At a glance
Christmas in the Castle Library
Historical fiction
Christmas in the Castle Library
Book 1 of the In the Castle Library series
314 pages · First published 2024
History doctoral student Ellie Sawyer travels to a small European kingdom hoping the castle library will help her solve a century-old mystery surrounding a young queen who vanished shortly after World War I began. Books are usually easier for Ellie than people, but handsome castle employee Mark shares her fascination with the past and becomes an invaluable research partner. As Christmas approaches, their search through records and royal history begins uncovering clues that could change what the kingdom believes about its missing queen. Mark, however, is keeping a secret of his own, making the answer to the historical puzzle inseparable from Ellie’s growing feelings for him.
Paired for this story
Jump to the pours ↓Spiced Christmas Cocoa + Library Sidecar
Choose your bookseller
Find the Book
Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.
No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Wartime/battle violence and peril
Alcohol-Free Pour
Spiced Christmas Cocoa
Velvety chocolate suits a wintry evening with a book.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Whisk the cocoa and sweetener into the hot liquid until smooth. Add remaining flavorings, heat until steaming, and pour into a mug. Add any listed topping.
- Garnish: As listed.
- Glassware: Mug.
Cocktail Pour · 21+
Library Sidecar
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
A warming pour with a sharp edge suits a wintry evening with a book.
What you'll need
- 2 oz brandy
- 3/4 oz orange liqueur
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice ↗
- Ice
Shop the spirits 21+Search Total Wine for Brandy · 21+ ↗Search Total Wine for Orange liqueur · 21+ ↗
How to mix it
- Shake with ice and strain into a chilled coupe.
- Garnish: Orange twist.
- Glassware: Coupe.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Coupe glass ↗Set up the bar cart
Shop the Barware
Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.