Review of The Duke's Christmas Bride by Anna Bradley

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The Duke's Christmas Bride by Anna Bradley is a historical fiction book where Maxwell Burke, the Duke of Grantham or Duke of Ice, as he was known for his cold heart, is finally going to get his revenge after Ambrose St. Claire, his father's friend, took Hammond Court, his mother's inheritance, away from his father, right after his mother's demise. This left his father desperate to such an extent that he turned into a drunk and later lost his life out of that despair. Now Ambrose St. Claire is dead but before that, he invites the duke to get his treasure. So the Duke immediately goes to Hammond Court to release a past that has been tormenting him since the incident happened, only to find out that it has a new occupant, no other than Rosamund Elizabeth, who is more than ready to defend it even from a Duke. Rose is an adopted daughter to Ambrose St. Claire and he had warned her that the Duke might give him trouble. She decides to fight for what she has learned to call home, but there is one problem, that home is in dire need of repair. Still, she doesn't have a dime to do it so the roof collapses due to a snowstorm, and she is given shelter by none other than the Duke of Grantham, who has a skim to destroy Hammond Court, but before that, he has to marry off Rose. So he makes quick plans to get her a bridegroom, but unfortunately, things are not going as planned, as she is proving to be an extraordinary lady and things are taking a different turn.

I like this particular author's casual writing style, which is the major positive aspect of this book. One thing that stuck with me was how the plot is well narrated with enough twists and turns, the consistency is perfect and the story is captivating. The book gave me a wonderful experience. I like the way the conversations are made hilarious by the sarcasm more so where the main characters are concerned especially Max, his sarcasm, and arrogance added some form of humor to this book, an example is p. 165 "You, Miss St. Claire, have managed to hit upon the one activity I detest above all others. I commend you on your fertile imagination. Now, run along, and find something useful with which to occupy yourself.” Additionally, I have read Damned if I Duke by the same author, and I would not like to miss any of her other books as I have found her to display a rare talent.

But, towards the end, the story was kind of abrupt as the author did not write about how the series of events happened and so there seems to be a gap that readers would have appreciated if it had been included.

I rate this book, The Duke's Christmas Bride by Anna Bradley, 5 out of 5 stars. That author remains one of my favorites; her writing style is extraordinary.

I recommend this book to those who love engaging historical fiction books. I also recommend it to those readers who love books that give valuable lessons. This particular one will teach them that a heart can turn cold due to bad experiences that life throws our way but love can turn that heart around and make it the warmest for the world to see.








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