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The Veil and the Crown #2
The French Sultana
“Following a short period of drunken and confused deliberation about how to best eliminate the new favorite, Nuket Seza settled upon the plan she always chose. She would poison the girl’s food”.
Thus begins Zia Wesley’s newest novel, The French Sultana, a steamy continuation of the life and travails of Aimée Dubucq de Rivery, the innocent young convent girl abducted by corsairs and given to the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, and her cousin Rose, unknowingly destined to become Empress of France.
Thus begins Zia Wesley’s newest novel, The French Sultana, a steamy continuation of the life and travails of Aimée Dubucq de Rivery, the innocent young convent girl abducted by corsairs and given to the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, and her cousin Rose, unknowingly destined to become Empress of France.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2014
624 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
About the author
Zia Wesley
11 books17 followersI was born dancing until the age of 16 when I started singing. It didn't take long to find my way into the musical HAIR where I could dance and sing at the same time! Writing was something I did almost every day in a journal, or as a poem, a song, a script or a story.I wrote my first book when I was 35, Being Beautiful, based on my discoveries in the field of healing and anti-aging. Five other non fiction books in the genre of beauty/health/well being followed...some of them best-sellers. It was a natural next step for me to found the first natural skin care company in the US, Zia Cosmetics, Inc.It is now defunct after being purchased by the Hain Celestial Group in 2005.
I always loved reading the stories of unknown women who managed to make a difference in our world and one such story captivated my interest enough to write it myself. At the age of 69 I entered the world of historical fiction and the next phase of my professional life.
I published the second book in my historical series The Veil and the Crown, The French Sultana, in September of 2015 and one year later, both books began selling at an incredible rate on amazon. The next step is selling the rights to film and seeing it made into a television series
My latest book, Notes From A Broad: my uncensored year in Italy, just published and I am currently working on the autobiography of The Honorable Michael Butler.
I always loved reading the stories of unknown women who managed to make a difference in our world and one such story captivated my interest enough to write it myself. At the age of 69 I entered the world of historical fiction and the next phase of my professional life.
I published the second book in my historical series The Veil and the Crown, The French Sultana, in September of 2015 and one year later, both books began selling at an incredible rate on amazon. The next step is selling the rights to film and seeing it made into a television series
My latest book, Notes From A Broad: my uncensored year in Italy, just published and I am currently working on the autobiography of The Honorable Michael Butler.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 13, 2020
Have read Books 1 & 2 in this series and have found the storyline fascinating and packed with historical information regarding the Ottoman Empire.
Aimee lived an extraordinary sheltered but dangerous existence as the ‘French Sultana’.
Daily life in the Imperial Harem may have been opulent but certainly wasn’t easy.
Aimee lived an extraordinary sheltered but dangerous existence as the ‘French Sultana’.
Daily life in the Imperial Harem may have been opulent but certainly wasn’t easy.
April 16, 2020
A real tv!.
This first volume of a two-part storyline kept me totally absorbed
The story in part one tells of two girl cousins growing up in Martique meeting with a slave "seer" who predicts the fortunes. The predictions are too icredible - an yet they start to come true.The
But the story of the girls is true.
In the late 18th/early the orher
19th centuries, one, Rose, became Josephine Dr Beauharnais Bonaparte, Emress of Frabce; This first volume of a two-part storyline kept me totally absorbed
The story tells of two girl cousins growing uo meeting with a slave "seer" who predicts the fortunes. The predictions are too icredible - an yet they start to come true.The
But the story of the girls is true.
In the late 18th/early the orher
19th centuries, one, Rose, became Josephine Dr Beauharnais Bonaparte, Emress of Frabce; the other, Aimeae Dubocq Dr RRivery lands in the seafloor of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire
This first volume of a two-part storyline kept me totally absorbed
The story in part one tells of two girl cousins growing up in Martique meeting with a slave "seer" who predicts the fortunes. The predictions are too icredible - an yet they start to come true.The
But the story of the girls is true.
In the late 18th/early the orher
19th centuries, one, Rose, became Josephine Dr Beauharnais Bonaparte, Emress of Frabce; This first volume of a two-part storyline kept me totally absorbed
The story tells of two girl cousins growing uo meeting with a slave "seer" who predicts the fortunes. The predictions are too icredible - an yet they start to come true.The
But the story of the girls is true.
