Lauren Willig, The Mischief of the Mistletoe

Arabella Dempsey has been a “poor relation” for years, and now she has no choice but to become a teacher at a young ladies’ academy. There she literally runs into Reginald “Turnip” Fitzhugh, who is visiting his sister, Sally. In the ensuing chaos, Arabella picks up a dropped Christmas pudding and discovers a mysterious French message inside. It might be just a lovers’ assignation — but what if it’s something more sinister? Arabella and Turnip team up to investigate and fall for each other in the process. This is an adorable installment of the Pink Carnation series! Turnip is a big dumb lovable sweetheart, and Arabella is someone who both needs and appreciates his kindness. The spy plot is a mere wisp of a thing, but who cares when the book is so much fun? This is right up there with The Seduction of the Crimson Rose as one of my favorites in the series thus far.

Emma Mills, Something Close to Magic

Aurelie is a baker’s apprentice with a magical gift for seeking and a secret thirst for adventure. So when bounty hunter Iliana asks her for help in finding a particularly elusive target, Aurelie agrees, even when the job takes her away for her bakery and into the dangerous Underwood. There they encounter Prince Hapless and his entourage just in time to foil a kidnapping attempt. Aurelie soon finds herself falling for Hapless, but can she give up the stability of her life as an apprentice for the uncertainties of love? I really enjoyed this YA fantasy novel. The plot isn’t particularly original, but the banter between the main characters is delightful, and the romance between Aurelie and Hapless is very sweet. The book cheekily promises a sequel, and I will definitely seek it out once it’s published!

Darcie Wilde, A Useful Woman

Rosalind Thorne was born into high society, but after a family scandal several years ago, she’s barely clinging to the fringes. Because ladies seek her help in navigating various social situations, she has a reputation as a “useful woman.” When young gentleman Jasper Aimesworth is found dead in the Almack’s ballroom, his sister Honoria begs Rosalind to investigate his death. I previously read this book and remember liking it, and I’m happy to say my positive opinion still holds. Obviously I’m going to read any book whose premise is “murder at Almack’s,” and I really enjoyed the book’s portrayal of just how difficult it was to behave properly in Regency society, where a single wrong step could mean disaster. Rosalind is a sympathetic character, and I look forward to seeing how her family drama and romantic life develop in subsequent books!