Cover Image: Royal

Royal

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Royal is a very predictable Danielle Steel book. Set in England during 1943, the war has caused mass destruction and widespread fear, the King and Queen of England choose to send their youngest daughter, Princess Charlotte, to live with a family in the country. This is to protect her health due to a severe asthma problem. The family has a young son, whom Charlotte falls in love with and marries. He is killed in the war, leaving her pregnant. Through crazy circumstances, Charlotte dies in childbirth, leaving her infant daughter, Anne Louise alone in the world. Charlotte's mother and father have no idea that they have a grandchild.

Alone in the world, Anne is raised by a modest stable manager and his wife, the maid who agreed to take care of her. No one, not even she, knows of her lineage. But when some hidden letters come to light, a secret hidden for nearly two decades finally surfaces, and a long lost princess emerges.

Royal is a great story of the extraordinary young woman and the man who helps her find her home,

Was this review helpful?

I saw this on Publisher's Lunch Deluxe and it sounds wonderful. I'm not normally one for historical fiction, especially WWII because its so overdone. But this one intrigued me and I did mention it to them to read!

Was this review helpful?

Must read! I have read quite a few Danielle Steel novels in my time but this has got to be my favorite. I don't read Historical Fiction all that often but I am glad I was able to snag a copy of Royal. A beautiful telling of a princess' journey during wartime. As always, Steel's writing is whimsical and flows wonderfully.

I was given a free copy of this book from Random House with assistance from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

World War II buried many secrets in both Allied and Axis countries, many never to be found. This intriguing premise is the basis for ROYAL, Danielle Steel's historical fiction title.

In the early 1940's many families would send their children out of war torn London. The conditions in the city were hazardous and survival would force this decision on so many that there were regular journeys from city to country. In this atmosphere, the King and Queen would join other parents in choosing to send their youngest daughter to a Yorkshire estate for her safety and security. This daughter would change her identity, leaving only her immediate guardians knowing her true name. Later, circumstances would lead to many questions concerning this decision.

17 at the time of her move, this princess would quickly learn to fit into her local surroundings. Her childhood had been cut short by the war, but as a young woman, she discovered life without royal limitations. A growing infatuation with a young man soon to join the war, will result in a secret, buried along with so many others, that will not be revealed for many years.

Danielle Steel is a skilled author with a huge fan base. Her books are loved by many. She builds worlds and populated them with a cast of characters so well defined you'd recognize them were you to meet them on the street. She tells stories sure to give readers an emotional ride as the characters mature and grow. The legion of fans are not wrong, Danielle Steel writes 1st class stories.

Was this review helpful?

I read this book for work. Team Penguin Random House.
Another novel from bestselling author Danielle Steel that her fans are sure to love. Could also appeal to historical fiction readers and fans of The Crown. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Was this review helpful?

Spellbinding is the term that best captures the sacrifice many faced during the war. A sacrifice that in this case had a royal couple decide to hide their child and heir away to live and love alone and away from her parents. The resulting separation has a child raised unaware of who and what she is. A child who matures and discovers letters written long ago that hold the key to a future far beyond the life she has known. A bittersweet tale told for modern times.

Was this review helpful?

Wow - this is one of the best Danielle Steel books that I have ever read.
The Royal Family sends their youngest under an assumed name to live in the country to protect her from the bombings of London. While she is there - she gets pregnant by the host families son. He goes off to war - She dies in child birth. The baby's true identity is still being withheld until the right time. Once she is proven to be a rightful heir to the crown and royal family.
This was a delightful book - I love when she writes historical fiction
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an amazing book.

Was this review helpful?

This was just what you would expect from Steel, it was wonderful! Filled with characters that I connected to, the story drew me right in! I found this one to be quiet emotional for me. Steel's writing really grabbed at me, and I found myself quite invested in the story!

I would highly recommend this one if you are a Steel fan! You'll enjoy it!

I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

Danielle Steel never disappoints. I especially like that she is writing more historical fiction. Given the popularity of the Netflix series the Crown, I think this book will be a nice tie in with the return of the series.

Was this review helpful?

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

Most parents sought to protect their children during the bombing of England by German Luftwaffe under the administration of Prime Minister Winston Churchill. In June 1943, King Frederick and Queen Anne seek protection for their three daughters: Alexandra, Victoria and Charlotte. They have fashioned an air raid shelter in former housekeeping quarters but feel that their youngest Charlotte would benefit from being at the countryside due to her severe asthma. Princess Alexandra is 20 years old and being prepared for her duties to assume the throne. Princess Victoria is 19 years old and goes to work at the hospital to help the nurses. Princess Charlotte who is 17 years old is sent to the countryside due to her fragile health.

