Queen Charlotte Sophia: A Royal Affair

by Tina Andrews

Newly crowned King George III must marry, but cannot wed the woman he loves - Catholic Lady Sarah Lennox. And so, a search begins for an appropriate Queen... In comes Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.
For years Charlotte has hidden her ethnicity using white Elizabethan makeup to help her title-rich but cash-poor family survive. An opportunity to marry the British king is one that she can't pass up, but beyond the secret of her identity, Charlotte is also in love with someone else - the talented but poor commoner, Johann Christian Bach (son of JS Bach).
Does King George give up Lady Sarah for duty to crown and country? Will Queen Charlotte ever see Bach again? And what of her family secret and quest for answers?
A daughter. A lover. A fighter. A Queen. Tina Andrews's Queen Charlotte A Royal Affair, offers a fantastic portrait of a woman, whose life continues to fascinate the world.

Genres: Historical, Fiction, Historical Fiction

528 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 7, 2023

Reviews

[Astrid Herhoffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Queen Charlotte Sophia was a remarkable woman and as such is portrayed in this book. The reader meets her first as a 10 year old in 1752 in Mirow Palace in Germany, where she grew up. With her beloved father dead, a mother that held her in contempt and some very negative early life experiences she was eager to leave this place when the prospect of an arranged marriage with England’s King George III presented itself. Being only 17 years old and madly in love with Christian Bach (Johann Sebastian Bach’s son) she became Queen in a country she did not know, with a language she did not speak and married to a man who loved another.

We witness this young girl growing into a Queen who commanded the respect of her subjects and members of government and a woman who won the affection of her husband. Intelligent, intuitive and self-aware she pursued what she felt to be right and important. Much is made in this book of her ethnicity, her bloodline that can be traced back to Madragana Ben Bekar and her ancestorial links to Moorish rulers – which arguably made her the first black English Queen. This in fact provides the entire backbone to the book and links neatly into the struggle for the abolition of Slavery which Queen Charlotte Sophia supported.

Turner mixes this potent historical background with her own imagination, which greatly adds to the intrigue of her novel but it also shifts the balance away from a more traditional historical novel towards a page-turner of rather unlikely events. If this does not bother you, you are in for a very enjoyable roller coaster of a read, if – like me – you prefer something a little closer to historical truth, this may not be for you.

I am grateful to NetGalley and Jacaranda Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping historical fiction that looks at the life of Queen Charlotte Sophia, a German princess who marries King George III of England, also known as the mad king. The book sees us through Queen Charlotte's entire life from her childhood all through her life and reign in England. She's a fascinating character and we see her develop into her own throughout the story.

One of the big plot lines of the book is Queen Charlotte's ethnicity and moor heritage. We see her searching for the secrets of her family throughout and the journey it takes her on. In particular the amulet left by her father and the scrolls of ancient texts. The book doesn't shy away from discussing issues of race and the slave trade at the time.

There is heartbreak, friendship, love, death, assault throughout. Overall I found the book heartbreaking, entertaining and well researched. I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it if you enjoy historical fiction books on royalty!

Favourite quote:
"Our knowledge is hindered by distraction and truths half told".

[Colette · Rating 3 out of 5]

A work of fiction with Queen Charlotte, wife to King George III, as it’s central character. Charlotte’s ethnicity and her moor heritage play a huge part in the book as she searches for the secrets left by her ancestors. What is so important about the scrolls and the amulet left to her by her father?
I’m not going to say that I didn’t enjoy the book because, as a page turner, involving intrigue at the English court, it’s a winner. However, for me personally, I prefer my historical fiction to have a little more factual truth to them.
If you are a fan of Bridgerton, then I think you will enjoy this book. If, on the other hand, you are looking for something more biographical, maybe this isn’t the one for you.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Des · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect read for those who enjoyed Shonda Rhimes’s Queen Charlotte but found themselves wanting more historical context and less star crossed lovers! Definitely gave an interesting perspective and insight on the entire life of Queen Charlotte, the slave trade and the political machinations of 18th century Britain. This reimagined life and history of Queen Charlotte Sophia is heartbreaking, entertaining, and incredibly well researched.

TW: extreme racism (the slave trade), death, rape and sexual assault.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous tale about Queen Charlotte, wife of King George. He is in love with someone else, but as they grow closer he gradually develops feelings for Charlotte. She is the owner of a mysterious amulet but all is revealed eventually to her. I will say no more, but the story becomes more thrilling as you read it, even though it is a page turner to begin with. I would recommend this book to all lovers of historical novels.

[karla JR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read about Queen Charlotte. The wife of king George. I really find this book engaging and easy to read, I liked how the author take us to the journey of their relationship and how in the end they grow feelings for each other. I really think it gonna be a big lovely book for any royalty and historic fans out there. Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the access to this arc. Definitely will recommend it

[Chum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m stuck between giving it 2 or 3 stars . Just don’t be like me and pick this up thinking this is the story of queen charlotte from Bridgeton 🫩 I should’ve known though, after the first couple of pages when there was suddenly talk of the magical powers of an amulet. Reading this felt like being a part of an out-of-hand maladaptive daydream

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping fictional look at Queen Charlotte Sophia, wife of mad King George III, and possibly the first mixed-race queen of England. A must read, perfect for savoring after watching Netflix's Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story!