All She Wants for Christmas

This story has it all! Christmas, love, angst, betrayal, and sweet surrender. England’s stiff society is wonderfully betrayed and the characters are perfect. A must read!

Loved it

All She Wants For Christmas
Told most of her life that she was worthless, would never fit into society, and no man would ever want her, Tessa Penrose has accepted, even desires, the role of spinster. She has her painting and her charity work to fulfill her life. A life where she’s learned to avoid society functions – teas, dinner parties, balls, etc. – lest anyone learn of her deficiency. Well, she avoids those not held in her home or the ones for her little sister soon to make her debut. Which is why she’s at a ball, sitting at a table watching her aunt eat and discussing Tessa’s life with Tessa desiring to be anywhere else but there. Given a reprieve from her aunt Tessa escapes to her sanctuary. Little does she know that escape will change her life forever.
Jasper Hargreaves, Earl of Arlington, abhors ton events so when he finds himself at a trial come-out ball for his best friend’s little sister he questions his state of mind. Well, the part of his mind that isn’t numb from indulging in drink and women in an effort to forget the horrible secrets he lives with daily. When approached with a diversion he happily accepts not realizing the diversion is to become so much more.
What happens next is an emotional roller coaster for the reader (at least this reader) as well as the characters. Follow along as Tessa battles with the realization that she wants more than her life is now while battling her lack of self-worth. As Jasper battles his demons for a life that he catches a glimpse of; a life that may prove he can have a happy future.
Add to the mix of emotions a spiteful letter, a runaway bride, a determined groom and an aunt who will do anything to make sure her niece is happy (even go behind her niece’s back) and you have a wonderful tale written by Amy Rose Bennett.