Miss Pauline's Perfect Present

by Susanne Dunlap

With the shop finally closed and her seamstresses home for the holiday, modiste Pauline Dawkins is ready to enjoy a rare moment of peace. But when an unsigned letter arrives late on the night before Christmas Eve—demanding an impossible clothing order under threat to her business—Pauline finds herself swept into a challenge she cannot ignore.

With only thirty-six hours, no staff, and one icy London night to solve the mystery and complete the gowns, Pauline turns to the last person she ever expected to trust: the tongue-tied but talented tailor Benjamin Cooper.

As needles fly and secrets unravel, unexpected alliances form and long-buried feelings surface. And just when things seem under control, Pauline’s business partner, the Countess of Bridlington, delivers the most surprising gift of all.

Between a daring commission, a very special delivery, and a romance she never saw coming, Pauline might discover that the most perfect presents aren’t wrapped in ribbons—but sewn with courage, stitched with hope, and handed over straight from the heart.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction

102 pages, ebook

Published September 15, 2025

About the author

Susanne Dunlap is the author of more than a dozen historical novels for adults and teens. Susanne grew up in Buffalo, New York and has lived in London, Brooklyn, Northampton, MA, and now Biddeford, ME. Her love of historical fiction arose partly from her PhD research at Yale.

Susanne is also an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach in fiction and nonfiction, specializing in coaching historical fiction and historical nonfiction.

Reviews

[Barbara Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destined To Become A Classic!

"Miss Paul one's Perfect Present" is Book 3 in Susanne Dunlap's doubles dilemma Romance series. Books 1 and 2 were much longer books, but this third book is less than 100 pages, and, in my opinion, is destined to become a classic, just like Jane Eyre. While there are no ghosts to contend with, or sullen grumpy male leads, there are great characters, such as Pauline, Ben, Aloysius, Mr. Kent, Augusta (Lady Bridlington), the Earl of Bridlington, Pauline's seamstresses, and Phyllida. There is also a well-written plot with several storylines. The storylines include Pauline's past and present; Ben's past and present; Augusta's past and present; and Aloysius's past and present. There are many elements that are likened to Barbara Cartland and Jane Austen novels, but, in my opinion, also better. The story is set a couple of days before Christmas. Pauline, a modiste, has let all of her seamstresses go home early for the holidays. That very night, she finds a letter outside the shop door, commissioning an impossible task of several items . . . evening gowns, capes, and other items, to be completed by Christmas morning at 10:00 a.m., and if not completed, the entire Regency England ton would know that Pauline doesn't finish her work. Pauline is in partnership with Augusta, who is almost ready to have a baby. She feels she has to complete this mission. So, she enlists the help of some very unlikely folks, sends notes to three of her off-duty seamstresses, and sets off to complete this impossible task. However, a few things go awry when Augusta goes into labor and Pauline has to get her home in the cold weather. Will Pauline's helpers finish the job? Or will Pauline's modiste shop close forever? This book deserves the 5 star rating I gave. I received an advanced reader's copy and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Prefect Christmas Delivery . . .

Modiste Pauline Dawkins has let her seamstresses return to be with their families early as they enjoy the Christmas holiday. Unfortunately, after everyone has gone, she receives an unsigned letter with an impossibly large order for various items of clothing that must be fulfilled before Christmas or, as the letter threatens, her business reputation will be in jeopardy for being unable to fulfill the order. How can she possibly complete such a request (that might normally take weeks) in only two days and with no staff to assist her? She goes to speak to Mr. Gordon at Johnathan Meyer’s, one of the ton’s most prestigious tailors, to ask if anyone can help to fulfill the order. Skilled tailor, Benjamin Cooper, and others who haven’t left yet, step in to assist with the impossible project. Will they complete it on time? And who was it who dared to put such pressure on Pauline for this seemingly impossible and unreasonable task? There are many surprises waiting for the reader, so don’t miss this story that will show you the power of friendship and love!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this entry in the Double-Dilemma Regency romance series, Pauline is well-established as a premier modiste to the ton. But her business is threatened by a last-minute holiday commission, and she must turn to her friends - and an aggravating but handsome tailor - to help her out. It's a fun, quick read with a little bit of history, some romance, and a touch of holiday sparkle. Perfection!

Miss Pauline's Perfect Present is a novella rather than a full novel, so unlike other books in the series it doesn't have two complete love stories. Instead, the plot centers on Pauline and her handsome tailor, although a second romance comes to light during the book. Although it could easily be read as a standalone, it would be better appreciated after reading The Dressmaker's Secret Earl, in which a number of the characters and their relationships are introduced.

[I received a complimentary review copy from the author. Opinions are my own.]

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fun Regency Novella is set during the holidays and centers around Miss Pauline, a popular modiste, who suddenly gets a huge order to complete. All her employees have been sent home to their families, and she has no one to help her. To accomplish the impossible, she has to rely on the awkward and unintentionally rude Benjamin Cooper, who works for the rival tailor. Although Ben secretly admires Pauline, he always puts his foot in his mouth whenever he is around her.

This cute setup for an enemies-lovers story carries the reader through a fast-paced read. There is fun dialogue. Interesting plot complications and some swoony moments in this easy-to-read book. It should be a perfect choice for a reader seeking a lighthearted, romantic escape from the busyness of their Christmas season.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, quick read. There were a few places where the wrong name was used, but otherwise few errors. The main characters are not of the Ton so that was refreshing. The FMC is a seamstress who runs one of the popular stores. She gets a threatening note with an order that must be done in just two days and all her seamstresses have been given time off for Christmas. How will she accomplish that . She enlists her friends and finds love and compassion along the way. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an absolutely delightful read that kept me engaged and entertained from page one. Modiste Pauline Dawkins closes her shop the evening before Christmas Eve and sends her seamstresses home for the Christmas break. However that evening an unsigned letter arrives asking her to complete an order by 10am Christmas morning or the author will threaten her reputation. Feeling that she must accept this, what seems an impossible challenge, Pauline calls upon friends to assist, and also the tongue tied tailor Benjamin Cooper. Previous encounters between the two have never gone too well so…….. This had such a lovely feel to it with drama, friendship, twists and of course romance.

[Becky Durstenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable sweet love story. It is a quick easy read. The characters are likeable. It is especially fun to meet some characters who I "met" in previous books.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great quick read, loveable characters, and a bit of a twist.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[HfbR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Pauline Dawkins and Benjamin Cooper. Pauline is better known as Madame Pauline, a modiste who dresses many ladies of the ton and is in partnership with Countess Bridlington, and Benjamin is a journeyman tailor. When Pauline receives an order just two days before Christmas threatening to sully the countess’s name if it’s not completed by Christmas Day, she asks her friends for help. While racing against time to do the near impossible she also unexpectedly finds love….

This is the third book in the double dilemma series but it could easily be read alone. That said, The Dressmaker's Secret Earl is well worth a read and it will add to the background story too. It’s a well written novella with good characters and it moves at a good pace, so perfect for an afternoon read 🐈‍⬛.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Pauline's Perfect Present is Book 3 in the Double-Dilemma Romance Series by Susanne Dunlap. Christmas is a special time and Pauline has sent her employees home. In her quite Shoppe she reflects on her life, and, is all is good until a letter arrives. Pauline's life is upside down. I really liked that she did not give up. I believe that the author wrote a book that has many layers. When she became desperate, Cooper and others came to help. This is a sweet love story as well as never giving up. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Frederick Pilcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drama among the people who sew clothes for London 1850's high society

The setting is a bitter cold spell in mid-nineteenth century
London. Miss Pauline Dawkins manages a shop that sews dresses
and outerwear for ladies highly placed in London's layered
social structre. Two days before Christmas, after she has
given her staff of seamstresses Christmas holidays, she
receives an written order for garments to be completed by
Christmas morning. It contains a threat that she will be
denounced to all of London society as "incapable of filling
orders in a timely manner" if not completed on time. Pauline
refuses to call back her staff even though she cannot possibly
fill the order in the required two days.

I admired Pauline's strength of character that far more than
compensated for her petite size. Pauline went to Meyer's
dress shop and appealed to his workers for help. Meyer was
an unpleasant man to work for, but three of his workers, Mr.
Kenyon, Aloysius, and Benjamin Cooper are more than willing
to help Pauline. Ben Cooper had had a horrible crush on
Pauline since they met two months earlier. He had used some
crass words on that occasion which had a negative effect on
Pauline. Now they must work together to complete the order.
Pauline has an excitement for Ben, too. I could feel Ben's
desperation for Pauline and Pauline's low key excitement for
Ben that she dares not even admit to. The story is nearly
over, and their romance is still not openly expressed.

Pauline has a friend and supporter in a high place, Lady
Augusta Bridlington. Two years earlier Augusta and Pauline
had been seamstress partners. Lord Bridlington had been
attracted to Augusta and married her because of Augusta's
kindness and talent. Though Augusta is now at the top of
society, she still treats Pauline as a close personal friend.

Pauline has a character that inspires others. Ben Cooper
will do any amount of work just to be in the same room with
Pauline. I found it joyous to perceive how eagerly Meyer's
employees, and even Lady Augusta although she would soon
give birth to her child, worked though the night with Pauline
to complete the order.

Much detail is given in this story to the materials, tools,
and techniques of nineteenth century dressmaking. This
reviewer has zero experience with sewing and making clothes.
But I could still appreciate the description of how this was
done, all by hand before the introduction of the sweing
machine. Experienced seamstresses should be delighted.

The romance between Pauline and Benjamin is very subtle,
no more than briefly expresed and with unrequited feelings,
especially Benjamin's. The camaraderie among Pauline and
the many people who are working with her to make quality
clothing in an impossibly short time frame is inspiring.

"Miss Pauline's Perfect Present" is self contained, but has
hints of a prequel. I have not read either this prequel or
any of its reviews. The basic story line of the prequel is
hinted and involves several of the characters in this book. I
may be motivated to read the whole story at some future date.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving
this review voluntarily.

[S.K. Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt holiday gem from the Double Dilemma Series, by Susanne Dunlap. Miss Pauline’s Perfect Present is a charming spin-off of The Dressmaker’s Secret, revisiting the world of Augusta—now Lady Bridlington—and her friend and fellow seamstress, Pauline Dawkins. I always enjoy returning to familiar characters and seeing that Augusta and Pauline have flourished and fulfilled their dreams. Now the respected modiste “Madame Pauline” has built a successful business thanks to Augusta’s designs and quiet support.
Set just two days before Christmas, the novella whisks us into a festive flurry when a last-minute, ominous order arrives with impossible expectations in a threatening letter. Pauline has dismissed her entire staff for the holidays and is on the verge of locking up her shop. The tension is quietly compelling, but the heart of the story lies in the response from her loyal staff and one awkward and besotted Benjamin Cooper. A relatively new employee of the crotchety Mr. Meyer, owner of Meyer’s Tailor, the men’s shop, who makes Miss Pauline’s pelisses. Each character’s motives are genuine and endearing, but the dissonance and friction between Pauline and Benjamin—due to Mr. Cooper’s inability to say the right thing and his mastery of saying the wrong thing—keeps them engaged even if they would rather avoid one another altogether.
True to Ms. Dunlap’s signature style, the novella balances romance, resilience, and richly detailed craftwork—particularly the intricate sewing elements that give the tale its authenticity. Some may find the level of detail surprising, but as a lover of historical romance, I feel it adds texture rather than clutter. The side plot unfolds with perfect timing: Augusta herself arrives at the shop on the verge of giving birth and utterly undeterred, and determined to help. Pauline is aghast, of course, fearing for her friend’s health—but Lady Bridlington refuses to turn away from the shop she helped build. When labour begins right then and there, Pauline’s decision to stay with her friend—even if it means abandoning the order—is a touching act of loyalty and love.
Fans of Dunlap’s historical storytelling will find joy in her attention to detail, while new readers can easily be swept up in Pauline’s journey and the holiday magic. This is a perfect break between Ms Dunlap’s second and third novel of the Double Dilemma Series and a wonderful pause during the holiday season.
I was given a complimentary copy for review. However, the opinions are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pauline Dawkins and her business partner Lady Augusta, Countess of Bridlington, owned Madame Paulines, a very popular modiste shop in London. A few days before Christmas, after sending her seamstress’s home for the holidays, Pauline recieved a mysterious missive placing an order for four dresses, two evening cloaks and two pelisses. If the order was not ready by 10:00am on Christmas morning, the annonymous sender threatened to ruin her shop’s reputation. Frantic, Pauline ran to Jonathan Meyer’s tailor shop to seek the assistance of her friend Mr. Gordon. Mr. Keaton and Benjamin Cooper were there too and decided to help. Benjamin who had been crazy about Pauline since the first time he met her, but always managed to say the wrong things, was thrilled to be able to spend time with her. And so, they all embarked on the impossible task. The next thirty-six hours included, a bash on the head, a countess’s assistance, seamstresses to the rescue, the loss of employment, the delivery of a baby and a Christmas miracle. The person who commisioned the work was a complete shock, as was the reason for the order and its haste. But in the end, Pauline and Benjamin found their new beginning together, and Pauline and Lady Bridlington made business decisions that were a boon to all. There is a harried undertone to this tale that keeps the reader on edge. While Benjamin spends much of the time with his foot in his mouth, his willingness to put it all on the line for Pauline is a testament to his deep regard for her. I love that the characters in this story have interesting relationships, and some that actually cross proper lines. I found this to be enjoyable, entertsining and uplifting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pauline's plans for a peaceful (albeit lonely) Christmas are shattered when she receives a last-minute anonymous order for an impossible amount of clothing due Christmas morning, coupled with threats of destroying her business through bad reports to the ton should she fail. Somehow, though, despite the impossibility of the task, part of her is thrilled to have something to do to take her mind off a disappointment. And when she needs help, it comes from the most unexpected quarter: the shy tailor who insulted her at their first meeting and frankly doesn't seem to have improved. But as they work together, she starts to see that there may be more to him than she realised...

An enjoyable read though not as well developed as her longer books have been. I felt for poor Benjamin with his habit of somehow always saying the wrong thing - and watching people rally around Pauline to help her was inspiring. As, in fact, was the caring attitude towards her employees that caused it in the first place! And her way of responding to the discovery of who her customer was was heart-warming, even if I never fully worked out what happened to the clothes. It was also nice to see more of Gussie from a previous book in the series, though each is a complete standalone story. All in all, a good read if you're looking for something on the shorter side.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming Regency novela is the third installment in Susanne Dunlap’s Double-Dillema Romance series. In this installment, modiste Pauline Dawkins has been dumped by her beau and is not looking forward to spending Christmas alone. After closing her shop for the night, she receives a note with an impossible request. She must produce a wardrobe for a woman by Christmas day or the writer will ruin her business’s reputation with the ton. Meyers Haberdashery is near Pauline’s shop, and fortunately the two businesses work together. Desperately, she runs to her friends there for help

Benjamin Cooper is a tailor at the haberdashers near Pauline’s shop. When she shows up on their doorstep asking for help, he determines to do everything he can for her. Unbeknownst to her, he’s been smitten with her since he first saw her months ago arguing with his boss. Unfortunately, he opened his mouth and said something stupid to her and ruined any chance he might have had to get to know her better. Until tonight. This is his chance to show Pauline that he’s not the simple-minded idiot she thinks he is.

With the clock against them, they need a miracle. Fortunately, Christmas is the season of miracles. This book is so sweet and delightful. Pauline and Ben are an adorable couple, the story is entertaining, and I just loved it!

I received an advance readers copy of this book and am enthusiastically leaving this 5-star review.

[Michaela von Schweinitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Regency Romance novella is the perfect book to take to work and—during lunch break—escape to Mayfair, which feels very much like a sister town of Bridgerton.

We follow the industrious modiste, charming Miss Pauline, as she balances her career and her love life—what’s left of it.

The modiste’s commitment to her job is challenged—on Christmas Eve of all days—and so she keeps working. She has a reputation to save after all.

The most popular modiste of Mayfair is not willing to rest her hands in her lab just to be married to a man—a man she loves—who wants to take care of her, and wants her to take care of their children.

The double dilemma of a woman who wants to stay true to her goals, running her own business, while longing for lasting love, is the driving force in Miss Pauline’s Perfect Present.

This is the third book in a romance series, which I enjoyed on its own. Introduced to this world and the masterful storytelling of Susanne Dunlap, I want to read the first two books now as well. Susanne Dunlap has the gift of taking you into a world that comes alive through its characters.

This novella kept me in suspense, routing for Miss Pauline, hoping she can pull it off. Pauline’s choices are the choices of a woman who knows what she wants and knows how to get it. Whatever it takes.

[Ifeanyi Omoike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the way the story began with suspense—the delivery of an envelope. Right away, I wondered what could be inside, which drew me in immediately. Personally, I would have preferred if the lovers’ true first meeting had been the disastrous one rather than their earlier encounter in Meyer’s shop, but the buildup still worked.

What I really appreciated was how the author sustained the suspense and tension by keeping us in the dark about who placed the order and wrote the letter until the very end. Along the way, there were many obstacles, which kept the story intriguing and the pages turning.

I also enjoyed Pauline’s friendship with Countess Augusta Bridlington. It was refreshing, respectful, and highlighted Pauline’s capacity for sacrifice in the name of true friendship.

However, I struggled with Pauline’s treatment of Benjamin Cooper at the beginning. She came across as very rude, and it wasn’t clear to me why Benjamin would have liked her after that first impression. Still, I found it refreshing that both the hero and heroine were not members of the ton. Instead, they were everyday working-class people—a welcome and unusual choice in a Regency romance.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, short romance to keep you company for a little while, I recommend this story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jeff (buriedundermybooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick, short novella that is supposed to be a romance. Unfortunately, it fell short of that. You can’t expect a lot of character or plot development from a novella. It did have a bit of mystery, romance and a Happily For Now. But it seemed that clothes making dominated the story.

As for the romance, there was precious little building of that. Pauline and Ben did little more than touch hands during most of the book. It wasn’t until chapter 15 (of 16) that they even kissed. The romance was built in their thoughts rather than action. And there was not even much of that.

The mystery seemed to be the dominant theme. It drove almost all of the actions in the story. There is a mystery character that seemed to be the main theme of the book. But that person wasn’t introduced until late in the book. That, at least, was well done.

As I said, it was a quick read. But even for a novella there wasn’t much meat to it (unless you’re interested in tailoring). I’ve bumped up my rating to 3 stars because of the mystery aspect. It flowed well so I was able to speed right through it. It wasn’t a waste of my time, but it won’t go on my reread shelf.

Thank you to BookSirens, the publisher and author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Gylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pauline Dawkins is part owner of Madame Pauline’s modiste shop in London. She and her business partner Countess Bridlington have established a following of the ton’s elite.

Benjamin Cooper is a farmer turned journeyman tailor. He is in love with Pauline but every time he is around her he says the wrong thing.

Pauline is getting ready to enjoy some time off for the Christmas holiday when an anonymous notes arrives and threatens the reputation of the shop. Pauline must fill an impossible clothing order or the person will spread awful gossip about the shop. She is surprised when Benjamin offers to help her with her problem since he is the last person she thought would help. Will the magic of Christmas show Pauline and Benjamin that they truly belong together?

I really love reading Christmas romance stories and this one did not disappoint!! While the book was a quick read it was very sweet and delightful. I liked how Benjamin stepped up to help Pauline and she started to see him in a different way. The secondary characters were absolutely wonderful and really added to the story. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!!

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written, full of society, drama, threats, Christmas season, intrigue, mystery, surprises and a new baby. Pauline is part owner of a dress business. It's the holiday season and she wants to give her seamstresses extra time off so she gives them their gifts and sends them home. Only then to get a letter threatening her to some some last minute outfits that would normally take a few weeks to make but wants them in a couple of days. She goes to help at the cutter's business. She tells the men working there what has happened. They all agree to help her. Ben is one of the men, who has feelings for her but always seems to screw things up. Together they all put their heads and hands to finish the orders. Only to find out that the person who left the letter was another seamstress that couldn't get the work done. Lots of action and friends helping friends when needed. This story will leave you smiling and turning the pages. Maybe an epilogue to see how things were going with them all. Would recommend to everyone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love every book in this series! This one can be read as a stand alone but it is nice to see characters from previous books in this story. This is a shorter story than the other books in the series and has only one romance story instead of two like the other stories. I was so glad to see Pauline get her own story as she has been in many of the other books before. Pauline is a talented modiste and is getting ready to enjoy the peace and quiet of the Christmas holiday when she receives a threatening note. Pauline is tasked with finishing an elaborate order of face ruin. She has only one of hope of finishing the project - asking her friends and a tongue tied tailor Benjamin to help her complete the order. Benjamin and Pauline have not gotten along in the past so this begins an adventure of angst and eventually romance. I liked the way the author threw in a few twists and turns to keep you attention.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danielle Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute short story. clean

This was a fun short story.

Spoiler;
Though cute, it was not realistic in is premise. No modiste would have accepted an order like that. They would have needed at a minimum known who was asking for the order, and what colors to use for it to be a concern and be able to get accomplished. It was way to vague. I feel if just those details had been added in it would have felt more real. The true clients name could have been used in the note., But the person could have said they could not be reached to question the order.
Them also the time came and went when the real customer would have come to have fittings, and yet that was never addressed..

So I feel the story was not completed fully. It seems there was a customer, just not the person that wrote the note. What happened to them?

Regardless I enjoyed the story, but would have liked to see it fleshed out just a bit more.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun regency novella with sewing

As soon as I saw that this third book in Susanne Dunlap’s Double Dilemma Romance series has a seamstress as the heroine I had to read it. It is a charming story with cameos from other books and lots of people working together to fill an order that no one knows who it’s for. It is a little odd that no one questions this mysterious order more than they do, but it’s a bit like they just all fall in and get busy. I do think that back then they would have been more worried about the shop’s reputation and used to the ton just expecting to be accommodated. The story rests on this order so you just have to accept it if you are going to enjoy the book. I do wish that this book was longer because the romance part gets a bit lost in the general panic and work. It is still a very sweet Christmas gift to read.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her shop closes for the Christmas holiday, and the staff were given leave to join their families, Pauline Dawkins receives an unsigned letter late on the night before Christmas Eve—demanding an impossible clothing order under threat to her business. Pauline finds herself swept into a challenge she cannot ignore for fear of ruin. She gathers a few friends who dig in to help her accomplish the demanding task at hand. Will they succeed? And what of the serendipitous coming together of Pauline and a skilled tailor who work together and overcome past awkward circumstances? What has happened for these 2 to have feelings developing for each other in just these past 2 days of intense stress and chaos? I enjoyed this sweet novella that portrayed the importance of true friends. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pauline Dawkins is part owner of a modiste in London together with Countess Bridlington. Their shop caters to the elite of the ton and this Christmas an anonymous note arrives demanding that Pauline fulfil an impossible clothing order or have the person spread malicious gossip about the shop.

Benjamin Cooper is in love with Pauline and gets tongue tied around her. When he hears of the clothing order that has been demanded of Pauline, he is determined to assist in any way he can, being a journeyman tailor. While Pauline is surprised to receive such an offer, she is quick to take him up on it.

A short, lovely Christmas read that I enjoyed. I received an ARC from the publishers and Book Sirens and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[Becky Davison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet Christmas Regency tale with slow build romance between the owner of a modiste shop and a tailor employed at a rival clothing store. They and their fellow seamstresses and tailors join forces to help the female lead character complete an impossible dress order three days before Christmas, or she will face possible ruin to her professional reputation. I loved the loyalty between friends that runs throughout this novella, as well as the building attraction between the two main characters of Pauline and Ben Cooper. This was an entertaining and heartwarming Christmas novella.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Southern Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short, sweet novella, and although I felt Pauline went from dislike to love a little too quickly in the amount of time they had with each other, it was an enjoyable, fun read. You even feel a little bit of sorrow for the villain from the first book. That is an assumption as I haven’t read that one, and it wasn’t necessary to enjoy this story, but it does make you wish you’d read it first. Pauline obviously has a tender heart if she can behave so chivalrously to her former taskmaster who has put her through so much and still feels sorry for her. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ladies custom clothing shop owner Pauline receives a order threatening her business if she doesn't complete it by Christmas. But she's sent all her seamstresses home for the holiday and needs the tailor's assistance on some of the garments. Since no name was given on the order I would have dismissed it. But if gives Pauline a way to chase away her loneliness after her long time suitor broke up with her because she's more successful than him and gives her the opportunity to spend time with tailor Mr. Cooper and open her heart again. Their relationship develops quickly in this kisses only romance. It was nice to catch up with Augusta, her husband, and their baby to be.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benjamin and Pauline - He was so tongue-tied around her, saying things that had her cut a strip off him. But he stepped up for her anyway, her emergency becoming his crisis. Two days under the whip with little to no respite proved his mettle and calmed his emotions so he could speak to her without floundering. How could she not fall for him? An endearingly sweet story with great MCs who know the value of hard work. That they are not members of the pretentious ton made it even better.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Ansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lovely Book with Heart
The author manages to combine modern ethical values with believable Regency era romance to create a sweet, satisfying, heart-warming story. Although this exceptionally well-written tale can be read on its own, I very much enjoyed meeting again the characters I first got to know in "The Dressmaker's Secret Earl". I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.