BOOK REVIEW | A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale by Karen Schaler

SYNOPSIS | A charming Christmas village, a storybook castle, a royal ball, and a gorgeous prince are the last things New York City reporter Kaylie Karlyle expects to find on her holiday freelance assignment to Europe. But when the family she’s interviewing turns out to be the royal family of Tolvania, Kaylie has a meltdown when the quirky queen wants her to write a Christmas fairy tale for the spunky, young princess. Kaylie must battle the princess’s father, who doesn’t trust the media, and her own insecurities about writing anything beyond the news.

To spark inspiration for the fairy tale, the queen recruits the prickly Prince Alexander to show Kaylie the family’s most spectacular royal holiday traditions. And sparks definitely fly when the only thing Kaylie and the prince agree on is that they’re both more “bah humbug” than “ho, ho, ho.”

But somewhere between sleigh rides and snow angels, merrymaking and mistletoe, upside-down Christmas trees, and a legendary Christmas crown, Kaylie and the prince open their hearts to Christmas and start believing in themselves and each other. It’s a real-life fairy tale in the making until Kaylie discovers a secret about a royal Christmas heirloom that jeopardizes everyone’s happily ever after. Can the magic of the season save this holiday happy ending?

MY THOUGHTS | A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale is a wonderful blend of Princess Diaries and a Hallmark Christmas movie! I found it interesting to read about all of their Christmas traditions and the scenery of Tolvenia was beautiful. While I didn’t connect with Kaylie and the Prince, the Queen and Princess Anna made the story very enjoyable! A light, quick read for the Christmas season.

RATING | ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love Christmas romance.
This book was so warm and lovely I can not wait for Christmas to come. Made me want to put up my tree and snuggle up under a blanket.
I really loved the romance blossoming between the characters and the storyline was just lovely.
I really want my own Christmas romance.

Kaylie Karlyle finds herself in a castle in Europe after she loses her job in New York. Kaylie hates everything Christmas and usually works the holiday. Her ex-boss, Bob, thinks she is perfect for spending a few days at a castle, learning the royal families Christmas traditions, and subsequently writing a fairy tale about them.

This is a grown-up fairy tale that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy. I loved the variety of Christmas fairy tales. The book (and traditions at the castle) makes the reader think about what is important in life. Family time tops the list for both Kaylie and the royal family.

I stayed up late reading this book and finished in one day. I found it to be entertaining with just the right about of romance and intrigue. I highly recommend it.


I received an ARC from Hawktale Publishing through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.

If you want a Christmas romance that will dazzle and enchant you, then look no further than A ROYAL CHRISTMAS FAIRY TALE by Karen Schaler.

Kaylie Karlyle's entire life is centred around her job as an investigative reporter in New York, bringing people the justice they deserve by unmasking the bad guys. Dedicating every last minute to her work will be worth it when her new show comes to fruition. But when she finds herself unexpectedly unemployed, Kaylie isn't sure what her next move will be. When her old boss and mentor finds her a freelance assignment, writing up a Christmas story that's top-secret, Kaylie isn't sure if this is something she can do. After all, she stopped celebrating Christmas with her family a long time ago as they all moved on to their own careers and needs at Christmas time, but a job is a job. Yet this is no ordinary assignment.

Kaylie soon finds herself living in a castle with the royal family of Tolvania and has to write a Christmas fairy tale for the young princess who has lost some of the magic of the season since the tragic death of her mother. Although the princess's father, Alex, isn't exactly welcoming as he has had a tortured relationship with the press, Kaylie cannot help but fall under the magic spell of this special place, and against her better judgement decides to stay and see if she can deliver the perfect story.

While researching the many traditions that this stunning village celebrates, Kaylie cannot help but remember her own family traditions that she loved so much before work became all-consuming. And when the prince finally lets down his guard, could there be a spark between them that could make this Christmas the best one in a long time? Or will an error in judgement cost them both their fairy tale happily ever after?

The characters, the setting, and the community spirit that shines on every page, all combine to make this story the perfect Christmas romance. I loved Kaylie's determination and sense of right and wrong and watching her embrace Christmas and all the magic that it can hold was a delight. Alex is a very likeable character and I wanted him to open his heart again and the rest of the royal family are simply wonderful, especially the little princess, but the Queen has to be the shining star - compassionate, intelligent, and strong for everyone that she loves. From Christmas markets to tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas tea to gingerbread cookies, A ROYAL CHRISTMAS FAIRY TALE has got it all and I cannot wait to read another book by Karen Schaler when I decorate my house for the Christmas season.

