Loyally Luke has caused me, an avid reader, a big problem. Until now, while I have enjoyed every book of Pepper Basham’s I have read, the Mistletoe Countess was in an unassailable place in my heart. But reader friends, there’s something about Luke and Ellie. I hope you feel it too. They are magnificent.

Basham has done a very difficult things in terms of literary talent. She has brought two true opposites together and made them make far more sense together than they do apart. We have all round good guy, building contractor Luke Edgewood. He’s recruited to help with several building projects on the island of Skymar. The main work is to repair a dilapidated orphanage where he works under the eye of Princess Elianna St Claire, the youngest daughter of the king. Luke doesn’t care about royalty or celebrity, he just wants to do his bit to make life better .

His not caring about the nonsense of public life means he can speak to Ellie like a normal person, something she sorely needs. A series of poor choices has ruined her reputation and she now wants to quietly rebuild while working to improve conditions at the same orphanage.

The chemistry is undeniable. But rather than just the predictable physical attraction, their feelings are engaged at a soul level as Luke sees straight into Ellie’s heart and makes her feel safe. Except their homes are thousands of miles apart.

Shared delight

I hope you love the story as much as I did. And the best news – there’s a Christmas novella coming later too. Hats off to Pepper Basham, she’s written a truly wonderful series.

Along with reading an early copy, I received an audiobook from the publisher via NetGalley. The audiobook is outstanding. The story is brought fully and gloriously to life by the talented voice artists involved. The opinions are all my own.