Fresh Fiction Blog | Mary Balogh | The Third Lover In Any Christmas Romance

I have had the great pleasure of writing a number of Christmas novels and novellas, all of them set in Regency England. They are all love stories, of course, and therefore have a hero and heroine who fall in love in a happily-ever-after kind of way. But I have always contended that a Christmas romance ought to be not just a love story that happens to occur at that particular season, but one that happens because of the season. Christmas ought to be, in fact, almost a character in its own right, the very embodiment of love itself.

Christmas, even regardless of its religious significance, and regardless too of all the excesses of commercialism that do their best to stifle it in our own era, is that time of year when we celebrate all that is finest in human nature--the power of love and family and forgiveness and peace and goodwill and warm enjoyment of the company of loved ones coupled with a reaching out to those less fortunate than ourselves. Christmas is a time of joy and hope, a time we would all love to hold onto for all of the year to come and beyond if only it were possible. Somehow, in a fictional love story, it is possible.

It is the very best time of year in which to set a love story. Give me a pair of troubled lovers on the one hand, and give me Christmas on the other, set me down before my laptop, and I am in writers' heaven! In CHRISTMAS BEAU, for example, the Marquess of Denbigh seeks vengeance against the woman who broke their engagement and his heart a number of years ago. She is now a widow with two small children, and he sets out to lure her to a Christmas gathering at his country home so that he can make her fall in love with him and then break her heart. Christmas, however, has something of its own to say about such a foolish and misguided plan! And in A CHRISTMAS BRIDE, when Edgar Downes, having been forced to make an unhappy marriage to Helena, Lady Stapleton, takes his bride home to a large family gathering for Christmas, it is not so much their own efforts or the kindness of his family that make them realize that after all they belong together, but the wonder of Christmas itself.

Yes, indeed, a Christmas love story is a very special sort of romance. Leave a comment below, and have a chance to win autographed copies of A CHRISTMAS BRIDE/CHRISTMAS BEAU, A CHRISTMAS PROMISE, and the anthology THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS, which also contains novellas by Nicola Cornick and Courtney Milan. And have a happy Christmas!

Mary Balogh

MaryBalogh.com | Facebook

Comments

I love your bokks Mary and can't wait to read this one too! Keep them coming!!
(Bonnie Capuano 6:04am November 27, 2012)

Appreciate your comments about Christmas.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:20am November 27, 2012)

I really enjoy your books so very much. A perfect time to read books about Christmas. What a wonderful giveaway!
(Shawn Andree 6:41am November 27, 2012)

I love Christmas books! Such a generous giveaway. Wishing you peaceful and joyous holidays.
(Karen Gervasi 6:57am November 27, 2012)

I agree with all your comments about the Christmas season, particularly about its power of love and peace and goodwill. I wish the Christmas spirit could extend throughout the whole year.
(Michelle Donaldson 7:11am November 27, 2012)

I love Christmas, and just the holiday season overall. And I love romance, so what could be better then combining the two :)
(Sharon D 8:49am November 27, 2012)

I love stories that take place at Christmas! Wishing everyone Happy Holidays!
(Lori Yost 9:36am November 27, 2012)

My favorite Christmas regencies have always been Ms. Balogh's. I own all that were already in print.
(Judith Villarreal 9:45am November 27, 2012)

How very insightful to describe Christmas as "almost a character in its own right." There is something truly magical about the holidays.
(Rebecca Cartwright 9:45am November 27, 2012)

YEAH - love your books and I can't wait to get to B&N and pick it up - Merry Christmas & good luck to everyone !!
(Tammy Proffit 9:46am November 27, 2012)

I love your books and I love Christmas stories, would love to win, please? Merry Christmas to you...
(Linda Scarchuk 9:48am November 27, 2012)

I'm ready for some good Christimas stories!
(Cindy Kanavy 9:49am November 27, 2012)

I have and reread most of the Christmas Anthologies with your
short stories every year. I can't wait to read the newest
ones. Thank you so much for the hours of enjoyment your books
have brought.
(Deb Rogers 9:50am November 27, 2012)

