Genre: Holiday, Historical
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
Get It On Amazon | Publisher | Kobo
About The Book
At the age of twenty-three, Joseph Paul has come a long way from an abandoned foundling to the dizzy heights of a position as a second footman in London’s Bedford Square. But Joseph doesn’t want to remain in service forever and harbours ambitions to be his own master.
Eli Turner might have become a valet by his thirties, but he is weary of his profession and lacks direction. He can’t even summon the energy to seek out a new position in a more prestigious household.
Under ordinary circumstances, working as servants for the same family, these two men might not have the chance to exchange more than a few words, let alone confide their feelings. But when they both remain in the virtually deserted townhouse over Christmas, they take the opportunity to talk as equals and explore their mutual attraction.
Is this just a short-lived holiday fling? Or might it be the start of a long-standing romance?
The Review
At twenty-three, Joseph Paul is a strapping young man who has come a long way as a foundling. He is now the well-trained second footman at the London Bedford Square Townhouse. Even though the job is irritating at times, he stays alert and steady in his place, as he never knows who will need him. He is working toward a dream – he wants to own his own shop, selling fancy trinkets and household wares to the Ton – British society’s upper crust.
Eli Turner is from Yorkshire, was twenty when he arrived in London. He was one of his first employer’s small group of servants, but the gentleman left London when gambling got him into trouble. Eli stayed, and learned how to be a amenable servant. He was able to help his family with his wages and tips. In his twelve years in London, employed by master after master, he became a gentleman’s valet before the age of thirty. Employed by Mr. Willar for less than a year, he had accomplished the impossible – bringing the not so perfect gentleman up to something close to respectable. Eli’s accomplishments built up his own worth and reputation. But he had dreams too – he loved working with clothes, and often thought of moving on to a new post.
Tilly, a teenaged serving girl, shy, demur and overlooked, usually spent her free time in her room after she performed her duties at Bedford. She made friends with Joseph, and he was willing and able to help her out when needed. He knew what it was like to be overlooked, and always remembered to do something nice for her.
As the holiday season approaches Bedford, the Willars will be going to Leicestershire. Half of the staff will go with them, and the others will go home or to visit their families. Tilly, Joseph, and Eli stay to maintain Bedford while everyone else is away. This also gives Eli more time to spend in the Willar library, reading novels.
Eli has often noticed Joseph around the mansion. He has also noticed Mark, the first footman who is a bully and looks down on the menial staff. But Joseph was is different.
Joseph has also noticed Eli, and how he always kept his dignity, but is unfailingly polite and treats the junior staff as his equals.
Eli is content with taking his meals in his room, and he likes his solitude. One night, needing a glass of water, he ventures down to the scullery and discovers Joseph asleep on the floor in front of the fireplace. This marks the start of a friendship between Joseph, Eli, and Tilly. Jospeh and Eli gradually grow closer, until Jospeh shares his dream with Eli, and Eli says something that causes Joseph pain. Even though Elli realizes he made a mistake, Joseph keeps his distance.
Will Joseph and Eli be able to mend their friendship? Will all go well for them, maintaining Bedford? Will their dreams come true?
Ellie Thomas sketches out a wonderful, historical Victorian tale for the holiday season, filled with romance, hopes, dreams, and a little drama. Both men come from very different backgrounds and upbringings, with their individual dreams, but nevertheless, a chemistry gradually grows between them.
Tilly was especially adorable. Always shy and soft-spoken but slowly building her own friendship with both Eli and Joseph. They made her feel special, like a little sister, and she blossomed perfectly.
I highly recommend Christmas Below Stairs – an entertaining, romantic, cozy tale that’s perfect for the holiday season.
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
