Review - - The Lady Makes Her Mark

The Lady Makes Her Mark

by Susanna Craig

Goode's Guide to Misconduct - Book 3

Publisher: Zebra Books

Release Date: May 27, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Known only as “Miss C.” Constantia Cooper creates satirical cartoons for Mrs. Goode’s. But her anonymity hides a more shocking secret—one that requires she remain elusive. When a scandal at the magazine threatens to expose her, Constantia packs up and flees. But in her haste, she is struck by a carriage and suffers a blow to the head. Fortunately, she’s rescued by a gentleman. Unfortunately, he is all too familiar. Feigning amnesia seems Constantia’s best strategy . . .
 
Alistair Haythorne, Earl of Ryland, would never turn away a lady in distress—even if he’s often the target of said lady’s biting satire. In fact, while “Miss C.” recuperates, he will have her teach his sisters to draw. Perhaps it will inspire a more flattering portrait of him . . .
 
But secrets make interesting bedfellows and as Constantia and Alistair grow closer, their opinions of one another change—drastically. With love in the air, two things stand between them: Alistair’s need to marry an heiress to keep his family’s estate intact . . . and a series of threats that endanger Constantia’s life. Can what keeps them apart ultimately bring them together?

PJ's Thoughts:

Susanna Craig has penned a charming, tropetastic (yes, I know it's not a word but it fits), historical romance that engaged my emotions and kept me eagerly turning pages from start to finish. 

In this third installment of her Goode's Guide to Misconduct series, we turn our attention to artist Constantia, an unconventional woman with a secret, and Alistair, Earl of Ryland, a man who is more than his public reputation would indicate. The circumstances that bring them together (feigned amnesia on her part following an accident in front of his London home) and lead him to offer her a position as art teacher at his country estate (he has several sisters; he knows when a woman is lying but also when she's afraid) put them on the road (yay, road romance!) to forced proximity (I do so enjoy that trope). This, of course, gives ample opportunity for them to slowly reveal themselves to one another amidst lively banter, a slow-burn attraction, and deepening feelings. 

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Constantia and Alistair while watching them slowly fall for one another. Craig uses the supporting cast of characters (his mischievous sisters and snobby aunt) to great effect in revealing the true natures of both Alistair and Constantia. I'd love to see more of his sisters in future books. 

These characters - Alistair, Constantia, the sisters, and even the despised aunt - as well as the obstacle keeping our lovebirds apart and the way each of them reacts to it, feel realistic and authentic to time and place. And, while Constantia is most definitely ahead of her time in thought and deed, she never feels too modern for the time in which this book is set. That is a facet of Craig's writing that I always appreciate. Her research is impeccable and her stories always feel both authentic and relatable, whenever and wherever they are set.

If you enjoy well-researched historical romance with humor, passion, heart, lively banter, engaging characters, and happy (didn't see that coming!) endings, give this one a go. It's a fun read. 

While The Lady Makes Her Mark is book three in Susanna Craig's Goode's Guide to Misconduct series and there are characters from earlier books who make an appearance, it can absolutely be enjoyed on its own. I do however, also recommend book one, The Lady Knows Best and book two, The Lady Plays With Fire. Click on the title to read my review. 

Review - - The Lady Plays with Fire

The Lady Plays with Fire

by Susanna Craig

Goode's Guide to Misconduct - Book 2

Publisher: Zebra Books

Release Date: April 23, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

As the daughter of a clergyman, Julia Addison knows she’ll never be able to fulfill her lifelong dream of acting on the stage. But writing forthright reviews of the Season’s most popular plays for Mrs. Goode’s Magazine for Misses, popularly known as Goode’s Guide to Misconduct is surely the next best thing. Even better, she’s got a ticket to Ransom Blackadder’s latest irritating satire about English society. Best of all, she’s sharing a theater box with the gruff but handsome Lord Dunstane, which is enough to make Julia call for an encore . . .
 
