'Twas the Night After Christmas

Starred review from August 27, 2012
Bestseller Jeffries (To Wed a Wild Lord) delivers a moving Regency with heart, soul, and holiday spirit. Asthmatic Pierce Waverly, heir to the earl of Devonmont, is just eight years old when his parents pack him off to boarding school and refuse to see him on holidays. As an adult, Pierce determinedly ignores his widowed mother until her paid companion, Camilla Stuart, sends word to his London home that Lady Devonmont is deathly ill. Arriving at the country estate, Pierce realizes heâs been tricked by the good-hearted Camilla, who is hoping to effect a reconciliation between mother and son. In retaliation, he demands a carnal price from Camilla, almost out of spite. But Pierce doesnât expect what happens next: that he will fall in love with the feisty widow and bond with her six-year-old son. While Pierce tries hard to be a cold-hearted rake, his essential goodness is evident throughout, as is Camillaâs irresistible optimism. The compelling, fast-paced, and lively tale wraps up with several surprising, tear-jerking twists. Agent: Pam Ahearn, Ahearn Agency. (Nov.)â¨

October 15, 2012
When a meddling but warmhearted lady's companion tries to force a reconciliation between a dowager countess and her son, no one can guess at the resentment and betrayals that will be unearthed; but Christmas is the season for forgiveness and new beginnings--and possibly a little romance? The Earl of Devonmont is quite clear on two things in his life: He wants nothing, ever, to do with his mother, and he's determined to never marry. So, even he is surprised when, after receiving a letter from Camilla Stuart, his mother's companion, indicating the dowager is on death's door, he high-tails it to his country estate where his mother lives simply in the Dowager House. And he's even more surprised when, upon seeing evidence of the lady's good health, he allows his intended immediate departure to be delayed by the intriguing employee. One day flows into many, and while he and his mother move into a more civil relationship than they've had since she abandoned him as a child, all three of them realize they must get to the heart of the matter--the truth behind the abandonment and the secrets of the Dowager's past--before real peace and understanding can be achieved. Meanwhile, Camilla and the earl grow ever closer, and for the first time, Devonmont considers marriage, though Camilla knows a match between them is unacceptable. She's a foundling widow with a young child, and he's, well, an earl. Jeffries' latest historical romance is an enchanting holiday charmer with a complex and captivating plot; characters that interact with emotional authenticity; and a rich set of conflicted, heart-tugging obstacles--all of which combine to provide a satisfying happily-ever-after set against a fun holiday backdrop. Skillful writing and storytelling, compelling sexual and emotional tension, and a cast of realistic, vulnerable characters contribute to a lovely, spirited Christmas winner.

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Starred review from October 15, 2012

Pierce Waverly, the rakehell Earl of Devonmont, is annoyed when he arrives at his country estate to learn that his estranged mother is not at death's door, as he'd been led to believe by a letter from his mother's new companion. Pierce has no intention of staying, especially not for the holidays. But vicar's widow Camilla Stuart is determined to bring Pierce and his mother together--even if it means giving in to his initially outrageous demands of nightly "entertainments." A caring heroine determined to do the right thing and an emotionally wounded hero unable to forgive struggle to learn the truth in this complex story that juxtaposes the warmth of the holiday season with a dark undercurrent of closely guarded secrets, impossible choices, and deep regret. VERDICT Sharply witty, deliciously sexy, and infinitely endearing, this holiday gem strikes an emotional chord that will resonate with fans long after the book has been closed. Jeffries's first hardcover release, it serves as a bridge between her recent "Hellions of Halstead Hall" quintet and a new series that is slated to begin next spring. Jeffries (A Lady Never Surrenders) lives in North Carolina.

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