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Royal Runaway's Holiday
She’s been trained to put her royal duty first, but what happens when it will cost her the dream she’s always harbored?
Evalina Rosalind Marie Bexley, Princess of Nevive, is ready to step into her role as Queen. The pageantry, the protocols, and, most certainly, the pretense. She’s prepared for it her whole life—until Parliament uncovers an ancient law saying she must marry before her birthday next month.
In an unprecedented move, she seeks refuge at the local Christmas bazaar. She’s certain her disguise will give her the freedom she craves before she must face her obligations. No one will ever know— after all, no one, including God, sees the real Eva.
He's worked for years to prove himself in a country that isn’t his.
Reporter Gordon Tarpen may have found the story of a lifetime when he recognizes his childhood friend, Eva, at the Christmas bazaar. Despite her heavy disguise, he’d know that laugh, that smile, those eyes anywhere. And he most certainly recognizes the same way the princess captivates those around her. Is he willing to sacrifice her trust for his own personal gain?
For one unforgettable day, they share adventure, laughter, and the spark of something more. But when the truth shatters their fragile fairytale, can love—and God’s grace—rewrite the rules? Or will the crown demand the ultimate sacrifice: her heart?
Evalina Rosalind Marie Bexley, Princess of Nevive, is ready to step into her role as Queen. The pageantry, the protocols, and, most certainly, the pretense. She’s prepared for it her whole life—until Parliament uncovers an ancient law saying she must marry before her birthday next month.
In an unprecedented move, she seeks refuge at the local Christmas bazaar. She’s certain her disguise will give her the freedom she craves before she must face her obligations. No one will ever know— after all, no one, including God, sees the real Eva.
He's worked for years to prove himself in a country that isn’t his.
Reporter Gordon Tarpen may have found the story of a lifetime when he recognizes his childhood friend, Eva, at the Christmas bazaar. Despite her heavy disguise, he’d know that laugh, that smile, those eyes anywhere. And he most certainly recognizes the same way the princess captivates those around her. Is he willing to sacrifice her trust for his own personal gain?
For one unforgettable day, they share adventure, laughter, and the spark of something more. But when the truth shatters their fragile fairytale, can love—and God’s grace—rewrite the rules? Or will the crown demand the ultimate sacrifice: her heart?
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 12, 2025
Sweet Royal Christmas Tale...
Princess Evalina learns a month before her 26th birthday that she must marry by that date in order to succeed her father in leading the country. She's in love with television reporter Gordon and he's in love with her, but neither has acted on their feelings in the past. Will it work out for them despite Gordon not meeting the citizen requirement to marry the princess?
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Princess Evalina learns a month before her 26th birthday that she must marry by that date in order to succeed her father in leading the country. She's in love with television reporter Gordon and he's in love with her, but neither has acted on their feelings in the past. Will it work out for them despite Gordon not meeting the citizen requirement to marry the princess?
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
November 3, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Princess Evalina Rosalinda Marie Bexley has known her entire life she will inherit the throne of Nevive. As a result, she has lived her life for her country, subjects, and family; never herself. But when an archaic law requiring her to wed by her twenty-sixth birthday stands in the way of her fulfilling her lifelong duty, she decides one day of fun is needed. Donning a disguise, Eva transforms into Rose and attends the Christmas Bazaar she has always dreamt of taking part in. Will one day amongst her countrymen hold the answer to her problem, or will it end any chance she had at ruling?
If you were a fan of royal romcoms such as Princess Diaries and The Prince and Me, then Mandy Boerma’s Royal Runaway’s Holiday is a must read!
In her latest novel, Boerma creates the most magical setting, Nevive. Being that the majority of the story revolves around the female protagonist fighting to keep her title, it had to be a place worthy. Described as an ideal country, the destination is filled with beautiful scenery, happy subjects, and come Christmas time, holiday decor and festivities galore.
In addition to creating a magical setting, Boerma wrote well-rounded characters her audience can’t help but root for. For example, Princess Eva is the epitome of loyal. Sacrificing her wants and needs for the greater good is something she has always done. So much so, that at the age of twenty-five she has yet to be in a relationship, let alone been kissed. But her heart and confidence is further crushed when she feels unseen by the one man in her life that matters most, her father. The journey Princess Eva goes on through this book beautifully points readers to God. After all, it is only through him that we find our true identity, royal or not.
