Enter the world of the Regency Era with author Christine Merrill. But instead of the innocent young miss entering the home as a governess… or a companion to an elderly lady we have young Miranda on an errand to ensure she is not on the path to become a paid doxy. With an uncertain future and a sad past she is on a mission to retain her honour. 

She manages to enter a home in mourning. The lady of the house felled by long standing illness leaving two sons. The irresponsible and dangerous St. John and his older brother the Duke. With no companion or luggage and having caught a ride from a couple who ended up being the gossipy pastor and his wife to the estate… well at this point the book brings its name to fruition and we begin the life of the Inconvenient Duchess. Compromised and wedded on the same day.

With our Duke and Duchess both coming from difficult pasts and the people around them not always there to help or support, this new and unplanned marriage has some trials and tribulations to face before two hearts can come together. There is, towards the end sexual content but it is dealt with without gross specifics. I personally avoid any that really do. So if  you are looking for a romance with a little turmoil… this is the book for you.

The Inconvenient Duchess

I think I am on a roll for trying books I am not generally in the market for. This romantic seasonal tale has a touch of sadness, healing and growth… Born from the grief of two individuals trying to make their way through life after loss. Joy finds a place in this story as does faith and compassion. Inspirational and at times heart rending, A Little Christmas Magic by Sylvie Kurtz is a gem.

Elly and her son Jamie are happy in their home, their family of two repairing their hearts after the death of Jim years previous from cancer. They are well known in town and determined to spend their life being happy as Jim wanted. This chef is still guarding her heart and has yet to love again. Jamie is a joy fill of silly knock knock jokes. 

Enter Logan, the broken ex cop dealing with the death of his beloved daughter Sam and completely not ready to love or really live again. Add in Christmas and put the two across the street from each other. Elly, the queen of projects has decided that Logan needs to smile again after a chance meeting and this book with its ups and downs is their road to joy. Inspirational, loving and rather silly at times… a modern story with a timeless message of healing, love and faith.

A Little Christmas Magic

January 16-17

At home for 2 days but definitely not completely idle! There is still much to learn and time to spend with Aunty Karyn during her visit. So of course I must share! We are a little constrained with the need to be home with the kids and Ken working long into the evening but I think we made do. I do have to admit, the bulk of our time was spent sitting around just hanging out together… much like we used to up in Alberta… I really needed that… quiet, productive crafting (on my side – slippers) time with a good FEMALE friend…

I managed to snag a great dinosaur related app on a day when it was free thanks to Facebook. With over 120 dinosaurs Emanuel was in dinosaur picture HEAVEN. Some of them can even be moved 360 degrees!

Enjoying the dinosaurs

We had a new Art for Kids illustration to create – a rose… something to practice before Valentine’s day!

Zander’s rose

Gavin and his flower

Of course Ken finally found some time the next morning to help the boys with some beautiful snowflakes. Still rather square but I am so impressed by their cutting skills. And I do love a pretty snowflake!

Working with Daddy

So pretty

Trinity spent BOTH days working with Karyn to start AND complete a workbook! She wore out Aunty before she was done the day before and pushed through to finish the next… a serious learning machine.

Proud completion

With an evening with Ken at home and our being home for the day… well we had fun, we learned and we simply spent time together. And honestly, that was more than enough for me!

Rocking Sheep!

With the “Esther frog”