“The perfect read for a cozy night by the fire!”–Apple Book Reviews She’s discovered his secret. Now the trouble really begins… After three years of mourning–and turning her dear deceased husband’s gazette into the ton’s sauciest source of fashion and gossip–Hollis Honeycutt feels her life has been strangely bereft of late… Her sister is living abroad, and her best friend moved to the … friend moved to the country. What must a young widow of rank and reputation do? Why, transform her society gossip sheets into serious investigative news, starting with a rumored coup…and the rather dashing, mysterious gentleman whom Hollis suspects might be the villain of her first real story, and she is the only one who can write it.
Marek Brendan is investigating terrible rumors of treachery and treason that threaten his home country of Wesloria, but he must proceed with caution. No one can discover the truth. After all, who would ever believe he is Wesloria’s lost crown prince? Only Hollis Honeycutt’s cerulean-blue eyes seem to know more than she’s letting on–and worse, Marek can’t seem to resist her curious charms. But even as betrayal threatens a nation and a throne, nothing is quite so dangerous as the lovely young widow who’s determined to find the truth…and a prince of her own.
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This has been a delightful series about 2 sisters and their best friend and how they have found love and happiness in the most unpredictable ways. Hollis has been a widow for three years. To honor her husband, Percy, and to keep herself busy, she turned his financial gazette into a paper for woman. It was a struggle to be taken seriously by the men who had produced her husband paper, but with the help of Percy’s best friend, Donovan, now her butler and companion, she has become a much stronger woman.
But now things are changing. Her sister has married the prince of Alucia, is a mother and one day will be queen. Their best friend Caroline married the prince’s brother and they moved out to the country. Now that her father is also planning to leave London, she is feeling restless and no longer fulfilled by the gazette. But at a royal ball, she sees a handsome but suspicious Weslorian and is determined to find out what he is about. Marek Brendan does have a secret, but it is not at all what she thought.
Wonderful characters and EVERYONE, except the villains of course, end up with a HEA.
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over: https://margaretmcgaffeyfisk.com/category/reviews/
Mrs. Hollis Honeycutt, a young widow, has watched her beloved sister and her best friend carried off by Alucian princes, leaving her in London with only her popular gazette to entertain her. She’s feeling out of sorts and lonely.
Marek Brendan is the advisor to the Weslorian Minister of Trade, if his superior would ever listen to him. He’s kept to the edges of events as Britain hosts his country and Alucia to facilitate trade negotiations, but something seems off. Neither the king’s appearance nor what Marek sees in the negotiations make sense.
Despite growing discontent with her life, Hollis still loves to write and to track down a good story. Is she to ignore the rumors she overhears about threats and plots then? Of course not. Even if her family doesn’t believe her, Hollis is on the case.
This is the third book in the series A Royal Wedding, which could easily have fallen into a pattern. Instead, Hollis and her true love meet under vastly different circumstances than found in the first two books. They’re both outside looking in. Marek’s upbringing and background set him apart while Hollis knows her presence is only tolerated because her sister married the Alucian crown prince.
She doesn’t wallow in this understanding, though. Hollis takes the opportunity to meet some real Weslorians. And who better to start with than the handsome, but aloof, fellow who saved her from an undignified spill onto the street as they were going in?
Marek’s not quite what he seems, and in the loud chatter of Queen Victoria’s tea party, his appearance of being standoffish is heightened because he can barely understand a word she’s saying. He’s deaf in one ear and partially in the other, a fact he does not share with every foreign lady who accosts him.
Hollis is nothing but persistent, however, and quickly declares him both a friend and a fellow investigator trying to uncover the truth of these rumors. After she accuses him of planning a coup, that is.
The characters are once again delightful and different in spirit as well as circumstances compared to the couples from the previous books. The story is true to the Victorian period, with Hollis taking advantage of the increased freedom offered a widow to make her gazette a success while causing her family, birth and chosen, no end of alarm. She may balk at the restrictions, but her behavior does not pass without notice any more than other events escape the dangerous consequences of the time. Despite the deviation from history to produce a slew of princes to marry, the book successfully brings to mind the period in which it is set.
