Bride" by Liana De la Rosa, which was mentioned here. I love second chance romances and this one worked well for the holiday season.
ReplyDeleteI've read so many holiday stories that I don't think I can choose just one. From Samantha Chase's The Christmas Plan to Roxanne St. Claire's Feliz Naughty Dog, Breezie Bennett's Sleigh Ride, Hermione Moon's Twas the Knight Before Christmas, CJ Carmichael's A Convenient Christmas Proposal, Katherine Garbera's Texas Christmas Baby, and so on. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteI just read Home for The Holidays by Brenda Novak, The Christmas Wish by Melinda Curtis and Christmas in Bethlehem by Beth Rhodes.
ReplyDeleteErin Nicholas's Must Love Alligators is a delicious one!
ReplyDeleteThis story sounds just delightful and the perfect way to spend an evening by the fire. I haven't been able to do much reading this season - only 2 holiday books so far. This novella is one i definitely want to read and will be on the top of my list for this season. Thank you for the review. Deb Marlowe is an author I enjoy. Have a wonderful Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI read O Night Divine which is an omnibus of Christmas novellas. I enjoyed it very much. Each were like having a mini Hallmark Christmas story to read! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Christmas Charms by Teri Wilson--little longer than a novella.
ReplyDeleteI read a good one by Jeannie Moon.
ReplyDeleteI'm loading up my Kindle with all these delicious suggestions. Thank you, all!
ReplyDeleteI'm currently reading the O NIGHT DIVINE anthology and have read several others including A VERY HIGHLAND HOLIDAY. I have MERRY MAYHEM lined up to read next.
ReplyDelete