Title: The Wild Princess: A Novel Of Queen Victoria's Daughters
Author: Mary Hart Perry
Publisher: William Morrow
Date Of Publication: July 31, 2012
Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Synopsis
Four of the five daughters of England's Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were regal, genteel, and everything a princess should be. But one was rebellious, scandalous, and untamed.
This is her story. . . .
To the court and subjects of Queen Victoria, young Princess Louise—later the Duchess of Argyll—was the "Wild One." Proud and impetuous, she fought the constraints placed on her and her brothers and sisters, dreamed of becoming an artist, and broke with a three-hundred-year-old tradition by marrying outside of the privileged circle of European royals. Some said she wed for love. Others whispered of a scandal covered up by the Crown. It will take a handsome American, recruited by the queen's elite Secret Service, to discover the truth. But even as Stephen Byrne—code name the Raven—vows to risk his life to protect the royal family from violent Irish radicals, he tempts Louise with a forbidden love that could prove just as dangerous.
In the vein of Philippa Gregory, Mary Hart Perry tells the riveting story of an extraordinary woman—a princess who refused to give up on her dreams, including her right to true love.
Review
I love historical fiction and I'm a huge fan of Philippa Gregory's work, and now I am also a fan of Mary Hart Perry. I'm not so familiar with the history of Queen Victoria's children, but at the end of this story, I found Princess Louise to be a fascinating woman. Some of the events that occurred here are true, and of course some are fictional, but this story was well written, and the language was just perfect; the dialogue and description made me even more connected to the story, as if I was there. The story mainly occurs when Louise is newly married, in her early twenties, but there are also flashbacks, important flashbacks that help us understand her, her artistic talents, and understand the choices she made. Apart from knowing what made her the 'Wild Princess' there are also serious situations, some that lead to terrorism, and newly appointed in the Queen's Secret Service, American Stephen Byrne, is sent to go search for them, and also search something else, requested by Louise. I really enjoyed the scenes between she and Stephen. There is a lovely romance that lights up between them, but will her marriage and Mother get in the way? You're going to have to read and find out. I'm really happy that I read this novel, and cannot wait to read more from Perry. This is a novel that has mystery, romance and historical elements, and I encourage you to read this novel; it's just wonderful! :)
My Rating: 4.2/5
I would say a PG-13 Rating
About The Author
Mary Hart Perry lives in Maryland with her two cats and her husband-who graciously shares litter box duties. Miranda, a calico born to be a writer's muse, sits at the author's left typing hand, periodically nudging it toward a next word. Smoky-gray Tempest purrs when being read to and helps with revisions. When not writing, Mary speaks across the U.S., teaching the exciting craft of writing fiction, and in support of teen and adult literacy.
Her Links
Marissa, thanks for your lovely review. So very glad you enjoyed Louise's story. And your blog is in purple! My favorite color. Cheers, Mary Hart Perry
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