Review: fun romance that is perfectly situated for an early Christmas read: set in a historical period and place that is not common
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 22, 2013
I haven't found many historical romances that are both set in New York society, and are late Victorian era stories:  Katie Rose's Appleton Sisters series is both of these things.  Mistletoe and Magic is the third in the series, a novella length story and the first title I have read by this author.  Perfectly suited to an introduction, although it does contain some spoilers for the first two books, this was a delightful novella that I wish had been a bit fuller with details to flush out the characters.Penelope Appleton is the youngest sister, and is blessed (or cursed) with premonition.  Although the sisters were involved in a financial venture to provide spiritual contact with society's seekers, this was a venture that the girls used to supplement their guardian's income after the death of their parents.  With two bona fide matches under her belt, Penelope had been `seeing' her destined mate.Jared Morton is a lawyer and a friend of Penelope's sister and brother-in-law.  Older and slightly jaded, he cannot explain nor understand the instantaneous reaction to spotting Penelope at the Astor's ball: he must have her, know her and make her his.  Penelope's reaction was similar, but signaled danger and death for the man she knew she already loved: unwilling to risk her heart on another loss, she does all in her power to push him away.The characters in this story were lovely and completely defined, while the characters of the Penelope's two sisters were less flushed out, they had the benefit of solid portrayal, comments about their personalities and a solid sense of just `knowing' their hearts were turned toward Penelope's happiness.  Far from being an onlooker, her aunt and guardian is clever and knowing, with just enough practical sense and romantic vision to push both Jared and Penelope into taking a chance.There are several different factors come to play in this story, and while I would have liked to see some elements extended and flushed out, the overall plot and story were not diminished by either the quick pace or the shortened story.  This was a fun read with plenty of action to keep the pages turning, for the final answer from Penelope was truly not revealed until close to the end.A fun romance that is perfectly situated for an early Christmas read: set in a historical period and place that is not common to the current offerings.I received an eGalley copy from NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.