The Widow's Christmas Surprise

August 17, 2020
Jaxon balances family drama and seasonal joy in her fast-paced fifth Widows Club Regency romance (after Much Ado About a Widow). Lady Maria Kersey gives birth to her daughter, Jane, shortly after her unfaithful husband, Alan, dies in a duel. Because the Kersey estate is subject to patriarchal inheritance laws, Jane cannot inherit, putting Maria in a precarious financial position. After consulting with Hugh Granger, her late husband’s steward, Maria and Jane move into the estate’s small dower house, clearing the way for the new Lord Kersey to occupy Kersey Hall. As Lord Kersey plots to expel Maria and Jane, Maria and Hugh embark on a relationship and plan to marry, but their plans are derailed by the discovery of Alan’s will, which provides Maria with the financial security she’d thought lost. Because Hugh is a signatory on the will (though he did not read it before signing) he worries that if he marries the newly wealthy Maria, people will assume he had a hand in Alan’s death, and backs out of the engagement. Heartbroken, Maria flees to spend Christmas in London—but still holds out hope for a future with Hugh. Jaxon keeps the pages flying by highlighting just how high-stakes marriage and courtship were for Regency-era women. Maria’s plight is sure to resonate with historical romance fans. Agent: Kathryn Green, Kathryn Green Literary.

September 1, 2020
In Jaxon's newest Widow's Club title, following Much Ado about a Widow (2020), twice-widowed Maria thinks she has been left without resources after her second husband is killed in a duel. She has a new baby girl, new in-laws who try to trick out out her rightful property, and warm feelings towards business manager Hugh Granger. A family emergency may prevent Hugh being able to marry, but he is determined to put things right. With the help of her cousin Jane and the intrepid Widow's Club, Maria manages to have a pleasant Christmas. Hugh is a very appealing hero, and Maria's friendships with the other widows light up this warm holiday romance with its many surprising turns.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

October 1, 2020

At age 19, Maria Kersey has the dubious distinction of being widowed twice and is now swearing off marriage. Her last husband was a notorious womanizer who was killed in a duel by a jealous spouse, leaving Maria to raise their unborn daughter alone. Unfortunately, the new Lord Kersey, a distant relation, could very well turn her out in the cold. Maria finds an ally in Hugh Granger, the estate's steward, though as a second son he's hardly a suitable match. Still, something undeniable sparks between them whenever they're close, and they both share a responsibility to care for the estate's tenants. As Christmas approaches, the new lord and his family arrive and make it clear they want Maria out of the way. The plot takes an unexpectedly dark turn as unwanted attempts at seduction and even murder plans are visited upon poor Maria. VERDICT Expect as much sinister intrigue as romantic Christmas warmth--although there's plenty of the latter, too. Those looking for a gothic take on a traditional Regency Christmas will find it here.--Kathryn Howe, Saint John Free P.L., NB

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