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cebaute's review
3.0
I thought this story was very interesting; however, I feel like it was truthful to the blurb. This is not a story about Diana...like at all. The biggest problem I had was that I thought all the characters were horrible people. I find it hard to get behind a book with no one to root for.
mpr2000's review
4.0
When Rachel and Alex witness one of the most famous accidents in Paris, their life will change forever making them obsessed with conspiracy and secrets... will they find the truth and themselves inside all the tales? We'll see...
History books are not my style, but this one kept me intrigued since the first page, what could link two little friends from 1920 with the mysterious Lady Di accident?
I have to admit that I've never been fan of the monarchy, but I remember the accident and all the conspiracy stories within, that we can still hear now... it was interesting refreshing the memory about all the success and a curious theory to know why she was in Paris the fateful night!
Mary and Wallis are a big part of this story, with their friendship, love affairs and secrets like a good monarchy has to be. Their story will keep you awake, wanting to know more about them and what could have connected them with the tragic accident, let me say that it will keep you guessing till the last page.
This book was like a history lesson but more interestingly full of drama, I am sure not everything is true, but I enjoyed every page!
Ready for a travel to history?
History books are not my style, but this one kept me intrigued since the first page, what could link two little friends from 1920 with the mysterious Lady Di accident?
I have to admit that I've never been fan of the monarchy, but I remember the accident and all the conspiracy stories within, that we can still hear now... it was interesting refreshing the memory about all the success and a curious theory to know why she was in Paris the fateful night!
Mary and Wallis are a big part of this story, with their friendship, love affairs and secrets like a good monarchy has to be. Their story will keep you awake, wanting to know more about them and what could have connected them with the tragic accident, let me say that it will keep you guessing till the last page.
This book was like a history lesson but more interestingly full of drama, I am sure not everything is true, but I enjoyed every page!
Ready for a travel to history?
pnelson384's review
4.0
This book was a good story that captured my interest and makes me curious about the characters involved. My only reference point with Wallis Simpson is her portrayal on the series "The Crown", but this book seemed to agree. I was a bit disappointed that the jacket seemed to promise a parallel Diana story with the Wallis story, when in fact the Diana portion of the 1990 story line was minimal. I don't think it was necessary to do that as the 1990 story line was compelling by itself, as was the 1930's story line. The main characters were fleshed out and complex, some likeable, some not. I was pleased to have a stretch of time today to sit down and enjoy the story to it's conclusion. Definitely worth reading, and a great book club selection.
lommelun's review against another edition
informative
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jmatkinson1's review
4.0
Sarah Kirk meets Bessie Warfield at school in the early part of the century. Sarah is conservative Baltimore society whereas Bessie is a little more forward, a little more insecure. Over the next twenty-five years Sarah and Wallis (as Bessie prefers to be known) live and love across several continents until their orbits collide in London in the 1930s and scandal erupts. Meanwhile in 1997 Rachel has just become engaged in Paris, on the way to celebrate their cab is halted by a car accident and Rachel becomes involved in the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
This story links the two greatest royal scandals of the 20th century, the abdication crisis and the death of Diana. However it is a very well put together piece of romantic fiction at heart. Sarah and Rachel are the key protagonists, both involved and yet not central to events, one real, one fictional. There are lots of themes explored here - love, loyalty and honour particularly. The links between Wallis and Rachel are a little forced, I found the motif of the painting a little too false, but overall it is a lush and enjoyable read.
This story links the two greatest royal scandals of the 20th century, the abdication crisis and the death of Diana. However it is a very well put together piece of romantic fiction at heart. Sarah and Rachel are the key protagonists, both involved and yet not central to events, one real, one fictional. There are lots of themes explored here - love, loyalty and honour particularly. The links between Wallis and Rachel are a little forced, I found the motif of the painting a little too false, but overall it is a lush and enjoyable read.
cher_n_books's review
3.0
3 stars - It was good.
Dual timeline narrative with the modern-ish day having the death of Princess Diana in the background. This timeline was ok though the heroine’s stupidity is exasperating to the point it can pull you out of the story.
The older timeline is focused on Wallis Simpson and the Prince of Wales. This one was more interesting and had me googling various historical topics for supplementation.
The whole novel held my interest and I wouldn’t hesitate to read something else by the author, but I also did not feel compelled to highlight any snippets of prose. Good choice for an easy read that is engaging and brushes on historical events.
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First Sentence: Rachel rested her head on Alex’s shoulder and slide a hand onto his thigh.
