Genre: Historical Fiction Romance
This historical fiction book follows real figures throughout history, but puts a modern spin on their stories. Alix of Hesse is Queen Victoria’s favorite granddaughter and everyone who meets her is enamored with her as she is very beautiful and charming. She is expected to marry the heir to the English throne, but Alix isn’t sure that is what she really wants. She suffered a traumatic event when she was young and there are lingering side effects that she isn’t sure would be conducive to a very public life. Helene D’Orleans is the daughter of the exiled King of France, but many still regard her as a princess. She has come to realize that she does not have to uphold some of the stringent rules that active princesses do and she enjoys the freedom. However, when she does end up finding a suitable match for herself she is worried her past behavior might cause issues after all in her finding her happy ending. May of Teck has a troubled home life and would love to get married and find her own place in the world, but she has been unable to find a suitable match and her parents blame her for not being married yet. Will she be able to fine a husband before it is too late and she is considered an “old maid?” Will any of these young women be able to voice what they would like to do with their own lives?
This new series by the author of the American Royals is fun and engaging, but it will be interesting to see how if plays out since these characters were real people in history. Similar to McGee’s first series, the characters all have their reasons for doing what they do and it’s easy to see how miscommunications can occur. The rules of society in this time are finite and they all must abide by them if they want to participate. Modern issues such as mental health and women’s rights are touched upon and will no doubt be explored further in what is sure to be a series. Recommended for fans of American Royals and The Selection.
Young Adult Book Reviews 