My Review

FAVORITE QUOTE:

Delphine knew that same fear of not doing enough when it came to her faith, but she wasn’t going to say that to a man she barely knew. Faith was mostly a private endeavor for her, having grown up in a family where God was never spoken of or acknowledged.

Love in the Castle Library, the next book in the Castle Library series, is a breathtaking tale that combines faith and fiction in an exquisite narrative. Author Ann Swindell delves into the spiritual conflict of viewing God as a father figure, given Delphine’s experience with her earthly father’s lack of love. Written from a dual perspective, the story bounces between Delphine and Jack, allowing readers to gain a deep insight into their struggles as they manage difficult circumstances.

The mystery of Queen Alma began in the first book, and the plot continues to pulse with intrigue as that subplot weaves its way through this story. The story’s tension builds as a bully stirs up conflict, making you eager to find out what happens next. Thrilling, surprising discoveries unexpectedly enriched the story’s development. This book sets itself apart from the first by immersing readers in the sights and sounds of two countries, England and Leathersby, capturing their beauty and cultural richness. Swindell vividly portrays the world, incorporating French dialogue and English subtleties into the scenes.

The characters’ well-developed traits make them very relatable. The almost comical fake romance added a certain beauty to the faith aspect of the love story as events unfolded. In her writing, Swindell consistently includes many insightful quotes that lead readers to appreciate the true essence of the Bible and the Master Storyteller. As characters share their testimonies, the book also pulses with an evangelistic heartbeat. Readers of Christian fiction will find this story to be a fulfilling read.

I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own. Click on the book cover for purchase link.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ann Swindell and her writing have been featured widely by The Gospel Coalition, Risen Motherhood, (in)courage, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and many other publications. She is the owner of Writing with Grace (where she teaches Christ-centered writing courses), and holds an MA in Writing from DePaul University and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing from Seattle Pacific University. Ann lives in West Michigan with her pastor-husband and their children. Learn more at annswindell.com.

About the Book

Book: Love in the Castle Library (In the Castle Library Book 2)

Author: Ann Swindell

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release Date: October 15, 2025

Predictability and efficiency have marked Delphine DuVert’s orderly life as Castle Stewardess in the small European country of Lethersby—until she is tasked by the monarchy to hire a British researcher. Lethersby needs help solving the 100-year-old mystery of their Lost Queen, a young royal who disappeared into the night during World War I.

Delphine’s split-second decision to hire Jack Worthington, a doctoral student at the University of Oxford, has long-lasting consequences when he steps in to protect her from an angry colleague determined to ruin her life. The only catch? That protection looks like Jack posing as her beau.

Jack Worthington believes that his instinct to protect Delphine was the right one, but he’s determined to stay focused on his research for Lethersby—and keep his emotional distance after reeling from a broken heart. Yet as the clues to discovering the Lost Queen’s story unravel and the Delphine’s future hangs in the balance, both Jack and Delphine must step out in faith, choosing to trust that what God has ahead for them is worth any risk.

Leave a comment