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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.
cathyyoder's review against another edition
3.0
I just finished, The Crown, so it felt kinda repetitive.
literarylu_'s review against another edition
4.0
I wanted to give this a higher rating so bad. I loved this book up until the third section. I didn’t do a ton of research on how accurate the story was but either way it just made me really sad in the end.
The story focuses on Marion Crawford (Crawfie) to the royal family and her 16 long years of service as Governess for both Queen Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret. The intricate details and lovely story telling give us a beautiful glimpse into what the young princesses lives might have looked like as they became royal and grew up into the women they are today.
Marion is a bright and beautiful main character and truly gives her heart to the whole Windsor family expecting and earning nearly nothing in return.
The story focuses on Marion Crawford (Crawfie) to the royal family and her 16 long years of service as Governess for both Queen Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret. The intricate details and lovely story telling give us a beautiful glimpse into what the young princesses lives might have looked like as they became royal and grew up into the women they are today.
Marion is a bright and beautiful main character and truly gives her heart to the whole Windsor family expecting and earning nearly nothing in return.
sadiereadthat's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
4.0
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
This is the story of the governess that helped teach and raise Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. She was brought into their lives before the abdication and stayed with them until Margaret was grown. She was a real life figure in their lives and was the first person to speak about her time with the royal family.
I liked this. it moved a bit on the slow side, but was very interesting. I like stories about the royal family. They are a very interesting bunch of people and learning about the inside of their lives can be fascinating. Learning that they are pretty similar to the rest of us brings them to our level.
This is the story of the governess that helped teach and raise Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. She was brought into their lives before the abdication and stayed with them until Margaret was grown. She was a real life figure in their lives and was the first person to speak about her time with the royal family.
I liked this. it moved a bit on the slow side, but was very interesting. I like stories about the royal family. They are a very interesting bunch of people and learning about the inside of their lives can be fascinating. Learning that they are pretty similar to the rest of us brings them to our level.
roamreadretinolrepeat's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyed the audio version very much. Felt very bad for Crawfie by the end; she gave her life in service only to be tossed out like nothing even after she had specifically asked the Queen about giving interviews. I enjoyed The Crown, and this is in much the same vein. Interested to read Crawford’s own first person accounts now.
bookslovejenna's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Five things about In Royal Service to the Queen by Tessa Arlen 📚📚📚📚📚
1. I really enjoyed this.
2. It’s a roller coaster of emotion.
3. It’s atmospheric and immersive.
4. The ending was so good.
5. Highly recommend whether you have an interest in the royals or not. It’s really about life lived in juxtaposition to them not them.
1. I really enjoyed this.
2. It’s a roller coaster of emotion.
3. It’s atmospheric and immersive.
4. The ending was so good.
5. Highly recommend whether you have an interest in the royals or not. It’s really about life lived in juxtaposition to them not them.
epilieaspiechick's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
I got this in a mystery box, so the rating isn't entirely the book's fault. This is not the type of story I typically read or enjoy.
While it was definitely interesting at certain points, I found most of it superbly boring. The drama of royalty isn't my usual area of interest.
While it was definitely interesting at certain points, I found most of it superbly boring. The drama of royalty isn't my usual area of interest.
jo_is_reading's review against another edition
4.0
A wonderful story recounting the life of Marion Crawford, governess to Queen Elizabeth and her sister, Margaret. At times the story was slow moving, but overall I greatly enjoyed this book. Arlen does a fantastic job with character development, even through the eyes of Marion.
heathervickery's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to love this book. It’s the second by the author that had the bones to be so compelling but it felt like trudging through mud. I loved the topic and content but it was a slow read. I liked it enough in the end but think I might have to stop selecting books by this author.