Graham McKay, the Earl of Dunstane, rarely leaves his home in the Scottish Highlands. Why would he? Nothing about London has ever held his interest—until he meets Julia. But when Graham realizes she is the critic who panned his last play—and she discovers he is in fact the man behind Blackadder’s wicked pen—will it bring down the curtain on their romance—not to mention the magazine that published the humiliating review? Or can an unexpected collaboration set the stage for a scandalous love affair?

PJ's Thoughts:

This second book in Susanna Craig's Goode's Guide to Misconduct series pairs a grumpy Scottish earl (who secretly pens satiric plays) with a delightful woman (who secretly reviews those plays). It's another enjoyable foray into the lives of the young women who, unknown to their families, secretly share their talents through the pages of the popular Mrs. Goode's Magazine for Misses and the men who capture their hearts. Eventually.

One of the facets of Craig's writing that I most enjoy is her development of characters, a skill on full display in this book. I love the complexities of Graham and Julia, how their layers are slowly revealed to the reader - and to one another. The banter between them is lively and on point and the chemistry is steamy with Julia taking full control of her desires. I love the push and pull between them, how Julia unknowingly pushes Graham to be better, to be his true self, and how they put their hearts on the line for one another, even as an unknown person strives to ruin both of their good names. 

If you're a fan of Craig's books, you'll no doubt enjoy the easter eggs sprinkled throughout the book (from earlier books and series) while readers new to her writing should have no difficulty jumping in at this point. If you enjoy immersive, well-researched, character-driven stories that hold your attention and deliver a well-earned happy ending, might I recommend The Lady Plays with Fire...or, really, any Susanna Craig novel. She never lets me down.

Review - - The Lady Knows Best

The Lady Knows Best

by Susanna Craig

Goode's Guide to Misconduct - Book 1

Publisher: Zebra Books

Release Date: April 25, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

Serving as the advice columnist, ‘Miss Busy B.’, for an often-subversive ladies’ magazine is the perfect outlet for Daphne Burke’s outspoken nature. But when she advises a young lady of the ton, to break off her engagement to a notorious rake, the consequences take Daphne beyond the page and into her real life.

Miles, Viscount Deveraux, sometimes known as “that devil Deveraux”needs a respectable bride by the end of the Season, and he’s bet a fortune that he can get one. Now, his fiancée has not only changed her mind—but done it publicly, in a letter to London’s most infamous magazine. With the stakes high and time short, it seems reasonable to him that the columnist responsible should come to his rescue and marry him instead.
 
Fortunately for Miles, Daphne is eager to escape the pressures of the London marriage mart. She agrees to a courtship. But at the end of two weeks, she intends to turn him down in a big, splashy, scandal that will ruin her reputation and set her free. There’s just one shocking wrinkle: Who knew being ruined by a rake could be so much fun?

PJ's Thoughts:

I've been a fan of Susanna Craig since reading her debut novel, To Kiss a Thief, back in 2016. Impeccably researched, Craig's books immerse me in historical settings and events that frame character-driven stories that keep me turning pages until well past the time I should be asleep. From London to Dublin to rural and coastal English villages, and even a Caribbean island, she creates atmospheric pictures with her words that are many times just as critical to the story as her characters. 

In The Lady Knows Best, Craig has brought together one of my favorite plot devices: a strong-minded heroine (with more worth than she believes) and a charming rake (with more depth than anyone believes), brought together in a courtship of convenience. Daphne and Miles both have their reasons for entering their devilish bargain, though it's clear from the start that love is not of interest to either of them. Of course, we all know that will change but it's how the changes come about that kept me turning pages. 

