'Twas the Night After Christmas

Great holiday read

I was in the mood for a good historical romance when I saw ‘Twas the Night After Christmas. I read the blurb, it looked good, so I went for it. This was my first time reading a book by Sabrina Jeffries and I was impressed. I was a little worried about reading a book this far along in a series I’m unfamiliar with. If you have that same fear, don’t worry about it. I never felt left out because of my lack of history with the characters. I’ll be picking up the previous books in the series and they’ll be topping my “to read” list. I really appreciated that there were also no spoilers which will ruin the previous books when I go back and read them.

The shining star of the book is Camilla. She’s exactly the type of woman I love in a romance book. She’s smart, strong, nurturing, loving and is made even more endearing because of her flaws. She brings out the best in those around her. She sees the pain Lady Devonmont is experiencing over the estrangement with her son and decides to take matters into her own hands. Camilla sets her meddling sights on Pierce, the son, even though she has no idea what’s at the heart of the estrangement. It’s a disaster waiting to happen! Pierce starts off cold, angry, hurt and confused, but Camilla slowly manipulates and not so gently draws him out to the point where even he can’t stop himself from liking her. Camilla and Pierce were perfect for each other.

Obviously, the romance is the main story here, but the side characters were good too. Camilla’s high spirited son always brought a smile to my face. Pierce’s mother drove me crazy but I couldn’t help but feel for her, and Fowler was stuffy and awkward but endearing in his own way. I was surprised at how well I connected with each of them.

When I say Pierce’s mother drove me nuts, I mean that. If she had been standing in front of me, I would have had to restrain myself from shaking her. Her refusal to let her secrets go was infuriating. Honestly, what secret could be so important that a mother would risk losing her son over it? Don’t worry, I’m not going to ruin the surprise for you. All I will say is that it made sense when I finally found out, and that is the only thing that could make all my frustration worthwhile.

‘Twas the Night After Christmas is the perfect holiday read. It has the comforting, traditional, homey feel I associate with the holiday as well as a good romance. This book would make a great gift for any historical romance reader.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Good not great

This book is good not my favorite and not especially distinctive. I would recommend it for a "light" read not something to get your blood stirring or one that you can't put down.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Christmas and Romance, Oh My!

Author Sabrina Jeffries takes an intriguing look at how misunderstandings and pride cause a split between mother and son that only a Christmas miracle and a meddling companion can mend. Narrator Michael Page does an excellent job giving each character their own unique sound. His vocalization of the emotions felt by the characters will bring you to tears, have you ready to slap someone, and laughing as he guides you through the story. Pierce Waverly, Earl of Devonmont, has been an unabashed rogue most of his life. Basically abandonment by his parents and sent away to boarding school, he was raised by distant relatives. Since his father’s death, Pierce has taken on taken on the responsibilities of his title, but has never forgiven his parents - especially his mother. An urgent message come from Mrs. Camilla Stuart, his mother’s new companion, saying she is seriously ill. Unable to stop himself, Pierce races to Montcliff only to learn it was a cruel trick by Mrs. Stuart hoping to get mother and son together. Pierce also finds Camilla is nothing he imagined a vicar’s widow to be. Drawn to her, he finds himself staying longer at Montcliff. Meanwhile, he also discovers there may be more to his mother’s past than he knew. In addition, Camilla has secrets of her own that she tries to keep from Pierce. The author has created characters with great depth as we see the kindness in Pierce coming to the surface and the longing in Camilla. There is also the brave face of Pierce’s mother and the innocence of young Jasper. The descriptions of the era, setting and customs places the listener (reader) in the middle of the scene bringing it all to life. ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS will tug on your heartstrings and then have you laughing out loud. This historical romance is mingled with surprises, loyalty and the magic of Christmas for a delightful story. FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Enjoyable Christmas story that loosely ties back to the Hellions

Enjoyable Christmas story that loosely ties back to the Hellions of Halstead Hall series but no fear it reads great as a stand-alone if you have not read the series and personally this one was my favorite so if you only read one this would be it. 'Twas the Night After Christmas is now on my Holiday rotation list and I will be reading it for years to come. There was a lot of heart and soul in this story and I didn't want to put it down. I own all of Sabrina Jeffries books and enjoy her stories and series; however, this one really spoke to me and is now one of my top picks in my SJ collection. I like there was a bit of a mystery and character conflict mixed in with the romance and thank you very much SJ for giving us a leading lady with curves!!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Absolutely loved it! Fantastic Christmas read with wonderful cha

Absolutely loved it! Fantastic Christmas read with wonderful characters and an ending that made me cry happy tears. Couldn't ask for anything better! Curl up in front of your Christmas tree and enjoy this one!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Ms. Jeffries's latest book "Twas the Night After Christmas&

Ms. Jeffries's latest book "Twas the Night After Christmas" is a holiday warmer with characters having high emotions during the time of the holidays. Skillfully written, her characters Pierce and Camilla contribute to a lovely Christmas story. Both of them find that they lived similar hurts in the past. Trusting each other, a friendship will bloom between Pierce and Camilla. I loved Camilla's son Jasper. Camilla cannot understand why Pierce ignores his mother. Being a straight-forward person, Camilla will try to solve the mother-son problems.
You will have to read the story to find out! This book should be on your Christmas list for the ones you love. Full of emotions, this book is a story of forgiveness..Let yourself be carried away by this beautiful Christmas romance. I highly recommend Ms. Jeffries's "Twas the Night After Christmas"

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

It was a good romance, easily putting down though. It took me mo

It was a good romance, easily putting down though. It took me more than three days to finish it, and that's not normal for me with a really good book. I think the author lost the romance in the drama between mother and son.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

wait on the next book

Not the usually, seem like there was something missing. Nothing that was not expected. I am hoping the next book will be better. I have all her books.

