Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Book Review: A Drakenfall Christmas

By Sara Steven

In the spring, Mark and Maisy fell in love in the story "Upstairs, Downstairs … and the Lift in Between." Months later, the magic of Drakenfall is still in the air, and spiced with cinnamon and mistletoe as Mark and Maisy welcome guests and get involved in kerfuffles with staff as they celebrate their first Drakenfall Christmas together.

In an uncharacteristic turn, unflappable house manager Glynis Ferry seems to be getting her duster ruffled every time she catches sight of Shaun Fletcher, the new head groomsman. And Pippa Taylor, a whirling dervish of a domestic, works below stairs to make the magic happen for everyone else, but will there ever be enough magic left over for her? There will if most worthy valet Kafi Cholo has anything to say about it, as he tries to spin holiday magic every which way. But his best laid plans always seem to go awry, even with Maisy helping out as his faithful sidekick.

But what about his grandest of schemes, set to take flight at the Drakenfall Christmas Ball? He's depending on guest Jamie Tovell, who's depending on guest Lea Sinclair. And even if everything goes off without a hitch, will the secret Maisy's been hiding from Mark all season pop up at the most inopportune moment to set everything asunder? It's a Drakenfall Christmas … topsy turvy, but generously sprinkled with laughter and lavishly frosted with romance. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

The holiday season will always represent a time of simplistic comfort, for me. A time to set aside our differences, to share in the love and laughter with those who mean the most, like friends and loved ones. While reading A Drakenfall Christmas, I felt as though I was catapulted back into a simpler time, magical and beautiful, which couldn’t come at a better time, considering everything going on right now in the world around us. I let my worries go while I fell in step with Mark and Maisy, proprietors who go above and beyond to ensure a wonderful time at Drakenfall, making me yearn for the opportunity to visit a place like it.

I enjoyed the budding romances between all of the characters. Geralyn has this unique way of creating tension between love interests, so you’re not quite certain at times whether they’ll end up together, or not. Even when you want them to, or not. It makes for an exciting read. A great example of this would be the sparks that fly between Jamie and Lea. Or the totally potentially inappropriate feelings (or so she thinks) Glynnis has for Shaun. And who does Pippa really have a crush on?

The snark factor doesn’t go unnoticed, either. There are a few nosy, irritating characters who are put in their place a few times, a real treat. Most of us can identify with the need to quiet someone when they’re being annoying, but we never really feel we have the chance or privilege to do it. While immersed within those particular scenes, I laughed out loud, living vicariously through those moments. If only I can replicate that in the real world! Maybe someday, I’ll be able to find a place like Drakenfall, a much-needed respite from chaos. Until then, I’m content to read about it through the eyes of the wonderful characters Geralyn has created, characters who stick with you, forever.

FYI: I read the story, "Upstairs, Downstairs... and the Lift in Between", giving backstory into the relationship between Mark and Maisy. While Drakenfall stands well alone, "Upstairs, Downstairs" is well worth the read, and can be found in Love in an Elevator: A Romantic Comedy Anthology.

Thanks to Hello...Chick Lit for the book in exchange for an honest review. Check out all the stops on Geralyn's blog tour.

November 13th
Novelgossip - Book Review
Hello...Chick Lit - Book Review

November 14th
November 15th
Steamy Book Momma - Book Promo Post
Hea Romances With A Little Kick - Book Excerpt

November 16th
Living Life With Joy - Author Guest Post

November 17th
ItaPixie's Book Corner - Book Review/Excerpt
Jena Books - Book Review

November 18th
Rae Reads - Book Review

November 19th
Book Lover in Florida - Book Review
Clarissa Reads It All - Book Review



10 comments:

Janine said...

Sounds like a good series.

Geralyn Corcillo said...

Hi Janine! If you read my Drakenfall books, I hope they bring you joy. But moreover, I hope you find delight in all that you read, especially during this holiday season :) Rock on!

Geralyn Corcillo said...

Sara, Thank you for sharing your enjoyment of A Drakenfall Christmas with your amazing fans and readers. And thank you, Melissa, for spearheading this wonderful site that connects so many readers with so many books. I am happy to be a part of all the Chick Lit Central book love today ^_^ Lets all tap into the joy we find to have brilliant holiday seasons!

Janine said...

Hi Geralyn, Thanks for taking the time to reply to me. I will be checking out your books. Have a happy holiday season!

Geralyn Corcillo said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Geralyn Corcillo said...

Absolutely, Janine! I love connecting with readers and book lovers in general. If you want to comment and chat and dish some more, you and all Chick Lit Central fans feel free to check out and Like my author's page on facebook. I post almost daily, about what I'm reading, writing, watching on TV or in the movies - and I always want to know what you all think and are up to as well when it comes to finding the joy in fiction. https://www.facebook.com/geralyncorcillothewriter/

Janine said...

Thank you! I am following you on FB now.

Geralyn Corcillo said...

Thanks, Janine :)

Miranda said...

It is imperative that we read blog post very carefully. I am already done it and find that this post is really amazing.

Geralyn Corcillo said...

Hey Miranda, Thanks and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!