Royal Holiday

Checked this one out from @lalibrary.

This story was mostly light and cute. It's about Mattie's mom and the hot British man she falls for.

There are not too many romances about women in their 50s so it was a joy to read a sexually active, vibrant, joyful woman getting her man at 55.

The only thing that really took this book down a few stars for me actually didn't have to do with the lead characters as much. Malcolm's nephew is slated to go to Oxford, but during his gap year gets accepted into an Art College instead. Though seemingly supportive Malcolm makes multiple disparaging remarks about being a full-time artist and having art be "all good and well," but not a lifelong career.

It is so strange to read a work of fiction (a piece of expressive art) in which artists are taken down to a "hobby." Malcolm and his nephew reconcile after the fight about his educational path, but the commentary about artists is never reversed or explored.

I wish this was corrected to a clearer and better message about the importance of pursuing your dreams and art as a viable career. - Sky