“You cannot lose what you already possess.” Where was this book when I needed it many years ago?! Now I know what all the hype is about concerning Love in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell. While I appreciated having read the previous book, Christmas in the Castle Library, I believe Love in the Castle Library could stand by itself. This book is a Christian Princess Diaries type book, with romance, liberal Scriptures sprinkled in, and a bit of castle fairy dust. The small country of Lethersby is still looking for answers regarding its Queen Alma who abdicated during the Great War. While characters in the last book began unraveling her secrets, many more exist. Castle steward Delphine fears for her job as a vindictive researcher looks for a way to remove her. Having succeeded her father in this role, her job, done perfectly, means everything to Delphine. The Queen once tells Delphine, “Your work does not need to be perfect to be successful.” Yet, Delphine’s need for approval from a cold, “job-first” father causes her to push herself beyond reasonableness and ability to relax. The castle library, with its one-of-kind books, old volumes, and even a spiritual atmosphere is again a setting for romance. This time, the hero is a British WWII nurse researcher that Delphine herself hires to help Lethersby find Alma. Jack has great instincts, and isn’t afraid to stand up to the resident bully. To help Delphine save face in crisis, Jack offers to be her fake beau. We all know those arrangements lead to misunderstandings and heartaches! The idea that touched me the most, though, was the great asset that a loving father is. And what an impediment when one has a father who is cold and distant. We are treated to see two different fathers. One blesses his child by showing how a Heavenly Father can then love. One curses his child by making the Heavenly Father’s love difficult to understand and receive. I loved how Jack realizes he cannot solve the Lethersby mystery on his own, but frequently prays to God for help. “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” is one verse Jack remembers when the research seems to stall. So many verses are important in this story, but another one that goes along with Jack’s impossible puzzle is this verse: “It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.” I add my voice in highly recommending this wonderful book. All the feels, and then some. And lots of Truth packaged in, as well! I can’t wait for book three! I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own. Notable Quotables: “You’re good at finding lost things, God. You see where they are. Nothing is really lost to You.” Please, Father, give me your eyes to see.” - Jack “God was not only greater than her worries; the Bible said that He lavished his love on her as His child.” - (Delphine) “History has been broken by men who refused to stand up to bullies. That won’t be said of the Worthingtons. We defend the helpless, protect the weak, and fight against evil in any form.” - Jack’s father “I know what it’s like to seem very put together on the outside but still be a mess on the inside.” - Jack “…sometimes our wounds are the very thing that heals us.” - Kent