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| (Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
April, 1897: A young nanny arrives at Sandringham, ancestral estate of the Duke and Duchess of York. She is excited, exhausted—and about to meet royalty. . . .
So begins the unforgettable story of Charlotte Bill, who would care for a generation of royals as their parents never could. Neither Charlotte—Lala, as her charges dub her—nor anyone else can predict that eldest sons David and Bertie will each one day be king. Lala knows only that these children, and the four who swiftly follow, need her steadfast loyalty and unconditional affection.
But the greatest impact on Charlotte’s life is made by a mere bud on the family tree: a misunderstood soul who will one day be known as the Lost Prince. Young Prince John needs all of Lala’s love, the kind of love his parents won’t—or can’t—show him.
my thoughts:
Living in England all you would hear about was the royal family and I loved it. It was such fun to read about at the time, especially as Kate and Prince William were dating. One couldn't help but get caught up in all the stories surrounding their romance. It was addictive! I even watched their wedding on the telly - how could I not? And now they are parents to two adorable kids - talk about happily ever after. Of course, I know that they are real people living their lives, but just like everyone else interested in the royal family, you can't help but wonder what their lives are really like. Truth be told, you can't help but wonder what the lives are like for the people that work for them as well. Imagine everything they are privy to behind closed doors - the possibilities are beyond overwhelming. Thanks to Harper's novel, The Royal Nanny, we get a peek behind the scenes.
This is the story of Charlotte Bill, aka Lala, nanny to King George V's children. Through Harper's thorough research, we learn the history of the time period, politics, and livelihood of the royal family and their servants. Its sort of historical fiction with a Downton Abbey twist - that was my first thought as I read about Lala's encounter with the children's nurse, Mrs. Peters. It just had the feel of a scene from DA, which I loved! I think that's why I enjoyed this book so much - the history mixed with the fiction was just so well done that you could easily imagine it unfolding right before your eyes. Harper's vivid details are rich and engrossing, you can't help but get caught up in the story. This young woman who sacrificed so much (love, children of her own, her family, a private life) all so she could rear these royal children. Its rather heartbreaking if you think about it. Then again, the love she had for her charges, well, it was as if they were her own children. Lala's heart is huge and she feels quite a duty to follow through with her job, regardless of what it entails and how long the job will last. Lala feels a responsibility not only to the royal family, but also to her country. Its beyond patriotic and loyal, but its Lala through and through. And that is all I will say. I know I haven't written much about the story, but I just feel that you need to experience it for your self. Its just so darn good!
The Royal Nanny was such a treat to read. I absolutely loved it! I enjoyed the history, the drama, the royals, and Lala. I would happily recommend this book to fans of historical fiction - you will LOVE this story to bits!!
Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: The Royal Nanny
2 comments:
This is a wonderful novel that follows the royal family for 60 years. It’s a depiction of the family life of the royals as seen from the inside. I have always been fascinated with the history of the English royal family but have not read much about this particular time period in the family. I learned a lot and will remember this terrific story for a long time to come.
I've read a few books recently about the Royals before and during WWII and this would be a fabulous follow up to those for me!
Thanks for being a part of the tour.
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