REVIEW: A Royal Christmas A Christmas Novella by Melody Carlson

 

A Royal Christmas
A Christmas Novella 
Melody Carlson

When I saw that Melody Carlson had written a new Christmas novella, I jumped on the chance to read A Royal Christmas. When it arrived, I was so excited! I've spent the last couple of days immersed in this novella every chance I get. ~smile~ That meant instrumental  Christmas music, candlelight, a hot drink, and a beautifully bound book. I felt so spoiled when I opened the cover, and the flyleaves were embossed! Luxurious ~ fit for a princess!

A Royal Christmas is a relaxing read. It's definitely a Hallmarky or Princess Diaries type story. It's a type that's been done before, but Melody Carlson puts a lovely spin on it. Wouldn't we all have loved to find out we were fairy tale princesses? It's light and charming... just perfect for holiday reading.

One of the things I enjoyed most was the inclusion and explanations of Montovia's Christmas customs. I hadn't known of Krampus before for instance. The descriptions of the locabtion were heart warming. 

Another thing I appreciated was the Christian focus of the book. After all, Christmas is about Jesus Christ.

I've enjoyed every Melody Carlson Christmas novella I've read. This one is a little different from previous books, but I think it's well-written. I found myself turning pages quickly. Quite an enjoyable novella. 

ABOUT:  Adelaide Smith is too busy for fairy tales. She's been working hard to put herself through law school and now that the end is in sight, she's determined to stay focused on her goals. Then she receives a letter notifying her that she has been found through a DNA registry to be a direct descendant of King Maximillian V, the ruler of a small Eastern European principality called Montovia. She's understandably skeptical. This is the stuff of cheesy made-for-TV movies, not real life.

Although the pieces of this surprising family puzzle seem too good to be true, curiosity gets the best of her. At the king's invitation, Adelaide embarks on a Christmas break trip that is chock-full of surprises, including a charming village, an opulent palace, family mysteries, royal jealousies, a handsome young member of Parliament--and the chance at a real fairy tale romance with a happily-ever-after ending.

Spend this Christmas with bestselling author Melody Carlson as she whisks you away to a royal holiday you'll never forget!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I use the Goodreads star system.
★               Did not like it
★★            It was okay
★★★         Liked it
★★★★      Really liked it
★★★★★   It was amazing

Find me online here:

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2023 48 Finished Books Goal 51

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Address available by email

I listen to many books on Scribd. Free trial here.

What I'm Reading... September 28

Hello dear ladies,

This is what I've been reading this week!

 

I will finish A Royal Christmas quickly. I started it yesterday. It's a page turner! I set the mood with instrumental Christmas music, cappucino, and a holiday candle. Look for my review this weekend.

 

I've been listening to God's Story in 66 Verses a bit at a time. It's an interesting approach to a Bible overview. The chapters are short— usually five or six minutes. I'm listening on Scribd. 

I've been listening to Plaid and Plagiarism for about a week. It's a new cozy mystery series for me. It's set in Scotland in a little town and a lovely bookshop. I have read Molly MacRae before and enjoyed her writing. I'm listening on Scribd. 

I've forgotten how long I've been listening to John Adams by David McCullough. As you can see, I have nearly 15 hours left. I'm about 50% through the book. It's heavy. I usually listen while I'm driving or doing housework. I'm listening on Scribd. 

This week, I've knitted, cross-stitched, and made jalapeno jam while listening to books. I truly enjoy listening so very much.

Have a great week ending!

Laura

*I signed up for a free trial of Scribd in February 2019. It's an app where you can read or listen to books for just $11.99 a month with no limit.  

I kept the plan, because we really use it and like it a lot. We especially like the extensive list of audio books. Take a look. If you sign up from this link, you can get a two free months trial, and I'll get one month free, too.

Find me online here:

Laura Lane on Goodreads

2023  48 Finished Books

Goal 51

HarvestLaneLaura on Ravelry

Harvest Lane Cottage on Facebook

@lauraofharvestlane on Instagram

laura@harvestlanecottage.com

PayPal: lauraofharvestlane@gmail.com 

Address available by email

Autumn or Fall I Enjoy It All

AUTUMN THOUGHTS

I love Autumn. 

It has long been my favorite time of year. We live in Carthage, the Maple Leaf City.

Fall means the Maple Leaf Festival and the biggest parade in the four states.

Fall means pumpkins! Quite few years ago, my husband and I lived in the country and had a pumpkin patch. I loved everything about it. I loved seeing the baby pumpkins as they formed and grew. I loved harvesting them. I loved selling them and the craft items I'd made. The name Harvest Lane came from our farm, Harvest Lane Farm. I'd been Laura of Harvest Lane online for awhile; so, when we moved to town, we called our home Harvest Lane Cottage.

