HR-ML's Reviews > A Holiday Engagement

Christmas Eve 1820, Bristow, Essex. This had a slow
burn and kisses only. Gave this 4 stars.

Charity was filled with anger and sorrow. And acted
a bit of a shrew like her mother. A couple yrs. back
she expected Simon to propose & he wed someone
else instead. Villagers treated opinionated and too
blunt Charity like a pariah. Her mom demonstrated
her spendthrift ways and dad made bad investments.
Mom wanted her to marry Mr. Honeyfield, an older
lecher-type w/ poor hygiene. But he had some funds.

Charity met Navy Lt. Thomas Callahan, who was on
shore leave. They danced at an assembly. (Thomas
stayed w/ a Navy man & his wife.) Thomas had wit
and dimples. The heroine considered Thomas too
glib & thought he mocked her, so she insulted him.
Called him the "village idiot" and a fake. Later she
brought him a freshly baked fruitcake and an apology.

Charity reflected on her past/ present bad behavior
& made genuine amends to several people of the
village.

This had great dialogue, admiration which grew
into love, forgiveness and humor. If you had a
different perception of this story, that's OK too.