Royal Holiday was less complex than the previous books in The Wedding Date series with fewer subplots troubling the characters. This really resonated with me, and was nicely juxtapositioned against Malcolm’s nephew’s choice to pursue passion over what was expected of him. What I liked is how Vivian’s work dilemmas were thought out (she has been approached for a management position, but she’s not certain that it will make her happy). This is a Christmas holiday romance, but it wasn’t Christmas to the extreme, more a low key ‘difference between the US and the UK’. Also, if you’re not a Harry and Meghan fan, the identity of the Duke and Duchess is never shared fully, but there is enough to fit them into those roles. The conflicts between Vivian and Malcolm never last more than a couple of chapters or so, which is good for low angst tolerability but might be annoying if you like your dramas teased out. Plus, they live continents apart so this thing is just a fling…right? Of course, there are hiccups along the way – Vivian likes to talk things out while Malcolm is silent and prefers not to go back on what he said. Vivian has always led a cautious life, but Malcolm teases out why and encourages her to try new things. They hit it off straight away, with Vivian doing things she never dreamed of (riding a horse, meeting the Queen). Vivian meets private secretary to the Queen, Malcolm when he appears in the kitchen looking for scones. Maddie is dressing the Duchess (possibly of Sussex, although it is never spelled out) for the holiday season.
For Maddie, it’s work but for Vivian, it’s a holiday. Maddie (from The Wedding Party) and her mum Vivian are on their way to England for a very different Christmas. It’s a lovely, charming story with Guillory’s key food references (this time it’s British scones). While Royal Holiday didn’t demand all my brain, it took all of my heart. (That meant the book on immunity and vaccination was out). The previous week was even more chaotic than usual and when I got home, I just wanted to chill with a story that entertained me without demanding my entire brain. Why I chose it: Loving The Wedding Date series (this is book 4). The not-so-good: Some of your enjoyment may depend on your thoughts about the Royal Family…
The good: Very light with enjoyable characters and scenes. For Maddie it’s work, but Vivian turns out to have more fun than she expected… In brief: Vivian and her daughter Maddie are on a trip to London.
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