Fall is apple cider with mulling spices, chai tea, homemade from scratch cocoa, smoke from our wood stove, soup simmering on the stove or in the Crock Pot, bread baking in the oven, the smells of pumpkin and cinnamon coming from my oven or my favorite candles.

Fall is snuggling up with a good book while I listen to the rain falling outside, once thankful that my children were gathered around me. Now they're grown, thankful for my cozy, warm, dry home.

Fall means walks with my little dog looking for pretty leaves.

Fall means planning for Christmas gifts, sneaking in a little Christmas music while I'm working, and creating for for friends and family.  

Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

Looking forward to my favorite season.

~~~~~ 
May I suggest?
A Plain and Simple Christmas
~~~~~ 

It's Birthday Season at Harvest Lane Cottage! Gift Ideas for the Girls in Your Life

Harvest Lane Cottage Gift Ideas Series

Next up Girls!

 

For Younger Girls

• Baby Doll ~ This one comes in Caucasion, black, and Hispanic 

• Candy Land

• Sit and Spin

• Hungry Hippos 

• Spirograph

For Older Girls

• A bag filled with flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, vanilla, chocolate chips and my chocolate chip cookie recipe.

• Pillowcase embroidery kit 

• Stationery and stamps

• National Geographic Microscope Science Kit

• Magnetic 3D Building Tiles

• Sewing box with supplies

• Fleece Blanket No Sew Kit

• Embroidery floss for friendship bracelets

• Puzzles

• Sewing cards

• Paper dolls

• Bubbles

• Jewelry making supplies

I hope these ideas will spark some for you when you next need a girl's gift. 

Happy gift giving!

Laura

Amazon affiliate links

Gift Ideas for the Boys in Your Life ~ Birthday Season at Harvest Lane Cottage!

 

Our gift series continues with ideas for the boys in your life. There's more to life than Legos! Birthday season is almost over for us, but maybe not for you. While compiling this list, I found several things that I hope to purchase for my little grandson as he grows. This year, he'll just be four months old, so I'll refrain. ~smile~

I hope this list gives you some ideas. 

Younger Kids

• Melissa & Doug Wooden Construction Building Set in a Box (48 pcs) Ages 4-6

• Melissa & Doug Standard Unit Solid-Wood Building Blocks With Wooden Storage Tray (60 pcs) - Classic Blocks For Toddlers

• Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon

• The Original Big Wheel,Blue-Yellow-Red, Giant 16' Wheel Ride On Tricycle 

• NERF Pro Grip Football, Blue, Classic Foam Ball

Older Kids

• NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Magnetic Marble Run - 75-Piece STEM Building Set 

• NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit – Includes Rough Gemstones, and 4 Polishing Grits, STEM Science Kit for Geology

• Suspend Family Game (31 pcs) - Wire Balance Game ~ Even my adult kids love this!

• Trekking The National Parks - The Award-Winning Strategy Board Game 

• Ticket to Ride Board Game 

I'll be keeping this list for little Benjamin as he grows! What gifts do you suggest for boys?

Enjoy your week!

Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

I'm an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase something from them after clicking one of my links within 24 hours, I'll receive a small amount at no cost to you. It's just one way you can support my blog and my creative endeavors. Thank you!

Weekend Reading Septmember 9, 2023

 

Hello friends,

 It's so good to be writing a bit more again. I'm feeling much better after a summer suffering from many headaches. I'm going to try to be a little more organized about writing. I've found that I can work around the house in 20-30 minute spurts, then I need to rest just a bit. Sometimes I work longer, but if I work too long, I feel it. ~smile~ This is just another example of do what you can with what you've got where you are, but regarding my energy!

 I've curated a few good blog posts for you to read over the weekend. As I get more things done, I'll start up my thrifty posts regularly again. I love keeping a record of the things I'm doing to be frugal, because it motivates me to do more. I also love keeping a record of the blessings that I receive, because it keeps me thankful, and it's a record of God's provision.

 Please enjoy these posts over the next few days. I enjoyed finding them for you. 

From Harvest Lane Cottage Archives:

• Beans in My Cupboard includes my refried beans recipe

• Do You Fear the Future?

• Words Matter

• 10 Sure Fire Ways to Help Your Child Love Reading

• Every Circumstance Requires a Choice

From Out and About:

• The Little White House by Grandma Donna @ Gdonna

• Quick Tips on The Gentle Art of Learning by Karen Andreola @ Moments With Mother Culture

• Why A Vintage Camera And Old Photos Help Our Memories.. by Roxy @ Living From Glory to Glory

• Homemade Gak by Kristyn @ Lil' Luna ( I made this with my kids a few years ago. They loved doing it!)

• Do You Know the Meaning of These Old Sayings? by The Farmer's Lamp

That's all for now. Remember, you can reach me through the contact form on the sidebar or comment below with prayer requests. I love to hear from y'all!