Christmas and Hallmarky, my two favorite things. This book did not disappoint. A feel good love story that keeps you hooked.

I love Christmas. And while cheesy romance novels aren't normally my thing, I can dig some ridiculous Christmas romance. This one was cute. Well-written and the characters are well-developed and likeable. I enjoyed it, but I didn't love it. It felt a little too much like it was trying too hard to be made into a Hallmark Christmas movie - almost like it was written as a movie instead of to be read as a book, if that makes sense. Don't get me wrong, I love Hallmark Christmas movies, but this felt like it's already been done one too many times or something. However, if you're looking for a quick, easy read to put you in the Christmas mood - this one will definitely do that! 3.5 stars.

Some of my favorite modern Christmas stories are royal romances. A ROYAL CHRISTMAS FAIRY TALE takes place in the fictional country of Tolvania. Investigative journalist Kaylie from New York unwittingly travels there to write a Christmas Fairy Tale for young princess Anna. Prince Alexander, Anna’s father finds it hard to believe his mother, the queen would permit a journalist in their midst. Consequently, the weather wasn’t the only thing Kaylie found abnormally cold in Tolvania.

It was everything that would unfold in a holiday Christmas love story but with the extra creativity in the Christmas traditions that were the centerpiece of the fairy tale. The predictable “don’t do it!” moment that could spoil everything played out as expected and the fact you could see it coming didn’t spoil the moment at all.

The book is sweet, romantic holiday reading. At the end of the book are actual recipes from the story, and examples of some of the traditions in case you want to use them with your families. It’s just what we love in a holiday tale.

I received an advance copy of this book to read. This is my voluntary review.

A ROYAL CHRISTMAS FAIRY TALE is full of whimsy, magical moments, and all things Christmas. Kaylie, an investigative reporter in New York City, loses her job just when her career is taking off the way she’s always dreamed. She takes a freelance assignment offered by her old boss, not knowing the specifics, and she’s swept away to the small European country of Tolvania. When she learns the job entails all things Christmas (and Kaylie is known as Scrooge by friends and family), she tries to resist and head back home. But a snowstorm, a royal family, an enchanting small village, and a handsome prince derail her plans.

Kaylie and the prince don’t hit it off the first time they unexpectedly meet. The prince’s daughter is an adorable ten-year-old filled with energy who seems wise beyond her years. Her grandmother, the queen, is the force behind the family and wants Kaylie to stay, for more reasons than just the job. The relationship between the members of the royal family and the princess is enchanting, and the princess letting her guard down and behaving like a child adds to the feel-good aspect of the story.

The book is filled with Christmas traditions and events. Kaylie realizes she misses her Christmases spent with her own family. That adds another dimension to the story as she not only reminisces but also reconnects with them at the holidays. The descriptions of the castle and the village really put you in the holiday spirit, beautifully written and festive.

The cover is exquisite and drew me in. I’ve read and enjoyed all the Christmas books written by this author and look forward to reading more. The recipes included in the back of the book are a nice touch, along with the activity of how to make snowflakes. If you’re a fan of Christmas-themed stories, give Karen Schaler’s books a try—if you haven’t already. A ROYAL CHRISTMAS FAIRY TALE is a winner!

I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.

This was such a cute Christmas book! It did have a very similar plot to the author’s other books but I enjoyed the Christmas theme and this was a quick fun read!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to honestly review.

This fairy tale ‘love’ story starts, like most Hallmark Christmas movies, with prince Alexander and journalist Kaylie disliking each other. With the help of his daughter, the princess and the queen, that slowly changes. Add in the royal family’s many Christmas traditions and delicious food, you get an enjoyable story.
Another well written, but highly predictable holiday novel by Karen Schaler. The characters were likable, as expected, but almost too sweet and agreeable. I wanted to like it more than I did, but found myself skimming to get to the end. Maybe I wasn’t yet in the mood for a holiday novel? Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital arc of this book.

Kaylie is an investigative reporter whose goal is to help those without power, and her favorite Christmas character seems to be the Grinch. But then she gets a secret opportunity to do a feature on Christmas traditions that turns out to be with the royal family of Tolvania.

The Queen and her granddaughter, the ten-year-old princess, were great characters. The widowed Prince Alexander is quite the cynic and especially distrustful of reporters. I had a hard time believing in the romance between the prince and Kaylie. They just didn't seem to fit well, and they both caused serious miscommunications.

But I loved all the Christmas traditions and the fairy tales. There are multiple different flavors of hot chocolate that made my mouth water. Plus there's a dog named Blixen who knows how to fetch people.