I adored these two. They are both much more than what they allow society to see and, in Daphne's case, what she allows herself to see. I was cheering her on as she finally began to realize her worth. She had so much to offer but was the last person to recognize that. I loved how Miles encouraged and supported her, how he saw beyond her mask to the full person within. And speaking of masks, Miles was so much more than society - and Daphne - first thought. He captured my heart as surely as he captured Daphne's. It was fun to watch these two slowly reveal themselves to one another, gaining respect, understanding, and love along the way. The epilogue, especially, cemented for me how well Miles understood, respected, and loved Daphne for all she was and how much Daphne had come to enjoy his rakish ways, now devoted solely to her. I see much laughter and joy in their future. I hope we see them again. I haven't had nearly enough of them. 

Secondary characters were delightful additions to this story, especially Miles' grandmother and his best friend, Alistair (Earl of Ryland). I do hope we'll be seeing more of him in a future book. As a fan of Craig's Rogues and Rebels series, it was a fun surprise to discover that the heroine of The Lady Knows Best is none other than Daphne Burke, the younger sister of the Irish Burke siblings who starred in the Rogues and Rebels books. It isn't necessary to have read those books to enjoy this one but following Daphne's journey to love - and catching up with her siblings and their partners - is a special treat for those of us who first met her as a little girl. 

Sneak Peak Excerpt and Giveaway - - The Lady Knows Best

 

Susanna Craig is back with a new series and I couldn't be more excited. She kicked things off in December with a prequel novella, Nice Earls Do (read my review) that has had me eagerly anticipating the first full length book in the series. Then, when reading about that first book, The Lady Knows Best, I discovered it features Daphne Burke, a favorite secondary character from her Rogues and Rebels series. I love when authors circle back to give now grown up characters from an earlier series their own stories! 

Susanna has been gracious enough to share an exclusive excerpt from the upcoming The Lady Knows Best with us today along with a great giveaway. Read to the end of the post for more details. 

 

The Lady Knows Best

by Susanna Craig

Goode's Guide to Misconduct - Book 1

Publisher: Zebra Books

Release Date: April 25, 2023

Serving as the advice columnist, ‘Miss Busy B.’, for an often-subversive ladies’ magazine is the perfect outlet for Daphne Burke’s outspoken nature. But when she advises a young lady of the ton, to break off her engagement to a notorious rake, the consequences take Daphne beyond the page and into her real life.

 Miles, Viscount Deveraux, sometimes known as “that devil Deveraux” needs a respectable bride by the end of the Season, and he’s bet a fortune that he can get one. Now, his fiancée has not only changed her mind—but done it publicly, in a letter to London’s most infamous magazine. With the stakes high and time short, it seems reasonable to him that the columnist responsible should come to his rescue and marry him instead.
 
Fortunately for Miles, Daphne is eager to escape the pressures of the London marriage mart. She agrees to a courtship. But at the end of two weeks, she intends to turn him down in a big, splashy, scandal that will ruin her reputation and set her free. There’s just one shocking wrinkle: Who knew being ruined by a rake could be so much fun?

Exclusive excerpt from The Lady Knows Best by Susanna Craig, 

for The Romance Dish:

 

Daphne Burke’s first act as “Miss Busy B.,” the advice columnist for Mrs. Goode’s Magazine for Misses, is to encourage a young lady to call off her engagement to notorious rake Miles, Viscount Deveraux. But when Miles—who has a great deal of money riding on a wager that he will marry by the end of the Season—discovers Miss Busy B.’s true identity, he blackmails Daphne into finding him a new bride. Daphne offers to marry him herself, but only after a two-week courtship, during which time she intends to discover enough about “that devil, Deveraux” to ruin him in the eyes of society and then jilt him. But is Miles really the man she believed him to be?

 

In this scene, a few days into their courtship, Miles meets Daphne for a private conversation at a garden party.

 

*************

When a long silent moment passed, he asked, “Are you afraid that if we converse, you might discover something likeable about me? That you might find me amiable, amusing, attractive?”

Her lips twitched. “Not in the slightest.”

“Then I wonder why you insisted upon a courtship at all. If it distresses you, we could just go ahead and get married without it.” He slid closer and lightly covered her hand with his. “I can have a special license in hand first thing tomorrow.”