Charlotte assumes the identity of Charlotte White to protect her royal identity. She senses resentment from Lucy the other girl who is also boarding there as the caretakers son becomes interested in Charlotte. Against their better judgment Charlotte and Henry fall in love and are naïve to the future of the war. Little do they realize the lasting effects of their decisions. Secrets and jealousy have a way of causing tragedies which stand to threaten the future reputation and safety of the royal throne if discovered by the wrong person. Are there any honest and morally responsible people who are willing to sacrifice their safety and happiness to do the "right" thing?

Was this review helpful?

Another hit from Danielle Steele. Princess Charlotte is forced to flee to Horkahire during WW2. Steele masterly draws the reader in to the charm, the fear, and the intrigue of the time period.. she continues to be a master storyteller.

Was this review helpful?

A story that only @daniellesteel can tell with such grace and beauty creating a visual backdrop where you can envision every detail.
Never disappointing, always satisfying #Royal is the perfect book to add to my Steel collection.

#Royal did not disappoint. It’s the summer of 1943 and the war is ravaging England. The royal family makes the difficult decision to send their youngest daughter, Princess Charlotte to the country side to live with a noble family. Princess Charlotte suffers from severe asthma so they made the choice to send her away to protect her.
.
No one on the estate, besides her protector knows her true identity. Not even the boy she falls in love with, their son. Tragedy quickly ensues and what’s left is an orphan baby with no knowledge of her lineage until one day hidden papers are unearthed and a new Royal is born.
No one can tell this story like Steel does. Visually pleasing and beautiful storytelling this book was such an enjoyable experience.

Thank you to #netgalley and #delacortepress for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
.

Was this review helpful?

A well written, enjoyable book by Danielle Steel. (of course I love them all). This is a love story that started while England was at war and continues for another 30 years or so. Interesting characters and storyliine that kept me reading all day.

Was this review helpful?

I liked the idea of this so much, it was wrote well, but I felt it lacked something. I'm still unable to put to words what that is. I'm not sure if I would read anything else by this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Danielle Steel for the opportunity to review this book.

Was this review helpful?

I’m not even a huge Royals fan, but ANY Danielle Steel is a must read for me!

I absolutely LOVED getting to read her version of a lost royal with all the romance and emotion I’ve come to love in her books. There’s just something about the way Steel weaves her characters into the story that is moving, unexpected & always an amazing read.

Thank you to Netgalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for giving me the chance to read this one in exchange for my personal review. Getting to read an author I’ve read for SO long is an absolute treat!

Was this review helpful?

DS has a been a favorite author of mine for years but I find her historical books are just the best.
This one was a page turner. The story flowed, the characters well fleshed out and the description of the scenery was so well described I felt like I was right there.
Don't miss this one!

Was this review helpful?

Another great story by eVeryones favorite author. If you love all things Royal... this book is for you.
Thank you to Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book. My review is my own and is in no way required by the publisher.

Was this review helpful?

Another good book by Danielle Steel. A princess is sent away during a war. She gets married after finding out that she’s pregnant. Her husband gets killed in the war and she dies after childbirth. Her baby daughter is kidnapped and 20 years later is finally returned to her Royal family. I would give this book 5 stars

Was this review helpful?

I always prefer when Ms. Steel touches on the historical romance rather than the normal ones she does, because I've read so many that at this point they begin to become formulaic and at least the HR is a break from the normal. I also have a bit of an obsession with the British monarchy, and have been binge watching The Crown, so the time period in particular was fresh in my mind. I liked the story and thought all of the characters were sweet, and was glad there was mostly just a HEA rather than there being this long drawn out drama and evil characters and what not. Possibly one of my favorites from her!

Was this review helpful?

Royal, a novel by Danielle Steel, is a charming historical fiction tragic love story that ends with a family bond strengthening. While this is a bit different than many of her novels, Royal was a good read. The royal family and horse research were flawless. I highly recommend this book if you’re a fan of historical fiction and horses. It was a pleasure to read this story of love and hope. I have read all of Danielle Steel’s novels and this one was another winner.

***** I received an ARC from NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my honest review. *****

Was this review helpful?