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The Daltons #1
The Captain's Midwinter Bride
Is the bride he left behind ready to be his wife?
Life at sea sharpened Captain Phillip Dalton into a shrewd and strategic military man...yet none of those skills prepared him for the intricacies of planning his daughter’s upcoming Christmas wedding. His family, most especially his wife, are all but strangers to him thanks to his service to the Crown. But if Phillip finds himself bewitched by his practical, charming, and guileless wife, he does his best to hide his struggles.
Annalise Dalton raised two children and built a comfortable life for herself while her husband of convenience provided for them from afar. But now Phillip's home to stay, and she finds it impossible to ignore his gruff manner, brilliant blue eyes, or the gentle way he looks after her needs. And if Annalise is unnerved by the budding feelings her husband inspires in her, she does her best to hide how they unsettle her.
When past secrets and misunderstandings threaten the tenuous steps they've taken to create a real and loving marriage, can Phillip and Annalise overcome the years they spent apart to forge a happy future together, and for every Christmas to come?
Life at sea sharpened Captain Phillip Dalton into a shrewd and strategic military man...yet none of those skills prepared him for the intricacies of planning his daughter’s upcoming Christmas wedding. His family, most especially his wife, are all but strangers to him thanks to his service to the Crown. But if Phillip finds himself bewitched by his practical, charming, and guileless wife, he does his best to hide his struggles.
Annalise Dalton raised two children and built a comfortable life for herself while her husband of convenience provided for them from afar. But now Phillip's home to stay, and she finds it impossible to ignore his gruff manner, brilliant blue eyes, or the gentle way he looks after her needs. And if Annalise is unnerved by the budding feelings her husband inspires in her, she does her best to hide how they unsettle her.
When past secrets and misunderstandings threaten the tenuous steps they've taken to create a real and loving marriage, can Phillip and Annalise overcome the years they spent apart to forge a happy future together, and for every Christmas to come?
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2020
About the author
Liana De la Rosa
11 books736 followersLiana De la Rosa wrangles her children by day, and writes USA Today Bestselling historical romance by night. For details on her current project, visit her at lianadelarosa.com or find her on social media under @LianainBloom.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
December 14, 2020
Adorable!
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: I need more stories about partners making their marriage/relationship work.
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: I need more stories about partners making their marriage/relationship work.
December 6, 2020
4.5 Stars.
This was SUCH A CUTE Christmas novella! I have been wanting to read more romances between people who are already married and are facing struggles, and that's what this one is! Phillip is a captain and has spent most of their marriage gone at sea, leaving Annalise to struggle with keeping up the household and raising their two children all alone. Now, their daughter is getting married and Phillip has retired and they are learning more about each other.
This was just so dang cute and I loved how Phillip realized what actually happened while he was gone and was trying to make it up to his wife. He's also estranged from his children and has to work to get close to them again and be involved in their lives. I really loved their daughter's story and would love to see a book about her! But, overall, I really loved Phillip and Annalise's story and thought this was a great novella!
This was SUCH A CUTE Christmas novella! I have been wanting to read more romances between people who are already married and are facing struggles, and that's what this one is! Phillip is a captain and has spent most of their marriage gone at sea, leaving Annalise to struggle with keeping up the household and raising their two children all alone. Now, their daughter is getting married and Phillip has retired and they are learning more about each other.
This was just so dang cute and I loved how Phillip realized what actually happened while he was gone and was trying to make it up to his wife. He's also estranged from his children and has to work to get close to them again and be involved in their lives. I really loved their daughter's story and would love to see a book about her! But, overall, I really loved Phillip and Annalise's story and thought this was a great novella!
November 27, 2021
What a lovely Holiday novella! Really liked that the MC’s are both in their 40’s and married. This was a beautiful story.
July 30, 2021
3.5☆☆☆☆
The downside of this story was that it was too short.
I so wanted to see more of those two, and the daughter 's story as well.
But for a novela this was absolutely good.
*as a rule I never rate novelas higher than 4 stars, it doesn't feel right.
