The Heart of Christmas: A Handful of GoldThe Season for SuitorsThis Wicked Gift

I read these stories on my day off, and I would recommend them to any romance reader. For all the pros and cons of the story lines, each book is well written, and are at a decent enough length to where you can get a satisfying read. Mary Balogh writes a solid book and has the elements of a classic regency romance. Her book comes across as meaty despite its length, and we see character development with the hero. Nicola Cornicks offering was an enjoyable one. The heroine was definitely spirited but not a brat. My one issue was the fact that the initial storyline made no sense to me. I won't discuss it however overall it was a lighthearted read. The last story by Milan is a departure from the sparkling romances that we seem to get. I thought that it was an awesome story because it showcased reality and the growth of the hero AND the heroine. (Well moreso the hero) All in all, I think that this is a must have for any regency/historical romance fan. Each story stands on its own, and is different from the next one so I felt that I got my moneys worth.

I really liked the book! Courtney Milan's story was my favorite. Imagine - a regency romance with the hero and heroine members of the "deserving poor"! I loved it. Nicola Cornick's story was ok. I felt like I'd been there, read that, but it was well written. Mary Balogh's story was also ok. A little predictable, but I still liked it.

"A Handful of Gold" by Mary Balogh. The handsome and wealthy heir to an earldom, Lord Julian Dare, seems to have everything so what do you get the man you love for Christmas who seems to need nothing Verity Ewing asks herself. You give your heart to him though the risk is that he will return it broken. "The Season for Suitors" by Nicola Cornick. Because she is a pretty heiress, rakes and wastrels try to compromise Clara Davenport into marriage. She has been fortunate so far, but knows her luck will not hold out so she decides she needs a teacher to train her, an innocent, on how to fend off rakes. She turns to the poster boy of rakes Sebastian Fleet for mentoring and advice. However, the lessons between the teacher and the student turn into one of love. "This Wicked Gift" by Courtney Milan. In 1822 Lavinia Spencer has saved money in order for her family to celebrate the holidays with a Christmas dinner. Four days before the gala, her brother James loses everything, leaving them in a debt greater than they can pay back. William Q. White, who she has adored from a distance, offers to make the payment in exchange for her innocence. These three Regency romantic novellas are fun tales due to the assertive females who know what they want and take charge of achieving their respective heart's desires. Although the Balogh and Cornick entries are reprints from the anthology Christmas Keepsakes, this anthology is worth reading because of the strong women. Harriet Klausner