Overall, in lieu of the romance, this is a charming story about the importance of family and remembering the Christmas spirit.

Thank you to HawkTale Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

3.5 stars rounded up

When Kaylie Karlyle loses her job as an investigative reporter, an opportunity comes up to travel abroad. She does not know what her assignment is until she arrives and finds out she is to write a Christmas fairy tale for a young Princess. The Queen and young Princess are excited to meet Kaylie, but the young, widowed Prince Alexander wants nothing to do with her especially when he finds out she is a reporter. Can Kaylie come up with a fairy tale suited for a Royal family? What will happen when Kaylie starts having feelings for the Prince, but makes a mistake that might ban her from their lives forever?

This royal love story was such a wonderful novel. I loved the characters, especially the young spunky feisty Princess. It was charming, warm, and witty. I loved all the Christmas traditions that were shared in the story and could just sit back and imagine life in a castle with a royal family. It was the perfect holiday romance. Thank you to Hawktale Publishing, the author Karen Schaler and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy that I voluntarily read and reviewed.

Title: A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale
Author: Karen Schaler
Publisher: HawkTale Publishing
Genre: Holiday Fiction

For some people October signals ‘spooky season’. For others, it signals new release’s of Holiday/Christmas books! And spoiler alert . . . neither answer is wrong!

It just wouldn’t be the holiday season without a new Karen Schaler (@traveltherapy) book. Last year I got to review ‘Christmas Ever After’ and this year I’m back with her lastest ‘A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale’. This just may be my favorite yet! You probably know Karen from her hit book & Hallmark movie ‘Christmas Camp’ or maybe even her Netflix movies ‘A Christmas Prince’. As you can see she is no stranger and a veteran when it comes to writing about Christmas!

A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale opens up introducing us to main character, Kaylie Karlyle. Kaylie is a bulldog investigative reporter and is kind of grinch when it comes to Christmas. Her and her family haven’t celebrated Christmas in years. And that’s what she plans to do again this year . . . work through Christmas. That is, until her news station gets bought out and she loses her job. Desperate for work, she agrees to go to “somewhere in Europe” for her former boss and write a “fluffy” piece on Christmas traditions. Something that isn’t her normal cup of tea. Or hot cocoa. But money is money. Imagine her surprise when the assignment is for the royal family in Tolvania. And the assignment is actually to write a fairy tale for the princess for a Christmas present!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 A moody prince love story? Yes, please. I loved this one. I loved all the characters. This one felt so whimsical and magical. Exactly how you want Christmas to feel in your heart. The Christmas traditions were so fun. And of course the food! (Karen is always so kind to include recipes in her books!) If holiday books are your jam, this one needs to go to the top of the list!

Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for honoring my request to read and review this title!

All the right elements of a perfect Christmas happily ever after. A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale tells a story in the title alone. I was not disappointed with the actual written words, bringing this magical story to life. All of the characters, particularly the queen, were delightful and enjoyable to get to know. The story was creative and well-paced. The beauty and magic of Christmas are sprinkled throughout the entire story, making me want to stay in the warm, lovely holiday cocoon that wrapped around me from page one. I can’t wait for the movie version. Do not miss this exceptional Christmas fairy tale.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

This is a royal, fairy tale Christmas. It was cute and sweet and everything I want in holiday story. This is the big city woman goes to quaint village kingdom and learns the meaning of Christmas trope. I love this trope and I really liked reading Kaylie's journey through it. I would have liked a bit more romance, but not a huge drawback. Overall, a magical Christmas castle story and I'm here for it.

I need more royal christmas books. Something about royalty at Christmas is the best thing ever and just makes Christmas feel so cozy.

I've seen the Christmas Hallmark movies from Karen Schlaler and always thought they were fun, lighthearted, and cute. So when I got the ARC to read A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale I was excited!
First off I have to say that this book is well written. The lines flow smoothly and I can imagine this title to be made into another Hallmark holiday movie. However, there were also parts that really dragged.

While A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale is supposed to be like a fairy tale come true romance story, I felt it to be too much of that exact trope. I know, I know, that's what these type of stories are supposed to be - the feel-good type of stories that leave you with a happy feeling at the end of reading it. But there truly were parts that made me roll my eyes a bit.

