Book 123, 2024

[chez_jae]

Christmas in Camelot by Brenda Jernigan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


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There's been a dearth of reading this month, but this evening I finished Christmas in Camelot by Brenda K Jernigan. It's historical romance with a dash of fantasy. Main characters are Lady Noelle and Sir Nicholas.

Noelle has been spurning suitors ever since Merlin himself told her she'd marry her one true love, but when her oldest brother gets exasperated and promises her to Sir Gavin, Noelle is set to be wed on Christmas Day at Camelot castle. Nicholas has no use for love. He enjoys women and leaves them, but when he meets Noelle, he can't help but be drawn to the headstrong beauty. Too bad she has been promised to another. However, Christmas is just around the corner, bringing miracles of its own.

The story was charming enough. Noelle got herself into enough scrapes, most of which Nicholas had to save her from. The setting was lovely, and characters were portrayed well. What I found disappointing, however, is that the villain of the piece escaped without any justice being meted out. I'm vindictive by nature, and I dislike seeing someone get off scot free like that. Hmpf.

Favorite lines:
♦ "The concern was not so much for me but for the inconvenience of the fight."
♦ "When one will sacrifice his happiness for another, then I know of no truer love."

Ye olde breath line: Noelle realized she'd been holding her breath, which she promptly let out.

A decent enough story, fitting for the season. Four stars.