Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory, Berkley, 2019.
This year at The Art of Royaling we have covered some heavy subjects while seeking to learn some resiliency lessons from Queen Elizabeth II. Now that we are into the December holiday season, it is time to enjoy some more easy-going aspects of resiliency – rest and relaxation. Every holiday season can get a bit frantic and emotional, and this one in particular will have its especially trying moments. It is important to ensure we have some light-hearted joy and fun.
If youʻre a royal fan, I am sure at some point, even if you wonʻt admit it to anyone, you have imagined yourself being unexpectedly whisked into the royal orbit and glamour. Maybe even a royal romance with a handsome prince or beautiful princess? If so, and it can be our little secret, I recommend reading Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory. The heroine is Vivian Forest, a hard working Californian who rarely takes a vacation, whose daughter is hired as a stylist to a member of the royal family over Christmas. Vivianʻs daughter convinces her mother to tag along with her to England, where Vivian meets the handsome, charming, and capable Private Secretary to the Queen, Malcom Hudson. Guilloryʻs book is an enjoyable, easy to read romance. Usually, I am not a big fan of romance novels because of the often overly contrived impediments to their love running smoothly. A huge misunderstanding arises, but one person won’t talk to the other about it and so all is almost lost. Royal Holiday is different. It is a mature romance involving mature people who, when beset with relationship troubles, actually talk to each other and work them out. It’s a sophisticated refresh of the genre contrasting with the much-loved Hallmark and Netflix film offerings. I found this refreshing. So, take a break from the DVR, light a candle, draw a warm bath, pour a nice glass of wine, and settle in with this relaxing, royal-themed holiday getaway.
