Merry Mazes and Mistletoe Magic (Once Upon A Widow Book 11)

In this sweet Christmas themed romance, an impoverished woman finds love with the heir to her stepfather’s estate. Lady Jennet learns during her debut that her stepfather is deeply in debt due to a series of misfortunes. His death, though deemed an accident, was much more tragic. Jenny carries guilt that he sacrificed so much for her to have gowns and a Season. She and her mother move to an entailed estate and live frugally while waiting for an heir to be found. Barnabus Gordon, a distant cousin, raised on the sea as the grandson of a pirate and son of a privateer, is known as the Hangman for his cutthroat business practices. Initially displeased to find himself with a rundown and debt ridden estate, along with the women living there, he quickly forms an attachment to both. Will the magic of Christmas bring happily ever after to Jenny and Barnabus?

Part of Aubrey Wynne’s Once Upon a Widow series, this is a quick read with no misunderstandings or artificial conflict. Jenny and Barnabus are both likeable characters with some past adversity to overcome. Their attraction to each other builds quickly though they both believe the other doesn’t feel the same. Barnabus’s single minded focus on restoring his family’s reputation has left him serious and reserved. Jenny brings a lightness to him and shows him that he can turn his focus to more creative endeavors. The cameos of characters from previous books are a welcome addition and the Christmas setting is nicely used to facilitate the romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.