A Christmas Code

By: Jacki Delecki

Narrated by: Pearl Hewitt

Length: 2 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's Summary

Lady Gwyneth Beaumont has long awaited the opportunity to show Viscount James Ashworth that she is no longer the impetuous child who dogged his footsteps. Now a much sought-after debutante, she is determined to prove to the hard-headed rake that she is a grown woman and a worthy participant in both the spy game and the game of love.

Ash, recently returned from three years undercover in France in His Majesty's service, wants nothing more than to complete his final mission and retire to his bucolic country estate. However, what seemed a simple assignment to protect the Prince Regent at a Christmas party turns into a maze of intrigue, desire, and treachery.

Adding to the perilous secret operation is one problem Ash never anticipated: The appearance of the reckless, enticing Gwyneth, who has blossomed into a gorgeous woman and self-appointed spy. When a snooping Gwyneth uncovers a shocking secret, she puts herself in mortal danger.

Can Ash protect Gwyneth and the Prince from French assailants and, at the same time, win the passionate lady's heart?

Can Ash and Gwyneth both triumph as winners in the game of spies and love?

©2014 Jacki Delecki (P)2015 Jacki Delecki

Regency Romance Short Story w/ a bit of Mystery

Any additional comments?

A Christmas Code by Jacki Delecki is a quaint regency romance short story in the Code Breaker series. The story centers around Viscount Ashworth who has one last undercover mission for His Majesty's service before he can retire to his family’s estate in the country. This relatively simple assignment to protect the Prince Regent at a Christmas party turns into anything but a simple assignment after his childhood friend, Lady Gwyneth, is nearly killed more than once.

Although it is obvious that Ash and Gwyneth have feelings for each other beyond mere friendship, we don't get to see their relationship develop or mature, and to be honest, I just didn’t feel any chemistry between the two. That having been said, I did like how Ash came to realize that Gwyneth was smarter than the traditional single female and together they figured out who intended to kill the Prince Regent.

Pearl Hewitt did a fantastic job narrating, as she did with the first book in the series. She brought the characters to life giving each one their own distinct voice, both male and female characters. She also has great intonation and pace, making this an entertaining experience. I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an unbiased review.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A quick fun listen

Any additional comments?

I got this audio for a deal buy the book get the audio for 1.99 I love those deals. This was a very interesting listen with spies, mystery, love, a little passion, killers, along with a woman who wants to be a spy but the man she loves doesn’t want her to have anything in it. This is a short fast pace thrilling read. The author leaves nothing out just gives you a fun story with a great plot.

Gwyneth has loved Ash since she was a little girl she plans to show him she is all grow up by helping him spy for their government. Her family is very much behind her as she brings Ash to heel in her plans to get him to marry her. Gwyneth is a fun loving, headstrong women who knows what she wants and goes after it. Not much stands in her way not even the man she loves. She does come across as being younger than she is in both the story and by the narration.

Ash does love Gwyneth but his isn’t telling her he just needs to get this last job out of the way and his spying days are down. Once this works out he plans to take Gwyneth in hand and making her his wife. What he didn’t plan on was her having plans of her own and getting in his way to go after the people who are trying to kill the prince. He said no you are not she said yes I am and you can’t stop me. After a long talk with her brother who sets him straight on the ways of a woman’s mind he gives in letting her do enough to keep her happy.

Things do not always the way we plan as the author throws in a few twist to make the story interesting and keeps a few characters on the toes. Someone will get hurt or even killed before this is over the question is who and how.

The narration of Pearl Hewitt was very good. I really didn’t care for her voice of Gwyneth she sounds very young almost childlike. I did enjoy all the other voices. Her tones were even there was no background noise. Her voice is very clear and even which makes this a great listen. You have no trouble knowing who is talking. Her male voices were very nice. There are no breaks in the audio just a clean clear listen. The narrator tones are even you can tell when the character are angry or excited. I really enjoyed it.

The author packs a lot into a little time leaving nothing out you are never left guessing as to what has happen or going to happen. I thought the plot was outstanding. She gives you wonderful characters even the ones who are out to kill the prince you have compassion for. There isn’t a character that you do not like. She does throw a little passion in but for the most part it is a pretty clean read. This is the first I have read/listen to by this author and narrator. I look forward to listening to more.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Okay but not the best

I enjoyed parts of it but sometimes I cringed from the cheesiness and the narrator's multiple accents. However, I hated the ending and had no real feel of justice.

Jacki Delecki has created a series of books that y

Would you consider the audio edition of A Christmas Code to be better than the print version?

My Second read (listen) from author Jacki Delecki! Wonderful character development. I own both the Kindle and the Audible editions, so I followed along as I was being read to. The narrator did a good job of mixing her voice inflections to give character to the characters. Action and suspense (and romance) build throughout the book, until near the end you cannot wait to turn the next page! Delecki has created a series of books that you cannot wait to get to the next one. I look forward to the next book.

What about Pearl Hewitt’s performance did you like?

She did a good job of mixing her voice inflections to give character to the characters.

Love

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this recording. The narrator is great!! I loved the story and characters too. I enjoyed the historical setting.

Insteresting but not wonderful

Good character development poor plot. It was slighting boring. And predictable. Good performance by the narrator

A Christmas Code

Pearl Hewitt gave a superb performance in her narration of this fast moving, exciting romantic mystery and Ms. Delecki definitely does not disappoint in this captivating, short, Christmas romance. I chose to listen to the audio version before reading the ebook due to time constraints. Ms. Hewitt is a gifted narrator and really breathed life into the various characters. I think anyone wishing to listen to this audio book or reading the ebook will be pleased about their purchase.

Quick and fun novella

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it was a fun read to listen to while I was walking. I loved the interactions between Gwyneth and James as I found them to be amusing since at the beginning of the story they were at cross purposes.. I thought Gwyneth was quite brave for such a young woman and I could easily understand James' concerns for her safety. The twists of the plot kept me guessing as to who was the villains until the reveal.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Christmas Code?

When Gwyneth was trying to save James' life after he had been poisoned. I hadn't realized her herbal knowledge until that time. I also was shocked regarding the reveal of Brimsley at this time.

Have you listened to any of Pearl Hewitt’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. She did another great job of providing each character with their own distinctive voice and attitudes which made it easy to appreciate each character.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This is a book that I did listen to in one sitting. It's a short novella and easily can be done in one sitting.

A good listen.

This was a short listen but the story was well developed, the mystery was interesting and the characters were fun and very likeable. I really enjoyed the banter between Gwyneth and James. I thought it was cute how James got jealous when he saw Gwyneth with other men. It added some humour and spark to their conversations.
I am enjoying this series and looking forward to listening to the rest of the books. I always enjoy Pearl Hewitt's performances and she does another great job here.