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There are currently 10 member reviews
for Girl on the Golden Coin
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Bobbie D. (Boca Raton, FL)
Frances Stuart
There are so many books written about royalty. If you are a lover of books by Philippa Gregory, you are sure to like this one as well. This one is about Frances Stuart and her life at court. They lie, they cheat, they go from one bed to another, they have illegitimate children etc. I will admit to learning about history, even if it is doctored a bit and thus becomes historical fiction. Be sure to read the Author's Note at the end. It gives you a reality check and a look into the future of the Stuart family which involves Prince William and Prince Harry.
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Rosanne S. (Franklin Square, NY)
Girl on the Golden Coin
I knew nothing about Frances Stuart before reading Girl on the Golden Coin by Marci Jefferson. For me the best I can say is that it is historically accurate. Historical fiction is my favorite genre and a very good way to be introduced to different time periods and personalities. I found that Girl on the Golden Coin trivializes history. Jefferson has sex, not strategy, determining historical outcomes.
I am not a fan of Phillpa Gregory either and would rather read a historical novel written more in the style of The Paris Wife by Paula Mc Lain or Nancy Horan's, Loving Frank. I think either author would have better portrayed Frances Stuart. For me, Jefferson painted Frances as a manipulative young woman with not much character. My own research on Frances Stuart indicates she was a dynamic, intelligent woman. Certainly, I did not see her like that in Jefferson's portrayal.
Unfortunately, I cannot recommend Girl on the Golden Coin to serious historical fiction readers. If you enjoy Harlequin novels with a bit of history, this one is for you.
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J W. (Davis, CA)
Disappointing
Occassionally I'll read a book that leaves me feeling that it should not have been published or wasted the paper it was written on. This, unfortunately, is one of those books. I enjoy historical novels but this offered only surface history and does little to qualify as a novel. Maybe a 'romance story' couched in a little history would be a better discription.
There have been many fine historical novels published in the past few years that are enjoyable reads. I would not recommend this book. Perhaps the author's next try will be more satisfying.