Julia London concludes her Princess trilogy with Hollis Honeycutt’s delightful story in A PRINCESS BY CHRISTMAS.

Hollis is a widow who was always a key part of a trio of girls, now women. Her sister, Eliza, and best friend, Caroline, have married their princes and moved to another country. They have both returned to London for peace negotiations with a delegation from Wesloria. The reunion is bittersweet, however, as Hollis realizes their relationships have changed and she’s the one left behind.

When Hollis meets Marek, a member of the Weslorian delegation, she finds herself curious about him at the same time that she knows there’s trouble afoot in the negotiations but no one will believe her.

I enjoyed the twists and turns in the book. My favorite scenes are those that reunite the three women with Caroline’s brother Beck. London is at her best writing the dialogue for these scenes in which the women somehow bring Beck around to doing what they want, whether it’s escorting them to a soiree or hosting a holiday party.

Hollis was a delight as she wrestled with her place in the world. As a widow, she can have more freedom. But freedom to do what?

Marek was a mystery, and it was fun to see Hollis peel back his layers to reveal his true self underneath.

I enjoyed this book greatly, had fun trying to solve the mystery alongside Hollis, and must admit that the ending surprised me. I anticipated something different. That’s not disappointment, but it did have me considering when the path forked, what would have happened if the other path were taken.

You can read A PRINCESS BY CHRISTMAS as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the three titles in order. You will certainly enjoy Eliza, Hollis, Caroline, Beck and the men (and women) they bring into the family even more.

3 1/2 stars

When owner of Honeycutt’s Gazette of Fashion & Domesticity for Ladies, widow Hollis Honeycutt, overhears a rumor concerning the peace accord between the counties of Alucia and Wesloria – she is immediately intrigued. Hollis’ sister Eliza is married to Prince Sebastian, the heir to the throne of Alucia. She is sure there is more to the story and won’t stop digging. She is pondering how to get information from the Weslorian delegation, when purely by chance she meets Marek Brendan, an advisor to the Minister of Trade for Wesloria.

Marek has secrets which make his life very solitary, he is a loner and straddles two worlds. He is deaf in one ear and so when he meets Hollis, he has a hard time understanding her and isn’t sure what to make of her! He tries to keep her at arm’s length, but she isn’t having it, she pulls him in to her investigation and by extension; her life. At first, he thinks she is crazy, but soon realizes she may be on to something – something that could not only destroy peace between Alucia and Wesloria, but could be a plot to assassinate his King!

This book was not at all what I was expecting, the romance is a very slow burn and almost secondary to the mystery. Hollis truly loved her first husband and has felt like life is beginning to pass her by, slowly she lets go of her mourning and opens her heart to the possibility of loving again. Marek is a subdued character, he is clearly overwhelmed by Hollis at first, but they soon discover a shared love of Shakespeare and as they work together, she discovers his secret and he begins to realize that she is what has been missing in his life. The book is the final installment in the series and it does nicely wrap up several ongoing plot points from the previous books. I felt the book did drag a bit, there are still title errors and mistakes (that may – fingers crossed – be corrected prior to publication) and the romance is on the back burner until almost the end of the book – but it was a nice read and the ending was very romantic and the epilogue was very sweet. While I would suggest reading the series in order, this could be read as a standalone title without a problem.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by the publisher.*

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

Talk about opposites attract… Marek is so quiet and just a nothing and Hollis is so well a bit obnoxious. But that is only in the beginning. Once you get to know the characters they bloomed. I watched both characters grow into each other and I enjoyed them falling in love.

Julia London has a knack for writing romance. She somehow takes characters that and turns them into friends. In this one we learn how the loss of her husband has affected Hollis. And how Marek is feeling when his home country is threatened.

It took a while but I really enjoyed these characters and the story that London weaved around the holiday season.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

The last of the Tricklebank sisters finally find someone to love!

As a reader who has read the previous two books in the series, I felt that the character for Hollis Honeycutt took a more frivolous turn in this book. I remembered her being more of the voice of reason for her friends, but in this book, she reminded be of her sister, Eliza and her bumbling courtship with the prince…

That said, the story and mystery/plot Hollis and her beau, Marek Brendan of Wesloria were captivating. I enjoyed the slow and and hesitant romance that blossomed between these two and enjoyed the royal twist that made this book stand out for the other two.

Another bonus was seeing Eliza, Caro and the princes again! I love a good catch up of beloved characters!

This was nice conclusion to the series and wrapped up the stories of many other side characters made familiar throughout the series. A delightful Christmas time happily ever after!

