The Knight Before Christmas by Marilyn Brant Series: standalone
Published by Twelfth Night Publishing on November 27th 2019
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Holiday
Pages: 219
Format: Kindle Edition
Source: Author
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I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
THE KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS is a light contemporary romance by New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Marilyn Brant, who also penned the award-winning and Jane Austen-inspired novels ACCORDING TO JANE and PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND THE PERFECT MATCH.
When successful building contractor Austin Knightley returns to his hometown of Crystal Corners, Minnesota after a decade away, he vows to avoid pampered and popular types like his old high-school crush Emma Westwood—the town's biggest queen bee and self-appointed matchmaker—only to get swept into a community Christmas project she's now organizing.
With nods to Jane Austen's classic novel EMMA, this modern heroine may be a little "clueless" in the Midwest, but she's got gifts to share and plenty to learn from the boy next door, who's all grown up and handsomer than ever. Even when a snowstorm threatens to derail her plans, she's determined to figure out how to set things right and save THE KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
This sweet and heartwarming holiday romance is a story that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
The Knight Before Christmas is a standalone that gives a flirty nod toward the classic tale of Emma the matchmaker and her gentleman Knightley with the clash of opposites in an adorable family and friends small town romance decked out for the holidays. Oh how I love a good small town, heartwarming holiday romance and it was no hardship picking up the latest from an author I trust to bring me the feels and the sweet goodies.
He thinks she’s a meddling busybody and she thinks he’s a crank when Austin comes home for Christmas and Emma finds he’s the only one who can help save her community kids’ project. Austin’s dad just had a serious heart surgery and his latest girlfriend is behind him. He wanted to make it big in the city with his building contract business. Now that he has, he’s ready to settle near home and spend time with his family. It would have been nice to find love and start a family, but the right woman just hasn’t come along and she is certainly nothing like his childhood frustration, chatty social butterfly rich girl Emma Westwood. Or can opposites really attract?
Emma has never understood why introverted Austin Knightley has always seemed to detest her and especially now that he’s gone away and returned taciturn as ever when it comes to her. He’s kind and generous to everyone else, but she always manages to get his scowls or silence. All her life, she’s had loving generous parents who gave her the best of everything including the heart to give back and do for others which includes taking charge of some community projects and steering others toward their special someone, but Austin sees her as a bossy meddler. Glimpses of the boisterous Knightley clan of adult kids and their parents leave her feeling hollow and envious. But, then her big Christmas project for the kids is in jeopardy and she has to approach Austin Knightley to help save the day. She sees a side of him that she never imagined and opens herself up like she never has to he can see the real Emma. She hopes he won’t reject this person because she most certainly has lost her breezy confidence and friendly distance when it comes to this knight with power tools and the ability to get her to step outside the box.
This was a warm, feel-good sweet romance that was perfect for getting one in the mood for the holidays. It starts as something of an opposites situation that ends up being more the childhood crush- boy next door sort of story which I found engaging and fun especially when surrounded by family, friends, and a small town setting. It’s an easy low-angst even paced story. The Austin and Emma at the beginning were a bad first impressions sort of thing, but then their real personalities and motives came out and I liked them a lot. I had a lot of sugary swoony moments and now I’m eager to press forward and get the other two Knightley brothers stories. I caught a quick glimpse of the next brother’s story in that epilogue and I think it’s going to be good times in Crystal Corners.
Sweet small town holiday romance lovers don’t hesitate to grab this one up.
About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
I love small town romances, and Austen so win win
Oh yes, ring the bells on this double winner!
I love small town romances, and Emma is a favorite, too. Sounds like a heartwarming story! I’ll have to check it out. 🙂
It was just a nice cutie. Hope you get the chance at it, Rachel. 🙂
I’ve always wanted to try this author! This sounds so cute! Fab review!
I tried her for the first time earlier this year and it made me want to reach for more of her books. Hope you like it if you get the chance, Jennifer. 🙂
Looks like a fun Christmas read. 🙂
It was definitely that, Greg. 🙂
I enjoy a small town romance, and I think it’s the perfect setting for a holiday romance. I’m glad this story was engaging, heartwarming, and it sounds like a story that I’d enjoy. Lovely Review Sophia!
It was definitely full of all the feels and festivities. So lovely.
Thanks, Lindy!
Austen inspired, small-town romance, holiday read…yes please !!!
Like a delicious dessert, Kimberly. 🙂
Oh my gosh, this gives me the warm fuzzies!
It is indeed full of that, Verushka. 🙂 Really low angst and conflict with the focus on family and friends.
Well now I have to add this to my list. Looks like reading candy! 😍😍
Oh, absolutely, Amanda! It will hit your book sweet tooth.
Ooh, I love holiday reads and this sounds like such a lovely story. I’m glad it was such a good read for you. 🙂
Oh yes, Suzanne! It’s perfect for a holiday read.
I love warm, feel-good and small town romances Sophia Rose! Wonderful review and thank you for sharing with us!
Same here, Sophie, and it was my pleasure. 🙂
This sounds like the perfect sweet romance. I will have to keep it in mind. Great review!
It sure hit the spot, Carole. 🙂
This sounds so cute! I’ve been looking for more holiday books this year, so I’ll have to check this one out!
It was definitely a cutie, Angela! Hope you like it if you get the chance.
I’m currently sitting on my reading chair and doing some blog commenting, but not gonna lie, this book and your review makes me want to dive into some Christmas novels I have been hoarding in time for the season. Sigh.
Haha, Joy! That has happened to me a time or two when reading blog reviews and book posts. 🙂 Tough to hold out against reading moods.
I’m reading an arc now! I agree. A terrific read.
Oh fun! Doesn’t it just get you in the Christmas mood?
Sophia Rose, what a delight it was to read your review! Thank you!!
And many thanks to all of you who took the time to comment on her post & express an interest in my new holiday romance! If you read it, I hope it’ll bring you a little extra Christmas joy 🙂 .
Ah shucks, Marilyn! (blushing) So kind of you to stop by and read my review. I adored your story. 🙂
This was such a great holiday read Sophia Rose and it’s funny as I was reading it I thought about how much you’d love it too. LOL
Besides if it’s by Marilyn it’s bound to be fab!
I must have been sensing your thoughts because I didn’t think I’d have time to read it until later, but ended up being able to squeeze it in now. So adorable! I’m late to Marilyn’s books and only read my first earlier this year, but loved it.
I don’t read theme books for Christmas often but the small town romance genre sure is fun, it’s totally tempting! ♥️
Yay, love being the book temptress, Dani!
Ooo one of my favorite things to read - small town romances, and at Christmas which is like a double bonus! I will have to add this one to my list!
Glad to put it on your radar, Erin! 🙂
This sounds so cute! I’m almost in that holiday romance reading mood. Great review!
Oooh, this is interesting. When I read the title, I thought it was related to the Netflix movie of the same name. 😂😅
Also, love those cute graphics you add in your review about the book. It’s a really nice to get an overview of what the book is about. 😄👌🏻