I have enjoyed many of Pepper's books in the past so I was eager to read this one. Unfortunately, this one was so painful that it took me months to get through it.
Most of my complaints are about Gracelynn. It seemed like she was 12 years old. She was so naïve that I cannot possibly believe any of it. Secondly, she compares literally EVERYTHING to a book she has read. Every situation that happened to her was also in a book except fixing pipes of course. She also has a strange habit of combining words in a way that just rubbed me wrong. Just say 'kidnapped'. Please don't ever let me hear the word 'man-napped' again.

1.5 stars

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required. ( )

My book club always picks a Christmas-y novel for our December discussion. This year we chose the historical romance by Pepper Basham, The Mistletoe Countess. I found it perfect reading for my busy holiday schedule. It is light, humorous (often LOL funny), and balances romance, mystery, and a firm spiritual message well. The premise of the book is a marriage of convenience, one that made perfect sense given the era in which the book is set. An American heiress marrying a nobleman in need of a cash infusion to save his estate was not uncommon in the late 1880s. The book pushes the time period to the early 1900s, a time with a few more conveniences 😉 . The sizzle between the two main characters starts from the beginning, even as they were not intended happy couple. (Read the book to find out more.) I could see their romance coming from the outset, but that’s exactly what I wanted. Mysterious accidents put the two on alert, especially the Sherlock Holmes-loving Grace. I found Grace to be absolutely delightful. With her head planted in the fictional worlds of a lot of books, she, nevertheless, has common sense and intelligence. She might be youthful, but she can match wits with anyone. Frederick is the perfect brooding hero of the story, and, as Grace, proclaims his story as well. The black sheep of the family, he grows into his new responsibilities with Grace’s encouragement and belief in him. The faith of the two characters is front and center. And while they may have doubts and insecurities, their trust in God never really wavers. Lots of kissing scenes ignite the budding romance, and events of a mysterious nature speed the plot along. I love that Grace is determined to save her man!

If you like historical romance, heavy on the romance, with some mystery thrown in you will like this book. Add to it the Christmas season, and The Mistletoe Countess is a winner!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

It’s late November 1913. Who knew there was a palace in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia? An Italian-style mansion known as Whitlock is to be the romantic location for Lillias Ferguson and Frederick Percy, Earl of Astley to fall in love. The marriage has been arranged by the mother of Frederick and the father of Lillias after an unexpected introduction between both sets of parents while they were all in London. Neither Frederick or Lillias seem ready to accept the contract terms but both need the respectable outcome. His title. Her dowry. But Lillias has a secret. She also has a sister, Gracelynn. From the moment Grace is admonished by Lillias for “hanging your head out the window like a dog” I was rooting for Grace to thoroughly enjoy this Christmas.

This novel was my 1st introduction to the writing of the author and I can’t wait to read more of her books. There is wit and whimsy, romance and vivacity, and the literary references add a special joy. There have been many novels written about arranged marriages but this author brings new enchantment with setting, characterization, dialogue, particularly in the midst of the festive holiday season. Isn’t that when all festive preparations lead one to hope and believe in love and magic? ( )

Title: The Mistletoe Countess
Author: Pepper Basham
Pages: 320
Year: 2021
Publisher: Barbour
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
In 1913, Gracelynn Ferguson or Grace is an 18-year-old daughter of a wealthy businessman. Grace’s sister is due to marry an Englishman with a title, but not much money. Grace’s father has made a few poor business decisions and thinks that his family uniting with a titled British family will save his company’s reputation while the nobleman gains a sizable dowry. A marriage of convenience is arranged between Frederick and Grace’s sister. Grace is full of life and lives with compassion, zest, joy and a love of books. She immerses herself in a story then sometimes brings the characters to life in her own life by imagining the way a character might think in a certain situation. Something happens and Grace finds herself in a position to save her father’s business by stepping in to fill her sister’s shoes in this marriage of convenience. She is also determined to solve a series of mysterious events that threaten the life of Frederick and continue to follow them once they are married and return to England.
Frederick Percy is desperate to save his English estate, so he has agreed to a marriage to a wealthy woman. In addition to his failing estate and one week from marrying a woman he has never met before; he has also been the recipient of some dangerous events. He initially wrote these off as accidents but as they continue and almost succeed, he must take them seriously and wonders who wants him dead. He is captivated with his fiancée’s sister and longs to be able to live his life with such joy. When he is practically jilted at the altar and he is presented with a choice, he begins to think he might actually have a chance at a happy future…that is if he can stay alive to enjoy it!
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I loved the literary references and the witty conversations between Frederick and Grace. Sometime Grace appeared so young and naïve but then there were times where she would make a comment that was profound, proving her wiser than her years. There was a little too much physicality for me even though they were married. Other than that, I found the plot interesting and Grace’s character immediately lovable. This was my first time reading this author, and I plan to check out some of her other novels.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. ( )

The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham is a fun Christmas story to read. It has mystery, suspense, action and romance all in one story. This story show how giving, generous and devoted Grace is. She steps into take her sister’s place in an arrangement between her father and Lord Frederick’s mother. Grace has faith and is determined to do what she needs to for others. I just adored her character. One of the things that stands out to me is the secrets the Percy family kept and and how it affects them and their relationships with each other.

I received a complimentary copy of this story from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my honest review. ( )