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The Queen's Secret
A Paperback Original—Also Available as a Hardcover Library Edition
If you love Jennifer Robson or The Crown you will love New York Times bestselling author Karen Harper’s novel about Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.
1939. As the wife of the King George VI and the mother of the future queen, Elizabeth—“the queen mother”—shows a warm, smiling face to the world. But it’s no surprise that Hitler himself calls her the “Most Dangerous Woman in Europe.” For behind that soft voice and kindly demeanor is a will of steel.
Two years earlier, George was thrust onto the throne when his brother Edward abdicated, determined to marry his divorced, American mistress Mrs. Simpson. Vowing to do whatever it takes to make her husband’s reign a success, Elizabeth endears herself to the British people, and prevents the former king and his brazen bride from ever again setting foot in Buckingham Palace.
Elizabeth holds many powerful cards, she’s also hiding damaging secrets about her past and her provenance that could prove to be her undoing.
In this riveting novel of royal secrets and intrigue, Karen Harper lifts the veil on one of the world’s most fascinating families, and how its “secret weapon” of a matriarch maneuvered her way through one of the most dangerous chapters of the century.
If you love Jennifer Robson or The Crown you will love New York Times bestselling author Karen Harper’s novel about Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.
1939. As the wife of the King George VI and the mother of the future queen, Elizabeth—“the queen mother”—shows a warm, smiling face to the world. But it’s no surprise that Hitler himself calls her the “Most Dangerous Woman in Europe.” For behind that soft voice and kindly demeanor is a will of steel.
Two years earlier, George was thrust onto the throne when his brother Edward abdicated, determined to marry his divorced, American mistress Mrs. Simpson. Vowing to do whatever it takes to make her husband’s reign a success, Elizabeth endears herself to the British people, and prevents the former king and his brazen bride from ever again setting foot in Buckingham Palace.
Elizabeth holds many powerful cards, she’s also hiding damaging secrets about her past and her provenance that could prove to be her undoing.
In this riveting novel of royal secrets and intrigue, Karen Harper lifts the veil on one of the world’s most fascinating families, and how its “secret weapon” of a matriarch maneuvered her way through one of the most dangerous chapters of the century.
384 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2020
About the author
Karen Harper
77 books1,461 followersA New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Karen Harper is a former college English instructor (The Ohio State University) and high school literature and writing teacher. A lifelong Ohioan, Karen and her husband Don divide their time between the midwest and the southeast, both locations she has used in her books. Besides her American settings, Karen loves the British Isles, where her Scottish and English roots run deep, and where she has set many of her historical Tudor-era mysteries and her historical novels about real and dynamic British women. Karen's books have been published in many foreign languages and she won the Mary Higgins Clark Award for 2005. Karen has given numerous talks to readers and writers across the county. Her most recent books include THE SOUTH SHORES TRILOGY (CHASING SHADOWS, DROWNING TIDES and FALLING DARKNESS.) Her latest historical is THE ROYAL NANNY. Please visit her website at www.KarenHarperAuthor and her fb page at www.facebook.com/KarenHarperAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,057 reviews
May 9, 2020
The Queen’s Secret: A Novel of England’s World War II Queen by Karen Harper is a 2020 William Morrow Paperbacks publication.
Interesting piece of historical fiction, examining various rumors and theories about the private life of Elizabeth, The Queen Mother….
This book piqued my curiosity because it was about the Queen Mother, a member of the royal family I don’t know much about.
I loved ‘The King’s Speech’, but Elizabeth’s personal life is not the focus of that story. I also enjoy ‘The Crown’ on Netflix, but once again, the Queen Mother’s personal life is not the primary focus of that series, either. I’m also not really a ‘royal watcher’, despite my recent interest in the history of the monarchy.
So, despite the oversaturation of world war II novels, which I’ve been avoiding for a long while now, I decided to give this book a try.
Although the book got off to a bit of a rocky start for me, the more I read, the more invested I became in the story. I found myself ‘Googling’ certain topics about Elizabeth I had never heard before, and was surprised to see some of these rumors have been floating around for ages.
As it turns out the queen is holding onto a couple of bombshell secrets, in this novel, secrets that have shaped her life, her marriage, and role as a mother and as a queen.
The story also highlights Elizabeth’s relationship with Churchill, her admiration for Eleanor Roosevelt, and her utter distaste for Wallis Simpson and the continual scandal she and the king’s brother wrought down upon them.
The book is fully narrated by Elizabeth so that the reader is privy to her private fears, her thoughts about the war, and how heavily her secrets weighed upon her as she lived in constant fear of having them exposed.
This is an interesting, and enlightening portrait of the queen mother and I did gain some insights into what she might have been like on a personal level. However, I must remind everyone that this is a work of fiction. Some of the scenarios explored in this book have never been proven. They are only rumors and so this book is highly speculative, in my opinion.
That said, it was an interesting take on the life of the queen and was not at all what I had been expecting.
If you enjoy historical fiction, are a fan of the royals, or like reading world war II fiction, this book might be of interest to you.
*RIP Karen Harper
Interesting piece of historical fiction, examining various rumors and theories about the private life of Elizabeth, The Queen Mother….
This book piqued my curiosity because it was about the Queen Mother, a member of the royal family I don’t know much about.
I loved ‘The King’s Speech’, but Elizabeth’s personal life is not the focus of that story. I also enjoy ‘The Crown’ on Netflix, but once again, the Queen Mother’s personal life is not the primary focus of that series, either. I’m also not really a ‘royal watcher’, despite my recent interest in the history of the monarchy.
So, despite the oversaturation of world war II novels, which I’ve been avoiding for a long while now, I decided to give this book a try.
Although the book got off to a bit of a rocky start for me, the more I read, the more invested I became in the story. I found myself ‘Googling’ certain topics about Elizabeth I had never heard before, and was surprised to see some of these rumors have been floating around for ages.
As it turns out the queen is holding onto a couple of bombshell secrets, in this novel, secrets that have shaped her life, her marriage, and role as a mother and as a queen.
The story also highlights Elizabeth’s relationship with Churchill, her admiration for Eleanor Roosevelt, and her utter distaste for Wallis Simpson and the continual scandal she and the king’s brother wrought down upon them.
The book is fully narrated by Elizabeth so that the reader is privy to her private fears, her thoughts about the war, and how heavily her secrets weighed upon her as she lived in constant fear of having them exposed.
This is an interesting, and enlightening portrait of the queen mother and I did gain some insights into what she might have been like on a personal level. However, I must remind everyone that this is a work of fiction. Some of the scenarios explored in this book have never been proven. They are only rumors and so this book is highly speculative, in my opinion.
