A Christmas Surprise

By: Emily Murdoch

Narrated by: Virginia Ferguson

Length: 2 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Every year for 30 years Lord Robert, the Viscount of Marchwood, throws a Christmas ball. But this year the Marchwood Christmas Ball holds extra importance.

His daughter, Lady Audrey, has just turned 18, and it is time for her to be introduced into society. It is Audrey's first, best, and potentially only chance of securing a husband. Especially seeing as there are rumors that the Marchwood money is running dry.

But headstrong Lady Audrey is not sure she wants a husband. Ever since her mother died she has been left to her own devices. Though she is very close to her father, it was often the servants she turned to for companionship, particularly Thomas, who, five years older than her, was always the person she depended on for conversation.

She is not ready to leave everything she knows, and the thought of abandoning her father breaks her heart. She is determined that only someone truly special will take her away from her home.

But with the ball centered on a masquerade theme, everyone is in disguise. And a handsome stranger threatens to steal Audrey's heart.

Could he hold the key to her heart?

And when she unmasks him will it be a good, or bad, Christmas Surprise?

A Christmas Surprise is a festive regency romance novella.

Emily Murdoch is a historian and novelist. She is also the author of a medieval romance series, and a Regency romance series.

©2015 Emily Murdoch (P)2017 Emily Murdoch

Listening actually enhanced the story for me!

I had purchased the book set, early this year, and had read all the stories, including A Christmas Surprise. But, listening to it made it come even more alive, and I caught things in the story I’d either missed, or didn’t remember. I think Virginia does a great job of defining the different voices, helping separate the characters. It is a fun book to read and to listen to!

Surprise!

If you could sum up A Christmas Surprise in three words, what would they be?

Excellent story telling

What other book might you compare A Christmas Surprise to and why?

Amanda Quick's Deception, her heroine is attacked in the library and rescued by a stranger too. Also there was a deception in this book and in a Christmas Surprise.

Which character – as performed by Virginia Ferguson – was your favorite?

Thomas, he was very well portrayed and you could feel his anguish when he thought Lady Audrey was going to marry some stranger and leave.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A true Christmas gift - love

Any additional comments?

Virginia Ferguson was a great pick to narrate this book, she did an excellent job bringing the story to life and bringing feeling into the story. This story was a short novella with an excellent story line and a wonderful twist to it. Love the ending.

A sweet romance

This was a lighthearted story. Lady Audrey has a masked ball, as her father hopes she will find a husband. Her dance with a handsome stranger leads to an entriguing surprise but will it lead to a happy conclusion? The narrator uses different voices to bring the characters to life, although her voice wasn’t as easy to listen to as others I’ve heard. However this was a story that would brighten up a dull day.

A sweet story of unexpected love

Sometimes, a shy lover needs a little help to act boldly. A mask can certainly help!

very charming

I was gifted an Audible copy of A Christmas Surprise. This story is absolutely charming. Emily Murdoch tells a truly delightful tale of a secret love and accents it with a very romantic masquerade ball. Virginia Ferguson is an especially good narrator. Her British accent is a lovely touch to this Regency Romantic story. I can't wait to listen to more of Ms. Murdoch's audible books.

A Christmas Surprise By: Emily Murdoch

A beautiful well-written and narrated story that I enjoyed listening to. Lady Audrey Marchwood and valet Thomas' interaction had me listening intently. I will now be reading the book. A story I would recommend.

a surprise with a twist

Loved the masked ball. Love knows no social class. Who is the handsome stranger that comes to Audrey's rescue and takes her breath away? Loved the narrator's voice and how she could so easily switch between characters.

A Christmas Delight

This was a short sweet romance. I enjoyed Lady Audrey and Thomas. I liked seeing how they met and seeing the feelings of Thomas grow in the story. Audrey seemed to grow into her role as Lady. The narrator's voice added to the story, especially the accent. I recommend this to anyone that loves short sweet romances.

The Audiobook doesn't match the eBook

A Christmas Surprise by Emily Murdoch is a short read novella. It's part of a series that can be read out of order. The characters are memorable, especially Lady Audrey and Thomas. I have an overall rating of 3 because the Audiobook doesn't match the eBook and throughout the story it was difficult to follow. But I highly recommend the story.

Regency Christmas Surprise

This is an enjoyable Regency romance, set at Christmastime. Lady Audrey Marchwood is 18 years old and it's time for her to be wed. However, she isn't interested in a husband. She doesn't really have a choice in the matter since it seems that the Marchwood money is running out.

Her father's valet, Thomas, hates the idea that another man will wed Lady Audrey. But, as a servant, he doesn't have a chance with her. Or, does he?

Lady Audrey decides to liven things up at the annual Christmas Ball and insists that they hold a masquerade ball just like the one her Mother held so many years ago.

If you enjoy a sweet Regency romance, this is a quick read/listen. It has everything that the Regency fan loves: high fashion, high society, at least one creepy suitor, and a lot of misunderstandings. And, of course, a happily ever after ending, with the main character finding the love of her life.

The narrator, Virginia Ferguson, does a great job and adds a lot to the listener's enjoyment of the book. I will definitely be looking forward to reading more books by Emily Murdoch. I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version of this book by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.