Happy weekending! Happy Holy Week next week!

Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

Happy to have so many Sweet Readers who write to me!

Simple Little Reminders... of Mom on Her Seventy-sixth Birthday

Barbara Kay
Ramsbottom Conklin Hall
1947-1999
May her name be blessed forever!

I was blessed to have a young mother. She and Dad married when she was sixteen, and I came along just shy of a year later when she was seventeen. She was energetic and full of life and fun. In a way, we grew up together. ~smile~ She loved it when someone thought I was her little sister! She moved to Heaven many years ago. I look forward to our reunion. I really miss her and what might have been.

Do you have a loved one who's moved to Heaven? Isn't it a wonderful comfort knowing that if we both love Jesus and have accepted Him as our savior, that we can see each other again?

I believe that Jesus is coming back soon. We'll be caught up with Him, and there will be quite a reunion. Yes. I'm looking forward to that. If you're not absolutely sure that you've given your heart and your life to Jesus, and trusted Him for salvation, please don't wait. Click here to learn more.

Until then... Simple little reminders of Mom...

~ Silent Night

~ Sweet Hour of Prayer

~ Amazing Grace

~ Away in a Manger

~ Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

~ decorating for Christmas

~ rocking chairs

~ smiling and talking to everyone

~ yard sales

~ my daughters singing

~ hot roast beef sandwiches

~ Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On

~ harmonica music

~ Bleeding Hearts

~ July 3rd

~ black walnut divinity

~ Christmas Eve

~ star sapphires

~ Blue Cross Blue Shield

~ singing in the car

~ family recipes

~ purple Bearded Iris

~ mums

~ Beach Boys music

~ lemon slushes from Sonic

~ rose bushes

~ hand laid brick sidewalks

~ lilacs

~ little honey colored pet mice

~ sewing clothes

~ beef and bean tostadas

~ mashed potatoes, "Did you salt the potatoes?"

~ Garfield the cat

~ Clark Bars

~ Milky Way

~ TOPS

~ Red Lobster

~ macrame

~ chess

~ The Lioness

~ Pepsi at the beauty shop

~ room mother

~ poster board and poster paints... She could paint anything!

~ Carol Burnett

~ Take Me Out to the Ballgame

~ macaroni and tomatoes

~ homemade pork tenderloins

~ card games

~ sewing, especially laying the fabric out on the floor to pin and cut

~ There Was an Old Geezer Had a Wooden Leg

~ Tongue Twisters

~ She sells seashells down by the seashore. How many seashells does she sell?

~ September 7th

~ Fireworks

~ barbecue chicken, corn on the cob, and sliced, homegrown tomatoes

~ I Love Lucy

~ mashed potato sandwiches

~ blue robins' eggs

~ dancing

~ homegrown tomato sandwiches with salt

~ crochet and crafts

~ homemade cinnamon candy suckers

~ handmade leaded stained glass

~ Yahoo... when it was a giant wooden board game that covered a card table. It was played with marbles. It was played sort of like Sorry! or Trouble! now.

~ Brahams' Lullaby... "Lullaby and goodnight... the angels are singing... hear them singing soft and low... off to sleepyland you go.... Close your eyes... little one... close your wee little eyes... close your eyes... little one... 'til the morning has come."

~ socks and blouses matching

~ soft serve vanilla ice cream cones dipped in chocolate and rolled in peanuts

~ singing with the radio

~ Uno

~ cinnamon rolls and sticky buns with brown sugar and pecans

~ homemade coleslaw (She thought I should like hers even though I didn't like any coleslaw!)

~ "If I doed it, I get in trouble. I doed it!"

~ "I'm Gettin' Nuttin' for Christmas!"

~ Bing Crosby Christmas music

~ Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn

~ "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake. I pray the Lord my soul to take. God bless Daddy... God bless Mommy... God bless John... God bless Grandma... God bless Grandpa...."   When I had my own children, someone taught me a line to replace the "If I should die" line. "May angels watch me through the night and wake me with the morning light."

~ My breast cancer brought her to mind too many times to count. Mom and later her sister, my aunt Phyllis Jean, had breast cancer. As I went through chemo, I remembered Mom's battle first with breast cancer then later, because the doctors did not follow up with her treatment properly, her battle with bone cancer. I will be most diligent to make sure I have regular check ups even after being declared cancer free. I know that treatment has changed much since the 1990's. Thank you to Rick, my step-dad, for loving her through the end, for helping me put it all together in my mind, and for helping me emotionally by talking through it all with me to help me to understand her journey and to walk through mine with Jesus.

~ Music was a big part of my life because of my mom's love of music. She sang a lot! You saw how much music reminds me of her. She sang, she played music in the car, we watched musicals. We bought magazines that had the lyrics to the latest country songs and sat at the table and sang them together. Sometimes we'd record ourselves on a cassette tape player.