In the late 18th/early the orher
19th centuries, one, Rose, became Josephine Dr Beauharnais Bonaparte, Emress of Frabce; the other, Aimeae Dubocq Dr RRivery lands in the seafloor of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire
March 31, 2018
"The Stolen girl" and "the French sultana" both explore the legend of Naksidil the French woman in the Turkish imperial harem
According to legends two French girls in the West Indies had their fortune told and were both assured they would be queens. Years later one of them becomes the wife of the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Her niece however disappears during a sea voyage. She ends up being sold into the imperial harem in Istanbul. Although there is hardly any historical evidence to this legend it is told in many books.
The first novel is a story about a French woman who became the favourite of two sultans and the mother of a third. The history of that era is known and described in book 2. This however is the romanticised prequel to real history and it is a delight to read if you like historical romance novels. The first wife however would in real life have ended up on the bottom of the Bosporus.
The second novel in the series somehow reads different. Maybe because the writer had to stick to history and maybe because it spans many years. I am quite familiar with this era in Turkish history what influenced the suspense side of the story. In general it feels more like a history book than a novel. What makes Selim so attractive? How do the women react on sharing the same man? Not that much explored. The people do not really come to life. But if you are interested in history it is a lovely way to catch up on Napoleon and France and on the lives of the sultans.
More then 20 years ago I read another novel about this legend - serialised in a magazine - and that was a lot better.
http://www.dutchysbookreviewsandfreeb...
According to legends two French girls in the West Indies had their fortune told and were both assured they would be queens. Years later one of them becomes the wife of the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Her niece however disappears during a sea voyage. She ends up being sold into the imperial harem in Istanbul. Although there is hardly any historical evidence to this legend it is told in many books.
The first novel is a story about a French woman who became the favourite of two sultans and the mother of a third. The history of that era is known and described in book 2. This however is the romanticised prequel to real history and it is a delight to read if you like historical romance novels. The first wife however would in real life have ended up on the bottom of the Bosporus.
The second novel in the series somehow reads different. Maybe because the writer had to stick to history and maybe because it spans many years. I am quite familiar with this era in Turkish history what influenced the suspense side of the story. In general it feels more like a history book than a novel. What makes Selim so attractive? How do the women react on sharing the same man? Not that much explored. The people do not really come to life. But if you are interested in history it is a lovely way to catch up on Napoleon and France and on the lives of the sultans.
More then 20 years ago I read another novel about this legend - serialised in a magazine - and that was a lot better.
http://www.dutchysbookreviewsandfreeb...
May 12, 2020
A great continuation of Book 1 by Zia Wesley although it was a bit different in many respects.
This was the continuing story of the life and times of Aimée Dubucq de Rivery and her cousin Rose, although the second part of the book seemed to centre or Rose, or Josephine and her relationship to Napoleon Bonaparte.
It was really interesting from a historical standpoint and did actually recount history quite well.
I thoroughly enjoyed the two books but I found that this book seemed to meander on a bit through the letters from Rose to Aimee and back again which was the way that Zia Wesley recounted history.
It is certainly not your normal format that climaxes towards the end, but that does not detract from the story in any way.
A thoroughly enjoyable series that I would recommend to anyone.
This was the continuing story of the life and times of Aimée Dubucq de Rivery and her cousin Rose, although the second part of the book seemed to centre or Rose, or Josephine and her relationship to Napoleon Bonaparte.
It was really interesting from a historical standpoint and did actually recount history quite well.
I thoroughly enjoyed the two books but I found that this book seemed to meander on a bit through the letters from Rose to Aimee and back again which was the way that Zia Wesley recounted history.
It is certainly not your normal format that climaxes towards the end, but that does not detract from the story in any way.
A thoroughly enjoyable series that I would recommend to anyone.
March 1, 2024
This unusual novel tells the story of two cousins from Martinique who grow up to be Josephine Beauharnais, first wife of Napoleon, and the Valide Sultana of the Ottoman Empire, her cousin Aimee. The insights into life in the Ottoman Court from the 1780s to 1820s is quite interesting, especially because of the combination of high culture and extreme cruelty housed therein. Rose - who becomes Josephine - and Aimee, who becomes the beloved of two sultan's and the mother of a third are each presented as strong and resourceful women faced with hugely challenging obstacles in their lives. The writer knows her histroy and has a compelling story to tell, but the story could have been told far more fluidly and in a less choppy fashion.
