Regency romances are always popular with readers. Perhaps it’s because they recall an elegant era or perhaps it’s the appeal of noblemen and their ladies. Whatever the attraction, I’m heartily glad for it! “A Very Special Christmas Present” began as a submission to a new Regency publishing house. The publisher was conducting a contest for short stories to include in the new print and electronic anthology. The contest rules were simple: set the story around a winter holiday: the parameters between Advent and Twelfth Night. Naturally I chose Christmas!
Happily, my story was one of the seventeen winners.
“A Very Special Christmas Present” earned fantastic reviews.
As it happens so often, the publisher had to close
its doors and the anthology is no longer available. The rights to “A Very
Special Christmas Present” returned to me. Some time passed, and then I
received a call from a publisher to submit a short story. I sent in “A Very
Special Christmas Present” and it was part of their inventory for many years.
Deidre's only brother was killed in the Napoleonic Wars, so romance is the furthest thing from her mind. However her young "niece"--Cupid's curly-haired accomplice--is determined to give Auntie Dee the best Christmas present ever.
“A Very Special Christmas Present” is now available in my portfolio of books on Amazon.com and Smashwords.com and Universal Link.
Here’s the new cover:
Deidre’s young “niece”
is determined to give her Auntie Dee the best Christmas present ever: a
husband!
Amazon.com and Smashwords.com and Universal Link
Some very special reviews for “A Very Special Christmas Present”:
* FIVE STARS! Fans of the stories set in early nineteenth century England will find this a comfortably familiar world. The setting is completely perfect, from the wonderful home and dedication to needlework, to the holiday plans, and even the focus on marriage. You will enjoy Knight’s clever twist with descriptions--her snow-capped fir trees “huddle” from the cold, and main character Deidre expresses frustration by ‘savagely’ embroidering. Throughout, the phrasing is subtle but delightful. It’s hard to say more without spoiling this one. Full of Christmas charm, Susanne Marie Knight’s A Very Special Christmas Present, would make a very nice present for some lucky romance fan on your shopping list...I will certainly re-read.--Long & Short Reviews.
* This is
a most refreshing story. Sometimes we judge too quickly before learning the
real truth.--Romance At Heart.
* I didn't
want this story to end! More, more, more!--Reader Comment
* This is
the best Regency short story I've read.-- Reader Comment
Real life tidbit: Just as our heroine, Deidre Livingston, I dabble in embroidery. Or rather, I used to dabble in embroidery. I enjoyed buying handkerchiefs and then using one as a canvas, embroider a friend or family member’s name to give as a gift. Deidre has far more talent than I ever had!
Scene setup:
At a Christmas party, Jeremy Stafford, the Earl of Bainbridge, encounters the
intriguing Miss Livingston who rescues him from the consequences of an
unplanned sneeze!
Jeremy picked up two glasses of the mulled cider and handed one to Miss Livingston. The pungent aroma of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, tickled his nose even before he drank.
He sneezed. “I
beg your pardon.” Reaching for his handkerchief, he came up empty.
Miss
Livingston must have realized his dilemma for she searched in her reticule and
pulled out a delicate, embroidered cloth. “Please, take mine,” she offered.
Accepting the
handkerchief, he marveled at the satin-stitch design and the feminine name of
Deirdre stitched upon it. “My thanks, Miss Livingston. I gave mine to that imp
of a child. Is this your fine needlework?”
She looked
down at the parquet wood floor. Modesty became her. “Yes. I had the pleasure of
giving handkerchiefs as Christmas gifts to all Lady Fairmont’s guests.” Her
gaze everywhere but on him, she added, “Would you like for me to make one for
you, also?”
His response
came straight from the heart. “Indeed, if I may, I wish to keep this one. Your
name is quite lovely.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope you enjoy Deidre and Jeremy’s Christmas story. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Happy reading,
Susanne Marie Knight
Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing
With A Twist!
