The queen's secret A novel of England's World War II queen

This historical fiction account of Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon, also known as the Queen Mother, focuses on her presence during the abdication of Edward VIII and the struggles of World War II, which drew global attention to her. Harper (American Duchess, 2019) portrays the mother of Queen Elizabeth II as a multi-faceted woman full of internal conflict and emotional turmoil, but with the poise and confidence to uphold the monarchy when the house is literally falling down around her. She wields her wit and intelligence often and earns the title "the most dangerous woman in Europe" from Hitler himself. This glimpse behind the curtain at the House of Windsor moves with a slow pace punctuated by war and common family discord as the nagging presence of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor aggravates the Queen relentlessly. This comes on the heels of The Crown on Netflix, which depicts the monarchy through the ages, and readers will appreciate the Queen Mother's story as the woman behind the crown is given a chance to shine on her own with all her faults and glory.Women in Focus: The 19th in 2020

Harper's enchanting latest (after American Duchess) explores the private life of Queen Elizabeth, formerly Elizabeth Bowes Lyon. Harper traces Elizabeth's long life through her marriage to King George VI, raising her daughters Elizabeth and Margaret Rose, and living through WWII. Harper's artful prose brings Elizabeth to glorious life as tensions mount around the animosity between Elizabeth and upstart American socialite Wallis Warfield Simpson, whose intention to marry king Edward VIII led to his abdication (and about whom Elizabeth is said to have uttered "The two people who have caused me the most trouble in my life are Wallis Simpson and Hitler"). While not all of the dishy details are historically established--for instance, the story lines about Elizabeth's supposedly true parentage, her largely celibate marriage, and certain peccadillos of her brother-in-law, the former king, which call his character into question--Harper's evocative prose and able plotting make each twist and turn believable. This displays Harper's mastery at fictional profiles of prominent 20th-century women. (Apr.)

At the dawn of World War II, the future of the British monarchy was in question. Many people may consider the 1936 abdication of Edward VIII so that he could marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson a story of the power of true love. However, history often overlooks the friendly relationship the Duke and Duchess of Windsor had with Adolf Hitler and what that connection almost cost England and the world. Harper (American Duchess; The It Girls) explores another love story of that time, that of Edward's brother, King George VI and his queen consort, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, known as the Queen Mother. From her point of view, we see the intricacies of the war between England and Germany and the contributions the Windsors made to the war effort. We also see the king through her eyes and witness a deep love that lasted through the ages. VERDICT The Windsors continue to fascinate as we watch a new generation grow up. Harper's novel draws attention to the heroism and strength of the royal family during a trying time in history. A strong selection for those interested in a more personal imagining of royal life at that time.--Sonnet Ireland, St. Tammany Parish P.L., Mandeville, LA