Love your books Mary. I like the way that your couples interact. Joan
(Joan Mary Wilson 9:54am November 27, 2012)

Hi Mary, I cant wait to finish my semester at university and have Christmas break,
I intend to curl up in front of the fire with lots of books that are non-textbook
books and enjoy! Yours is on the list :) Would love to win it! Have a Merry
Christmas :)
(Mary Ritchie 9:55am November 27, 2012)

Hi,
I want a copy because.. I really love yours books, actually only yesterday re-read this one...
A very big kiss, and I hope that you follow write lovely books by many years more.
(Aymara Contreras 9:56am November 27, 2012)

I have been waiting and waiting for this duo of tales to be
released. So glad today has come. I will enjoy!
(Elaine Smith 10:01am November 27, 2012)

I would like to get the book, I love everything Mary Balogh writes, and this book seems perfect for the holidays.
(Zyanya Mcmillan 10:03am November 27, 2012)

The first book of yours that I read was a Christmas book.
I was instantly a fan an since then have read everything
you have written so far. Looking forward to these!
(Christina Sava 10:14am November 27, 2012)

I have enjoyed reading all of your books, Mary. I do love a good Christmas story, with my favorites being set in Regency England.
(Bonnie DeRosa 10:15am November 27, 2012)

A romantic Christmas story written by Mary Balogh, what could be more perfect! I am a consummate Mary Balogh fan and read all your books voraciously.
(Beth Charette 10:22am November 27, 2012)

I get excited for this season - I find a glint in my eyes, a lightness in my heart, just an all around glow. I see people getting things together to give away, buying an extra can or two to put in the donation box, even stores offering you to give a monetary gift to great causes (like St Jude's Hospital) - and people no matter the hardship find a way of giving, of material things and of themselves, they go out of their way to smile to wish you a great holiday, to let someone else get a spot closer to the store. It is infectious, the spirit rises within to meet it and something wonderful happens to people as a whole. Thank you for recognizing this, the season definitely is its own character - I hope one day it will be that way throughout the year.
(Carla Carlson 10:22am November 27, 2012)

My he-man husband becomes a romance addict at Christmas. The rest of the year it's all about zombies, sports, hi-octane action, or cornball comedies, but when those holiday romances start in October, he's all in for the marathon. Strangely, out of all my romances I don't think I have one Christmas anthology. Happy Holidays, everyone!
(Debbie Hancock 10:22am November 27, 2012)

I love your stories Mary. All I need to see is your name on
the cover for me to make a purchase.
(Joann Baiocco 10:24am November 27, 2012)

love Christmas! love books!!! PICK ME!!
(Pamela Faye Howell 10:28am November 27, 2012)

Christmas regency stories are highlights of the holiday season. Thanks so much for giveaway. Happy Holidays!
(Winnie Pang 10:32am November 27, 2012)

I love Christmas themed books... and I read them year round! Yours always make me smile! Thanks!
(Cate Sparks 10:35am November 27, 2012)

I love Christmas stories! And, I especially love YOUR
Christmas stories!
(Ml Smyth 10:36am November 27, 2012)

I'm so looking forward to reading these Christmas stories of yours. I still have copies of the Regency Christmas anthologies & re-read your contributions each December. My favorite is The Bond Street Carolers.
(Judy Goodnight 10:39am November 27, 2012)

I agree completely...a Christmas love story is most definitely
a special romance! Thanks for bringing us such wonderful
Christmas stories. I always look forward to reading them!
(Michelle Harlan 10:40am November 27, 2012)

I can't wait to read this book! I love all your books and have gotten my sis-
in-law hooked on your books too!
(Dianne Singleton 10:41am November 27, 2012)

Hi

I love Holiday stories and I am excited to read these.

