Book Review: Twelve Days Of Christmas In December

I've really enjoyed Michele Paige Holmes' Hearthfire Romance series and she's released a Christmas novella called Twelve Days in December, continuing the story of William and Charlotte, whom we met at the end of Marrying Christopher.  You can read it as a standalone novella, however, there are major spoilers for the end of Marrying Christopher, so if you haven't read that one, you might want to before you read Twelve Days in December.

William and Charlotte are at the beginning of their marriage of convenience, trying to figure out how their new relationship boundaries. Charlotte is grateful that she has a roof over her head and is able to now provide for her son, Alec, but she's also torn between her love for her deceased husband and her newfound feelings for William.  

William is really loving the idea of having a family, but is unsure how to let Charlotte know he is thinking of her as more than a business arrangement. I loved the scenes with him and Alec and how thoughtful he was toward Charlotte.  William was a great hero and even though he's dealing with a lot of complex emotions in himself and Charlotte, he comes across as realistic and three dimensional.  I definitely wanted this story to be longer, but closed the book with a smile.

You can buy your copy here for $2.99

Here's the back copy:

Five months isn’t enough time to grieve the death of her husband and marry again, but when the unexpected opportunity to take her sister’s place as the bride of wealthy New York businessman, William Vancer, presents itself, twenty-four year-old Charlotte Holbrook agrees. Their marriage of convenience will provide a secure future for her son, while William will be able to claim the inheritance he needs to expand his company westward.

To begin their perfect and perfectly safe arrangement, William allots the last twelve days in December to become acquainted with his new family—a task more easily accomplished than he had imagined. For in Charlotte he finds a tender heart and companion, while stepping into the role of father to her son, brings William a great measure of joy as well. Before the twelve days have passed, he finds himself wishing their marriage of convenience could be something much more.

For Charlotte, every day with William is one of overwhelming gratitude, as he anticipates and provides for her needs, as well as the fondest desires of her heart. More than material comforts, William offers friendship as well, and a loving concern that Charlotte has gone too long without. Guilt ridden, she struggles with her growing attraction and wonders how she can ever remain loyal to her first husband, while allowing herself to love William as he deserves.

Other books in the series:
Saving Grace
Loving Helen
Marrying Christopher