Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor

Author: Roseanna M. White
Genre: Historical Holiday Romance
Pages: 208
Release Date: September 3, 2024
Publisher: Bethany House

The Nutcracker and Edwardian-Era England combine to weave a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime.

As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn't seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she'll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.

Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family's misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas. Will the magic of the holiday season help lead to the discovery of true love, or will duty to country leave all longing for what could have been?

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Reviewer: Demetria Head

“Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor” by Roseanna M. White is a cozy, heartwarming tale that blends Christmas charm with the dynamics of family, love, and self-discovery. From the very first pages, readers are drawn into the gentle bustle of Plumford Manor’s kitchen as Lady Mariah Lyons sneaks in, bringing warmth and a dash of nostalgia to the holiday preparations. Her character exudes kindness, a subtle playfulness, and the burden of responsibility as the daughter of the house, which makes her immediately likable. The opening scene provides a vivid sensory experience, from the smell of spiced plums to the gleam of a gramophone being cranked, setting the tone for a story rich in detail and atmosphere.

As the plot unfolds, Lady Mariah’s seemingly idyllic life at Plumford Manor faces disruption with the return of Cyril Lightbourne, the heir to the estate and a man she once considered more than a friend. The complexity of their relationship, coupled with misunderstandings surrounding Lady Pearl and a competing suitor, Lord Niels, keeps the emotional tension running high. White skillfully balances this with moments of festive cheer, baking traditions, and tender interactions between Mariah and her family, which ground the reader in the seasonal magic of the story.

The character development is particularly strong. Mariah is relatable, torn between duty and desire, while Cyril’s internal conflict between familial obligations and his affection for Mariah adds depth to his character. Their rekindled friendship is slowly and delicately woven into the fabric of the plot, leaving readers to root for their inevitable love while navigating obstacles like Lady Pearl and the Danish lord.

Overall, “Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor” is a feel-good novel for readers who enjoy historical romances with a holiday twist. The plot may follow some familiar tropes, but White’s skillful writing, attention to detail, and lovable characters make this story a captivating read for the Christmas season. It will particularly appeal to fans of romance who appreciate a story steeped in familial duty, personal growth, and the heartwarming hope of true love emerging amidst holiday festivities.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Mindy Houng

It’s a fun Edwardian Christmas romance with witty banter, endearing characters, and great holiday cheer, centered on the true meaning of Christmas. 

Mariah was such an easy heroine to love - brimming with joy, laughter, warmth, compassion, and a bright outlook. Cyril was a charming, down-to-earth, and likable fellow who had been misguided for too long and only ever wanted a place to belong. Their childhood friendship blossoming into something more was delightful to see. 

The innovative toy maker was a wonderful secondary character, and I enjoyed all the baking involved. The theme of forgiveness was intricately woven into the characters’ backstories and went hand in hand with celebrating the birth of the One who is forgiveness.

I was a bit disappointed in the lack of a mystery in the plot, which has been the author’s usual style. Since I don’t enjoy love triangles, I wasn’t a fan of both Cyril and Soren chasing Mariah, but the ending was full of grace, self-realization, and faith. The story near the end felt a little rushed, especially regarding Mariah’s older sister Louise and brother Fred.

If you enjoy Christmas novels, this one may hit the spot with great English traditions and the warmth of a small village. 

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers via Interviews and Reviews and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Diana Varela

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor is the first book I have read by Roseanna M. White. It is a cute novella with a positive message in it. I liked Roseanna M. White’s writing style because it is easy to understand and never boring. 

Cyril was the main character, but I found myself wanting Gyldenkrone to get his happily-ever-after, too. Roseanna M. White produced two good main male characters who made the story enjoyable. Even though this was not a rom-com, I found myself laughing at some of the character’s antics.

There were elements of Christianity in it. Bible references were made, which made me like it even more. However, it was not a preachy book. It was a super clean book. 

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor is a book to put you in the holiday spirit with its hope-based message and the true meaning of Christmas.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.  

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Reviewer: Katie Slocum

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor is the perfect recipe for the coziest, most heart-warming read you never knew you needed. Mix together a pinch of Pride & Prejudice, a dash of Downton Abbey, a sweet sugar plum, and a sprinkle of the nativity throughout, read slowly for several hours, and enjoy!

If you are familiar with Roseanna White’s books, this one will feel like coming home for the holidays with her usual engaging writing, well-researched historical setting, and lively narrative. If you are not familiar with her historical novels, this is a great place to start! 

I love how well-developed the characters are for a shorter story, and how some remain true to who they are amidst pressure to conform, while others see the need to change their wrong ways and are willing to follow through. There was one Danish word I had to look up the meaning for, but otherwise, it was a very smooth, easy-to-follow read that was clear in my mind’s eye. Most importantly, even among all the fun, everything points to celebrating Christ’s birth and all He has done for us.

Mariah, Cyril, and the others are very real to me now, and I hope they make appearances in future works. Grab a copy of this delightful novella for a unique, unexpected Christmas treat that will have you smelling cinnamon, tasting sugar, hearing carols, seeing lights, feeling warm by the fire, and celebrating the wonders of Christmas in your own heart.

I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

If you want to read a book that expresses everything that is magical about Christmas, look no further than Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White. 

As usual, Ms. White’s words have the power to conjure vivid details, but this time she even managed to get my olfactory senses going. I swear I smelled cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and everything good about Christmas baking! 

This delightful book will have you wishing Christmas was around the corner, that it was snowing, and everything you love about Christmas was about to begin. And I haven’t even got to the story yet! 

The character of Lady Mariah, who loved everything about Christmas, was someone that everyone needs in their life if they need a hefty dose of friendship, whimsy, love and laughter. Her childhood friend Cyril Lightbourne, is someone she has loved all her life and you can’t help but root for these two as one obstacle (a Danish lord) threatens to tear them apart forever. 

I loved the faith element in this book, the celebration of Christmas, and the sense of tradition in the Castleton family. I loved how the author had her characters grow and helped some to find joy again, and others to find God. 

If you want a heartwarming read that is hard to put down, I highly recommend Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley for my honest review.

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