Kaylie Karlyle, the female MC is a bit of an airhead in my opinion. She's supposed to be an investigative journalist but once she meets the Prince of Tolvania, she forgets her professionalism and instead, acts like the typical "American tourist". I say American Tourist because it seems that whenever Americans visit other countries, there seems to be a disrespect for the country they are in. In the sense of Kaylie, she is too carefree, too flamboyant in the eyes and presence of royalty. I'm guessing the author wants Kaylie to be a carefree character, but when you're on assignment and then asked specifically from the Queen, one should really be a bit more proper.

Prince Alexander is stoic and untrusting of Kaylie and he has good reason to be. There's not much description of him and in fact, throughout the story, he is often referred to as "the prince". I guess I'm just more used to them being addressed by their titles when reading a book with royals.

There is an ongoing mystery throughout the book which the author dropped hints here and there. But I can't describe this book to be a mystery book either. Overall, the plotlines in this book could be tightened up a bit. But if this was made into a movie, then I can see it translating well as a TV movie. As a book, there were just too many unbelievable parts to really register well.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this title.

A super funny story. The cast of characters is amazing. Kaylie is an investigative reporter who loses her job at Christmas. She gets a new temporary one that tests her limits. Prince Alexander is a man who hates the press. The conversations are just wild as the Queen and Prince butt heads. There is lots of teasing and miscommunication that become laugh out loud moments. It is a wonderful and lighthearted Christmas story that is just delightful.

A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale is the story of Kaylie Karlyle. After Kaylie loses her NYC reporting job, she takes a last minute assignment in Europe. When she arrives at the mysterious assignment, she discovers that she is expected to write a Christmas fairy tale for a young princess in a small eastern European country. As Kaylie explores Christmas traditions in Tolvania, she slowly becomes interested in the princess's widowed father, Prince Alex ... and she learns to open her heart to Christmas and to love.

I wanted to read this book because I have enjoyed reviewing previous Christmas novels by Karen Schaler. She is the queen of Hallmark movies - both writing scripts and writing novels that are turned into movies. Her books have a warm, cozy feeling, and this novel is no exception!

I will admit that at first the whole Tolvania setting was a bit over the top for me. But I decided to just settle in and enjoy the charm of this story, and I found a lot to like. In this very sweet, fairy tale setting, it helps that Kaylie is a more cynical New Yorker - an investigative journalist by trade. It was fun seeing her explore this fairy tale world with skepticism at first, and then finding much to love in the castle and outlying quaint village at Christmas time.

I loved so many of the details, like the upside down Christmas trees, storage room full of vintage Christmas (I would love to explore that!), and tour of a village chocolate factory. The food descriptions in this book are amazing, and there are even some recipes included at the end of the book. (Gingerbread pancakes sound amazing!)

The love story between Kaylie and Alex develops slowly and with great warmth. I also enjoyed Kaylie's growing friendship with little Princess Anna. There is a delightful chapter when Anna (who is 10 years old) tries to teach Kaylie how to paint.

A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale is exactly like watching a Hallmark movie - lovely and comforting, perfect for a long afternoon with cocoa or tea by a cozy reading chair. I recommend this novel for anyone who loves Christmas and who enjoys holiday romance.

A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale will take you on a glitter-filled, hot chocolate enjoying adventure along with a few sprinkles of magic… or at least, it feels that way. And if that isn’t a lovely Christmas Romance cover, then I’ve no idea what would be more so.

Kaylie has just been let go from her job, a touch of a surprise there but her former boss has a tip for her as she heads out on a private flight to an unknown destination and assignment. Unfortunately for Kaylie, she’s also going to get up close and personal with one very rude man who will play a part in this adventure of hers… eventually. Upon arrival in the country of Tolvania, Kaylie is about to discover that she’s to interview the Royal Family and create a fairy tale for the Princess from her own imagination and the country’s traditions. With the unwanted help of Prince Alexander – remember him? Mr. Rude on the Plane? Yep, fun times.

Together Alexander and Kaylie set out to discover (and for the prince, rediscover) the country’s rich history and Christmas traditions… and perhaps along the way lose some of their own bah-humbug attitudes that certainly must have descended upon them from Ebeneezer Scrooge himself. And should they find love along the way, well, this is the perfect place for that to happen.

The cover description gives you a really good idea of what you’ll be picking up in A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale – and the rest you should discover on your own for this story is full of sugar and spice, and really not everything nice, at least to begin with. It was fun watching walls crumble around Kaylie and Alexander, and any scene with a sweet princess was a treat. I enjoyed myself, got caught up in the beginnings of the holiday season, and simply smiled throughout this fairytale-ish romance. If you love getting lost in Christmas movies or stories this time of year then this is a perfect fit for you. Enjoy.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*