Christmas in the Castle Library + Giveaway

Ellie Sawyer has always felt more comfortable with books than people, which explains why she’s a PhD history student neck deep in research and trying to complete her doctoral dissertation in time to graduate. But the final books she needs are half a world away in the tiny European kingdom of Lethersby, and the only time she can access the secretive Royal Castle Library is during the Christmas holiday.

Ellie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery that has eluded Lethersby scholars for more than 100 hundred years by figuring out what happened to their long-lost queen, a young royal who disappeared shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. With the help of Mark, a handsome castle staff member who shares her love of history, she might be able to unravel the queen’s story. But Mark is keeping his own secret from her, and what they discover together could change everything for Ellie—and the entire kingdom.

My Review:

Cover love immediately caught my attention and then all the bookish hype from trusted reader friends started and I knew I had to read ‘Christmas in the Castle Library’ BUT a postal strike and time commitments in the midst of the holidays sabotaged all my good intentions. I almost put this book aside for next Christmas but…well, I couldn’t resist the siren song of the book that everyone loved so I read it in January.

I mean, how could I not read a book with a castle library setting? Especially since it included romance! Eeeeppp!!! But, honestly, this story was so beyond my expectations I’m not sure I can even put what I’m feeling into words.

The ‘other world’ charm of a fictional European kingdom made such a lovely backdrop for Ellie’s coming of age story. I don’t quite know what else to call it — maybe coming into who she is in Jesus might be more accurate. What it means to be Chosen just because you are, not because of anything you do. Her faith journey makes for an exceptional story and brought me to the verge of tears a time or two. So, if you are looking for a Christian Fiction novel where faith is an intricately woven part of the plot — and an important one at that — then this is definitely the book for you!

She’s a scholar with a historical mystery to solve and only three weeks to do it in. Enter a captivating man who seems to be just as starstruck over books and libraries and research as she is and, as a native of Lethersby, he knows a lot of the secrets which he’s happy to share. With the exception of a very important one….

Their swoonalicious romance includes a Christmas Ball and some toe-curling kisses and the way they use books to communicate is so clever and sweet! Of course, there are obstacles to overcome not the least of which are Ellie’s struggles to realize her own worth. But through it all there’s such a wonderful sense of urgent hope that brought a bit of a fairy tale glow to the story .

And best news ever — there’s to be a sequel! A tantalizing sneak peek into the second book is included at the end of this one and now I’m hoping we won’t have to wait long for ‘Love in the Castle Library’s‘ release!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Christmas in the Castle Library, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday January 18 2025.

73 thoughts on “Christmas in the Castle Library + Giveaway”

  1. I would read this story based on the cover alone! What an absolutely scrumptious picture. 😊 Makes you want to have the ability to step into it!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  4. You are right about the cover. It is captivating. It does sound very interesting. I’ve never heard of this author before. Thanks so much for the opportunity and thank you for winning this book out.

    nora finding hope yahoo

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  7. Like you, I LOVE this cover! It alone had me checking out this book. After reading about the book and all the reviews, it immediately went on my TBR list. Although I might have missed reading it this past Christmas, my desire hasn’t diminished one bit. In fact, your review just ups that desire even more so. Fortunately, I’m one of those folks that loves to read Christmas stories all year round.

    Thank you so much for the fabulous chance to win a copy of CHRISTMAS IN THE CASTLE LIBRARY!

    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    3. Thanks for the vote of confidence Jackie 🙂

      Jackie and Kav-I actually asked Ann in Avid Readers of CF FB group when Love in the Castle Library was coming out and she said in October. She was so appreciative of all the members who recommended her book, she sent stickers and bookmarks to anyone who wanted one. So sweet of her. My Sticker says:

      “Being in the library feels like coming home”. Perfect, for the book and for me! I also just read where she said she had just finished book 2 and turned it in, so we are on track for that release. She also writes non-fiction. I was just this morning listening to a podcast she did about the book she wrote a couple of years ago called The Path to Peace. She’s a pastor’s wife and mom and has a lot to say about her faith journey. She’s amazing and worth a listen to.

