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Review: A Royal Christmas

A Royal Christmas book cover on blue blackground

It's such a treat to continue with my summer of Christmas reading. A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson combines my love for books about royalty along with my favourite holiday!

Many thanks to Revell for sending a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Thoughts content is also posted on LibraryThing.

Book Synopsis

Adelaide Smith is too busy for fairy tales. She's been working hard to put herself through law school and now that the end is in sight, she's determined to stay focused on her goals. Then she receives a letter notifying her that she has been found through a DNA registry to be a direct descendant of King Maximillian V, the ruler of a small Eastern European principality called Montovia. She's understandably skeptical. This is the stuff of cheesy made-for-TV movies, not real life.

Although the pieces of this surprising family puzzle seem too good to be true, curiosity gets the best of her. At the king's invitation, Adelaide embarks on a Christmas break trip that is chock-full of surprises, including a charming village, an opulent palace, family mysteries, royal jealousies, a handsome young member of Parliament--and the chance at a real fairy tale romance with a happily-ever-after ending.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

A Royal Christmas is a delightful escape into the country of Montovia with plenty of German treats and traditions. Adelaide is a strong young woman who is not easily cowed by others, and makes for a heroine who exudes kindness while holding steadfast to her identity and principles. Though this is a novella, a lot of ground is covered with a hint of suspense, intrigue, romance, and familial relations set against a lovely European backdrop. This book has the feel of a Christmas market wrapped up in family and faith, and of course, a dose of royalty. What charmed me most were the characters of Anton and Albert, who treated Adelaide with the utmost respect and care as she learned how to navigate a new culture, language, and nation.

A prominent theme in this book is that of trusting in God, even when there are questions and lingering doubts. Despite Adelaide being plunged into a nearly unbelievable situation, she handles it with grace and aplomb, believing that God has a purpose and a plan for her life. Difficulties are not shied away from and there is a sense of realism within an imaginary world. I admired Adelaide's practical nature and appreciated her intellectual prowess. Both character traits allowed her to shine through and portray an intelligent woman who feels a sense of responsibility for others. This book excelled in demonstrating what self-sacrificial love looks like, along with believing in God's timing. If Melody's other Christmas novellas are similar to A Royal Christmas, I'd heartily read more from her.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 🕮
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍

Book Quotes

"I assign that task to you, mein lieber. Will you arrange the Weihnachtskrippe for me?" "I would be honored, Father." "Christmas is about the babe in the manger," he said solemnly. "We need not forget that. Can you do it tomorrow, Adelaide? For the start of Advent?" "I'd love to."
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