Going to the Castle

Most stories originate when authors begin asking themselves, "What If?" Nicole can tell you the exact date of her 'what if' moment for Going to the Castle—June 19, 1999. She had a couple of articles due to bridal magazines later that week, and a ton of yardwork to do. However, she decided to take a break and crash in front of the television with a gigantic bowl of popcorn to watch England's Prince Edward marry Sophie Rhys-Jones. Since she also writes for bridal magazines, she told herself that watching a royal wedding qualified as 'work.'

During the endless commercials, she flipped to CNN, where the discussion focused on the continuing conflicts in Kosovo and the Middle East. Soon she began asking herself, "What if?" What if a refugee camp worker in a war zone—maybe even someone who spent her days digging latrines or scrounging for much-needed medicines—met up with a crown prince? Could people from such disparate backgrounds learn something from each other? Or would they even give each other a second look?

Before she knew it, she'd abandoned the popcorn in favor of a notepad. She missed the rest of the royal wedding, but had a great story outline. And the day ended up counting as a 'work' day after all.

Grade: A-... A Desert Isle Keeper!

"This modern fairy tale about a charming prince who puts the woman he loves before duty is a refreshing romantic fantasy. Burnham takes a standard story and breathes life into it with her likable characters and a little role reversal. Here it's Antony who's the hopeless romantic who will only wed for love with the overbearing father trying to marry him off, and Jennifer who's the commitment-shy cynic...I guarantee Going to the Castle is just the relaxing and escapist fantasy a body needs after a long day at work or fighting their way through holiday crowds at the mall. This is a terrific debut romance from an author I look forward to reading again."
   —All About Romance

"Strong characters and quick dialogue take the lead in Nicole Burnham's charming tale, Going to the Castle."
   —Romantic Times Magazine

"Going to the Castle by Nicole Burnham is pure romance. I honestly cannot believe that this is a debut book. All the necessary elements were there for a perfectly written story: Likeable characters, great attraction...you could feel a connection with the characters, as well as the connection between them...watching (Antony) become a better man because of the love of one woman waas what made this book the definite keeper that it is. You will not be disappointed...the romance was first rate and the conflict was very believable and heartfelt."
   —Romance and Friends

"...the courtship follows a fast road to an ultimately satisfying read. I read it in one sitting, and found it to be excellent in its simplicity...although I was a bit skeptical of reading a story set during a modern war, Ms Burnham handled a sticky topic very well, and penned a sweet romance that I'd recommend to anyone who believes in finding their one true prince."
   —Romance Reviews Today