Regency Christmas 1998

I enjoy regency anthologies for those days when I just want to read a quick and fun story. The Christmas ones are usually the most delightful especially since I love the holidays! As with most anthologies, one or two stories stand out and I tend to read those over and over. In this grouping, Carla Kelly's "The Christmas Ornament," and Elizabeth Fairchild's "Felicity's Forfeit" were the two that captured my heart! Both had unusual and wonderful female lead characters. "Livy" (Olivia) in "The Christmas Ornament" was intelligent, yet filled with common sense and compassion. She was not only able to express herself well but bring the shy, bookish "Jemmy" (James) out of his shell. The many secondary characters were well fleshed out even in this short story. James father advising him that "I have often suspected she (Olivia) is even more intelligent than you," and "Take her seriously as you would any man ... learned that from your mother." The outrageous comments that came out of James regarding Olivia - "You smell remarkably like a biscuit." I loved his professor ways!!! But will he lose her to another - an Adonis, rich and sophisticated with an eye to changing Olivia. Or will Olivia trust her father (who had a hand at matchmaking) and her own instincts? Felicity of "Felicity's Forfeit" was a wonderful and different female lead (from America's south) and Bingham Kirby was our equally honorable male lead. Forced by the loss of his father's fortune, he must marry an heiress. Lost fortune is the key - the money was actually hidden for safekeeping by his forgetful father who makes vague references to wood and leaves when telling them where the money is. To choose a bride, Bingham hosts a holiday gathering which includes many wealthy young women. The reader is drawn into the Christmas fun and games. And Bingham's kindness shows as he invites the penniless vicar's daughters and their American cousin to join in the fun. But can there be a happily ever after? Bingham is ever mindful of his duty and a penniless American is not on his bride list! The other stories were notable, but not standouts to me. I enjoyed "Three Good Deeds" and loved the dog in "The Hounds of Heaven." Allison Lane's "Second Chance" was a dark, disturbing tale, more like a sad pioneer historical then a regency. I found it depressing! But this book is worth having and re-reading. A keeper for me.