Description
Predictability and efficiency have marked Delphine DuVert’s orderly life as Castle Stewardess in the small European country of Lethersby—until she is tasked by the monarchy to hire a British researcher. Lethersby needs help solving the 100-year-old mystery of their Lost Queen, a young royal who disappeared into the night during World War I.
Delphine’s split-second decision to hire Jack Worthington, a doctoral student at the University of Oxford, has long-lasting consequences when he steps in to protect her from an angry colleague determined to ruin her life. The only catch? That protection looks like Jack posing as her beau.
Jack Worthington believes that his instinct to protect Delphine was the right one, but he’s determined to stay focused on his research for Lethersby—and keep his emotional distance after reeling from a broken heart. Yet as the clues to discovering the Lost Queen’s story unravel and the Delphine’s future hangs in the balance, both Jack and Delphine must step out in faith, choosing to trust that what God has ahead for them is worth any risk.
kmbslocum –
Romance, royalty, and researching a long lost queen take us back to the castle library, where it feels like home and answers are just waiting to be found.
Characters familiar and new come together to round out an unforgettable story. I came to adore Delphine. She was introduced in Christmas in the Castle Library, but her faith deepens and grows, and she shines vibrantly. Max was the perfect antagonist without being overwhelming, while Jack is the perfect gentleman with an unexpected history of his own. Scripture and deep spiritual truths are prominent as each person must accept or reject peace with God.
Ann Swindell has an effortless, smooth, and consistent writing style which makes for easy and enjoyable reading. I am so happy that a third installment is on its way. I cannot get enough of Leathersby and the library. Start with book one for the ultimate literary treat.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of WhiteCrown Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
candideweekes –
Love in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell was an amazing read !
What a great series !
I really enjoyed this book by Ann Swindell.
This is the second book in the series and I really enjoyed reading the first two books.
I especially enjoyed the French speaking characters (I am French so I had a blast reading French in a book written in English 😉
— 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. —
mgtnelson –
Ann Swindell has come up with another wonderful book in her Castle Library series. If you have not yet read the first one, Christmas in the Castle Library, I highly recommend it. It will introduce you to the wonderful little imagined country of Lethersby, its past and current royal family, and the mysteries needing to be solved.
Book 2 starts up right after the end of Book 1, as a team is being put together to try and find out what happened to the queen after she left in 1915. The search for clues brings lots of plot twists, lots of healing of past hurts, lots of opportunities for learning to trust God as a loving Father, and much more. I read the whole thing in one day, as it was very hard to put down!
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.
ageelettie –
I absolutely loved this book. To be honest, I did not think I would as it has a fake dating storyline and I really don’t like that trope, but the faith themes and messages were so touching. The faith journey of the characters brought me to literal tears, and I don’t often cry for books so if a book makes me cry, it is a big deal. I adored both Jack and Delphine and really connected with each of their stories. I cannot wait to read the other books in the series. This is the second book in the series and although I read it without reading the first, I would recommend reading them in order for story continuity purposes.
I received a free copy of this book for review as a launch team member. All opinions are my own.
katie.r.fitzgerald –
I really liked Delphine when we first met her in Christmas in the Castle Library, so I was thrilled to see her get her own love story in this sequel, Love in the Castle Library. It was wonderful to be back in the world of Lethersby where Delphine’s job at the castle is in danger due to an outdated law, and where Jack, a researcher, continues to untangle the mystery of Queen Alma’s disappearance.
I love the believable way the author used the fake relationship trope, and I appreciated all the Scripture passages and moments of prayer that led Delphine to recognize God as her father and led her and Jack both to recognize their feelings for one another. There was no over-the-top drama – just lots of communication and conversation as they slowly fell in love. I also loved Jack’s dad. What a wonderful supporting character!
If you like Christian romance with royal themes, definitely don’t miss this book. And there was a teaser for a third book at the back of the ARC – I can’t wait for another story set in this world!
Thanks to White Crown Publishing for the complimentary copy. (I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Kathryn Bochman –
After reading Christmas in the Castle Library, I was eagerly awaiting Ann Swindell’s newest, Love in the Castle Library. Having been blown away by the first book, I was anticipating great things from its sequel. And this book met every one of my expectations. With strong threads of faith and met my soul in much needed places, a royal mystery to solve, and a toe curling romance, this book has become a fast favorite. Ann Swindell holds a storytelling ability that not only activates my imagination, but also that embeds itself into my heart. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is one I will definitely be rereading!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Talita Adendorff –
There is no doubt in my mind that Ann Swindell is an excellent writer. Once again, she wrote a delightful royal romance that had me intrigued.
