The Queen's Secret by Karen Harper

 

Title: The Queen's Secret

Author: Karen Harper

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: '1939. As the wife of 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.'- Back Cover

My Thoughts

As a lover of the British Royal Family, I was excited to read this novel as soon as I saw it was coming out. It was a cute look into life in the palace during WWII, with some moments of sadness and tragedy of war, but not the best story of WWII London that I have read. It focused intensely on rumors about The Queen Mother that I had never heard before, questioning her legitimacy and stating that her children were products of artificial insemination. She is also afraid that Bertie will find out that she was sexually assaulted by his brother David in her youth. I wouldn't mind a story that focuses on her fear of these secrets coming to light but it was repetitive and obvious in restating how afraid she was that anyone would find out. It was not following the 'show, don't tell' model that budding writers are encouraged to use. 

If you are looking for a quick and easy read featuring the royal family this is fine, but not deep or hard-hitting. 

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