Way back in 2010 I read a fabulous book originally written in 1953 by Annemarie Selinko: Desiree. I absolutely loved this story about Desiree Clary, a merchant's daughter who grew up to first be Napoleon's girlfriend then eventually a major part of his family as his brother married Desiree's sister. This newest novel brings Desiree's story to us once again and while fictionalized for hist-fic's sake, it is a story that is so amazing that it inspires several other famous works as Pataki notes at the end of her novel.

I do not need to go into a listing of the intriguing facts of Desiree's life story as it starts in the novel circa 1794 but definitely must expand on the fact that Pataki's retelling of Desiree's story -- and by default Napoleon's and Josephine's as well - is not to be missed. I never tired of Desiree's story, and I always found myself eager to pick up the book even while I was reading another at the same time. While Pataki's writing is done in a matter of fact style, thankfully avoiding being overly dramatic, she gives an easy to read snapshot of the life of Desiree Clary.

And while I found myself disliking the characters of Napoleon and Josephine throughout this telling, it was tear- jerking when their saga was over and that's only because of the storytelling of Allison Pataki.

But what of fate? Just imagine if Desiree and her sister Julie didn't bump into Joseph Bonaparte when their brother was arrested, would there be such a dynasty that Desiree Clary was a matriarch of? Desiree would not have met Napoleon, who requested Bernadotte to pay special attention to Desiree in the first place. Then Desiree and Bernadotte would not have been married and would not have become King and Queen of Sweden.

Desiree becomes Queen of Sweden (her husband the inspiration for Dumas!) and her descendants are still rulers today, forever linked with Empress Josephine, hence the subtitle of this novel. I really enjoyed this story of revolution, revival, love and revenge among rulers. It even makes me want to read Selinko's novel again just to see if Desiree comes off as willing to go to heaven and hell and back again just because of her love for her beloved Bernadotte.

I’m really on a roll with historical fiction these last few weeks. Most of the ones I read are the Victorian era or WWII - so this was refreshing to explore more about the French Revolution and the rise/fall of Napoleon; and the rise of the Swedish royal family.

Thank you to #netgalley and #ballentinebooks for the advanced copy for my honest review!

Tiny Synopsis: Desiree Clary is betrothed to Napoleon Bonaparte, but when she is left heartbroken after he leaves her for Josephine, she has to pick up the pieces of her heart until he becomes her brother in law. Then she finds herself and her family intertwined in his life during his rise and fall. Her life is told in detailed accounts including how she created a dynasty with her husband and changed history forever.

My Review:⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5 stars

This story starts way in the beginning of Desiree Clary’s life during the French Revolution and I loved much information Pataki included. It felt like you were reading a history book but also a gossip magazine at the same time. The pace was slow at times - I thought it was never going to end at certain points. However, Desiree’s life is so interesting. She meets so many people… and although in her life might have felt insignificant, she made history. Her offspring made history and she was apart of such historical times. There was so much information - but I felt the pace made this seem so much longer than it was. I loved learning about Desiree and her life - whom I never even heard of and glad to have read it. This book also enlightened me on how far women have come in society - how they were so accepting of their husbands having mistresses and choosing them for marriage - deciding everything in their lives - to Now. We have come such a long way but still quite a ways to go.

A very interesting look at the life of Desiree Clary, Napoleon's first love. I really knew nothing about her or her history as Josephine is always the focus in any telling of Napoleon's loves. I found the research well done and the story full developed. I liked the fact that you get to know more about her family and his. I would recommend this book for any fan of historical fiction and definitely fans of the aftermath of the French revolution.

