ROMANCE

The Last Chance Christmas Ball

& others. Kensington. Oct. 2015. 320p. ISBN 9781617739231. pap. $15; ebk. ISBN 9781617739248. HISTORICAL ROMANCE
COPY ISBN
OrangeReviewStarThe Dowager Countess of Holbourne (aka Lady Holly) is happily planning the 50th anniversary of her annual Christmas Ball—a glittering event with a history of matchmaking magic that she hopes will rub off on a few special people who desperately need it. In the talented hands of the Word Wenches—best-selling authors Putney, Jo Beverley, Joanna Bourne, Patricia Rice, Nicola Cornick, Cara Elliott, Anne Gracie, and Susan King—Holbourne Abbey springs from the pages in full holiday dress as eight couples find love at last. These short stories are as unique as the stylistically diverse authors who wrote them, yet are beautifully integrated.
VERDICT Lighthearted gaiety is gently tempered by misunderstandings and a few more serious issues as these cleverly linked romances unfurl into a unified whole that is poignant, funny, and complex; one of the most engaging anthologies of the season.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?