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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
A Royal Christmas Wedding by Rachel Hauck is the fourth book in the Royal Wedding series. Avery Truitt as well as her mother, Glo are dealing with the loss of her father in St. Simons Island, Georgia. Susanna, her sister, invites them to spend Christmas in Brighton Kingdom where she lives with her husband, King Nathaniel III. Glo is glad to get away from the memories and is excited to see Susanna (she is pregnant). Avery is not as excited. It has been five years since she has seen Prince Colin Tattersall. They were in love with each other, but Colin broke off their relationship very suddenly (and without a decent explanation). Avery has tried to get over him, but how do you forget your one true love.
There is a special tradition in Brighton Kingdom that has not been observed in 182 years. At the end of the Harvest Celebration, just after the last bell rings at midnight, a man in love can ring the Pembroke Chapel Bell. He is announcing his intention to woo and marry a woman on Christmas morning. Colin has been following the path his father set out for him for the last five years. But he is still in love with Avery. He is in the bell tower just before midnight and says a prayer. The Pembroke Bell then rings by itself. This is the sign Colin needed, and he sets out to win Avery. But Avery does not wish to come between Colin and his father. Will there be a happily ever after this Christmas for these two love birds?
A Royal Christmas Wedding is a sweet, predictable romance novel. I did not know this book was part of a series when I decided to read it (discovered it after I started reading the novel). It did not hinder my reading enjoyment. A Royal Christmas Wedding can be read alone. The author provides the reader with the information they need to understand and enjoy the story. The novel is nicely written, has engaging characters, good historical element, steamy romance, and has a nice Christian element. I give A Royal Christmas Wedding 4 out of 5 stars (I have to admit that I liked it). The epilogue wraps up the series with a bow.
There is a special tradition in Brighton Kingdom that has not been observed in 182 years. At the end of the Harvest Celebration, just after the last bell rings at midnight, a man in love can ring the Pembroke Chapel Bell. He is announcing his intention to woo and marry a woman on Christmas morning. Colin has been following the path his father set out for him for the last five years. But he is still in love with Avery. He is in the bell tower just before midnight and says a prayer. The Pembroke Bell then rings by itself. This is the sign Colin needed, and he sets out to win Avery. But Avery does not wish to come between Colin and his father. Will there be a happily ever after this Christmas for these two love birds?
A Royal Christmas Wedding is a sweet, predictable romance novel. I did not know this book was part of a series when I decided to read it (discovered it after I started reading the novel). It did not hinder my reading enjoyment. A Royal Christmas Wedding can be read alone. The author provides the reader with the information they need to understand and enjoy the story. The novel is nicely written, has engaging characters, good historical element, steamy romance, and has a nice Christian element. I give A Royal Christmas Wedding 4 out of 5 stars (I have to admit that I liked it). The epilogue wraps up the series with a bow.
maeilis's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
sparksofember's review against another edition
3.0
Similarly cute and Hallmark cheesy to the first of the series. The audio narration was better due to not trying to voice the Southern & British accents, but it was a bit fast. I had to check my speed on Libby to make sure it wasn't sped up. It wasn't enough to be a problem, just enough to make me notice.
I liked these two better than Suzanna/Nathanial but I felt like half their romance got skipped since it was in the past. We got a couple little flashbacks but it still would have been nice to see it. The conflict with the dad got cleaned up way to suddenly but the only thing that bothered me was
I liked these two better than Suzanna/Nathanial but I felt like half their romance got skipped since it was in the past. We got a couple little flashbacks but it still would have been nice to see it. The conflict with the dad got cleaned up way to suddenly but the only thing that bothered me was
Spoiler
the dad apologized to his son but not to Avery - considering he embarrassed her in front of the media, he owed her an apology a lot more than he owed anyone else.rgyger's review against another edition
4.0
I've never been a huge fan of Hauck's books, though I seem to continually end up with them on my review list. So A Royal Christmas Wedding was a pleasant surprise when I discovered that I actually enjoyed it. It is fairly short and sweet, a great read for anytime of year, and not just at Christmas.
