Review: Before the Crown by Flora Harding

Before the Crown

by Flora Harding

Publisher: One More Chapter

Pages: 400

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Before the crown there was a love story…

Windsor Castle, 1943

As war rages across the world, Princess Elizabeth comes face to face with the dashing naval officer she first met in London nine years before.

One of the youngest first lieutenants in the Royal Navy, Philip represents everything she has always been taught to avoid. Instability. Audacity. Adventure.

But when the king learns of their relationship, the suitability of the foreign prince is questioned by all at court.

He is the risk she has never been allowed to take. The risk not even the shadow of the crown will stop her from taking…

Kritters Thoughts:  Before I proceed, I was pretty sure before I even started this book that I would like it since I am an American who is obsessed with the British royal family and this did not disappoint!

Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip had quite the interesting courtship story and I have seen tv shows and movies and seen all the things, but a fictional story that gets really behind the scenes felt like something completely new.  From their introduction to the wait after being engaged, this story hit all the high points and my hope is that some of the details are possibly spot on and closer to fact than fiction!

It is awkward to talk about the characters or plot in this book as they are true people and the events are based in fact.  I can say the author wrote a story that was addicting and hard to put down and I couldn't wait to see where she would go next and where she would place the ending.  I was completely satisfied with where she chose to conclude the book.

If you are already a royal fan, this is a great book to add to your collection.  And with my recent read of The Royal Governess by Wendy Holden it was interesting to see Crawfie show up in this book and to know her role in Elizabeth's life.  

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Ebook 2020 Challenge: 95 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from HarperCollins.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.