Thanks for the chance
(Pam Brewer 10:46am November 27, 2012)

Ditto to all the previous comments: I LOVE your stores, and
the Christmas ones are special for a special time of year.
I've already started reading the holiday stories and it
isn't even December 1st! They make me feel good and put me
in the mood for decorating, cooking, and gifting. Thanks
for the contest!
(Janice Hougland 10:47am November 27, 2012)

I agree with you, Mary. Christmas magic has to play a part in
any Christmas romance. Can't wait to read these stories!
(Rhea Grove 11:09am November 27, 2012)

Thanks for the chance to enter.
I absolutely love to read & thankfully I've passed that love
on to my girls. My oldest who is in high school(the others
are still young) & I share books now. We love being able to
talk about what we are reading or have read with each other.
Again thank you for the chance to enter.
Happy Holidays.
(Beth Hammann 11:12am November 27, 2012)

There is a special magic to the season of Christmas. Things
that seem impossible at other times can truly happen! I enjoy
reading your books!
(Marguerite Guinn 11:13am November 27, 2012)

I read Christmas Bride long ago. Great story of redemption. It also satisfied wanting to now what happen with Gerald and Pris. I guess he received the gift of redemption too. Thank you
(Jeanette Harris 11:13am November 27, 2012)

I love Christmas stories. They always put me in a festive frame of mind.
(Pam Howell 11:14am November 27, 2012)

Anything your write is magic! I have read your books with such enjoyment and
am never disappointed. I hope your holidays bring you as much pleasure as you
can handle. Thank you for all the work you do to bring pleasure and relaxation
to such a complicated world. Please don't stop. Merry Christmas!
(Sandra Spilecki 11:21am November 27, 2012)

Christmas Bride & Christmas Promise my two favorites. would be lovely to
have an autograph although I painstakingly acquired all of your backlist
through Ebay over the years. Please keep on writing! What about some
new Christmas settings in novels or hort stories?
(Laura Kennedy 11:21am November 27, 2012)

I just love new books for Christmas and yours are exceptional. Thank you for all of the great books I have already read.
(Donna Hoffman 11:22am November 27, 2012)

You are the writer who introduced me to historical romance. I
love the way your stories transport me. :)
(Connie Roller 11:23am November 27, 2012)

What a lovely thought on Christmas romances. And so perfect for the season of love. Thanks for your post.
(G S Moch 11:28am November 27, 2012)

I love all of your books Mary. But, the Christmas ones have seemed to affect me a great deal.
(Annette Naish 11:34am November 27, 2012)

Hi, Mary! I love your books, but haven't read any of your Christmas books yet. They sound wonderful, and I look forward to reading them. Merry Christmas!
(Cathy Phillips 11:37am November 27, 2012)

I love Mary's stories and have read a few of these before, but
her Christmas stories are ones the I re-read.
(Diane Sallans 11:38am November 27, 2012)

I am currently revisiting all your past Christmas books and crying a lot
....again. I am excited to start a new story!
(Alison Rauschenberger 11:50am November 27, 2012)

Merry Christmas, Mary. I love your books, especially the Bedwyns. Although I have a copy of Christmas Beau (Signet Regency Romance, 1991), I have not yet found Christmas Bride. Can't wait to read!!!
(Anne Hoile 11:54am November 27, 2012)

Mary Balogh AND Two Christmas stories, now thats a PERFECT combination! Merry Christmas to us!
(Julie Dodge 11:55am November 27, 2012)

Love your books and can't wait to read this new one!
(Patience Gray 12:04pm November 27, 2012)

I love your books and can't wait to read this one as well! Happy Holiday's!
(Christine Mead 12:14pm November 27, 2012)

Love reading your books Mary. Hope I can win this one!!
(Sue C Grant 12:28pm November 27, 2012)

Always excited for another Balogh book! Thank you for introducing us to so
many wonderful characters.
(Bridget Wilde 12:28pm November 27, 2012)

Mary Balogh is my favorite author. I've read every single story she has
written.
(Rachel Evangelista 12:29pm November 27, 2012)

I do enjoy Christmas stories since it seems anything is possible.
(Maureen Emmons 12:50pm November 27, 2012)