The downside of this story was that it was too short.
I so wanted to see more of those two, and the daughter 's story as well.
But for a novela this was absolutely good.
*as a rule I never rate novelas higher than 4 stars, it doesn't feel right.
December 21, 2023
Super cute and a tad angsty, I loved the bite-sized length bc my attention span rn is absolutely SHOT, but I definitely would’ve read a full book of this story. I wanted to see even more tension and pining between the two because it was delicious, but even still, it worked really well as a novella. I’m hesitant to read book two because the guy is courting someone else (her cousin!!!)…but it’s only 120 pages so how long can that truthfully go on??? I love Liana’s writing so much.
November 10, 2020
The Captain's Midwinter Bride
Holiday Novella series #1
Liana De La Rosa
https://www.facebook.com/LianainBloom/
Release date 11/12/2020
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Life at sea sharpened Captain Phillip Dalton into a shrewd and strategic military man...yet none of those skills prepared him for the intricacies of planning his daughter’s upcoming Christmas wedding. His family, most especially his wife, are all but strangers to him thanks to his service to the Crown. But if Phillip finds himself bewitched by his practical, charming, and guileless wife, he does his best to hide his struggles.
Annalise Dalton raised two children and built a comfortable life for herself while her husband of convenience provided for them from afar. But now Phillip's home to stay, and she finds it impossible to ignore his gruff manner, brilliant blue eyes, or the gentle way he looks after her needs. And if Annalise is unnerved by the budding feelings her husband inspires in her, she does her best to hide how they unsettle her.
When past secrets and misunderstandings threaten the tenuous steps they've taken to create a real and loving marriage, can Phillip and Annalise overcome the years they spent apart to forge a happy future together, and for every Christmas to come?
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they be able to give a second breath to their peculiar marriage ...
It is not very often I read romance set after the usual fairytale Happily Ever After, thus the wedding day.
And this one is set 25 years after this very moment. Yet the heroes lived far from a fairytale. Having spent much more time apart than together. But now Annalise’s husband is retiring from Naval’s life, it is like a new beginning or the end of them.
As they must reacquaint with the other, his leave times did not prepared them for the person they now are.
Annalise faced parenthood, lack of funds, children turned adolescent and so on, all alone.
Yet she has always known her husband to be someone she could rely on.
But now she is no more queen of her kingdom, what of her, what of them.
Philip went where he was ordered, but he always came back. Their marriage might having been one rushed on because of Annalise’s circumstances at the time. It is one he never regretted. He knows he has selected the perfect bride from him. He enjoyed his time at home, get to know his children even if he missed most of their growing up.
But as shabby things come to light, they must also prepare their daughter’s marriage and it’s not all rosy when they have doubt upon the fiancé commitment to their daughter.
What a charming read of two people who get a second chance together, who open their heart, who listen to the other’s struggles but stand together for their child.
I loved every minutes of this story with two mature and less prone to fits of temper lovers, lovers who must reinvent themselves to give their marriage a second life.
5 stars
I have just one remark, they never faced Philip’s brother for his lies.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Holiday Novella series #1
Liana De La Rosa
https://www.facebook.com/LianainBloom/
Release date 11/12/2020
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Life at sea sharpened Captain Phillip Dalton into a shrewd and strategic military man...yet none of those skills prepared him for the intricacies of planning his daughter’s upcoming Christmas wedding. His family, most especially his wife, are all but strangers to him thanks to his service to the Crown. But if Phillip finds himself bewitched by his practical, charming, and guileless wife, he does his best to hide his struggles.
Annalise Dalton raised two children and built a comfortable life for herself while her husband of convenience provided for them from afar. But now Phillip's home to stay, and she finds it impossible to ignore his gruff manner, brilliant blue eyes, or the gentle way he looks after her needs. And if Annalise is unnerved by the budding feelings her husband inspires in her, she does her best to hide how they unsettle her.
