Vivian Forest's daughter Maddie will not take no for an answer when she asks her mother to spend Christmas with her in England while she is on assignment to design and dress a Duchess. Facing a possible promotion that will tie her up time-wise, Vivian plans to take full advantage of her stay in England. What she doesn't expect is to meet the charming Malcolm Hudson, the Queen's Private Secretary. The two hit it off right away and the more time they spend together, they closer they become. However, they both know their any relationship they have will be short lived. They both have their own lives to live--and an ocean between them.
Royal Holiday is a sweet holiday romance between two middle-aged people (yay!). Malcolm and Vivian are such nice people. Although I enjoyed their time getting to know each other at the Sandringham Estate, it felt like something was missing. I wanted a tad more complexity--to the characters and their overall story. I think the author attempts that toward the end of the novel with Malcolm and his nephew, Vivian and her promotion and then their sudden realization that their time together is coming to an end--something they hadn't even talked about before then. And yet, I still found Royal Holiday to be a delightful read in it's own way. It made me smile and I wanted to keep reading. I enjoyed my time with Vivian and Malcolm (and especially wish I could sample Julia's cooking!). I have heard the author's earlier books in the series are better, and I look forward to finding out for myself.
I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. Wonder, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. [Goodreads Summary]
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I've heard my daughter mentioned Wonder a while back but have yet to explore it. I'm glad to hear it's a good book featuring many thought-provoking issues.
ReplyDeleteMelody - If she or you get a chance, it's worth reading.
DeleteI read Wonder and really liked it, then I watched the movie. They did a good job with the movie, not straying too far from the book. Great review.
ReplyDeleteCarla - I haven't seen the movie yet, but hope to early this next year. My daughter's class hasn't yet finished the book, but I imagine it will be in another week or two. They are really close to the end. I'm anxious to see the movie and see how it compares to the novel.
DeleteI liked both of these books. In fact, Royal Holliday got me into this type of romance books, which have been perfect pandemic reading.
ReplyDeleteHelen - I really enjoy these types of romances. I do wish this one had something more, but I have no doubt I will be reading more by the author and will likely enjoy her work.
DeleteI haven't read either of them but they do sound good.
ReplyDeleteMary - They were good. I'm glad I go the chance to read them. :-)
DeleteI picked up Wonder one evening and didn't put it down until I finished. It really is a fabulous book. I love that Royal Holiday features a middle aged couple.
ReplyDeleteCarole - Can I tell you how hard it was to read it slowly over these past several weeks? I tried not to get too far ahead of my daughter as her class was reading it, but it was tough. I finally just finished it because I couldn't wait any longer. I am sure her class will be done by mid-January, if that. Then I can finally see the movie!
DeleteI really liked that Royal Holiday features a middle age couple too. You don't see that too often in romance.
I still need to read Wonder but have heard great things about it. I really enjoyed Royal Holiday when I read it. I haven't read the earlier books in the series yet, but I did read the latest one, Party of Two, and thought it was fantastic.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne - I hope you will give Wonder a chance. It's worth it. I will look forward to reading Party of Two since you liked it so much. :-)
DeleteI've heard really good things about Wonder! Sounds like a very good book for children/all ages
ReplyDeleteEustacia - It really is. It's very well written and although it's clearly aimed for a younger audience, I think even adults could take something away from it. I know I did.
DeleteSounds like Wonder is a book that would be a good read for all ages! I must add this to my TBR list. Great review, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteIliana - I think so! If you do read it, I hope you enjoy it.
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