How to Leave the Palace: Briarbridge Island Book One

by Stephanie Taylor

On her fiftieth birthday, Princess Alexandra does the one thing the Crown can’t she disappears.

By morning, the palace is spinning. The tabloids are hunting. And the world is asking the same Why would a woman with everything walk away?

Alexandra isn’t chasing drama—she’s chasing silence. A windswept island off the New England coast. A weathered house that still smells like her grandfather’s summers. And the quiet thrill of making her own cup of tea for the first time in decades.

But peace doesn’t last long.

Because there’s a man in her yard with a chainsaw… and he doesn’t bow.

Oliver West is blunt, capable, and maddeningly unimpressed by titles—and the more Alexandra tries to hide, the more he sees the woman underneath.

And back in London, hungry journalist Willow Smyth-Jones smells blood in the water—and she’s determined to drag the truth into daylight.

A runaway princess. A ruthless spotlight. A second act that could cost her everything… or finally give her a life that’s hers.

Book 1 of an 8-book saga of scandal, friendship, and second-chance love starts here.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2026

About the author

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Reviews

[Lyndsey Allender · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so excited about this new series! Admittedly, I’m quite near Princess Alexandra’s (Alex’s) age and I can relate in so many ways: wanting quiet, sweatshirts, jeans, little make up, genuine friendships, and walks on the beach. There’s just enough drama in the palace to keep you intrigued, romance to keep you guessing, and palace politics to roll your eyes. Easy read, entertaining yet not obvious, definitely not trashy. My kind of book!

[Karen Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

While most little girls dream of being a princess, it's not for the faint of heart. Afte 30 years, Alexandra can only think of escaping the trappings of the palace and her unfaithful husband. Her 50th birthday gala seems to be the perfect chance to escape. The characters are superb, the descriptions are vivid, and the storyline is compelling. I stayed up until the wee hours to finish this one, and I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Patty Patierno Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Stephanie you have done it again with this new series! I was hooked right from the start… the theme, the characters, the locale and the storyline. Hurry and right the next one I need to know what happens! I especially liked the name of one of the palace maids… :)

[Dana L Champion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

This book was fabulous and I cannot wait to read more … I hope this is the beginning of a very long series!

[Michelle Benko · Rating 4 out of 5]

You get exactly what you expect from a Stephanie Taylor book.