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.
Laura Cisson –
Christmas in the Castle Library was an absolute delight! The story is a perfect start to the Christmas season and a brand new series by Ann Swindell. The characters are realistic and will charm their way into your heart as you journey with them through trials and triumphs in their quest for faith and answers. The kingdom of Lethersby is quite charming as well! I enjoyed every minute I spent there and stayed up too late reading for several nights!
I am definitely looking forward to book two when it releases!
Thank you to White Crown Publishing for a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own
candideweekes –
Christmas at the Castle Library by Ann Swindell was an great discovery.
I think this is the first book by this author and I already like her !
Christmas at the Castle library was fun, enchanting and well written.
I would easily identify with the main character and I loved how she was not « the model type of woman ».
I also really enjoyed the history of the imaginary country the story sets in and, as a French person myself, I really enjoyed how the author used French words here and there 🙂
I recommend this book and I think it is the first in a series so I can’t wait to read the next one !
— I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. —
laknermegan –
Reading this book is akin to snuggling under a blanket, by a lit fireplace in the winter. Its a cozy, gentle romance with strong faith elements woven throughout. In other words, this book was a lovely Christmas romance whose themes will stay with you after you turn the last page.
Ellie’s struggles to accept herself and to realize that her worth isn’t tied to her accomplishments is an age old struggle we all face at one time or another. I thought the author did an excellent job keeping her relatable while showing her growth as the story progresses, especially her faith growing stronger as she realizes how much she’s pushed God to the side in pursuit of her PhD.
Mark was a great hero, he’s a kind sweet man who has his own struggles. But how he loves Ellie was truly heartwarming, seeing her for her true worth and potential rather than just seeing the outside package alone.
The struggles they face to be together were completely believable. I really loved the historical mystery that Ellie is working to solve as she works towards finishing her dissertation. The country of Lethersby seemed so real to me and made me want to hop on a plane to visit.
Bottom line, if you’re looking for a Christmas romance with depth and heart, this book is for you! This isn’t what I would call a light read, it’s definitely not a fluffy, Christmas romance one usually finds this time of year. It’s deeper than that but oh so beautiful. I think for those who enjoy Amanda Cox or Roseanna M. White’s books, this would be a wonderful addition to your reading repertoire.
*I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Talita Adendorff –
Wow, just wow! With this beautiful story, Ann Swindell went straight to my auto-buy author’s list. Christmas in the Castle Library is a beautiful story that doesn’t necessarily follow the traditional royal route and doesn’t have your traditional heroine.
Ellie is a bookish scholar, who struggles with her self-worth. She gets a lifetime opportunity to go to Lethersby Castle over Christmas to finish her dissertation and meets the handsome Mark, a fellow historian. More than that I cannot share as I do not want to spoil anything for you.
This book has a beautiful storyline, engaging characters, stunning scenery, and incredible spiritual depth. I struggled to put it down and enjoyed every moment. It has romance, history, mystery, royalty, and truth. You won’t be disappointed if you choose to read this incredible story. I can’t wait for the next one.
Well done Ann on your debut novel, you are a talented writer.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but the views and opinions are my own.
katie.r.fitzgerald –
If you like Christian fiction involving romance and mystery, Christmas in the Castle Library needs to be on your TBR!
Here’s why:
This story is so cozy! The library in the castle is a delightful place, and it makes you want to curl up in a big chair with a blanket and a mug of cocoa (and maybe a handsome man – Mark, who works at the castle, is adorable.)
The mystery is fascinating. The country of Lethersby isn’t real, but the history the author has invented involving the disappearance of a beloved queen felt real to me. I was deeply invested in finding out what happened 100+ years ago, and I love the way the clues unfolded.
There is a strong Christian thread in this story. The characters quote Scripture, discuss faith, and work to deepen their spiritual lives. If you like a lot of Bible quotes in your fiction, this will definitely be the book for you!
Finally, it’s not just a story about solving a mystery or falling in love, it’s a story about Ellie learning to have confidence in herself and to see herself as the worthy, beautiful Christian woman she is.
I really enjoyed Christmas in the Castle Library. Thanks to White Crown Publishing for the complimentary copy. (I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
lanabobana –
A delightful Christmas time story that shows how deep God’s love runs, how it can chase fear away, and how easy (and hard) it is to just grab on. Set in a European castle complete with a mysterious Prince, a thrilling library, and the chance to see the path God has laid out, there is nothing missing from this oh-so-satisfying tale. The characters are so wonderfully written, flaws and all, that they feel like new friends you get to go on an adventure with. Ellie and Mark kept me glued to the story, cheering or moaning as the moments passed. The setting draws the reader in, smelling the old paper and ink from the library and feeling the cold of the falling snow.
The story itself is so absorbing, time felt like it had no meaning as I raced through the pages. Ann Swindell managed to pull me completely into the story in the first chapter and had me sighing with wonder after the last page. God and His wonderful love flowed through each page, it was impossible to miss. And it connects so easily with real life and how people struggle through so many similar situations. And the undercurrent of romance was wonderful. They mixed so well and left a wonderful feeling when the story finished. I am so excited that there is another book in this series to look forward to! I’m already anticipating it’s release! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
kewkew34 –
Wow, I loved Christmas in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell. A scholar, Ellie Sawyer, who is working on her dissertation is offered a residency over the Christmas holiday in the fictional European country of Lethersby. Though not exactly what she was hoping for (she was hoping for the full semester), she decided to take the opportunity to continue researching the 100 year old mystery of the country’s missing queen.
She receives some help from Mark, a man she meets in the castle library. A man who says vaguely that he works in the castle, though he doesn’t really give any more information. However, he also loves digging into history and Ellie welcomes the help, seeing as her time in Lethersby is quite short for the amount of work she has to do..
They work together to see if they can discover anything that scholars through the years have missed. Not only is her dissertation and professional future dependant on the results of this research, but the country and royal family would love to know what really happened.
I loved the mystery of the missing queen, and the relationship that developed between Ellie and Mark. The author really brought the castle and the kingdom to life. Faith was an extremely important part of the story and the author wove it into the live of the characters wonderfully.
I loved this book and can’t wait until I can read book 2.
I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
authorkendallhoxsey –
Where to begin…if you are looking for a Christmas read that has all the charm of a cozy fire, with a fresh pot of tea, while your favorite holiday songs play then look no further! I’ve read this novel three times now and love it more with each read! I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC but loved it so much that I bought my own paperback copy. Truly if they ever release a hardcover of this novel then I will most definitely order one!
Ellie Sawyer is a PhD candidate focused on finishing her dissertation on the disappearance of Queen Alma of Lethersby. Heartbroken at not being chosen for the spring internship, she worries that all her work is for naught when she then has the chance to be the scholar in residence over the Christmas holiday. Enter Mark, a resident of the castle who is charming, well read, and has a few secrets of his own.
I’m often amazed how the right book comes along at the right time. This Christmas season I definitely needed to read this! It inspired hope, forgiveness, and reminded me of the reason for the this season, the birth of our Lord. I cannot speak highly enough about this novel!