The Earl's Christmas Colt by Rebecca Thomas -- Reviewed by Kathleen Bittner Roth

Released today! 12/30/13

The Earl’s Christmas Colt

By Rebecca Thomas

Lady Arabella Sutton is stunned to learn her brother has betrothed her to a stranger despite his promises for a season in London. Although she is the first to admit no man would suit, since she’s more interested in horses than marriage, the last thing she wants is to become a brood mare to a stuffy old earl. Facing a future she cannot abide, she takes an impetuous ride to clear her head and ends up tending her injured mare instead.




Oliver Westwyck, the Earl of Marsdale, can’t believe his luck when he stops at an inn the night before he’s to meet his fiancée. In the stable, while tending the colt he intends to give to his future wife, he happens upon her—rain-drenched but beautiful. She assumes he’s a stable hand, a fine joke he means to end...until Lady Arabella declares all noblemen are egotistical, conceited, and arrogant. How can he reveal his true identity before he’s managed to change her mind and win her heart?

Reviewed by Kathleen Bittner Roth

Have you ever read a Reader’s Digest condensed version of a book and wondered what the original story must be like since nothing seemed to be missing? Curiosity piqued, you purchase the original, read it, and are even more stymied because you cannot figure out what the devil had been cut! Which brings me to entertaining, well-written short stories.

If you’re someone who enjoys short stories and novellas, The Earl’s Christmas Colt is for you. Set in Sussex County, England in December, 1819, Author Rebecca Thomas has managed to pack everything into a wonderful little historical that is sure to please.

I love horses, so that got my attention, and the author does a wonderful job of bringing the beasts alive in her pages. I prefer strong but flawed characters, and Thomas gives us that in spades. Lady Arabella’s brother means well, but he’s not the best when it comes to communication. Arabella has character, wit and strong principles that in turn manage to get her into a bit of a fix. Then there’s Westwyck, the Earl of Marsdale, who, on his way to wed Arabella, manages to dig a deep hole for himself without even trying.

Lovely prose, clear, concise writing without a wasted word. Thomas writes a delightful story. Enjoy.