      That’s the report of the day 🙂

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      2. Thanks for donning your intrepid reporter hat once again, Tracey! Supplying back story on the author is going the extra mile! 🙂 I must check out her website. I also need to check out her publisher more thoroughly because it looks like they have a lot of my kind of books! Plus they are a small press and I like the idea of supporting them — especially since the Christian content was so good in this story. I’m hoping that’s WhiteCrown’s emphasis. Ohhhh, I just checked and it is plus they are all royal stories. Who knew?!

        Liked by 1 person

  11. I would love to have a paperback copy of this novel! This is one where I will get a hard copy to have on my shelves!

    I also had to comment because this novel was/is such a fabulous story. It has so many reader-y elements that we love but the deep faith, use of Scripture, etc takes this book over the top. I wish more CF did this. This book sticks out for me and I’ve been talking about it since October. Ann is such a sweet person and I cannot wait for the next book. This story was just beyond words.

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    1. Happy sigh — love all your comments. I’m hoping this level of Christian content is in all WhiteCrown’s novels. There are quite a few that I’m interested in and all the covers are gorgeous! Good luck, Tammy!

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      1. I hope so also! Ann is a sweetheart and she even personally contacted me to thank me for my enthusiasm for this book. It’s a standout and I’m buying a paperback copy regardless. I have Kindle’s but I want this on my shelves!

        She said fall 2025 for book 2, “Lord willing.” Can’t wait!!

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  12. Like you, I’ve heard a lot about this book and it’s on my list to read. Would be amazing to win a copy, but if not, I’m saving an audible credit just in case it comes out on audio. 🙂

    duhpaynes at gmail dot com

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  15. This one definitely sounds like one for the keeper shelf! I’m still holding for my library copy, but looking forward to reading it whenever it becomes available.

    Sandyavery at comcast dot net

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  17. This has been on my TBR list from the first time I saw it! Libraries and castles….what’s not to love? Thanks for a great review.

    Connie Saunders

    cps1950ATgmailDotcom

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  20. There has been an incredible amount of positive buzz about this book! I would definitely read it based in the cover, as others have mentioned. It just gives me the warm fuzzies! I didn’t realize that this was her debut, so that might be good for someone’s reading challenge. I’m now off to sign up for her e-mail and find her on Facebook. Yep! I think I’m going to love it.❤️

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    1. You will so love it, Perrianne! And yes, a debut author for our reading challenges! She has written some non-fiction — devotional type books, I think, which I am also going to look into. Good luck, Perrianne!

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  22. The cover of Christmas in the Castle Library is stunning! Then there’s the totally intriguing storyline and your tantilizing review. This is a must read, for sure!! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this book, Kav!!
    Alison Boss
    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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  23. thanks for your review. this sounds sooo delightful. one of those where I curl up in a blanket with some hot tea and let myself be transported. quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

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  24. I’ve heard so many great things about this book! Christmas, library, castles–bring them on! It sounds awesome! Thanks for the chance to win a copy, Kav!

    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

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  25. I’ve wanted to read Christmas in the Castle Library since I saw the cover a few months ago. Unfortunately I can’t buy every book I want to read and my library hasn’t been able to get it through interlibrary loan yet (maybe it’s too new?). I keep reading reviews about how good it is.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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  28. Good morning, Kav,

    I love your captivating review! Thank you for offering a copy of this book. I’m sure I would enjoy reading it.

    Blessings…

    may_dayzee AT yahoo DOT Com

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  29. Good morning everyone. Been reading through all your comments and you have all added to the reason I want to read this story. Your review Kav had me convince right from the start already. So thankful for authors who bring their faith alive in their stories.

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  31. I watched Cara Putman’s interview with Ann and now want to read her book. She also has a non-fiction book that I have on hold at the library.

    nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

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      1. The interview is on Cara Putman’s You Tube channel. The interviews with authors are called Book Talk with Cara Putman. The channel is just Cara Putman.

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  32. That cover also got my attention. It’s gorgeous and I want to be THERE. Right. NOW. Your review drew me in and now I won’t rest until I’ve read the book. Hahaha.

    mbaaij77 at gmail dot com

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