'Twas the Night After Christmas
2 Stars

Abandoned by his parents and raised by relatives, Pierce Waverly, the Earl of Devonmont, is determined to keep his distance from his estranged mother. But when a letter from her companion arrives with the news that the dowager is ill, Pierce travels to his ancestral home only to discover that Mrs. Camilla Stuart has deceived him. Nevertheless, he is intrigued by the meddlesome woman and decides to stay and see whether he can reconcile his past and his future.

Series note: Ostensibly the final installment in the Hellions of Halstead Hall, there is no real connection other than Pierce's relationship with Virginia Sharpe (book #3). As such, the book can be read as a stand-alone.

Caveat: The focus on forgiveness and redemption that is inherent to Christmas books is never particularly appealing to me. As such, readers who do enjoy these themes should take this review with a grain of salt.

To begin with, the dowager's behavior toward her son is despicable, and there is simply no excuse for the cruelty of her actions regardless of the author's attempts to justify them.

Second, Pierce and Camilla's romance is disappointing. Camilla is an interfering busybody who has no right to insert herself into his life, and Pierce takes advantage of the situation to coerce Camilla into spending time with him. This is exceedingly problematic as he is in a position of power over her, and it is not sexy or appealing. The fact that they have zero chemistry does not help.

Overall, not one of Jeffries better works, and I really need to avoid these Christmas books. ( )

Twas the Night After Christmas bridges two series together, "Helliions of Halstead Hall" and "The Duke's Men". After recently reading the first book in the Dukes Men series, I was really excited to read this story. It does take place before the first one begins where we do see a involvement Of Dominic. This story is centered on Pierce and Camilla. Pierce is a Earl, but hasn't had the easiest of upbringings. When he was younger, his mother was everything, until he was sent away to school, and she never wrote him, she wouldn't let him come home for the holidays, and as he became an adult he became bitter against his mother, and now never sees her. Until he receives a note from his mothers companion, Camille, stating that his mother is deathly ill. So he heads straight to the estate where his mother is residing, only to find out that his mother is healthy, and tensions rise fast. Camille is a widow, who has a sweet son, and will do everything for her sons happiness. Then she meets Pierce, who has quite the reputation of drinking and keeping mistresses, but when these two meet, a desire unknown to either one of them changes everything.

I loved the layout of this story. It has a very strong Christmas theme to it, (which I loved), the characters were witty and engaging, and the story full of delightful scenes that tie you up in knots. I couldn't put this one down, and it won me over only after a few chapters. This story is very typical of Sabrina Jeffries, and her style is still just as amazing as it is with her earlier books. A story full of abundant humor, sizzling chemistry, and charming characters. One that is to die for!! Looking for a classic holiday read that will send thrills straight to your toes? Well Twas The Night After Christmas is perfect, and just right for you! ( )

Excellent light read, great Christmas story. A wonderful happy ending, just a bit predictable.

Male protagonist: Pierce Waverly, Earl of Devonmont, devoted bachelor with a string of mistresses, but feels something is lacking in his life.

Female lead: Camilla Stuart, vicar's widow, mother of Jasper, age 6, companion to Pierce's mother

The third party: Pierce's mother, Lady Devonmont, estranged from her son, but devoted to Camilla and her son.

Complications: Pierce doesn't want to marry, Camilla should marry for Jasper's sake, Lady Devonmont has secrets in her past.

I loved the parallel mother-son stories, both with happy endings.
( )

I really did not mean to finish this book tonight. I was going to read a few chapters and head for bed. THREE HOURS LATER (yes, I know, that deserves a SpongeBob gif), and here I am, writing a review. This book got so good, so quickly, I was compelled to keep reading. The OTP were wonderful. The conflict in the story was heartbreaking. There were so many emotions that ran through this novel, that I laughed and cried and gasped and did all three a few more times. You really, really, REALLY root for these two to find happiness and truth. (And, to be honest, I was never all that impressed with the hero in the previous Hellions books. Here he was fantastic -- full of growth, fear, love, anger. You felt for him as a child and forgave him his rebellious rakehell days.) More of this author is she keeps going in this direction! ( )

If you are a fan of Ms. Jeffries, then I know for sure you’ll get this book, however, if you’ve never ever heard of her name [OMG! Where have you been all this time?], this is a perfect book to start you on a journey of discovery.

Even though we’ve encountered this novel’s hero in Ms. Jeffries earlier books, this story stands on its own and you need not [but you really should, just because they’re awesomely good as well] read the earlier books.

Pierce Waverly was a mix of Alpha and Beta heroes. As a child he battled asthma and for the longest time he couldn’t understand the reasons behind his exile from the only home he knew. What hurt the most is the abandonment of his parents, though. For years he would spend his school vacations with his cousins until he became an adult.

Miss Camilla Stuart was an exemplary companion to the Dowager Countess of Devonmont, Pierce’s mother. Through her conversations and astute observation of the older woman, she notices her silent suffering and decides to interfere by sending Pierce a missive informing him that his mother is ill.

This was such a heartwarming Christmas tale that will keep you spellbound from the first to the last page. The story delves with past mistakes, regrets and many misunderstandings and assumptions, but the heart of it is the love of a mother for her son and the sacrifice she gives for his protection.

It made me go through many emotions; making me cry and laugh and sigh, but it was never ever boring! I highly recommend you read this one.

Melanie for b2b ( )