Royal Runaway’s Holiday also features:
-(childhood) friends to more
-forbidden love
-hidden identity
Special thanks to Peaberry Publishing and Mandy Boerma for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Princess Evalina Rosalinda Marie Bexley has known her entire life she will inherit the throne of Nevive. As a result, she has lived her life for her country, subjects, and family; never herself. But when an archaic law requiring her to wed by her twenty-sixth birthday stands in the way of her fulfilling her lifelong duty, she decides one day of fun is needed. Donning a disguise, Eva transforms into Rose and attends the Christmas Bazaar she has always dreamt of taking part in. Will one day amongst her countrymen hold the answer to her problem, or will it end any chance she had at ruling?
If you were a fan of royal romcoms such as Princess Diaries and The Prince and Me, then Mandy Boerma’s Royal Runaway’s Holiday is a must read!
In her latest novel, Boerma creates the most magical setting, Nevive. Being that the majority of the story revolves around the female protagonist fighting to keep her title, it had to be a place worthy. Described as an ideal country, the destination is filled with beautiful scenery, happy subjects, and come Christmas time, holiday decor and festivities galore.
In addition to creating a magical setting, Boerma wrote well-rounded characters her audience can’t help but root for. For example, Princess Eva is the epitome of loyal. Sacrificing her wants and needs for the greater good is something she has always done. So much so, that at the age of twenty-five she has yet to be in a relationship, let alone been kissed. But her heart and confidence is further crushed when she feels unseen by the one man in her life that matters most, her father. The journey Princess Eva goes on through this book beautifully points readers to God. After all, it is only through him that we find our true identity, royal or not.
Royal Runaway’s Holiday also features:
-(childhood) friends to more
-forbidden love
-hidden identity
Special thanks to Peaberry Publishing and Mandy Boerma for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 29, 2025
Ever wish you had a novel that combined “The Little Mermaid” with “Roman Holiday?” Well now you do!
Mandy Boerma’s “Royal Runaway’s Holiday” combines Ariel’s desire to “be where the people are” with Roman Holiday’s princess on the run who falls for an American reporter.
Princess Eva is planning her Christmas Eve wedding, but she has one major problem. She’s not yet chosen a groom! Suddenly forced to marry to ascend the throne, she must choose a husband from the list of eligible bachelors. But the one man she’s always loved isn’t on that list.
American citizen Gordon has lived in the tiny country of Nevive for most of his life, even though his application for citizenship keeps mysteriously being denied. Lifelong friends, Eva and Gordon have both secretly fallen for the other, but neither see a way to be together.
But when a disguised Eva sneaks out of the palace to enjoy the Christmas bazaar she’s always admired from afar, Gordon joins her. That one day seals their desire to be together, but will the laws and parliament’s evil schemes keep them apart?
“Royal Runaway’s Holiday” brims with well-developed characters, small-town Christmas charm, and even a few mysteries sprinkled in along the way. I can’t wait to read more in this series!
Mandy Boerma’s “Royal Runaway’s Holiday” combines Ariel’s desire to “be where the people are” with Roman Holiday’s princess on the run who falls for an American reporter.
Princess Eva is planning her Christmas Eve wedding, but she has one major problem. She’s not yet chosen a groom! Suddenly forced to marry to ascend the throne, she must choose a husband from the list of eligible bachelors. But the one man she’s always loved isn’t on that list.
American citizen Gordon has lived in the tiny country of Nevive for most of his life, even though his application for citizenship keeps mysteriously being denied. Lifelong friends, Eva and Gordon have both secretly fallen for the other, but neither see a way to be together.
But when a disguised Eva sneaks out of the palace to enjoy the Christmas bazaar she’s always admired from afar, Gordon joins her. That one day seals their desire to be together, but will the laws and parliament’s evil schemes keep them apart?
“Royal Runaway’s Holiday” brims with well-developed characters, small-town Christmas charm, and even a few mysteries sprinkled in along the way. I can’t wait to read more in this series!
November 1, 2025
This is a quick, feel-good read. Yes, I had a scene from The Princess Diaries 2 in my head as I read at the beginning, but the story takes a different turn. The faith element brings this story alive and makes it relatable. If you enjoy a Christmas romance, grab your hot chocolate and curl up in your favorite reading spot.
November 1, 2025
This is a wonderful story with a sweet ending. Eva and Gordon are great characters. I love how the author describes their friendship, the twists and turns it takes, and the trust and faith they discover. A sweet holiday story with a message about turning to God, and discovering that he sees each of us as we are and meets us there.
October 30, 2025
Absolutely adorable book set during Christmas time in the country of Nivene. The main characters are wonderfully written. I loved the plot. Definitely worth the read. This book was provided by the author as an ARC, The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.
November 17, 2025
Mandy Boerma has written a delightful story in Royal Runaway's Holiday. Although the book starts out with serious Princess Diary vibes, it quickly moves on to a wonderful story about friendship, loyalty and duty. I liked the way things work together to give Princess Eva a day to be an anonymous citizen in her own country. It is also a story of God's grace and second chances. I really enjoyed reading about Eva, Kendra, Alexander and Gordan. The characters were well developed, and the plot was engaging, I read it in one day as I wanted to know how it ended. Fans of Toni Shilo's In Search of a Prince and Princess Diaries will certainly enjoy Royal Runaway's Holiday.
So grab a hot chocolate and curl up under a throw and enjoy a great escape for a day.
I was given a copy of Royal Runaway's Holiday with no expectations. All thought's are my own.
So grab a hot chocolate and curl up under a throw and enjoy a great escape for a day.
I was given a copy of Royal Runaway's Holiday with no expectations. All thought's are my own.
November 11, 2025
Royal Runaway’s Holiday
Mandy Boerma
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Princess Evalina Rosalind Marie Bexley has prepared her entire life to one day become Queen of Nevive. However, as her 26th birthday approaches, an ancient law is brought before Parliament that would force her to marry before Christmas or forfeit the throne.
Attempting to escape the pressure of this unprecedented twist, Eva decides to sneak out of the palace in disguise and visit the local Christmas bazaar that she's only ever witnessed from a distance. She’s certain no one will ever notice, but she isn't counting on running into the man who's been her best friend since childhood.
Gordon Tarpen has loved Eva since they were children but believes he has nothing to offer her. When he spots her at the Christmas bazaar, he decides to spend the day showing her the people and places of her kingdom while playing along with her ruse. For one day, they both try to forget that Eva's responsibility to her country will soon force them apart.
We always enjoy stories set amid the Christmas holiday. This book was especially nice due to the strong faith filled content. Boerma clearly conveyed an innate need we all have to be seen and known. However, our greatest need is to see and know God. It is only through our relationship with Him we can understand how deep His love is for each of us.
We received an advance copy from the publisher. This is our honest review.
Mandy Boerma
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Princess Evalina Rosalind Marie Bexley has prepared her entire life to one day become Queen of Nevive. However, as her 26th birthday approaches, an ancient law is brought before Parliament that would force her to marry before Christmas or forfeit the throne.
Attempting to escape the pressure of this unprecedented twist, Eva decides to sneak out of the palace in disguise and visit the local Christmas bazaar that she's only ever witnessed from a distance. She’s certain no one will ever notice, but she isn't counting on running into the man who's been her best friend since childhood.
Gordon Tarpen has loved Eva since they were children but believes he has nothing to offer her. When he spots her at the Christmas bazaar, he decides to spend the day showing her the people and places of her kingdom while playing along with her ruse. For one day, they both try to forget that Eva's responsibility to her country will soon force them apart.
We always enjoy stories set amid the Christmas holiday. This book was especially nice due to the strong faith filled content. Boerma clearly conveyed an innate need we all have to be seen and known. However, our greatest need is to see and know God. It is only through our relationship with Him we can understand how deep His love is for each of us.
We received an advance copy from the publisher. This is our honest review.
November 7, 2025
I started Royal Runaway's Holiday expecting a fun, fluffy read. It is definitely fun, but author Mandy Boerma seamlessly weaves in deep spiritual truths throughout the story. How basic is the desire to be seen and known, to be more than just a replaceable cog in the machine?
Eva, aka Princess Evalina, is guided by her sense of duty to her people. Gordon, a friend since childhood, loves her, but can't be her husband because he's not a citizen or royalty. Both are well-developed, very likeable, but not absolutely perfect characters that want the best for each other, and I definitely wanted an HEA for them, but didn't see how it was possible. There's a little bit of mystery and some villains in the mix. The author does a great job with the Christmas setting. I'm now ready for the holiday and would love to visit the Christmas Bazaar, too bad it's fictional, but I thoroughly enjoyed "attending" it from my chair! Eva and Gordon get their HEA, and the villains get caught. All in all, a very satisfying ending.
This author is new to me, and I hope to read more of her work. If you like royal romances, you'll love this book. Even if they're not your favorite genre, I suggest you give this one a try as there is so much more to this story than just a romance.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written book.
Eva, aka Princess Evalina, is guided by her sense of duty to her people. Gordon, a friend since childhood, loves her, but can't be her husband because he's not a citizen or royalty. Both are well-developed, very likeable, but not absolutely perfect characters that want the best for each other, and I definitely wanted an HEA for them, but didn't see how it was possible. There's a little bit of mystery and some villains in the mix. The author does a great job with the Christmas setting. I'm now ready for the holiday and would love to visit the Christmas Bazaar, too bad it's fictional, but I thoroughly enjoyed "attending" it from my chair! Eva and Gordon get their HEA, and the villains get caught. All in all, a very satisfying ending.
This author is new to me, and I hope to read more of her work. If you like royal romances, you'll love this book. Even if they're not your favorite genre, I suggest you give this one a try as there is so much more to this story than just a romance.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written book.
November 6, 2025
Evalina Rosalind Marie Bexley, (Eva) is next in line to be Queen of Nevive. She's trained all her life for this role but someone had different ideas. An old law says she must by married by her twenty-sixth birthday (which is in a month) to become queen and not to just anybody. The man picked by certain members of Parliament is nice but not Eva's pick. Her longtime friend, Gordan Tarpen doesn't fit the bill, but Eva has been in love with him for years. Eva sneaks out of the castle to the Christmas Bazaar thinking to enjoy this day without guards and people recognizing her. Gordan is a reporter for the paper and while covering the bazaar, recognizes Eva and keeps her cover. They enjoy the day doing things the Princess has never done but things go wrong and she's discovered by an immoral reporter who reports on her enjoyment of the day. This causes a scandal which moves up her wedding date to a man she doesn't love. Her father is trying to find any loophole in the law to let her marry the man of her dreams. Find out if that happens and who she finally marries. Highly recommend this book as an easy and fun read. I was given an advance copy by the publisher, but these are my words and thoughts.
December 24, 2025
This book was a super cute, easy read. It had a strong Princess Diaries 2 feel. The biggest reason I didn’t give this book 4 stars is because the frustration of the male lead, Gordon, not figuring out how to get the girl for 5 whole days. There was a lot of skipping whole days and giving fluff answers on why he couldn’t find her. He has access to the castle, his Uncle is the princess’s chef, and he had access to the King, but couldn’t find her for 5 days? That part was really frustrating to me and hard to get through that section of the story to make it to the end. Up until that point, everything was enjoyable and they did live happily ever after, so that helped to round it out for me. Overall, a good book. I would still recommend it for a light Christmas read, I just probably won’t read it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2025
What happens when a princess playing hooky is discovered by her best friend...but he's a reporter charged with finding the story of a lifetime?
Travel to the wonderful country of Nevive to find out! Author Mandy Boerma transports us to this magical setting, inviting your mind's eye to easily picture the Christmas bazaar, the palace, the people, and most of all, Princess Eva and Gordon Tarpen.
There's a beautiful faith element that elevated this fun and earnest holiday tale into something even more meaningful.
Settle in with a cozy throw, a cocoa, and - if you have one - a cat, and enjoy your time in Nevive!
My thanks for the complimentary copy of this book. My opinion is entirely my own.
Travel to the wonderful country of Nevive to find out! Author Mandy Boerma transports us to this magical setting, inviting your mind's eye to easily picture the Christmas bazaar, the palace, the people, and most of all, Princess Eva and Gordon Tarpen.
There's a beautiful faith element that elevated this fun and earnest holiday tale into something even more meaningful.
Settle in with a cozy throw, a cocoa, and - if you have one - a cat, and enjoy your time in Nevive!
My thanks for the complimentary copy of this book. My opinion is entirely my own.
October 28, 2025
What a fun story! The princess finds herself in quite the dilemma when an old "rule" is shared that could keep her from becoming Queen—like real soon! With an old curmudgeon hoping to take over when the princess can't fulfill the one requirement, it becomes a race to see who will prevail.
The pressure is too much and the princess needs time away. Time to see some Christmas festivities. Time hidden from the ever watchful eyes of those waiting for her to trip up.
I highly recommend this story. I loved the swoony romance within the story as well.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy from the author with no expectation in return. I voluntarily shared my thoughts and comments.
The pressure is too much and the princess needs time away. Time to see some Christmas festivities. Time hidden from the ever watchful eyes of those waiting for her to trip up.
I highly recommend this story. I loved the swoony romance within the story as well.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy from the author with no expectation in return. I voluntarily shared my thoughts and comments.
February 6, 2026
Royal Runaway's Holiday by Mandy Boerma is a royally good story!
For those who loved The Princess Diaries II, you'll enjoy this similar story set in Nevive. We have a single royal on the throne, as with The Princess Diaries II, but this one is the king, and he is just as kind and a bit frustrated with MC Evalina.
