Review: Sweet Christmas Regeny Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 5, 2014
I really enjoyed this sweet, Christmas, regency set romance.  The story takes place at Bayneville, the Marquess of Tarkington's country estate.  Jocelyn Maybrey and her family are guests at the Marquess' estate to celebrate his younger sister's engagement.  Joycelyn also has expectations of receiving a proposal from Tarkington's cousin, and heir apparent, Charles.  Upon meeting the Marquess, Joycelyn is immediately fascinated with the handsome gentleman, who is nothing like she's come to expect...he is neither somber nor morose.  The romance that blossoms between Joycelyn and Tarkington is sweet and occurs subtly, in true regency style.  The only complaint I have is that the story is told completely from Joycelyn's POV; it's not told in the first person, but we don't any insight from Tarkington.  This left me having to guess at what Tarkington was thinking or feeling at any given time.  His behavior towards Joycelyn seemed to shift from time to time...one minute he'd be smiling warmly at her, the next he was cold and aloof.  My assumption was that Tarkington was turned off by society women...women who were slaves to society and all it's dictates.  Joycelyn having lived solely in London her entire life with "society" parents, was raised to adhere to all society's strictures and expectations.  Until her arrival at Bayneville, she never considered that there could be a different life than the one she's led up until that point.  For his part, Tarkington has pretty much turned his back on society, ever since the death of his wife.  He now prefers to live in the country and spend time with his young daughter.  His conduct is very much against the strictures and expectations of society, a fact for which he is constantly criticized.  Tarkington and Joycelyn do get to spend some significant time together, with and without his daughter.  Tarkington is a caring man, a loving and devoted father, and really down to earth.  As for Joycelyn, I loved her.  She has spunk.  She's curious, outspoken, and not afraid to speak up for what she believes in...all qualities that, in the end, win Tarkington over.  I did think the ending was  a little abrupt; a couple more pages, or maybe an epilogue, could have easily taken care of that problem.  Other than that, I really liked this book.  I would recommend it as a worthwhile read.  It's the third book that I've read by this author, and I've enjoyed them all equally.  Happy reading!