I apprecitate the publisher allowing me to read this book. I found this a really interesting read and the characters are quite engaging. it kept me reading until the end. I highly recommend.

The Howe Dynasty tells the story of relatives of King George III. Their grandmother was the illegitimate sister of King George I. The story spans from the arrival of King George I's sister in England until the participation of her grandchildren in The American Revolution. Enjoyed reading the book and plan to read more of this author's books.

I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher and/or author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Howe brothers have spent centuries under the microscope, their decisions and apparent timidity in waging war against the American rebels having been scrutinized and lambasted. However, only now has an author shed light on their female relatives. This book is a welcome addition to Revolutionary and Georgian research, and it is impeccably detailed in its coverage of the Howe women through their correspondence and contemporary accounts. Flavell has done an exceptional job illuminating these auspicious characters, and her work both timely and extremely well done.

Interesting and informative, this book was like peeking into the back rooms of history. I definitely recommend reading this book.

Like many people, I had a vague sense of there having been a General Howe involved with the American Revolution ... and that was it. I really had no idea what to expect from this book.

However, the Howes turned out to be a fascinating opening for a window into Georgian society. The dynasty begins with Charlotte von Kielmansegg, niece of George I (via his illegitimate sister) and immigrant from Hanover; she married Emanuel Howe and had several children, including the future military commanders George, William, and Richard. But her daughters, though extremely obscure today, would also be quite important power players in politics as well. Caroline in particular would be of great importance in two ways: her letters would survive while her brothers' would not, leaving her (female and long-ignored) voice to be the only one to tell their story, and she would be the crucial lynchpin connecting Benjamin Franklin to the American Secretary in George III's government.

At the same time, they're far from singular. If there's one thing I hope that readers take away from this book, it's the fact that women like Caroline, Charlotte, Juliana, and the other female Howes existed in a world that was not entirely accepting of female political activity or achievement, but did still allow it.

Reading about war is a roller coaster of emotions. The military strategy is intriguing. The death and destruction are brutal. When you add the complexity of a different time in history it can be captivating. The Howe Dynasty: The Untold Story of a Military Family and the Women Behind Britain’s Wars for America by Julie Flavell adds a new dynamic - the romanticism of the 18th century British monarchy and aristocracy.

While America fought a war to release itself from the confines of this way of life, there is no doubt that the history behind it is fascinating. Flavell provides readers an inside view by delving into the life of the Howe family starting with Emanuel and Charlotte Howe the patriarch and matriarch of the famous brothers who served in the British military in North America in the 1700s, George, Richard, and William.

The Howe Dynasty follows two themes, the military exploits of the Howe brothers and the life at home of the Howe women as they fought their own battle to preserve the family name, future, and legacy. In modern times, such concerns seem like a luxury in the middle of a worldwide pandemic where many people are still concerned about mere survival. However, if you remove the lens of the aristocracy there are lessons to be learned from the life of the Howe’s that can benefit any family trying to persevere through the difficulties of today.

Like all good Revolutionary War historical pieces, Flavell follows the timeline of events leading up to and through the war while the Howe brothers were in North America. This includes new information to this reader regarding the elder brother George Howe who was destined to lead the family but for his tragic death in the French and Indian War in the 1750s. She writes from the British perspective which adds interesting insight into the public perception of the American Revolution and the Howe brothers’ military performance.

Flavell’s exploration of the life of the Howe women is a real treat. She provides a detailed account of how mother Charlotte and sister Caroline worked diligently to serve as a public relations firm for the Howe brothers throughout their military careers. This includes battling to maintain their political positions, fending off rumors of affairs, and managing criticism of their conduct during the war. Flavell paints a portrait of women worried about the safety of their loved ones in a dangerous war, while at the same time navigating their own political and social landmines on the home front. Their efforts continued for the entire span of the brothers’ lives as Caroline outlived all of them. Flavell tells the story superbly.

For someone unaccustomed to the ins and outs of the British monarchy, the book can be confusing at times. The names and titles of the key players may seem like a foreign language for those who are not steeped in knowledge of British 18th century history. But Flavell delivers the point - the family bloodline must continue and be protected. The Howe Dynasty sheds new light on critique of Prince Harry and Princess Meghan. Setting aside issues of race and class, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex aired sensitive family business for their own personal gain which is a huge faux pas. Although the aristocratic ways may seem antiquated one could see how every family could benefit from having strong men and women who are protective of the family name and future, and keep personal grievances private. Given the nature of the topic, it is almost impossible to write a terrible book on the American Revolution. The Howe Dynasty stand out as a must read.