His Jingle Bell Princess

by Barbara Dunlop

Accidentally abandoned and stranded by a raging blizzard in the picturesque town of Tucker, Maine, Crown Princess Jasmine Arcules finds herself alone and unguarded for the first time in her life.

Meanwhile, widower Sam Cutler is dreading the Christmas season. Struggling to be a good father to his nine-year-old twin daughters, he's wracked with guilt and battling painful memories. The last thing he needs is a beautiful stranger invading his world.

Jasmine keeps her royal identity secret, so Sam treats her the way no man in her native country ever would – a country where speaking to Jasmine out of turn could result in jail time. But Jasmine has a knack for getting past Sam's defenses, comforting his daughters, arousing his suppressed emotions, and forcing him to remember he's a man...

Both Sam and Jasmine need each other, but can they trust in Christmas magic to bring their hearts together?

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Royalty, Holiday, Novella, Contemporary

167 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2016

About the author

Barbara Dunlop is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over sixty romance and romantic comedy novels, including the new Paradise, Alaska Romance series for Berkley and the recent Gambling Men series with Harlequin Desire. Published in multiple languages across a worldwide market, Barbara’s books have received numerous awards with a number of her stories optioned for film and television.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the private plane that Crown Princess Jasmine Arcules has been flying in makes an unexpected stop near the small town of Tucker, Maine Jasmine can't help but sneak off to get some air during the repairs. But when Jasmine comes back to board the plane she finds that it has already left the airport.

Now, stranded Jasmine has no idea what she will do. Used to having a security detail and surrounded all the time the princess is at a lost on her own and has left all her belongings on the plane including her phone. When a kind lady comes to her rescue and offers Jasmine a place to stay she can't turn down the kindness but doesn't admit to being a princess. So now Jasmine find herself staying in the home with along with widower Sam Cutler and his two daughters just before Christmas.

His Jingle Bell Princess is a really sweet Christmassy clean romance. Stranded Jasmine has no idea how to get along in the "real" world and Sam is overcoming the loss of his wife over the holiday a few years before. Bringing Jasmine into their lives was just the medicine that Sam and his daughters needed to bring joy back into the holiday.

One of my favorite types of romance reads is when the couple is given time to interact and develop feelings for one another along with bringing in their family lives to make the hoped for happily ever after a bit more realistic. Jasmine was immediately taken in by Sam's daughters and that's always a heartwarming story when the kids are excited about a potential relationship.

Overall, a lovely little holiday small town romance.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, heart-warming romance complete with an incognito princess and a grieving widower with two daughters. The only complaint I have is that the somewhat swift shift from grieving to loving was a bit difficult to swallow but I'll go with it in novella.

[BookSnuggle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"His Jingle Bell Princess" by Barbara Dunlop is a sweet and heartwarming romance. This is Crown Princess Jasmine Arcules and Sam Cutler's story.

Princess Jasmine finds herself stranded in the little town of Tucker, Maine during a blizzard. She is going through some restless times in her life so this may end up being a good time for her to take a break from her rigid duties.

Sam and his precious twin girls have lived with his mother in-law since the death of his wife two years ago. The girls want to go back to their home but Sam keeps saying that they can't move back in until he finishes renovations on it. Sam is dreading Christmas time since this was his wife's favorite time of year and when she died.

Princess Jasmine ends up staying with Sam's family. No one knows that she is a princess. For the first time in Jasmine's life she gets to experience life as a normal person.

Jasmine and Sam don't hit it off at first but as time goes on they end up helping each other. There is an attraction between them but in reality she is a princess and has duties that she must fulfill and Sam is still having trouble moving on since his wife's death.

I fell in love with Sam and Jasmine's characters. The reader could feel Sam's pain and Jasmine's loneliness but could also feel their emotions as they began to change. The twins were great too. This is a beautiful feel good romantic read.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book after I saw that the movie 🎥 Jingle Bell Princess on GAC was based on a book. I had only watched maybe a minute of the movie but I listened to the sample of the book and noted that it was not anywhere near the same as the beginning of the movie. So I borrowed it and because I was behind on the movie I fast forwarded and saw little glimpses of the movie but decided that I was going to read it instead of watch it first. The movie is currently on my DVR but after having finished the book I’m not interested in seeing the movie because I know that it’s not gonna be the same and I’m not going to like it as much as I enjoyed listening to the book, which by the way I finished in about 12 hours with sleep in between that. So if you were thinking about watching the movie or if you watch the movie you’ll find that the book does have bits and pieces of the storyline but of course it’s a cut down version of which they lost four hours of the book so you make your decision and enjoy happy reading.

📝 if you watch the movie Sam does not have twin daughters. He has one daughter and Jasmine is now named Amelia. 🤦‍♀️ But the description GAC gives says twins and Jasmine. So someone messed up on the movie part of things. This made me also leary of watching the movie. Oh and his MIL is not who Jasmine/Amelia mets at the airport. It is his mother. These are spoilers for the movie not the book. Also they are things you find out in the first 5 min of the book and movie.

[Patty McGovern Pugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!

His Jingle Bell Princess was a wonderful book! I highly recommend it. This book has everything you want in a good romance. A good looking man with two adorable little girls all getting over the loss of the girls mother. A Princess going home on a private plane after a botched speech. She says she going to lay down and ends up taking a walk instead while the planes being repaired. The plane takes off without her and she is left at the small airport and has no money, phone, or her purse. It’s a huge snowstorm all flights are canceled and she has no where to go. To find out how these two meet and all the exciting fun and romantic things that happen get this book. You won’t be sorry it’s that good!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read His Jingle Bell Princess during the holiday season. Crown Princess Jasmine gets stranded in Tucker, Maine and decides to go incognito. She stays with Belle (who she met at the airport) and her son-in-law, Sam and two young granddaughters while she waits out a blizzard. Sam is a still grieving widow who can't muster up much enthusiasm for Christmas. Fate must have brought them together! I read this book in one sitting. It is a feel good romance and I enjoyed it.

[Herman Fassett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Be forewarned, I read this before the Christmas season and have since forgotten the intricacies of the story. I do not remember if there is adult content or not, and while I remember some interesting portions, it obviously didn't stick with me very long. I'll be generous. Christmas + Princess = 2. Solid math there.

[L'aura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know it would have gone against every single rule of the genre and perhaps it’s because I’m such a fan of Roman Holiday, but I almost wish this didn’t have a happy ending. The one about 40 (digital) pages before the actual end really felt like a perfect way to wrap the story. Anyway it was a sweet and heartwarming read.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not usually a fan of romances without some spice. I actually started listening not realizing it was a clean romance. I can honestly say that I’m so glad I did! I was hooked immediately! Very well written!

[John Capron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Truly Enjoyable Book

My wife and I love the movie, "Jingle Bell Princess." Clearly this book set the tone for the movie. This book is just as entertaining. I totally love this story. A big thank you to Barbara Dunlop for sharing it with the world.

[Barbara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried, but the writing is immature and not engaging. I even had it on audiobook. Typically, I can be forgiving of poor writing in audio since I can listen while driving or cleaning. Even then, this book held no interest for me. Could not finish.

[Kasey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only problem with this was it was too short. I wanted to know more.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Jingle Bell Princess review

His Jingle Bell Princess is a delightful romance written by author Barbara Dunlop. A European princess and an American fall in love.

[Norma Mantyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impossible?

How could you not love a story about a princess and a carpenter falling in love? Impossible for a happy ending, right? Read it and see!!

[Lucia Tobias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good light readig

If you are looking to relax, read this, it’s light and has a very nice flow of events and good characters.

[Joy A. Ascher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Read

What a lovely story, just right. A handsome hero, a beautiful princess and true love with a very happy ending.

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet story, easy to read, with loveable characters.

[Brenda Macleod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Princess story!!

[Inga · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a sweet story

[Rhonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute plot but could have been enhanced.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Sometimes you simply have to believe in Christmas magic… and possibilities.

Sam is a devoted to his twin daughters, Amelia and Sophie. The tender age of 9, they were both lively and full of energy… and they wanted to go home, back to their home and start the Christmas traditions that they vaguely remembered from when their mother was alive. It’s been two years since his wife’s death. How she loved Christmas, and to be taken from them at this time of year was heartbreaking and a huge feeling of guilt on Sam’s shoulder. He had managed to put off the return home with endless renovations on the house, but his daughters weren’t letting up any time soon. Living with his mother-in-law had saved them all in many ways. But they couldn’t stay with Belle forever, even if that’s what he wanted. His love for his girls had helped him exist, but his grief kept him firmly in the past with the woman he’d loved more than life itself.

Jasmine’s head was full of memories of the horrible moments when she’d frozen during the speech she was supposed to give in New York City. Her father would be disappointed in her, and she dreaded facing his anger. Not that he would harm her, but she was soon to take the mantle of a Royal Princess expected to lead her country as Queen one day. And she could barely stand the public scrutiny or public speaking. When the private plane she was traveling on needed to make an unexpected stop for repairs in the small town of Tucker, Maine, everyone with Jasmine expected her to remain on board. She was assumed to be sleeping in the plane’s bedroom and no one would dare interrupt her there. What the crew and her security team didn’t know was that Jasmine had decided to leave the plane for a short walk in the snow and fresh air to settle her thoughts and have a moment of privacy.

The last thing she expected was to return to the small airport to find that her private plane had taken off… without her. Her belongings, her identification, her phone were all on that plane – and a blizzard was heading their way. It would be impossible for the plane to immediately return even if she could contact them.

For the first time in her life, Jasmine was truly alone and on her own. No protocol, no bodyguards, no one to tell her how to act in this situation. Totally and completely alone. The kindness of strangers is a beautiful thing and Jasmine will experience that when a stranger, Belle, offers to help her until she can contact her family. She is taken to Belle’s home where she will meet San and his daughters… and life will change for this Princess suddenly dealing with a real world she had not a single clue about.

His Jingle Bell Princess is such a sweet, charming fairy tale like story that you cannot help but get caught up in the Christmas magic at play. I enjoyed this story very much. Watching Sam heal, his daughters take to Jasmine like kittens to milk and the kindness of Belle all played a part in making this a delightful Christmas read that I know I’ll pick up again next year. If you’re looking for a feel good Christmas story one with a princess and a bit of holiday magic, then you’ll enjoy Sam and Jasmine’s journey.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this novel. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this story.*

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jasmine Arcelus was a Princess and in one months time on her birthday she would become Princess Royal. But Jasmine had a problem she froze when she was to give a speech such as the one she was suppose to give in NYC to a diplomatic audience. Jasmine had not said a word and she knew her father would be very unhappy with her when she returned Vollan. The private plane had a repair that needed to be done, it wouldn’t take long but had to be done so the plane stopped at Tucker, Maine. Jasmine had said she was going to lay down there was a bedroom aboard the plane but instead decided a quick walk and fresh air would help more so Jasmine manages to get off the plane and isn’t seen. No one had checked for her and when she went in the airport her plane had already taken off and because of weather the airplane could not return right away. So Jasmine was stuck in Tucker until the blizzard cleared up/ A woman named Belle toke pity on Jasmine and toke Jasmine to her home. Belle’s son in law and twin granddaughters also lived with her as Sam her son in law had been widowed . It had almost been two years but Sam hadn’t healed yet Sam and Kara had been HS sweethearts and had Sophie and Amelia who were nine. Sam had a problem getting through Christmas and was already dreading this holiday season but he must try to be cheerful for his girls. Sam was a carpenter and had plenty of work and could afford to take on help but refused he said he rather work by himself and he wanted to be left alone. Sam just ready to move on yet and resented anyone trying to help him get on with his life as he felt it was his fault that Kara was now gone. Brock was Sam’s best friend and he wanted to see Sam start living again. Sam could not understand why he was reacting to Jasmine he felt like he had no right to react to someone else.So then Sam was pretty rude to Jasmine until Belle heard him and said something to him.Sam offered Jasmine some cold pizza and could not believe she had never had any. Jasmine wasn’t sure how much she should reveal about her self and her father and her identity. She did say she was from Vollen and her father was well known and the had land that had been passed down. But not her father was king and she was to someday be queen. Sam was embarrassed when Belle said something with the way he was talking to Jasmine and he did apologize. Jasmine then said she should apologize as she was intruding on his family. Jasmine decided she would fins a hotel the next day if she could. Jasmine had lost her mom when she was six years old and her heart went out to Sophie and Amelia. Jasmine was attracted to Sam and was fighting it.
I like this story. In the beginning this story was a little slow but it does pick up and I ended up really liking this story. The plot was very good, the characters were great especially Amelia and Sophie they really add to this story. I like how Jasmine got to lead a normal life even if only for a little while but also was one of the reasons Sam was starting to heal and she wanted to help if she could. Sam also knew he had to try to do better for his girls. I absolutely loved how the ending worked and I recommend.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Jingle Bell Princess by Barbara Dunlop

Accidentally abandoned and stranded by a raging blizzard in the picturesque town of Tucker, Maine, Crown Princess Jasmine Arcules finds herself alone and unguarded for the first time in her life.

Meanwhile, widower Sam Cutler is dreading the Christmas season. Struggling to be a good father to his nine-year-old twin daughters, he’s wracked with guilt and battling painful memories. The last thing he needs is a beautiful stranger invading his world.

Jasmine keeps her royal identity secret, so Sam treats her the way no man in her native country ever would – a country where speaking to Jasmine out of turn could result in jail time. But Jasmine has a knack for getting past Sam’s defenses, comforting his daughters, arousing his suppressed emotions, and forcing him to remember he’s a man…

Both Sam and Jasmine need each other, but can they trust in Christmas magic to bring their hearts together?
this is Crown Princess Jasmine Arcules and Sam Cutler's story.
Princess Jasmine Arcelus had dressed for confidence this morning. She’d chosen a pair of coal black, textured strappy sandals with heels that gave her an extra three inches.
Sam Cutler swung his pickup truck to the curb at the corner of Main and Pine Tree Avenue, grateful to see the end of another emotionally grueling day.
He’d barely shut off the engine and his daughters were bouncing out of the truck to get a Christmas tree.
Will Sam and Jasmine trust in Christmas magic to bring their hearts together? read this book to find out.
His Jingle Bell Princess by Barbara Dunlop is a 5 star book.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
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His Jingle Bell Princess

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Cutler has only loved one woman in life and he still grieves for her. Princess Jasmine Arcelus has never even been kissed.

While her flight crew assumed Jasmine was asleep, they left the airport before the blizzard hit Tucker, Maine. But Jasmine wasn't sleeping on the plane. She had gone for a walk in the woods by herself. When she returned to the airport, she was surprised to find out her plane left without her.

Sam hasn't been interested in anything since he lost his wife in a car accident two years ago. He doesn’t care about Christmas or work. He hasn't spent time with his friends and he hasn't even moved back home yet. He is still living at his mother-in-law's house with his twin daughters.

When Belle meets Jasmine at the airport and finds out she has been left behind, she brings her home to stay until her plane can come back for her. Sam starts becoming attracted to Jasmine. He hasn’t felt this way about a woman in a very long time. Jasmine discovers feelings towards Sam that she has never experienced before. But she knows nothing came happen. She has certain standards she is expected to live up to and falling in love with just anyone isn't in the plans. Will Jasmine and Sam give into the feelings they have for each other, or will Jasmine be forced to forget about Sam when the time comes for her to return to Vollan?

This is a heartwarming and a very clean romance novella that can be read in one sitting. Sam’s rediscovering love and Jasmine finding love for the first time was fun to read about. Sam’s little girls stole the scenes in some parts and made it more realistic. I just wish the story would have been a bit longer as it seemed to wrap up too fast for me.

[Rosemary K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess Jasmine Arcelus knows that being a princess is both difficult and lonely. She's always surrounded by guards and must always follow protocol. On a layover for a plane repair, she's tempted to take a walk in the snow and enjoy the peace and solitude. When she gets back her plane has left. Now she's stranded in Tucker, Maine in a crippling blizzard. She has no money and no cell phone. What happens next is both touching and romantic. Jasmine becomes the guest of Belle Zachary, her son-in-law, and his twins. Sam Cutler lost his wife in an accident which happened at Christmas. He feels guilty and the holidays make it worse. Sam resents Jasmine. Her presence awakens him from his guilt. Jasmine with her innocence of the real world is a breath of fresh air. Her kindness helps the girls enjoy the holidays. Seeing Jasmine and Sam's reaction to each other was amazing. I wanted a HEA. I just wasn't sure how a Royal princess would fit into a small New England town with a carpenter but Barbara Dunlop didn't disappoint me. The magic of the holidays make the perfect background for this love story. The characters are likeable, the dialogue is charming and the romance tender. His Jingle Bell Princess is a perfect holiday treat.

[Ash P Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crown Princess Jasmine Arcules is accidently left behind in small town Tucker, Maine. A generous airport employee welcomes her into her home . Remaining incognito, she manages to befriend widower Sam Cutler and his twin daughters, who are living with their mother-in-law/grandmother. She experiences for the first time what a Christmas with a close-knit family is really like.

Still grieving his late wife after 2 years Sam is having a hard time moving forward in life. Even his nine-year-old twin girls aren't motivation enough. But somehow Jasmine in her quiet and graceful way manages to break through to him and it isn't long before he finds himself envisioning a brighter future for himself and his girls, with Jasmine as a beacon of hope smack in the middle.

Of course for Jasmine there can be no future with Sam and the twins, even though that is the only thing she wants. But she has a duty to her country and it's citizens because as soon as she returns she is to be crowned as the Queen of Vollan.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley for voluntary review consideration

[Michelle]

Jasmine is a sheltered princess who has yet to really experience life outside of the castle. Sam is a widower who is struggling to move past the death of his wife two years ago. Jasmine takes a walk in the snow while waiting for her plane to depart the Tucker, Maine airport and gets stranded in an oncoming blizzard when her plane accidentally takes off without her. She is taken in by Sam's mother in law and brought to stay in their family home until she can contact her family. She keeps her identity a secret as she gets to know the family. Sam struggles with Jasmine's presence. It is almost Christmas which is the hardest time of year for him. However his twin 9 year old daughters want to start back with the happy holiday traditions they remember and move back into their family home. Will Jasmine's presence help Sam get past his misplaced guilt or make it worse? I enjoyed this story. Featuring Sam's daughters and mother in law helped the character development and made the developing romance seem more real. Definitely a heartwarming holiday read!

[Hilda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I would have given it 5 but I wanted a little more at the end.
This is a sweet light hearted story about a chance encounter that leads to more with a brush of royalty.
A man has lost his wife two year ago. Still the events crushed his soul until an unexpected visitor shows up at his home.
Accidentally left behind at the airport, Princess Jasmine is taken in by kind strangers who open their home and hearts to her during a difficult time for everyone.
I really enjoyed this book because while they had an instant spark it wasn’t acted upon, the story built at a steady pace, and it was made more realistic. I enjoyed the little girls and how they played the part in helping their father heal along with Jasmine and his other friends.
I didn’t want it to end and I had a smile plastered on my face.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam and Jasmine are about to discover that miracles happen in the strangest ways. Can a misplaced princess and a grieving single dad be the answer to a prayer? His Jingle Bell Princess shows how being in the wrong place at the right time can have lasting benefits. Jasmine is a princess with an attitude that brighten up the darkest night, but lacks confidence in her abilities as a royal. Sam is a man stuck in the past. Tragedy left him a single father of twin girls but it also left him with a shattered heart and broken dreams. When the royal and the widower cross paths, tempers rage, hormones flare and the healing begins. Can this mismatched twosome, be a perfect pair? Jasmine and Sam with help of Ms. Dunlop spin a tale of hope, second chances and the powerful of family in this energetic, light - hearted holiday read.

[Bonnie Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Princess Jasmine left her family's private jet just to get some air and stretch her legs it was going to be there in Tucker for another two hours, but when she returned it was gone and with it her passport and phone and she never had to carry cash or credit cards and for her own safety she could not tell anyone she was a princess, where would she stay till the jet returned for her?
But a lady named Belle who worked at the airport said she had plenty of room even with her widowed son in law and his twin daughters staying with her and she took Jasmine home with her.
It was a delight to read about a pampered princess doing ordinary tasks she had never done before in her life and to see the development of feelings between her and Sam and even the princess and Sam's daughters .