A very good set of holiday-themed short stories. ( )

These have been sitting in my TBR on my iPad for … years? And after my recent re-read binge of all the novels, I thought I’d knock these out too.

They’re all about what you’d expect from a novella; too short to get into any character development or conflict, just short, happy little mysteries with tidy endings, but they’re fun to read and one or two loose ends from the main body of the series are wrapped up. ( )

Cute short story if you've read her books. ( )

Nice little novella. ( )

This novella takes place at Christmas at Bellmont Abbey. Julia has been looking forward to spending time with her new husband in the Rookery, a dower house given to her by her father, but a fallen tree means they are housed in the Abbey. With only half of his children able to attend and a romantic disappointment, the Earl is a picture of gloom. Throw in missing jewels and a return of the ghost from an earlier mystery and Julia and Brisbane have a number of things to investigate. ( )

The Lady Julia books are always an enjoyable read. Great characters, great voice.

Lady Julia and Brisbane are summoned once more to her family estate for Christmas. However, Julia's expectations of a quiet and warm familial Christmas are dashed when she discovers that half the household staff are sick with colds, her father is a terrible humour, and the house isn't even decorated for Christmas. Plus, much to everyone's dismay it appears there is once more a jewelry thief in their midst during the festive season.

Thoroughly delightful Christmas novella. The writing is just as enjoyable as one of the full novels and while the mystery is on the fluffy side, it's exactly right for a book set at Christmas. Does contain mild spoilers for the previous books in the series so should not be picked up out of order. ( )

Silent Night: A Lady Julia Christmas Novella – Raybourne

4 stars

Easy, diverting, entertaining; this is a humorous Christmas visit for fans of Raybourne’s Lady Julia series. All of the usual characters
with their accompanying menageries are present for holiday festivities at Bellmont Abbey. There’s a ghost, a theft and plenty of affectionate, private moments for Brisbane and Lady Julia. It was just fun, 4 stars worth of easy enjoyment.
( )

This little novella isn't really a mystery at all; there's no murder to solve. There are odd goings on and of course we have Julia and Brisbane and Julia's family. It does take place at Christmas, so there is the draw of the holiday.

Overall, it was a gentle story that let me spend time with a couple of my favorite characters. It's really only for series fans, though. ( )

novella listed as book 6 (2012 ?)

Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane return for a Christmas caper at Bellmont Abbey

"old story with a new cover" introduced as a Kindle on September 14, 2015

Julia and Brisbane spend another Christmas at her family's home (originally visited in Silent in the Sanctuary. Once again, ghosts are at play, only this time less murderous. The mystery is pretty thin, but Julia's family is as wonderfully eccentric as before, making for a delightful read. A fun choice for the holidays. ( )

I liked this Christmas Novella in the Lady Julia Grey mystery series. Not much of a mystery in it, but I enjoyed this glimpse of the mad March's at Yuletide with many familiar faces at Bellmont Abbey. Short and sweet - quick read. ( )

It was nice that nobody died in this book. I was sad that the Rookery was demolished. I hope they build another house and do a story there. ( )

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Deanna Raybourn, so I purchased this one with the intention of reading it during the Christmas season. Although I wish it had been longer, I’m happy to say it was a lovely little holiday read and it was a welcome addition to my collection.

I’ve seen some reviews of people being disappointed with this novella, but to me, this was really just a taste of Lady Julia while we wait for the next full length book. Not only did it do a good job of capturing the feel of the March family, it gave us glimpses into a couple of different stories to come.

To read the rest of my review, please visit my blog. ( )