Enjoyable Christmas story

This was my first Susan Jeffries book. I liked the characters, although I thought Pierce Waverly was arrogant and manipulative. However, near the end he is able to redeem himself, as he comes to understand the sacrifices of love. A lovely story.

Definitely Recommended!

I loved hearing about Pierce and Camilla. I love everything from Jeffries.

don't waste your time

thought it might get better, but fell flat.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Excellent Christmas Story!

Excellent Christmas Story! This was a lovely story. I loved everything about it. The outcome is what we expect during Christmas. I will read this again and again.

Not a great book which is usually what we get from ms. jeffries.

Not a great book which is usually what we get from ms. jeffries. however,since it's christmas and the book is a light read i'd say get it from the library if you can.

This is the perfect Christmas romance! The Earl of Devonomnt

This is the perfect Christmas romance!




The Earl of Devonomnt, Pierce Waverly, at the age of 8 was suddenly abandon by his parents to a boarding school and distant relations for his care. Now a man he still holds great resentment for his lack of parents during his childhood. 




When his father passes, Pierce inherits everything. He sets his mother up comfortably, she even has a lady companion (Camilla Stuart) but he still refuses to have contact with his mother.




Determined to mend the fences broken in the relationship between her Ladyship and her son, Camilla sends a letter to the Earl stating that his mother is ill and that he needs to see her before it’s too late. Not expecting the Earl to rush to his mother’s side, Lady Waverly and Camilla are both shocked when Pierce arrives. 




Almost immediately taken by his mother’s witty companion, Pierce sees something in Camilla that he just can’t walk away from. 




Twas the Night After Christmas truly is a wonderful holiday read. The emotional charged encounters, intriguing mystery and clever dialog immediately pulled me into this story. I especially enjoyed Camilla son, Jasper...his openness and innocents was refreshing. I found this book a heartwarming and touching Christmas tale. 




This copy of Twas the Night After Chrimstas was given to me by Edelweiss and Gallery Books in exchange for an honest review. Published Date October 30, 2012.

Reviewed by Guest Reviewer/Kimberly & posted at Under the Co

Reviewed by Guest Reviewer/Kimberly & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog

Agitating and heartwarming all in one colorful package.” ~Under the Covers

When Pierce Waverly, the Earl of Devonmont receives a letter from his mother’s companion that says it’s dire he sees his mother before it’s too late, Camilla Stuart has no idea the trouble she has set in motion as she lacks the knowledge as to why the Earl has been estranged from his mother and feels it’s more his petulance than anything else that keeps him far from Lady Devonmont.

Pierce has not had an idyllic upbringing. Having been sent away to a boarding school at eight years of age by his indifferent father, the late Earl, he blames both his parents for their abandonment. Once his father passes away and Pierce becomes the Earl of Devonmont, he purposely distances himself from his mother and anything having to do with his family. He has a bit of a reputation as a rake, but he truly isn’t happy with his existence.

Widow of a pastor, Camilla Stuart has become an essential part of Lady Devonmont’s household, but when she oversteps the boundaries with the Earl and his mother, she may put her position in jeopardy and that would be a very bad thing considering she has her six year old son, Jasper to think about. Unbeknownst to the Earl of Devonmont, his mother’s companion has been hiding her son from his household and his manager for fear she would be dismissed.

Once the Earl arrives and discovers his mother is not at death’s door as he believed , Pierce wants to take the widow to task for her deception and run as far as he can from his mother, but when Camilla and Pierce strike a bargain so that Pierce stays to have dinner with his mother, a series of events are set into motion that not only throw Pierce in his mother’s presence, but finds him seeking out Camilla’s company. Even better, when the Earl finds Camilla’s hidden son, he must set aside the animosity about his own childhood to be in the company of the endearing little boy.

The more time Pierce spends in his childhood home, the more facts begin to come out about the abandonment he went through as a child. Pierce struggles with his ill feelings towards his mother, and a budding relationship with the intoxicating Camilla, but can the Earl set aside his pain and let Camilla into his heart, or will he ruin the only chance he has at true love with his blatant disregard for propriety. Of course you will have to read T’was the Night After Christmas by Sabrina Jeffries to find out.

I really enjoyed this holiday themed book by Sabrina Jeffries. T’was the Night After Christmas is agitating and heartwarming all in one colorful package. Watching the difficult Earl lose his battle against forgiveness is a wonderful ride. Camilla’s little Jasper chips away at the ice that has formed around Pierce’s heart to allow him to become the man he always should have been. Camilla, although a meddling chit turns out to be a savior of sorts as she stands up for herself after having an equally disturbing childhood as the Earl. Her demand for respect is refreshing and only adds to the charm of this tale.

*Review copy provided by publisher

Excellent

This was an excellent story great read for the holidays

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Another great one!

Love Sabrina Jeffries and loved this book! Can't wait for the next one in this new series!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

This was a great holiday read. If you are a fan of Sabrina Jeff

This was a great holiday read. If you are a fan of Sabrina Jeffries, this book will not let you down.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Very likable hero

Good story...definately a stand alone. No need to read the Sharpe books.

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