I only discovered Princess Grace upon her death in 1982. At the time I was following and admiring Princess Diana when I heard that she would be attendI only discovered Princess Grace upon her death in 1982. At the time I was following and admiring Princess Diana when I heard that she would be attending the funeral of Princess Grace of Monaco. I remember watching the televised funeral just to get a glimpse of Diana. Then I started hearing Grace's story on the news. A former movie star turned Princess. I was hooked as to this 12 year old her story sounded like yet another, "fairytale." I remember eyeing this book in 1982 but I never bought it. As I began to collect other books on Grace, I always regretted not buying this one. This past Christmas my daughter surprised me with a copy of the book I had always wanted.
This is a beautiful coffee-table style book with hundreds of colour pictures. The book sums up her life story from her early days as Grace Kelly, the movie star, to her wedding in Monaco and becoming a Princess, then as Mother to her three children. It follows her royal life until her sudden death on September 14, 1982. Today marks 42 years since her passing.
Grace was the epitome of her name. A stunning beauty and full of class with a gentle demeanour. She was pure elegance. This is my favourite quote from the book.
"People say I'm the perfect Princess, but that's silly."...more
"One reads for pleasure," said The Queen. "It is not a public duty."
What a charming little story! It's a pretty short book that will have you missing "One reads for pleasure," said The Queen. "It is not a public duty."
What a charming little story! It's a pretty short book that will have you missing the late Queen Elizabeth all over again.
In this fictitious story The Queen is walking her dogs along the grounds of Buckingham Palace when she sees a van parked by the kitchen doors. She's curious and goes inside. What she finds is loads and loads of books. It's a mobile library service. She gets to talking to Mr. Hutchings who runs the service and meets Norman a kitchen helper who frequently checks out books from him. She picks up a book and from then on is hooked with reading. She continues to frequent the library and with Norman's help starts reading many different kinds of books. Well, this causes a ruckus of sorts with her aids and dignitaries. She's spending far too much time on this frivolous hobby! Oh, this one made me chuckle quite a few times ...more
This was fun for the "Royalty Watcher" lover in me! How could I resist that cover and title? This was fun for the "Royalty Watcher" lover in me! How could I resist that cover and title? ...more
I saw this one and knew I just had to add it to my "royalty" collection! What an adorable book!
This story perfectly explains the life of the late Her I saw this one and knew I just had to add it to my "royalty" collection! What an adorable book!
This story perfectly explains the life of the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in a simple and easy way for children to understand. I think the lesson to be learned here is that life does not always go a certain way and people need to learn to adapt to different situations.
The best quote from the book that sums up the magnificent monarch is simple but so true.
"a good queen serves her people, not the other way around."
The illustrations that accompany the book are beautiful and remind me of ones from old children's books from my childhood.
I think this whole series is a great and fun way to introduce children to important and influential people from the past.
What attracted me to this book? First it was that lovely cover and second that terrific title. As a genuine royal lover of all things I couldn't wait What attracted me to this book? First it was that lovely cover and second that terrific title. As a genuine royal lover of all things I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one.
I must say I was a bit disappointed. I thought this would be a joyous book about how the Royals celebrate Christmas-and it was to a certain extent. The book was separated into different chapters and eras. Starting with Medieval Tudors and going through the various different royal houses throughout the ages. Still, it seemed to jump back and forth. Especially Queen Victoria being mentioned throughout. I was just expecting a bigger emphasis on...well..."A Royal Christmas." Much of it was centred around Royal happenings and events around the Christmas period especially during Wartime.
The author did do a lot of substantial research using diaries and letters of various royals. I did enjoy the Queen Victoria chapters. As we've always been led to believe that it was through Prince Albert that many of the Christmas traditions were brought into the British royal family, it was interesting to learn something different. It was Queen Charlotte who should be credited with bringing the first Christmas tree into the British Royal Family. That was a nice tidbit. Also my favourite was the ending and reading Queen Elizabeth II's last Christmas broadcast message of 2021. A poignant ending indeed.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Elliott & Thompson Publishers for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy....more
I do enjoy some Hallmark Christmas movies during the Holiday season and this book would make a perfect Hallmark movie. It follows the classic form3.5*
I do enjoy some Hallmark Christmas movies during the Holiday season and this book would make a perfect Hallmark movie. It follows the classic formula ...more
Emotions are high with this book on both sides. I don't want to get into any full-on debates. I will keep the review short and rate it for my enjoymenEmotions are high with this book on both sides. I don't want to get into any full-on debates. I will keep the review short and rate it for my enjoyment as I always do with books. The writing is good and Harry's narration is enticing. For me Part One was the best and most insightful (the early years and losing his mother.) Part Two (the school and war years) was a bit of a drag and Part Three (the Meghan years) was questionably interesting. As a "Royal Watcher" for many years I will say I was saddened by this release. I know he wanted to clarify a lot of things about his own story. There are happy, sad and frustrating moments in his life. This is Harry's story and I appreciated hearing it.
