Silver Bells and Secrets ~ Review

Silver Bells and Secrets: a Regency Christmas romance

Twelfth Night #1

By Laura Rollins

Grace Stewart's season in London left her feeling alone, when it ended early, so she reaches out via letter to one of the young women she met there. But when his younger sister refuses to respond to this missive searching out friendship, Lord Ezra writes to Grace instead. Grace delights in this friendship while Ezra is struck by how perfectly he and Grace get along with there likes and enjoyments.

But when Grace writes about her hopes for the upcoming Christmas season and the possibility that she may make a marriage match, Ezra realizes the perfect muddle he has made of everything. He's fallen in love with Grace and she has no idea who he is. Determined to keep Grace from making a decision that will result in her marriage to someone else, Ezra does the only thing he can - he asks that he be added to the Christmas festivities.

When a stranger arrives at the Christmas House party, Grace is more than a little surprised when he can't take his eyes off of her. Has she created some some error, made a social gaffe?  Surprised at Lord Ezra Weston's attentions, Grace is left with a quandary - does she encourage the attentions of Mr. Brown or Lord Weston? Her simple background and untitled parentage finds her beneath Ezra socially so why should he pursue her?

What follows is a delightful story of holiday romance. Could a letter written seeking out friendship end in something more? And when Grace discovers the true identity of her "friend" will she be mortified, outraged, or delighted? Ezra's time to win Grace's heart is short and factors are not in his favor.

Silver Bells and Secrets is an enjoyable story that you will want to enjoy when the hustle and bustle of holiday expectations start to get to you. Take a step back to a simpler, though not less stressful, time and allow yourself to be drawn into this quest to win the heart of his perfect match. This is a delightful way to start a series and I for one can't wait to discover the future pleasures and delights awaiting me next year in Sugar Plums and Scandal.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Grace plans to marry the host of their Christmas house party.

Ezra has only until it ends to convince her otherwise.

Lord Ezra Weston has done something incredibly stupid. Through a series of events he prefers not to consider too closely, he has begun a written correspondence with Miss Grace Stewart under the guise of being his own sister. She’s witty, considerate, and as much in need of a friend as he is. So, why not continue? That is, until Grace writes and says she’s set her cap at someone. In only a few words, Ezra realizes he hasn’t only made a friend these past many months, he’s fallen in love.

As an earl, Ezra can get himself invited to the Christmas house party hosted by Grace's would-be husband. But once there, how does he plead his case? Either he loses Grace’s trust and friendship, or he loses his one chance at happiness. But that seems only fitting, seeing as he’s already lost his heart.

The beginning of a new series by sweet historical romance author Laura Rollins, Silver Bells and Secrets will have you cuddling up by the fireplace and humming carols. This short and sweet Christmas story is packed with charming characters, hilarious capers, and a clean and wholesome romance, sure to light the Christmas spirit inside you all year round.

Twelfth Night Novellas *books can be read in any order*
~Silver Bells and Secrets
~Sugar Plums and Scandal (coming Christmas 2022)
~Mistletoe and Mischief (coming Christmas 2023)