She jerked free of his touch. If it were not made of stone, the bench would have swayed with the force of her movement. “You needn’t keep reminding me of your power over me, my lord.”

Miles disguised his own uncertainty by gripping the edge of the bench.

“I suppose that’s why you sent me those quills—to mock me, as you did with that song.”

“Mock you?” he echoed, genuinely astonished. “Is it not a custom of proper courtship for a gentleman to send a token of his esteem?”

“Gentlemen send flowers.” The governess-y tone was back, a sort of exaggerated patience, as if she were delivering a lesson in etiquette to an unruly boy. “Bellis gets them by the cartload. Daisies, usually.”

If he hadn’t been watching, he would have missed the slight wobble of her chin as she spoke those words.

He didn’t think she begrudged her sister those gifts. Not exactly, anyway. But with every bouquet of flowers, every

reminder of her talented and famous elder siblings, she swallowed a pang of something like jealousy. Often enough

that it had become little more than a reflexive tickle in her throat.

And he had unwittingly made that irritation worse.

“I’m quite aware gentlemen send flowers.” He forced a lightness into his tone. “And setting aside any debate over whether that dubious distinction applies to me, I did in fact speak with the clerk at the florist’s shop, who explained to me the botanical meaning of your lovely name.” It was a source of some amusement in certain circles that all the Burke siblings were named after plants. “But a few branches from a shrub laden with poisonous berries didn’t seem quite the thing.”

That made her snicker. Reluctantly, to be sure. Just the tiniest hint of a laugh.

Nevertheless, his chest swelled with pride; he always enjoyed pleasing women. “I thought quills would be at least as apt as Bellis’s daisies. Something befitting the woman you really are. Sharp, yes, but soft too. Strong, but delicate.”

Like most women, in one way or another, he supposed.

But they’d seemed to him a particularly perfect gift for Daphne.

“I pictured you writing your column with them,” he finished simply.

She would start out with a straight spine and a spotless page. But as she went on, warming toward her subject, her quill would fly. Gradually, as if pouring a bit of herself into her words, she would bend her head closer to the paper.

He’d imagined pressing his lips to the soft skin that peeked between the collar of her dress and the few stray wisps of hair that tickled the back of her neck.

After a moment, she asked in a whisper, “Does that mean you intend to permit me to keep writing?”

The question was so unexpected, it took him a moment to comprehend. “Once we’re married, you mean?”

Her chin dipped, almost imperceptibly.

“I will not permit it, my dear,” he said. At that, her head spun and her gaze snapped to his. “I will insist upon it. I for one am eager to read your retraction.”

“My retraction?”

“Oh, yes.” He lifted his brows suggestively. “It should be easy enough to pen. Once you’ve discovered just how enjoyable it can be, being married to a rake.”

Was it his imagination, or was the spark in her eyes brighter now? Warmer?

Could it be that she enjoyed being teased?

Oh, but that was promising indeed.

“I assume you refer to that old saw about reformed rakes.” She tilted her head toward him and favored him with a look he was fast coming to consider her “Miss Busy B. expression”—part disapproving governess, part insufferable know-all, part inquisitive young lady who couldn’t quite make herself look away, though she knew she ought. “Tell me, my lord. Do you have any intention of reforming?”

He stretched out his legs and leaned back as much as the bench would allow. In a more comfortable chair, his posture would have been described as a sprawl—a blatant invitation for her gaze to travel his body, head to toe. “Which of my vices would you have me give up? My bootmaker? My tailor? Surely, you do not want a shabby bridegroom, ma’am.”

Again, the quirk of lips that were determined not to betray a smile.

“Or perhaps you object to my French cologne?”

“Your French brandy, rather,” she retorted. “Your gambling. Your . . .” Her voice dropped to a whisper, barely audible above the chatter rising from the garden below. “. . . flirtations.”