Dual timeline narrative with the modern-ish day having the death of Princess Diana in the background. This timeline was ok though the heroine’s stupidity is exasperating to the point it can pull you out of the story.
Spoiler
She’s financially strained and paying rent with credit cards, suspects her fiance of cheating on her with valid reasons for her suspicions. When calculating it has been almost a month since they had sex she realizes she is a week late with her period. Hopes and prays she is pregnant and effing CRIES (sad tears, not happy relief tears) when her period starts. A rational person in this situation would have been crying when they thought they were pregnant by a cheating fiance while broke and indebted.The older timeline is focused on Wallis Simpson and the Prince of Wales. This one was more interesting and had me googling various historical topics for supplementation.
The whole novel held my interest and I wouldn’t hesitate to read something else by the author, but I also did not feel compelled to highlight any snippets of prose. Good choice for an easy read that is engaging and brushes on historical events.
-------------------------------------------
First Sentence: Rachel rested her head on Alex’s shoulder and slide a hand onto his thigh.
smcates's review
3.0
Fascinating historical fiction about Wallis Simpson and Princess Diana. As someone who was fascinated with both women, it was a really interesting read. I wasn’t a fan of one subplot created and resolved entirely too easily among the fictional characters, but it did compel the story at times.
modernbookwoman's review
5.0
This was my first Gill Paul book but I will definitely be checking out more of her novels!
It was so fascinating reading about an event that took place in my lifetime--and yet, the memory of it feels historical as we are now approaching nearly 3 decades since the death of Princess Diana in 1997.
This book toggles between two storylines in the 1920s-30s and the late 1990s.
Very interesting. Great storytelling. The narration on the audio was great. And the story appears to be heavily based on facts. Fantastic, overall!
I think this is one that will stick with me and is haunting in many ways.
Weaved throughout these paralleled stories are messages of loyalty, communication, friendship, love, and the unwavering truth that our time is limited.
This book is a reminder that no matter where or from whence we've come, a sacred lesson remains: tomorrow is not promised, for me or for you.
Beauty and joy in this life begins to take over as we learn to cherish each day and stop taking the time we have with our loved ones for granted.
It was so fascinating reading about an event that took place in my lifetime--and yet, the memory of it feels historical as we are now approaching nearly 3 decades since the death of Princess Diana in 1997.
This book toggles between two storylines in the 1920s-30s and the late 1990s.
Very interesting. Great storytelling. The narration on the audio was great. And the story appears to be heavily based on facts. Fantastic, overall!
I think this is one that will stick with me and is haunting in many ways.
Weaved throughout these paralleled stories are messages of loyalty, communication, friendship, love, and the unwavering truth that our time is limited.
This book is a reminder that no matter where or from whence we've come, a sacred lesson remains: tomorrow is not promised, for me or for you.
Beauty and joy in this life begins to take over as we learn to cherish each day and stop taking the time we have with our loved ones for granted.
beachbookbabe's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
booklvrkat's review against another edition
5.0
*audio
This story ended on such a big note for me, I couldn't even think of starting another book. I needed to let it brew, let it cool down, and let myself ponder on it's entirety. The start of the story starts with a car and it's passengers witnessing the horrific crash of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed in 1997. I remember waking to this news story the next morning, and breaking down in tears. Diana, if I may be so bold, was such a presence. And the young princes! The story goes back and forth between 1997 and the early 1910's. The stories move forward unlocking secrets along the way in both. Normally this story would have taken me forever to complete. I was hooked from the first chapter. I love the way the history of The Princess of Wales wrapped around these two era's, the stories of the girls growing up in the past, the more current life of a "shop" owner, and all the little pearls we're given. Well done historical fiction that makes you wonder if just a little bit of it isn't true.
This story ended on such a big note for me, I couldn't even think of starting another book. I needed to let it brew, let it cool down, and let myself ponder on it's entirety. The start of the story starts with a car and it's passengers witnessing the horrific crash of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed in 1997. I remember waking to this news story the next morning, and breaking down in tears. Diana, if I may be so bold, was such a presence. And the young princes! The story goes back and forth between 1997 and the early 1910's. The stories move forward unlocking secrets along the way in both. Normally this story would have taken me forever to complete. I was hooked from the first chapter. I love the way the history of The Princess of Wales wrapped around these two era's, the stories of the girls growing up in the past, the more current life of a "shop" owner, and all the little pearls we're given. Well done historical fiction that makes you wonder if just a little bit of it isn't true.