{The Queen’s Fortune by Alison Pataki~Thank you @netgalley for providing me with this opportunity to read a book I’ve been looking forward to for quite some time.
The Queen’s Fortune stars a woman in history that somehow slipped into obscurity over time and I’ll admit that although I’ve read numerous books about the French Monarchy, the French Revolution and Napoleon & Josephine Bonaparte, I have yet to of ever heard of Desiree Clary. Raised in a convent for most of her adolescence with her sister Julie, we find the girls sent home in a hurry as the convent is no longer safe. Once home to the southern part of France they join their mother, brother and father. They live in more than modest surroundings as her father is a wealthy silk merchant but he soon passes away from the stresses of the Revolution. When their brother is suddenly arrested the family fears the sharp edge of the guillotine looming overhead and Desiree’s mother urgently sends her with Julie to petition for his release. As luck would have it Desiree meets Joseph Bonaparte who is none other than the brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon manages to have her brother released and when Joseph introduces him to the Clary family he finds Desiree irresistible, and they soon fall in love. What then unfolds is a recount of the rise and fall of Napoleon from a completely different point of view. Desiree’s life weaves through important parts of history and tells a story full of love, war, heartbreak, bravery, jealousy and what can only be described as remarkable. Very informative and compelling but will ultimately leave you with an almost guilty feeling as to why you didn’t know more about this Desiree! This book will be published tomorrow February 11! If you like history, drama and romance, you should definitely give this a try.
I did really love this book but most of all I loved the author’s note, in my opinion the best part is always finding out how the author originally came up with the idea and the dedication that went into creating the story!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3131070387

We’ve all heard of Napoleon and Josephine but not Desiree Clary and General Bonadotte. Who were they? In this mesmerizing book we learn how their lives are all interwoven and it’s a fascinating part of history that I knew nothing about. Particularly interesting, as the author writes in her notes at the end, is that the descendants of Josephine and Desiree are still ruling today. Strong women! Also I love that Josephine’s granddaughter is related to Empress Sisi,
. I loved this authors books about Sisi!

I had no idea! If you, like me, know little about the Napoleanic era and are interested in learning more through the words of a gifted historical novelist, this one's for you. Desiree Clary, who falls in unrequited love with Napoleon Bonaparte but eventually marries Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, who becomes his arch rival. AND then she becomes the Queen of Sweden. Wow. Pataki has a gift for making women who might not get the recognition they deserve stand out and Desiree is no exception. I found myself googling for more info on multiple characters, which is always a good sign. Make no mistake, though, you will find yourself swept up in the story. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. An excellent read for fans of historical fiction.

'As the French revolution ravages the country, Desiree Clary is faced with the life-altering truth that the world she has known and loved is gone and it’s fallen on her to save her family from the guillotine.

A chance encounter with Napoleon Bonaparte, the ambitious and charismatic young military prodigy, provides her answer. When her beloved sister Julie marries his brother Joseph, Desiree and Napoleon’s futures become irrevocably linked. Quickly entering into their own passionate, dizzying courtship that leads to a secret engagement, they vow to meet in the capital once his career has been secured. But her newly laid plans with Napoleon turn to sudden heartbreak, thanks to the rising star of Parisian society, Josephine de Beauharnais. Once again, Desiree’s life is turned on its head.

Swept to the glittering halls of the French capital, Desiree is plunged into the inner circle of the new ruling class, becoming further entangled with Napoleon, his family, and the new Empress. But her fortunes shift once again when she meets Napoleon's confidant and star general, the indomitable Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte. As the two men in Desiree’s life become political rivals and military foes, the question that arises is: must she choose between the love of her new husband and the love of her nation and its Emperor?

From the lavish estates of the French Riviera to the raucous streets of Paris and Stockholm, Desiree finds herself at the epicenter of the rise and fall of an empire, navigating a constellation of political giants and dangerous, shifting alliances. Emerging from an impressionable girl into a fierce young woman, she discovers that to survive in this world she must learn to rely upon her instincts and her heart.

