Book Review: The Royal Runaway

The Royal Runaway by Lindsay Emory

Let's talk about books that are fun. I love books that are fun, silly romps even though they may not always be what is on my shelf. For instance, I am a die-hard Princess Diaries fan. I have read all of the Princess Diaries books and, even as an adult, I still love them.

Now, those who know me know that I am also a hardcore royal fan. I gush over the royal family - and even set up a 5 AM mimosa bar for the latest royal wedding. Royals are fun - let's stop pretending they aren't.

So with that being said, I had the pleasure of reading The Royal Runaway last week. It truly was a pleasure. This novel follows a royal princess who runs away (in a sense). This story takes on the fun of royalty and adds in a spy mystery and some romance. In other words, it is a fun, frothy read.

In the novel, Princess Thea is stood up at the altar. Can you imagine? A princess stood up at the altar? I. Can't. Even. That alone captured my attention.

Once she reenters the world, she decides it will be her mission to find out why her fiance did it since she has not spoken to him since the night before the wedding. But, when she meets a man who is also looking for her missing fiance, she begins to do things princesses should never do. Kiss strangers, run away from their own bodyguards, undercover national security breaches, and fall for unacceptable men.

It is not high-brow literature, but it sure is a fun escape read. If you are a fan of royalty, you will love escaping into this royal world.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with this copy to read and review. It will be released on Tuesday!

Book Review: The Little Shop of Found Things

The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston

Once upon a time, I claimed I would never read another book involving time travel, but Paula Brackston's The Little Shop of Found Things has changed my mind.

This book first caught my attention because it is focused on an object called a chatelaine. When I was in high school, I was a member of a dance/drill team called The Chatelaines. A really silly reason to be drawn to a book, but I am so glad that this little detail found me!

The Little Shop of Found Things is set in England modern times and the 17th century. In the novel, readers are introduced to Xanthe and her mother who have recently moved and opened an antique shop in a historic town. Readers also quickly learn that the main character, Xanthe, has a unique gift where she can "read" objects - she can hear the stories of those who used objects in the past. Perfect gift for someone who spends her life living amongst antiques.

Xanthe is instantly drawn to a 17th-century chatelaine; however, what she doesn't know when they purchase the item is that it is also tied to ghost fighting to save the life of her daughter in the past. A time portal is located in Xanthe's backyard and the ghost forces her to go back in time to prove her daughter's innocence - or else.

Okay - I know this sounds a little hooky. But, I promise, it is such an enjoyable escapist read. You can trust me! I am not big on time travel and seldom read anything with ghosts!

Brackston lets the story unfold slowly. This is not a page-turner. However, the way she describes even the smallest details allows readers to also be transported back in time. And, I desperately needed an escape this month.

And, I can't go without letting you know that the novel does have a bit of romance - time travel romance. But, don't expect Outlander. This is tamer.

The Little Shop of Found Things is the first in what is going to be a series, and the author already has me looking forward to the next novel.

Thanks to the author and Netgalley for providing me with this review copy. You can pre-order your copy now - or buy it when it is released on October 16, 2018.