A little frippery of a hat sat perched high upon her head. Beneath it, her hair was more simply arranged today, the sort of coiffure that could be mussed by a man’s careless fingers without anyone being the wiser. And her gown was pale, diaphanous muslin, embroidered with a green vine and the occasional pink rosebud. Perfect for a garden party. On this warm day, its skirts clung to her limbs most provocatively.

He raked his gaze over her, tipping his head to the side.

“Must I stop flirting with you?

Have you read any of Susanna Craig's books?

Do you enjoy when authors return to a beloved series to feature a now adult character? Are there any stories in particular that you're still waiting for? 

One randomly chosen person who comments before 11:00 PM, February 24 will receive a signed, print advance copy of The Lady Knows Best from Susanna (two months before publication!).

U.S. only

Must be 18

Review - - Nice Earls Do

Nice Earls Do

by Susanna Craig

Goode's Guide to Misconduct - Prequel Novella

Publisher: Zebra

Release Date: December 27, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

 

 

To readers of her popular book Mrs. Goode’s Guide to Homekeeping, “Mrs. Goode” is an expert in all domestic matters. Household management, home décor, entertainment . . . there is nothing about which she lacks an opinion. Who better to assist the Earl of Stalbridge, newly appointed guardian to his niece and nephew, in turning his house into a home?
 
The widowed Lady Manwaring is the farthest thing from a domestic doyenne, so when asked to pose as Mrs. Goode on behalf of the book’s true author, she warily agrees. On arrival, she’s surprised to discover that Lord Stalbridge is actually her childhood friend, Kit Killigrew. Tabetha might be an imposter, but her attraction to Kit is all too real . . .
 
After years separated from the woman of his dreams, Kit’s eager to do more than play house. Will Tabetha’s big reveal ruin everything, or lay the foundation for true love?

PJ's Thoughts:

This introduction to Susanna Craig's new series may be a quick read (92 pages) but it brings all the emotional feels I expect from a full-length novel. There's a second-chance romance for Beth (the widowed Lady Manwaring) and Kit (Lord Stalbridge), new - and unexpected - professional opportunities for Beth and her stepson, Oliver, and a newly-formed family with two orphaned children. All things that pique my interest and touch my heart. 

It takes skill to pull a reader in and then give them a full reading experience in only 92 pages. It's a skill that Craig has in spades. I really cared about these characters, and not only the two leads. I loved that Kit and Beth had life experience to bring to their adult second-chance romance and I loved that even with those twenty years apart, the yearning in Kit's heart had never lessened. I could feel each of his emotions with a visceral intensity. Oliver's secrets and family history about broke my heart but his relationship with Beth, and her steadfast support of him filled my heart. Kit's response to the unveiling of those secrets made me love him even more. And then there are the children, who arrive near the end of the story. Even with scant page time, Craig gives readers a clear picture of these two that stole my heart. 

I won't give away any spoilers about what's to come for these - and more - characters. I'll only say that my interest has been captured and I have already pre-ordered the first full-length book in the series, The Lady Knows Best (April 25, 2023). The books will feature new heroes and heroines but I do hope we'll be treated to occasional glimpses of Kit, Beth, Oliver, and the children. I feel like they've become my friends and I am very much invested in their futures. 

Review - - Every Rogue Has His Charm

Every Rogue Has His Charm

by Susanna Craig

Love and Let Spy - Book 4

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Release Date: August 2, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

 

 

Caroline, Marchioness of Chesleigh, has been married for six years—at least in name. In fact, Caro has hardly seen her husband since the early days of their union. Scarred and reclusive, Maxim wasn’t ready to trust his wife with his secrets—or his heart. Instead, he quickly resumed his life of espionage in France, believing Caro was better off alone.
 
When the spy who left her returns upon inheriting the Dukedom, he finds his wife is not the girl she once was. Her heart is a little harder. She’s learned to stand on her own. Yet the desire that once ignited between them burns as hotly as ever . . .
 
