by Susan Gorman
There’s been a subtle shift in the weather here in New England. The leaves have
fallen from the trees, the temperature has dropped below freezing at night and
frost blankets the grass in the morning. It’s time to think about curling up by
the fireplace with a good book and a corgi or two!
During the busy holiday season, I tend to read anthologies. They are the
perfect length for a cold winter evening and provide the opportunity to read
stories from a variety of writers. Shana Galen is one of my favorite authors
and I have enjoyed each one of her regency adventure series. Ms. Galen
effortlessly combines the elements of humor, romance and action in each of her
holiday novellas which feature much loved secondary characters from her regency
books. And, her holiday tales don’t read like the typical novella, they are as
enjoyable as a full length novel!
THE SEDUCTION OF A DUCHESS is Shana Galen’s contribution to the
anthology A
GROSVENOR SQUARE CHRISTMAS. In this novella, Rowena Harcourt, the Duchess
de Valere, feels uncomfortable and out of her element at Lady Winterson’s
holiday ball until she recognizes handsome Gabriel Lemarque across the room. I
enjoyed the December- May romance between Rowena and Gabriel. The scenes when
the couple shared their first dance were expertly written. Ms. Galen’s
descriptive prose in this scene is superb as the reader can feel the attraction
between the couple. And, I particularly loved the fact that Gabriel has been
secretly in love with Rowena for many years. He truly adores her! The last
chapter in this story is extremely romantic, but you'll have to read it to see
why!
Characters from Ms. Galen’s popular Lord & Lady
Spy series have appeared in two Holiday novellas; ALL I WANT FOR
CHRISTMAS IS BLUE and THE SPY BENEATH THE MISTLETOE. Blue is a favorite character
among Ms. Galen’s readers. I was thrilled when the author wrote a passionate
romance filled with humor for the newly retired spy and his wife Helena. But
Blue has a dilemma. He loved being a spy, working with Baron, Wolf and Saint,
but he understands that he can’t be married and remain an undercover operative.
He’s got a second chance for happiness with the woman he cares for and it means
everything to him. Lord and Lady Bloomington’s carriage ride to and from the
Ely Christmas ball will amuse admirers of the Lord & Lady
Spy series. The message in this novella is very romantic and the
conclusion is perfect for this couple.
Eliza Qwillen and Pierce Moneypence appeared in two of Ms. Galen’s Lord & Lady
Spy novels. They are members of the elite Barbican spy group and have
been impatiently waiting for a chance for their own case. Their second chance
at romance is revealed in THE SPY BENEATH THE MISTLETOE, part of the CHRISTMAS IN
THE DUKE’S ARMS anthology. Pierce and Eliza decided to accept their
assignment to get out of London and away from each other. There is a great mix
of humor and passion in this story. Symbolism is everywhere in this novella as
the romantically challenged couple must learn to deal with their mutual
attraction while working together in this fast paced story filled with passion
and adventure!
Widow Cassandra Ashbrooke and Lucien Glen, aka the Prince of Glynaven are
featured in Ms. Galen’s novella A PRINCE IN HER STOCKING, which is part
of the CHRISTMAS IN DUKE STREET anthology. This story takes place
in London in late December at a book store called On the Shelf. It’s a
heartwarming story of two people who must deal with their pasts to have any
hope of a happy future. Ms. Galen draws the reader into the story with her
distinctive hero and heroine and their respective dilemmas. In this well-
paced story, the author perfectly blends romance and intrigue and the build up
to the conclusion is fabulous.
If you are looking for romantic holiday stories filled with intricate
characters, abundant passion and heart pounding adventure, I highly recommend
the fabulous novels and novellas by Shana Galen. These Regency stories will
entertain you and warm your heart during the holiday season!
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