January 19, 2026
Enjoyed both books as being great as stories and historically fascinating! Especially the details of the Ottoman regime and the start of the division between the moderate and extreme branches of Islam still active.
Great idea to follow two fates set in the same period but different continents.
Hortense was not married to Joseph Bonaparte, not the King of Holland, but another brother, Louis I believe.
The more one reads of the Bonapartes the nore interesting they become. Would love a book about the mother.
Great idea to follow two fates set in the same period but different continents.
Hortense was not married to Joseph Bonaparte, not the King of Holland, but another brother, Louis I believe.
The more one reads of the Bonapartes the nore interesting they become. Would love a book about the mother.
June 8, 2020
After my review of the 1st book, I'm so glad I read the 2nd. Again, I'm sure historical accuracy is out of the window for most of this book, but how interesting it was and some of it (date wise, location, events) must surely be accurate. Having recently visited Istanbul, Topkapi, Hagia Sophia etc it really gave me a background canvas for where this would have all played out. Really glad I read the 2nd book :)
August 5, 2020
Delightful read
This book is far more interesting than the previous one - the time span covers lot more historic events. Of course all historians have disputed the popular story that Nakshidil and Josephine were cousins, I kind of believe it - the history of Ottomans were so shrouded in mystery, nobody knows what is true. History books claim Nakshidil to be of Circassian origin.
Anyway, it was a good read
This book is far more interesting than the previous one - the time span covers lot more historic events. Of course all historians have disputed the popular story that Nakshidil and Josephine were cousins, I kind of believe it - the history of Ottomans were so shrouded in mystery, nobody knows what is true. History books claim Nakshidil to be of Circassian origin.
Anyway, it was a good read
September 25, 2023
Great history
I enjoyed the two books that told the story of two women that I had no idea were connected. I wonder if all the letters recorded were actually written and saved. I had hoped to see information about Rose's letters to Aimee. It was a good way to document the history of the two in almost real time ( real time of the era, anyway). Now I have to track down Josephine's biography.
I enjoyed the two books that told the story of two women that I had no idea were connected. I wonder if all the letters recorded were actually written and saved. I had hoped to see information about Rose's letters to Aimee. It was a good way to document the history of the two in almost real time ( real time of the era, anyway). Now I have to track down Josephine's biography.
August 8, 2018
Ok, but...
...I didn’t like it as much as the first book, “The Stolen Girl”. This book seemed to have more gratuitous sex than the first and I thought it unnecessary. The history was better in this book though. Also, Aimee/Naksh was more of a side thought in this book as the story was more about Empress Josephine and the Turkish people.
...I didn’t like it as much as the first book, “The Stolen Girl”. This book seemed to have more gratuitous sex than the first and I thought it unnecessary. The history was better in this book though. Also, Aimee/Naksh was more of a side thought in this book as the story was more about Empress Josephine and the Turkish people.
March 17, 2020
I read Book 1 and Book 2 and enjoyed them very much. I found the historical information very interesting, especially as it related to the lives of women living in the harem. The descriptions of sex WERE sexy without being gross and I didn't think there was a lot of sex compared to the delightful and copious descriptions of the clothes, buildings, politics and food of the times.
January 23, 2021
So fascinating...
The book was very informative and I loved the historical context. Not for young readers as there are mature themes and sensual descriptions of behaviors that would only be appropriate in a harem. Overall it was colorful and historical and different than anything I have ever read.
The book was very informative and I loved the historical context. Not for young readers as there are mature themes and sensual descriptions of behaviors that would only be appropriate in a harem. Overall it was colorful and historical and different than anything I have ever read.
March 8, 2021
Incredible story
While I've read a great deal about the Empress Josephine, I never heard about her cousin, Aimee. This fictionalized biography is fascinating in it's description of life in a harem. The power held by Aimee is astounding and it changed the history of Turkey. Of, course you must read the first book in the series in order to fully appreciate this book.
While I've read a great deal about the Empress Josephine, I never heard about her cousin, Aimee. This fictionalized biography is fascinating in it's description of life in a harem. The power held by Aimee is astounding and it changed the history of Turkey. Of, course you must read the first book in the series in order to fully appreciate this book.