Allison Pataki’s meticulously researched and brilliantly imagined novel sweeps readers into the unbelievable life of a woman almost lost to history—a woman who, despite the swells of a stunning life and a tumultuous time, not only adapts and survives but, ultimately, reigns at the helm of a dynasty that outlasts an empire.'
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The Queen' Fortune by Allison Pataki tells the story of Desiree Clary, from a naive girl of sixteen, dazzled by Napoleon during the tumult of the French Revolution to the influential Queen of Sweden, whose line still sits on the trone to this day. 

This was not my first Allison Pataki book. I have previously read The Accidental Empress, which I quite enjoyed, and Sisi, both of which detailed the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary. I have really enjoyed the tone through which Allison Pataki brings to life these larger-than-life historical figures, detailing both the little moments and the big moments, which makes them seem more real and relatable.

Desiree Clary is not a figure that I had known much about before reading this book. Having enjoyed some of Pataki's books before and been intrigued by the book's description, I wanted to learn more about Desiree's story. Desiree lived such a full life, including some of histories biggest moments. So much happens throughout the course of her life, that she seems to be more fictional than real. But at the same time she's so human, with her early naivety and her rivalry with Josephine.

There were a few problems for me with this book. The most pressing one being that the story seemed bogged down and slow at certain points. I took a few breaks during my reading of The Queen's Fortune to focus on other books. But I was curious enough to go back to it to see how everything would fall into place until her story was told. Although I knew that this book would feature some politics, I don't quite enjoy political books very much. Therefore the frequent political details were not very engaging for me, but as I had already read The Accidental Empress and Sisi I knew what to expect. Lastly, I found it a bit strange how Desiree seemed to fade in and out of focus as the main character and narrator of her own life. Part way through the book, Desiree's story takes a back seat to Napoleon and Josephine's and later reverts back, which I found a bit odd. I was invested in Desiree's story and so then when the narration seemed to change, I wasn't as invested. The aforementioned reasons are what caused me to feel that a 3 star rating was appropiate.

is a detailed and well-written account of Desiree Clary's life. I recommend this book to others who have enjoyed some of Allison Pataki's earlier books and to those who like to read historical fictions based on well-known historical figures.
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I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for sharing an eARC with me for reviewing purposes. This is my honest review.

Rating: 4/5⭐️⁣
Rationale: I deeply respect the author’s uncovering of a powerful female story that has been so overshadowed by the men of that era.⁣
⁣
𝗪𝐡𝐨 𝐈’𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐭𝐨: Those who enjoy historical fiction based on true characters and events, but that contain imaginative dialogue and salacious drama.⁣
⁣
𝗪𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝: The Queen’s Fortune captured the violent uncertainty of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era, which is a time period that I’ve never previously studied. The story is so detailed in its historical accuracy, yet it manages to hold your attention thanks to the dramatic and turbulent happenings of Napoleon’s inner circle.⁣
⁣
The story is told from the perspective of Desiree Clary, the first woman betrothed to Napoleon (though, they never married). The author elegantly captured Desiree’s transformation from a young girl who desperate for Napoleon’s attention, to the strategic matriarch in a long line of Swedish royalty.⁣
⁣
I assumed there would be more fiction than history to this story, but was amazed to learn just how much of it was based in reality. As is typically the case with historical fiction, I highly recommend that you read the Author’s Note! From the tension between Desiree and Josephine, to the disapproval by Napoleon’s mother and sisters of his wife, to the documented erratic outbursts, the author has clearly done her homework while largely managing to keep the story juicy and interesting.⁣
⁣
𝗪𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞: The author was so detailed in her research that parts felt weighed down by dates or politics, but I was able to skim these parts fairly easily.⁣

I have read and loved Allison Pataki's books and this one is no different. Looks like I have yet another keeper to go on my shelf. I am giving this one five plus stars.

