These charming stories are all set at Menton Castle during Christmastime 1155 and feature tales from the perspectives of the minstrels, hosts, guests, and servants. I recommend reading them in order. The first, "Two Turtledoves," is the minstrels' story and was my second favorite. Pippa and Damien are not what they seem. Great ending. There is some confusion about the author; the title page says Flora Speers, but the story lists Stobie Piel at the top. The second story, by Stobie Piel or Flora Speers, "A Partridge in a Pear Tree," features the hosts, Lord Robert and Lady Elisa. Lord Robert takes his wife for granted. Great character development. Constance O'Banyon's "Eleven Pipers Piping" highlights two guests whose marriage had been arranged, Lady Eleanor, and James, a Scotsman. Neither desires the marriage. The last story, "Three French Hens" by Lynsay Sands, was my favorite. Lady Joan also has an arranged marriage, so in order to avoid her betrothed (Royce of Thurleah) at the gathering, she contracts a look-alike servant girl, Brinna, into changing places with her. There isn't much time to train Brinna and the resulting missteps are very funny. There is quite a surprising and satisfying ending. This is my favorite Christmas anthology so far.