I have so many mixed emotions about this book. I wasn't going to read it but indeed I ended up listening to it. Harry has some valid points (especially regarding the atrocious media) and he has clearly suffered over the years BUT I do have a problem with him airing all this dirty laundry when he knows the other side cannot and will not respond. I've always liked William. I like the way he carries himself in public with grace and poise. I think he will make a good King. All of this is just really sad and I do have some problems with some of the content in the book. I JUST WANT PEOPLE TO REMEMBER THAT THIS IS ONLY ONE SIDE OF THE STORY. It can't be the full story, can it? Harry makes it sound like his family wanted him out because there is so much rivalry and jealousy and it's all a popularity contest. There really has got to be more that he is not sharing. Or is there? He makes it sound like Meghan and him just went about their business and neither did nor said anything to upset anyone. I don't know if I can fully believe that. There are usually two sides to a story and maybe THREE depending on who you believe!! In saying this I do not support nor like the treatment she has received at the hands of some of the press!
One thing that bothers me is that Harry did not really write the book. It was J.R. Moehringer. I know this happens with many other books that have ghostwriters but I don't like it when publishers do this. I think the real writer should always be given credit. They could have had by Prince Harry and then in smaller lettering with J.R. Moehringer. Does this bug anyone else when it happens? Am I missing something? I don't have the physical book so I'm not sure if I'm completely correct about this. Perhaps somewhere inside the real author is credited?...more
The Royalty lover in me has wanted to read this book for awhile now. I decided upon the audio and the narrator was excellent!
Right from the blurb on The Royalty lover in me has wanted to read this book for awhile now. I decided upon the audio and the narrator was excellent!
Right from the blurb on the book I could tell this was inspired by the former Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock who later married Prince Albert of Monaco and is now The Princess of Monaco. The author gets some inspiration from reported news articles about Charlene and incorporates it into her own original story. Very clever! As a Royal lover I saw other obvious inspirations from the stories of Princess Diana and even Princess Grace (Grace Kelly.)
Caroline Muller is a South African Olympic runner who has been drastically injured. She has been sent to a posh treatment centre to recover and meets Finn. She does not realize who he really is until she meets him again a few years later. He is the Crown Prince Ferdinand of Loucomo, (a ficticious small kingdom in Europe.) They fall in love and marry. It's Caroline's story on the hardships of becoming a Princess and her problems with coping.
This story is well written and it's a unique premise. It starts out in a breathtaking whirl and ends dramatically. It truly caught me off guard! It makes one think that royalty is not always what it's cracked up to be! ...more
Who doesn't remember these Little Golden Books from childhood? I always loved them and when my children were small I once again began to read and collWho doesn't remember these Little Golden Books from childhood? I always loved them and when my children were small I once again began to read and collect them.
This is a new Little Golden Book that was published for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee.
This is charming and cute. The wording and information is simple and easy for a child to follow. The illustrations are bright and colourful.
It's a lovely little book that I so enjoyed reading ...more
Robert Jobson has been a Royal Correspondent for many UK newspapers since 1991. He's an established award winning journalist and has written sever3.5*
Robert Jobson has been a Royal Correspondent for many UK newspapers since 1991. He's an established award winning journalist and has written several other books on other members of the British Royal Family as well. It's a well written book but I was not completely satisfied with it.
I was expecting a more detailed deep tribute for William's 40th Birthday. I wanted to learn more about what makes him tick and what actually shaped his personality. Surprisingly, there was little information on his early years. I was hoping to learn some new things about that era. The one new thing that I don't think I've ever heard about was that Diana gave birth to him standing up. Nothing Earth shattering but just an interesting tidbit. I would have liked to hear some more stories from when he was young. I was very surprised that the book did not really go into detail about Diana's death. I wanted to really get to know his thoughts and feelings and how he coped with that. It really was only a couple of pages. I found that odd. He seems for the most part to get along with his father and he is proud of him but I wish the book went into detail about his relationship with Camilla. There is a lot about him meeting Kate and their relationship but I feel like other relationships were just glossed over. There's also a bit about his Air Ambulance work and his mental health crisis stemming from that. I enjoyed reading about his conservation work and passion. Of course there was mention of his relationship with his brother, Prince Harry before and after his marriage to Meghan Markle.