Christmas is a time of miracles--and romance itself is a miracle.
(Sue Farrell 12:55pm November 27, 2012)

I agree. Christmas does make a great third character
(Jo Jones 1:09pm November 27, 2012)

I love Christmas time. What a wonderful chance to win all Christmas-themed books. What fun! Happy Holidays.
(Nancy Reynolds 1:13pm November 27, 2012)

I have not read one of your books in some time. Would love to read this and review it.
(Jane Squires 1:26pm November 27, 2012)

This sounds like such a wonderful read, but then again anything from you is always great!
(Lora Patten 2:08pm November 27, 2012)

Hi Mary!

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and that you are looking forward to a very Merry Christmas!

I love Christmas and I think that every year I, like many others, look forward to the holiday with the same wonder we had as children! Every year I still look forward to the snow falling and covering the fallen leaves. It time to light the fireplace and settle in my favorite chair for a long winter's "read"!

Christmas not only is the time we look forward to a bright New Year but a time of reflection on the the year past. It is also a time for forgiveness and redemption as well as committing to unconditional love! It's my favorite time for reading romance and looking forward to a Happy New Year!

This year one of the things I was thankful for was that The Secret Mistress also had a surpise when it cam out in July - it came with a bonus short story - Now A Bride! It was like having Christmas in July!
(Jeanne Miro 2:26pm November 27, 2012)

I am a huge fan of your books Mary. I love Christmas stories. I love romance, so the two mixed together is perfect for me. I love regency & historical and then add a little Christmas, that makes it even better. Would love to win. thanks for the great giveaway.
(Chris Bails 2:33pm November 27, 2012)

I love your books! Thank you for doing what you do--I can't wait to read this one!
(Irma Ramirez Villa 2:34pm November 27, 2012)

This sound like a good way to start the Christmas season. I hope I'm the lucky winner.
(Anna Speed 2:35pm November 27, 2012)

I can't wait to read your books I'm adding them to my reading list.....my
Christmas presents to myself.
(Andrea Carpenter 2:46pm November 27, 2012)

Sounds like perfect reading for the holidays.
(Shannon Scott 3:13pm November 27, 2012)

Thabks for the giveaway, these books sound fun! Happy Holidays!
(Chelsea Knestrick 3:28pm November 27, 2012)

Love Christmas stories... they always leave me with a great mood when it is done.
(Colleen Conklin 3:38pm November 27, 2012)

Regencies are my FAVORITES!!!! thank you so much for the chance to win!
(Felicia Ciaudelli 3:58pm November 27, 2012)

LOVE YOUR BOOKS THEY ARE THE BEST. MARVELOUS GIVEAWAY LOVE TO
WIN THIS FOR CHRISTMAS IT WOULD BE AN EXCELLENT GIFT.
(Shelly Caggiano 4:05pm November 27, 2012)

I have read all of your books and I am so excited for this
one!!
(Eva Segerblom 4:14pm November 27, 2012)

I agree, no amount of commercialism can take the spirit and joy out of Christmas for me. I always pick a few books with a Christmas theme and hold onto them to read during the month of December.
(QuenKne M 4:26pm November 27, 2012)

This is a fantastic giveaway! I love Christmas romances.
(Karin Anderson 4:56pm November 27, 2012)

I love Mary's books and would love to read more!
(Chris Hb 5:08pm November 27, 2012)

I love christmas romances. I would love to read more of them and I really enjoy your books. Thank you for the giveaway.
(Emily Bowes 6:10pm November 27, 2012)

doesn't every Christmas make us hope for that happily-eve-after for our loved one, our friends, every family, each child, the world? oh that the magic be real!
(Beth Fuller 6:31pm November 27, 2012)

Looking forward to the two books in one for Christmas
(Susan Jang 6:38pm November 27, 2012)

Christmas regencies sound great. Haven't read any of your books yet.
(Michelle Fidler 8:20pm November 27, 2012)