I’ve mentioned for the previous two books how the description, especially of clothing, seemed a bit much for me. Oddly enough, when the story focuses on the very producer of iHoneycutt’s Gazette of Fashion and Domesticity for Ladies and every chapter begins with a clip from same, I didn’t feel as though fashion distracted from the intrigue at all. It may be Hollis is less interested in fashion than it would seem.
Beyond the rumors of a coup, there’s more going on than anyone knows… That is until Hollis turns a sharp gaze to following the clues her groundwork lays before her, and the careful reader. This is one of the fun parts about this book because Hollis is not tripping over the intrigue but rather diving in against all recommendations, even those of her best friend Donovan.
I appreciated how Marek recognizes what makes Hollis tick. He sees her as she is rather than how he’d want her to be. Even more, he’s entranced by her nature. The development of their relationship from initial draw to love is well written both for the story and the period. There is open door intimacy before their happy ever after, but the physical is only one aspect of their attraction. The connection is complicated by what she knows, by their different home countries, and the responsibilities that keep each where they are.
I’ve enjoyed this book as much as the others in the series. Julia London is talented, and capable both of telling a compelling story and seeding a mystery so I can make my guesses alongside the characters. Besides, I liked Hollis and Marek a lot. I’m glad they found their answers, though they might not be what you suppose.
P.S. I received this Advanced Reader’s Copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Julia London balances the perfect amount of light, holiday romance with bits of mystery and intrigue. A strong-willed Victorian widow eyes a dashing stranger *and then* accuses him of a coup. 🙂 Not to worry. He has a few secrets of his own. This is a fun, fast read to enjoy.
An outspoken and persistent widow, Hollis, runs a gazette. She sniffs out a story of a possible coup in Marek’s country and helps him uncover the plot.
I absolutely loved this, the final book in the Royal Wedding series. This time we have Hollis Honeycutt’s story. Widowed at a young age when her husband was tragically killed in an accident, Hollis has done her best to keep her husband’s gazette afloat. It’s now been 4 years since the accident, and Hollis has seen her sister Eliza marry the heir to the throne of Alucia, and her best friend Caroline married to a prince of Alucia. Now everyone has gathered in London for a series of peace talks between the countries of Alucia and Westloria that was put together by Queen Victoria.
Hollis has her ear to the ground and has discovered that a plot might be brewing that would affect the King of Westloria. During royal functions that she was able to attend, she realizes that one of the men there, Westlorian by his green band, staring at the king. She makes it her business to find out who the man is and why he is so interested in the king.
Marek Brendan is an attaché who is in attendance to support Westloria. He knows the facts and figures of Westloria’s trade with other countries and has been concerned recently because of inconsistencies and errors that has been occurring. When he brings his concerns to his superior, he’s brushed aside. After meeting Mrs. Honeycutt, he can’t get her off his mind, mainly because she won’t leave him alone. She even has the nerve to accuse him of being part of the plot she’s uncovered. Marek also has a couple of secrets. One of which is the fact that he’s deaf in his left ear and partially deaf in his right. His other? He’s the long-lost Prince of Westloria. He was kidnapped as a child and presumed dead. This was something the ever-vigilant Hollis deduced right away.
The two join forces, rather unwillingly on Marek’s part, to find out if there really is a plot, who’s behind it, and to stop it in time.
Now, if you haven’t read the first two books in the series, I highly recommend. The characters refer to things that happened in previous stories, and besides, they’re really good books and worth the read!
I loved the fact that Hollis gets her own love story. It’s not easy, but the best things rarely are. It was wonderful to see Hollis get Marek to open up, and it was lovely to see just about everything in the series wrapped up. I did wish that Caroline’s brother Beck, Lord Iddesleigh, would’ve gotten his own story. I was also glad that Donovan got his happily ever after.
