Books › A Christmas Promise
A Christmas Promise
First published 1993 · 352 pages
A classic Regency tale of a cold marriage of convenience that slowly thaws into unexpected romance during the holiday season.
What it feels like
This classic Regency romance offers a steady, emotionally grounded journey through the familiar and beloved trope of a marriage of convenience. The atmosphere begins guarded and wistful, steeped in the rigid class divides of England as a proud merchant's daughter and an arrogant, impoverished earl are bound by duty and financial necessity rather than affection. As the narrative unfolds against a festive, wintry backdrop, the tone shifts from reluctant resignation to earnest hope. The prose is traditional and elegant, focusing on the quiet, internal thawing of two reluctant hearts. It is a perfect read for those who delight in old-school historical romances where familial duty gives way to unexpected, heartwarming holiday miracles.
- Mood
- guarded
- festive
- wintry
- hopeful
- Tone
- earnest
- romantic
- wistful
- traditional
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- marriage of convenience · duty versus desire · class divides · unexpected love · holiday miracles
- The writing
- Classic and elegant, focusing on the internal emotional shifts and societal constraints of the Regency era.
- The arc
- Moves from reluctant duty and guarded pride to the unexpected warmth of genuine affection.
- Who it's for
- Readers who love classic historical romances where cold marriages of convenience slowly thaw into true love over the holidays.
Content notes
- class prejudice
- marriage of convenience
About the book
THE BOUGHT BRIDEGROOM
Eleanor Transome found her father's wealth a dubious blessing, for he was determined that she wed a nobleman. Lord Randolph Falloden, on the brink of ruin, could not resist the lure of cold cash, despite his passionate alliances with several other desirable maidens. And though her heart belonged to the handsome, if humble, Mr. Wilfred Ellis, Eleanor would never deny her father's wishes. Thus the match was made--with love not part of the bargain--for the arrogant earl and the coal merchant's proud daughter. But in this season of unexpected gifts, a most remarkable surprise was in store for them both....
Description from Open Library.
Books like A Christmas Promise
See why they match
A Christmas BrideMary BaloghA festive, passionate Regency romance where strict societal duties melt away in the warmth of a scandalous holiday miracle.
The Temporary Wife / A Promise of Spring okMary BaloghA tender, quietly angsty exploration of marriages that begin in pragmatism and slowly bloom into profound love.
The Counterfeit BetrothalApril KihlstromA tender, character-driven Regency romp where a playful charade slowly unravels into profound emotional vulnerability.
Bride by contractMargaret RomeA simmering, old-school battle of wills where aristocratic pride clashes with ruthless pragmatism in a marriage of convenience.
The Marriage GambleSarah EagleA spirited Regency romp where a fake engagement sparks a very real battle of wits and hearts.
The Rushden LegacyEllen RandolphA desperate lie in a ballroom spins into a high-stakes Regency romance shadowed by a deadly family legacy.