04/01/2020
At the dawn of World War II, the future of the British monarchy was in question. Many people may consider the 1936 abdication of Edward VIII so that he could marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson a story of the power of true love. However, history often overlooks the friendly relationship the Duke and Duchess of Windsor had with Adolf Hitler and what that connection almost cost England and the world. Harper (American Duchess; The It Girls) explores another love story of that time, that of Edward's brother, King George VI and his queen consort, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, known as the Queen Mother. From her point of view, we see the intricacies of the war between England and Germany and the contributions the Windsors made to the war effort. We also see the king through her eyes and witness a deep love that lasted through the ages. VERDICT The Windsors continue to fascinate as we watch a new generation grow up. Harper's novel draws attention to the heroism and strength of the royal family during a trying time in history. A strong selection for those interested in a more personal imagining of royal life at that time.—Sonnet Ireland, St. Tammany Parish P.L., Mandeville, LA
03/23/2020
Harper’s enchanting latest (after American Duchess) explores the private life of Queen Elizabeth, formerly Elizabeth Bowes Lyon. Harper traces Elizabeth’s long life through her marriage to King George VI, raising her daughters Elizabeth and Margaret Rose, and living through WWII. Harper’s artful prose brings Elizabeth to glorious life as tensions mount around the animosity between Elizabeth and upstart American socialite Wallis Warfield Simpson, whose intention to marry king Edward VIII led to his abdication (and about whom Elizabeth is said to have uttered “The two people who have caused me the most trouble in my life are Wallis Simpson and Hitler”). While not all of the dishy details are historically established—for instance, the story lines about Elizabeth’s supposedly true parentage, her largely celibate marriage, and certain peccadillos of her brother-in-law, the former king, which call his character into question—Harper’s evocative prose and able plotting make each twist and turn believable. This displays Harper’s mastery at fictional profiles of prominent 20th-century women. (Apr.)
If you thought the Queen Mum was a benign, plump, cheery old lady, think again. In Karen Harper’s novel she is tough, determined, and fabulously gossipy. Reading this novel is like sitting next to an indiscreet royal insider at a private dinner.” — Gill Paul, bestselling author of The Lost Daughter
"Harper’s enchanting latest (after American Duchess) explores the private life of Queen Elizabeth, formerly Elizabeth Bowes Lyon...Harper’s evocative prose and able plotting make each twist and turn believable. This displays Harper’s mastery at fictional profiles of prominent 20th-century women." — Publishers Weekly
"...readers will appreciate the Queen Mother's story as the woman behind the crown is given a chance to shine on her own with all her faults and glory." — Booklist
"The Windsors continue to fascinate as we watch a new generation grow up. Harper’s novel draws attention to the heroism and strength of the royal family during a trying time in history. A strong selection for those interested in a more personal imagining of royal life at that time." — Library Journal
“Well researched and beautifully written, I highly recommend The Queen’s Secret.” — Romance Reviews Today
Praise for American Duchess: “Harper’s latest immerses readers in British high society, with intrigue and gossip around every corner...this tender, well researched novel lets readers see the economic, social, and political highlights of the nineteenth-century Gilded Age brought to life through Consuelo Vanderbilt’s eyes.” — Booklist
Praise for American Duchess: “This absorbing and evocative tale is an excellent reminder of what women have long sacrificed over the centuries for family honor and duty, and how they navigated their circumstances and influence to change the world for the better.” — Heather Webb, international bestselling author of Last Christmas in Paris
Praise for The It Girls: “The It Girls is a glorious romp through the lives and loves of the scintillating Sutherland sisters.... Readers who enjoy historical fiction are in for a treat!”
— Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of The Cottingley Secret and The Girl Who Came Home
Well researched and beautifully written, I highly recommend The Queen’s Secret.
Praise for The It Girls: “The It Girls is a glorious romp through the lives and loves of the scintillating Sutherland sisters.... Readers who enjoy historical fiction are in for a treat!”
Praise for American Duchess: “This absorbing and evocative tale is an excellent reminder of what women have long sacrificed over the centuries for family honor and duty, and how they navigated their circumstances and influence to change the world for the better.
If you thought the Queen Mum was a benign, plump, cheery old lady, think again. In Karen Harper’s novel she is tough, determined, and fabulously gossipy. Reading this novel is like sitting next to an indiscreet royal insider at a private dinner.
"...readers will appreciate the Queen Mother's story as the woman behind the crown is given a chance to shine on her own with all her faults and glory."
Praise for The Royal Nanny: “The Royal Nanny is a gem, revealing that those forgotten in history are often the true treasures.”
