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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