The cars are loaded, and the Christmas party is off to Norfolk, except for Grandad and Fig's cook. Georgie and Darcy recognize the invitation for what it is, a summons from the Queen, so they have no choice but to accept. A letter has arrived from Darcy's Aunt Ermintrude requesting their presence at her Christmas gathering at her home, which happens to be a grace-and-favor residence on the edge of the royal Sandringham estate in Norfolk. (Yes, Queenie is now a cook, if you aren't up to date.) Claire, Georgie’s peripatetic mother, has even blown in from Germany where she is currently residing with her wealthy boyfriend Max.īut, Christmas in her lovely home is not to be for Georgie.

Putting up with cantankerous Fig will be somewhat easier than usual since she's bringing their long-time cook with them to Eynsleigh, so Queenie won't be alone in the kitchen. And, they will have the company of Georgie's family, who include her grandfather, her brother Binky, her sister-in-law Fig, and her young niece and nephew. It's 1935 and she and Darcy are looking forward to spending their first married Christmas at Eynsleigh, their home in the Sussex countryside. Lady Georgie no longer must be at the mercy of others' kindness as to where she'll live or spend her holidays. God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen came out in October, but I saved it for a read when the Christmas rush was through, and I could settle down with nothing but reading it on my mind. This year, I was excited to know that the 15th book in the series was a Christmas one, and not just that, but the first Christmas that Georgie and her husband Darcy will share as man and wife. The stories are always take us on a thrilling journey, and I confess that the stories set around Christmas are some of my favorite. But, it is Lady Georgie and her life and the interesting people around her that brings such satisfaction to readers. Of course, there are liberties taken with the royal family history, but it's never anything misleading.

The author never claims that Her Royal Spyness is an historical series, but there is much history to be had, as in clothes, food, locations, and even certain facts about the royal family under King George V. Even with murder in the mix, it is a fun series that combines my loves of England, mystery, humor, and history. I can only describe as 'adore' the way I feel about this entertaining character created by Rhys Bowen.

Taking Liberties by Diana Norman