Melody Carlson is my go-to for Christmas stories and she doesn't disappoint in her newest novel, A Royal Christmas. The short novel has everything need for a quick Christmas read.
The story is similar to Princess Diaries with a young law student, Adelaide Smith, finds out she is a missing royal of a small nation. Upon arrival at her new homeland, she finds not everyone is happy with her new being found a royal! Of course, that it all happens at Christmas time, just adds to the charm of the book.
All Melody Carlson's fans will be excited to add this to their Christmas collection!
I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to Revell and NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

I've enjoyed many of Carlson's holiday novellas, and this one is no exception. It showcases the true Christmas meaning of Christmas while filling the reader with holiday spirit. Fans of "The Princess Diaries" will likely enjoy this book. I do like the twist of Adelaide being a law student. The descriptions of Montovia are charming and easy to visualize.

A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson is all that I would expect from a sweet Christmas novella. Adelaide is a down to earth character, easily relatable, just trying to get through her day to day. She is trying to complete her schooling to be a lawyer and receives an official royal letter that knocks her socks off. She follows the trail, and it seems to be official. So, she travels to Montovia to meet her father and there receives so much more! This story has all the holiday treats that make you want to settle in and savor it, page by page. I felt like it unraveled at a good pace and characters were well developed for the role they were given. I enjoyed the royalty, the surprises, the Christmas spirit, the focus on family, and the space for the unexpected.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

This was an amazing story! I loved the characters and the way that Melody Carlson developed them. Adelaide has had a rough few years and is blown away to find out about a family she didn't know existed. The book is set around the Christmas season and the reader is able to learn about some new traditions. This book also showed the power of prayer and waiting for God's answer. This was a great novella and I highly recommend it!!

Thanks to Net Galley and Revell for the reader's galley in return for and honest review of this book.

A Cinderella story with a sinister twist. Adelaide discovers her mother was engaged to a prince, but his father forbid the marriage. Adelaide was the result of the doomed romance. King Max invites Adelaide to Montovia. He’s dying, and hopes she’ll take the throne. This angers his wife, who covets the crown for her son. Queen Johanna will stop at nothing, as evidenced by the king’s missing brother. Adelaide’s life will never be the same.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I look forward to reading Melody Carlson's annual Christmas time books! This one is just as delightful as I had hoped! Adelaide is a poor, hard-working law student whose mother has recently passed away. She is shocked to receive a letter stating DNA confirmation that her unknown father is actually a king in a small European country! This entertaining rom com was a step above expectations with the additions of palace intrigue, inclusion of faith influences and the smart, kind and savvy palace guide who was also a member of Parliament. The ending had unexpected twists. The book is short, but much was packed into it!
I appreciate being able to read this book, compliments of the publishers. The thoughts expressed are my own.

I love Melody Carlson's Christmas stories. Beautiful stories full of love and a message of faith. A Royal Christmas is has a Cinderella fairytale retelling vibe. A must read for your Christmas list.

A Royal Christmas should help get your heart ready for the season.

Meet struggling law student Adelaide who thinks she’s being pranked when a gold embossed letter arrives. The contents turn out to be legit and before you can say “Your Majesty,” she’s whisked off to Montovia to meet her dying father, the king.

Adelaide is escorted by the nephew of the Prime Minister and as he introduces her to the kingdom she could inherit, she opens herself up to love. Then you add in the icy queen who wants the throne for her son, and will stop at nothing to get it, and you have a festive frolic through the snow.

As a Brit, I get twitchy about royal stories with fake European kingdoms. I think this one took the issue of royal inheritance a little too lightly. The way the royals behaved didn’t quite ring true either. But again, that might be my ingrained views kicking in.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and should be popular with anyone who likes cheesy Christmas movies. I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. The views are my own.

I must say that A Royal Christmas surprised me. It delivered much more depth, emotion, & interest than the familiar direction I thought it was taking… you know, the young-woman-down-on-her-luck-finds-out-she’s-really-a-princess-cheesy-Hallmark-movie.

REVIEW WITHOUT SPOILERS:
At times, it felt similar to the Princess Diaries storyline (not a bad thing by any means), but it held its own with serious topics throughout. Also, instead of a cheesy romance, it was focused more on family relationships (past and present).

Oh, don’t worry, there was romance, but it was a slow burn, sweet, and super clean - only a little romantic tension. 🥰

I liked how the book started in a unique way. OK, it was in a coffee shop and our main character, Adelaide, was sharing her doubts and disappointments with her best friend when she finds out the crazy news.

