The Christmas Cruise

Romancing the Royals #3

by Barbara Lohr

Every jilted bride needs a plan B for Christmas... When Hadley’s fiancé puts their wedding on hold right before Christmas, she joins her aunt’s Christmas Market Cruise down the Danube. Forget about romance. She’s had it. An independent woman, she forms an unlikely friendship with a little girl whose father is a tyrant––or so Clara says. A romantic herself, Aunt Ethel has her family’s happiness in mind. This year she’s shopping for more than sausages, potato fritters or spaetzle. She’s booked the other half of the royal suite and has her book on European royalty to guide her. Eager to escape holiday memories, Crown Prince Jurgen plans a cruise. Traveling incognito, the widowed prince and daughter Clara will be commoners––on his own cruise line. Then he runs into Hadley in the fitness center. Just what is this Tina Turner treadmill tilt? While he puzzles over the spirited American, Jurgen watches Clara fall under Hadley’s spell. What’s not to like about a woman who can make angels in the snow? Hadley’s exuberance and fun-loving spirit has him dreaming of more beyond Christmas. Can he replace that ring on her finger? This fun-loving trip down the Danube will have you humming the Nutcracker Suite! Or is that a wedding march?

Genres: Amazon, Christmas

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2021

About the author

Barbara Lohr writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction, often with a humorous touch. Her series include Windy City Romance, Man from Yesterday, Best Friends to Forever and Romancing the Royals. In addition to romance, her work often explores family relationships. She believes that no man or woman falls in love without family influence, for better or for worse. Dark chocolate is her favorite food group and she makes a mean popover. When she's not writing, she loves to bike, kayak or golf. Barbara lives in the South with her husband and a cat that claims he was Heathcliff in a former life. Visit her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/barbaralohrauthor.

Reviews

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, funny, and romantic, this novel took me on a cruise down the Danube with Hadley and her highly entertaining aunt. Not having the courage to come straight out and admit that he wants to break off the engagement, Brock dances around the subject saying they should take a break, leaving Hadley hanging by a thread, but still with a ring on her finger. When Aunt Ethel invites Hadley to join her on a Christmas Market Cruise, she takes her up on the offer, giving her the time and space to reevaluate her own life. Discovering an impish little girl and her dog in the laundry room, Hadley finds herself being manipulated neatly around Clara's tiny finger, Whilst Hadley is entranced by the child, her father arouses feelings of animosity with his dictatorial manner. Jurgen wants anonymity but finds it far more difficult than he thought it would be, especially when he reacts strongly to Hadley challenging him. Who would have thought that one little girl and her puppy could show Hadley how much she is missing in life, or how blind she has been. This well-written and delightful romance comes to a happy conclusion as all that was lost is found. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Natalie Constantine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Lovely Holiday Romance

I liked the way the author developed her characters. Hadley and Jurgen have real issues and that makes them relatable as single dad and a young professional who chose the wrong partner for the wrong reasons. Aunt Ethel and Clara are darlings who add the right amount of wisdom and 7 y.o. precociousness that adds the elements of humor that make the book a fun read.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara writes wonderful characters that you feel you know and into a world where you feel like you are walking right beside them.
Her contemporary romance stories come from the heart and hit you in the heart.
I have not read one book by this author that I have not loved.
Grab a book or two of hers and get stuck in you won't regret it if you like contemporary romance and women's fiction stories.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love cruising and romance

My husband and I love cruising and who doesn't love a good romance!? This book was a "no brainer" to read and it didn't disappoint. You don't have to like cruises to read this book either. I definitely want to look for the first two books and see if there are more that follow this one.

[Virginia L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding her prince!

Such a fun story. I enjoyed the wonderful Christmas cruise with the descriptions of all of the titillating cities and villages where the ship made port. Haden was in for the trip of a lifetime as she mingled with some special people on this special cruise.
Loved this story!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting!

Just when I'm sure I've read the best of Barbara Lohr's works, another one comes to capture my heart. I absolutely love this story.
I won't spoil the story for anyone, but this is truly a story to re-read each Christmas and New Year.
I'd recommend this book to anyone that loves life, love, children and dogs.

[Leslie Flaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Christmas Story!

This was a truly wonderful book! I want to go on a Christmas cruise! This is the first book that I have read by this author. I will definitely read more of her books in the future.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved this book! The cruise so fancy, the stops so enchanting, the other guest so interesting. One of my favorite books for sure. A must read.

[Cheryl LaRoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

great books

This is a must read for anyone that likes a sweet love story made fun with a perky aunt and an adorable little girl!

[Tarri · Rating 5 out of 5]

When her fiance tells Hadley he's not sure they should get married because they have different life goals (i.e., she wants kids and he appears disgusted by them; her large family is loud and boisterous and his parents are snooty rich people) and he wants to take a break, she is devastated. While having family dinner at her parents over the weekend her mother suggests Hadley go on a Christmas market cruise with her great aunt.

The first day of the cruise Hadley meets an adorable little.girl and the.dog she smuggled aboard. They become fast friends and Hadley, Aunt Ethel, seven year old Clara, and Clara's father Jurgen, a Prince. Of course, no one knows he's a prince.

There is a lot to like about this book. Clara is precocious and very funny, she also hates her nanny and copies everything Hadley does. Aunt Ethel is kind and gregarious and loves to shop. Jurgen is a widower and has been raising Clara for three years with the help of a crabby nanny and a mother who thinks Clara should act like a little adult.

Then there is Hadley. Hadley is great with Clara and immediately includes the lonely little girl in her daily plans. She is a 28 year old woman in an important job and makes six figures a year, but her sense of self and self confidence needs a lot of work. I found that at times she was the one person in the book who annoyed me. But eventually she seemed to get stronger and easier to relate to which made the book even more enjoyable.

A medium length short story I read in one day. The ending was perfect for the story.

#ARC #BarbaraLohr #TheChristmasCruise #PurpleEgretPress #Romance

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, fun story!

Sailing on the Danube to visit all the Christmas markets with her wonderful Aunt Ethel is a new way for Hadley, whose fiance needs a "break," to spend this Christmas. No need to stay in Chicago and mope for the holidays.

Traveling incognito with his precocious seven year old, Clara, Crown Prince Jurgen meets Hadley and Ethel as fellow commoners, albeit upscale commoners! This story is so loving and fun-filled as they run into each other on board the ship and on their daily excursions . Barbara Lohr wholeheartedly captured the spirit of the charming little girl, Clara who very quickly grabbed the heart of Hadley, and this reader. Witnessing the blossoming relationship of his daughter with this young woman was just what he needed to open up his heart to new possibilities.

Ms. Lohr paints such a feel-good story. Besides the wonderful characters, she writes beautiful descriptions of the sights, smells and tastes of Christmas. As a reader, you feel like you're traveling right along with them. So why not grab a copy of this book, a mug of hot chocolate and you, too, will be singing or humming Christmas tunes as you sail along the Danube! 😊

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hadley agrees to take a cruise with her aunt, Ethel, after her fiancé suggests they take a break. There she meets Clara, hiding a dog in laundry room, and soon she meets Clara’s father, Jurgen. All Jurgen wants is to take Clara away to have a Christmas where they can be normal and not have to worry about their royal duties. The last thing he expects is to meet an American that he finds interesting.

Clara and Hadley form an instant connection and I adored them together. It takes her a little longer to warm up to Jurgen, but they the more time they spend together, the more they both begin to thaw towards one another. Ethel, who notices their budding connection, doesn’t miss a chance to try to push the pair together. All the characters are wonderful and entertaining.

The Christmas Cruise is a fun, charming story about finding love when you least expect it. Set during Christmas, it’s the perfect feel-good story to read during the holiday season.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy provided by the author**

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the help of a rambunctious little girl, a “fairy godmother” of an aunt, and an undercover prince, this story is a holiday fairytale where I wouldn’t have been surprised if it started with “once upon a time…!

The story literally carried me away with all the places in Europe that Hadley and her Aunt Ethel traveled; it makes me want to take a cruise down the Danube. Hadley Parker doesn’t know it yet but she is having a rough year. No spoilers – you’ll need to read about it yourself – but things are going to be magical for her. Hadley and Ethel go on a holiday cruise and they meet Jurgen and his daughter, Clara. Jurgen and Clara are royalty and are taking an “undercover” holiday when they meet the two women. Reading about all the adventures they had, I truly enjoyed the story. Slow build up to an HEA for a clean, wholesome story. And I can’t forget to mention Shatzi…

Wonderfully warm, fun, holiday kick-off. I enjoyed.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like a slightly mischievous little daughter, a prince wanting to see what "real life" is like, a very generous and maybe just a little meddling great aunt, a cruise down the Danube, and Christmas, The Christmas Cruise is the perfect book for you. Hadley and Jurgen start off definitely not hitting it off. Clara, Jurgen's daughter, causes them to often be in each other's company though and their opinions change. The romance is not without some bumps along the way, but there is a lovely HEA.
I enjoyed reading the romance and also about the Christmas celebrations in the towns the cruise stopped in. I'd love to sign up for that cruise!
Barbara Lohr has a writing style that flows well and is easy to read. I recommend this to clean romance readers and to lovers of all things Christmas.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written Christmas royal romance.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Hadley and her fiance, Brock were taking a break from each other so Aunt Ethyl invited her to go on the Christmas cruise with her.  I found it interesting that a prince and his precocious daughter were on the cruise ship but hiding their identity.  I liked that Hadley was learning a lot about herself and what she wanted as she had just found out she did not really know the real Brock.  One of the best parts of the  story is that the cruise ship stopped at beautiful places along the way and that it was Christmastime so there were wonderful places to shop and they got to see The Nutcracker.  I especially liked the budding romance between Hadley and Jurgen and the relationship between little Clara and Hadley.  This was a wonderful, romantic, Christmas story with wonderful characters, except maybe Brock.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

I hope this review is readable (I have a sinus infection). This book was such an enchanting story that I could just see this as a Hallmark movie. How lovely that Hadley's world came full circle while on a Christmas cruise with her aunt. After what her fiancé put her through, she deserves a prince (and his adorable princess daughter!) I fell in love with the little princess. Between her and the aunt, two hearts found healing at such a wonderful time of year and going to magical places on the Danube. I'm totally jealous!

This book is written in a dual POV format. That is my favorite. Getting that glimpse into the characters' thoughts really help me to connect and understand the characters so much better.

If you love Christmas themed romances, then you will want to read this. Add in the single dad who just happens to be a prince, the icing on the cake!

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming and fun reading escape as you cruise down the Danube with Hadley and her wonderful Aunt Ethel on the Christmas Market Cruise with engaging characters that jump right out of the book and into your heart and a story so beautifully written I was completely immersed in all that was happening from beginning to end. I loved Hadley's dynamic with seven-year-old Clara and her widower dad Jurgen. If you enjoy well-crafted and fun holiday romance with a lot of heart, get comfortable with The Christmas Cruise for your reading pleasure that will put a smile on your face and bring you joy. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review. I enjoyed it so much, I purchased a copy to read many more times.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Cruise is one of author Barbara Lohr’s best. Hadley and Brock are deep into their wedding plans when he decides they should take a break and reconsider. To distract Hadley her Great Aunt Ethel asks her to join her on her cruise down the Danube to visit all the Christmas markets. The cruise will change more than one life. Ms. Lohr has populated her story with interesting characters and situations as readers also make the trip down the Danube , experiencing the sites and the food. Aunt Ethel certainly goes first class and so do this book’s readers. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Most highly recommend.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely want to take this Christmas Cruise - and stay on the third floor. I had so much fun reading this book. It is a real treat. Come along while Hadley, Ethel, Jurgen and Clara cruise the Danube stopping to take in famous Christmas markets along their way. Clara is a spoiled darling who only like PB&J sandwiches - without the crust! Harley is nursing an "on hold" engagement, Ethel is matchmaking and Jurgen is incognito. There is so much life, love and family sparking from this well written book. I could not put it down.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply enchanting and magical. Jurgen and Clara truly needed time away from his royal family. Hadley certainly needed time for a vacation after her fiancee needed a break. Her aunt was wonderful and caring. Hadley starts up a friendship with little Clara and brings happiness to her and her father. They certainly help her to make the right decision about her maybe fiance and find true happiness for herself.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One is never too old to believe in fairytales. We have had Grace Kelly and Megan Markle find their princes, so we know it really can happen. I would love to take a river cruise in Europe, so the setting was especially enjoyable. A young girl and a dog add delight to the story. Charming romance. Thanks to the author for providing a copy.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of Hallmark-y.

Hadley just got dumped so it’s off on a cruise on the Danube. There she meets Clara, who’s a tyrant tyke who dislikes her nanny. But she likes Hadley, as does Jurgen, Clara’s pops, an incognito prince. Like I said, like a Hallmark movie. Peppermint candy.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! It is a wonderful addition to a great series!
I felt so bad for Hadley when it came to Brock. He is such a jerk.
I fell in love with Clara and Aunt Ethel. Such kindred spirits!
Jurgen and Hadley make a true fairy tale couple. I hope Emerson and Aunt Ethel get a sweet ending too!

[Trulee Goble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Christmas romance. Perfect for a light Christmas-read.