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danimat's review against another edition
2.0
As much as I loved her other book A Dress of Violet Taffeta, this one just didn't have the same charming and captivating writing for me. I could see what she was trying to do, but it fell drab to me especially with all the other amazing stories about that time that have come out. It does provide a good additional book list to read at the end, but I think you might be better off reading those than this one.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
4.0
An entertaining historical fiction account of real-life Marion Crawford and her sixteen year service to the Windsor family as royal governess to the two princesses. Highly recommended for fans of the Netflix series The crown or The royal governess by Wendy Holden. I enjoyed the insider/outsider perspective of the royal family's life and the kinds of sacrifices Marion had to make in her own life to serve the family she loved but who didn't always treat her well. Great on audio narrated by Mhairi Morrison. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy.
bonniereads777's review against another edition
5.0
This is a fascinating novel that gives us an insider's view of life as a Princess, as told through the eyes of Marion Crawford, who was governess to Elizabeth and Margaret for 16 years. This book takes us not only through the early years of Elizabeth's life, but also through British history, including World War II and Elizabeth's marriage to Philip.
In Royal Service to the Queen is well-written, compelling, and in the end, slightly heartbreaking.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
In Royal Service to the Queen is well-written, compelling, and in the end, slightly heartbreaking.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
shesbecomingbookish's review against another edition
4.0
Young and impressionable Marion Crawford has just been offered the job of a lifetime: governess to the Duke of York’s two charming daughters. Little does she (or anyone) know that these sweet young girls would become heirs to the British throne. Years go by and loyal Marion, or Crawfie as the girls loved to call her, dedicates herself to serving her current and future queens, often sacrificing her own happiness in doing so. But when her time with the family comes to an end a chance opportunity and rookie mistake permanently severe the bond that once seemed unbreakable.
I must start by saying that I love all things Windsor. I’ve been fascinated with the British Royal Family since I was a child, so Marion Crawford’s story wasn’t new to me. I’d heard about and read about her “betrayal” many times over the years. But this was the first time I heard her side of the story, and I must say it’s given me a much different view of the Queen Mother, that’s for sure. I can’t help but believe Marion was taken advantage of, first by the Queen Mother and later by the Goulds. This recounting of her story puts things in a very different light, and the story of Marion Crawford is richer than ever thanks to this book!
The story is rich with detail and highly character-driven, making it a fun and fast read. I especially loved the juxtaposition of the two romances featured in the book. What captured me the most was the relationship between Marion and the Princesses. They relied on her heavily throughout her tenure with the Windsors. She seemed to be the tempest during the storms of war, only to be cast out into the storm of her own.
Overall a great read for any fan of the Windsors and UK history.
I must start by saying that I love all things Windsor. I’ve been fascinated with the British Royal Family since I was a child, so Marion Crawford’s story wasn’t new to me. I’d heard about and read about her “betrayal” many times over the years. But this was the first time I heard her side of the story, and I must say it’s given me a much different view of the Queen Mother, that’s for sure. I can’t help but believe Marion was taken advantage of, first by the Queen Mother and later by the Goulds. This recounting of her story puts things in a very different light, and the story of Marion Crawford is richer than ever thanks to this book!
The story is rich with detail and highly character-driven, making it a fun and fast read. I especially loved the juxtaposition of the two romances featured in the book. What captured me the most was the relationship between Marion and the Princesses. They relied on her heavily throughout her tenure with the Windsors. She seemed to be the tempest during the storms of war, only to be cast out into the storm of her own.
Overall a great read for any fan of the Windsors and UK history.
mwenglarski's review against another edition
3.0
2 1/2 ⭐️, not an overly exciting read on a topic that I enjoy
brooke_review's review against another edition
5.0
As one might imagine, it takes a village to "rear royals." When current British monarch Queen Elizabeth II was being brought up, Marion Crawford, affectionately called "Crawfie" by the royal family, was one member of said village, who worked as governess to Elizabeth and her sister Margaret for 16 years until Elizabeth's marriage to Prince Philip in 1947. Crawfie was a much-loved employee of the royal household, but her story with the royal family isn't without scandal. Crawfie's legacy with the Windsors was later tarnished after an ill-advised decision on Crawfie's part, which removed her from the lives of the royal family forever. In Royal Service to the Queen is Crawfie's story of her life "behind the curtain," guiding and educating the future Queen of the United Kingdom, and later being shunned by the family to whom she devoted her life.
In Royal Service to the Queen was my first Tessa Arlen novel, and I was pleased with how well-researched and richly detailed this engaging story was without becoming burdensome or boring. Crawfie, who was essentially a second mother to the young Elizabeth and Margaret, was a significant person in the lives of the little princesses, and it was fascinating to see life in the royal family through her eyes. Arlen integrates Crawfie's life with the princesses with her life outside the castle walls to paint a complete and compelling portrait of the woman who helped mold the future monarch of Britain.
Although I am a fan of all things British royalty, past and present, I had no knowledge of Crawfie's great offense prior to reading In Royal Service to the Queen. I allowed myself to remain in the dark while reading this novel, and was thoroughly surprised to learn how Crawfie fell out of grace with the Windsors, who never spoke to her again after the incident. Because it was such a delightful reading experience to learn of Crawfie's "misdeeds" through this novel, I won't reveal the scandal in case there is anyone else who is unaware of what she did; however, I do believe that the Windsors' treatment of Crawfie was rather harsh considering that the former governess gave much of her life to the royal family, even delaying her own marriage to ensure that Elizabeth and Margaret were grown before leaving their service. Arlen has revealed Crawfie to be a sympathetic character in the history of the Windsors, and shines a light on how inclusive and rigid the royal family can be.
In Royal Service to the Queen is first and foremost recommended to anyone who enjoys biographical fiction, especially that of the current royal family. In Royal Service will also be enjoyed by anyone who loves The Crown or Downton Abbey.
In Royal Service to the Queen was my first Tessa Arlen novel, and I was pleased with how well-researched and richly detailed this engaging story was without becoming burdensome or boring. Crawfie, who was essentially a second mother to the young Elizabeth and Margaret, was a significant person in the lives of the little princesses, and it was fascinating to see life in the royal family through her eyes. Arlen integrates Crawfie's life with the princesses with her life outside the castle walls to paint a complete and compelling portrait of the woman who helped mold the future monarch of Britain.
Although I am a fan of all things British royalty, past and present, I had no knowledge of Crawfie's great offense prior to reading In Royal Service to the Queen. I allowed myself to remain in the dark while reading this novel, and was thoroughly surprised to learn how Crawfie fell out of grace with the Windsors, who never spoke to her again after the incident. Because it was such a delightful reading experience to learn of Crawfie's "misdeeds" through this novel, I won't reveal the scandal in case there is anyone else who is unaware of what she did; however, I do believe that the Windsors' treatment of Crawfie was rather harsh considering that the former governess gave much of her life to the royal family, even delaying her own marriage to ensure that Elizabeth and Margaret were grown before leaving their service. Arlen has revealed Crawfie to be a sympathetic character in the history of the Windsors, and shines a light on how inclusive and rigid the royal family can be.
In Royal Service to the Queen is first and foremost recommended to anyone who enjoys biographical fiction, especially that of the current royal family. In Royal Service will also be enjoyed by anyone who loves The Crown or Downton Abbey.
sarasmith21's review against another edition
This book just didn’t fit my mood at this time. Maybe later.
mjsmilliken's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.0
bittie_bee's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
2.0
This was too slow for my taste. A lot of information given didn't support the growth of the story but rather details the reader would forget about while reading the next page.