And to be honest, I was preparing myself for a predictable/unrealistic reason why she had no idea her father was royalty and she was a princess. However, the explanation was believable. And the actions that followed made sense.

Breadcrumbs of backstory about her parents were sprinkled right up until the end of the book with great satisfaction. The comments from her Dad about her Mom at the end….. heartwarming.

I missed the memo that this was a novella until I realized I'd just about read the whole thing in one sitting. Yet, the only place it felt rushed was in the quick bond between Adelaide and the father she’d just met. It felt a little cringe at first how he wanted her to call him “Father,” but their relationship grew on me fast.

I also loved how our main character had a heart of gold with a feisty side when needed. Especially in one specific scene where someone told her she couldn’t do something and she kindly did it anyway - going around them to do it. 😁

The author did a great job of making me care about Adelaide and root for her from the start. Although I didn’t care as much about her best friend, I felt as if she had a believable persona and I did like her sarcasm.

The dialogue flowed smoothly. I did not listen to the audiobook. However, I could hear the conversations in my head as I read. That’s good dialogue writing.

I liked how faith was a subtle thread woven into the plot. No pomp and circumstance. We first see it in Adelaide’s simple prayer at the end of Chapter two, followed by several silent prayers throughout. Her father was a believer as well and mentioned God.

FAVE QUOTE
"God’s plan in God’s time."

JUST SO YOU KNOW
Adelaide is grieving the loss of her Mom. Also, one person’s health and care is a big part of the plot, as well as conversations about loss.

Last but not least, the book cover is gorgeous.

4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I may get into more detail on my October wrap up video on my channel at the end of the month. ☕

I received this book from NetGalley to review & these opinions are my own.

Good clean read. I enjoyed the book and the plot. But I would put in in the category of clean not Christian. Mentioning praying and saying one motto about God does not make a Christian book. Also, it just ends. No explaining. No prologue. Nothing. That's why 4 stars.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

About this book:

“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.”


Series: As of now, no. A stand-alone novella.


Spiritual Content- Prayers; Church going; Talks about God; 'H's are not capital when referring to God; Set around Christmas and mentions of the true reason for the holiday, a nativity, & hymns; Mentions of God, Jesus, His plans and timing, & peace; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of churches, church going, services, & a priest; A mention of Heaven; A mention of a miracle; A mention of women’s church groups; A mention of a cross necklace;
*Note: Mentions of Saint Nicholas, day of celebration around him, & Santa Claus; Mentions of the day before Saint Nicholas day is similar to Halloween with an evil “half-goat, half-demon” creature called “Krampus” that terrorizes children into behaving and is part of the pagan winter solstice rituals (said to have been the son of Hel and the underworld, parties will have devil costumes and lots of drinking, shown negatively, up to semi-detailed); A few mentions of someone who has passed away watching another’s event; A couple mentions of fictional myths/folklore (Loch Ness Monster & Big Foot); A mention of not being able to see another who has passed “in this world” again (both the person who has passed and Adelaide who thinks this are Christians).


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘heck’; A bit of Sarcasm; Adelaide goes to a Halloween-like party (people dress up as devils or with horns and drink a lot) and has a fake alcoholic drink to blend in; Grieving & Pain (up to semi-detailed); While it’s implied that Adelaide is given wine at dinner, we do not see her drink (besides mulled wine at events); Others socially drink (including the love interest) and talk about needing or having a drink or wine; Adelaide is grieving her mother after her tragic death *Spoiler* & father *End of Spoiler* (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of deaths & grieving (for a mother and a father); Mentions of illnesses (liver cancer), signs, & being near to death (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a missing person, some thinking foul play was involved, an abduction, & a possible murder; Mentions of an abduction & prank; Mention of scams; Mentions of alcohol, bars/pubs, drinking, social drinking at dinner and parties, & drunks; Mentions of eavesdropping; Mentions of a hunter & hunting; A few mentions of drunk driving & deaths (bluntly semi-detailed); A couple mentions of a possible drowning; A couple mentions of crimes; A couple mentions of drugs & addicts; A couple mentions of hatred; A couple mentions of rumors; A mention of a serial killer; A mention of World War II; A mention of a thief; A mention of smoking; A mention of the death of a pet cat;
*Note: Mentions of some in Montovia having a “backward attitude towards women” and Adelaide being upset by those people thinking that being female is a shortcoming; Mentions of brand names (Splenda & Sugar In The Raw); Mentions of movies, TV shows, actresses, songs, & fictional characters (including Finding Nemo, Shrek, Downton Abbey, & Sharon Stone); Mentions of car brands; A few mentions of social media sites and apps (YouTube, FaceTime, & Zoom); A few mentions of the British royal family; A couple mentions of Hallmark & Masterpiece Theater; A couple mentions of Adelaide being worried about what her “animal activist friends” would say about a fur coat; A mention of Disney; A mention of the phrase “buzzkill”.


