A winter night, a clear sky, and a telescope. The ideal recipe for an excellent chance to view the stars. But when something else appears in her eyepiece, Miss Holly Trease tumbles into a much darker experience

A practical and intelligent young woman, Holly Trease is fascinated by all things scientific and scholarly. She’s detail-oriented, and fascinated by the natural world, including the universe at night. Her parents encourage her learning, and her pride and joy is their gift of a telescope, tucked away in her own little wing of Forest Grange. Men (and other frivolous pursuits) aren’t of much interest to Hollyuntil a shocking and violent incident occurs practically at her own back door!

Richard Hawkesbury, solicitor, hopes to conclude his mission before Christmas. But it is an important one, so he leaves his office in London to journey into the countryside bearing a valuable document. Although darkness falls early at this time of year, he’s certainly not expecting a sudden attack that leaves him unconscious in the middle of nowhere.

Stunned and horrified, Holly sees the entire thing through her telescope. Could she have ever imagined that her consequent actions would help unmask a truly evil villain? Or that the man lying half-dead in the snow might well be the one she didn’t know she was waiting for? Whatever the answers, the spirit of Christmas will triumph, and give both Richard and Holly a gift they weren’t expecting

Is it possible for a strong-minded young woman to bend to the wishes of her Mama? Good heavens, no. But will she bend to the wishes of her heart? That's an entirely different question.

Miss Cherry Trease (yes, that is her name) is not fond of London. Too dusty, pompous, and too few places to find solitude when necessary. However, at home, she's in her element, strolling through the forest she's loved her whole life. So the discovery of an intruder napping on her favourite spot? A very bad thing indeed.

Garrett DeVarne is enjoying a snooze in the sunshine (and sleeping off a wee bit too much brandy from the night before). A kick in the arm is an unpleasant awakening, but the owner of that kick is a lovely young woman who puzzles him, intrigues him, and proceeds to ignore him completely.

It might have been a chance meeting. It could have led to nothing more than an exchange of words. But when Fate enlists a pair of devoted mothers? Yes, indeed. Theyre doomed

A gentleman desirous of assistance seeks a lady to help present his nieces…

Twin girls, young ladies ready to make their debut in London Society. The problem? Their only available family member is Lord Phillip Allenbridge, eligible bachelor. He's old enough and sensible enough to know that he's not up to the task, so he looks for options, and—after realising that there's no one in his direct family that would suit—finally invites a very remote “cousin” of sorts to take up the role and save his sanity.

Lady Allegra Falworth is shocked to her slippers to receive a note from Lord Allenbridge, offering her the chance to guide two young ladies through the Season. Desperate to escape the miserable situation she's found herself in, his invitation is a gift from the gods, and she tentatively accepts, vowing to do her very best.

How does an intelligent Regency gentleman end up in a bit of a scandalous mess with a Society-savvy lady?

One might say that the more important question would be how do they get themselves out of it?

Ashe Trease, (yes, that is his family name) is a charming gentleman but a little out of place amongst the Ton. He's only there to escort his Mama and sister, and doesn't really give a fig for Society. He has no idea that he's about to meet a young woman with the same views

Miss Florinda Boothe is every inch a lady, accustomed to the world she inhabits, but irritated by it, nonetheless. To her surprise, she's intrigued to meet a handsome gentleman with not only an intelligent mind, but also a similar opinion, and when they cross paths more than once? Well, you know what's going to happen, don't you?

There are rides, frisky horses, a screeching soprano, a disastrous trip in a punt on the Thames, and—of course—a shocking scandal, thanks to a modiste's mistake!!!

Can these two Society ‘rebels' outwit the gossips? Can Florinda see past the forest to the Trease? (Sorry, it had to be said.)