Title: Once Upon a Winter’s Eve
Author: Tessa Dare
First published November 15, 2011
113 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781609288822 (ISBN10: 1609288823)
Rating: 3.59
Overview
A Snowy Night’s Tale by Tessa Dare
Sophie Haversham is a woman of few words. She’s content with her simple life, but when a blizzard hits her small village in the middle of winter, everything changes.
When she discovers a mysterious man on the brink of death outside her cottage, Sophie’s compassion takes over. Despite his rugged appearance and strange language, she nurses him back to health.
As they spend more time together, Sophie realizes that he’s not just any man, but a nobleman in disguise. But as the snow melts and the truth is revealed, will their love endure?
About the Author
If you want to stay in the loop about Tessa Dare’s latest books and exciting deals, sign up for her newsletter today! She’s a bestselling author of historical romance, having written fourteen novels and five novellas that have received heaps of praise. Her award-winning books have been translated into over a dozen languages, and Booklist magazine even hailed her as one of the “new stars of historical romance.” Tessa’s a proud book lover and former librarian, and she’s based in sunny Southern California with her family and three adorable cosmic kitties.
Editoral Review
Tessa Dares Once Upon a Winters Eve is a charming historical romance novel that offers an escape into the world of 19th century London. Dare has garnered a reputation for her skillful storytelling and character development, and she certainly delivers with this novella.
Set in 1814, the story centers around Lady Lydia Rothermere, a young widow who is determined to attend a grand ball despite the blizzard outside. She finds herself stranded at a pub, where she meets the rakish Lord Ashworth.
The two strike up a conversation and soon discover that they share a complicated past. As they become snowed in, they are forced to confront their feelings for one another and work through the misunderstandings that have kept them apart for years.
Dare expertly weaves together themes of love, loss, and redemption as she explores the emotional depth of her characters. Lydia and Ashworth come from different worlds but share a deep passion for life and the desire to be free from the constraints of their society.
Their journey towards each other is a poignant one, as they must let go of their fears and insecurities in order to find happiness. One of the strengths of the novel is Dares impeccable attention to detail in depicting the setting and atmosphere of Regency England.
She immerses the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of the era, making it easy to visualize the characters surroundings. The dialogue is also spot on, capturing the wit and charm of the period without feeling forced.
The novella is not without its flaws, however. The plot is somewhat predictable, and the conflict is not particularly complex.
The secondary characters also feel underdeveloped, leaving the reader wishing for more insight into their lives. Despite these shortcomings, Once Upon a Winters Eve is a delightful read that will leave fans of the historical romance genre satisfied.
It is perfect for anyone who loves a good love story with a happy ending. Dares evocative prose and captivating characters make this novella a must-read for romance enthusiasts.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
