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Book Review of A Christmas Promise

A Christmas Promise
A Christmas Promise
Author: Mary Balogh
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
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Randolph Pierce, the Earl of Falloden, is approached by businessman Joe Transome. Mr. Transome tells the Earl that he has bought all of Randolph's debt. Mr. Transome wants Randolph to marry his daughter, Eleanor, or he will demand payment of the notes. He only has a short time to live and wants to see his daughter settled and married to a man with a title. With no choice, the Earl agrees and soon finds himself married to Eleanor, a woman he believes cares only about herself. Eleanor agrees to the marriage because it is her father's last wish. Now she must make the most of her Christmas with the stranger she has married.

This arranged marriage starts out on the wrong foot. It takes the whole book for both Eleanor and Randolph to get rid of their preconceived notions and see the real person that they married. I thought their misunderstandings were dragged out way too long. It could have been cleared up if they had just had a conversation. The love scenes also left a lot to be desired. This book was written over 20 years ago, but I don't think the wham-bam sex scenes were even popular back then.

I thought the best part of the book was the Christmas celebrations. Eleanor's family and Randolph's friends descending on the newlyweds with their Christmas traditions gives this book a holiday feel. My rating: 3 Stars.