That said, it was an interesting take on the life of the queen and was not at all what I had been expecting.
If you enjoy historical fiction, are a fan of the royals, or like reading world war II fiction, this book might be of interest to you.
*RIP Karen Harper
May 26, 2020
As an unabashed Anglophile, I was drawn to this book. I admire The Queen Mother for how she fiercely supported her husband and the plight of England during World War II. Prince Albert was unexpectedly thrusted into becoming King of England when his older brother David abdicated to marry the American double divorcee, Wallis Simpson. Albert had an embarrassing stuttering problem. However, with the support of Queen Elizabeth, he worked with a speech therapist to conquer it. Now Albert was styled as King George VI and along with Prime Minister Winston Churchill, stressed over England's involvement in World War II. Although their daughters Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret were sent to the fortress of Windsor Castle for safety during much of the war, King George and his consort wife Queen Elizabeth insisted upon living at Buckingham Palace to be there for the English people. Buckingham Palace was bombed during the war, but luckily the King and Queen were unharmed and mostly the outside areas sustained damage. Queen Elizabeth would visit bombed sites in England such as the East End, stepping over rubble, to show the Royal Family's support and unity with their subjects.
This is a work of historical fiction where Queen Elizabeth (later known as The Queen Mother when her daughter became Queen Elizabeth II) is the narrator of her story. She has some scandalous secrets she's been keeping, even from her own husband. I've actually heard of a couple of these "secrets" from other books I've read. However, I was unaware of the reason why it took three proposals for the former Elizabeth Bowes-Lyons to accept Prince Albert's hand in marriage. The reason purported here could just be a result of poetic license since it's historical fiction, but it was a major factor throughout the book to its end. When it was finally fully explained more than midway through the book, it was incredibly shocking.
I'm not a fan of reading about wartime situations and strategies, and did not realize that it would be such a major part of this almost 400 page tome. I mistakenly thought this book would cover The Queen Mother's entire life, since the book began with her 100th birthday celebration and her wistfully looking back at her long life. I grew inpatient with her fretting over the various secrets and whether to tell her husband, interspersed with the war information. I actually read a few other books while taking breaks from this one, but managed to finish it. For me it was just a good read, nothing special.
Thank you to the publisher William Morrow / Harper Collins for providing an advance reader copy via Edelweiss.
This is a work of historical fiction where Queen Elizabeth (later known as The Queen Mother when her daughter became Queen Elizabeth II) is the narrator of her story. She has some scandalous secrets she's been keeping, even from her own husband. I've actually heard of a couple of these "secrets" from other books I've read. However, I was unaware of the reason why it took three proposals for the former Elizabeth Bowes-Lyons to accept Prince Albert's hand in marriage. The reason purported here could just be a result of poetic license since it's historical fiction, but it was a major factor throughout the book to its end. When it was finally fully explained more than midway through the book, it was incredibly shocking.
I'm not a fan of reading about wartime situations and strategies, and did not realize that it would be such a major part of this almost 400 page tome. I mistakenly thought this book would cover The Queen Mother's entire life, since the book began with her 100th birthday celebration and her wistfully looking back at her long life. I grew inpatient with her fretting over the various secrets and whether to tell her husband, interspersed with the war information. I actually read a few other books while taking breaks from this one, but managed to finish it. For me it was just a good read, nothing special.
Thank you to the publisher William Morrow / Harper Collins for providing an advance reader copy via Edelweiss.
June 9, 2020
2.5 stars
The author picked a good person to feature in this historical fiction novel. Unfortunately the execution was off and my interest level would go up and then down, up and then down while reading the book. I think she tried to cram in every fact she knew about the queen into the story and it just didn’t work. It's almost as if the author didn't really have a clear idea of what she wanted to accomplish in the story ahead of time.
This story is about the Queen Elizabeth II's mother, who for the time period when this novel takes place was married to the king and therefore she was a queen. Slightly confusing and since they are both characters in the book, I'm just going to refer to the older Elizabeth as the Queen Mother because that's what people called her for the remainder of her life after her husband died. This story takes place during World War 2 and one of the things the author does well is show how the queen was involved in many of the meetings that took place between her husband, the king, and other government officials. Often, when her husband was unavailable, she took his place at the briefings. The story also provides a nice look at what was going on in England during the war. Unfortunately there isn't a good flow to the story. You get some interesting facts but if I was going to describe the overall story I would use the word dull.
Much of the story is fact based and but there are few things the author touched on that are only rumors. However, the thing I am confused about and hopefully royal history buffs know the answer is how much of what was written about the Queen Mother and the Duke of Windsor, Aka the guy who gave up the throne, was true. A quick search on the internet isn't giving me much of anything. There is a huge bombshell allegation in the last half of the story and if the author inserted it in strictly for dramatic purposes, I think it was in poor taste and unnecessary. This is something that should have been clarified in the Author's Notes at the end of the book as to whether it was true or not.
Sometimes the writing veered into bad soap opera territory. I get that the Queen Mother did not like Wallis Simpson but it was mentioned so many times it was just weird. It was like the Queen Mother was a character on Days of Our Lives talking to herself about another evil character and plotting her revenge.
On the bright side I can say this was a quick read but in my opinion the Queen Mother was deserving of a better historical fiction novel than this one.
The author picked a good person to feature in this historical fiction novel. Unfortunately the execution was off and my interest level would go up and then down, up and then down while reading the book. I think she tried to cram in every fact she knew about the queen into the story and it just didn’t work. It's almost as if the author didn't really have a clear idea of what she wanted to accomplish in the story ahead of time.
This story is about the Queen Elizabeth II's mother, who for the time period when this novel takes place was married to the king and therefore she was a queen. Slightly confusing and since they are both characters in the book, I'm just going to refer to the older Elizabeth as the Queen Mother because that's what people called her for the remainder of her life after her husband died. This story takes place during World War 2 and one of the things the author does well is show how the queen was involved in many of the meetings that took place between her husband, the king, and other government officials. Often, when her husband was unavailable, she took his place at the briefings. The story also provides a nice look at what was going on in England during the war. Unfortunately there isn't a good flow to the story. You get some interesting facts but if I was going to describe the overall story I would use the word dull.