When past secrets and misunderstandings threaten the tenuous steps they've taken to create a real and loving marriage, can Phillip and Annalise overcome the years they spent apart to forge a happy future together, and for every Christmas to come?
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they be able to give a second breath to their peculiar marriage ...
It is not very often I read romance set after the usual fairytale Happily Ever After, thus the wedding day.
And this one is set 25 years after this very moment. Yet the heroes lived far from a fairytale. Having spent much more time apart than together. But now Annalise’s husband is retiring from Naval’s life, it is like a new beginning or the end of them.
As they must reacquaint with the other, his leave times did not prepared them for the person they now are.
Annalise faced parenthood, lack of funds, children turned adolescent and so on, all alone.
Yet she has always known her husband to be someone she could rely on.
But now she is no more queen of her kingdom, what of her, what of them.
Philip went where he was ordered, but he always came back. Their marriage might having been one rushed on because of Annalise’s circumstances at the time. It is one he never regretted. He knows he has selected the perfect bride from him. He enjoyed his time at home, get to know his children even if he missed most of their growing up.
But as shabby things come to light, they must also prepare their daughter’s marriage and it’s not all rosy when they have doubt upon the fiancé commitment to their daughter.
What a charming read of two people who get a second chance together, who open their heart, who listen to the other’s struggles but stand together for their child.
I loved every minutes of this story with two mature and less prone to fits of temper lovers, lovers who must reinvent themselves to give their marriage a second life.
5 stars
I have just one remark, they never faced Philip’s brother for his lies.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
December 21, 2023
“You are married to a daft man, my dear.
Other than that, it was a very sweet story.
Other than that, it was a very sweet story.
November 18, 2020
This was a fun, easy read, and I really enjoyed the slightly different setting with a more middle class and older couple reconnecting. I would definitely read stories about their children (especially Beth and Henry Ramsgate).
December 7, 2020
I loved this so much!!!! I loved watching Philip and Annalise slowly start to reconnect and get to know each other again! It was so incredibly sweet! It was also a bit refreshing to read about older characters! I hope we get a story with Oliver and Beth finding their HEAS!! I feel like we need a story for Henry and Beth!! I’m excited to read more form this author! This was such a feel good, family story! Perfect to quickly read for Christmas!
March 30, 2021
I enjoyed this! It's one of those quiet sort of stories that's about just NICE people. It was a marriage of convenience and he's mostly been gone during their marriage, but they made it work and now he's back and, yeah, just a nice story.
Though it's weird that the daughter's story wasn't really resolved? Will there be more?
Though it's weird that the daughter's story wasn't really resolved? Will there be more?
November 4, 2020
Phillip & Annalise were married 25 years ago in an arranged marriage. Her father & Phillip's father were best friends & when Annalise's father died when she was eighteen; it was suggested Phillip marry her to save her from being alone & he would take a wife soon anyway. The Captain continued his career on the sea protecting crown & country - spending much more time at sea than at home. Now, 25 years later, he is retired his son & daughter are grown & his daughter is about to get married. Phillip is still in awe of how lovely Annalise still is & how she supported him, without complaint, throughout the years raising the children plus doing everything else in running a household with no servants for many years to help her. A lot would be needed to adjust to him being back and learn to navigate the family life on solid ground - the first thing he realized was how much he had missed with the children after they had gotten older & next, he & his wife respected each other but they didn't really know how to interact full time with one another. This would be their chance to familiarize themselves with each other, again & fall in love for the first time.
Even though this was a Novella, I thought the characters were fully fleshed-out, it had some emotional dialogue, moments of lighthearted humor, & genuinely affecting scenes - this is really the full package of a rewarding, romantic read.
Even though this was a Novella, I thought the characters were fully fleshed-out, it had some emotional dialogue, moments of lighthearted humor, & genuinely affecting scenes - this is really the full package of a rewarding, romantic read.
November 23, 2020
I picked up this novella because the premise intrigued me, and it did not disappoint. This is easily my favorite historical holiday novella I've read this year, and certainly in the top 3 of all of them. It's worth noting though that it's not very holiday-heavy, besides that it takes place around Christmas.
