Search - A Countess by Christmas (Harlequin Historical, No 1021)

After her parents died, Helen was taken in by her aunt and raised by her with love, but hard times have come: the banks her aunt's money was in have failed, and her comfortable fortune is all gone, mostly because her man of business failed to advise her to diversify. The pair travel to the Earl of Bridgemere's for Christmas; he is the head of the family. The aunt, a very proud and independent lady, is crushed at having to ask him for help; Helen has already arranged a governess position. Once Helen meets the Earl (Sebastian), however, her ideal of never marrying except for love is tested by misunderstandings and lack of communication. as well as the hostility of his family. A very absorbing read, even though you want to smack the hero and tell him to speak up, for God's sake, before it's too late. I enjoyed it.

Disappointment. Holiday-specific books always seem a bit rushed, but this one was just so boring! The hero and heroine spend barely a few pages together by page 150. They think about each other a lot, but moments in each others company isn't enough to build a good romance novel. Too many misunderstandings and assumptions are the core of the story tension. Tedious at best.