I got halfway through and I found myself continually avoiding the novel. Therefore, after making a noble effort and getting 50% of the way through, I'm stopping. Phoebe comes across as a spineless, indecisive girl with annoying Quaker stereotypes and Lucas is a bit overbearing. I did not understand why the author said they were in love with each other because I saw no sparks. The Stanton feud was hard to get through, Phoebe was irritating, and the hero was decidedly lacking in the swoon department.With a huge TBR pile to get through before Christmas, I'm calling it quits. It got 2 stars because the writing is good, the characters just don't do it for me. Loved the detail of the period. Ms. Kelly really brought to life the early 1800s, both for the servants and the nobility, as well as a glimpse into who the Quakers were, and a healthy dose of life as an English aristocrat. Her story brought in many earlier beloved characters but I never felt lost as to who was who. I liked the main characters, Lucas and Phoebe, immensely, but without writing a spoiler, I wished for a more satisfactory change to the hero's outlook and more of him needing to actually do something to resolve the problem of smugglers on his land. Also, the last scene just didn't pack the emotional punch that I was hoping for. The heroine's reaction to her husband's heartfelt disclosure at long last was all but absent. Still, I enjoyed so much about this book and Ms. Kelly's writing was clear and engaging. It made me want to follow up and rad My Favorite Countess and the other books that explore the cast of characters whom I met in this one.
What do You think about His Mistletoe Bride (2012)?
