Diana Giovinazzo

I absolutely adored this book! The author’s research was superb which is very evident throughout the book. The story takes place in Austria during the late 1700’s and centers on Maria Carolina Charlotte, daughter of Empress Maria Teresa, and sister to Maria Antoinette. The history and political climate of the Austria-Hungary Empire was well described as were the physical characteristics of the palace in Naples (Caserta), which I found fascinating! Maria Carolina Charlotte finds herself married to King Ferdinand IV due to the death of her sister (who was the intended bride). She was a sharp, strong, and courageous woman who learned how to manage her husband (who while a good father, was a worthless King) and serve as a royal Queen. I appreciated the genealogy tree at the beginning of the book so you can appreciate the many brothers and sisters Charlotte had, and of course a better understanding of her lineage. I highly recommend this book!… (altro)

I'd encountered Maria Carolina Charlotte before - typically as a background figure in books centered on Marie Antoinette and books about Lady Emma Hamilton - and I was delighted to find someone had finally written about this fascinating women. Maria Carolina was one of Marie Antoinette's sisters, she married the King of Naples and practically ruled his kingdom, often with the assistance of Sir John Acton, who may or may not have been her lover. She campaigned to save her sister from French revolutionaries and Napoleon Bonaparte eventually forced her to flee Naples, although she still managed to be a thorn in his side through her connections to the Hapsburg court in Austria. All of which makes her life suited to a novel and this one doesn't disappoint. For those who enjoy reading historical fiction about the French Revolution, this book makes for a fascinating view of the revolution from the outside.… (altro)

“You are the queen. You are the queen that Antoinette wanted to be.”

After the death of her sister Maria Carolina Charlotte is sent to marry King Ferdinand IV. She will have to leave behind her home, her family and most of all her most beloved sister Antoinette. As the 10th daughter of 16 children and as a Habsburg archduchess she knows she has no choice. Leaving everything and everyone she knows and loves is only the beginning of the trials she will face!
The state of the kingdom is not what she expected. Her husband is weak and has allowed his regent power-hungry man Tanucci to run the kingdom to the ground! After requesting help from her brother who is the Holy Roman Emperor, a handsome military man John Acton who is put in charge of running the navy. But now Maria has to do what her mother did to take control of a country!

This was a great book! With Diana Giovinazzo vivid writing she brings this woman and the time period to life for us! And it doesn't stop there! It was interesting to hear about what happened with the other Habsberg siblings but also the details of the different locations were so detailed at times I forgot I was reading a book! The strength and determination Maria had was amazing! She really did amazing things for Naples! The letters between the sisters were a great add! It was a powerful, emotional and thought provoking read! Definitely a great read for a book club! There's many topics to touch on for a lively discussion.
Thank you Grand Central Pub for sharing this beautiful story with me!
… (altro)