Sexual Content- Two almost kisses (one being up to semi-detailed); Dancing & Hand holding (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Adelaide’s mother never told her about her biological father (they weren’t married so Adelaide was born out-of-wedlock/illegitimate, and the father didn’t know); Adelaide’s ex-boyfriend was insistent about them moving in together (she was waiting for a ring); Mentions of kisses & almost kisses; Mentions of dating, exes, & Adelaide’s mother being a “jerk magnet”; A few mentions of an affair & some thinking a woman might be having an affair; A few mentions of illegitimate children; A few mentions of crushes; A couple mentions of a woman being a head turner & getting attention; A mention of some wild dance moves making Adelaide blush; Some love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Adelaide wears a dress with a “slightly plunging neckline” to fit in at a party where many are dressed provocatively; Mentions of dresses with plunging necklines & slits and other provocative clothing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of Adelaide’s new stepbrother being interested in her as marrying her would be a quick way to get the throne; A couple mentions of Adelaide’s friend possibly being interested in a much older man (quickly shut down).

-Adelaide Smith, age 28/29
P.O.V. of Adelaide
176 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)

This plot (trope?) is so common of a normal girl finding out she’s a Princess, but is also just so much fun. I will completely blame the Princess Diaries movies for my love of this kind of book.

This book was cheesy at times and not one that requires a lot of thinking, but that’s nice some days—especially around the busy holiday season.

I liked Adelaide, she’s strong and stands up for herself against a queen that doesn’t like her. It was nice to not see a young woman in this position cowering or being meek. I wasn’t a fan of her best friend, though.

I didn’t love the parts about Krampus. I’m glad that it was portrayed negatively, but it affected my enjoyment of the story at times and makes me mark this book for older girls. The author definitely showed it as wrong and as a comparison for the True Meaning of Christmas, but I disliked the evil of it being in this book.

Being a novella, it did feel a bit rushed at the end to me, but it was still a good ending and an overall fun story. I would have loved to see an epilogue though!



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell) for this honest review.

Every year, Melody Carlson has a knack for writing a wonderful story to put us in the Christmas spirit. This year is no exception. A Royal Christmas is just such a story. Meet Adelaide Smith, struggling law student, so close to finally finishing her degree she is leaving her barista job for good. As fate would have it, she receives the letter that changes her life forever.

This novella is heartwarming and yes, a bit enchanting but still contains a bit of intrigue and mystery. All in time for the Christmas holiday season. I enjoyed this story and recommend this to all who enjoy a modern Cinderella story. This book, like all the other Christmas books I have by Melody Carlson will be read again and again.

I loved this wonderful almost fairy tale with love and intrigue and secrets and royalty. I loved Adelaide and how down to earth she is. I could not put the book down. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

There is a certain antihistamine brand that advertises with the song which proclaims it is the most wonderful time of the year. My husband can attest that this advertisement, regardless of my feelings about the product, chafes my soul like a swimsuit 2 sizes too small. They tease! I’m a fall fan through and through, but that phrase is reserved specifically for Christmas and to use it elsewhere is to deliver false hope. However, there is a silver tinsel light at the end of the tunnel, because fall means the release of the new Melody Carlson Christmas novella. It is the harbinger of Christmas carols to come, the first hopeful glimmer of the season in which I truly come alive! This year’s gift, A Royal Christmas, is a splendid addition to the Carlson Christmas chronicles I so crave. It is like jingling sleigh bells stop in front of my house on the sweltering fall day each year when my Carlson Christmas novella arrives. This one involves law student Adelaide Smith, still mourning the loss of her mother, and whose life is about to be shaken by the news that her father has found her by using a DNA match. And her father is the ailing king of a small Eastern European principality. And also, he hopes to stay alive long enough to meet the daughter he only recently learned he has, hopefully to find in her the heir to rule Montovia.

The relationships woven together through this story are intricate. It’s not your super cozy Christmas novella where someone misinterprets a hug between siblings as competition for romance. Adelaide quickly, but realistically, builds bonds with various members of the royal family and staff members. Some are worth keeping and others are a bit more in the spirit of Krampus than Father Christmas, when nefarious motives come into play. Carlson moves the book forward with a full novel’s character development and storyline in a novella length word count; a skill that left me feeling utterly satisfied and a wee bit bonded with certain characters. And if you know someone who delights in a Christmas novella, allow me to suggest this as a fantastic gift. I will surely reread A Royal Christmas at the height of my Thanksgiving through the new year Christmas novella marathon!

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

Adelaide Smith is just an ordinary woman, trying to finish law school, sharing a home with an older lady who likes cats, and working at a local coffee shop. She misses her mother, who died way too soon, and except for a few close friends, she is pretty much alone. Until one day she receives a letter that states that she is the long-lost daughter of the King of Montovia. What? How can this be possible? Well, it can, as she soon finds out. She also learns a little bit more about her mother and her secrets, as she looks forward to meeting her father.

Not everyone is excited about her existence. Throw in some political intrigue, missing royalty, balls, and Christmas, and you have a delightful holiday novella that for Adelaide is a fairy tale in the making.

This is a beautiful book inside and out, as this book also comes in a beautiful hardcover edition. This was a pleasant escape and I look forward to reading it again.

I was provided a copy of this novella from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

This was a fun and light read that addressed a couple of things that might be more difficult, that may be a contradiction but it really is. It is a girl without family that learns the truth about her mother's secret. Adelaide does a DNA test on an ancestry site and finds the father she never knew, a king. She is swept into a whirlwind trip to meet him because he is dying. She is faced with the need to get to know her father and trying to find her missing uncle. She finds herself not knowing who to trust, but knows something is amiss.

Adelaide is a fun character that has fire, wisdom, and is an absolute delight as she navigates her new country and possible royal duties. She is kind and attentive as she learns about the country and it's people. She also works to solve the mysteries and ensure the country's future

This novella is delightful and shows some fun European Christmas Traditions. It was an easy read and something that is toned well for Christmas, while still having enough conflict to be interesting,

I received an early copy from the publisher on NetGalley and this is my honest review.

It had to be a scam. Didn't it? When what appeared to be an official letter arrived giving shocking information, she was certain this was a scam. After all, how could Adelaide Smith who was raised by a single mother who eked out an existence be the daughter of King Maximillian V, the ruler of Montovia, a small European principality? After doing research, it appears this letter just might be legitimate she accepts the invitation to travel to Montovia to meet her father for the first time.
What she finds is nothing she ever expected.
A Royal Christmas is a lovely fairy tale come true story that takes place in an idyllic setting. There is a beautiful castle, a charming town, and enough family intrigue to keep readers engrossed in the story. When the King asks Adelaide to stay and to become Queen after he is gone, she is faced with uncertainty. She hasn't even become used to being a princess. How can she be a Queen?
I found this novella to be a charming, well told story. The author perfectly blends all the elements of the story together to give readers a wonderful reading experience. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

"A Royal Christmas" was something that Adelaide never imagined, not even in her faintest dreams. It was absolutely unbelievable, too far-fetched to believe, by any standards or by any stretch of the imagination. I like the character development in this novel. Adelaide's character is very well developed and matches the fast pace of the book. All readers of Melody Carlson's books will enjoy this fantastic addition to her stunning portfolio of truly exceptional books, guaranteed to captivate the reader's vivid imagination from start to finish. I highly recommend "A Royal Christmas to capture your instant attention and draw you into a high-profile world in which everyone is dazzled by the extraordinary trappings of royalty.

Wow! I can't even imagine finding out I was royalty. There were a lot of surprises in the short book by Melody Carlson. Adelaide left a lot behind to go on short notice to another country. She learns a lot about her family, her mom and her faith. Sweet Christmas read.

One day you are going to college and hardly making it payday to payday. The next you are a Princess. Unreal.

Adelaide wasn't so sure but she made the journey to a country called Montovia to meet a man who said he was her father.

A new country. A new family. Danger was threatening her very existence.

A cute holiday story that was full of surprises.

I wish the story didn't end so fast. I wanted to know a little more about Adelaide's future. There is room for a sequel. I hope so.

#ARoyalChristmas
#MelodyCarlson
#Christmas
I received this from Revell to review.