Silver Bells

A wonderful feel good story! It’s a novella that you can read is one sitting. Being near Christmas, Hector has travelled to the Vynes to meet up with his sister and her husband, his best friend. Being the only guest there and his host is totally ignoring him, He takes to window watching waiting for his sister arrival.
The carriage that finally pulls up has a woman and young child disembark, which peaks his curiosity.
Ruby is widowed and lives with her in-law’s and young son Pip. Her father-in-law decides he is tired of the burden of Ruby and has arranged a marriage, but will keep Pip. With help from her mother-in-law she escapes to her uncle’s. There she makes a deal with her uncle to keep Pip safe. Meeting Hector they realize they knew each other as children and a friendship is renewed. Of course her uncle has other plans for Ruby. There are few couple of mysteries, a lot of story in so few pages!
I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.

Lord Hector Stockwick came to the Vynes to spend Christmas with his sister, but she has yet to arrive. Ruby Roper, a widow, has come to the Vynes in hope that her uncle will protect her and her young son. Childhood friends, Hector and Ruby renew their acquaintance. He also befriends Ruby’s son Pip. When he realizes that Uncle’s plans for Ruby and Pip are less than honorable, he is determined to protect both of them. Can he keep them safe? Will Ruby trust him? Silver Bells is a lovely Christmas story. There is a bit of everything - drama, mystery, betrayal, twists and turns, surprises, and romance. Hector, Ruby, and Pip fit together perfectly. Pip is an active happy child. Lord Vynes is a bitter man who wants only to use Ruby to settle a debt. Boy, does he get a surprise. I enjoyed and recommend this quick entertaining read. What happened to the silver bell? That’s a surprise, too.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Entertaining short story thank you!