The Mistletoe Countess

By: Pepper Basham

Narrated by: Pamela Klein

Length: 13 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Will the magic of Christmas bring these two newlyweds closer together, or will the ghosts of the past lead them into a destructive discovery from which not even a Dickens’ Christmas can save them?

Mistletoe is beautiful and dangerous, much like the woman from Lord Frederick’s Percy’s past, so when he turns over a new leaf and arranges to marry for his estate, instead of his heart, he never expects the wrong bride to be the right choice.

Gracelynn Ferguson never expected to take her elder sister’s place as a Christmas bride, but when she’s thrust into the choice, she will trust in her faithful novels and overactive imagination to help her not only win Frederick’s heart but also to solve the murder mystery of Havensbrook Hall before the ghosts from Frederick’s past ruin her fairytale future.

©2021 Pepper Basham (P)2021 Oasis Audio

Delightfully Charming

This story was so much fun to “read”. Grace is young and naive but in such a sunshiny, innocent way it’s hard to not be charmed by her. And it was so refreshing to have a “marriage of convenience” story where the couple actually like each other from the very beginning. I’ve read a few reviews that said the book was predictable but that aspect itself was unexpected! The romance is perfectly clean but, as they are a married couple who don’t spend 3/4 of the book pushing each other away, there is quite a good bit of it so just be aware if you listen with your kids around.

Enchanting

Finally, a story with a hero and heroine who don’t take petty offense at every little thing! If you enjoy fun mixed with mystery served with a dollop of romance, this is for you. An unconventional, but never scandalous, heroine and a hero worthy of his role. I want another, Pepper!

A New Favorite!

Well, I have another wonderful novel to add to the top of my favorites list! I listened to the audio version of The Mistletoe Countess and really enjoyed both the narration and the story.

This marriage of convenience was one that felt very authentic to me. Both Grace and Frederick were two characters that I immediately liked. I loved the way they met and even Frederick’s first reaction to the thought of Grace stepping in as his bride.

I liked so many things about this couple. First, they really talked to each other. Second, they both were determined to care for each other first as friends and then, hopefully, as something more. Third, I appreciated the pace that Frederick took in their marriage. He didn’t rush Grace, but he also did not withhold his affections. And those affections between the two of them helped to build a strong relationship together that was both emotional and eventually, physical.

Grace brought a vibrancy and vitality to her new home, as well as a wonderful imagination. Even though Frederick was a bit slow to believe that there was something sinister afoot, I really enjoyed the way they eventually worked together to solve the mystery of the dangerous events that kept befalling them.

This truly is one of my favorite books now and although I listened to the story this time, I hope to also purchase the print copy soon, too. These are characters that I am still thinking of days later.

Normally I shy away from religious fiction...

The book was good... predictable but with a charm of its own. The religious emphasis goes through the entire book -- lots of talking to her/their god, but it sounded almost like a paranormal "religion".. Anyway, the talk-to-god wasn't intrusive, the story was listenable, Yes, you know what coming but I listened to it in its entirety, and I can go to bed without checking the locks or considering the state of humanity. I suspect this will be a series, which I probably would not get into, but I count the hours on this one as a well spent. The narrator had a funny speech pattern... About 3/4 through, I drew the supposition that, in part, the narrator had to stop and adjust her head-space to do the American accents. I didn't do a deep dive, but it seemed that might have been her odd lilt... Anyway. if you want grit and realism, this is probably not the book for you, but if you just want a drive to work or do while mowing the lawn or running the treadmill and etc., it is a nice book.

Listen/read it!

This book is delightful! It’s funny, and endearing, not shallow at all.

I enjoyed this book a lot!

Loved it all!

The narrator sparked all the right spots! I was so impressed with her work! The characters were delightful and I can’t wait for the next one!

Excellent Book!!!

This book has been added to my top book list for sure!!! It was fantastic! Super fun book with mystery, humor, romance, and action!!! All around a great read! Very Well done, Pepper!!!

Delightful Characters

What a fun and unique story! I enjoyed it very much! It was great to have a married hero and heroine.

Enjoyed

Enjoyed this book so much and was so excited to see another book in the series!

Delightful!!

I just love this book and the narrator is great! Second time listening and I loved it again! It’s so delightful, first love, English aristocracy, humor and mystery too!