In the last couple of years, I like to finish the year with a book, and 2024 was no different than the previous years. This time, I picked a short novella because the books I was in the middle of wouldn't be completed before midnight of 12.31.2024.
I picked up A Holiday by Gaslight because it was a short list, and I heard about this book through a BookTube video. So, I remembered I had it on my Kindle, and it was an opportunity to finish a book I had for my TBR since November 2021.
Since New Year's Eve is part of the Holiday Season, why not read another book set in the Holiday Season?
A Holiday by Gaslight is a novella about lighthearted, slow-burning historical romances in the enchanting Victorian era. It has a dash of festive Christmas magic and a strong focus on the tender blossoming of love amidst the traditions and charm of the holiday season.
The novella has characters who are loveable and others who are despicable and think only about themselves; one of those characters is Sophie's father, who, in his mind, has to keep and modernize his estate with the money that he doesn't have, and even spending his daughter's dowry. He also demands that his daughter marry a wealthy bachelor so he can continue with the life he is used to having but cannot afford.
The only sensible members of the Appersett family are Sophie and her mother. I also appreciate Edward's understanding of the situation and his ability to manage it so that his feelings for Sophie are genuine and realistic.
I would have liked the story to be a little longer, but for the short story, I enjoyed it.