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Book Review
Royal Holiday
by Jasmine Guillory
This romance novel was very light - there was little conflict and almost no angst. Vivian Foster accompanies her daughter Maddie on a Christmastime trip to England where Maddie is scheduled to serve as stylist to a member of the royal family for the holidays. While Maddie is working, Vivian meets Malcolm Hudson, private secretary to another royal. They hit it off extremely well and are quite attracted to each other. What is meant to be a holiday fling extends into a transatlantic correspondence and deepens into something more.
While I didn't find Royal Holiday as deliciously swoony as other romances I've enjoyed, I did like it quite a bit. (Sure, the set up wasn't terribly realistic, but I don't read romance for the gritty realism.) Both characters are in their fifties, and it was very satisfying to read a love story featuring older people. Vivian and Malcolm are both very likeable people that I found easy to root for. They have a really healthy, balanced relationship in which they really complement each other. Something I've really appreciated about Guillory's books was very much present in this one, too: the heroine and hero both have jobs and careers that they work hard at, are good at, and really enjoy. This is not seen as a barrier to a relationship beyond logistical concerns. Any problems of distance are worked out in a realistic and practical manner - no one makes grand gestures of suddenly pulling up stakes just to be with someone. The happily ever after feels real and sustainable.
by Jasmine Guillory
This romance novel was very light - there was little conflict and almost no angst. Vivian Foster accompanies her daughter Maddie on a Christmastime trip to England where Maddie is scheduled to serve as stylist to a member of the royal family for the holidays. While Maddie is working, Vivian meets Malcolm Hudson, private secretary to another royal. They hit it off extremely well and are quite attracted to each other. What is meant to be a holiday fling extends into a transatlantic correspondence and deepens into something more.
While I didn't find Royal Holiday as deliciously swoony as other romances I've enjoyed, I did like it quite a bit. (Sure, the set up wasn't terribly realistic, but I don't read romance for the gritty realism.) Both characters are in their fifties, and it was very satisfying to read a love story featuring older people. Vivian and Malcolm are both very likeable people that I found easy to root for. They have a really healthy, balanced relationship in which they really complement each other. Something I've really appreciated about Guillory's books was very much present in this one, too: the heroine and hero both have jobs and careers that they work hard at, are good at, and really enjoy. This is not seen as a barrier to a relationship beyond logistical concerns. Any problems of distance are worked out in a realistic and practical manner - no one makes grand gestures of suddenly pulling up stakes just to be with someone. The happily ever after feels real and sustainable.