It fits in perfectly with Christmas in the Castle Library, and yet it has its own charm and twists and turns. I love how they continue with Queen Alma’s story and how we get to see a bit of Ellie and Mark’s happily ever after. If you haven’t read Christmas in the Castle Library yet, I recommend reading it first, as Love in the Castle Library definitely has some spoilers in even though you can read it on its own.
Once again, the spiritual depth is amazing, and the depth of character in both Delphine and Jack is amazing. I love their journey both as individuals and as a couple.
I recommend grabbing your copy and getting immersed further in the world of Lethersby, its castle, its library and its beautiful stewardess.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but the views and opinions are completely my own.
Laura Cisson –
Oh, it was so fun to return to Lethersby and the castle and, of course, the library! The quest for what happened to Queen Alma continues in this second book of the series. I loved catching up with the royal family and journeying with Delphine as she worked to reconcile her past. And the antagonist in this story…whew! He’s quite the schemer.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series and continuing to follow the clues to piece together Alma’s story.
Thank you to WhiteCrown Publishing for a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
lanabobana –
It was so wonderful to “travel” back to Lethersby. The on-going mystery of the Lost Queen pulls readers back to find the next chapter of her life and howw those secrets can be uncovered.
Ann Swindell creates an amazing country with delightful detail and wonderful depth. Lethersby comes alive , waiting for a flight to explore quaint cafes and take a stroll through thee breathtaking castle gardens. While the setting supports the story the characters breath life into it. The depth and emotion the characters share with readers pull you into each step of the story. The doubts in the face of obstacles, the fear of trusting your heart and others, and the love of God shining through it all. No matter what new twist presents itself, God is silently waiting for each of them to turn to Him and see His provision. Added to this is a sweet romance neither character was looking for and struggles to see if it is real or worth it. With a surprising twist to the royal history on the horizon, you won’t want to put this book down until you find out everything.
Ann Swindell has created a unique world that I can’t wait to visit once again. God’s love and provision shine through each page, showing so many different ways He cares for us. Seamlessly woven into this is a mystery that is so fun to unravel. Grab a copy and get cozy. You won’t regret it! Time well spent! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
cbabler27 –
Love in the Castle Library gives readers a wonderfully woven tale that brings a fresh breath of air filled with faith, mystery, romance, and the real struggles of life. While most of us aren’t working in a castle with real royalty, we can relate to the main character Delphine, the castle stewardess of Lethersby. Delphine has always pushed herself to continuously achieve more, especially with the added expectations from the predecessor of her role being her workaholic father.
I loved the richness that Ms. Swindell wove into the plotline with the perfect balance of mystery and history. The investigation into the disappearance of the Lost Queen of Lethersby brought an intriguing and engaging mystery to the book that I absolutely loved. The surprise discovery of the history of the Lost Queen of Lethersby was an added element of fun and complexity to the plot. I truly enjoyed this work and was able to jump in on this second book in the series without having read the first installment.
One of the main reasons that Love in the Castle Library impressed me was the excellent way that Ms. Swindell wrote a faith-filled book with a wonderful plot and deep characters, not just a great book with faith thrown in as an after thought. I truly appreciated how wholesome, genuine, and truly encouraging this book was to me! I loved the character development and the growth of Delphine and Jack’s relationship. Love in the Castle Library is an excellent book and I highly recommend it! This has been one of my top ten books of the year and I honestly was refreshed by it…not disappointed. I am very grateful for Ms. Swindell’s ministry in her writing. Check out Love in the Castle Library, you will not be disappointed. Happy reading!
Disclaimer: White Crown Publishing graciously provided me with a copy of this book . All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.
bloomingwithbooks –
Love in the Castle Library
In the Castle Library #2
By Ann Swindell
This is the second book in the In the Castle Library series, in which a small European country attempts to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of its lost queen. Queen Alma disappeared in the night during World War 1, and no one knows just where she disappeared to. For more than 100 years, the people of Lethersby have felt her abandonment as a personal shame. But with word that she may have made her way to England, there is hope that the truth of her life may finally be known.
In this search for the answers they seek, the Lethersby research team needs access to British records. But to access them, they need a British researcher on their team. In steps Castle Stewardess Delphine DuVert to find their perfect candidate. For the first time ever, Delphine makes a quick decision; she offers the position to Jack Worthington.