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I don't care what happens, but I love to go all out with everything - decorating, cooking, baking, and passing along my baked goods to others, because I have built up a reputation, and the hints are already being dropped about getting in on some of my cookies this year!! LOL Of course there are special people that I would never forget, as I begin to bake. I'm sure my Mother is looking down on me and smiling, because one of the recipes happens to be one that she was known for. Out of her 3 Daughters, I'm the only one that makes these cookies every year. I may have had to start a new life a distance away from my family, but my Friends are my new family, and what comes from my heart gets shared with them, not only at Christmas, but throughout the year. I'm looking forward to cozying up with your book, and a cup of hot chocolate, after the chores are through. May you have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas, and the best to you in the New Year!!
(Peggy Roberson 8:55pm November 27, 2012)

I love Regency romance and I am getting so excited about the holiday season! Thanks for the giveaway!
(Jennifer Beyer 8:56pm November 27, 2012)

I love to read Christmas books to help put me in the holiday mood. Enjoyed reading your blog.
(Sheila True 8:57pm November 27, 2012)

*Sigh* I love Christmas. And books. So Christmas books are the best :-)
(Chelsea Brooks 9:02pm November 27, 2012)

I love Christmas stories. They are the best with the feel good feeling of "Good Wills Toward Everyone".
(Kai Wong 9:08pm November 27, 2012)

I've been waiting months to read "A Christmas Bride/Christmas Beau!" I am
so looking forward to it. I also love Christmas romances that happen
beaches of the season. They are more special. Thank you for the contest :)
(Alycia Jaquays 9:13pm November 27, 2012)

These books all bound so good. I just love Christmas romances, I stock up
now so I can have a couple for later in the year when I am in the mood.
(Ann Sheiring 9:19pm November 27, 2012)

It would be an awesome Christmas present to win one of your books!
(Renee Pajda 9:26pm November 27, 2012)

Looking forward to getting into the Christmas spirit and what a great way to get started.
Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 9:58pm November 27, 2012)

Love your books...cant wait to read these Christmas ones
(Brenda Pratt 10:01pm November 27, 2012)

your books are great..nice to have holidays ones to get
(Kimberly Hoefs 10:33pm November 27, 2012)

Love Christmas stories... it's my favorite holiday...
(May Pau 10:46pm November 27, 2012)

Love stories that take place at Christmas, also like your books. Would love to win.
(Linda Hall 11:28pm November 27, 2012)

I Love your BOOKS! Looking forward to reading these Christmas ones. Thanks for the contest!
(Teresa Ward 11:35pm November 27, 2012)

I love your books, have collected them for years (back to the
Signet days) and have reread all of them multiple times. I'm
looking forward to the new editions of these!
(Susan Lauer 12:26pm November 28, 2012)

Christmas stories are a great favorite. A wonderful
opportunity thank you.
(Mary Preston 5:07am November 28, 2012)

Christmas is such a special time of year, has been since our pagan ancestors noticed the days starting to lengthen again midwinter and held a festival. So anything magical could happen for sure! Read Pratchett's 'Hogfather' for more details!
(Clare O'Beara 7:22am November 28, 2012)

Love your books and stories and I really love A Christmas Bride. Looking forward to being able to re-read it.
(Melanie Berry 10:24am November 28, 2012)

I love Christmas. There's something magic about this time of the year. Love your books. Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Great New Year!
(Sharon Extine 12:52pm November 28, 2012)

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE reading Christmas romance stories!!! Really gets me in the Christmas spirit! I'm ready for some new great Christmas books to read, and I especially love your books! Would sure love to win these (what a treasure they would be)! M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S !
(Linda Luinstra 6:44pm November 28, 2012)

Christmas would not be complete without the stories of Mary Balogh -- I would love to win a copy of the new book, with its beautiful cover!
(Janet Webb 10:43am November 29, 2012)

Christmas stories always lift my spirits higher even when they're already up.
(Alyson Widen 8:45pm November 30, 2012)

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Mary Balogh | The Third Lover In Any Christmas Romance

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Mary Balogh | The Third Lover In Any Christmas Romance

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