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Snowy Night with a Stranger
by
ane Feather, Sabrina Jeffries, Julia London
historical romance in a paperback edition that was published by Pocket Star on October 28, 2008 and has 404 pages.
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Other books by this author which I have reviewed include The Dangerous Lord, A Hellion in Her Bed, How to Woo a Reluctant Lady, To Wed a Wild Lord, A Lady Never Surrenders, Ten Reasons to Stay, What the Duke Desires, If the Viscount Falls
An anthology of stories set in 19th century England in which a well-born lady is thrust into an awkward situation during a blizzard.
The Series
“When Sparks Fly” (School for Heiresses, 4.5)
“Snowy Night with a Highlander” (The Scandalous Series, 2.5)
The Stories
Jane Feather’s “A Holiday Gamble”
This was the best of the three with Lord Allenton, Edward, coming to the rescue of the beleaguered Lady Georgiana Carey, a bright young thing being forced into marriage by her guardian. I enjoyed the duplicity engaged in by both parties as they put one over on the others unlikely as it would be that Georgie would know such moves. The whole falling in love thing was poorly handled. No lead up. No anticipation. Just suddenly . . . ooh, I’m in love because naturally neither of them could unbend enough that the other might notice.
Sabrina Jeffries’ “When Sparks Fly”
This was a grave disappointment. I kept checking to see that it truly was one of Jeffries. She’s normally a much better writer than this even though I did enjoy the concept of the story. And calling the butler Mr Huggett . . . Mr??? Just not done. Although, I did enjoy Mr. Huggett. He was a very considerate, caring man. The final irritation was the “oh so cute” bit with “Little Charlie Dickens [who] cried ‘God bless us, every one!'” Gag.
Julia London’s “Snowy Night with a Highlander”
This was the worst of the three. Gawd, I really had to drag myself through this one. First off, Fiona’s Scottish accent would never have been tolerated in London society nor would her mother have allowed her to cultivate it. And she drives me mad with her incessant chitter-chatter. I can’t understand why Duncan didn’t use one of his scarves to stop her gob. Just why does she think Duncan, when she thinks he’s a servant, would be interested in hearing about a ball she went to in Gloucester? Anywhere actually?? And for all her “egalitarian” acceptance of him as a driver, why does she go on with insulting the Highlands as she does? Nor would any lady have spoken of the shameful episode from her younger years. Especially to someone whom she believes is his servant! Then there’s the wolf incident where she goes on and on and on about how “he’s saved her” . . . man, I’d’a thrown her to the wolf and thanked god. If London is going to make an issue of it, at least make it a situation worth making an issue over. Then, when they’re at the Nevinses for the night and the children ask about how he got his scars . . . Christ, they’re his bloody tenants on the estate where the fire took place. We’re supposed to believe that no one noticed the blackened ruin of half of a huge house? We’re supposed to think that the kids never noticed the scars on the laird’s face?? How stupid does London think her readers are?
In every one of these stories the woman falls so quickly into bed with the “stranger” without a decent preparation. You’d never believe these were well-born women [of their time period] who would jump that quickly into some guy’s bed.
Don’t. Just. Don’t. Don’t waste your time reading this collection of trash.
The Cover and Title
The cover is the best part of the entire book with its snowy backdrop with a pink be-ribboned snow globe showcasing a Cinderella-style coach and pair—brightly lit within—stumbling through a snowy night to a well-lit house.
The title at least is accurate for all the ladies do spend a “Snowy Night with a Stranger.