Note: This book can be read as a stand alone, but would be much more enjoyable read within the series order.

A Princess by Christmas by Julia London is scheduled to be released October 13th, 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Harlequin through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.


#APrincessbyChristmas #JuliaLondon #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

Hollis Honeycutt is a young widow of respectable background, but prone to get in trouble mostly due to her curious nature. When the Alucian and Weslorian delegations descend to London to hold the negotiations of a peace treaty, she’ll meet the mysterious Marek Brendan, a Weslorian advisor to the Trade Minister.
With her sister and best friend married and living away and the news that her father will be moving out of London, Hollis starts feeling lonesome and questions her place in the world. Unable to let go of the ties to her previous life, she finds herself at a crossroads and desperate to feel useful and that’s how she ends up building an unexpected friendship with the enigmatic Weslorian.
Of course, nothing is as it seems and, in the development of the political intrigue behind the treaty, Hollis and Marek will form an unlikely alliance and discover they each might be the piece the other one needs to be complete.
This book is my favorite of the trilogy. I really liked the characters and their story and was marveled by the tough decisions the main characters had to make to finally find what they both wanted. The secondary characters provided a great backdrop as in the previous books, but I found Hollis obnoxiously delightful and with a tremendously big heart.

4.5 stars

The 3rd book in the Royal Wedding series was just as wonderful as the first two books. Hollis, Eliza's younger sister and a widow, meets an interesting man who is not as he seems. What is it about Marek that intrigues Hollis so much? I'm not sure if this is the last book in the series, but the story is wrapped up very well. It includes Donovan's story and why he is so close to Hollis. I loved Marek's character. There was a bit of innocence and manliness combined due to his hearing loss. Hollis's sense of humor, delightful wit and boldness are a good mix for Marek's personality. I had many laugh out loud moments. Enjoy!

Hollis Honeycutt, the publisher of Honeycutt’s Gazette - a business she took over and runs after her husband died 4 years earlier, is feeling a bit out of sorts. She feels alone as her sphere of family and friends moves on in life. Her sister, Eliza is married to Sebastian who will be King of Alucia some day, her best friend, Caro, is married to Sebastian’s brother Leopold and her good friend, Beck are all living busy lives. The neighboring countries of Alucia and Wesloria are attempting to negotiate a peace treaty in London. But something is amiss, and Hollis wants to find out what is going on.
Hollis is an independent and curious woman who seems to always get into trouble as she asks questions no proper lady would ask! When she overhears two men mentioning a possible coup she begins to investigate! Enter a handsome Weslorian stranger (Marek Brandon) who may or may not be a part of the problem!
As Hollis learns more and meets Marek, she finds that there is indeed something fishy going on! But she’s intrigued by Marek and as she confides in him about her fears, she also finds an attraction building between them.
I really enjoyed reading this book and appreciate how Julia wove her tale keeping me guessing until the end!

What an adorable Christmas novel!
Marek has come to England to protect the King, who also happens to be his father. Sadly, his father believes him dead. What he doesn't expect is for Hollis, widow and owner of a gossip rag, to see him standing apart, and engage him in conversation.
Hollis doesn't know what to think when his responses seem a bit off as they talk from time to time. What she doesn't know is that he can't hear at all out of one ear, and doesn't have great hearing in the other.
Their interactions are a little awkward and stilted at first, but Hollis and Marek grow to know one another better as they try to protect the Wesolorian King.
They are really sweet. There is a lovely undertone of belonging and family woven through this mystery, and it made my heart happy to read it. I highly recommend checking it out.

Hollis! Love her! She’s a bit naïve, and she is unapologetic about her right to be who she is. It was quite annoying to watch her friends and family trying to curb her freedom.
Marek was a good character. I liked the standoffish mystery about him, but when he opened up to Hollis, he became the perfect hero.
Caroline and Eliza, what happened with them? I thought Caro had learned her lesson about being snooty. And Eliza!, she was definitely turning into queen material, and not in a good way. I wish Hollis had stood up to them a little more.
Donovan, that was not what I was expecting. I knew that he and Hollis didn’t belong together, but I was convinced there was another reason behind it. I wouldn’t mind a novella, or a wee update on him.

