Regency Christmas Weddings - Christine Merrill, Liz Tyner, Elizabeth Beacon (HH #1829 - Dec 2024)

Overall, an enjoyable trio of holiday stories. I liked the first one the best.

In A Mistletoe Kiss for the Governess by Christine Merrill, Major Frederick Preston is stunned when his daughters' governess is not the stern matron he expects but a beguiling miss who challenges and tempts him!
 
After five years at war, Frederick looks forward to spending time with his daughters. He's shocked when he discovers the governess he hired (sight unseen) isn't the older woman he expected but a much younger one. He's uncomfortable with his immediate attraction to her, which causes him to behave rudely at first. I liked that Charlotte stood up for herself and her actions with the girls. However, Frederick and Charlotte had gotten to know each other reasonably well through the letters they exchanged over the years, which helped Frederick readjust his expectations. During that same period of letter writing, Charlotte developed feelings for Frederick that translated into romantic dreams. Frederick fights his feelings until he finally realizes that Charlotte has had his heart all along.
 
 
 
In The Earl's Yuletide Proposal by Liz Tyner, delivering the news that her cousin is calling off her engagement should be simple for Adriana. Until the earl proposes to her instead!
 
Adriana is the poor cousin who acts as her wealthier cousin Velma's companion. Velma is spoiled and manipulative. As the story opens, Velma hears a rumor that her fiancé isn't as wealthy as she thought, so she sends Adriana to end their engagement. Adriana is stunned when he proposes to her instead. However, she has strong opinions on marriage and love and turns him down. Lord Philbrook, once he has an idea in his head isn't going to let go of it easily, and persists. Adriana's relationships with the other servants at her cousin's make her reluctant to leave them. Meanwhile, Philbrook quickly realizes he had a lucky escape and won't give up on convincing Adriana to marry him. I liked the ending and the unexpected help he received.
 

 
In Lord Grange's Snowy Reunion by Elizabeth Beacon, years ago, Juno fell in love with Lord Nathaniel Grange, then war tore them apart. Will a snowbound night lead to a second chance?
 
Juno fell in love with the newly divorced Lord Nathaniel Grange five years earlier. Fearing that his scandal would reflect poorly on her, he went to war, hoping the gossip would fade while he was away. But as time passed, his insecurities convinced him he was unworthy of her, so he stayed away, expecting her to move on and marry someone else. Juno never forgot Nathaniel and has never married. When Juno makes an impulsive trip to visit family, a snowstorm strands her at Nathaniel's home. Forced together for several days, they have the opportunity to deal with their pasts and clear the air. Their feelings for each other are as strong as before, but it takes some effort for Nathaniel to let go of his fears.