Now, the more Caro learns about the past Maxim tried to hide from her, the deeper their bond grows. But danger haunts her husband’s every move, jeopardizing their passionate reunion . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

One of the things that first drew me into Susanna Craig's books was her complex, richly-detailed characters. They hold my interest, engage my emotions, and push her stories forward in realistic, relatable ways. That continues to hold true with the newest installment in her Love and Let Spy series, Every Rogue Has His Charm. Craig's unlikely matchmaker, a spymaster general no less, has his work cut out for him this time!

Caro and Maxim both had so many layers. I enjoyed watching them slowly peeled away to reveal their hearts, fears, vulnerabilities, and love. I'm not typically a fan of reunion romances where one partner abandons the other for long periods of time but Craig made it work, sending Maxim fleeing from unexpected feelings and giving Caro the necessary time - and circumstances - to grow stronger and more confident in herself. When they reunited it was on a level playing field, with Caro not hesitating to go head to head with her long-absent husband, giving me a romantic journey of passion, forgiveness, acceptance, and love that kept me eagerly flipping pages. 

Another thing I enjoy about Craig's books is her propensity for moving her stories out of London and into interesting places brought to life through her detailed descriptions and impeccable research. It makes her stories feel fresh and new and, in this book, added to the mystery of who is behind the accidents that keep putting Maxim and Caro at risk. 

The secondary cast surrounding Caro and Maxim play significant roles in this journey with another potential couple taking their own romantic journey as they also helped move the story forward. As a fan of the series, this secondary romance - as well as the career opportunities - for one particular character filled me with delight. 

Every Rogue Has His Charm is the fourth book in this series but as with the others, it stands well on its own. Readers new to the series can absolutely jump in with this one and not miss a beat. A small warning though: the epilogue is a retirement party for our erstwhile matchmaker that brings all four couples together. You might want to hold off on reading the epilogue until later if you plan to read the first three books (and you should; they're all terrific). The series books, in order, are:

Who's That Earl  

One Thing Leads to a Lover

Better Off Wed

Every Rogue Has His Charm

The first three books are each on sale today in e-book format for only $0.99. 

Have you read Susanna Craig yet?

Do you enjoy a thread of mystery in historical romance?

 

Review, Author Post & Giveaway - - Better Off Wed

Better Off Wed

by Susanna Craig

Love and Let Spy - Book 3

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Release Date: December 28, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

 

She’s an avenging angel…who tempts him like the devil…
 
If Miss Laura Hopkins desired a husband, her beauty, brains, and fortune would make it easy to acquire one. Instead, Laura prefers to put her charms to another purpose entirely. Using the alias Lady Sterling, Laura helps young women who have been mistreated or compromised by their employers. Some might see it as theft and blackmail. For Laura, it is a small measure of justice. But while in pursuit of her latest target, Laura is unexpectedly aided by a gentleman who announces that he is Lord Sterling.
 
As a spy for the Crown, Captain Jeremy Addison, Viscount Sterling, has been assigned all manner of dangerous missions, though none as complicated as investigating the beguiling Lady Sterling. Forced to pose as newlyweds at the home of a disreputable earl, Laura and Jeremy forge an unexpected alliance…and a passionate connection. But can such a dangerous masquerade possibly lead to a real, lasting love?

PJ's Thoughts:

I've been reading Susanna Craig since her debut. It wasn't long before her witty banter, impeccable research, complex storylines, and intriguing, fully-developed characters made her one of my auto-buy authors. All of those facets, and more, are on full display in her newest novel: Better Off Wed. 

If you've been reading this series, and you were around in the 80's, you may have already noticed that each book is inspired by a popular 1980's television show. This one takes its inspiration from one of my favorites, Remington Steele, offering up original characters and a fresh storyline - set in a different era - but imbued with the wit, charm, and chemistry that made the TV series so enjoyably addictive. 

