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Welcome to my stop on the blog tour celebrating the release of The Royal Governess by Wendy Holden! Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the invitation!

About the Book:

Sunday Times bestselling author Wendy Holden brings to life the unknown childhood years of one of the world’s most iconic figures, Queen Elizabeth II, and reveals the little-known governess who made Britain’s queen into the monarch we know today.

In 1933, twenty-two-year-old Marion Crawford accepts the role of a lifetime, tutoring their Royal Highnesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose. Her one stipulation to their parents the Duke and Duchess of York is that she bring some doses of normalcy into the sheltered and privileged lives of the two young princesses.

At Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and Balmoral, Marion defies oppressive court protocol to take the girls on tube trains, swimming at public baths, and on joyful Christmas shopping trips at Woolworth’s. From her ringside seat at the heart of the British monarchy she witnesses the upheaval of the Abdication and the glamour and drama of the 1937 Coronation.

During the war, as Hitler’s Heinkels fly over Windsor, she shelters her charges in the castle dungeons (not far from where the Crown Jewels are hidden in a biscuit tin). Afterwards, she is there when Elizabeth first sets eyes on Philip. But being beloved governess and confidante to the Windsor family has come at a cost. She puts her private life on hold until released from royal service following Princess Elizabeth’s marriage in 1947.

In a majestic story of love, sacrifice, and allegiance, bestselling novelist Holden shines a captivating light into the years before Queen Elizabeth II took the throne, as immortalized on the popular television series The Crown.

My Thoughts:

The Royal Governess is focused on the childhood years of Queen Elizabeth II. In 1933, a new governess is hired, Marion Crawford. She is tasked with tutoring Elizabeth and Margaret Rose. Her main charge is to bring normalcy to their young lives.

Marion defies court rules by taking the girls on the train, swimming, and even public shopping at Woolworth’s. The book also covers the time during the war, when Marion must help keep the girls safe and distracted in uncertain times. She’s also there when Elizabeth first meets Philip!

Fans of The Crown will want to pick this beautiful book up. It’s a different perspective on the royal family, and Marion is charming character to follow who makes many personal sacrifices to care for her charges. The Royal Governess is an insightful, enjoyable read, and I definitely want to read more books by this author and learn more about Marion Crawford’s life.

I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Wendy Holden is a British novelist of comedies of manners. She’s authored ten Sunday Times top ten bestsellers and has sold over three million copies worldwide.

Have you read The Royal Governess, or is it on your TBR? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR