By Heidi Eljarbo
Publication Date: 1st December 2022
There are certain societal obligations that a young lady must fulfil. For Miss Gingifer Mitford, there are high expectations from her parents to marry well, ideally above her station. However, Ginger is not as pretentious as her name might suggest. She has little patience for the rules of polite society and would much prefer to express her own opinions freely.
Ginger has been invited to Dewdrop House, where her Uncle Conrad hosts an annual gathering for various family cousins. She is excited to settle in and spend time with her relatives during the festive period. However, this year will be different from previous ones she has attended at Dewdrop House. Events are set in motion that will change the course of her life forever.
“Christmas Parties, Snow, and Other Follies (Heartwarming Christmas)” by Heidi Eljarbo vividly brings to life the Christmas season in the Victorian era. As Ginger navigates her journey as a young woman, she faces the challenges of society and social gatherings. Through her experiences, she discovers new and unexpected aspects of herself.
Ginger is not the most put-together individual. Unlike her cousins, she does not enjoy dressing up and finds little pleasure in the intricacies of etiquette. However, this does not mean she is unaware of the luxuries available to her; she takes full advantage of the lavish lifestyle she has grown accustomed to. Having been sheltered from life outside her family’s homes, Ginger is used to the world she has been raised in. She is a well-rounded character, though she doesn’t possess an entirely modern mindset and can come across as somewhat spoiled at times. This behaviour aligns with her upbringing. Overall, Ginger is a likeable character; there are clear reasons for her actions, and she actively works to better herself and change her perspective. Her self-awareness greatly contributes to making her an enjoyable character to read about.
Having grown up close to her cousins, Ginger is excited to reunite with them. In particular, she has always gotten along well with her adoptive cousin, Bert. He speaks to her as an equal, and their conversations range from the animals he cares for to the poetry she enjoys reading. Bert is a safety net for her, someone who defends her occasionally obstinate behaviour, especially when it comes to following the rules set by the housekeeper, Mrs. Blix, which Ginger has always found difficult to adhere to. Their closeness brings Ginger comfort; he is incredibly selfless and consistently goes the extra mile to ensure her safety, comfort, and happiness. However, she is not fully aware of how far he would go for her, as he has been successfully hiding his true feelings. The dynamic between them paints a picture of a couple destined to be together, and it is evident, even to them, that they do not fully understand the depth of their adoration for each other.
There is no time for Ginger and Bert to find their own way forward in life. Different pressures have put them both in precarious situations. Ginger’s mother is determined for her to find a husband, and quickly, even if that means shamelessly flirting with them to capture and keep their attention. On the other hand, Bert has always been grateful for the love shown to him by Uncle Conrad and Aunt Helen when they took him in, but now he must step up and prepare himself for the role that will pass to him when he inherits the title Earl of Thorndale. One of those preparations involves settling down, finding himself a wife and acclimating himself to married life. Uncle Conrad has already taken steps to find a suitable match for Bert. Lady Charlotte appears perfect on paper, but her invitation to join the cousins at Dewdrop House creates tension. Bert soon finds himself torn between following his heart and adhering to his uncle’s wishes. This difficult choice creates an atmosphere of high stakes during the Christmas celebrations, keeping readers engaged throughout the entirety of the novel.
The portrayal of Victorian society creates a beautifully enchanting Christmas backdrop. The various parties hosted by different families, complete with timely invitations for guests to prepare their gowns and practice their dances, offer a wealth of holiday preparations and winter activities. With such a rich historical context intricately woven into the narrative, it’s easy to immerse oneself in the story and experience the festivities alongside Ginger. From the serving of elaborate dinners to the meticulous chocolate-making arrangements in the kitchens before the events, every aspect of the setting comes to life as you read this novel. The story features a diverse cast of characters from various social classes, skillfully blended into a cohesively crafted tale. Despite the large number of characters, it’s easy to keep track of them, as each one firmly holds their place within the narrative.
“Christmas Parties, Snow, and Other Follies (Heartwarming Christmas)” by Heidi Eljarbo is a delightful and uplifting novel that captures the romantic notions of the Victorian era. It skillfully navigates the high expectations of societal norms during Christmas celebrations, creating an atmosphere perfect for getting you in the spirit of lively holiday festivities. The story portrays characters caught between societal pressures and their uncertain desires, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.
Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion
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Mary Anne xxx