My Thoughts: So the title itself immediately drew me towards this book. Christmas is one of my favorite times of year and as a lover of books I would adore spending the holiday in a castle library. So I went into this book with very high hopes. This book definitely did not disappoint. The depth of the characters and the way faith was woven in so effortlessly was phenomenal. This was my first book by this author and I am hooked. Their was conflict but what I loved most was there didn't seem to be unnecessary drama that can sometimes happen with conflict in a romance. It felt natural and true to life. One of my new tests for a book is could I hand this to my thirteen year old and be okay with that, and this book definitely passes that test. The way Mark treats Ellie with a Christ like love is wonderfully heart warming. There is so much more I want to say but it would give spoilers. I may have to start giving a spoiler warning so I can talk about the books as much as I want.
I highlighted several quotes from this book. I am going to share two of my favorites:
"Help me see myself as you do, Lord. Help me define myself by your love. Because hope is here in my heart, too, but it feels like a small bird with broken wings that's been limping in my soul for years. I want it to fly, but I don't know how."
This next one may be considered a spoiler so read at your own risk, but it was too good not to share. I am loved this entire scene but am going to only share the last words Mark says to Ellie:
"Her burning cheeks were now wet with tears, but he didn't stop. "Please, Ellie, don't talk about the woman I love with disdain. Every part of you is precious to me and I love you."
I could relate so much to what Ellie went through and how she viewed herself because for the majority of my life I felt the same way. So to read what Mark says to her in this scene was like a balm to my soul because it reminded me of how my husband feels, and how God sees me. That beauty is so much more than what the world says it is, and was a reminder of how comparison truly is the thief of joy.
We get to continue with the story and discover more about the queen in the next book and I am excited for the next installment in this series. I highly recommend this book.
Here is a link so you can check out the book: Christmas in the Castle Library
Ann Swindell writes stories that point to Christ's presence in our day-to-day lives and the hope He brings to our hearts. She is the author of multiple books and the owner of Writng with Grace, where she teaches Christ-centered writing classes for women. Ann lives in West Michigan, and she enjoys adventuring with her family...usually with a cup of Earl Grey tea in hand.
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I want to thank the publishers for a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not required to provide a positive review and all opinions expressed are mine alone.
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts, I hope you have a blessed day.
Melanie
