With This Christmas Ring

Full review appeared on Reader's Edyn on 10/23/17 Merry Parks made a dreadful mistake 5 years ago when she walked away from the only man she had or would ever love. She allowed someone to influence her, playing on her insecurities, and she has regretted it ever since. But now, a good friend has died, leaving behind an infant daughter. She has sworn to find the child’s father – and wouldn’t you know – he turns out to be Alexander’s cousin. Her quickest course of action, of course, is going straight to Alex. She resolves to keep her cool, but those old feelings stir up just as soon as she sees him. She’s sure Alex hates her after she rejected him, and she knows she needs to be done with this situation – but there seems to be a connection still there … and maybe a second chance with her one true love. But she’ll also have to confront the woman who played on her weakness 5 years ago if she is to ever have a chance with Alexander – and THAT is easier said than done. Alexander Ponsonby, Viscount Wrotham has recently returned from France and spending quite some time with his estranged mother. He has recently discovered, as suspected, that his mother was not the evil trollop he was made to think she was. Many truths have recently come to light and he now suspects the same marionette master likely had something to do with losing Merry. He contemplates a way to get her back when she unexpectedly appears on his door step. She need his assistance and he’s going to give it to her. He’s also going to launch a relentless campaign to win her back. She’s the only woman he ever loved, and knowing she left under duress, he’s going to get her back for good. I just love Manda Collins! I have not read a single HR from her that I have not thoroughly enjoyed. She has a gift in her writing that sucks the reader in almost instantaneously – a talent that endears the reader toward the characters quickly – a flair for describing the details in such a way that the reader can easily place him/herself within the story as if on the outside, looking in, watching as it all unfolds. Honestly, my only complaint was that I read the story too darned quick and it ended. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spend with Alex, Merry, and all of the other characters. This book is a part of the Studies in Scandal series, which I have not yet had the opportunity to read, but if this quick Christmas read is any indication of the others, it is well worth your time. In fact, if Ms. Collins isn’t a go-to author for those who love Historical Romance, you are seriously doing yourself an injustice! This book is set around the Christmas Season, but would be a treasure to read no matter the time of year. Merry is the kind of friend you would want in your corner and Alexander is swoon-worthy in his quest to win back Merry’s heart. Readers are in for some amazing characters and will surely want to read the whole series after this wonderful gem. Even being located in the middle of the series, this book is easy to follow as a stand alone. For a story packed full of endearing characters, gloriously flawed that you’ll love despite their deficiencies, you have definitely come to the right place! Kindle version provided by NetGalley/St Martins Press in exchange for an honest review.

This story is a second chance love story. Five years ago Miss Merry Parks was betrothed to Alex Ponsonby, the Viscount Wrotham but because of some manipulating by Alex's grandmother, the Dowager Viscountess Wrotham, Merry called it off and left Alex. Now, Merry has promised her friend Charlotte Smithson, on her deathbed, that she would take care of her daughter Lottie and find the baby's father. Charlotte was secretly married to William Ponsonby, cousin of Alex. Merry had heard that Alex was back in London and decides to go see him and ask for help in finding William. One look at Merry and it is obvious that Alex is still in love with her and he decides right there and then that he is going to win her heart again and what a better time to do that then during Christmas. It was a sweet and fun story seeing these two get to their happy ending. Five years of time didn't dim their feelings at all. I enjoyed the time that was spent at the Keep, the Wrotham family home, during the Christmas season. It was fun seeing how they spent their holidays and the ending of it was just perfect. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.

Tragedy sets in motion the seeds of a second chance in Manda Collins emotionally charged, but highly romantic, With This Christmas Ring. Amazing that although written as a historical romance, it didn't read like one. Ms. Collins touches on subjects that are relevant no matter what time period. Love and loss are emotions we all deal with and hope never goes out of style.