A sweet, kisses-only Victorian Christmas romance. Can be read as a standalone.

Beth Stanton has never been one to sit quietly on the sidelines. Warm-hearted, with a mind very much her own, she has returned to England for Christmas, only to find herself at odds with the infuriating Edwin Morton.

Both have their sights set on the same property: Beth to further her charitable ambitions; Edwin to build a factory. However, the stern widower soon discovers that Beth Stanton is not one to back down.

Edwin was betrayed once by a woman he thought he knew, and he has no intention of marrying again. He has a daughter to raise and a future to build for them both. The last thing he needs is a lively young heiress who challenges his every opinion and awakens feelings he thought long buried.

As Christmas approaches, rivalry gives way to an attraction neither can easily deny. But with the past standing between them and a glittering winter ball on the horizon, both must decide whether they dare to risk their hearts once more.

Perfect for readers who love: grumpy widower / sunshine heiress · rivals to lovers · second chances · a little girl who steals the show · Victorian Christmas balls and kissing boughs · closed-door romance with a guaranteed happy ending

Miss Stanton’s Unexpected Christmas is a festive novella set in the world of The Stanton Legacy. Unlike the earlier books in the series, it is a sweet romance with no on-page intimacy.

Miss Stanton’s Unexpected Christmas is a sweet, closed-door Victorian Christmas novella, narrated by the author. It can be enjoyed as a standalone. No knowledge of The Stanton Legacy series is needed.

Heat level: kisses only, with no on-page intimacy. Please note that the earlier Stanton Legacy novels are much steamier, so they aren’t a guide to this book.

Language: contains occasional mild period language (for example, “damned”).

The story touches on grief and loss, including a sweetheart lost in the American Civil War and a widower’s painful memories of his late wife, as well as the poverty of a Victorian workhouse. These are handled gently, with a heartwarming ending.

Release date: 1 December 2026 in audiobook and ebook. The paperback is available now.

Reviews are very welcome on Goodreads now, and on Audible and other retailers from 1 December. Thank you for listening!