Something about Jack just feels right for this position, and she feels a connection she hasn’t had with any of the previous candidates.
This was a lovely story in which both Jack and Delphine delve into the past with it secrets both for the Lethersby people and their own pasts. I loved how the story unfolded with moments where the answers seemed just within reach and moments where failure seemed imminent. Of course, there has to be a villain, and Max is the perfect cringe-when-he walks-into-the-room character. Nasty doesn’t do him justice. But through it all faith plays a vital role as Jack and Delphine navigate the complexities of life, love, and traditions.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Connie –
Are you fascinated by royalty? Have you ever dreamed of being locked in a library? This book is definitely for you!
Love in the Castle Library is set in Lethersby, an imaginary European kingdom, and it revolves around the century-old quest to find answers about a missing Queen. This is a contemporary romance, but it’s rich in history, mystery, and faith. I loved the characters, the castle library setting, and the strong attraction between Delphine and Jack. However, even fairy tales aren’t exempt from problems. What made this story so special was Ann Swindell’s ability to weave inspiration throughout this engaging plot. You should see all of the highlights in my digital copy…so many good thoughts to read and ponder!
I’m thrilled to discover this new-to-me author! I look forward to more visits to Lethersby, and more adventures in the castle library!
I received a complimentary copy of this eBook courtesy of WhiteCrown Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
bethany.aich –
I have heard such fantastic things about this series, and what an honour to get to read this for myself, and agree with all of those who have said it before me when I proclaim it to be marvelous.
There is so much real life beauty in Love in the Castle Library, and so much real life pain. I fell in love with the characters: the male main character, the female, the characters from the preceding book, the side characters, the female main character for book three, and the man I hope will be the main male character. The only person I didn’t fall in love with was the good ol’ fashioned villain.
The plot was interesting to me, as was my brief vicarious tour of Oxford. I loved sitting in the castle library amid stained glass windows and the smell of books, taking peppermint tea and eating macaroons, laughing with friends.
I loved how the author was able to so well describe the Presence of God that I have at times felt in my life, how the heavy hand of the Lord can feel so cleansing and freeing.
On the flip side, I am unused to reading so much Scripture and strong faith in my books as it isn’t the genre I primarily work in. This book, and I imagine the rest of the series, is very heavy on Christian themes. Within its pages I found great reminders to pray, to take my faith more seriously…but it also does feel a smidge cliche at times. I feel as if this is more of a personal issue, though, and not a book issue. There were also a couple of typos, but nothing major and nothing I feel nit-picky over.
Hmmm…somehow this has gotten lengthy. Time for the wrap-up!
There is no spice in this book, and though there are a few kisses, they are not descriptive and self control is practiced. While typically leery of what I would recommend for teenagers or unmarried women—since I normally feel more than a Disney princess kiss is unnecessary—I am quite content to recommend this to anyone. I feel there are great life lessons in it to be gleaned and it personally caused no issues of uncomfortableness for me romance-wise.
Violence: we have a bully and he is a mean man. I would not, however, say that there is violence. There are some mentions of bløød, but it is in reference to nursing and injuries and the first and second world wars, not in any injury we see in real time before us as we read.
I did receive a copy of this book from the publisher, but I practically begged for it, and will be keeping my eyes out for book three’s release. All thoughts and opinions in this review are solely my own.
authorkendallhoxsey –
I was so excited to read Book #2 of the In the Castle Library series. Ann Swindell does an amazing job of continuing the mystery of Queen Alma. I love how she’s built the legend and lore of the kingdom of Leathersby. I love getting the chance to also revisit friends from book #1. No spoilers I promise!
Delphine and Jack are darling characters and its often so lovely to just read a novel you know will meet all your expectations. Delphine and Jack are mature adults and their own journeys accurately reflect how mature adults act.
Definitely read this novel if you’re a fan of The Princess Diaries or anything royal and bookish!
Thank you to White Crown for the complimentary ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
kewkew34 –
I absolutely adored this second book in Ann Swindell’s In the Catle Library series. I was thrilled to once again visit the fictional European kingdom of Lethersby and get reacquainted with beloved characters from Christmas in the Castle Library.
Love in the Castle Library is Delphine’s story. She is the castle stewardess that we met in book one. It is also Jack Worthington’s story, the British researcher who was hired to help unravel the mystery of the missing Queen Alma. The mystery that began to be unraveled in the first book. (So, yes, you do want to read this series in order.)
