Title: The Holiday Present
Author: Johanna Lindsey
First published November 25, 2003
480 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780060542849 (ISBN10: 0060542845)
Rating: 3.94
Overview
Experience the magic of the holiday season with two heartwarming tales by Johanna Lindsey, now available in one collection along with a stunning keepsake Christmas ornament. In The Holiday Present, discover the story that started it all – the epic love story of a duke and a mysterious gypsy that gave birth to the beloved Mallory dynasty.
Then, be swept away by an enchanting tale of love between a young gentlewoman and a mysterious gentleman who finds himself captivated by her beauty. These treasured gifts of love, tenderness, and unbridled passion are the perfect addition to your holiday reading list.
About the Author
Born in Germany on March 10, 1952, Johanna Helen Howard’s childhood was marked by frequent moves due to her father’s career in the U.S. Army. After her father’s death in 1964, Johanna and her mother moved to Hawaii, where her father had always dreamed of retiring.
In 1970, while still in school, Johanna married Ralph Lindsey and became a young housewife. Together they had three children, Alfred, Joseph, and Garret, who have since given her the gift of being a grandmother.
After her husband’s passing, Johanna moved to Maine in New England to be closer to her family.
Johanna Lindsey’s first book, Captive Bride, was written on a whim in 1977 and became an instant success. With over 58 million copies sold worldwide and translations in 12 languages, Johanna Lindsey is now regarded as one of the most popular historical romance authors of all time.
Her books cover a wide range of historical periods, including the Middle Ages, the American Old West, Regency England-Scotland, and even a few sci-fi romances. However, her most beloved stories are those about the Malory-Anderson Family, a Regency England saga.
On October 27, 2019, Johanna Lindsey passed away in Nashua, N.H. at the age of 67. She will always be remembered as a talented and beloved author whose stories touched the hearts of readers all over the world.
Editoral Review
Johanna Lindsey’s The Holiday Present is a heartwarming and romantic novel that will captivate readers in search of a classic love story. Published in 2003, the book showcases the author’s signature style that has made her a beloved figure in the historical romance genre.
The story is set in London during the Christmas season, where the main characters, Ayesha and Christopher, cross paths under unlikely circumstances. Ayesha is a young woman who works as a governess for a wealthy family.
She is content with her modest life, but her joy is cut short when she learns that she will no longer have a job after the holidays. Christopher is a wealthy earl who is struggling to come to terms with his family’s legacy and responsibilities.
When a chance encounter brings the two together, they find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other, despite their differences in class and social standing. The Holiday Present explores themes of love, forgiveness, and the power of overcoming societal norms.
Lindsey expertly weaves in historical details about the time period, providing readers with a glimpse into the holiday traditions of the British aristocracy. The portrayal of the characters is nuanced and layered, with each one possessing their own set of strengths and flaws.
One of the strongest aspects of The Holiday Present is Lindsey’s writing style. She creates vivid descriptions that transport readers to the time and place of the story.
The pacing is well-executed, with just the right amount of tension building up to the climax. The romantic scenes between Ayesha and Christopher are touching, without being overly saccharine.
However, the book is not without its flaws. Some readers might find the plot predictable or lacking in originality, as it follows a well-trodden path of historical romance novels.
Additionally, a few of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped and fail to add much to the story. Despite these limitations, The Holiday Present is a touching and enjoyable read that will bring a smile to readers’ faces.
It is recommended for anyone looking for a light and heartwarming romance novel that captures the magic of the holiday season. Overall, it receives a rating of four stars out of five for its strong character development, engaging writing style, and timeless love story.