~ The song I was named after, Tell Laura I Love Her. I was also named after the elderly lady, Lori Morrow, whom my father rented a room from in college. I called her Grandma Lori and her husband Grandpa Leland when I was little. Diane was from my mom's best friend in high school.

Jesus, please tell Momma I love her. Tell Momma I need her. Tell Momma not to cry.  I know her love for me will never die. I know she's crying no tears in Heaven, but I'm crying more than a few for her as I miss her, and I honor her on her 76th birthday.

Barbara Kay Ramsbottom Conklin Hall may her name be blessed forever.

Thank you Jesus for my momma.
Amen.


Note: My dad is James (Jim) Conklin, her first husband. The photo above is with my step-dad, her second husband, Richard (Rick) Hall. I love them both.

2017

2023

It's Birthday Season at Harvest Lane Cottage! Gifts for the Ladies in Your Life

 

Three out of four of my adult children have birthdays in August and September. We are right in the middle of birthday season here at Harvest Lane Cottage! In fact, my new grandbaby was also born in August! Here are some ideas to help you with your gift giving.

• A beautiful wooden recipe box and recipe cards I bought these for my daughter.

• Elizabeth Taylor's White Diamonds is one of my favorite fragrances.

• Red Door by Elizabeth Arden

• Gloria Vanderbilt by Gloria Vanderbilt

• Odyssey by Avon ~An old favorite

• A selection of teas  I enjoyed these.

• A reading light (or knitting or...) On my wish list!

• A label maker On my wish list!

• A mini steam iron for quilting or sewing

• A Zauberball!
• McCall's Candles are so fragrant. I like Country Store. It's cinnamony spicy and very fallish.

Happy gift giving!

Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,

Laura Lane

Amazon Affiliate 

How to Fix the United States’ Troubles

  

We are a blessed nation.

2 Chronicles 7:14 gives the solution to this nation’s troubles.

It all depends on us.

“If my people, which are called by my name,

(Christians)

 shall humble themselves,

(having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance)

and pray,

(just talking to God)


and seek my face,

(worship, Bible reading, prayer, quiet listening)

and turn from their wicked ways;

(What are we watching on t.v. or movies? What are we reading? Is it wholesome? Are we seeking a clean pure heart? Kind to others, even those at home? Honest? There are all kinds of sins that some Christians overlook. We need to really seek the Lord and ask him to reveal those to us. We need to be different than the average American.)

then will I hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin,

and will heal their land.”

Let’s do our part!

Thank you God!

Many of my readers are not in the United States. This applies to your country as well!

Thrifty Things Lately ~ September 2, 2023

Thrifty Things Lately

at Harvest Lane Cottage

Hello everyone!

 

 This wasn't the week I'd planned, but it was a good week nevertheless. Many of you know that I'm a substitute teacher. I'd planned to wait until after Labor Day to begin this year. It was a rather busy summer, and I just felt the need for a bit of time to relax and to get the house a bit more ready. As Robert Burns said in 1785, "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry." ~smile~

 I was asked to work one-on-one in the special education room with a little girl who had some developmental disabilities. I did so for two days; then, I agreed to work in another special ed class for my friend Jen. Three days working doesn't sound like much, but in special ed, it's hard work. I didn't do much but eat and sleep and work this week. ~smile~ My husband blessed my socks off by cleaning up the house Friday while I was at work and making dinner for me. I had the night off, and I appreciated it so much. Thanks Lowell!

 So, now to some of what did get done over the last week or so.

• I hosted a Christmas party Friday night. Christmas Making, that is! There were four of us, and the ladies brought treats to share and Christmas projects to work on. The plan is to do this on the 24th or 25th of each month. We started in July.

• I sorted my mending basket into hand and machine repairs.

• I repaired three dishcloths and a towel. They should all last another year. 

• I am still listening to John Adams by David McCullough. I began it the 29th of May. I don't know if I'll finish it by the end of summer or not. 

• I finished Dear Mrs. Bird and moved on to the second book, Yours Cheerfully by AJ Pearce.

• Today is day 947 of my streak on the free language app Duolingo. I'm learning Spanish.

• I've been using the personal tinkle wipes that I made last week.

• I received a book to review in the mail today. It's Melody Carlson's new Christmas novella A Royal Christmas.

• I removed the collar from my husband's shirt. I will turn it and sew it back together this week. This will hide the worn edge.

Well, enjoy your weekend and next week as well. Be blessed!

What have you been up to this week?

Laura

Blessed to be a blessing

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Find me online here:

Laura Lane on Goodreads

2023  45 Finished Books

Goal 51

HarvestLaneLaura  on Ravelry

Harvest Lane Cottage on Facebook

@lauraofharvestlane on Instagram

laura@harvestlanecottage.com

Paypal donations: lauraofharvestlane@gmail.com 

Address available by email

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