Review of Anthology: Mischief and Mistletoe

Mischief and Mistletoe
by Mary Jo Putney, Jo Beverly, Joanna Bourne, Patrcia Rice, Nocola Cornick, Cara Elliot, Anne Gracie and Susan King
Publisher: Kensington
Publication date:  September 25, 2012
Genre: Historical Romance/Anthology
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository

In this sparkling holiday collection, eight acclaimed authors unwrap the most daring of Regency delights… Christmastime in England—a time for passionate secrets, delicious whispers, and wicked-sweet gifts by the fire. From a spirited lady who sets out to save her rakish best friend from an unsuitable engagement, to a bold spy who gets the unexpected chance to win the woman he’s always loved, to a vicar’s daughter who pretends to be a saucy wench, these holiday tales will make you curl up in front of the fire for a memorable season of mischief and mistletoe…

Mischief and Mistletoe is a collection of historical fiction romances set around the Yuletide season. This was a delightful collection and while I had favorites I can honestly say I enjoyed each and every tale by these talented authors

She Stoops to Wenchdom by Mary Jo Putney shares the story of a damaged young man’s return from war and that of a young woman who goes to extremes to get his attention.  It was sweet, funny and made me feel warm and fuzzy.

Miss Brockhurst’s Christmas Campaign by Jo Beverley is about Pen a young woman who at twenty three is called the heartbreaker. She has broken three engagements and only recently has she learned why or should I say whom. This holiday she plans to finally get her man.  This was fun, and Pen’s plotting made me laugh.

Intrigue and Mistletoe by Joanne Bourne shares the tale of a spy on a mission who falls in love, only to lose her. When they are reunited can he win her back? This was interesting and had a little mystery.

Wench in Wonderland by Patricia Rice was a delightful tale about a young woman who helps her friend to escape an arranged marriage even though it will mean she will become destitute. Fearful of the future but confident of her decision this holiday tale her faithfulness might give her the greatest gift of all.  

On a Wicked Winter Night by Nicola Cornick, a young unwed woman with a child is the landlord of Silent Wench in Newport and the fallen daughter of a Duke. On a stormy night a childhood friend arrives at the inn and she discovers he is the new Baron of Newport. Johnny is delighted to see Lydia again and determined to not let her get away this time. This was a warm tale about allowing yourself to be happy.

Weathering the Storm by Cara Elliot was an adventure at high sea with Sophia and Bentley, full of danger, pirates and near mishaps this short story held the promise of new beginnings.

The Mistletoe Bride by Anne Gracie was a delightful tale set in Scotland. A young man must marry before thirty to get the funds he needs to replenish his estates. The plan, marry a dying woman. Of course things don’t always work out as planned. I loved this one. I laughed and even got misty eyed.  

A Wilder Wench by Susan King set in Scotland this was another delightful tale. We meet Cristina who is eager to save her brother wrongfully being held. Dunallan the new sheriff might just be able to save her. This was a fun read.

I highly recommend Mischief and Mistletoe. All of the tales were delightful and this would make a fabulous gift for yourself or someone on your shopping list. I read this over Thanksgiving weekend and was able to complete a story at a time. The length of each tale is perfect for reading one a night to get you in the holiday spirit.

I want to thank Kensington for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review. 

I gave this collection 4 peppermint coffee cups out of 5