Barbara Monajem’s THE CHRISTMAS KNOT – A Christmas Novella to Treasure

This is a cleverly told Regency involving a second chance at love and a family ghost! Edwina White, a penniless widow, takes a position as governess in a remote village in the north of England only to discover that her new employer, Sir Richard Ballister, is the man she thought betrayed her ten years ago.

Sir Richard inherited an estate with a ghost and a curse. He needs a governess for his motherless children but all those he has hired leave him because of the ghost. Finally, he has hired a woman who will stay, but she’s the woman who left him for a richer man.

A well-told tale with Christmas at its heart. It’s a novella but with a story that is rich enough to feel complete. Richard and Edwina are both stubborn and resist the pull toward each other. But, in the end, love will win out.

The two children are charming and the ghost adds a lot. A wonderful Christmas read.

Barbara Monajem’s LADY OF THE FLAMES – Delightfully Different Regency!

Set in London in 1811, this is the story of Lord Fenimore Trent (“Fen” to his friends) who has been born with magic from the Fair Folk, to include his friendship with knives and tools (hence, against his noble father’s wishes, he goes into “trade” to become a carpenter along with a host of magical and not so magical characters—all delightful.

The love of Fens’ life is Miss Andromeda Gibbons, who he gave up years ago when he was told she had bedded his friend, Donald. But Fen was wrong. Now, he and Andromeda will be thrown together to fight a ruthless French spy and the English traitor working with him. Since her magical mother died, Andromeda has denied the magic, but she is soon to discover her gift for magic.

The addition of magic and magical creatures such as hobgoblins to a Regency story adds a certain something and Monajem does it very well. I loved Fen and Andromeda. The dialog is witty and served up at a fast pace. There are just enough historical references and details to make it authentically historical.

Witty, wonderful and magical! A fresh voice you will love!