A Christmas Baby at Goodwill House (Goodwill House, #7) by Fenella J Miller

In an easy, somewhat stilted style, Fenella J. Miller spins the story of A Christmas Baby at Goodwill House. Written with a Downton Abbey style of prose, the plot has a gentle, endearing sweetness.

Lady Joanna Harcourt, a widowed 38-year-old, has fallen in love with lower-class 29-year-old John, a pilot for the RAF during WW2. The two have only met a couple of times when, scandalously, Joanna learns she is pregnant. Already the mother to newly-wed 19-year-old Sarah and adopted twins Joe and Liza, Joanna must relinquish her title and swiftly marry John.

As John must carry on his war duties, Joanna stays in her in-laws’ estate at Goodwill House with her younger children and former mother-in-law, who ironically adores Joanna and loathed her son. (My favorite character is the elder Lady Harcourt; she’s spirited and openly honest.)

The book's pace quickens when John, now a commissioned officer, is sent on several harrowing missions while Joanna’s pregnancy progresses. To pass the time and help the village children enjoy Christmas, Joanna and her family make homemade toys out of repurposed and found items in their large estate.

John is lost at sea days before the baby is due, and Joanna suffers a crushing blow.

A Christmas Baby is an easy read that, while lacking much depth, is enjoyable and age-appropriate from YA up. Fenella J. Miller ends the book with just enough intrigue to make you want to pick up the next in the series.

Thank you, Rachel’s Random Resources and NetGalley, for this opportunity to review. All opinions are mine. This review was uncompensated.