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kaitsbooked's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
theespressoedition's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
The "First Lady of Christmas" - otherwise known as brilliant author, Karen Schaler - has done it yet again! A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale made my heart grow three sizes (or more) - and I'm definitely not a Grinch! It's just always so heartwarming to read her beautiful books. This one felt familiar...
...because it reminded me of A Christmas Prince! This didn't come as too much of a surprise, since Karen was the screenwriter for that adorable movie series. When I read the synopsis, I definitely wondered if the book would have similar vibes. I'm glad it did because it's one thing to read a book and wonder what it would be like as a movie, but it's another thing entirely to watch a movie and wonder what it would be like as a book! There were some obvious differences throughout the story, but I truly loved that there were so many similarities.
It wasn't quite a "grump and sunshine" so much as a "grump and grump" - with an investigative reporter who is pretty unabashed in her dislike for Christmas and a prince who's too much of a workaholic to enjoy the holidays since his wife passed away. The actual sunshine in the story is definitely Anna, the prince's daughter, who radiates joy throughout the entire book! I also loved the fierce and persuasive queen, who wants to bring everyone together to celebrate Christmas to the fullest.
There's so much redemption in this book. Second chances, forgiveness, love, and warmth are the primary themes. I found myself smiling so widely as I read. It was incredibly sweet and full of cheer! I also loved the subtle cheese to it, which gave me more of those "Hallmark movie" vibes. However, it wasn't overtly cheesy and had a great amount of depth to it, which I always appreciate in romances.
A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale definitely put me in a holly jolly mood! Oh - and of course, now I want to visit Tolvania! It sounds like a Christmas dream come true!
...because it reminded me of A Christmas Prince! This didn't come as too much of a surprise, since Karen was the screenwriter for that adorable movie series. When I read the synopsis, I definitely wondered if the book would have similar vibes. I'm glad it did because it's one thing to read a book and wonder what it would be like as a movie, but it's another thing entirely to watch a movie and wonder what it would be like as a book! There were some obvious differences throughout the story, but I truly loved that there were so many similarities.
It wasn't quite a "grump and sunshine" so much as a "grump and grump" - with an investigative reporter who is pretty unabashed in her dislike for Christmas and a prince who's too much of a workaholic to enjoy the holidays since his wife passed away. The actual sunshine in the story is definitely Anna, the prince's daughter, who radiates joy throughout the entire book! I also loved the fierce and persuasive queen, who wants to bring everyone together to celebrate Christmas to the fullest.
There's so much redemption in this book. Second chances, forgiveness, love, and warmth are the primary themes. I found myself smiling so widely as I read. It was incredibly sweet and full of cheer! I also loved the subtle cheese to it, which gave me more of those "Hallmark movie" vibes. However, it wasn't overtly cheesy and had a great amount of depth to it, which I always appreciate in romances.
A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale definitely put me in a holly jolly mood! Oh - and of course, now I want to visit Tolvania! It sounds like a Christmas dream come true!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Death of parent
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