The basic same concepts are there, but with a change in scenario. Princess Evalina sorely wants a day in the village alone. To enjoy the bizarre, the people, to go skating, and be a normal person. She puts on a disguise and sneaks out for the day, which is very entertaining.
If you love this kind of cute story, choose this one.
Recommended
For those who loved The Princess Diaries II, you'll enjoy this similar story set in Nevive. We have a single royal on the throne, as with The Princess Diaries II, but this one is the king, and he is just as kind and a bit frustrated with MC Evalina.
The basic same concepts are there, but with a change in scenario. Princess Evalina sorely wants a day in the village alone. To enjoy the bizarre, the people, to go skating, and be a normal person. She puts on a disguise and sneaks out for the day, which is very entertaining.
If you love this kind of cute story, choose this one.
Recommended
November 7, 2025
I've never read a book written by Mandy Boerma before but this will not be my last. These characters grabbed me from the first few pages and I found myself falling in love with Eva & Gordon and cheering them on from the sidelines. I also couldn't help but love Kendra & Alexander and their sweet, supporting roles. And the King? Oh man... he ties right in with the reminder that God sees the real me and knows my name and wants to know all about me. Those fabulous truths were laced throughout all the pages. I highly recommend this book to kick off your Christmas season!
November 6, 2025
If you like sweet, holiday, Hallmark-style romance, this is the book for you! Princess Eva had quite the road to her happily ever after. And Gordon, well, let's just say I wanted to knock him upside the head a few times!
All in all, this was a page-turner with a feel-good ending. Written with heart and longing on every page. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Or any other book that Boerma writes.
All in all, this was a page-turner with a feel-good ending. Written with heart and longing on every page. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Or any other book that Boerma writes.
November 21, 2025
There were parts I enjoyed, but mostly Royal Runaway's Holiday was super slow to me. I also really struggled with the author's repeated themes. It felt very heavy-handed and in your face. I understood the themes the first time the author mentioned them. I did not need the repetition. And the addition of the kids near the end felt extremely forced.
Fans of Hallmark stories may really love this book. It’s got a definite Hallmark vibe.
Fans of Hallmark stories may really love this book. It’s got a definite Hallmark vibe.
November 12, 2025
This is a fun royal story in a made up land somewhere in Europe. I enjoyed the characters, although got a tiny bit fed up with the stubbornness of the two main characters and all the plot twists that dragged out the climax way beyond what I thought was necessary :-) I look forward to reading more from this author about this land.
November 14, 2025
What a fun friends to more romance with the bonuses of a princess and set at Christmastime. This was a cute read, it had definite Princess Diaries 2 vibes for me which I enjoyed as that is a longtime favorite movie. A perfect Christmas romance!
I received a copy of this book from the Author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts on my own.
I received a copy of this book from the Author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts on my own.
January 5, 2026
Enchanting! Must Read
This novel is part modern fairy tale, part parable with a happily-ever-after. If you enjoy fun detailed worlds with deep, flawed characters and a cast of endearing supporting characters, you’ll love this faith-filled story.
This novel is part modern fairy tale, part parable with a happily-ever-after. If you enjoy fun detailed worlds with deep, flawed characters and a cast of endearing supporting characters, you’ll love this faith-filled story.
November 11, 2025
Boerma knocked it out of the park with Eva and Gordon's story. It's heart-warming, brilliant, and fun! It's a must read!
November 30, 2025
This was such a fun book! Definitely reminded me a little of a Hallmark movie. I really enjoyed reading it.
Thank you to the author as I received an ARC copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the author as I received an ARC copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
November 30, 2025
A cute, sweet Christmas read. A fun friends to lovers trope, it doesn't take long to become invested in the story and watch them overcome their challenges.
December 16, 2025
A good feel good romance, like a Hallmark movie. Well written.
December 31, 2025
This was such a sweet and charming Holiday Romance. Princess, soon to be crowned Queen but she's got to get married before her 26th birthday. The only problem is she's always been in love with her best friend Gordon, the local new station tv reporter. He's always been in love with her too but because they come from different worlds they won't ever work out. Gordon is not a citizen of the country he's residing in due to his application akways getting denied. These two are so sweet together and have a couple of special sweet moments between them.
I was not required to give a review so all opinions and thoughts are my own. I truly thank the author gifting me this copy.
I was not required to give a review so all opinions and thoughts are my own. I truly thank the author gifting me this copy.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews