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One Royal Christmas
From the author of the award-winning ENCHANTED Christmas Collection, a royal romance filled with small-town holiday charm!
His Majesty Jonah Harrison Archer Davies VI has just endured the worst year of his life . . . and he's convinced he's no longer fit to rule Concordia. Not now . . . but maybe someday. Taking advantage of an obscure law that allows him to temporarily abdicate his throne, he transfers short-term power to his younger brother and retreats to Tinsel, Vermont. Perhaps in this tucked-away town, with its enchanting Christmas decorations and unusual media ban, Jonah will discover the peace and privacy he needs to heal, find his vision for his country . . . and somehow believe himself worthy of the crown.
Eight years ago, Rowan Bell dropped out of college and sacrificed her dream of traveling the world to keep a promise to her dying grandmother--to care for Tinsel's charming library. But the antiquated Cape Cod cottage that has housed the library for decades is falling apart around her, and Tinsel's city leaders have arranged to relocate the library. Desperate to keep her grandmother's legacy alive--and hopefully hush the longings of her restless heart in the process--Rowan hatches a plan to preserve the historic house. Help comes in the most unexpected form when a handsome bookworm--a king!--appears in Rowan's life.
Drawn together under Tinsel's Christmastime spell, Rowan and Jonah work to secure the library's future, even as they grapple with all the uncertainty in their own futures. But when a national crisis calls Jonah home, it's not only his claim to the throne that's in danger, but their two hearts which had only begun to hope again.
One Royal Christmas originally appeared in the 2019 novella collection Royally Yours. This is a standalone novella filled with romance, royalty and small-town charm.
His Majesty Jonah Harrison Archer Davies VI has just endured the worst year of his life . . . and he's convinced he's no longer fit to rule Concordia. Not now . . . but maybe someday. Taking advantage of an obscure law that allows him to temporarily abdicate his throne, he transfers short-term power to his younger brother and retreats to Tinsel, Vermont. Perhaps in this tucked-away town, with its enchanting Christmas decorations and unusual media ban, Jonah will discover the peace and privacy he needs to heal, find his vision for his country . . . and somehow believe himself worthy of the crown.
Eight years ago, Rowan Bell dropped out of college and sacrificed her dream of traveling the world to keep a promise to her dying grandmother--to care for Tinsel's charming library. But the antiquated Cape Cod cottage that has housed the library for decades is falling apart around her, and Tinsel's city leaders have arranged to relocate the library. Desperate to keep her grandmother's legacy alive--and hopefully hush the longings of her restless heart in the process--Rowan hatches a plan to preserve the historic house. Help comes in the most unexpected form when a handsome bookworm--a king!--appears in Rowan's life.
Drawn together under Tinsel's Christmastime spell, Rowan and Jonah work to secure the library's future, even as they grapple with all the uncertainty in their own futures. But when a national crisis calls Jonah home, it's not only his claim to the throne that's in danger, but their two hearts which had only begun to hope again.
One Royal Christmas originally appeared in the 2019 novella collection Royally Yours. This is a standalone novella filled with romance, royalty and small-town charm.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2020
108 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Tagg
25 books1,673 followersMelissa Tagg is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and Carol Award-winning author of swoony and hope-filled small-town contemporary romances. She’s also a former reporter, current nonprofit marketing strategist, and total Iowa girl.
Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women’s retreats. When she’s not happily lost in someone else’s book or plugging away her own, she can be found spoiling her nieces and nephews, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next fictional hero. Connect with Melissa at melissatagg.com.
Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women’s retreats. When she’s not happily lost in someone else’s book or plugging away her own, she can be found spoiling her nieces and nephews, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next fictional hero. Connect with Melissa at melissatagg.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 24, 2020
Oh, to always have a Tagg novella to read at Christmas! I don’t usually go for this type of story, where royalty visits a small town, but I fully trust Melissa Tagg, so I went in expecting to enjoy it, and I absolutely did. I mean, the story features a bookworm of a king, a librarian, and a town called Tinsel - pretty hard for to resist! And it is so much fun.
Rowan’s story is extra poignant to me because I also have a stepfather who has always treated me like his own. Her blended family feels genuine, and I really connected to that part of the story.
If you’re looking for a contemporary romance to add to your Christmas reading, definitely check out One Royal Christmas!
Rowan’s story is extra poignant to me because I also have a stepfather who has always treated me like his own. Her blended family feels genuine, and I really connected to that part of the story.
If you’re looking for a contemporary romance to add to your Christmas reading, definitely check out One Royal Christmas!
December 1, 2022
Hallmark, please make this into a movie. A king. A librarian. A country in crisis. A crumbling library in a town named Tinsel. I want this to be a full length novel. And have a sequel. Loved it!
November 29, 2024
"One Royal Christmas" is one of my favorite Melissa Tagg Christmas novellas! (Second only to "One Enchanted Christmas" with its hilarious narrator.) This royal romance story will sweep book lovers off their feet with its cozy library scenes, references to classic books, and bibliophile king. I've read this book twice during the holidays and fully intend to reread it again in the future. Highly recommend!
October 5, 2020
Such a sweet read. The novella length was perfect for a quick, fun read. The setting was so vivid and the characters sweet. Loved the touch of Christmas and the sweet romance.
September 3, 2021
I loved that the town's library was a major part of the story and all the bookish elements in the story. That was so fun and charmed my love of all things bookish heart. Highly recommend.
June 1, 2025
I honestly can't remember the last time I read a book as charming as this one! From the whimsical small town of Tinsel to the campaign to save its beloved library—and yes, the fact that the main character is the king of a small country—how could I not fall in love?
One Royal Christmas is a story tailor-made for readers. It holds that one special quality every book lover treasures: a deep, abiding love for stories. Page after page, it reminded me exactly why I fell in love with reading in the first place.
I can already see this becoming one of my all-time favorite Christmas reads. Whether you're curled up during the holidays or just craving a cozy escape, this book will absolutely fill you with festive cheer—and maybe even rekindle your passion for books.
One Royal Christmas is a story tailor-made for readers. It holds that one special quality every book lover treasures: a deep, abiding love for stories. Page after page, it reminded me exactly why I fell in love with reading in the first place.
I can already see this becoming one of my all-time favorite Christmas reads. Whether you're curled up during the holidays or just craving a cozy escape, this book will absolutely fill you with festive cheer—and maybe even rekindle your passion for books.
November 27, 2020
Put together a king who's a bookworm, a lady who's a librarian, and a Christmas town called "Tinsel," and you have a Christmas romance that can't miss. Especially when the librarian is trying to maintain her grandmother's library in her grandmother's house that is falling minute by minute into disrepair.
I loved how Rowan's stepfather claimed her as one of his own because my stepfather never differentiated between my stepsister and I. Yet Eddie understood that they had to come to a relationship that each was comfortable with. Jonah was a wonderful "King Charming" even as he struggled with his own inner belief that he wasn't a good enough ruler.
Quick, easy to read, Christmas novella.
I loved how Rowan's stepfather claimed her as one of his own because my stepfather never differentiated between my stepsister and I. Yet Eddie understood that they had to come to a relationship that each was comfortable with. Jonah was a wonderful "King Charming" even as he struggled with his own inner belief that he wasn't a good enough ruler.
Quick, easy to read, Christmas novella.
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October 14, 2020Review to come in December.
December 23, 2023
3.5⭐️
Cute, entertaining, slightly predictable—this was a clean “feel good” Christmas story with a tiny bit of faith content. I did like the characters. Jonah was probably my favorite though his guard Hamish was a great side character!
The romance was clean. There were a few kisses (one was semi- detailed). Having said that, I enjoyed this story more than a hallmark movie 😊 and the end was very sweet.
