Bella’s Christmas Wish: A Regency Historical Romance Holiday Novella (The Never Series)

When you wish upon a Christmas star dreams come true.

Bella Leeming has but one plan for her future, to become a famous harpist. She accepts she may never marry, for few gentlemen would agree to her performing in the concert halls of Europe. And her guardian, Nicholas Marquess of Pennington believes pursuing a career in music at the cost of a good marriage will bring her unhappiness.

At the Count and Countess Von Abensburg’s Christmas ball, Bella performs on the harp before the ton, to resounding applause. Hoping her dreams will come true, she dances with the countess’s brother, Friedrich Christian, Baron Holstein of Augustenburg, whom she first met when he rescued them when their coach ploughed into a snowdrift during a snowstorm.

Friedrich expects his visit to England to be the usual dull round of political meetings. His sister and her husband are representatives of the committee for the Congress of Vienna seeking to maintain order and peace in Europe. But he is struck by Bella’s beauty the first time he sees her through a snowy carriage window. His fascination grows when watching her play the harp at the ball. The light flirtation he hopes to enjoy soon becomes something more. He is irresistibly drawn to her. Bella is the girl of his dreams. And while he admires her single-minded dedication to her music, he hopes she will focus on him in the short time they have together.

Bella loves him, but is a future possible for them? Even if Nicholas agrees to their marriage, it will take her far away from her family. But it is her fervent wish. She knows with certainty that he is the one man she will ever want. But so much stands in their way.

Delighted to be invited to Bella’s home, Elm Park, for the few days he has left in England, Friedrich whisks Bella away into the gardens. A future for them seems impossible, but magical things can happen at Christmas.

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The Never Series
Book 1 – Never Doubt a Duke
Book 2 – Never Dance with a Marquess
Book 3 – Never Trust an Earl
Novella – Never Keep a Secret at Christmas
Novella – Bella’s Christmas Wish

(Note: This story was first published as part of the Dragonblade Publishing Boxed set Star of Light, November 2021)