This series was a joy to read. I absolutely loved all the characters, the writing and the stories. Great work!
**I received an ARC of this story and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Oh, Julia London, how you transport me in your fabulous Victorian London escapism. I adored and devoured this Christmas romp with the perfect mysterious gentleman hero and an unstoppable Victorian widow. Loved it!
I love Julia London! I’ve been a fan of hers for a very long time! I love a Victorian Christmas novella, and this one checks all the boxes. This book is great escape reading!!
It’s a Victorian Christmas! Hollis Honeycutt has watched her sister marry a future king, her best friend marry a prince, and her father plan a move to the country. All she has to occupy her is the publication of her ladies gazette. But there is only just so much you can print about curl creams. When Hollis sees a mysterious gentleman lurking about, she does the only thing any restless Victorian widow would do—she asks him if he is plotting a coup. This is such a fun, witty, romance. The characters are unique and original and I could not stop turning the pages. Julia London delivers not only romance but fun!
This is the third book in the ROYAL WEDDING series. Even though each book in the series stands alone, I recommend reading them in order, due to the references to past events. I’m a sucker for royal romance, so I went back and read the first two books before finishing this one.
They’re all fun, lighthearted, swoony romances with well-drawn characters and more than a hint of intrigue. I liked the strong heroines in particular. They basically do what they want, no matter how many men tell them no. And the fairy tale aspect makes them a nice escape. If you like Victorian romance, don’t miss this series!
It completely charmed me… The chemistry is so delicious. I simply didn’t want to put it down.
Charming, witty, and warm. This is perfect historical romance.
Another good read from London. I really liked these characters and the plot of this book. I was a bit disappointed that Marek didn’t make himself known to his relatives. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
A Princess by Christmas by Julia London is book Three in A Royal Wedding Series. This is the story of Hollis Honeycutt and Marek Brendan. I did feel this was a standalone book for me. Marek is more than he lets on when he is working to investigate a case of possible treason. Marek is know as the advisor to the Minister of Trade for Wesloria but he hasn’t revealed who he really is for his own reason. Hollis is a young widower who has been taken care of her late husband’s newspaper. But in her present day her sister and best friend have started a new life with the men they have fallen in love with leaving Hollis alone with her paper. Thinking to spice up the paper with more news worthy stories leads her to suspect there is more to Marek then he presents to be. So let the games begin with their hunt and chase to their happy ending. Really enjoyed this book.
A live story with a side of mystery. Busy but not in a getting lost, what just happened sort of busy. I enjoyed this final (?) story.
A PRINCESS BY CHRISTMAS, book 3 in Julia London’s A Royal Wedding series, brings us Hollis Honeycutt’s story. Hollis watched both her sister and best friend find love and happiness, moving away in the process. Hollis lost her beloved husband three years ago and spent the time since taking his financial newspaper in a different direction and making it wildly successful as a women’s paper with advice and gossip. This was great, but Hollis wanted more. She wanted to be taken seriously so went looking for a serious story. When England hosted peace talks between Wesloria and her sister, Eliza’s new home country of Alucia. When Hollis overhears what sounds like a plot to overthrow the Weslorian king, she is intrigued and on alert. While attending one of the events, Marek Brendan catches her eye. Not only does he seem out of place, but he seems to be watching the Weslorian King more closely than he should be.
Marek came to London as part of the Weslorian delegation as the assistant to the Trade Minister, but when the talks start taking a turn in the opposite direction than he thinks they should and his King looks frail, Marek is determined to find out what is going on, but why does Hollis keep popping up, insisting she can help? Marek is a loner by choice and necessity, so he isn’t sure what to make of her or whether he can trust her.
