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missywinesalot's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
kylehepp4267's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I enjoyed it but the writing seemed too modern for the setting, and important parts of the plot were extremely underdeveloped. She saw Acton, thought he was hot, kissed him and her husband saw them with zero consequences? Really?
thepagelady's review
4.0
“You are the queen. You are the queen that Antoinette wanted to be.”
After the death of her sister Maria Carolina Charlotte is sent to marry King Ferdinand IV. She will have to leave behind her home, her family and most of all her most beloved sister Antoinette. As the 10th daughter of 16 children and as a Habsburg archduchess she knows she has no choice. Leaving everything and everyone she knows and loves is only the beginning of the trials she will face!
The state of the kingdom is not what she expected. Her husband is weak and has allowed his regent power-hungry man Tanucci to run the kingdom to the ground! After requesting help from her brother who is the Holy Roman Emperor, a handsome military man John Acton who is put in charge of running the navy. But now Maria has to do what her mother did to take control of a country!
This was a great book! With Diana Giovinazzo vivid writing she brings this woman and the time period to life for us! And it doesn't stop there! It was interesting to hear about what happened with the other Habsberg siblings but also the details of the different locations were so detailed at times I forgot I was reading a book! The strength and determination Maria had was amazing! She really did amazing things for Naples! The letters between the sisters were a great add! It was a powerful, emotional and thought provoking read! Definitely a great read for a book club! There's many topics to touch on for a lively discussion.
Thank you Grand Central Pub for sharing this beautiful story with me!
After the death of her sister Maria Carolina Charlotte is sent to marry King Ferdinand IV. She will have to leave behind her home, her family and most of all her most beloved sister Antoinette. As the 10th daughter of 16 children and as a Habsburg archduchess she knows she has no choice. Leaving everything and everyone she knows and loves is only the beginning of the trials she will face!
The state of the kingdom is not what she expected. Her husband is weak and has allowed his regent power-hungry man Tanucci to run the kingdom to the ground! After requesting help from her brother who is the Holy Roman Emperor, a handsome military man John Acton who is put in charge of running the navy. But now Maria has to do what her mother did to take control of a country!
This was a great book! With Diana Giovinazzo vivid writing she brings this woman and the time period to life for us! And it doesn't stop there! It was interesting to hear about what happened with the other Habsberg siblings but also the details of the different locations were so detailed at times I forgot I was reading a book! The strength and determination Maria had was amazing! She really did amazing things for Naples! The letters between the sisters were a great add! It was a powerful, emotional and thought provoking read! Definitely a great read for a book club! There's many topics to touch on for a lively discussion.
Thank you Grand Central Pub for sharing this beautiful story with me!
nerdyforbooks_'s review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I’m not saying this was bad, I’m just kinda confused by the rave reviews. Marie Antionette is one of my favorite historical people to learn about - either real life or fictional. When I saw this was about her sister, I jumped at it. How cool to maybe get a fun twist from another angle.
However, this book still focuses a lot on being about Antionette when honestly - Charlotte was becoming a much better queen and more interesting person. There was constant mention about Antionette even though they were separated fairly early on in the story. I understand they were very, very close sisters, but cmon. Charlotte has a whole damn country to run! Tons of children! A fairly crap husband! And we see those things, sure, but it all feels sorta glossed over.
Don’t get me started on the damn letters at the end of every chapter too. Probably the biggest thing I hated about this book. When they made sense - they worked. However, there were a lot of times where they spoiled the story (ex. Antionette asking how Charlotte had such a successful marriage before she was even really married or getting along with her husband). I know, I know - this is history so how much spoiling can there truly be? But it took me out of the story every time & ruined a lot. Obviously I assumed they got along based on history, however, I’d have enjoyed the experience while reading.
As first stated, I don’t think this is a bad book. I just think there’s too much focus on Antionette (without her ever being in it really), very surface level story telling, and annoying AF end of chapter letters.
However, this book still focuses a lot on being about Antionette when honestly - Charlotte was becoming a much better queen and more interesting person. There was constant mention about Antionette even though they were separated fairly early on in the story. I understand they were very, very close sisters, but cmon. Charlotte has a whole damn country to run! Tons of children! A fairly crap husband! And we see those things, sure, but it all feels sorta glossed over.
Don’t get me started on the damn letters at the end of every chapter too. Probably the biggest thing I hated about this book. When they made sense - they worked. However, there were a lot of times where they spoiled the story (ex. Antionette asking how Charlotte had such a successful marriage before she was even really married or getting along with her husband). I know, I know - this is history so how much spoiling can there truly be? But it took me out of the story every time & ruined a lot. Obviously I assumed they got along based on history, however, I’d have enjoyed the experience while reading.
As first stated, I don’t think this is a bad book. I just think there’s too much focus on Antionette (without her ever being in it really), very surface level story telling, and annoying AF end of chapter letters.
samraetom's review against another edition
challenging
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
lanimartinez's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
heather_freshparchment's review
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, Pregnancy, Pandemic/Epidemic, Miscarriage, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Infidelity, Grief, and Child death
bibliopage's review
4.0
What a fascinating novel about one strong Queen! I really enjoyed learning more about her!