Much of the story is fact based and but there are few things the author touched on that are only rumors. However, the thing I am confused about and hopefully royal history buffs know the answer is how much of what was written about the Queen Mother and the Duke of Windsor, Aka the guy who gave up the throne, was true. A quick search on the internet isn't giving me much of anything. There is a huge bombshell allegation in the last half of the story and if the author inserted it in strictly for dramatic purposes, I think it was in poor taste and unnecessary. This is something that should have been clarified in the Author's Notes at the end of the book as to whether it was true or not.
Sometimes the writing veered into bad soap opera territory. I get that the Queen Mother did not like Wallis Simpson but it was mentioned so many times it was just weird. It was like the Queen Mother was a character on Days of Our Lives talking to herself about another evil character and plotting her revenge.
On the bright side I can say this was a quick read but in my opinion the Queen Mother was deserving of a better historical fiction novel than this one.
April 2, 2020
Set during a time period of WWII. Two years earlier Edward, briefly King Edward VIII, abdicates his throne for his American mistress. His younger brother Bertie, King George VI, takes over the throne. His wife Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon vows to make her husband’s reign a success and to keep the former king and his brazen bride away from Buckingham Palace. This is her story; her triumphs and her struggles, including some secrets which she protects at first and then tries to bring them to light.
June 1939, the international situation is deteriorating and war fever is in the air.
Hopeless negotiations are over. “Life soon turned into nightmare (…), when Hitler’s forces invaded Poland on 1 September 1939.”
Elizabeth is appointed commandant-in-chief of the women’s services. Now, just the beginning of the war, the exhaustion is already touching her from all the public visits, inspecting preparedness for war.
She is supportive in her husband’s political decisions and is one of his closest advisors, often looking over his speeches.
Their views do not necessarily align with the new Prime Minister Churchill, but she recognizes his brilliance and that it is better to work with him than against him.
Hitler declares her of being “the most dangerous woman in Europe, making allies, rallying others to England’s cause.”
Her skills for planning are in need to smooth everything out with Mrs. Roosevelt and General Eisenhower. Both are essential to the cause of uniting both countries to end the war. And she takes this very seriously to carry her load to influence them both.
Despite being called the most dangerous woman in Europe, she has a soft side. She is a caring mother to her children and a caring queen to her people in trying times when good word or warm smile can mean so much. She has her weaknesses and struggles as well. She feels miserable as a wife, at least at times, and its cause is rooted in the past event. – This cause gets repeated quite a lot, especially in the second part of the book. It could be curbed a bit.
It is interesting to read the view from British perspective about the beginning of the war. When Poland was horribly bombed, it seemed as nothing was happening on the islands. And how royals from other countries fled to England for safety. And later how Londoners used Underground stations for shelter.
The characters are very likeable, especially the ones coming from different backgrounds, and giving a drastic contrast. The royals contrasting with the humble upbringing of General Eisenhower is brilliant. I also enjoyed the innocent behavior of two daughters, who wanted to look at good looking men in uniforms or fight the Germans with Granny’s walking canes.
The way the snippets of her childhood or past or legend of monster of Glamis are injected into the story shows a very well-thought-through writing.
The story and dialogue flow effortlessly.
P.S. Highly recommend a parallel story about Winston Churchill’s wife – Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 1939, the international situation is deteriorating and war fever is in the air.
Hopeless negotiations are over. “Life soon turned into nightmare (…), when Hitler’s forces invaded Poland on 1 September 1939.”
Elizabeth is appointed commandant-in-chief of the women’s services. Now, just the beginning of the war, the exhaustion is already touching her from all the public visits, inspecting preparedness for war.
She is supportive in her husband’s political decisions and is one of his closest advisors, often looking over his speeches.
Their views do not necessarily align with the new Prime Minister Churchill, but she recognizes his brilliance and that it is better to work with him than against him.
Hitler declares her of being “the most dangerous woman in Europe, making allies, rallying others to England’s cause.”
Her skills for planning are in need to smooth everything out with Mrs. Roosevelt and General Eisenhower. Both are essential to the cause of uniting both countries to end the war. And she takes this very seriously to carry her load to influence them both.
Despite being called the most dangerous woman in Europe, she has a soft side. She is a caring mother to her children and a caring queen to her people in trying times when good word or warm smile can mean so much. She has her weaknesses and struggles as well. She feels miserable as a wife, at least at times, and its cause is rooted in the past event. – This cause gets repeated quite a lot, especially in the second part of the book. It could be curbed a bit.
It is interesting to read the view from British perspective about the beginning of the war. When Poland was horribly bombed, it seemed as nothing was happening on the islands. And how royals from other countries fled to England for safety. And later how Londoners used Underground stations for shelter.
The characters are very likeable, especially the ones coming from different backgrounds, and giving a drastic contrast. The royals contrasting with the humble upbringing of General Eisenhower is brilliant. I also enjoyed the innocent behavior of two daughters, who wanted to look at good looking men in uniforms or fight the Germans with Granny’s walking canes.
The way the snippets of her childhood or past or legend of monster of Glamis are injected into the story shows a very well-thought-through writing.
The story and dialogue flow effortlessly.
P.S. Highly recommend a parallel story about Winston Churchill’s wife – Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2020
This is an historical fiction novel of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the queen consort of King George VI. While there are flashbacks to Elizabeth’s childhood and early adult years, most of the novel is set between the time of Edward VII’s abdication and the years of WWII. The novel depicts an endearing relationship between Elizabeth and George VI, as well as their war time work in London. There are wonderful images of the two going out among the citizens after bombing raids and working with London’s poor and displaced. However, it is the obsessive and repetitive references to Elizabeth’s supposed “secrets”, that kept me from enjoying this novel. Elizabeth constantly dwells on these secrets and worries about her husband and the public finding out. Research into the topic shows that these secrets were the product of one very unreliable source and are simply regarded as gossip.
I came to this book with high hopes, but I was disappointed in the outcome. There are far more interesting books about the queen whom Hitler said was “the most dangerous woman in Europe”. It read more like a day journal of the Queen’s activities and appointments, than an intimate look into the life of monarch.
Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
I came to this book with high hopes, but I was disappointed in the outcome. There are far more interesting books about the queen whom Hitler said was “the most dangerous woman in Europe”. It read more like a day journal of the Queen’s activities and appointments, than an intimate look into the life of monarch.
Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
May 16, 2020
I rarely do not finish a book but this one was impossible to read for me. I love historical fiction but there is a vast difference between good and bad writing. This is not bad writing. It is awful.
I have always admired the Queen Mother and thought this would be quite interesting. Instead this is National Enquirer level. I learned her recipe for skin care (yawn) and that she supposedly asks for drinky poos (hard to believe). Supposedly her mother was actually a servant girl because her mother was tired of giving birth but her dad was her dad she was told. Supposedly Elizabeth and Margaret were born from artificial insemination which I don't know if that's true and I don't care to know. She and the King haven't had sex since the honeymoon and that was enough for me.
Read if you are a devoted National Enquirer Fan.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
I have always admired the Queen Mother and thought this would be quite interesting. Instead this is National Enquirer level. I learned her recipe for skin care (yawn) and that she supposedly asks for drinky poos (hard to believe). Supposedly her mother was actually a servant girl because her mother was tired of giving birth but her dad was her dad she was told. Supposedly Elizabeth and Margaret were born from artificial insemination which I don't know if that's true and I don't care to know. She and the King haven't had sex since the honeymoon and that was enough for me.
Read if you are a devoted National Enquirer Fan.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
May 12, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for an ARC of this book. Release date - May 19, 2020
Oh boy, where do I start with this truly terrible book? Honestly if I had not been given this book as an ARC for review, I probably would have stopped within the first few chapters, it infuriated me that much. But it was not that long and I think it deserves negative feedback so I pushed through.
If you are expecting shocking twists and big reveals you will be disappointed. The "big secret" of the title is revealed in chapter ONE. A few more mediocre "secrets" that are incredibly anticlimactic and honestly not a big deal at all are peppered throughout. And then every other page we are reminded of these "secrets" so much so that instead of surprising they are just tedious. Paragraph after paragraph of oh I hope no one finds out this thing or that.
Not only is this book poorly written, it basically amounts to slander of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. It is an incredibly unflattering portrayal of her. It is literally a fictionalized version of The Queen Mother: The Untold Story of Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, Who Became Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, a trashy gossip book that honestly should have been fiction from the beginning. But worse than simply being based on trashy gossip, it's like Karen Harper read that book, thought wow this would make quite a novel, and then did ABSOLUTELY NO FURTHER RESEARCH. Every insane and ridiculous theory comes directly from that book as far as I can tell, and some facts are completely inaccurate.
From here on will be pretty spoiler-y, so proceed with caution.
So the "big secret" revealed in chapter 1 is that Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon was the offspring of her father and the family's French cook. Here are the real life facts presented as proof this ridiculous theory: 1) Her middle name is Marguerite, the name of the supposed cook. (I mean is it possible they just liked this name?) 2) The family referred to her and her younger brother as "the Benjamins." According to the story (and I discovered that this came directly from the ridiculous The Queen Mother book, solidifying my belief that Karen Harper did absolutely no research) biblical Benjamin was the son of Israel and his wife Rachel's handmaid. Ha, so there's the alleged proof that Elizabeth and David were the product of a similar union. But a very very simple glimpse inside the Bible would show that Benjamin was actually the son of Israel and Rachel. His wife. I don't know the real reason they were called "the Benjamins" but I'd practically guarantee they were called "the Benjamins" because they were a good bit younger than the rest of their siblings, because that's the actual truth of Benjamin in the Bible. A smidge of Biblical knowledge blows the whole theory out the water.
Another stupid secret is that Elizabeth and Bertie were celibate and conceived their children through artificial insemination. The reason presented for this is of course vaguely danced around and dragged out forever before it's revealed that Elizabeth was allegedly assaulted when she was 18 by David, Prince of Wales, something she never tells her husband about. Sorry, I don't buy that they'd be celibate for 20+ years without him EVER ASKING WHY and just going along with it? I also realize that assault can be extremely traumatic, definitely not downplaying that in any way. But I also have a hard time believing that a near rape would affect her THIS much and for that long. Add to the fact that apparently he had PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE? In 1918?! I find that really hard to believe. It's not like he could have snapped a picture of the item of clothing she left behind with his smartphone.
Also the concluding message of the story with this secret and others is...keep secrets from your husband. So that was disappointing on top of a million disappointments.
On top of all of these stupid secrets the fact that there were 5 million references to her weight, she's not slim, I look every kilo in this, I just love my sweets, the portrait didn't show my roundness..... Like I said earlier it made for an incredibly unflattering portrayal of the Queen Mother.
AND besides all of these ridiculously stupid plot points, NOTHING ELSE HAPPENS. It's the most boring WW2 book I've read since All the Light We Cannot See. The writing was the equivalent of speaking in a monotone, there was no emotion. I ended up skimming lots of it because it just did not hold my interest.
This is a truly awful book and I can not recommend it to anyone. It should never have been written and I hope it gets all the negative reviews.
Oh boy, where do I start with this truly terrible book? Honestly if I had not been given this book as an ARC for review, I probably would have stopped within the first few chapters, it infuriated me that much. But it was not that long and I think it deserves negative feedback so I pushed through.
If you are expecting shocking twists and big reveals you will be disappointed. The "big secret" of the title is revealed in chapter ONE. A few more mediocre "secrets" that are incredibly anticlimactic and honestly not a big deal at all are peppered throughout. And then every other page we are reminded of these "secrets" so much so that instead of surprising they are just tedious. Paragraph after paragraph of oh I hope no one finds out this thing or that.
Not only is this book poorly written, it basically amounts to slander of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. It is an incredibly unflattering portrayal of her. It is literally a fictionalized version of The Queen Mother: The Untold Story of Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, Who Became Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, a trashy gossip book that honestly should have been fiction from the beginning. But worse than simply being based on trashy gossip, it's like Karen Harper read that book, thought wow this would make quite a novel, and then did ABSOLUTELY NO FURTHER RESEARCH. Every insane and ridiculous theory comes directly from that book as far as I can tell, and some facts are completely inaccurate.
From here on will be pretty spoiler-y, so proceed with caution.
So the "big secret" revealed in chapter 1 is that Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon was the offspring of her father and the family's French cook. Here are the real life facts presented as proof this ridiculous theory: 1) Her middle name is Marguerite, the name of the supposed cook. (I mean is it possible they just liked this name?) 2) The family referred to her and her younger brother as "the Benjamins." According to the story (and I discovered that this came directly from the ridiculous The Queen Mother book, solidifying my belief that Karen Harper did absolutely no research) biblical Benjamin was the son of Israel and his wife Rachel's handmaid. Ha, so there's the alleged proof that Elizabeth and David were the product of a similar union. But a very very simple glimpse inside the Bible would show that Benjamin was actually the son of Israel and Rachel. His wife. I don't know the real reason they were called "the Benjamins" but I'd practically guarantee they were called "the Benjamins" because they were a good bit younger than the rest of their siblings, because that's the actual truth of Benjamin in the Bible. A smidge of Biblical knowledge blows the whole theory out the water.
Another stupid secret is that Elizabeth and Bertie were celibate and conceived their children through artificial insemination. The reason presented for this is of course vaguely danced around and dragged out forever before it's revealed that Elizabeth was allegedly assaulted when she was 18 by David, Prince of Wales, something she never tells her husband about. Sorry, I don't buy that they'd be celibate for 20+ years without him EVER ASKING WHY and just going along with it? I also realize that assault can be extremely traumatic, definitely not downplaying that in any way. But I also have a hard time believing that a near rape would affect her THIS much and for that long. Add to the fact that apparently he had PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE? In 1918?! I find that really hard to believe. It's not like he could have snapped a picture of the item of clothing she left behind with his smartphone.
Also the concluding message of the story with this secret and others is...keep secrets from your husband. So that was disappointing on top of a million disappointments.
On top of all of these stupid secrets the fact that there were 5 million references to her weight, she's not slim, I look every kilo in this, I just love my sweets, the portrait didn't show my roundness..... Like I said earlier it made for an incredibly unflattering portrayal of the Queen Mother.
AND besides all of these ridiculously stupid plot points, NOTHING ELSE HAPPENS. It's the most boring WW2 book I've read since All the Light We Cannot See. The writing was the equivalent of speaking in a monotone, there was no emotion. I ended up skimming lots of it because it just did not hold my interest.
This is a truly awful book and I can not recommend it to anyone. It should never have been written and I hope it gets all the negative reviews.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2020
In 1923, Elizabeth Angela Margurite Bowes-Lyon married the Albert Fredrick Arthur George the Duke of York, the second son of King George V and Queen Mary. His older brother Edward was destined to be the king of England until he fell in love and married the divorcee Wallis Simpson, he had to abdicate the throne and his younger brother George became the king.
In 1936, when George became the king of England, he had no idea that three years later he and Winston Churchill would be united in defending England from the Germans and Hitler. On the 11th of September 1939 the British Empire declared war on Nazi Germany and both countries were at war yet again. Queen Elizabeth supported her husband during the war years; she visited troops, hospitals, factories all while being a loving mother to her daughters Elizabeth and Margaret. The royal family shared the same hardships as the common people, rationing, water restrictions, Buckingham Palace was damaged during a bombing raid and the royal couple spent most nights at Windsor Castle. Elizabeth was famously quoted as one of the “Most Dangerous Women in Europe” by Hitler himself and we all think of her as the sweet elderly queen mother with a gentle smile.
The details of Queens Elizabeth’s place of birth are rather vague; she was born on the 4th of August 1900 and was her family keeping a secret of exactly where she born and why? Or was it because at the time many children were born at home and paperwork wasn’t as through as it is today and nothing was covered up at all?
The whole story of Edward abdicating the throne and being removed from his Royal duties creates a lot of interest. Were all fascinated by the Royal family and it has to be one of the most famous families in the world. Queen Elizabeth was the matriarch of her family, she supported her husband during WW II, when he died she supported her daughter Elizabeth when she became the Queen of England. Karen Harper uses theories regarding the queen mother’s parentage and her relationship with her husband Bertie in her latest book and some of story seemed a little farfetched to me?
However I did enjoy reading The Queen's Secret, especially about the Queen’s achievements, how she supported her husband, her country during WW II and her relationship with her two daughters Elizabeth and Margaret Rose. I gave the book four stars and thanks to Edelweiss for my ARC. I have shared my review on Goodreads, Edelweiss, Twitter and my blog. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
In 1936, when George became the king of England, he had no idea that three years later he and Winston Churchill would be united in defending England from the Germans and Hitler. On the 11th of September 1939 the British Empire declared war on Nazi Germany and both countries were at war yet again. Queen Elizabeth supported her husband during the war years; she visited troops, hospitals, factories all while being a loving mother to her daughters Elizabeth and Margaret. The royal family shared the same hardships as the common people, rationing, water restrictions, Buckingham Palace was damaged during a bombing raid and the royal couple spent most nights at Windsor Castle. Elizabeth was famously quoted as one of the “Most Dangerous Women in Europe” by Hitler himself and we all think of her as the sweet elderly queen mother with a gentle smile.
The details of Queens Elizabeth’s place of birth are rather vague; she was born on the 4th of August 1900 and was her family keeping a secret of exactly where she born and why? Or was it because at the time many children were born at home and paperwork wasn’t as through as it is today and nothing was covered up at all?
The whole story of Edward abdicating the throne and being removed from his Royal duties creates a lot of interest. Were all fascinated by the Royal family and it has to be one of the most famous families in the world. Queen Elizabeth was the matriarch of her family, she supported her husband during WW II, when he died she supported her daughter Elizabeth when she became the Queen of England. Karen Harper uses theories regarding the queen mother’s parentage and her relationship with her husband Bertie in her latest book and some of story seemed a little farfetched to me?
However I did enjoy reading The Queen's Secret, especially about the Queen’s achievements, how she supported her husband, her country during WW II and her relationship with her two daughters Elizabeth and Margaret Rose. I gave the book four stars and thanks to Edelweiss for my ARC. I have shared my review on Goodreads, Edelweiss, Twitter and my blog. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
February 9, 2023
The Queen’s Secret by Karen Harper was a good idea for a novel. It was cool to see the former Queen Elizabeth through her mother’s eyes. See her as a child to teenager. I often though “And you grew up to be a magnificent elegant woman.”
As far as the story goes, the characters, I failed to connect in anyway. I didn’t jump in to read some more. I didn’t think about the book. It could have ended midway and I wouldn’t have felt a loss. Kind of disappointing.
As far as the story goes, the characters, I failed to connect in anyway. I didn’t jump in to read some more. I didn’t think about the book. It could have ended midway and I wouldn’t have felt a loss. Kind of disappointing.
May 12, 2020
The grit and backbone exhibited by Queen Mother Elizabeth rings true and I have awarded this book four stars. There are some juicy bits of back story that seem to have remained rumors which is disappointing. I had hoped to see some info at the end of the book about the research done and how the timelines/facts were altered for readability. There was none. Still I found Elizabeth's story corresponded with what I have seen on "The Crown" as well as "The Splendid and the Vile." There is no doubt that the Queen Mother left a positive stamp on the royal family. I especially enjoyed the way her relationship with her two daughters was portrayed and the substantial support Elizabeth gave the king during WW II. Elizabeth and Bertie would meet with Churchill once a week for lunch. They quite relied on him and he on them. Reading this book makes me want to watch "The King's Speech" again.
If you liked this book, you should also check out "The Gown" by Jennifer Robson. "Lady Clementine" by Marie Benedict and "The Splendid and the Vile" by Erik Larsen.
Thank you to William Morrow and Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
If you liked this book, you should also check out "The Gown" by Jennifer Robson. "Lady Clementine" by Marie Benedict and "The Splendid and the Vile" by Erik Larsen.
Thank you to William Morrow and Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2020
In a past life, I was a history teacher so not surprisingly I love historical fiction. That is why I requested an ARC of The Queen's Secret, though I had never heard of nor read Karen Harper. Unfortunately, I won't be reading her other novels.
Based on the WWII life of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, this novel, at best is lite historical fiction akin to 'chick-lit' and I prefer more meat to my historical fiction. In addition, it's also repetitious ad nauseam both in multiple plotlines and dialog, and her great secret, actually secrets, are completely fictitious (yes I know this is fiction). One of these secrets is based on a much-maligned non-fiction book by a minor Royal and both secrets are simply not true and could have been completely left out of this book.
Granted this is fiction and doesn't claim to be anything more but too many people don't seem to know the difference between truth and fiction these days. Though the 'history', timeline and characters are accurate, the real-life of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in the 1930s and 40s would have been more than sufficient for an enjoyable and informative novel without the 'secrets' .
Based on the WWII life of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, this novel, at best is lite historical fiction akin to 'chick-lit' and I prefer more meat to my historical fiction. In addition, it's also repetitious ad nauseam both in multiple plotlines and dialog, and her great secret, actually secrets, are completely fictitious (yes I know this is fiction). One of these secrets is based on a much-maligned non-fiction book by a minor Royal and both secrets are simply not true and could have been completely left out of this book.
Granted this is fiction and doesn't claim to be anything more but too many people don't seem to know the difference between truth and fiction these days. Though the 'history', timeline and characters are accurate, the real-life of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in the 1930s and 40s would have been more than sufficient for an enjoyable and informative novel without the 'secrets' .
October 8, 2020
This tale puts a human face on a complex woman thrust into a powerful role at a time when the world was engulfed in tumult and the royal family in the chaos of scandal. Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon is a caring mother, a queen dedicated to her people, and a supportive helpmate and advisor to her husband. The titular secret is no secret to the reader from the first chapter. The secret, while an interesting but unproven rumor, did little to drive the plot, and the preoccupation with it makes for a largely uneventful read. That said, this book provided an engaging glimpse of London and the political machinations of WWII.
September 15, 2020
I love to read about the “Royals”. Even the Royal families have secrets. I enjoyed reading this historical fiction novel about the Queen Mother to ElizabethII, and wife of King GeorgeVI.
The key word in this book is secrets. Many more disturbing than others.
We learn of Elizabeth’s early life and how she met the kings brother David. Bertie proposed to Elizabeth three times before she accepted his proposal. We learn why, but why didn’t she tell Bertie her most dreadful secret?
Most of this book takes place during World WarII. Hitler called Elizabeth “the most dangerous woman in Europe. Elizabeth becomes the Kings advisor and is present at the meeting with Winston Churchill.
I was very interested in this as I had visited the Churchill War Rooms in London, a fascinating place.
We also meet Eleanor Roosevelt and FDR along with Dwight Eisenhower.
It was interesting to read how the Royal family were effected themselves by the bombings.
There are many facts in this book that are hard to believe, but this is historical fiction. Who knows for sure what is really true.
Read for yourself Elizabeth’s secrets. You will be surprised as to what you learn.
The key word in this book is secrets. Many more disturbing than others.
We learn of Elizabeth’s early life and how she met the kings brother David. Bertie proposed to Elizabeth three times before she accepted his proposal. We learn why, but why didn’t she tell Bertie her most dreadful secret?
Most of this book takes place during World WarII. Hitler called Elizabeth “the most dangerous woman in Europe. Elizabeth becomes the Kings advisor and is present at the meeting with Winston Churchill.
I was very interested in this as I had visited the Churchill War Rooms in London, a fascinating place.
We also meet Eleanor Roosevelt and FDR along with Dwight Eisenhower.
It was interesting to read how the Royal family were effected themselves by the bombings.
There are many facts in this book that are hard to believe, but this is historical fiction. Who knows for sure what is really true.
Read for yourself Elizabeth’s secrets. You will be surprised as to what you learn.
May 9, 2020
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins.
This book is about Queen Elizabeth, wife to King George VI, mother to Queen Elizabeth II, during the years of WWII. During the war years, she was a support to the king, a vital part of keeping the British peoples spirits up, a hostess to Americans critically needed as allies, and she harbored a secret that could bring her world crashing down around her ears.
I was SO excited to be chosen to review this book. The Queen Mother was a fascinating woman during a time of world crisis, and I felt sure a book about her would be riveting. This was not that book. I finished it, but it was a chore to do so. I found this book to be nothing but gossip, repeated over and over...and over. I periodically stopped to look items up and found that all of them were unsubstantiated rumors.
The whole theme of the book...the queen’s secret...is clearly spelled out early on in the book. (It initially appears that there are multiple secrets, but towards the end one emerges as the front runner.) The bulk of the book is the Queen wringing her hands and wrestling with whether or not to tell her husband about it. Enough already. The reader is also bludgeoned with the fact that Queen Elizabeth detested the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
I have no quarrel with mentioning the gossip of the times as an interest point during the course of the novel, but I would’ve thought there were enough interesting FACTS about this remarkable woman to tell an interesting story about her without relying so heavily on them. I’m sorry to say I was sorely disappointed.
This book is about Queen Elizabeth, wife to King George VI, mother to Queen Elizabeth II, during the years of WWII. During the war years, she was a support to the king, a vital part of keeping the British peoples spirits up, a hostess to Americans critically needed as allies, and she harbored a secret that could bring her world crashing down around her ears.
I was SO excited to be chosen to review this book. The Queen Mother was a fascinating woman during a time of world crisis, and I felt sure a book about her would be riveting. This was not that book. I finished it, but it was a chore to do so. I found this book to be nothing but gossip, repeated over and over...and over. I periodically stopped to look items up and found that all of them were unsubstantiated rumors.
The whole theme of the book...the queen’s secret...is clearly spelled out early on in the book. (It initially appears that there are multiple secrets, but towards the end one emerges as the front runner.) The bulk of the book is the Queen wringing her hands and wrestling with whether or not to tell her husband about it. Enough already. The reader is also bludgeoned with the fact that Queen Elizabeth detested the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
I have no quarrel with mentioning the gossip of the times as an interest point during the course of the novel, but I would’ve thought there were enough interesting FACTS about this remarkable woman to tell an interesting story about her without relying so heavily on them. I’m sorry to say I was sorely disappointed.
September 16, 2020
When Elizabeth Angela Bowes-Lyon marries the Duke of York, Prince Albert she does not yet know that one day, she will become queen. As Bertie, as she affectionately calls her husband, is second in line to become King, he is not immediately expected to take on the role. That is, until his brother David falls in love with an American woman and abdicates the throne in order to be able to marry her. Bertie is now King and Elizabeth, the Queen. When war comes upon England again, Elizabeth stands staunchly by the King and England.
At risk of sounding like a broken record, this book is a great compliment to The Crown. When Elizabeth becomes Duchess of York, she does not expect to become Queen. When David, Bertie's older brother, heir apparent and King, meets and falls in love with Wallis Simpson he abdicates the throne to be free to marry her. Bertie now is King George VI and Elizabeth, his Queen. It is not a role she expected, but she embraces it. When Hitler begins to ravage Europe, England is at war again. Refusing to leave her husband, Elizabeth stays, even during the darkest hours. Wrangling her own secrets, she helps propel her husband and country forward. Yet another book about British royalty that I enjoyed. Queen Elizabeth Mother is an interesting character in her own right. I admit that the start is slow and uninteresting but as the plots builds up, the narrative gains life. Fact, fiction and rumours are integrated into a story that at times read like a soap opera and others like a war narrative. Not that it affects the narrative but I love this cover. Characterization was good though I wish it had been stronger. The pace and flow complimented each other though at no point was this a fast paced book. The execution felt somewhat short but overall, I like this book.
The Queen mother lived to be 101 years old. In her lifetime, she became an iconic figure. During the war, Hitler reportedly called her "the most dangerous woman of Europe" for her presence and diplomacy could rally supporters to England's cause. Her interactions with Winston Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Dwight Einsenhower garnered her respect. Her feud with her brother-in-law David and his wife, Wallis Simpson have inspired wild rumours (among them that she was in love with him and not Bertie). By all accounts she was a supportive wife (she helped her husband with his stutter) and a loving mother but she was also a shrewd woman. She was influential in keeping the former King and his wife from returning to England and some suggest she is the reson Wallis did not get the 'Her Royal Highness' title. Above all, she was a formidable woman. Choosing to stay during the war, giving speeches and supporting the morale of the country.
At risk of sounding like a broken record, this book is a great compliment to The Crown. When Elizabeth becomes Duchess of York, she does not expect to become Queen. When David, Bertie's older brother, heir apparent and King, meets and falls in love with Wallis Simpson he abdicates the throne to be free to marry her. Bertie now is King George VI and Elizabeth, his Queen. It is not a role she expected, but she embraces it. When Hitler begins to ravage Europe, England is at war again. Refusing to leave her husband, Elizabeth stays, even during the darkest hours. Wrangling her own secrets, she helps propel her husband and country forward. Yet another book about British royalty that I enjoyed. Queen Elizabeth Mother is an interesting character in her own right. I admit that the start is slow and uninteresting but as the plots builds up, the narrative gains life. Fact, fiction and rumours are integrated into a story that at times read like a soap opera and others like a war narrative. Not that it affects the narrative but I love this cover. Characterization was good though I wish it had been stronger. The pace and flow complimented each other though at no point was this a fast paced book. The execution felt somewhat short but overall, I like this book.
The Queen mother lived to be 101 years old. In her lifetime, she became an iconic figure. During the war, Hitler reportedly called her "the most dangerous woman of Europe" for her presence and diplomacy could rally supporters to England's cause. Her interactions with Winston Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Dwight Einsenhower garnered her respect. Her feud with her brother-in-law David and his wife, Wallis Simpson have inspired wild rumours (among them that she was in love with him and not Bertie). By all accounts she was a supportive wife (she helped her husband with his stutter) and a loving mother but she was also a shrewd woman. She was influential in keeping the former King and his wife from returning to England and some suggest she is the reson Wallis did not get the 'Her Royal Highness' title. Above all, she was a formidable woman. Choosing to stay during the war, giving speeches and supporting the morale of the country.
April 3, 2020
I thought this book was ok. It seemed like it took me an abnormally long time to read considering it had less than 350 pages. Which for me is a telling sign that I’m not thoroughly enjoying a book. Like I said the book was ok but it was incredibly repetitive and very stilted. While I can for the most part forgive the stilted dialogue because most of it was from British Royals so I suspect it was pretty accurate. However, the repetitiveness was the fault of the author. I began to roll my eyes every time the Queen thought about her”secret”. A secret that if we’re honest was not that big of a deal. Later she reveals another secret that is more damning but still one that I think was built up and over played in the story. I’d still say the book was worth reading but be prepared for a long slog and reading the same lines over and over.
In compliance with FTC guidelines------I received this book free from a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. The content of this review is not influenced by that fact. The feelings expressed are solely mine. I sincerely appreciate the chance to read and review this book.
3*/ 3.94*
In compliance with FTC guidelines------I received this book free from a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. The content of this review is not influenced by that fact. The feelings expressed are solely mine. I sincerely appreciate the chance to read and review this book.
3*/ 3.94*
April 12, 2020
This book just did not do it for me; I had to force myself to finish it.
The writing seemed stiff to me. The story was repetitive and predictable. The “secret”, for as often as it was brought up, was really not a big deal.
A minor note – In the first chapter, a child is being told she and her brother were adopted. There had been references to “the Benjamins”. This supposedly was a reference to the biblical Benjamin who, according to this story, was the son of Rachel’s handmaiden. I beg to differ there – Rachel died giving birth to her second son Benjamin.
I gave the book three stars because there is some accurate history to learn from the story.
The writing seemed stiff to me. The story was repetitive and predictable. The “secret”, for as often as it was brought up, was really not a big deal.
A minor note – In the first chapter, a child is being told she and her brother were adopted. There had been references to “the Benjamins”. This supposedly was a reference to the biblical Benjamin who, according to this story, was the son of Rachel’s handmaiden. I beg to differ there – Rachel died giving birth to her second son Benjamin.
I gave the book three stars because there is some accurate history to learn from the story.
May 20, 2021
I won this book through a giveaway in exchange for an honest review...
This isn’t my first time reading this type of historical fiction... I was able to finish it, but it was definitely slower than the books I typically read because I just wasn’t that interested in it.