I love Hollis. She lost her husband unexpectedly and early. Once she realizes that she has to go on, she does. She is strong and independent, but also loyal. She doesn’t need a man to live her life or tell her what to do, yet she has Donovan and lets the world think what it wants about their relationship. Her loyalty is amazing, not only to her family, but to those who depend on her. When she meets Marek who first accepts her help and then realizes how wonderfully unique she is, her eyes are opened to the fact it’s time to let go of the past and find her future because her life is missing something. Marek never thought there would be someone he could trust with his secrets, but now that he’s met Hollis, would she want to share his simple life?
Mystery, romance, family, and secrets: Julia London has packed this novel with so much to love. Her characters are quirky and loveable. The pages kept turning as I flew through it and I hated to see the end. Grab a cup of tea and cozy up to London’s latest.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
#aprincessforchristmas #aroyalwedding #julialondon #harlequin #HQN
Royal Wedding Book Three.
Hollis Honeycutt has taken over her late husband’s gazette and turned it into a ladies’ gossip rag, however she has tired of the inanity of the topics. Hollis wants to expand into more serious subject matter, no matter how many men tell her women shouldn’t concern themselves with politics and intrigue. When Hollis overhears the whispers of a rebellion in Wesloria, she decides this will be her new topic of pursuit. She immediately locks onto the unknown man who seems out of place in the Queen’s audience. Marek Brendan has had a bad feeling about the seemingly random mistakes that have been happening in Wesloria. He worries that the woman following him might be a spy, as unlikely as that seems. When the two find out they’re on the same side, they decide they should team up, even if only to make sure the other doesn’t get in their way.
If you’ve been waiting for Hollis’s story, you will not be disappointed!
Filled with scandal and secrets, charm and love. Truly enjoyable historical fiction. Julia London captures the time and place so well. I loved it.
Now is the time for Hollis Honeycutt to step out and make changes to her life. She has grieved her husband and carried on with the Gazette he started and has made it a very successful publication. Her older sister has married a prince and lives far away in Alucia with her infant daughter and husband while her very dear friend, Caroline, has also met her own prince and has moved to the country. So, Hollis has been studying the history of Westloria in anticipation of the Westloria-Alucia peace summit being held in London. She meets a handsome stranger at a social event from Westloria and becomes very intrigued with Mr. Marek Brendan and he actually listens to her theories of rebellion and sabotage at the summit. Both parties are keeping secrets but learn to trust each other.
This was an enjoyable story and although it can be read as a standalone, I enjoyed reading all of the stories in the Royal Wedding series.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own.
The peace talks between Alucia and Wesloria are set to begin in London. Rumors abound about a coup to get rid of the Weslorian king. Hollis Honeycutt is determined to find the truth. As the publisher of the Honeycutt Gazette, she is always tracking down gossip that society wants to keep hidden. Hollis is a fascinating character. She’s a widow with a sparkling wit and a keen intelligence. When she meets a mysterious man at the palace, she decides to learn more about him. Marek Brendan is the strong silent type who has a devastating secret. He keeps his own council, but Hollis has a way of getting him to open up. I loved the chemistry between them. Definitely opposites attract. Marek is a loner. Is there a reason why he watch the Weslorian king so closely? Hollis pulled me into her story. She was so alive. I couldn’t put down this book until I knew that she would get her HEA. It was wonderful to catch up with familiar characters from earlier books in this series. The Christmas season was the perfect setting for this romantic adventure. Julia London did a wonderful job writing Hollis. I related to her and her concerns. When she meets Marek, her world changes. I wanted her to face her future. I enjoyed A Princess By Christmas. This story has romance and political intrigue.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
What a delightful wonderful story! Hollis has been a widow for years, she turned her dead husband’s publication into a women’s gazette, diverging society’s secrets. Now alone after her sister and best friend found their princes (book 1 &2 of the series) she finds herself a little at loose ends when her eyes find the lone handsome stranger staring at the foreign king her mind runs wild. Marek is in town to help with peace negotiations, never did he think he’d encounter such a pushy beautiful woman that kept inserting herself in his business. Very entertaining read with great characters!