I have been wanting to read an Allison Pataki book for years, and reading The Queen's Fortune was my first opportunity for that. The Queen's Fortune is about Napoleon Bonaparte and one of his ladies. This is not a time period I tend to read much about so I was excited for the chance to add this era into my reading list.
Sadly, however, I was not able to read past chapter 4. I would love to say it was the material, but I feel that it was Pataki's writing. I am a firm believer that the writing will draw in a reader, even if it does not fall under a subject they love, and I was just not drawn into this story.
There may be a chance that I revisit the book at a later date to see if that opinion changes at all, but for now, I cannot consider myself a fan.

"A sweeping novel about the extraordinary woman who captured Napoleon’s heart, created a dynasty, and changed the course of history - from the New York Times bestselling author of The Traitor's Wife, The Accidental Empress, and Sisi.

As the French revolution ravages the country, Desiree Clary is faced with the life-altering truth that the world she has known and loved is gone and it’s fallen on her to save her family from the guillotine.

A chance encounter with Napoleon Bonaparte, the ambitious and charismatic young military prodigy, provides her answer. When her beloved sister Julie marries his brother Joseph, Desiree and Napoleon’s futures become irrevocably linked. Quickly entering into their own passionate, dizzying courtship that leads to a secret engagement, they vow to meet in the capital once his career has been secured. But her newly laid plans with Napoleon turn to sudden heartbreak, thanks to the rising star of Parisian society, Josephine de Beauharnais. Once again, Desiree’s life is turned on its head.

Swept to the glittering halls of the French capital, Desiree is plunged into the inner circle of the new ruling class, becoming further entangled with Napoleon, his family, and the new Empress. But her fortunes shift once again when she meets Napoleon's confidant and star general, the indomitable Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte. As the two men in Desiree’s life become political rivals and military foes, the question that arises is: must she choose between the love of her new husband and the love of her nation and its Emperor?

From the lavish estates of the French Riviera to the raucous streets of Paris and Stockholm, Desiree finds herself at the epicenter of the rise and fall of an empire, navigating a constellation of political giants and dangerous, shifting alliances. Emerging from an impressionable girl into a fierce young woman, she discovers that to survive in this world she must learn to rely upon her instincts and her heart.

Allison Pataki’s meticulously researched and brilliantly imagined novel sweeps readers into the unbelievable life of a woman almost lost to history - a woman who, despite the swells of a stunning life and a tumultuous time, not only adapts and survives but, ultimately, reigns at the helm of a dynasty that outlasts an empire."

I am HERE for all things Napoleonic!

Set in France beginning in 1794, The Queen’s Fortune by Allison Pataki chronicles the life of Desiree Clary, the wealthy merchant’s daughter who captured the eye of Napoleon Bonaparte and is thought to have been his first love.

Pataki has penned an intriguing tale of love, loyalty, and betrayal, following the story of this complex relationship and the rise and fall of a nation. Napoleon breaks off his engagement to Desiree, marrying Josephine de Beauharnais instead, but Desiree and Napoleon remain linked by her sister, Julie, who marries his brother, Joseph. An unlikely but lasting friendship grows between Desiree and Josephine. Ultimately, Desiree marries Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte and becomes Queen of Sweden.

This fascinating story drew me in from the very beginning and held my attention to the very end, covering many ups, downs, and surprising twists and turns. If you enjoy historical fiction, put this book on your must-read list!

Desiree Clary enters Napoleon's life when she is a teenager and her life becomes entwined with his. From a young teenager enthralled by his charisma, to a young woman hoping to embark on a life of love, to a wife and mother that wants to protect those in her life she always needs to be aware of Napoleon and his whims. This historical fiction novels takes readers to France and the rise and demise of Napoleon and those around him.

The Queen's Fortune by Allison Pataki is a wonderful historical novel taking place in France It beegins in southern France in 1789 The story tells what happ0ens when two young French girls,,Julie and Desiree meet the napoleone & Joseph Buonaparte brothers. Julie marries Joseph ans Desiree ia in love with the younger brother who goes to Paris. Before he let he had asked her to marry him and she is waiting to hear from him. However when in Paris he changes his name to Napoleon Bonaparte and her worlld changes. He is now a General and the rest is history. He marries the love of his life Josephine and Desiree must fine happiness without him. The novel describes her struggles and how she establishes herself as an important woman in history. i encourage everyone who enjoys historical novels to read this book. I loved it!

The Queen’s Fortune takes the reader on a carriage ride through the history of 18th century France. The reader begins the journey in 1789, with an eleven year old Desiree at the Convent of Notre Dame in Southern France. The ride ends with Desiree, now the dowager Queen of Sweden, in 1860, and her death at the age of 83. The Queen’s Fortune is laced with the history of Revolutionary France and the role that Napoleon Bonaparte played in the lives of Desiree, Josephine, and their families; not to mention the armies and other countries he conquered and controlled. Napoleon thought of himself as a “shooting star, a bright and unstoppable light scorching its way across the sky!”

Following this love story, along with the detailed accounts of Napoleon’s army movements, paired with “royal movements” to the opera, salons, balls, palaces and coronations; makes for quite a compelling read. Get your French silk gown and jewels ready to join Allison and her royal readers as you learn to appreciate the true grit that it took for Desiree to follow, for most of her lifetime, in the shadow of Napoleon and Josephine. Allison Pataki will have her own “crowning” moment on publication day, February 11, 2020. The Grateful Reader grants ***** to The Queen’s Fortune.

I am so glad I picked this book up after I read Ribbons of Scarlet – I felt like the story picked up where Ribbons of Scarlet left off and ran with it.

It was interesting to read the story of the Desiree and Julie and their families, and how Napoleon affected their lives. By the time I reached Part Three, I wanted to know how much of this book was true and briefly searching things. I was thankful to see the author’s note at the end confirming facts and the actual character’s place in history.

That said, Desiree was an interesting choice for the main character – I found her to be whiny and needy, and (SPOILER AHEAD) even after she and her husband are given the throne of Sweden, she complains about the cold, the castle, the people, and returns to France.

That said, I was still interested in the relationships between Desiree and Julie, Desiree and Napoleon, and most importantly Desiree and Josephine.

Mesmerizing!! If you love historic novels you will love this book! Follow Napoleon’s rise to greatness and see how it affects Desiree’s future. Wonderfully written!

Thank you NetGalley, Allison Pataki and Penguin Random House LLC. for this advanced reader edition and hearing my honest review. Looking forward to reading more with you
#partners

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I had no idea about the history of Napoleon. It was so scandalous and delicious! I could hardly believe that these were true facts but they were!!! which made the story that much better. I couldn't stop reading it. I kept stopping to Google everyone and see what they looked like! LOL. Great book and great story if you like history like I do.

After a chance meeting with Napoleon and Joseph Bonaparte, Desiree and her sister Julie find themselves entangled with the brothers. Julie and Joseph marry and Desiree and Napoleon become engaged in secret. Napoleon finds success in the military, and a new love in Josephine. Desiree is heartbroken by his betrayal, but determined to remain close to her sister.

This book was a bit slow moving at first. The author used a flowery descriptive tone, which seemed to drag at times. However, once everyone was introduced, and the scene set, the book picked up a bit. While the characters were realistic and dynamic, the relationship between the characters was fascinating. Overall, well worth picking up.

I'm conflicted about how to rate this book. I'm going with 3 stars because, although the writing was very good, it just wasn't a 'page turner" for me. The story really bogged down in places, so much so that I wound up putting the book down to read a different book at least twice. I appreciated learning a lot about the Napoleonic era, which is something that wasn't covered in depth in my education. (I now know why there is an Avenue de Wagram in Paris!) But there were a lot of gaps in understanding the characters' motivations. As an example: Desiree's eventual husband, General Bernadotte, supposedly is staunchly against the idea of kings and yet somehow becomes one - and the author doesn't write about how he reconciled himself to this apparent contradiction. I do love historical fiction, but this one just didn't do it for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.