👑 🎄 🏰 “A Royal Christmas” (2023) 🏰 🎄 👑 – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Hardcover: 176 Pages
Publisher: Revell (September 5, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0800742311
ISBN-13: 978-0800742317
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“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.”
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell, for providing a complimentary review copy through their Revell Reads blogger program. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
This is the fourth Christmas novella I’ve read by the author having previously read: The Christmas Quilt (2022), Christmas in the Alps (2021), and The Christmas Swap (2020). I’ve also read two of her contemporary stories as well – Second Time Around (2023) and The Happy Camper (2020). I do have Looking for Leroy on my TBR list. To be honest – I prefer her Christmas books.
Each one of her Christmas books usually has a theme, and this one is royal. And, like the previous three, is a standalone read. It is also a novella, so it is shorter than actual novels. The story itself is only 160 pages.
Carlson introduces readers to:
☕ Adelaide (barista and law student, actually Princess)
👑 Queen Johanna
👑 King Max (Adelaide’s biological father, current ruler of Montovia)
👑 Georg (Johanna’s son and Max’s step-son)
🏛️ Anton Balazs
🏛️ Albert Kovacs (Prime Minister)
👩🏻 Maya (Adelaide’s friend)
While this is a cutesy story, there are some potential triggers that might be difficult for some readers. These are the mention of a fatal DUI accident, liver cancer, and the word schizophrenic is used to describe some coffeehouse drinks.
Another issue is Adelaide’s mother’s name. While it is a play on anonymity, an actual Susan Smith was convicted of murder in 1994. It was a bit alarming seeing that name, and given the character died in car accident– a bit too “creepy”.
That said …
What girl didn’t dream of being a princess? To be honest, I did – for a BRIEF time. To be Queen? Not for me.
But, that is what happens to Adelaide. The story is told in third (3rd) person POV, but only from Adelaide’s side.
After eight years of making coffee drinks, in a Starbucks like coffeehouse, Adelaide Smith calls it quits. It’s taking her over seven (7) years to get her law degree and she’s admittedly getting impatient.
She’s currently living on the second floor of a house that is owned by a “crazy cat lady”. Maya mentions seven (7) cats – only six (6) – one died.
Adelaide gets a letter from the Principality of Montovia. It turns out that her father is King Maximillian Konig V. At first, she and her friend Maya think it is a scam. And, who wouldn’t? Anyone familiar with the “Nigerian Prince emails” would think it, even though her letter has a country stamp and postmark.
But, after doing her research, Adelaide finds out the country is real – and she is the direct heir to the throne. It seems her father is dying and her presence is requested. Adelaide contacts her mother’s best friend who verifies the story of Max being Adelaide’s father.
With her travel expenses covered, she heads over to the small country and is met by Anton Balazs, the Prime Minister’s nephew. Single, kind, and kind of cute.
When they arrive, the King can’t wait to meet and talk with his daughter. Though she’s been informed of his poor health, in addition – the Queen and her son are focused on the throne after the king’s passing.
Adelaide soon meets Queen Johanna who is every bit as icy as Anton warned, but Prince Georg is another story. From the first meeting it is clear – Adelaide’s presence is not wanted by the Queen, yet Georg – he doesn’t mind.
From her arrival, Princess Adelaide is thrown into her royal duties by her dying father. But, she’s also wondering about her place in the country AFTER his death. It’s clear she wants to return to America. But, then there is something between her and Anton. He definitely is helping acclimate her to her royal life.
As her time there goes on, and she gets closer to her father, Adelaide’s future becomes more and more uncertain. But, there’s also the issue of her missing uncle – Prince Farcus, the king’s brother, and more rightful heir to the throne.
If he’s found, then Adelaide can return to her life – if she wants to. But, she isn’t sure what she wants.
As most novellas do – this moves pretty fast and doesn’t get into the deep plot and character development as regular novels do. The short chapters keep the story moving though. I was drawn right in, and read about half of the book in the first sitting.
I had to laugh at one of the province names – Gruber. That name is associated with Christmas for two reasons – the song Silent Night (Stille Nacht) was composed by Franz Gruber; and the 1988 movie, Die Hard’s Hans Gruber (the loveable Alan Rickman, who I still miss).
This has that Hallmark Christmas Movie vibe to it. And, it is interesting because of the letter that Adelaide gets, her friend mentions the situation is out of a Hallmark movie. Those who enjoy a sweet Christmas story with a royal touch will no doubt enjoy this. Fans of The Princess Diaries might also enjoy this sweet read. It is, like Hallmark Movies, a bit formulaic so readers won’t likely be surprised by the ending.
The ending was a bit abrupt and I did have a few questions regarding Adelaide’s future.
It is also little wonder who the “baddies” are since they’re established right off. This does have some elements of suspense with the missing Prince Farcus. And, I would’ve LOVED to have seen a bit more with that storyline.
There are some slight references to faith in this, but it doesn’t overwhelm the reader. They’re just a few sentences here or there, so this is more or less a “clean” read. There is VERY little romance, and I would say what hint there is – is about in the last 5-10% of the book.
I’ll definitely be looking for Carlson’s next holiday read … likely next year.
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html; update: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, The movie based in her novel The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.MelodyCarlson.com.
You can find her on the following social media accounts:
**Post contains Amazon affiliate links
Comments
Post a Comment