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A Christmas Match
The best Christmas possible—that’s what Lavinia Crowne intends to provide before taking her orphaned nieces and nephew home to Philadelphia. But carrying out her plan may be harder than she expects, with their handsome, stubborn uncle, Henry Hawthorn, insisting on raising the children in rough-and-tumble Sutter Creek, California. Lavinia can’t bear to lose her late sister’s children, though, or go against her father’s demand to bring them home.
Henry believes his nieces and nephew need affection and security more than a lavish lifestyle. But as the children conspire to bring their aunt and uncle together, a new vision fills his head—of future Christmases spent with sweet, determined Lavinia and their growing family. Can three little matchmakers, and the spirit of the season, bring the gift of a very happy beginning?
“I’d have been happy to help.”
Lavinia set the figurine down and pinned Henry with a steely gaze. “Has it occurred to you I might not want your help? This party is my undertaking, my opportunity to show you that—” She clamped her lips together and turned away.
“To show me what? That you’re determined to win the children’s affection? I know that. I just don’t think you’re going about it the right way.” Ugh!
How tactless could he be? “What I mean is—”
“I know what you mean.” She whirled around, her dark eyes flashing. “You think you can do a better job caring for them than I can, that because I’ve led a sheltered life I don’t have the necessary skills. You think you’re going to show me that they belong here with you. But you’re mistaken. I’m more capable than you give me credit for.”
“I think you’re more capable than you give yourself credit for.”
“I appreciate your kind words, but if you think plying me with compliments will make me give in, you’re mistaken.”
I’m a December bride, so when my editor asked if I’d like to write a Christmas story, I responded with an enthusiastic yes. This time of year thoughts turn to love—of our families, our friends and, most important, our Lord, who came to earth as a baby. Creating a love story set during this wonderful season was special.
I enjoyed writing Henry and Lavinia’s story and hope you’ve enjoyed reading it. This couple has experienced heartache, but they find solace in caring for their nephew and nieces. They also find a love of their own as they work together to make Christmas special for the children.
I strive to make my stories as historically accurate as possible. As I did my research, I learned a lot about Sutter Creek, a Gold Rush-era town not too far from where I live that has a rich history. I did take a bit of fictional license. The first church wasn’t built until two years after the story takes place. There was a congregation in the late 1850s, but I don’t know where they met. I chose to use the schoolhouse.
I love hearing from readers. You can contact me through my website at www.keligwyn.com or write to me at PO Box 1404, Placerville CA 95667.
Warmly,
Keli Gwyn
Award-winning author KELI GWYN, a native Californian, transports readers to the early days of the Golden State. She and her husband live in the heart of California’s Gold Country. Her favorite places to visit are her fictional worlds, historical museums and other Gold Rush–era towns. Keli loves hearing from readers and invites you to visit her Victorian-style cyberhome at keligwyn.com, where you’ll find her contact information.
Their Mistletoe Matchmakers
Keli Gwyn
MILLS & BOON
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And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily,
as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall
receive the reward of the inheritance:
for ye serve the Lord Christ.
—Colossians 3:23–24
To my bright, beautiful daughter, Adriana, who loves Christmas more than anyone else I know.
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