November 18, 2017
Marvelous
Delightful books. Accurate in the Muslim history, especially in the connection between the Wahabists and the Saudi royal family, who are still the financial and political support behind so many of the "random" terrorist attacks.
Delightful books. Accurate in the Muslim history, especially in the connection between the Wahabists and the Saudi royal family, who are still the financial and political support behind so many of the "random" terrorist attacks.
September 21, 2018
Who knew?
Interesting story of two young women who grew up on an island and how a trip to an old voodoo lady told their futures and set the paces of their futures. Each married and become a Queen in their land. History lesson on cousins and how they affected two different worlds.
Interesting story of two young women who grew up on an island and how a trip to an old voodoo lady told their futures and set the paces of their futures. Each married and become a Queen in their land. History lesson on cousins and how they affected two different worlds.
December 30, 2018
The Sultana
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well as the first one. The background for Josephine was very interesting! the Harem is such an unknown history for us that anything we read is fascinating.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well as the first one. The background for Josephine was very interesting! the Harem is such an unknown history for us that anything we read is fascinating.
February 14, 2020
The amazing story of two young girl!s
One girl was captured by pirates. The other became the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. Their stories are very intriguing. His Wesley wove their history into a very good story.
One girl was captured by pirates. The other became the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. Their stories are very intriguing. His Wesley wove their history into a very good story.
September 3, 2020
Jean38no
The author has written a fascinating historical fiction about the Sultans and Emperor Napoleon. From two cousins begin the birth of two mighty empires that interweaves during history. Very good reading
The author has written a fascinating historical fiction about the Sultans and Emperor Napoleon. From two cousins begin the birth of two mighty empires that interweaves during history. Very good reading
November 6, 2021
Another interesting instalment in the lives of Aimee de Beck de Rivery kidnapped by Barbarossa pirates and sold into the Seraglio where she became the Sultana Valide, she corresponds with her girlhood friend and cousin the person who the world would know as Empress Josephine. Intriguing story.
November 12, 2022
very interesting
Not being one who liked history, this book opened a new love for history that was never taught to me. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Rose and Aimee; and the knowledge of the descendants to this day
Not being one who liked history, this book opened a new love for history that was never taught to me. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Rose and Aimee; and the knowledge of the descendants to this day
June 1, 2023
Entertaining and Informative
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was quite the story. Two cousins share their life stories, along with the famous Emperor of France. Full of history and intriguing characters. Five stars!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was quite the story. Two cousins share their life stories, along with the famous Emperor of France. Full of history and intriguing characters. Five stars!
July 15, 2018
Unconventional Women Make History
How being a good girl is no good. HIStory never tells the story of over 50% of the population, women. Read and learn women are more than breeders.
How being a good girl is no good. HIStory never tells the story of over 50% of the population, women. Read and learn women are more than breeders.
December 27, 2018
Interesting use of history. I found the details of the intimate encounters to be disgusting and degrading though.
March 13, 2019
Interresting
Historical data very well written. Seems to have done research well. Definitely read the book 1 first. Good series with details of family history.
Historical data very well written. Seems to have done research well. Definitely read the book 1 first. Good series with details of family history.
January 19, 2020
The Stolen Girl enchanted me. Unfortunately The French Sultan did not. I some times felt I was reading a well researched 1700 century French and Turkish history lesson with gratuitous sex that held none of the magic I had previously felt for the first book.
March 29, 2020
Great story
I had never heard of this story prior to reading this book. Masterful descriptions and I couldn't put it down.
I had never heard of this story prior to reading this book. Masterful descriptions and I couldn't put it down.
August 11, 2020
An interesting tale
This was book two and continues the story of Aimee’ and Rose. The author does a. Ice job of telling the tale of real people or at least her interpretation of it.
This was book two and continues the story of Aimee’ and Rose. The author does a. Ice job of telling the tale of real people or at least her interpretation of it.
September 15, 2020
If you like your historical fiction light, this works pretty well.
December 31, 2020
Loved the history and connection of the characters
January 7, 2021
The French Sultana
Excellent writing , great character development, intriguing story. I would recommend this good read to everyone. Lots of history to learn about.
Excellent writing , great character development, intriguing story. I would recommend this good read to everyone. Lots of history to learn about.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews