Description
Ellie Sawyer has always felt more comfortable with books than people, which explains why she’s now a PhD history student, neck-deep in research, and trying to complete her doctoral dissertation in time to graduate. But the final books she needs are half a world away, in the tiny European country of Lethersby—and the only time she can access the highly secretive Royal Castle Library is over the Christmas holidays.
Ellie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery that has eluded Lethersby scholars for over one hundred years by figuring out what happened to their long-lost queen, a young royal who disappeared into the night shortly after the outbreak of WWI. And with the help of Mark, the handsome castle staff member who shares her love of history, she just might be able to unravel the queen’s story. But Mark is keeping his own secret from her, and what they discover together could change everything for Ellie—and the entire kingdom.
joanne –
A sweet, delightful holiday read about trusting God, conquering fear, and love – all set in a European castle! Add in a mystery, and an unlikely romance (with ROYALTY!) and this story is sure to capture your heart and imagination. A strong spiritual thread, and a great character arc for Ellie kept me pondering and wondering each time I had to stop reading. The ending was satisfying as well. Recommended.
Rebekah Deedrick (verified owner) –
Loved this one. I loved everything about it. The main character was amazing; literally she has my dream job. I was so invested in this book that I stayed up much to late to finish. I loved the mystery elements. I even loved the plug for book 2, and usually those irritate me, since the book isn’t out yet! I read the first chapter (freebie online!) and promptly bought the paperback so I could share this one with all my friends. Really, one of my favorite books this year so far.
mgtnelson –
I have a new author to add to my list of favorites! This book has it all – wonderful characters, enticing location (a carefully crafted “new” European country complete with history and traditions), mystery to be solved, Christmas, royalty (it’s set in a castle!), and application of Biblical truth to real life.
I stayed up until midnight to finish it in one day (how could I go to sleep without knowing what happened??) and I was so excited to find out there’s a sequel in the works too!! I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Christina Weigand –
The historical aspect of this book is what drew me to it, but once I got the book and started to read it became so much more. The main character, Ellie’s, journey with low self esteem and doubts about her abilities rang so true with me. I’m sure many people, me especially share the same feelings as Ellie does as she travels to the castle to do her research.
The story doesn’t focus on Ellie’s search for herself and the princess/queen she is researching, but instead focuses on their journey with God as their guide. I am at a stage in my life were I am on a similar journey and Ellie’s journey was an inspiration to me as it mirrored the struggles I and I’m sure many other people face and was a good example of where to turn when you have those doubts and struggles.
It was exciting to see both Queen Alma and Ellie choosing their own paths instead of the expected paths and becoming fulfilled women in their faith and life.
I give this book five stars, something I don’t usually do and applaud the author for her excellent portrayal of women in search of themselves in God’s eyes.
phillipians4_8 –
I don’t read a lot of Christmas novels, mainly because a lot of them are similar, Hallmark-like, and unrealistic. Sure, I love a fun read I don’t have to think through every now and then, but I mostly enjoy books with a lot of depth and needs-to-be-dwelt-on passages. And then, I saw Christmas in the Castle Library. The cover drew me first. Yes, I am one of those people who are an hundred times more likely to pick a book up if it has a gorgeous cover! Add to that missing royalty and a book about books?! I had to pick it up. And yes, this book could be likened to a holiday Hallmark movie–it’s sweet, has a picturesque city, castle, nice people, that Hallmark drama, but it’s more. It has depth, it has character growth, it made me cry when a section didn’t go as I wished it to, but appreciated how it made the characters grow. I loved the themes in this book of trust in God and love for God, being the ultimate fulfillment in life.
Christmas in the Castle Library is the kind of book you want to pick up and snuggle in a cozy blanket, hot chocolate in hand, in front of a fire on a cold day. And, please no distractions! This books feels like watching snow fall softly and hearing classical music playing.
My only disappointment with this book was a couple of things written implying that the King James Bible is too difficult to understand, so one of the characters switched to an app on her phone. I find the language of the King James Bible beautiful, lyrical, and more easy to understand due to its precise language, and was saddened to see it portrayed almost as less-than because it uses beautiful language that a scholar who adores studying should find intriguing, wonderful for meditating, and, being well educated, should have no problem understanding, especially since she spends her days with historical research and ancient books.
Overall, however, this book is a beautiful read, and I highly recommend reading it during the holidays.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, and was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.