Cute, entertaining, slightly predictable—this was a clean “feel good” Christmas story with a tiny bit of faith content. I did like the characters. Jonah was probably my favorite though his guard Hamish was a great side character!
The romance was clean. There were a few kisses (one was semi- detailed). Having said that, I enjoyed this story more than a hallmark movie 😊 and the end was very sweet.
January 27, 2021
So charming and sweet.
October 14, 2020
A truly joyful read. The perfect book to curl up with on a chilly afternoon. I really enjoy the happy ever after story genre and to set it at Christmas is even better. I loved the fact that this book encompasses one life-changing month in the lives of two dynamic people. So grab a comfy blanket and some hot chocolate... with peppermint and whip cream, then settle in for a happy tale.
October 18, 2020
Absolutely Perfect!
I love Melissa Tagg. Short story, full-length novel, doesn't matter. She always manages to pack so much feeling, atmosphere, character, and depth into her words, and this one was no exception. I seriously need to see some of her books turned into movies (they read like one, already!)... *ahem* Hello, Hallmark? Absolutely loved it!
I love Melissa Tagg. Short story, full-length novel, doesn't matter. She always manages to pack so much feeling, atmosphere, character, and depth into her words, and this one was no exception. I seriously need to see some of her books turned into movies (they read like one, already!)... *ahem* Hello, Hallmark? Absolutely loved it!
January 8, 2021
Such a sweet lil romance I was so curious how it would pan out and I was not disappointed. I love novellas they are so satisfying
September 28, 2020
One weary European king takes a vacation to Tinsel, Vermont, where he holds fond memories of the library he visited as a child. Librarian Rowan is fighting the town to keep the library's location and her grandmother's legacy intact. A sweet story dealing with calling, family issues, and the desires of one's heart.
December 20, 2022
Perfect Christmas Read
I wanted one more Christmas story to end my Christmas reading marathon ... And this one was a perfect choice. Short, sweet, enchanting,not to heavy but keeps the reader interested. Melissa Tagg please continue the story of Jonah and Rowan.
Side note to Melissa: I did wander if the King would get the opportunity to wear flannel as most of your male characters do. I wasn't disappointed. I will say I prefer the soap and flannel to Cologne and flannel, but that's just me. Merry Christmas.
I wanted one more Christmas story to end my Christmas reading marathon ... And this one was a perfect choice. Short, sweet, enchanting,not to heavy but keeps the reader interested. Melissa Tagg please continue the story of Jonah and Rowan.
Side note to Melissa: I did wander if the King would get the opportunity to wear flannel as most of your male characters do. I wasn't disappointed. I will say I prefer the soap and flannel to Cologne and flannel, but that's just me. Merry Christmas.
March 6, 2021
This book *sniffs* made me tear up a couple of times. I loved the way the author worked quotes from books into this story. The one that really got me was when Jonah had to leave, he underlined a passage in Charlotte's Web "You have been my friend," replied Charlotte. "That in itself is a tremendous thing.." I cursed the book at that point for making me teary eyed.
I loved the characters in this book. All of them. The mom, the step-dad, the step-siblings, the best friend, all the fringe characters (in the town). The only one I liked from the kingdom was Hamish. I also loved the main characters.
The king, Jonah was the perfect swoon worthy "book boyfriend". He's suffered tragedy and all he wants is a moment in time to gather his thoughts and his emotions and do what's right by his county. In some way, he reminded me of the quote "Heavy is the head that wears the crown".
Rowan was a sweet heart, a loyal and loving character who just wanted to honor her grandmother's legacy. She struggles with finding her place in the world. She wants more from her life but feels stuck in Tinsel because of the promise she made her grandmother. I felt bad for her.
Their romance is FAST, super fast, yet I was more than willing to suspend all reality. I wanted them to have a HEA. I wanted her to wind up as Queen Rowan standing at the side of Jonah as he ruled his small kingdom. I would love a sequel with Rowan's best friend just so we can get glimpses of Jonah and Rowan as a married couple (maybe with some royal babies?).
This is a clean romance with Christian leanings. They go to church, they pray, and God is mentioned. It's not preachy and it doesn't hit you over the head with religion. It's the perfect amount.
I loved the characters in this book. All of them. The mom, the step-dad, the step-siblings, the best friend, all the fringe characters (in the town). The only one I liked from the kingdom was Hamish. I also loved the main characters.
The king, Jonah was the perfect swoon worthy "book boyfriend". He's suffered tragedy and all he wants is a moment in time to gather his thoughts and his emotions and do what's right by his county. In some way, he reminded me of the quote "Heavy is the head that wears the crown".
Rowan was a sweet heart, a loyal and loving character who just wanted to honor her grandmother's legacy. She struggles with finding her place in the world. She wants more from her life but feels stuck in Tinsel because of the promise she made her grandmother. I felt bad for her.
Their romance is FAST, super fast, yet I was more than willing to suspend all reality. I wanted them to have a HEA. I wanted her to wind up as Queen Rowan standing at the side of Jonah as he ruled his small kingdom. I would love a sequel with Rowan's best friend just so we can get glimpses of Jonah and Rowan as a married couple (maybe with some royal babies?).
This is a clean romance with Christian leanings. They go to church, they pray, and God is mentioned. It's not preachy and it doesn't hit you over the head with religion. It's the perfect amount.
December 26, 2020
Jonah is a King grappling with a broken heart and chooses to take a sabbatical from leading Concordia, the small country he rules. He escapes to a small town in America which is known for allowing royalty, celebrities, and other people of influence to lead a private life without being harassed by media. Jonah visited Tinsel years ago when he was a child and has fond memories of spending his time devouring the classics in the old library run by an elderly lady.
That elderly lady has since passed away and the library is being run by her granddaughter, Rowan Bell. But the library is in a state of disrepair and the council are making plans to move the books into the town centre to a better facility. Rowan believes she must continue the legacy her grandmother established all those years ago and is vehemently against any such move.
Jonah and Rowan meet over a common passion for books. He reads them, she lends them. And evening walks in the cold. But their time is limited: a month in fact before Jonah must return to his royal duties and share his new vision for Concordia. The timing coincides with a final decision on the status of the library.
Like all Melissa Tagg books this sings with joy and two fascinating leads who are both a little nerdy but passionate. There's a lovely message about moving forward with life and not allowing one's past to hold you back and being true to your calling whether that be ruling a nation or discovering a world outside the library at Tinsel.
The ending is lovely and makes one smile.
A delightful quick read for Christmas time.
That elderly lady has since passed away and the library is being run by her granddaughter, Rowan Bell. But the library is in a state of disrepair and the council are making plans to move the books into the town centre to a better facility. Rowan believes she must continue the legacy her grandmother established all those years ago and is vehemently against any such move.
Jonah and Rowan meet over a common passion for books. He reads them, she lends them. And evening walks in the cold. But their time is limited: a month in fact before Jonah must return to his royal duties and share his new vision for Concordia. The timing coincides with a final decision on the status of the library.
Like all Melissa Tagg books this sings with joy and two fascinating leads who are both a little nerdy but passionate. There's a lovely message about moving forward with life and not allowing one's past to hold you back and being true to your calling whether that be ruling a nation or discovering a world outside the library at Tinsel.
The ending is lovely and makes one smile.
A delightful quick read for Christmas time.
September 28, 2020
Melissa Tagg has perfected the art of writing a book that can include the perfect blend of romance, charm, and character development—all within a short novella! She pens a wonderfully romantic story set in a snowy, quaint town that makes you want to cuddle up with a blanket and cup of tea on a cold day. This novella transports you to the small town with ease, the descriptions flowing off the page and pulling you into the story. The characters both deal with conflict and grow throughout the story in a satisfying way. Their romance is adorably sweet and realistic. There is something about reading about a prince during a snowy day that makes him that much more dreamy! I loved the characters and their struggles and found myself sheading a tear or two as they overcome difficulties in their lives. I really enjoyed this story and am a dedicated reader of Melissa’s stories for life!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
November 19, 2020
I wanted to give this a lower rating, but the truth is that all my reasons boiled down to it being underdeveloped, which is only a result of it being a novella, rather than a novel. So judging it on what it was, and not what I wanted it to be, seemed the only fair thing.
The romance was cute and the political drama okay, but the most interesting part was the family dynamics. I feel like I could read a whole book alone about Eddie and Rowan and the family, and how those relationships came to be and where they're going to go.
Not a bad Christmas read, if you're looking for something quick and easy to digest.
The romance was cute and the political drama okay, but the most interesting part was the family dynamics. I feel like I could read a whole book alone about Eddie and Rowan and the family, and how those relationships came to be and where they're going to go.
Not a bad Christmas read, if you're looking for something quick and easy to digest.
December 28, 2020
Very sweet
I really enjoyed reading about Rowan and Jonah. They just seemed to click right away.
I will say though... Rowan, at times, felt more like a teenager than a 28 year old. She avoided her family instead of opening up. She clung to this idea about the house and library, despite the awful living conditions she was in. It wasn't logical in the slightest. She made it purely emotional, like a teen. And maybe because her Grandma died when she was young... it kept her there instead of allowing her to grow. I don't know... I just felt like she was a bit more immature than someone her age should have been.
But like I said, I did enjoy reading it.
I really enjoyed reading about Rowan and Jonah. They just seemed to click right away.
I will say though... Rowan, at times, felt more like a teenager than a 28 year old. She avoided her family instead of opening up. She clung to this idea about the house and library, despite the awful living conditions she was in. It wasn't logical in the slightest. She made it purely emotional, like a teen. And maybe because her Grandma died when she was young... it kept her there instead of allowing her to grow. I don't know... I just felt like she was a bit more immature than someone her age should have been.
But like I said, I did enjoy reading it.
November 6, 2022
I love a good royal Christmas romance! It was a good, sweet, quick read.
I knocked off a star because there was a couple instances where the characters talked about God towards the end. It isn't necessarily that they talked about God, but more so that it all of a sudden was brought up without any mention of religion in the first 75% of the book. It was strange that all of a sudden it was brought up.
However, that didn't make it bad! I'm sure Christians would really enjoy that aspect, but as someone who is not it was just a little awkward and made me think "what a weird time to bring that up" instead of staying in the book.
I knocked off a star because there was a couple instances where the characters talked about God towards the end. It isn't necessarily that they talked about God, but more so that it all of a sudden was brought up without any mention of religion in the first 75% of the book. It was strange that all of a sudden it was brought up.
However, that didn't make it bad! I'm sure Christians would really enjoy that aspect, but as someone who is not it was just a little awkward and made me think "what a weird time to bring that up" instead of staying in the book.
December 21, 2022
I was sold simply by the MMC’s name being Jonah. 😂
This was my first time reading something by Melissa Tagg, and it certainly won’t be my last!
A New England Christmas with a whimsical royal angle. An abdicated king and a librarian who doesn’t like to read. There was so much to love!
Since it’s a novella, things moved pretty fast, and I did find myself wishing a few details had been more thoroughly fleshed out. Particularly in dealing with the kerfuffle with Jonah’s brother as the motive there was a bit hazy to me.
All in all, a perfect short Christmas read with all the sweet romance and royal whimsy!
This was my first time reading something by Melissa Tagg, and it certainly won’t be my last!
A New England Christmas with a whimsical royal angle. An abdicated king and a librarian who doesn’t like to read. There was so much to love!
Since it’s a novella, things moved pretty fast, and I did find myself wishing a few details had been more thoroughly fleshed out. Particularly in dealing with the kerfuffle with Jonah’s brother as the motive there was a bit hazy to me.
All in all, a perfect short Christmas read with all the sweet romance and royal whimsy!
December 29, 2022
This was a cute and whimsical story that showed two characters struggling with their present circumstances and taking the courage to step into their purpose, and futures, all the while falling in love in the most adorable way!
This author is a new favorite because she has a way of allowing you to vividly picture the surroundings as well as feel the deep emotions of the characters. The characters were also well developed and progressed in a believable way; not over reacting or making dramatic scenes where they irrationally stormed off.
I like reading a book that makes me forget I’m reading a book. This one definitely was one like that!
This author is a new favorite because she has a way of allowing you to vividly picture the surroundings as well as feel the deep emotions of the characters. The characters were also well developed and progressed in a believable way; not over reacting or making dramatic scenes where they irrationally stormed off.
I like reading a book that makes me forget I’m reading a book. This one definitely was one like that!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2020
His Majesty Jonah Harrison Archer Davies VI transfers short-term power to his younger brother and retreats to Tinsel, Vermont. Rowan Bell cares for Tinsel's library. City leaders have arranged to relocate the library. Desperate to keep her grandmother's legacy alive she hatches a plan to preserve the historic house. Rowan and Jonah work to secure the library's future. A national crisis calls Jonah home.
Heartwarming, fun, and interesting. A Prince. Tension and surprises make this a good story.
Heartwarming, fun, and interesting. A Prince. Tension and surprises make this a good story.
December 20, 2024
Sweet Christmas Story with a Royal Flair!
I truly enjoyed reading this sweet "Royal" Christmas story.
It had just the right amount of tender moments, fun events, snow scenes, crazy chaos, and sweet romance. As well as, delightfully royal traditions.
I've always enjoyed reading books written by Melissa Tagg. Her characters are so relatable and the dialogue between them moves the story along. Her books have a beautiful thread of God's love running through them.
I highly recommend you pick up this book to get your holiday reading started.
I truly enjoyed reading this sweet "Royal" Christmas story.
It had just the right amount of tender moments, fun events, snow scenes, crazy chaos, and sweet romance. As well as, delightfully royal traditions.
I've always enjoyed reading books written by Melissa Tagg. Her characters are so relatable and the dialogue between them moves the story along. Her books have a beautiful thread of God's love running through them.
I highly recommend you pick up this book to get your holiday reading started.
December 7, 2020
In the spirit of all the variations of “Christmas prince” movies floating around right now, I thought I’d go for a “Christmas prince” book. One Royal Christmas was unbelievable and cheesy in all the right ways, and reading about a freshly-abdicated king falling in love with a librarian in cozy Vermont was an enjoyable way to end my weekend.
October 15, 2020
Sweet read that casts a spell
Do not start this book unless you have the time to sit and soak it in. I love this author and this book kept me spell bound. I was almost late to work trying to finish it! The story lingered even while I was at work.
Do not start this book unless you have the time to sit and soak it in. I love this author and this book kept me spell bound. I was almost late to work trying to finish it! The story lingered even while I was at work.
November 1, 2020
Heartwarming
Heartwarming is right. One Royal Christmas is a lovely story. I enjoyed the conflict with the library and got chilled with all that snow. Great characters. Beautiful setting.
Heartwarming is right. One Royal Christmas is a lovely story. I enjoyed the conflict with the library and got chilled with all that snow. Great characters. Beautiful setting.
November 28, 2020
Beautiful story
This is my first read by this author and I was wonderfully surprised at this heartwarming story. I couldn't wait to get back to reading it when other life interfered.
This is my first read by this author and I was wonderfully surprised at this heartwarming story. I couldn't wait to get back to reading it when other life interfered.
December 22, 2023
One Royal Christmas by Melissa Tagged
This is a short story about the king and the American librarian! To be that much in love in such a short time, you could feel the emotions as you were reading! I liked it and recommend this book to anyone!
This is a short story about the king and the American librarian! To be that much in love in such a short time, you could feel the emotions as you were reading! I liked it and recommend this book to anyone!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews