Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor

What a delightful and endearing Christmas Novella! Roseanna White’s stories never disappoint me, and this one was delightful and lighthearted, while at the same time engaging, with excellent character development and a Christian Christmas inspired message that touched and warmed my heart. Lady Mariah Lyons, stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, loves her home -Plumford Manor- and has enjoyed a beautiful childhood dedicated to serve, keep the family traditions, and help the people of her community, particularly the children. There’s one thing lacking: her childhood friend Cyril, who left many years ago and with whom she ended up losing connection. But things drastically change when the same Cyril Lightbourne reenters her world as her stepfather’s heir. Mariah once harbored wishes of a future with him, but now that she knows he’s pursuing Lady Pearl, her nemesis who bullied her, she doesn’t want a man who can be attracted to that kind of woman. But Cyril charms her once more with his openness and genuineness, his acceptance of her sparky and dreamer personality. Everyone wants her to behave properly and demure, but Mariah has a light that must not be snuffed, and Cyril recognizes that. But things get complicated when a Danish Lord connected to Royalty who is determined to win Mariah’s hand by Christmas, and at the same time, have his revenge with Cyril. Will Mariah let her family pressure her to an arranged marriage, or can be strong enough to fight for what fills her heart? A heartwarming Christmas tale based on The Nutcracker, full of small little details that I loved! The Christmas traditions, the joy of picking the tasteful sugarplums, the making of a Christmas Play with the children of the village. The characters were the best part: Mariah was a sweet, kindhearted girl who dreamed and had the most vivid imagination. Her kindness and compassion compelled her to do things that could bring joy to people. And isn’t that what Christmas is all about, sharing with other the joy of the birth of our savior? Even if going against other’s expectations, she doesn’t care of her image as long as her heart is full. Cyril falls pretty quickly for her. He though the vivid Mariah he had known during his childhood had changed into a proper lady, But, when he recognizes her playful innocence and her big heart toward making others happy, she’s not only the same Mariah he knew, but womanhood has made her even more bright and alluring in her own sweet, joyful way. But how can he compete with the Danish arrogant lord who is determined to win Mariah at all costs? The plot is very engaging, especially because of the characters, and their dialogues and banter. I loved secondary characters as Professor Skylark and his brilliant Christmas artistic creations. All the Christmas traditions -especially the ones related with the sugarplums- made me feel the vibes and the warmth of the Christmas Season, the joy of giving and caring for the needy. The part of the making of the play with the children was charming, and I loved the sense of community they shared, mostly fostered by Mariah. The villain was so conceited and vain that he was perfect for the part he played in trying to tear Mariah and Cyril apart. And the inspirational message of giving, thinking of others, bring joy to others, and also about trusting God, forgiveness and redemption, left me grateful for my Loving God and my faith. I read it pretty quickly because it hooked me since the first chapter. I enjoyed the struggles to get to the Happily Ever After, it didn’t feel predictable at all. The romance was so sweet it made me sigh! Cyril is easily competing with my others book boyfriends. In short, the perfect Christmas story that will warm your heart and make it sing! I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.