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Scandalous Affairs #4
It Happened One Winter
Mr. Martin Phippen, a highly successful London builder, is forced by a business partner’s foolish decision, to take on a project in the wretchedly scenic wilds of Yorkshire. Three little scamps have made his work site their private playground, and Martin is determined that their mischief be curtailed before somebody gets badly hurt.
Widowhood means Mrs. Christina Thacker has her hands full with her children, while her exchequer is distressingly empty. To remedy her lack of funds, she focuses on making a match at her sister’s upcoming house party. When Christina's energies should be fixed on finding security for her family, she is, instead, powerfully drawn to the blunt, irascible Londoner with callused hands, sharp wit... and also, an intrinsic honor.
As passions flare between Christina and Martin, she must choose between a future defined by predictable security, or one built—with Martin—on a foundation of love.
Widowhood means Mrs. Christina Thacker has her hands full with her children, while her exchequer is distressingly empty. To remedy her lack of funds, she focuses on making a match at her sister’s upcoming house party. When Christina's energies should be fixed on finding security for her family, she is, instead, powerfully drawn to the blunt, irascible Londoner with callused hands, sharp wit... and also, an intrinsic honor.
As passions flare between Christina and Martin, she must choose between a future defined by predictable security, or one built—with Martin—on a foundation of love.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2021
About the author
Christi Caldwell
121 books2,414 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Judith McNaught's "Whitney, My Love!" for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her notes and pick up her laptop to try her hand at romance. She believes the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before crafting them a well deserved happily ever after!
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 23, 2021
Yorkshire Regency. Less antagonist would have made for
an even better story. Gave this 3.5 stars.
Successful builder Martin and his brother were rehabbing
houses in the country. 2 boys pelted Martin w/ snowballs
& also broke windows on the home he was fixing. Sister
Luna, tried, but her snowballs seldom landed on target. The
H's late Da had been a bricklayer. Martin worked very hard
for his success.
The beautiful, widowed mother, Christina, of these 3 + 1
more argued w/ Martin. She thought he overreacted until
she learned the details. She was in the area for a Christmas
season house party hosted by her condescending dowager
baroness mother. Who insisted the h needed to wed a titled
gent, for financial security & even considered a rich 'mama's
boy' for her dtr. Her 2 married daughters, Claire & Faye,
& their self-made mates were also at the party.
The snobby dowager knew how to lecture, but not how to
love. Luna displayed wit and perception (for one so young)
& stole the show. Cute! The MCs clicked after their awkward
first meeting. All-business Martin allowed himself to relax
again. The MCs and the 4 kids felt joyful concerning their
futures together.
an even better story. Gave this 3.5 stars.
Successful builder Martin and his brother were rehabbing
houses in the country. 2 boys pelted Martin w/ snowballs
& also broke windows on the home he was fixing. Sister
Luna, tried, but her snowballs seldom landed on target. The
H's late Da had been a bricklayer. Martin worked very hard
for his success.
The beautiful, widowed mother, Christina, of these 3 + 1
more argued w/ Martin. She thought he overreacted until
she learned the details. She was in the area for a Christmas
season house party hosted by her condescending dowager
baroness mother. Who insisted the h needed to wed a titled
gent, for financial security & even considered a rich 'mama's
boy' for her dtr. Her 2 married daughters, Claire & Faye,
& their self-made mates were also at the party.
The snobby dowager knew how to lecture, but not how to
love. Luna displayed wit and perception (for one so young)
& stole the show. Cute! The MCs clicked after their awkward
first meeting. All-business Martin allowed himself to relax
again. The MCs and the 4 kids felt joyful concerning their
futures together.
February 18, 2022
I liked all the characters apart from Christina's mother - a horrid person. The children were fun and made me laugh, even the baby. I found this delightful. 4☆
December 8, 2021
❄️ It Happened One Winter ❄️
Scandalous Affairs Book 4
✒️ Christi Caldwell
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChrist... Release Date 12/10/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094R6Q88V/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Mr. Martin Phippen, a highly successful London builder, is forced by a business partner’s foolish decision, to take on a project in the wretchedly scenic wilds of Yorkshire. Three little scamps have made his work site their private playground, and Martin is determined that their mischief be curtailed before somebody gets badly hurt. Widowhood means Mrs. Christina Thacker has her hands full with her children, while her exchequer is distressingly empty. To remedy her lack of funds, she focuses on making a match at her sister’s upcoming house party. When Christina's energies should be fixed on finding security for her family, she is instead powerfully drawn to the blunt, irascible Londoner with callused hands, sharp wit… and also, an intrinsic honor. As passions flare between Christina and Martin, she must choose between a future defined by predictable security, or one built—with Martin—on a foundation of love.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they let others dictate their path …
Oh my!
What a perfect Hallmark read, I so enjoyed to get to know Martín, Christina, baby Lara and her three mischief makers.
Mrs Caldwell has packed this story to the brim with funny banters, snowball fights, kisses without mistletoes and new love.
Martin had slowly reached his dream, from the boy with less than nothing to the successful builder he has become, he spared himself nothing to reach his goal. Yet now in the window less building his brother purchased, he is at loss about this new project.
Until he is targeted by three imps who have make this ruin their playing field, well more a destroyed war zone.
Christina knows she has no other choice than to remarry, a destitute widow with four young children can not forever rely on her family to provide for herself, and when the charges for her offsprings will increase as they grew up. Yet as she has known once love, she believes she must make do and now just secure her kids’ future.
If only her young had not turned into little terrors set on destroying their new neighbors’ home.
So they are in a for a first volcanic encounter as Martin tries to catch the culprits behind his windows destruction and Christina protects her own like a mama bear.
A perfect read for the season filled with playfulness, lot of snow and sweet laughs, with a lovely with no filter little girl, grieving young boys and a couple who does not fight much their growing attraction.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CXOwIT5o...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
Scandalous Affairs Book 4
✒️ Christi Caldwell
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChrist... Release Date 12/10/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094R6Q88V/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Mr. Martin Phippen, a highly successful London builder, is forced by a business partner’s foolish decision, to take on a project in the wretchedly scenic wilds of Yorkshire. Three little scamps have made his work site their private playground, and Martin is determined that their mischief be curtailed before somebody gets badly hurt. Widowhood means Mrs. Christina Thacker has her hands full with her children, while her exchequer is distressingly empty. To remedy her lack of funds, she focuses on making a match at her sister’s upcoming house party. When Christina's energies should be fixed on finding security for her family, she is instead powerfully drawn to the blunt, irascible Londoner with callused hands, sharp wit… and also, an intrinsic honor. As passions flare between Christina and Martin, she must choose between a future defined by predictable security, or one built—with Martin—on a foundation of love.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they let others dictate their path …
Oh my!
What a perfect Hallmark read, I so enjoyed to get to know Martín, Christina, baby Lara and her three mischief makers.
Mrs Caldwell has packed this story to the brim with funny banters, snowball fights, kisses without mistletoes and new love.
Martin had slowly reached his dream, from the boy with less than nothing to the successful builder he has become, he spared himself nothing to reach his goal. Yet now in the window less building his brother purchased, he is at loss about this new project.
Until he is targeted by three imps who have make this ruin their playing field, well more a destroyed war zone.
Christina knows she has no other choice than to remarry, a destitute widow with four young children can not forever rely on her family to provide for herself, and when the charges for her offsprings will increase as they grew up. Yet as she has known once love, she believes she must make do and now just secure her kids’ future.
If only her young had not turned into little terrors set on destroying their new neighbors’ home.
So they are in a for a first volcanic encounter as Martin tries to catch the culprits behind his windows destruction and Christina protects her own like a mama bear.
A perfect read for the season filled with playfulness, lot of snow and sweet laughs, with a lovely with no filter little girl, grieving young boys and a couple who does not fight much their growing attraction.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CXOwIT5o...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
December 14, 2021
One of my favorite parts of the upcoming holidays are the Christmas stories that are always a delight!
Since Christi is one of my favorite storytellers, I knew this would leave me with a happy smile and I have to say, I got the audible, just to listen to it and be made happy all over again!
They met when her three unruly children begin breaking out the windows on the lovely, no make that awful, house his brother had just bought by throwing snowballs! What a meeting it was!
She a recent widow with 4 children, having married for love an untitled man, and now almost destitute. He, a confirmed bachelor, only focused on work, construction, and not having any type of title.
But there was a spark, and if he could survive the children, who knows?
Will pull at your heart, bring a laugh, a smile and a sigh... Another great addition to this series!!
Since Christi is one of my favorite storytellers, I knew this would leave me with a happy smile and I have to say, I got the audible, just to listen to it and be made happy all over again!
They met when her three unruly children begin breaking out the windows on the lovely, no make that awful, house his brother had just bought by throwing snowballs! What a meeting it was!
She a recent widow with 4 children, having married for love an untitled man, and now almost destitute. He, a confirmed bachelor, only focused on work, construction, and not having any type of title.
But there was a spark, and if he could survive the children, who knows?
Will pull at your heart, bring a laugh, a smile and a sigh... Another great addition to this series!!
December 9, 2021
4.75 Stars
Mr. Martin Phippen, a highly successful London builder, is in the wilds of Yorkshire visiting a run down manor house, which his brother Thaddeus has bought. Three little scamps have made his work site their private playground, and Martin is determined that their mischief be curtailed before somebody gets badly hurt. Widowhood means Mrs. Christina Thacker has her hands full with her children, while her exchequer is distressingly empty. To remedy her lack of funds, she focuses on making a match at her sister’s upcoming house party. When Christina's energies should be fixed on finding security for her family, she is instead powerfully drawn to the blunt, irascible Londoner with callused hands, sharp wit and also, an intrinsic honour.
A very well written lovely romance, the characters whether you love them or hate them have wonderful depth. Martin & Christina locked horns at their first meeting, their verbal banter was witty & entertaining & their attraction for each other just grew with each meeting. The children are an absolute delight. The story flowed effortlessly & I was left with a smile on my face. To fully complete the story I'd have loved for them to restored the manor house together
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Mr. Martin Phippen, a highly successful London builder, is in the wilds of Yorkshire visiting a run down manor house, which his brother Thaddeus has bought. Three little scamps have made his work site their private playground, and Martin is determined that their mischief be curtailed before somebody gets badly hurt. Widowhood means Mrs. Christina Thacker has her hands full with her children, while her exchequer is distressingly empty. To remedy her lack of funds, she focuses on making a match at her sister’s upcoming house party. When Christina's energies should be fixed on finding security for her family, she is instead powerfully drawn to the blunt, irascible Londoner with callused hands, sharp wit and also, an intrinsic honour.
A very well written lovely romance, the characters whether you love them or hate them have wonderful depth. Martin & Christina locked horns at their first meeting, their verbal banter was witty & entertaining & their attraction for each other just grew with each meeting. The children are an absolute delight. The story flowed effortlessly & I was left with a smile on my face. To fully complete the story I'd have loved for them to restored the manor house together
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 28, 2022
Good writing, but I'm feeling lately that this author's historical romances are coming over way too modern in thinking and attitudes. Trying to relate to younger readers perhaps. Referring to husbands as partners, for one example. This is a modern term and would never have been used for a husband or wife 200 years ago. It wasn't even in use when my husband and I were married in the 80's. There's a reason some readers love historicals - because they want them to be different, for one and authentic in flavour for another. Maybe I'm just getting a bit picky... This novella was entertaining and light-hearted and set around Christmas. 'The holidays' is a modern American term, by the way. The five year old was pretty articulate at times.
November 21, 2021
Amazing story of Mr. Martin Phippen, a man who is consumed by his highly successful London building company, and Mrs. Christina Thacker, a widow with four children looking for a marriage of convenience. Loved these characters and the children. Couldn't put it down. Ms Caldwell has such a way to weave the story that you forget all else.
January 4, 2022
2.5 stars
January 13, 2022
this was really, really cute. i melted. christina is a widowed mother of four children. although she has the help of her siblings and their partners, christina knew they couldn’t always be dependent on them. to make things worse, her mother is pushing her to remarry and find a match at her sister’s party. when christina and martin met, it was the day when three of her children were pelting snowballs at the windows of his property. while the younger daughter took to martin immediately, the two older boys were more skeptical so it was incredibly fun to watch how they grew closer to one another. short and sweet filled with family drama. the relationship build up was great as well!
books in the series:
1. a groom of her own: ✰✰✰✰
2. taming of the beast: ✰✰✰✰
3. my fair marchioness: ✰✰✰✰
3.5. it happened one winter: ✰✰✰✰
books in the series:
1. a groom of her own: ✰✰✰✰
2. taming of the beast: ✰✰✰✰
3. my fair marchioness: ✰✰✰✰
3.5. it happened one winter: ✰✰✰✰
March 25, 2022
Christina defied her parents and married for love. Now a widow with no money and four children, she needs to marry for security, but a chance for another love match might be right in front of her. Martin Phippen has been a confirmed bachelor only interested in building a successful business. All of that changes with the first sounds of breaking glass. A beautiful mother and her three precocious children, plus a baby, turn his world upside down. The book is uplifting and positive, with children just being children and little Luna is wise beyond her age. A very satisfying HEA and a pleasure to read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book gifted by the author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book gifted by the author.
December 2, 2021
Starring Martin Phippin and Mrs Christina Thacker
Tropes: Widow with Children, Non-peer, Working Class Self-made Hero/Impoverished Heroine, House Party
Omg y’all… this story ticked all the love boxes!!!
A gruffly hero with a wonderful heart… check!
A down on her luck heroine who must marry for money, but finds herself falling for a Builder… check!
Mischievous children who provides awesome comic relief… check!
Snowball fights… a kiss under the mistletoe… and a heartwarming HEA that’ll punch you in the feels and make you ugly cry AF… check! Check!! CHECK!!!
I absolutely loved this story and must, once again, applaud Christi Caldwell!! She created such wonderful characters that I was happily cheering for… and wrote such a sigh-worthy story that I couldn’t put down and totally read past my bedtime.
Christina and Martin… and the children… made my cheeks hurt coz I smiled much. This novella I’m definitely adding to my Annual Holiday Reread list… it’s simply brought the holiday cheer to my heart. Well done!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My Star Rating: 5 stars
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be reading this story over and over and over again!!
Tropes: Widow with Children, Non-peer, Working Class Self-made Hero/Impoverished Heroine, House Party
Omg y’all… this story ticked all the love boxes!!!
A gruffly hero with a wonderful heart… check!
A down on her luck heroine who must marry for money, but finds herself falling for a Builder… check!
Mischievous children who provides awesome comic relief… check!
Snowball fights… a kiss under the mistletoe… and a heartwarming HEA that’ll punch you in the feels and make you ugly cry AF… check! Check!! CHECK!!!
I absolutely loved this story and must, once again, applaud Christi Caldwell!! She created such wonderful characters that I was happily cheering for… and wrote such a sigh-worthy story that I couldn’t put down and totally read past my bedtime.
Christina and Martin… and the children… made my cheeks hurt coz I smiled much. This novella I’m definitely adding to my Annual Holiday Reread list… it’s simply brought the holiday cheer to my heart. Well done!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My Star Rating: 5 stars
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be reading this story over and over and over again!!
December 9, 2021
Martin Phippen is a self-made man, who has risen from the poorest streets of East London to become a reknown builder. Forced to travel to Yorkshire to inspect a property foolishly bought by his brother, he’s greeted by a volley of snowballs thrown by three mischievous children. He sets to scold them, but how can he stay angry with them when they have such a beautiful mother?
Christina Thacker is a widow and her life has spinned out of control… Her children are misbehaving, she’s almost destitute and her mother is forcing her to marry again, possibly with a titled gentleman. So when she must make amends for her children’s behaviour to an attractive Londoner, she sees him as just another problem on top of her many others…
This novella is part of the Scandalous Affairs series, even if it can be surely read as a standalone. But for those like me who read the other books, it was wonderful to meet some of the main characters of the previous books again and read the story of Faye and Claire’s elder sister. As always, Christi Caldwell writes a graceful, touching and thoroughly enjoyable love story with two wonderful characters. Martin is so kind, so honorable, so good with children that he’s the father everybody would like to have. And Christina is equally sweet and lovable. A great five-star novella!
Christina Thacker is a widow and her life has spinned out of control… Her children are misbehaving, she’s almost destitute and her mother is forcing her to marry again, possibly with a titled gentleman. So when she must make amends for her children’s behaviour to an attractive Londoner, she sees him as just another problem on top of her many others…
This novella is part of the Scandalous Affairs series, even if it can be surely read as a standalone. But for those like me who read the other books, it was wonderful to meet some of the main characters of the previous books again and read the story of Faye and Claire’s elder sister. As always, Christi Caldwell writes a graceful, touching and thoroughly enjoyable love story with two wonderful characters. Martin is so kind, so honorable, so good with children that he’s the father everybody would like to have. And Christina is equally sweet and lovable. A great five-star novella!
December 13, 2021
This is a wonderful story of a young widow, Christina, who has four young children and not many choices. She loved her deceased husband and knows the joy of a marriage that existed for more than security, but also for love. Unfortunately her spouse's death left her bereft of either. Now a penniless daughter of a baron, she can either live off of the kindness of family or remarry. Her manipulative mother is hosting a house party with a few single male guests from the nobility in the hope she will choose one to marry who can provide her and her children with financial stability for their futures.
Christina's children, the three oldest, are a bit of a handful and have gotten into a scrape with someone at an adjoining the estate. Their bad behavior is the impetus that brings her to meet Martin, a builder who has purchased this estate and is rebuilding it. But Martin is not nobility, and definitely not what Christina's mother would choose for her.
The plot is sweet, the characters are thoroughly entertaining, and the question comes back to one theme: should she marry for money or love? Or marry at all?
I recommend this to readers who want to curl up with a sweet read that will bring a smile; a snowy day would be particularly wonderful. I highly recommend it.
Christina's children, the three oldest, are a bit of a handful and have gotten into a scrape with someone at an adjoining the estate. Their bad behavior is the impetus that brings her to meet Martin, a builder who has purchased this estate and is rebuilding it. But Martin is not nobility, and definitely not what Christina's mother would choose for her.
The plot is sweet, the characters are thoroughly entertaining, and the question comes back to one theme: should she marry for money or love? Or marry at all?
I recommend this to readers who want to curl up with a sweet read that will bring a smile; a snowy day would be particularly wonderful. I highly recommend it.
March 5, 2022
Christine and her siblings were raised by toxic parents but somehow all have turned out to be genuine people, respectful of all. Left widowed and penniless, with four young children, Christine is being pushed to marry again quickly by her mother.
Whilst staying with her sister for Christmas, Christine finds her three elder children being berated by an unknown man and immediately defends them. Martin a builder, is woken by sound of breaking glass finds three hooligans breaking all the Windows in the house he is renovating. After catching them, he is caught scolding them by an angry mother. So our main characters meet.
Martin and his brother find themselves invited to a neighbours house party, where he meets Christine again.
Therein lies my hesitation in the book, Martin is a builder visiting an area would be and his brother be invited to a house party? If a regular neighbour its more understandable, also would so close a neighbour be staying at the house rather than be attending daily?
Either way, this is well written, we meet characters from previous books, which is always good, and a good read. I liked the way society dealt with women was handled, and like many (I suspect) was charmed by Luna.
Whilst staying with her sister for Christmas, Christine finds her three elder children being berated by an unknown man and immediately defends them. Martin a builder, is woken by sound of breaking glass finds three hooligans breaking all the Windows in the house he is renovating. After catching them, he is caught scolding them by an angry mother. So our main characters meet.
Martin and his brother find themselves invited to a neighbours house party, where he meets Christine again.
Therein lies my hesitation in the book, Martin is a builder visiting an area would be and his brother be invited to a house party? If a regular neighbour its more understandable, also would so close a neighbour be staying at the house rather than be attending daily?
Either way, this is well written, we meet characters from previous books, which is always good, and a good read. I liked the way society dealt with women was handled, and like many (I suspect) was charmed by Luna.
January 22, 2023
LOVED IT!
Didn’t want to put it down.
Martin & Christina are each well developed characters, and it was nice to read the story of a mature couple. Christina is a widow with 4 children born a lady who gave that up with her first marriage. As the story progresses you know she loved her first husband and that he was a good man and father, but Martin is a man with more liberated views for a woman and since being widowed there’s a desire more than ever for more in her life.
Martin is a man born to a one room, dirt floor home in East London who through hard work and intelligence has raised himself up to be a sought after by the ton/wealthy and not forgotten where he came from and strives to be a responsible and fair employer, which was rare for the era.
The children of Christina are drawn by Ms Caldwell with delightful precociousness, and they along with the villainously cold mother of Christina combine to make an engrossing story.
When one begins these romances, you know the ending, but despite that the author was able to make this reader anxious for the two to realize they loved each other and take the leap. How it resolves itself is delightful! The last scene with the kids is perfect.
Didn’t want to put it down.
Martin & Christina are each well developed characters, and it was nice to read the story of a mature couple. Christina is a widow with 4 children born a lady who gave that up with her first marriage. As the story progresses you know she loved her first husband and that he was a good man and father, but Martin is a man with more liberated views for a woman and since being widowed there’s a desire more than ever for more in her life.
Martin is a man born to a one room, dirt floor home in East London who through hard work and intelligence has raised himself up to be a sought after by the ton/wealthy and not forgotten where he came from and strives to be a responsible and fair employer, which was rare for the era.
The children of Christina are drawn by Ms Caldwell with delightful precociousness, and they along with the villainously cold mother of Christina combine to make an engrossing story.
When one begins these romances, you know the ending, but despite that the author was able to make this reader anxious for the two to realize they loved each other and take the leap. How it resolves itself is delightful! The last scene with the kids is perfect.
December 13, 2021
This is such a heartwarming story, complete with endearing characters and a tender, sweet romance. Our hero Martin, is a self made man, not only surviving growing up on the east side in poverty, but thriving as he builds his own business, as a builder and designer for the wealthy nobles. In the cold of winter at Christmastide in Yorkshire he finds himself restoring an old manor with his brother. When suddenly three little mischievous monsters start pelting his house and breaking his windows with snowballs. This leads him to meet their feisty and spirited Mama, Christina. A poor widow, left with four children and no money , she is here at her sister’s house party next door, left with no choice but to remarry with one of the Lord’s in attendance. But she and Martin develop such a comfortable rapport and he encourages her talents and her dreams. He plays with the children and genuinely cares for them. Is this not worth so much more than a marriage just for money? A delightful story with a great message
December 31, 2021
I really liked reading this book.
The beginning wasn’t my favourite as I didn’t really like Christina but I liked how she stopped just following what her mother says and started thinking and deciding for herself.
I really liked Christina’s kids as they were funny but I wanted to see more of them as they were mostly present at the beginning of the story. I wanted to see more scenes of how they would all live together.
Christina’s sisters and their husbands were mentioned briefly.
I liked that in the end Christina told her mother that she wasn’t really a mother but I didn’t understand why she was there in the first place. I got that the family felt a sense of duty but they could have just gave her a house somewhere far away from them. It was clear that none of them cared for the mother and that she only cared about her status, which was made up anyway.
I want to try other books by this author as I like her writing but some of the plots in her books just aren’t for me.
The beginning wasn’t my favourite as I didn’t really like Christina but I liked how she stopped just following what her mother says and started thinking and deciding for herself.
I really liked Christina’s kids as they were funny but I wanted to see more of them as they were mostly present at the beginning of the story. I wanted to see more scenes of how they would all live together.
Christina’s sisters and their husbands were mentioned briefly.
I liked that in the end Christina told her mother that she wasn’t really a mother but I didn’t understand why she was there in the first place. I got that the family felt a sense of duty but they could have just gave her a house somewhere far away from them. It was clear that none of them cared for the mother and that she only cared about her status, which was made up anyway.
I want to try other books by this author as I like her writing but some of the plots in her books just aren’t for me.
December 10, 2021
This is just the feel good book to get you ready for the Christmas season. It definitely has a Hallmark Christmas movie feel to it. Christina Thacker is a widow with four children to raise. She is visiting her sister's house with her mother, who is trying to find her a new husband. Three of her children are misbehaving and invade a property of London builder, Martin Phippen. He catches them breaking windows in the house. After Christina and her children help clean up some of the mess, Martin and his brother end up guests at the house party. Sparks fly between Christina and Martin, but Christina is torn between marrying well for her children or following her heart. This book has many hilarious moments with misunderstandings and the children's shenanigans, but also has that emotional quality that I have come to love in Christi Caldwell books.
December 11, 2021
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book. This is a real gem among romance novellas. It has a mature couple Martin and Christina. This is not a debutante story, nor are there balls nor soirees. This is about a realistic awakening romance between Martin, Christina and her four young children. Lachlan, Logan, Luna and Lara. They find the hopes they thought died with their father come alive when Christina and her children meet Martin and his brother Thad. A wonderful Christmas story. A must read. I highly recommend it.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining
Inspirational
Page-turner
Romantic
Realistic
Unpredictable
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining
Inspirational
Page-turner
Romantic
Realistic
Unpredictable
December 15, 2021
Wonderful!
It Happened One Winter, book 4 of Christi Caldwell’s Scandalous Affairs series, is a hilariously wonderful tale! Many of the characters you’ve met in previous tales including the hero, renowned builder Martin Phippen. Traveling to Yorkshire before the holidays to view the newest estate he is going to restore, Martin is not prepared for what awaits him. Not only is the house a bigger project than any he’s undertaken before, but it’s made worse by three mischievous children bent on breaking the last remaining windows. And when he confronts them, he’s bombarded by snowballs, and a beautiful and angry mother, widow Christina Thacker! What happens is fun, flirty and fantastic!
It Happened One Winter, book 4 of Christi Caldwell’s Scandalous Affairs series, is a hilariously wonderful tale! Many of the characters you’ve met in previous tales including the hero, renowned builder Martin Phippen. Traveling to Yorkshire before the holidays to view the newest estate he is going to restore, Martin is not prepared for what awaits him. Not only is the house a bigger project than any he’s undertaken before, but it’s made worse by three mischievous children bent on breaking the last remaining windows. And when he confronts them, he’s bombarded by snowballs, and a beautiful and angry mother, widow Christina Thacker! What happens is fun, flirty and fantastic!
November 20, 2021
Ms Caldwell has brought us two such sweet characters! Martin, a man who grew up worse than poor but worked to become a master builder; and Christina, a member of the peer who married for love and "below her" and is now a widow with 4 young children. I never write a spoiler, but I will say that right from their first meeting you feel the attraction between these two. Martin is renovating a house, Christina is at a house party looking for a husband as she has been left destitute. The children are also a wonderful part of this story - precious as can be! I can't tell you any more of the storyline, but I promise you will cheer on a HEA for these very warn and loving people!
December 5, 2021
I received an ARC of "it Happened One Winter" ftom the amazing Christi Caldwell. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is Book 4 in her Scandalous Affairs series but can definitely be read on its own. If I could give 6 out of 5 stars for this beautifully sensuous book, I would. A widow with 4 young mischievous but lovable children; an architect with nothing but work and business on his mind; yet when their worlds collide on a snowy winter day, their lives seem to intertwine and be connected forever. This is one of the sweetest most romantic books I have read in a while.
December 13, 2021
Mrs. Christina Thacker has her hands full with her children, she’s widow barely making it by and paying the bills. Her children have made it their mission to destroy Martin Phippen newest estate remodel. Hew hope to interrupt their mischief and keep them safe.. Christina knows she needs to marry a rich new husband and concentrates all her efforts at her sister’s wedding to find a husband who doesn’t mind she has four children. What a fun story to read as we follow Christina and Martin’s romance and her children’s escapades make for a delightful tale. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the great book.
November 28, 2021
Martin is the son of a bricklayer who has built a company for himself. While visiting a new estate to be renovated, the windows are attacked by snowballs. There he meets 3 of the four children of the widow, Christina Thacker. She and her children are visiting at the estate Nextdoor. Christina is there to find a wealthy man to marry and take care of her and her children. According to her rigid mother, she had married beneath her station and her mother was bound to correct it this time. However, love has a way of changing plans as you will come to see in this novella. A charming read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2023
Widow and her hoydens
This book is about Christina and Martin. Christina has been through a lot. Her husband passed away, and now that some time has passed her mother expects her to marry so that she will have money and a title. Martin is a builder and his brother/business partner bought a home in need of desperate need of repair. Martin wakes up to 3 hoydens throwing things at his windows and breaking them. When he confronts their mother he is captivated by her. Neither are looking for love but, that’s what they will find.
This book is about Christina and Martin. Christina has been through a lot. Her husband passed away, and now that some time has passed her mother expects her to marry so that she will have money and a title. Martin is a builder and his brother/business partner bought a home in need of desperate need of repair. Martin wakes up to 3 hoydens throwing things at his windows and breaking them. When he confronts their mother he is captivated by her. Neither are looking for love but, that’s what they will find.
November 24, 2021
I found this story to be so sweet and heartwarming. What I really like about this story are Martin’s interactions with Christina’s four children. I swear you would have to have a heart of stone to not love Martin. He is just WOW! Christi can write a story the keeps you entertained and tearing up. A side note, the picture on the front of this book is the perfect Martin (2021).
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
December 16, 2021
Dare to dream of love
Great clean
story. It is witty, charming and fun. The characters are engaging, enjoyable and likable. I was hooked in the first few sentences and didn't want to put it down. I would love to read a sequel to this story to see how Martin, Christiana and the kids are doing. It is a story of acceptance, compassion, listening and unconditional love. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a nice light read, happy endings and family love.
Great clean
story. It is witty, charming and fun. The characters are engaging, enjoyable and likable. I was hooked in the first few sentences and didn't want to put it down. I would love to read a sequel to this story to see how Martin, Christiana and the kids are doing. It is a story of acceptance, compassion, listening and unconditional love. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a nice light read, happy endings and family love.
January 19, 2022
While I’m more than a little dubious about the overall premise—guy is willing to take on a widow with four kids after knowing her a few days because she dreams of painting a room blue and wets her lips a lot—this is more heartwarming than it ought to be. I think the individual scenes are delightfully written and, well, I’m a sucker for Christmas house parties and for books that do not rely on manufactured melodrama and misunderstandings to move the story along.
November 29, 2021
This book was so cute! I read it in one sitting while getting my hair colored/cut! The characters are very relatable, the kids cute and sassy, a sweet romance! I loved that the characters were very direct with each other. There was no miscommunication mishaps that drive me crazy in other books. Martin and Christina are characters you will laugh with and root for!
December 24, 2021
Scoundrels
Three of them. Breaking windows out of a dilapidated house. His dilapidated house that his brother talked him into buying to remodel. But these scoundrels were two brothers and their little sister and their Mother was marching toward him with a vengence. Uh oh! Aus always Christi Caldwell captures your heart from the very first word!
Three of them. Breaking windows out of a dilapidated house. His dilapidated house that his brother talked him into buying to remodel. But these scoundrels were two brothers and their little sister and their Mother was marching toward him with a vengence. Uh oh! Aus always Christi Caldwell captures your heart from the very first word!
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