Adult Romance Review: 'Twas the Night After Christmas...A True Gift of a Read

 'Twas the Night After Christmas
 Title: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
(Hellions of Halstead Hall #6)
Author:  Sabrina Jeffries
Format:  Print 
Length:  368 pages
Publisher:  Gallery Books
Rating:  5 stars

A heartwarming Christmas romance from a beloved New York Times bestselling author!

Pierce Waverly, the Earl of Devonmont, has been estranged from his mother for most of his life. When his mother’s new companion, Mrs. Camilla Stuart, writes to tell him that his mother is seriously ill, he goes home. But when he learns that the lovely widow tricked him in order to effect a holiday reconciliation, he refuses to stay—unless she meets his “terms.” Somewhere between trying to seduce the beautiful Camilla and struggling with the cruel memories of his childhood Christmases, Pierce discovers that not only does forgiveness go two ways, but that love can blossom even in the coldest of winters.
-Goodreads 

This is a very touching story.  The overwhelming sense of loss and unabating hurt that Pierce Waverly carries with him as a result of the abandonment that mars his childhood permeates every aspect of his life; his love life most of all.
He finds no solace in his title as Earl of Devonmont, his wealth, lands, or his exclusive patronage of the most sought after mistress in London. Can the actions of a commoner bring about a Christmas miracle in the heart of this nobleman?

Sabrina Jeffries does a wonderful job of drawing readers into her story by making her characters emotionally appealing, even when said character is as his or her lowest.
Pierce Waverly is one such character.  Though he professes to be "utterly unlovable" throughout the course of this read; readers know that there is a heart of gold inside of him just waiting to be unearthed.

Lady Devonmont
A great deal of the story is spent both focusing on the guilt that Pierce's mother has over her past treatment of her son, and his resentment of her for it.  It is because of her profound guilt, that one is never quite sure whether, to pity, despise, or champion her in her want to reconcile with her estranged son.'s

Camille Stuart
Though the story is built around Pierce and Lady Devonmont, she is the character that is responsible for all of the moments that make this story great.  She is smart, witty, and willing  to do whatever she has to for those she loves.  That doesn't mean however that she is a pushover.  She manages to put the roguish Earl in his place on more than one occasion.

The Plot
This romance is sprinkled with secrets, betrayal, and affairs...not quite what one would expect from a Christmas read, but ooooooh so good.
The pacing of the book is such that by the time that the big plot revelations start occurring, one is already so fully invested in the characters of the book that you are just praying for the best for them all.
Lucky for readers that the "happy ending fairy" comes throug in a big way!

Reviewer's Note
I was not aware until researching this book for review that it was number 6 in a series.
It is written in such a way that it can stand alone perfectly, but after having read this awesome book; I can not wait to go back and add it's predecessors to my TBR!

  My Rating:

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