Phillip and Annalise have been married for 25 years. It was essentially a marriage of convenience, and Phillip was a naval captain who was mostly off at sea. When Phillip retires from the Navy, everyone has to recalibrate their relationship with him. Phillip has to learn how to be a parent to grown children and a husband to his very capable and independent wife. He fears that after being gone for so long, he will only be a burden in her everyday life. Annalise longs for a real relationship with him but doesn't know how to bridge the gap.
It was just such a sweet love story, (with a love scene, so no worries it's a "clean" novella). I really love these type of stories of married couples, or couples who have to rethink their relationship after being together for a long period of time. Probably because I've been married for-EVER, I find these stories very hopeful and reaffirming.
Phillip and Annalise have been married for 25 years. It was essentially a marriage of convenience, and Phillip was a naval captain who was mostly off at sea. When Phillip retires from the Navy, everyone has to recalibrate their relationship with him. Phillip has to learn how to be a parent to grown children and a husband to his very capable and independent wife. He fears that after being gone for so long, he will only be a burden in her everyday life. Annalise longs for a real relationship with him but doesn't know how to bridge the gap.
It was just such a sweet love story, (with a love scene, so no worries it's a "clean" novella). I really love these type of stories of married couples, or couples who have to rethink their relationship after being together for a long period of time. Probably because I've been married for-EVER, I find these stories very hopeful and reaffirming.
November 26, 2020
Needed something light last night, and this was perfect. I'm generally a sucker for reuniting spouses anyway, so this really worked for me. I also liked how, well, calm the whole thing was. Which doesn't sound like a compliment, but it is. There is drama in the story, but it doesn't bog the story down. But I suppose the real purpose was to show them learning to communicate, SO.
Mostly I just liked this. It's a nice little story.
Mostly I just liked this. It's a nice little story.
December 13, 2023
This was SO GOOD I AM SCREAMING. okay. I’m fine now.
I loved this novella. MC’s in their 40’s, married for 25 years, and the parents of 2 grown kids find that they don’t *really* know each other despite two decades of marriage. It’s not even marriage on the rocks. It’s more like “are we going to spend the rest of our lives married and together or married, but apart”.
What I REALLY liked is that this is pine city. Both of these dorks are desperate for the other but they’re both a little too scared to reach for each other. But what makes it so believable is how compatible they are. We get to see them coparenting as their daughter plans her wedding and it’s easy to see why these two love each other (even though they don’t *know* the other loves them). I could wax poetic about this story forever because it’s incredibly sweet, just the tiniest bit angsty, and so satisfying to see this Naval Captain and his Bride of Convenience find an HEA together. I LOVE THEM.
I loved this novella. MC’s in their 40’s, married for 25 years, and the parents of 2 grown kids find that they don’t *really* know each other despite two decades of marriage. It’s not even marriage on the rocks. It’s more like “are we going to spend the rest of our lives married and together or married, but apart”.
What I REALLY liked is that this is pine city. Both of these dorks are desperate for the other but they’re both a little too scared to reach for each other. But what makes it so believable is how compatible they are. We get to see them coparenting as their daughter plans her wedding and it’s easy to see why these two love each other (even though they don’t *know* the other loves them). I could wax poetic about this story forever because it’s incredibly sweet, just the tiniest bit angsty, and so satisfying to see this Naval Captain and his Bride of Convenience find an HEA together. I LOVE THEM.
November 28, 2022
3.5 stars
I really wished there was more in depth context. I felt like things were glossed over or left out. I did love this was an older married couple. It was cute and lined up for their daughters story next.
I really wished there was more in depth context. I felt like things were glossed over or left out. I did love this was an older married couple. It was cute and lined up for their daughters story next.
November 10, 2020
This was such a cute little Christmas novella where two people reunite once again. Estranged spouses haven't been living together since the start of their marriage life because Phillip had to travel at sea because of work. Now he has retired and is back home, but he's still trying to figure out how he fits in his wife and daughter's life.
It was so soft seeing him want to be there but didn't know how to approach. Annalise also wanted him in her life, but neither could actually voice it out because WHAT IF THE OTHER DIDN'T WANT THEM THERE. Seeing their relationship blossom in such a short amount of time was really great because De la Rosa did a wonderful job making me believe it. Their feelings were T H E R E, they just needed a small shove to that side. Annalise is 42 years old while Phillip's age isn't said if I remember correctly but he probably is the same or a bit older.
It was so soft seeing him want to be there but didn't know how to approach. Annalise also wanted him in her life, but neither could actually voice it out because WHAT IF THE OTHER DIDN'T WANT THEM THERE. Seeing their relationship blossom in such a short amount of time was really great because De la Rosa did a wonderful job making me believe it. Their feelings were T H E R E, they just needed a small shove to that side. Annalise is 42 years old while Phillip's age isn't said if I remember correctly but he probably is the same or a bit older.
November 19, 2020
After I heard this was a delightfully warm and comforting novella featuring a 40-something married couple who fall in love while planning their daughter's Christmas wedding, I had to have it. And it sure didn't disappoint. I'm a sucker for a gruff sea captain, especially when he really just loves his wife a lot.
Highly recommend.
CW: discussed past forced kiss/fear of assault
Highly recommend.
CW: discussed past forced kiss/fear of assault
December 18, 2020
If you love historical romance and books about married couples reconnecting, you have to read this!
Usually this trope can be pretty angsty but this was definitely more on the sweet and heartwarming side. It follows Phillip and Annalise reconnecting after he retires from the navy. They’ve always had respect for each other but never really felt like a married couple because he was away so much, and that dynamic was really interesting!
There was also a subplot with their daughter and her engagement and I loved how we got to see Phillip bonding with her too. I really hope we get Beth’s story soon!
Usually this trope can be pretty angsty but this was definitely more on the sweet and heartwarming side. It follows Phillip and Annalise reconnecting after he retires from the navy. They’ve always had respect for each other but never really felt like a married couple because he was away so much, and that dynamic was really interesting!
There was also a subplot with their daughter and her engagement and I loved how we got to see Phillip bonding with her too. I really hope we get Beth’s story soon!
February 20, 2023
An original novella about a mature couple who needs to actually become acquainted after 20 years of marriage.
The H is a second son enlisted in the Navy, contrary to what often happens in HR the h did not follow him but stayed home with the children and he did not miraculously inherit a title.
So he gets home once on retirement and needs to get to know a family he really cares for but whom he did not have the possibility to really live with save for his infrequent leaves from duty.
I loved the MC very much and the author has really depicted the different emotions they went through.
The H is a second son enlisted in the Navy, contrary to what often happens in HR the h did not follow him but stayed home with the children and he did not miraculously inherit a title.
So he gets home once on retirement and needs to get to know a family he really cares for but whom he did not have the possibility to really live with save for his infrequent leaves from duty.
I loved the MC very much and the author has really depicted the different emotions they went through.
December 23, 2020
This was lovely. I haven't read many romances about a married couple learning how to reconnect after many years apart, but this was so sweet. A perfect light read. I also loved Beth to pieces, and I really hope that we get to read her story someday. I haven't read Christmas novellas before this year but I think it's gonna be a new tradition because they're so addicting.
January 12, 2021
This was like being wrapped in a warm blanket. A bit repetitive, but I want to read more from this author.
December 27, 2023
4.5. Loved this. I wish it had been a smidge longer to dig deeper into a couple things but overall a sweet read.
December 30, 2020
This was a sweet, easy romance. Nothing earth-shattering here, and the prose was a little Writing 101, but it was a pleasant read about a married couple reconnecting (a underrated romance trope).
October 30, 2021
DNF due to boredom at 37%.
November 27, 2020
After a life spent at sea, Captain Phillip Dalton retires from the navy and returns home to Annalise, his wife of 20 (?) years, who is basically a stranger due to his long absences. Both wish to get to know the other but worry about whether they'll be accepted.
