Bride at Bellfield Mill by Penny Jordan

In 1903 young widow Marianne Brown respects the dying wish of her late husband Milo and takes his baby son to Bellfield Mill, Lancashire, the place where Milo was born. Once there she meets the stern Master of Bellfield (Heywood Denshaw) owner of the mill. Eventually she acquires the job as housekeeper. They become attracted to each other when Heywood becomes ill and she nurses him back to health.

This was an enjoyable read. I really liked Marianne, she was a sweet and caring heroine. Heywood was quite angry and unlikable at the beginning of the story, but he got more likable as the story progressed. The romance seemed to move fast towards the end of the book and they went from dislike to love quite quickly. I enjoyed the secrets/mystery surrounding Marianne and the baby. There was no Christmas in the book until the end.

A Family for Hawthorn Farm by Helen Brooks

In 1899, young, overworked, and poor Connie Summers goes home from work one day and collapses on the street from pleurisy. Her friendly neighbor and a kind gentleman (wealthy farmer Luke Hudson) come to her rescue. Connie is anxious to get home to her sister and brothers (their parents passed away). When Luke sees how hard-up Connie and her young siblings are he takes them to his farm to live in a cottage and offers Connie a job (when she is better). Connie gratefully accepts. Connie gets to know her neighbors and really gets on with Luke’s mother, whom she ends up taking care of when she becomes ill. But what will Connie do about the attraction she has for Luke…

This was a sweet romance. I liked Connie, she was very brave and a hard worker, trying to keep her family together and out of the workhouse. I also liked Luke, though he had his surly moments. I liked how Connie and Luke’s mother grew close. I enjoyed the dramatic part when Connie and her siblings joined some other village youngsters for a bonfire and skating at the lake and what followed. Connie’s brother and another boy fell through the ice and Connie ended up trying to rescue them and fell in herself. I enjoyed the romantic Christmas Eve conclusion.

Tilly of Tap House by Carol Wood

Nurse Tilly Dainty works at Tap House surgery in 1920’s East London with elderly Dr. Tapper. When Dr. Tapper becomes ill his doctor nephew (Harry Fleet) steps in to temporarily take over his duties. Tilly and Harry become attracted to each other, but eventually Harry’s pretty lady friend (snobbish nurse Rosalind Darraway) comes to help out at Tap House. Will Harry marry Rosalind and move to the country to practice medicine, or stay at Tap House with Tilly, whom he is growing to love.

I also really enjoyed this story. I’ve never read anything by this author and I found the story interesting. I liked a lot of the characters. Tilly was a good heroine and I liked how she looked out for three orphans that she had staying at Tap House with her. Harry was a fine hero. I loved the sweet and uplifting ending.

An entertaining and heartwarming anthology. I found each story charming, even though I wish there was more Christmas in some of the stories. ( )