Colin and Avery are incredibly mature about their past. While most novels dealing with characters who were once almost married usually devolve into petty arguments between the two, these characters managed to refrain. This made the story all the more enjoyable and made their relationship worth cheering for.
I might have rated it higher had there been a little more to the story. The length doesn't allow for any subplots or deeper issues. Yet I think the simplicity of the story compliments the joyful feel of Christmas and makes this a nice relaxing read for a normally hectic time of year. And with Valentine's Day coming around, maybe we could all use some simple romance.
I have provided an honest review after having received this book through The Fiction Guild.
Colin and Avery are incredibly mature about their past. While most novels dealing with characters who were once almost married usually devolve into petty arguments between the two, these characters managed to refrain. This made the story all the more enjoyable and made their relationship worth cheering for.
I might have rated it higher had there been a little more to the story. The length doesn't allow for any subplots or deeper issues. Yet I think the simplicity of the story compliments the joyful feel of Christmas and makes this a nice relaxing read for a normally hectic time of year. And with Valentine's Day coming around, maybe we could all use some simple romance.
I have provided an honest review after having received this book through The Fiction Guild.
flowersofquiethappiness's review against another edition
4.0
Seriously, can anyone else write such swoony, royal romances like Ms. Hauck? I think not! I have been a fan of her Royal Wedding series ever since book one, Once Upon a Prince, and this one is just as wonderful as the rest. I mean, we have another chemistry-laden couple who bicker a little and fight their attraction, a past romance that helps to complicate the present, we catch up with Nathaniel and Susanna's happily ever after, plus it all takes place in Brighton Kingdom at Christmas time (well, mostly)!!! What else do you need to know to convince you to read it?? ;)
Our main couple is definitely the highlight of the story. Avery and Prince Colin have a history that proves just as potent in their present. When the two of them are in close proximity neither can see anyone else! No matter how much they both deny it, their chemistry speaks for itself. Yet their past is not so easily overcome. Pain causes Avery to withdraw, while duty does the same for Prince Colin, and they have to work to rebuild trust in each other. Still, ignoring isn't an option since familial relationships mean they are required to spend time together. We all know where their story is going to end, but it's each hard conversation, as well as giddy moments filled with sweetness, that makes the journey so fun. Plus when they needed the push, a certain centuries-old tradition involving a bell decides to help. I loved all the supernatural bits added in, true love will not be denied!
All the side characters are just as interesting, especially since we get to spend more time with Nathaniel and Susanna, who end up being voices of much needed reason. And I so appreciated how Avery and Susanna, along with their mother, were honest about their grief for their father. Losing someone you love is difficult, it changes every aspect of your life, which is something I know well. So to see the sisters, especially Avery, working through the emotional upheaval was poignant. Ms. Hauck described the unknowns and emotions of grief very accurately. It was true and honest, and heartfelt.
The fairytale-like elements are another part of this story that I loved. What young girl hasn't dreamed of marrying a prince at some point? Ms. Hauck takes that idea and brings it to life for us again and again. Which just makes me *happy dance*! I read through the story with a constant grin on my face. I would certainly not be opposed to more books in this series, Ms. Hauck! More swoony romance please! :)
**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Our main couple is definitely the highlight of the story. Avery and Prince Colin have a history that proves just as potent in their present. When the two of them are in close proximity neither can see anyone else! No matter how much they both deny it, their chemistry speaks for itself. Yet their past is not so easily overcome. Pain causes Avery to withdraw, while duty does the same for Prince Colin, and they have to work to rebuild trust in each other. Still, ignoring isn't an option since familial relationships mean they are required to spend time together. We all know where their story is going to end, but it's each hard conversation, as well as giddy moments filled with sweetness, that makes the journey so fun. Plus when they needed the push, a certain centuries-old tradition involving a bell decides to help. I loved all the supernatural bits added in, true love will not be denied!
