Lord Pierce Devonmont has delighted Ms. Jeffries' fans with
his roguish ways in TheHellions of Halstead Hall Series
and finally this is his story. After receiving a message
from his mother's paid companion Camilla Stuart, Pierce
rushes home, despite their years of estrangement, convinced
that his mother is at death's door. Upon his arrival he's
more than shocked to learn that his mother is not only
healthy but elated to see him. Her true joy at his
appearance doesn't match the same woman who coldly rejected
him throughout his youth, but Pierce has been too hurt to
forgive so easily.
Camilla will do anything to make Lady Devonmont happy
because the dear lady has allowed Camilla to keep her son
Jasper with her at Montcliff when many refused to even hire
her because of the boy, and Lady Devonmont's estrangement
with Pierce is something Camilla feels like she can fix if
only the man would stay at Montcliff long enough to see how
much he is loved. Camilla and Pierce reach an arrangement
that proves very tempting for the widow. For every time
Pierce stays for dinner with his mother, Camilla will
entertain him in his bedchamber that night in whatever
manner he finds pleasing.
I love Christmas romances and Sabrina Jeffries and this
book didn't disappoint. 'TWAS THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS
brought the Christmas spirit to life with wonderful
characters, humor, and a great romance. I loved how the
relationship between Camilla and Pierce didn't fall into a
cliché. Without giving away any spoilers, the entertainment
Pierce selects each night is varied and often quite
humorous. Their romance is at turns sexy and bittersweet,
but their surprising reactions to each is one of the best
parts of the story.
Pierce is a hero who's still controlled by his past and
because of this he's living a life without hope or love.
For him to find either, he needs to forgive his mother, but
that is hard to do when she refuses to give him any
answers. Camilla is also branded by her past but it's her
optimism (notice I did not say perky) and her ability to
find joy where she can that make her so likable. She
doesn't complain about the circumstances of her life, but
makes the best of what she has and constantly strives to
make life for those around her better as well. She's a
strong, nurturing character and I really liked her.
Jasper, Camilla's son, is also a favorite character.
Children are exceedingly difficult to write convincingly
but Ms. Jeffries captured the childhood joy and language
perfectly and I particularly loved his obsession with the
poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. The history of the
poem and our current holiday traditions was beautifully
worked into the story and added to the magical feel of the
season.
'TWAS THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS is a perfect book to bring
a smile, a romantic sigh, and an affirmation that anything
is possible during Christmas.
Dear Sir,
. . . I feel I should inform you that your mother is very
ill. If you wish to see her before it is too late, you
should come at once. Sincerely, Mrs. Camilla Stuart
Pierce Waverly, the Earl of Devonmont, has led an unabashed
rogue's life, letting no woman near his heart. Inexplicably
abandoned as a child to be raised by distant relatives, he
never forgave his parents, refusing to read any of his
mother's letters after his father's death. Then came a
letter that shook his resolve. A Christmas visit to
Montcliff might prove his last chance to discover the truth
of his past, and come to terms with the stranger he
calls "mother."
But two surprises await him at Montcliff. His mother is
perfectly healthy, nowhere near a deathbed as her meddling
lady's companion led him to believe. The second is Camilla
Stuart herself, a lively vicar's widow, too bright and
beautiful not to arouse the scoundrel in Pierce. Though she
alone is reason enough to prolong his stay, he is soon
faced with other tantalizing riddles: what secrets lie in
his mother's past to explain his childhood abandonment? Why
is the captivating Mrs. Stuart so determined to mend the
breach between mother and son? Meanwhile, Camilla herself
is caught up in love's complications since the arrival of
the irresistible Earl. As his bold flirtation and
suggestive whispers draw her dangerously close, can
anything protect her vulnerable heart? If they are destined
to share real happiness, there must be honesty between
them—yet telling him the truth about her own life may
shatter that chance.
None of them can predict the startling revelations to come.
Or the secrets, both heartening and shocking, divulged
between a mother and son, and between two lovers haunted by
their respective pasts, that will make Christmas night at
Montcliff one to remember—and the glorious night
after, one to treasure for a lifetime.
© 2003-2024 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy