Title: The Queen’s Secret: A Novel of England’s World War II Queen
Author: Karen Harper
Published: May 2020, William Morrow Paperbacks
Format: ARC Paperback, 384 pages
Source: Publisher
Summary:
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.
My thoughts: It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of the British Royals, so when I saw that this book was coming out, I immediately requested it. I love watching The Crown and have been slowly getting my hands on as many books as I can that have to do with the royal family – this is why I love reading historical fiction. I totally find myself falling down the rabbit hole!
There is much written about many of the royals, but not much about the Queen’s Mum, who is wife of King George VI and mother to the future (now present) Queen Elizabeth. This book tackles her story and is quite fascinating as much for what it brings to the table as in the way it is told.
Taking place during WWII, but with flashbacks to her youth and the beginning of her marriage, we are privy to Elizabeth’s thoughts, and at times, streams of consciousness. I found this really made her come to life, making her more relatable and at times realistic. She was a strong woman, and clearly had her secrets which we eventually are made aware of. She was given a difficult task and stood up to the challenge, making it her life’s mission, not only to support her husband while he was king, but also to ensure that David and Wallis never took back the crown.
I enjoyed this look into the Queen Mum’s life. She was a great influence on her husband’s reign and I love nothing more than reading about strong women. I also loved the glimpses we got of Lilibet and Margot, especially Lilibet’s budding romance with Philip!
This book is perfect for all fans of historical fiction, especially those who love the royals. I now want to read more about the Queen mum and the rest of the family…again – down the rabbit hole I go!
This sounds like it would be an interesting read.