A Princess by Christmas (A Royal Wedding, #3) by Julia London

I have loved this series.. This is Hollis and Marek's story ...we get to catch up with other family member from the first two books ..even if I think you should read all three books but this book can be read as a stand-alone. There is mystery, angst, intrigue, laughter, tears, love …Full Review
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Page-turner Romantic Great world building Witty Wonderful characters Happily Ever AfterTear-jerker Action-packed Unpredictable Entertaining Easy-to-read

I absolutely loved this entire series. It kept reminding me of the precious time I spent watching the Princess Diaries with my daughter so many years ago. The stories are about two closely related mythical countries of Alucia and Wesloria and their struggles for peace. A Princess by Christmas is set in England where the government is involved with the peace talks for these two countries. Hollis Honeycutt is a widow still working through her place in the world without her husband. She owns and runs the Gazette and is full of words of wisdom and advice for women including the latest gossip of course. She finds herself invited to the royal affairs because her sister married the heir to the crown of Alucia and her best friend married his brother. She is very curious about a sexy, silent and very mysterious man she watches at these affairs because he has a particular interest in the King of Wesloria and she wants to know why. She believes there is trouble brewing and this man is involved. Marek Brendan is most definitely interested in the King but for his own personal reasons. These two are attracted to each other but find trust difficult between them in the beginning. They are the only two who believe there is trouble for the peace talks so they work together to find some answers. There are many secrets to be found out and hopes and dreams to be fulfilled. Along the way we share in the love two people who have been so alone in their own worlds can find with each other. This book is so emotionally heartwarming I couldn't put it down. I will miss this entire family. They have been funny, loving and full of surprises. You don't want to miss this series!
I thank the author and publisher for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is the third novel in the Royal Wedding series and I was so excited to read it. This story involves Hollis, a widow who is feeling a little left behind since her sister and best friend have both married royalty and moved away. She meets Marek and finds herself plunged into a mystery involving treason of his country, Wesloria. Together they try to figure out what’s going on and in the process open up to one another. I like how they were opposites but really complimented each other. I would definitely recommend reading the books in order for this series. A wonderful story.

Enjoyed this conclusion to the series. Hollis has been making the most of her widowed years, however with her sister and best friend married and moved, she is beginning to feel a bit lost. She has always been interested in what is going on around her and is intrigued by a stranger . Brendan is here with his country's delegation and is harboring a secret. He is astonished when Hollis figures it out and is determined to help him right this wrong. A great story of second chances and learning to thrive despite wrongs that can never be righted.

Hollis is a widow that has been struggling to find her way as one by one her family has left her. Marek is a prince in hiding trying to find out which world he really belongs in. When they meet things start changing for both of them. Their love story is sweet and grows stronger the more they work together.

The story continues. I suggest you read the books in order. This time we get to know Hollis, the widowed sister of the Alucian Duchess of Tannymeane. Hollis is a drift, her sister and best friend has moved on, and she is still Editor to her deceased husband Gazette. Everything is changing, but Hollis is in a rut. Thrilled that her family and friends are in London to negotiate a peace treaty between Alucia and Wesloria, plus share the Christmas holidays. She has the opportunity to search for some news worthy stories for her paper at the many gatherings she will be attending. Hollis meets a mysterious man, Marek, who is a Weslorian. There are Many twists and turns, plus a surprise ending. Not much of a holiday story, and I thought the first two books were a better read. The story ties in nicely with the first two books.

Hollis Honeycutt is running her deceased husband’s newspaper the Gazette. Marek Brendan is investigating rumors that could very well hurt his home country.

This is a romance about healing and learning to love again when finding the perfect partner to help you to do so. This is a charming lovely read with a bit of mystery throw in.

I received an advance reader copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I have loved this series so much. This story is about Hollis Honeycutt who has been in mourning for her husband for 3 years and it was her husbands gazette Her sister and friend have been writing for years. Marek Brendan has been investigating terrible rumors the could hurt his home country. I really enjoyed these two working together. I loved the characters and plot for this book.

Hollis Honeycutt feels adrift, not even her beloved Gazette holds her attention anymore. Her friends are all moving forward with their lives and Hollis is still mourning her husband's untimely death four years later. When she stumbles upon a plot against visiting royalty purely by accident, she can't seem to let it go. Marek Brendan is trying his best to blend into the background while keeping an eye on his king while visiting London for the peace process. Unfortunately for him, Hollis has him in her sights and she won't stop until she unravels all his secrets.

It took a little bit to get into this book with all of Hollis's rambling chatter, but once I got used to that, it was enjoyable. I especially liked the mystery surrounding Marek and it was good to see Marek finally open up to having someone "see" him.

Filled with scandal and secrets, charm and love. Truly enjoyable historical fiction. Julia London captures the time and place so well. I loved it.