In the Shadow of a Queen by Heather B. Moore

 

Based on the true story of the free-spirited daughter of Queen Victoria.

Princess Louise’s life is upended after her father’s untimely death. Captive to the queen’s overwhelming mourning, Louise is forbidden to leave her mother’s tight circle of control and is eventually relegated to the position of personal secretary to her mother—the same position each of her sisters held until they were married.

Already an accomplished painter, Louise risks the queen’s wrath by exploring the art of sculpting, an activity viewed as unbefitting a woman. When Louise involves herself in the day’s political matters, including championing the career of a female doctor and communicating with suffragettes, the queen lays down the law to stop her and devotes her full energy to finding an acceptable match for her defiant daughter.

Louise is considered the most beautiful and talented daughter of Queen Victoria, but finding a match for the princess is no easy feat. Protocols are broken, and Louise exerts her own will as she tries to find an open-minded husband who will support her free spirit.

In the Shadow of a Queen is the story of a battle of wills between two women: a daughter determined to forge her own life beyond the shadow of her mother, and a queen resolved to keep the Crown’s reputation unsullied no matter the cost.

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You know the saying, "timing is everything?"  I feel like that applies to the release of this book.  Here we have a book about the British Royals and the beloved queen of England has just passed away.  Of course this sparks all kinds of curiosity about royals and this book is perfect for royal fans and those just curious about Queen Victoria and her family.

I, myself, have British roots.  My grandparents immigrated from England and they loved their queen.  They followed the British royalty from the US and were devoted to them.  

This story follows Princess Louise from childhood to adulthood.  Her personality really shines through as we get to know her and the whole royal family through her.  This is a long book with a long list of secondary characters.  I was, of course, more emotionally invested in Princess Louise than anyone else.  Actually, she was probably the only one I felt that with.  I enjoyed learning about her and her passions.  Her journey to love and a life outside of the confines of the royal palace was satisfying.  I loved how much she wanted to make a difference in the world and most especially in the world of women.

 Did I mention that this book is long?  It is.  It also moves at a very sedate pace without many big pushes in forward momentum.  The whole world of royals is so different from mine, and therefore, so interesting.  I really enjoyed learning about Princess Louise.

Content:  death, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.