A Charming Yet Quirky Delight: Review of The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham
Every so often, a book comes along that intrigues you with its promise of romance, adventure, and just a sprinkle of mystery. The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham caught my eye not just because of its lush title but also for its premise: a regency romance mixed with a mystery. What’s not to love? I dove in, eager to be swept away in its pages, yet I found myself wading through some quirky waters along the way.
At its heart, the story revolves around Grace and Lillias, two sisters traveling to meet Lillias’s fiancé, just before a wedding steeped in delightful anticipation. However, as secrets tumble forth, the stakes are raised, and it’s up to the slightly unconventional Grace to save the day. Initially, I was smitten with Grace’s youthful spirit—a beacon of imagination and positivity reminiscent of Anne Shirley. But herein lies the rub: while charming for an eleven-year-old, her quirks felt slightly out of place for a nineteen-year-old. Instead of endearing, her incessant chatter about kisses and romance often felt jarring.
Frederick, her fiancé, had his moments of warmth, yet referring to Grace as "child" introduced an uncomfortable dynamic that made their romance feel somewhat cringe-worthy. I struggled to see the allure in a relationship where such discrepancies in maturity were evident. Yet, I must admit, their determination to make the best out of a sticky situation was refreshing; it added an uplifting layer to their bond.
What I appreciated most was Grace’s refusal to be the damsel in distress. This girl knew her worth and didn’t need saving. In a delightful twist, she even played the role of hero, pushing Frederick to confront his own demons. This empowering portrayal was a welcome break from the typical narratives we often see.
Of course, I can’t neglect to mention the overall tone of the book, which openly discusses faith and prayer. While it adds a nice personal touch to the characters’ motivations, it might be off-putting for readers looking for a more secular read.
On the mystery front, while I found the attempts intriguing, they fell short for someone like me who eagerly hunts for a twist. The stakes felt almost pedestrian, especially against the backdrop of scandal that shaped these characters’ lives. My heart ached at how much they were willing to sacrifice to maintain appearances.
Now, let’s talk about the other standout feature: Grace’s obsession with kissing. Seriously, the word "kiss" appears a staggering 160 times! At first, it was amusing; then it teetered on excessive. Yes, we all relish a good kiss, but Grace’s monologues about lips were more than I bargained for.
So, who is this book for? Readers who enjoy clean romances steeped in faith, coupled with a light mystery, are sure to find joy in Grace and Frederick’s journey. Although it produced some eye-rolls for me, the read was ultimately uplifting, and it has left me curious for more—even as I just buried my head in the sequel!
In the end, The Mistletoe Countess invited me into a world peppered with charm, but not without its bumps. If nothing else, it reminded me of the complexities of young love and the importance of staying true to oneself, quirky traits and all. So here’s to embarking on another adventure with Grace—and let’s see what she conjures next!
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