This isn’t my first time reading this type of historical fiction... I was able to finish it, but it was definitely slower than the books I typically read because I just wasn’t that interested in it.
September 1, 2021
Loved everything about this book!!
April 21, 2020
The story of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, during WWII.
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. Unfortunately I just didn't buy into the "secret" that she had which was really secrets. First, I wish there would have been an author's note in the review copy so that the author could have explained where her idea and research came from. While I am far from an expert, the little I do know indicates that the secrets are more rumors than fact. Second, most of the "secrets" came out early in the book and then the reader is reminded about them over and over and over. It got very repetitious and boring. This would have been a much better book if it just recounted the events and Elizabeth's involvement in helping her husband, her daughter's, and the country navigate WWII and ignored the rumors.
Received an advance copy via Netgalley.
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. Unfortunately I just didn't buy into the "secret" that she had which was really secrets. First, I wish there would have been an author's note in the review copy so that the author could have explained where her idea and research came from. While I am far from an expert, the little I do know indicates that the secrets are more rumors than fact. Second, most of the "secrets" came out early in the book and then the reader is reminded about them over and over and over. It got very repetitious and boring. This would have been a much better book if it just recounted the events and Elizabeth's involvement in helping her husband, her daughter's, and the country navigate WWII and ignored the rumors.
Received an advance copy via Netgalley.
April 22, 2020
I was looking forward to reading this book, until I discovered what the secrets were. Since I am interested in the British royal family and know a good deal about them, I had to go immediately to the computer and research the claims made in the book. I found that the source is a book that proposed these secrets based on some random gossip that is not well researched at all. It was basically a gossip book written by someone who only has a title because she married into it for all of 18 months. I did enjoy the history portions and did get a sense of how it might have been for her during WWII. I think that the slander to family members of the reigning queen was unnecessary and didn't make for a good novel.
I was given a free copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a free copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2020
This was quite a unique read for me as I have never read much on World War II before.I liked how it mainly focuses on the late queen mother and that it was told from her perspective.It examined her relationships with her husband,daughters,mother in law and also non family members such as Winston Churchill,Franklin Roosevelt and his wife during this period in her life.This also included her thoughts on England,her media campaign and her wider efforts throughout the war.I thought it seemed a fairly accurate portrayal of what I know of her character and I thought overall a fun,intriguing read.Thank you to Goodreads for giving me the opportunity to read this.
April 12, 2020
An immersive magnificent story about lesser known facts around the royal family. It was easy to read and very informative, with original and bright point of view on multiple topics. I would gladly recommend this book to any history fiction or even memoir loving reader.
May 25, 2020
Really poorly written and repitious....not worth reading.....I could barely finish it
January 17, 2023
this book is so repetitive and so boring. I almost never take the time to write actual reviews but oh my god??? Oh my god. Jesus Christ.
February 22, 2021
Great Historical Fiction
I love historical fiction, anything about English royalty and anything set during WWII. This book had all these ingredients! This is the second book I have read by this author and both have been great. Lots of history presented in an easy to read and enjoyable way.
I love historical fiction, anything about English royalty and anything set during WWII. This book had all these ingredients! This is the second book I have read by this author and both have been great. Lots of history presented in an easy to read and enjoyable way.
April 18, 2020
Elizabeth, our "Queen Mum" has always been a figure of great interest to me. I was aware of how profoundly loved she was by her subjects in the UK. And, I was drawn to the twinkle in her eye and her obvious high spirits. So, I looked forward to reading Karen Harper's historical novel about her life with the King during WW2.
I don't know if the voice that Ms. Harper imagined for the Queen would have felt "right" to someone who knew the current Queen's mother, but it felt flat to me and, despite her strength and commitment to the Country, I was bored with this book from beginning to end. I wanted to love her. I wanted to be drawn in to her life and her story, but I was simply not interested.
Harper's descriptions of London during the Blitz (and other elements of the war) were tales twice told---we all know the basics and I depend on good historical fiction to bring those stories to life. To make me feel part of the scene, part of history. This never happened for me with this book and I struggled to complete it. I did, and the end was just as flat as the beginning and the middle.
NetGalley provided me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a candid review. I am sorry that I was unable to make more positive remarks, but I was truly surprised by this novel's inability to interest me.
I don't know if the voice that Ms. Harper imagined for the Queen would have felt "right" to someone who knew the current Queen's mother, but it felt flat to me and, despite her strength and commitment to the Country, I was bored with this book from beginning to end. I wanted to love her. I wanted to be drawn in to her life and her story, but I was simply not interested.
Harper's descriptions of London during the Blitz (and other elements of the war) were tales twice told---we all know the basics and I depend on good historical fiction to bring those stories to life. To make me feel part of the scene, part of history. This never happened for me with this book and I struggled to complete it. I did, and the end was just as flat as the beginning and the middle.
NetGalley provided me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a candid review. I am sorry that I was unable to make more positive remarks, but I was truly surprised by this novel's inability to interest me.
May 7, 2020
This was a narrow-minded, stilted long drawn out rehashing of why Queen Elizabeth Bowes Lyon detested Edward, known as David to the Royal Family, the Duke of Windsor and his wife, Wallis Simpson. I slogged through; Poor Bertie, hateful David, oh me, oh shall I ever share the truth of what happened, or shall I keep it all to my poor brave self? Oh, what a trial, oh what a slog.
There are far better books regarding the events of World War II during the reign of King George and Queen Elizabeth. Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for a copy.
There are far better books regarding the events of World War II during the reign of King George and Queen Elizabeth. Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for a copy.
March 28, 2023
I enjoyed reading and learning about Elizabeth, the Queen Mother to Elizabeth II, and her relationships with her husband, George VI, her daughters, Churchill, and George’s brother, Edward who abdicated to marry Wallace Simpson. It’s an excellent story of what the English people had to endure during WWII and how the royal family provided support and hope to the people.
I would have given it 5 stars but I got tired of listening to Elizabeth constantly talking about whether she should tell her husband her biggest secret.
I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed the narration.
I would have given it 5 stars but I got tired of listening to Elizabeth constantly talking about whether she should tell her husband her biggest secret.
I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed the narration.
May 8, 2020
I really liked this memoir / biography of Queen Elizabeth. It talks about her relationship with Bertie (her husband the King), his brother David and Ms. Wallis (the woman who led him to abdicate the throne). It also spoke a lot about Churchill and the war. Great storytelling and I learned a lot about that Queen that I did not know.
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