Spotlight on Shana Galen: Heart-warming Holiday Romance

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!