I loved getting to know Delphine better, and was instantly drawn into the relationship between her and Jack. A relationship that was to be professional, but the reader could see the spark between them from the beginning. A spark that neither of them wanted to acknowledge or encourage for various reasons. And yet when controversy comes up in relation to Delphine’s job, their professional relationship soon becomes a fake dating relationship, making it even harder to keep their feelings in check.
One thing I really appreciated in this romance was there was communication between Delphine and Jack. It drives me crazy when a lack of communication drives a couple apart and adds so much drama. But even more imporantly, both characters were learning to lean on God. Learning to trust him more. Faith and prayer and reading God’s Word were very important parts of their lives. They were both Christian, but they both also had issues they needed to work through. Because Delphine didn’t have a good relationship with her earthly father, it was causing trust issues when it came to her heavenly Father. Additionally, events in Jack’s past had caused him to build walls around his heart. Walls that he was in no hurry to tear down.
I love the way God worked in both of their lives. Not just in their relationship, but also in the way the details of the mystery of Queen Alma’s disappearance were revealed plus how the controversy surrounding Delphine’s job and live in the castle was resolved.
I was also thrilled that the main characters from book one, Ellie and Mark, played such an important roles in this story. It was awesome to get caught up with them, along with the King and Queen of Lethersby. Plus we got to meet Jack’s father, Kent, who was such a strong Christian, and an awesome source of wisdom and encouragement.
And while we got some intriguing answers to the Queen Alma mystery, there are still unanswered questions which I can’t wait to find out the answers to as the series continues. As the reader, I could see where a couple of things were heading, so I wasn’t completely taken by surprise, but I loved the way the author brought everything together.
Highly recommened!
I received a copy of this book as a member of the review team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
laknermegan –
I loved disappearing into this book! If the country of Lethersby actually existed it would be very high on my bucket list to visit. Delphine is such a relatable character, and Jack is a swoony leading man. They’re perfect together, and have sparking chemistry right from the start of their meeting.
I really appreciate how this author doesn’t shy away from Biblical themes and having her characters be open in their faith and struggles. Often in Christian fiction the faith part of it can feel like it’s not quite as big a part of the characters lives as it should be, but this author really envelopes her stories with characters living out a real faith, struggles and all.
I’ve enjoyed each book in this series, and I know there’s only two so far, but I think this one might well be my favorite. The setting, the characters, the situations the characters get into, it all adds up to the perfect romance. It’s like a warm hug and on a cold day. You leave this book feeling better, yet challenged in your faith. But also encouraged to keep at it.
If you enjoy a Christian romance with more overt faith threads, you’ll love this book.
*I read an early copy from the author/publisher. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
PhyllisRBooks –
You had me at Jack Worthington!
Another delightful trip to Lethersby with more time in the library, more time with previous endearing characters and an introduction to a swoony, standup-Christian guy who is the perfect match for Delphine’s wit and Max’s deceitfulness.
Delphine’s story carries its reader through trying circumstances and scriptural guidance, including some wisdom from Jack’s father who is one obvious reason why Jack is so lovable. Beyond some twists, turns and a fake relationship, this story solves some mysteries and adds some new questions. So, be ready to read on, my friends!
This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review. I also purchased a print copy of the book.
paulamarys49 –
This story was an absolute delight to read.
Delphine Duvert is the stewardess of the castle in Lethersby, a fictional country in Europe. According to the first book in the series, Queen Alma secretly left the country in 1918 in order to volunteer as a nursing assistant during The Great War, never to be heard of again. Research has begun to track down her movements after a letter of hers was found. Delphine hires Jack Worthington from England to help research because his grandmother was a nurse in WWII and he is already delving into that subject.
These fascinating bits of history being researched by Jack lead to some amazing discoveries. The wonderful thing about this book is that it is steeped in scripture. Among the verses cited are my absolute favorites in Romans 8. I love the way that Jack is a committed Christian and lets God guide him through constant prayer. His way of life has a profound impact on Delphine and she contrasts that with the remembrances of her father.
This is a well-rounded story that contains some obstacles in the form of a jealous colleague and an uncertain future for Delphine. I could not stop turning pages, anticipating the end.
And Yay! There is another book in the works for this fabulous series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by WhiteCrown on behalf of the author and through Celebrate Lit tours. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*