If you are new to Royal Watching you will enjoy the book and it will help you to understand the makings of a King-to-be. As a Royal Watcher myself for many years (starting with when William's mother, Diana married Prince Charles) I did not learn anything really new in this book but it was interesting to read. I like Prince William and I think he will make a great King when the time comes. He's not without his faults but when it comes to his brother Prince Harry I do feel for him. In the position that William is in he really does not have many people he can trust or count on. Now the person he most trusted is the one he can't trust anymore. I think his strongest point is that he has a loving partner who is there to support him every step of the way. I'm glad to see that Prince William has now accepted his destiny and is prepared to live a life of duty for his country. His Grandmother would be proud ...more
On the occasion of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee of 70 years of reign today, I decided to pull out a much cherished picture book.
IOn the occasion of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee of 70 years of reign today, I decided to pull out a much cherished picture book.
It was originally published in 2012 and covers her life from her ascension to the throne in 1952 until 2012. It's a special book I treasure that my husband once gifted to me.
The book is packed with hundreds of beautiful pictures and loads of information on her Royal life. There are special sections on various Royal Occasions and Celebrations. From her wedding, and coronation to the State opening of Parliament, Royal tours and state visits, Royal Ascot, garden parties, and various film premiers over the years. Plus there are sections on family weddings and funerals and special birthdays.
This is a lovely coffee table style book that I can recommend to any Royal Fan or anyone who would like to learn more about The Queen. What a splendid display of a life devoted to service. In her own words on February 6, 1952: "I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service."
Special thanks to my GoodReads friend Barbara who inspired me to look for this book today! ...more
I finally got around to reading this. I own the physical hardcopy and I did listen in part to the audiobook read by the author, Tina Brown. I enjoyed I finally got around to reading this. I own the physical hardcopy and I did listen in part to the audiobook read by the author, Tina Brown. I enjoyed her book on Diana years ago so I knew she'd write another good one.
I didn't learn anything knew but I would recommend this to anyone who is just getting interested in the British Royal Family now. Tina does a great job explaining "the system" and how it's run. It's extensive as it starts from the beginning of the late Queen Elizabeth's reign and includes all of the scandals and historical events surrounding her family. It ends after the Harry and Meghan scandal and Prince Philip's death.
Everyone has their own opinion on Harry and Meghan and William and Catherine so I won't get into my feelings on that. The book does give you a better understanding on what was happening around that time and the climate in the country. There are so many layers to that story and the outcome.
It's a good one if you want to learn about the British Royal Family and Tina Brown's writing is easy to read and she presents the subjects quite fairly and with honesty....more
What an utter delight this short story was! Written by the teenaged and ever-so lovely Jane Austen.
This is a witty account of the history of the KingsWhat an utter delight this short story was! Written by the teenaged and ever-so lovely Jane Austen.
This is a witty account of the history of the Kings and Queens of England written in a fun and naughty way. It brought a smile to my face quite a few times.
If you're a fan of the Royals as I am or you just love Jane Austen. Don't miss this little gem of a story.
This was a free Audible listen for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The narration was perfect and it did feature some dramatization. A very entertaininThis was a free Audible listen for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The narration was perfect and it did feature some dramatization. A very entertaining audible on the ups and downs of Elizabeth's reign. I finished this on the day it was announced Elizabeth's consort, Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh had passed. This made her story all the more touching. As she herself described Philip in a speech for their 50th wedding anniversary as her, "strength and stay." That part pulled at the heartstrings when I heard it today. I highly recommend this to fans of the Netflix series, "The Crown." You are sure to enjoy this one! ...more
It's told in 3 Part Segments. Part One begins in Sydney in 1957. Blaise Hill has aspirations to becomI thought I would enjoy this one more than I did.
It's told in 3 Part Segments. Part One begins in Sydney in 1957. Blaise Hill has aspirations to become a journalist for a Sydney Newspaper. Her family needs the money and she wants to help them out. She gets a job in what is very much a Man's World at the time. During this time she also gets herself into a predicament that leaves her very scared. In Part 2 she is sent overseas to London to report on the upcoming wedding of Princess Margaret in 1960. Part 3 continues to follow her as she works in London for a Fleet Street Newspaper as a Royal Correspondent and her personal life begins to get romantically complicated.
This story had a bit of everything. Some heavy sexist issues, ambition, romance, fashion, royalty, criminal underworld, and spies. I just found the book a little sluggish and I was not all that convinced with the romance aspect. I did enjoy the snippets of real life Royals and historical figures and events that graced the pages. That part was fun and well researched....more
A delightfully charming book steeped in tradition! The perfect book for these trying times.
I listened to this as an Audio. The narrator was fantastic A delightfully charming book steeped in tradition! The perfect book for these trying times.
I listened to this as an Audio. The narrator was fantastic and the story writing beautiful.
It is a story with three time lines. The Bride, The mother of the Bride as a Bride, and The Seamstress. The story of a bridal dress that was inspired by Grace Kelly when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956. The dress was all the rage and every lady in Paris was looking to re-create the look.
This is the story of a family who has passed down the bridal gown that was inspired by Grace Kelly. Each bride has her own story and while this was a pretty light book there are some heavier moments and some mystery.
A perfect little book to take you back in time and fantasize about every little girl's dream...the perfect wedding dress!
As a royal fan and most certainly a Princess Grace fan I enjoyed this clever little book. I also especially loved that my other favourite Princess (Diana) had her own little mention in it. (Whoop Whoop) An all-round enjoyment!! ...more
I listened to this audio. So wonderfully written and narrated. I have been a follower of Royalty since I was a little girl. Unfortunately, I did not dI listened to this audio. So wonderfully written and narrated. I have been a follower of Royalty since I was a little girl. Unfortunately, I did not discover Princess Grace until after her death (1982.) I began to read many books about her and followed the lives of her beautiful daughters. I was fascinated to learn so much about her after finding out she was a Hollywood movie star who married a real-life Prince and became a Princess. Now this is the stuff of fairy tales especially for a young girl.
I enjoyed discovering and watching her movies and I admired her as a Princess. Of course she was utterly gorgeous and the epitome of class and her name- Grace. A very special kind of lady. I really enjoyed this fictionalized biography. For the most part I believe the author told a very accurate story of Grace's life. I enjoyed her ending credits where she explained where and why she took some liberties with the story. Some of that I think was in how Prince Rainier was portrayed in the book. I do not think he was so uncaring or overbearing to Grace but I do think that he perhaps took her for granted. He was very distraught and sad for many years after her death. Perhaps he did have some guilt over the way he had treated her over the years. He never remarried and always made sure that Grace was forever remembered in the principality. I do believe that he loved her very much. Her son Albert now rules the principality and continues to keep her memory alive. For it is Grace herself, they say who "put Monaco on the map."...more
As an avid Royal fan (British and other European), I always enjoy reading fictitious romance type books based on them.
I listened to the audio version As an avid Royal fan (British and other European), I always enjoy reading fictitious romance type books based on them.
I listened to the audio version of this and it was an entertaining experience.
Princess Theodora of Dreidan has been left at the altar. She doesn't understand why her fiancee (Christian) did not turn up. After some months have passed she tries to get away for an evening and sneaks out of the palace undetected. She meets a mysterious man (Nick) in a bar. There seems to be more to the story of her fiancee's disappearance. Just who exactly is Nick Cameron? Can he be trusted? Does he know where Christian is?
It was a fun book. Filled with a bit of mystery, romance and espionage. I didn't quite connect with the characters of Thea and Nick fully. I wish there was a bit more substance to their romance. Perhaps even affection but I realize this was a lightweight, fun type of story. Overall a nice and easy book to read or listen to....more
Let me start by saying I'm a devoted,"Royal Watcher." It all started when I was 11 years old and saw Lady Diana Spencer marrFIVE GLOWING STARS!!
Let me start by saying I'm a devoted,"Royal Watcher." It all started when I was 11 years old and saw Lady Diana Spencer marry Prince Charles. Watching it felt like a fairytale coming true. The beautiful, young, bride with the long flowing "Princess" gown displayed in its full glory along the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral took my breath away. That started my interest and it grew into the whole British Royal Family and then eventually to all European Royal Families. (Princess Grace and the Monaco Royals were another favourite of mine too!) So, when I won this book on a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ giveaway you can imagine how ecstatic I was! Well, this book did not disappoint me! I did not know that much about Queen Elizabeth's wedding gown but the cover was beautiful. Her gown was exquisite!
First off I loved the writing style! The words just flowed beautifully and I was immersed fully into another time. Jennifer Robson has a way with words.
The story is told in Post World War II time (1947) and present day.
The 1947 story revolves around 2 characters. Ann Hughes, and Miriam Dassin. They are fictional characters who work for the famous Norman Hartnell Fashion Design House in London. They are embroiderers who are working on the wedding gown of the then Princess Elizabeth. The wedding brings an excitement to England after the War. As the women work on the famous wedding gown their own stories start to enfold. The third story of the journalist named Heather begins in Canada in present time. She begins to unravel the story of Ann and Miriam in England.
This book was written and researched very well. I so loved that part of the story took place in Toronto, Canada. It was a pleasure to read about local areas and attractions. The stories of all 3 women were equally enjoyable. I was captivated from beginning to end. I would highly recommend this book for Historical-Fiction fans!
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