While romances between older (40s) H/h who have been married a long time are not the norm in Romanceland, what really makes this book stand out is the lack of conflict. The characters like & respect each other, and while they have a few doubts about what the other wants, they both desire the same thing. It was like the author didn't want the characters to suffer. She set up small obstacles & problems, but then resolved them right away. So this is very much an "episodic" read without any great highs or lows.
If you're looking for a pleasant, relaxing read, this fits the bill perfectly. If you want drama and angst, this isn't the best choice.
While romances between older (40s) H/h who have been married a long time are not the norm in Romanceland, what really makes this book stand out is the lack of conflict. The characters like & respect each other, and while they have a few doubts about what the other wants, they both desire the same thing. It was like the author didn't want the characters to suffer. She set up small obstacles & problems, but then resolved them right away. So this is very much an "episodic" read without any great highs or lows.
If you're looking for a pleasant, relaxing read, this fits the bill perfectly. If you want drama and angst, this isn't the best choice.
November 21, 2020
Glad to have stumbled on this book via an Instagram post! A lovely and warm story featuring "mature" leads who talk to one another about their problems and only have a few instances of assuming they know what the other is thinking. Annaliese and Phillip have been apart for most of their marriage and have to learn to live together again. Phillip also realizes that things at home were not as rosy as he was led to believe, but thankfully no revenge is needed. The secondary plot with their daughter Beth's upcoming marriage provides a lot of opportunities for discussion between Annaliese and Phillip, and some reflection on both their parts. Of course now I want a follow-up novella featuring Beth, and then probably one for Oliver as well!
October 18, 2020
Liana de la Rosa is a 1-click author for me and her latest offering is a delight! Annalise and Phillip are a married couple who have a second chance or maybe it is actually a first chance at love. He's a dashing Captain who has been away more than he's been home and now that he's retired, he and his beautiful bride have the chance to reconnect and truly fall in love. Where their marriage was an arranged match, now it has the opportunity to become one deepened by love.
A lovely setting, sparkling dialogue, well-drawn characters, and seasoned romance equals a heartwarming read. Highly recommend!
A lovely setting, sparkling dialogue, well-drawn characters, and seasoned romance equals a heartwarming read. Highly recommend!
November 20, 2020
Well Written!
Ah! I had to get to the end of the story to fully understand the message in it's title. Brilliant!
Wonderful and strong characters in the Captain, Phillip and his wife, Annalise and an interesting one in their daughter, whom we watch grow and mature into another strong character.
I began to detest the characters of the meddling and opinionated would-be mother-in-law and her wimpy son which was probably intended.
All these characters go to make up a very clever and interesting story which I easily found myself relating to.
A very nicely written story and I enjoyed it tremendously!
Ah! I had to get to the end of the story to fully understand the message in it's title. Brilliant!
Wonderful and strong characters in the Captain, Phillip and his wife, Annalise and an interesting one in their daughter, whom we watch grow and mature into another strong character.
I began to detest the characters of the meddling and opinionated would-be mother-in-law and her wimpy son which was probably intended.
All these characters go to make up a very clever and interesting story which I easily found myself relating to.
A very nicely written story and I enjoyed it tremendously!
December 5, 2020
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Que hermoso! Un libro de romance histórico en el que seguimos a una pareja de casados que llevan 25 años juntos pero la gran parte de esos años han estado separados ya que el hombre es un capitán de barco. Fue tan lindo ver como se acostumbran al otro después de tanto tiempo sin verse y como aún se sienten cómodos con el otro. Es bastante rápido de leer pero fluye de una manera muy natural.
Que hermoso! Un libro de romance histórico en el que seguimos a una pareja de casados que llevan 25 años juntos pero la gran parte de esos años han estado separados ya que el hombre es un capitán de barco. Fue tan lindo ver como se acostumbran al otro después de tanto tiempo sin verse y como aún se sienten cómodos con el otro. Es bastante rápido de leer pero fluye de una manera muy natural.
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