Laura and Jeremy are wonderful together and I adored them both. How could I not love Laura's determination to protect those women and girls with no voice or agency, at the mercy of entitled men? And kind, honorable, brilliant, bookish, virginal Jeremy. ::Sigh:: I do love a hero who is a virgin - for reasons - and Jeremy is one of my favorites. These two together had my heart happy dancing for so many reasons. The chemistry, respect, understanding and support of one another that grew, along with love, over the course of their story had me firmly in their corner, cheering them on the whole way. 

I especially enjoyed how Craig intertwined the evolution of their romantic relationship with the mystery element of the story. Both sides progressed forward apace, never falling too heavily to either side, keeping me eagerly turning pages to discover what would happen next.

One of the things I like about this series is that while there is a common thread - a matchmaking spymaster - each of the books in the series stands alone and they can be enjoyed in any order. If you haven't started reading the Love and Let Spy series yet, feel free to jump in with Better Off Wed. It has my enthusiastic recommendation. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Christmastide and Twelfth Night in Regency England 

by Susanna Craig

Since I write historical romance, I’m always interested in learning more about how (or whether) people of the past celebrated important days and events. In Regency England, the Christmas season lasted from St. Nicholas’s Day (December 6) through Twelfth Night (January 5 or 6, depending on the reckoning), a period marked by family gatherings, parties, gift giving, good food, and of course religious observances.

On Christmas Eve, evergreens were brought into the houses of rich and poor alike. A massive Yule Log, often large enough to last through the remainder of Christmastide, was lit. Kissing Boughs, made of holly, ivy, and mistletoe were hung—though more conservative households might omit the mistletoe. Check out the pictures of the Kissing Bough I made with local greenery (sadly, no mistletoe), crafted by poking the stems into a lemon (you can also use an apple or small orange).

For many in Regency England, Christmas Day included church services and a lavish dinner, topped off with plum pudding. On the day after Christmas, St. Stephen’s Day, charitable giving was the focus. Employers gave their servants boxes of food, money, and other items, which led to the designation “Boxing Day.”

But what of Twelfth Night, the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas? Some marked the occasion with a party of family and friends. Parlor games such as Blind Man’s Bluff, Charades (which involved solving rhyming riddles), and Snapdragon (in which participants snatched raisins from a bowl of flaming brandy, hopefully without getting burned) were perennial favorites throughout the Christmas season.

Wassailing is another Twelfth Night tradition, coming down from Anglo-Saxon times and evolving into our modern practice of caroling. Groups of revelers traveled from house to house, singing and spreading cheer and blessings. As you can hear in the lyrics to songs such as “Here We Come A-Wassailing,” their efforts were to be rewarded by the local landowners with food, drink (the traditional “wassail bowl” of punch or mulled wine), and even money.

Another version of wassailing involved blessing the fruit trees and is also still practiced in some places. Farmers and villagers walked from orchard to orchard in a noisy parade led by the Wassail King and Queen, singing and banging pots and pans to rouse the tree spirits and drive away evil in hopes of a prosperous harvest.

Finally, readers of historical romance have surely encountered one particularly romantic form of Twelfth Night revelry: a masquerade ball, a final night of celebration and freedom, with dancing, flirting, and a few more stolen kisses beneath the Kissing Bough.

But all good things must come to an end. Christmas decorations traditionally came down at Epiphany, and the greenery was burned to ensure good luck in the New Year. How will you be marking the end of the Christmas season? Personally, I’ll be curling up with some new books and a cup of cocoa (although going into the woods and yelling at trees does sound tempting…) I’m also thinking of leaving the twinkle lights up, to brighten the dark winter nights.

Tell me about your unique holiday traditions, and one lucky commenter will get their choice of gift: a signed print copy of One Thing Leads to a Lover (US shipping only) or an ebook copy and a $10 Amazon gift card (open internationally).

Winner will be chosen from comments posted by 11:00 PM (EST), January 6.

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited