The best film worthy regency era Christmas novels

Why am I passionate about this?

A Jane Austen devotee since third grade, inspired by subtlety, wit, and clever banter, neck deep in richly evocative Regency research and sensory detail, I've authored 17 Jane Austen-style novels, (3 Christmas) and 4 novellas (3 Christmas) published by NAL/Penguin. Fascinated by lyrical language, budding love matches, and honorable, moral, and ethical themes, I'm particularly fond of historically accurate warm-hearted Christmas novels. I'd love to see a Christmas Regency Classic added to the ranks of beloved Holiday films, so I was thrilled to come up with a list of favorites! Awards: Golden Quill, Holt Medallion, Bookseller’s Best, Waldensbook Bestseller of the Year, Romantic Times Top Pick, Reviewers Choice, Best Regency Novel, a Lifetime Achievement Award.


I wrote...

The Holly and the Ivy

By Elisabeth Fairchild,

Book cover of The Holly and the Ivy

What is my book about?

Inspired by a Christmas carol, Hermione Hobhouse’s maps detailing the History of Regent Street and an etching of a magical “Merlin chair,” I created a Happy Christmas for the lonely-hearted following close on the heels of a heart-wrenching year of personal loss. A prickly hero unexpectedly suffers the death of his right hand man and mentor in the midst of preparations for a Christmas ball highly anticipated by everyone but its host. Encountering his neighbor and her cheerful caretaking granddaughter is yet another interruption in a long list of holiday ills. Merry Miss Mary is undeterred by crotchety Lord Thorn. A creature of joy and light, she embodies my theme, transforming loneliness and loss by choosing joy at Christmas. 

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Marian's Christmas Wish

Elisabeth Fairchild Why did I love this book?

A RITA Award winner, this sweet, character-driven Regency comes alive with playful Hepburn/Tracy style banter in a May/December romance. An impertinent younger sister, who takes in strays and the wounded, wins the attention of a scarred, slightly singed diplomat. She decides he must be reunited with his family for the holidays. With her rascal brother’s dubious assistance, the three embark on a surprisingly dangerous quest to fulfill heartfelt Christmas wishes.

By Carla Kelly,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Marian's Christmas Wish as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Miss Marian Wynswich is a rather unconventional young lady. She plays chess, reads Greek, and is as educated as any young man. And she’s certain falling in love is a ridiculous endeavor and vows never to do such a thing. But everything changes when she receives a Christmas visit from someone unexpected—a young and handsome English lord.


Book cover of A Christmas Promise

Elisabeth Fairchild Why did I love this book?

This moving, character-focused Christmas novel captures the loneliness inherent in the once-common practice of an arranged marriage. Troubled by clashes of background, social standing, and financial independence, neither party truly desires the match, but both choose to honor a dying man’s hopes and wishes, gaining deeper insight into a rambunctious family Christmas to be remembered.

By Mary Balogh,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Christmas Promise as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Eleanor Transome found her father's wealth a dubious blessing, for he was determined that she marry a nobleman. Lord Randolph Falloden was on the brink of ruin, and so agreed to the match. Love was never part of the bargain, as Eleanor was already in love with the handsome, but poor, Wilfred Ellis.


Book cover of Once Upon A Christmas

Elisabeth Fairchild Why did I love this book?

With a lovely grasp of engaging period language and humor, Farr produces a matchmaking mama’s interfering scheme to marry off her bride-shy son with the assistance of a distant, impoverished, orphaned cousin. Her headstrong targets have their own ideas concerning their future happiness and manage to unwrap their own glittering Christmas joy.

By Diane Farr,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Once Upon A Christmas as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

After a tragic loss, Celia Delacourt faces a life of loneliness and poverty - until her distant cousin, the Duchess of Arnsford, unexpectedly takes her under her wing. Celia suspects an ulterior motive, but is grateful to spend Christmas with family, however remote the relationship - and despite the daunting grandeur of the ducal palace.

Celia has braced herself to face the worst Christmas of her life. But when Jack Delacourt comes home - determined to thwart the schemes of his mother, the duchess - Celia finds a friend and ally. And she begins to wonder ... will this be…


Book cover of The Girl is Not For Christmas

Elisabeth Fairchild Why did I love this book?

Nice banter, endearing characters, and a clever ending twist are wrapped in the Christmas antics of a newly impoverished, scapegrace family. Misfits for unwanted, arranged marriages, "plain Jane" Olivia helps rescue her brother’s friend, a depraved libertine known as the King of Sin, from himself, discovering her own resilience and strength in the process.

By Emma V. Leech,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Girl is Not For Christmas as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Miss Olivia Penrose is a lost cause and she knows it. She is just too stubborn to admit defeat.

After a series of disastrous investments, her family is on the brink of bankruptcy. Now, Olivia is the only thing standing between her brother Charlie’s rapidly growing family and penury. Olivia has one chance to capture the eye of a wealthy man and marry well. Her great aunt’s lavish New Year ball. Between now and then, Livvy must transform herself from who she is, into a woman who can drive a respectable fellow mad with desire. An impossible task.

I owe…


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A School for Unusual Girls

By Kathleen Baldwin,

Book cover of A School for Unusual Girls

Kathleen Baldwin Author Of Sanctuary for Seers: A Stranje House Novel

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Loves God Mother to Many Wilderness Adventurer History Enthusiast

Kathleen's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

A spy school for girls amidst Jane Austen’s high society.

Daughters of the Beau Monde who don’t fit London society’s strict mold are banished to Stranje House, where the headmistress trains these unusually gifted girls to enter the dangerous world of spies in the Napoleonic wars. #1 NYT bestselling author Meg Cabot calls this exciting historical series "completely original and totally engrossing."

A School for Unusual Girls

By Kathleen Baldwin,

What is this book about?

A School for Unusual Girls is the first captivating installment in the Stranje House series for young adults by award-winning author Kathleen Baldwin. #1 New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot calls this romantic Regency adventure "completely original and totally engrossing."

It's 1814. Napoleon is exiled on Elba. Europe is in shambles. Britain is at war on four fronts. And Stranje House, a School for Unusual Girls, has become one of Regency England's dark little secrets. The daughters of the beau monde who don't fit high society's constrictive mold are banished to Stranje House to be reformed into marriageable young…


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