The Secret Christmas: A magical 17th-century festive tale
(A Measham Hall story) 
Hardcover
by Anna Abney 
 
Christmas is cancelled
 
December, 1653, England. Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan parliament banned Christmas celebrations in England, and while shops must stay open every day, the theatres have been forced to close their doors.
 
When a theatre troupe begging alms turn up on the doorstep of Measham Hall, the Hawthorne family’s Catholic traditions of hospitality and charity dictate they must welcome the strangers in, despite the risks involved....
 
This festive prequel to The Master of Measham Hall is a delightful tale of a small rebellion and sows the seed for decisions the Hawthornes will make in years to come.