Book review : Christmas in Stickleback Hollow by C.S. Woolley

Christmas in Stickleback Hollow
The Mysteries of Stickleback Hollow Book #11
by C.S. Woolley
GENRE: #Cozy-mystery-romance #Christmas-novella

My rating: ★★★★☆
Real rating 3.8 rounded up to 4 stars

Really charming Christmas short story! It’s part of a light mystery-romance series set in Victorian England. Even though this is #11 in the series, you can totally enjoy it on its own.

Don’t worry about the bunch of characters (I actually think there are a lot for a short story, but they’re all from the series and somehow manage to celebrate Christmas Eve together). I never got confused about who’s who or what their connections are. The author did a great job sparking my interest in their lives and making me curious about what happened before and what might come next, so much so that I’m now diving into the whole series, starting at book 1!


__ QUICK PLOT SUMMARY __

Lady Sarah is an orphan who grew up in India and is now in England, living under the care of the owner of Grangeback Estate. He’s away dealing with political and military stuff, so it’s up to her to run the house staff and plan the Christmas party. It’s a tough gig emotionally—not just because her guardian is gone, but also because her lover ran off after they lost their baby. While all this is happening, the folks in the house and the nearby village of Stickleback Hollow rally around her, both as friends and to figure out what happened to two missing girls. The mystery leads to a murder tangled up with politics, old enemies of Lady Sarah, and the girls’ disappearance.

____ **************** _____
_________ MY OPINION: _________
___ THE MYSTERY ___

If you made it through the plot summary, you’ve probably noticed there’s a lot packed in here—too much for a short story to fully explore.

The Christmas party is just a brief pause between the wild events of the last book and what’s coming next. The mystery itself is light, but the author’s smart. She gives us a little puzzle to solve (a man’s murder) while hinting at a bigger conspiracy with plenty of clues and sneak peeks that leave you wanting way more.


__ CHARACTERS AND ROMANTIC SUBPLOT __

There’s a big cast, so they don’t get super deep development here, but each one has a standout trait that sets them apart and shows their feelings for the others.
Even without deep dives, you can’t help but form opinions about them, pick favorites or not, and hope for their futures. In just a few lines, we step into their world and start to care, laughing, worrying, and celebrating alongside them.

We get glimpses of Lady Sarah’s past romance with the gamekeeper and hints of a new suitor, making you wonder who she’ll pick. Meanwhile, other love stories bubble up among the village youth, along with their dramas.

By the end, I was hunting down all the earlier books because the little breadcrumbs the author left weren’t enough, in fact I want all the adventures this series has to offer.


__ HISTORICAL NOTES BY THE AUTHOR __

I’m a sucker for historical tidbits, and I didn’t expect any in a light short story like this. But surprise! At the end, the author briefly explains the European political scene and how it caused Irish and Eastern Europeans to migrate to England.

There’s even a real ambassador character, with some background from the author.
Nothing is random here, the vicar is inspired by the author’s research too.

I also liked the nod to the Victorian Christmas tree tradition, brought from Germany and popularized by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. English readers might already know this, and I first saw it in the TV show *Victoria*, but it’s great that even fun, light books connect to real history. That definitely boosted my rating.


__ CHRISTMAS VIBES __

I hate it when a book has “Christmas” in the title but doesn’t really feel Christmassy. No worries here, this one’s packed with that warm, lively holiday spirit.
You get all the classic preparations: seasonal foods, mistletoe hunting, kids decorating with the grown-ups, and a friendly dog wagging its tail to make everything feel cozy and family-like.

So, a solid 5/5 for Christmas atmosphere, which matters a lot to me in a holiday story.


__ ONE SMALL CRITIQUE __

I’m Italian, so maybe it’s just me, but sometimes the vibe felt more like an American TV show than England. Even the village name, Stickleback Hollow, didn’t sound very English—it reminded me of Stars Hollow from *Gilmore Girls*.

Also, even though the story ends on a happy note, there’s a hint that a beloved character will die in the future, which bummed me out.
The author started the series out of order, so we already know from earlier books this character’s fate. No hope of seeing him again, sadly.


__ TO WRAP UP __

I found this a really pleasant read and would recommend it for the Christmas feel alone.

As for the mystery, it’s more for those like me who want to explore a new historical mystery series with a dash of romance. If you’re after a real suspenseful thriller, you’d be better off with the full-length novels, they offer a deeper, more gripping adventure.


Thanks for stopping by and reading my thoughts.


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Book review : A Match Made in Mistletoe by Anna Campbell

A Match Made in Mistletoe by Anna Campbell

GENRE: #Regency-Christmas-novella
#Standalone

My rating: ★★☆☆☆

I hate to kick things off like this, but honestly, this one just didn’t work for me. It started off kinda cute, but pretty quickly it got annoying and boring.

I’ll give you a quick rundown of the plot, then I’ll explain exactly what rubbed me the wrong way (and what other readers might actually enjoy — just my personal take here).

__ IN A NUTSHELL: Regency England. Serena Talbot has been crushing on her neighbor, Paul, for years, patiently waiting for him to notice her as they grew up.
She’s convinced that this Christmas party is finally the moment Paul will see her for who she is and ask her to spend forever with him.

While waiting for Paul to show up, Serena decides to try out an old superstition. She slips some mistletoe under her pillow, hoping to dream about her future hubby. But instead of dreaming about Paul, it’s Giles Farraday ( her brother’s best friend and Paul’s best bud ) who shows up at the altar in her dream.

When guests start arriving, Serena can’t shake off that weird feeling from her dream, and suddenly she notices Giles in a way she never has before.

Giles, who’s secretly loved Serena for years and knew she only had eyes for Paul, never made a move because he figured it was pointless. But now, with Serena’s gaze on him, he catches a spark of sensual curiosity.
Serena convinces herself she just wants Giles to teach her how to kiss so she’ll be ready when Paul finally kisses her. But Giles’s kisses hit different, and Serena can’t stay away.

--- ************* --- Reading the plot, it might sound like a classic Regency fairy tale: unrequited love, then the heroine falls for the guy who’s loved her silently all along... But there are some things I really didn't like here!

1)At first, Serena asks for kissing lessons by Giles (after he had proposed it to her), but then ____ WARNING IT MIGHT BE A SPOILER ___she full-on embraces a situation that lights up all her hormones and can’t wait to get “the full experience,” all while still claiming she wants to marry Paul.____ SPOILER END ___

Right away, I disliked her, she comes off like a careless girl who doesn’t care about the guy she’s kissing or about hurting the boy she says she loves.
I’m not trying to be prudish, but she seems like someone who wouldn’t hesitate to cheat once married. And in a Regency novel, that’s a heroine I’m just not into.

On top of that, Serena felt immature, spoiled, and fickle. There’s honestly no good reason two guys should be fighting over her other than she’s probably pretty.


Since this was a novella ( short enough then ) maybe that’s why the characters felt flat and underdeveloped, but based on what I saw through their actions, I wasn’t impressed.

--- ***** ---

2) Now, about the hero: Giles, who’s been loving Serena from afar, vents his frustration by having lots of flings, earning a “libertine” label (fair enough, if the love of your life loves someone else, you’re gonna need an outlet).

What bugs me is that behind his best friend Paul’s back, Giles comes up with the idea to give Serena kissing lessons, even though he knows Paul wants to marry her.
Paul even confided in Giles about planning to propose, and Giles sneaks around acting sly. Is that a friend? Not in my book.

Giles justifies it as “all’s fair in love and war,” but I say fair means competing openly. Sneaking around like that is just cowardly and lazy. Sorry, but there’s no real friendship there !

He could have told Paul he loves Serena too, and they could’ve both tried to win her honestly. Instead, Giles keeps lying behind his friend’s back, especially after realizing Serena’s sexually attracted to him.
That couple, Giles and Serena, just grossed me out. I only finished the book so I’d have the right to review it, but I would’ve quit halfway otherwise.

--- ***** ---

3) Also, I was seriously bored reading this.
Up until halfway through, all we got were kisses and descriptions of every tiny gesture and movement. Instead of being sexy and making me feel something, it left me yawning and hoping for something to happen.

I get that lots of readers probably love that kind of slow, sensual detail. Me? I want twists and turns, not a flat plot that tries too hard to be sexy but ends up just repetitive.

--- ***** ---

4) Finally, in a decent novel, the rival who loses (and we all know from the start who’s losing, right?!) is usually a jerk who deserves it. But here, Paul is painted as not just handsome and cheerful, but genuinely a good guy.

His only real flaw might be waiting too long to declare his love for Serena, but that’s understandable since Serena was younger and saw him more like a friend or a brother. His real mistake was assuming she’d say yes and that his best friend was really a friend.

--- ***** ---

In this story, in my opinion, sexual desire is particularly emphasized, but there is no real substance to the tale.
Overall, it was a letdown for me.

There you have it. My honest, no-holds-barred thoughts.
That said, this is just my personal take. So, no matter what I think, I always say give it a shot yourself (and if you check Goodreads, it’s got tons of 4-star reviews).

It was my first time reading this author, so maybe her other books will work better for me, but this one definitely wasn’t my cup of tea.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my opinion.:-)
Merry Christmas and Merry Reads everybody !!

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Book review : A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews

A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews

GENRE: #Victorian-Christmas-novella #clean-romance
My rating: ★★★★★

I loved it!!
It deserves a full 5 stars because it's a sweet love story, full of Christmassy atmosphere and somehow connected to real historical facts, events, and fashions of the Victorian era.

Before telling you about my feelings about reading it,
here are a few words ABOUT THE PLOT:

Sophie Appersett's father is nearly bankrupt due to his ambition to renovate his manor with all the modern conveniences of the Victorian era, starting with gaslight.
Therefore, he has accepted the courtship of Sophie by Ned Sharpe, a very wealthy young man thanks to his trade, but not of the noble class.

Sophie is willing to sacrifice her happiness to help the family, but after two months of courtship by the charming, yet silent and shadowy Ned, she no longer feels at ease and decides to break off the engagement. But something shines through his hurtful and harsh words...
Perhaps she is mistaken about his lack of feelings for her? And will he be able to win her sensitive heart?

___________ ********* ____________
MY OPINION:

I loved everything about this short (but thankfully not _too_ short) Christmas story set in a Victorian setting.

____ MAIN CHARACTERS:

I find Ned and Sophie to be a truly well-matched pair, although the initial lack of communication might make our heroine _seem_ otherwise.

NED managed to make me fall in love. Sure, he's tall and handsome, but what touched my heart was his almost childish desire to behave exactly as etiquette dictated, just to make a good impression on the girl who had struck him from the first time they met.

I was touched by his hurt feelings, as a boy who grew up working, who is now a very rich young man, but knows perfectly well that he will never be accepted and valued equally by people of aristocratic rank who mistakenly believe themselves better than the working class.

I was struck by the delicacy with which he approached Sophie – the kind gestures, the smiles, a candid kiss first, then with more passion... he was very sweet even in the moments when he withdrew into himself and was worthy of our heroine from the beginning to the happy ending.

SOPHIE is the classic beauty who doesn't believe she's as beautiful as her spoiled and pampered younger sister, for whom she sacrifices herself, skimping on her clothes and other things, so that her sister can have a fantastic season in London marrying a titled man.

Even though she agreed to marry a wealthy merchant to help her family, she's not at all interested in the life of the noble circle and certainly doesn't judge her suitor disparagingly. Rather, she's disappointed by the lack of warmth and communication that the silent Ned has shown her over two months of formal communication, strictly following the strict rules of good society.

What I liked most about her is the courage she showed in taking a step back from her decision and, ignoring the rules, coming forward, demanding honesty and complete openness from him so they can get to know each other better.
Sophie is not only a good daughter but also a good sister. She knows perfectly well how spoiled and often insensitive her sister is, yet she continues to protect and help her.

A classic trope of Renaissance and Victorian romances, that of the bitchy, selfish, and self-centered sister.
I confess that even though it's Christmas, for once I would have liked to see the younger sister, the spoiled one, considered by everyone to be the prettiest, _not_ have a happy ending, but be punished, while the heroine enjoys true happiness.
Mimi Matthews, the author, is kinder than I am and has given the story a happy ending even for the undeserving sister.

The growth of Ned and Sophie's feelings for each other is gradual, but I enjoyed it, and it moved me.


____ HISTORICAL CONNECTIONS:

I love historical fiction, but let's face it, in Regency or Victorian romances, there's usually little or nothing historical, except the descriptions of hairstyles and clothing.
The pleasant surprises of this story were the small connections to the real situation of the time: modernization with the advent of gaslight and running water, the death of Prince Albert and the custom of Christmas trees he introduced, the marriages between the titled poor and the nouveau riche.
You'll find some further explanation in the author's historical notes.


_____ CHRISTMAS ATMOSPHERE:

5 stars also for this unexpected aspect (I hate it when they put the word "Christmas" or something related in the title, but then there's nothing Christmassy about it, except that the story takes place during the Christmas season).
Here you'll find the decorations, the hikes through the snow to find mistletoe, the games among the guests, the Christmas ball, and the sleigh ride.
It's a short story, so unfortunately everything is described briefly, but it's enough to let the reader savor a sweet and sparkling Christmas atmosphere.


_____ IN CONCLUSION:

A decidedly Christmassy clean romance and highly recommended.
This is my first time reading Mimi Matthews, but I can't wait to read more by this author!

Thanks for stopping by and reading my opinion.


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Book review : Worth More Than Rubies by Grace Burrowes

Worth More Than Rubies by Grace Burrowes

GENRE: #Regency-Christmas-novella #clean-romance
My rating: ★★★☆☆

This is a nice regency holiday novella that offers a cozy, heartwarming escape ( even if, I have to admit, it doesn’t quite dazzle from start to finish).

Right from the opening pages, the story sets a delightful tone:
the Duke of Dunfallon, weary of matchmaking mamas and society’s schemes, ducks into the West Bartholomew Street Lending Library to hide, only to be mistaken for a curate by the spirited librarian, Emerald "Emmie" Armstrong.
This charming mix-up kicks off a gentle, bookish romance that celebrates quiet strength, kindness, and the magic of human connection.


___ WONDERFUL SETTING for BOOK LOVERS:

The library isn’t just a backdrop, it’s practically a character in its own right.
Filled with creaky shelves, whispered stories, and the soft purring of a resident library cat (who totally stole my heart), it becomes a sanctuary not just for Emmie and the duke, but for a group of orphaned children who gather each week to hear Christmas tales.

There’s something deeply heartwarming about these moments: the children wide-eyed with wonder, the cat curling up by the hearth, the twinkle of handmade decorations going up as everyone joins in to prepare for holiday festivities.

The scenes where all the characters in the library do the decoration work together ( stringing garlands, squabbling good-naturedly over tinsel placement, listening to stories of brave cats who saved children from fires or faced down highwaymen ) made me feel good.
Even the two irascible old gentlemen who bicker like an old married couple while stubbornly helping with the decorations are adorable.
The festive final party, with mulled wine, laughter, and stories shared by the fireplace is utterly heart-melting.
These moments infuse the novella with a warmth and inclusivity that feel genuinely special, a celebration of chosen family, quiet generosity, and the joy found in simple traditions.


___ MAIN CHARACTERS :

Emmie herself is intelligent, principled, and refreshingly unimpressed by titles and wealth. She cares deeply for her community and stands by her values, which is admirable. And the Duke of Dunfallon, despite his lofty title, is portrayed with a quiet vulnerability that makes him endearing, especially as he begins to rediscover his own humanity through his time at the library.

That said, I’ll be honest, while the atmosphere is enchanting, the plot unfolds a bit too slowly. After the charming setup, not much happens for a good 70% of the story. The misunderstanding that kicks things off is sweet, but it could have been mined for more humor and playful banter.
Instead, the pages drift by in a peaceful, almost sleepy rhythm, pleasant, but not particularly gripping.

And then, just when you’re settling into the calm, the story introduces a major dramatic conflict, one that arrives quite late and, frankly, feels underdeveloped and a bit silly.

Without spoiling too much, Emmie’s reaction to a personal revelation feels inconsistent with her otherwise thoughtful nature and made her come across as judgmental and somewhat immature.

It’s a turning point that strains believability, especially in how quickly things are resolved afterward. Still, I appreciated the message that emerges: that love means listening, not demanding; that we shouldn't push others to conform to our expectations, no matter how well-intentioned. That’s a lovely and timely Christmas lesson.

I also found Emmie’s openness about past romantic experiences a bit anachronistic for the Regency era. While I didn’t mind the topic being addressed, her casualness felt more modern than historical, which momentarily pulled me out of the time period.

In the end, Worth More Than Rubies is a pleasant, feel-good holiday read, not one of the most memorable Regency romances I’ve encountered, but one that radiates warmth, kindness, and the quiet magic of a community coming together.
---> The library, the children, the cat, the festive spirit, these are the real stars of the story, and they shine brightly.

WOULD I READ IT AGAIN? Probably not.
It lacks the depth or spark to truly stick with me.
BUT WOULD I RECOMMEND IT AS A COZY HOLIDAY DISTRACTION? Absolutely, especially if you're in the mood for cinnamon-scented nostalgia and a story where love grows not in ballrooms, but between the shelves of a humble lending library, surrounded by snowflakes, stories, and second chances. Merry reading, and may your holidays be full of books, cats, and a little bit of romance. 🎄📚😽


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