A Christmas Charade by Karla Hocker - I found this book on my Kindle while hunting for something with a holiday theme and it obviously fit the bill! The story takes place at Stenton Castle, which has been standing empty for some years since a tragic fire. Clive Rowland, Duke of Stenton has decided to refurbish the castle and host a Christmas house party, but it's a cover to give him an excuse to investigate probable spy activity along the nearby Sussex coast.
Elizabeth Gore-Langton is a somewhat reluctant guest, having come as the paid companion to Lady Astley. A decade earlier, Elizabeth had been enamored of Clive during her first season, and is uncomfortable wondering if and how he'll remember her.
It's pretty clear that a second chance romance will likely develop between these two, but there is a whole cast of supporting characters with their own storylines, including Lady Astley's son and his wife who are navigating issues in the marriage since his return from war. There are little subplots going on among the other extended family members and close friends at this house party as well. And while all these personal interactions are playing out, Clive is still trying to find out if spies are using the nearby coastline.
An important supporting character is Annie Tuck, the castle's ghost! Annie has her own agenda, now that there are people at the castle again, and to everyone's surprise, she can also contribute to the romances, dramas, and subterfuges. Annie becomes gradually more tangible to the people in the castle, and her part is probably the most entertaining part of the story.
While this was an enjoyable light read, I felt that it was very busy with all the little subplots, and everything about the spy activity and investigation seemed contrived and flimsy. There was an action scene that was confusing and improbable, both in the action itself and the characters' reactions and motivations.
From the publisher:
A charming Yuletide romance painted with gorgeous Regency detail.
Elizabeth Gore-Langton was hardly in a position to refuse accompanying Lady Astley to the Christmas party at Stenton Castle. After all, a paid companion must follow her employer's wishes. It scarcely mattered that Elizabeth would be forced to face the man who had unknowingly broken her heart years ago during her first season. Most likely, the Duke of Stenton wouldn't even recognize her. But once she looked up into his dark, piercing eyes, she knew this was a man who fogot very little and forgave even less. Well, she was no longer a blushing schoolgirl, and the dashing duke would soon find that a broken heart, once mended, could be formidable indeed!
Clive Rowland, Fifth Duke of Stenton, was in no mood for a holiday gathering. But the Christmas gala would provide the perfect cover as he investigated reports that French agents were doing a brisk trade in stolen documents along the Sussex coast. It would be devilishly difficult to play the host while tracking down traitors, but Clive was up to the task―provided he kept his wits about him and didn't get distracted by yule logs and Christmas folderol . . . or the delightful charms of the disturbingly familiar Elizabeth. She was hiding something, to be sure, and Clive liked nothing better than unveiling a lady's secrets!
This is a book with a time frame of a week or less (#32) for The 52 Book Club's 2024 Reading Challenge.
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