All the side characters are just as interesting, especially since we get to spend more time with Nathaniel and Susanna, who end up being voices of much needed reason. And I so appreciated how Avery and Susanna, along with their mother, were honest about their grief for their father. Losing someone you love is difficult, it changes every aspect of your life, which is something I know well. So to see the sisters, especially Avery, working through the emotional upheaval was poignant. Ms. Hauck described the unknowns and emotions of grief very accurately. It was true and honest, and heartfelt.
The fairytale-like elements are another part of this story that I loved. What young girl hasn't dreamed of marrying a prince at some point? Ms. Hauck takes that idea and brings it to life for us again and again. Which just makes me *happy dance*! I read through the story with a constant grin on my face. I would certainly not be opposed to more books in this series, Ms. Hauck! More swoony romance please! :)
**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
kerlyn's review against another edition
5.0
This book was just wondrous! Truly! I'm in tears by how beautiful this story turned out. its taught me so much about trusting God and wow I REALLY loved this whole series, just magnificent!
library_of_kindredspirits's review against another edition
4.0
What a cute little story! This was the perfect book to welcome the Christmas season with. Though, I’ve already watched a few Hallmark Christmas movies - because I’m a Christmas fanatic - this was the first Christmas book I’ve read this season. I’m very happy it was this one. It had all of the fluffy Christmas clichés, cute characters, and Christmas cheer. I’m officially in the Christmas mood and there’s no going back!
farmfreshlisa's review against another edition
3.0
Now, A Royal Christmas Wedding is a novella, making it shorter than the other books in the series. It did move faster than I usually like--almost TOO fast in parts. But being that it WAS a novella, this tends to be forgivable. Another reason that the faster speed is acceptable--this is a PICKING UP of a love story, so the novella assumes that the reader should already pretty much know the characters. You definitely could not read this book without having read Once Upon a Prince (book 1 in the series), but I don't think this book was ever meant to stand on its own in the series. Like I said--it's more of a tying up some lose ends sort of book.
AND, I can't forget that this IS a Christmas season book--and since I don't celebrate or worship Christmas, I just can't give Christmas setting books as high of a rating as I would non-holiday themed books, because descriptions of Christmas scenes cause me to flip pages until it's done--and there were a LOT of Christmas filled pages. LOL If you LOVE Christmas, than I'm sure you would rate it higher!
A Royal Christmas Wedding earns 3.5★
*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any other way for my review.
AND, I can't forget that this IS a Christmas season book--and since I don't celebrate or worship Christmas, I just can't give Christmas setting books as high of a rating as I would non-holiday themed books, because descriptions of Christmas scenes cause me to flip pages until it's done--and there were a LOT of Christmas filled pages. LOL If you LOVE Christmas, than I'm sure you would rate it higher!
A Royal Christmas Wedding earns 3.5★
*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any other way for my review.
gloriaclover's review against another edition
5.0
Delightful romance with wonderful God moments and spiritual growth and mature characters and still conflict. Well done, Rachel Hauck. And a double thank you for the epilogue that assured all the characters lived long and well.
kdurham2's review against another edition
3.0
The fourth in a series that are interconnected but focus on different characters, this book focuses on Prince Colin and Avery Truitt. It had been awhile since I had read the first three books, but it was easy to dip back into this world of sorts.
I would say out of all the characters and pairings in this series, I think I liked this one the least. I just couldn't fall in love with either of them and their love story just wasn't floating off the page. I knew going in that this being a Christian fiction romance that we wouldn't have any steamy bedroom scenes, but even with that this book just didn't get there for me. I loved the others, I think this one just flopped.
This wouldn't keep me from continuing to read Rachel Hauck as an author, but I think this series is done and I am glad.
I would say out of all the characters and pairings in this series, I think I liked this one the least. I just couldn't fall in love with either of them and their love story just wasn't floating off the page. I knew going in that this being a Christian fiction romance that we wouldn't have any steamy bedroom scenes, but even with that this book just didn't get there for me. I loved the others, I think this one just flopped.
This wouldn't keep me from continuing to read Rachel Hauck as an author, but I think this series is done and I am glad.