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Wishes #7

Silk Queen

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In 1983, life for Fiona Black was simple. She loved fashion, nights out at Bingo, and Duran Duran. Her days were spent working in her mother’s haberdashery shop or hanging out with her two best friends.

She was also planning her wedding.

Unlike her idol Princess Di, Fiona hadn’t landed a prince. Her fiancée Andrew wasn’t perfect, but royalty was hard to come by in her small town in Manchester. Her princess aspirations were closeted, but perfection could always be found in the pages of the romance novels she loved so much.

What she didn’t realise was that a real life fairy-tale was waiting for her in London, and it would be more epic than the twenty-five foot train on Princess Di’s wedding dress.

All she had to do was find it.

90 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2017

33 people are currently reading
314 people want to read

About the author

G.J. Walker-Smith

17 books831 followers
Wife, mother, writer, wanderer.

Author of the YA novels, The Wishes Series.
Saving Wishes - iBooks Breakout Book Of The Year (AUS/NZ)

https://www.facebook.com/gjwalkersmith

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5 stars
164 (55%)
4 stars
80 (27%)
3 stars
36 (12%)
2 stars
12 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Brenda.
5,098 reviews3,022 followers
June 29, 2017
Fiona Black and her friends Charlotte and Gill loved their nights at Bingo, the Green Totty cider which always made them feel ill, and admiring the silks on the likes of Princess Di. Fiona knew she couldn’t afford a wedding dress like her idol had worn but she was determined to have the best she and her mother could afford.

The haberdashery shop where she worked helping her mother was where Fiona spent most of her days – and the time with Andrew, her fiancée satisfied her, mostly. But was it enough? It was only a matter of weeks until the wedding – but the sparks of her romance novels were lacking in her own life…

Silk Queen by Aussie author G.J. Walker-Smith is a delightful novella - light-hearted and amusing, I enjoyed it very much. It’s a coming of age for Fiona, a young and impressionable twenty year old who is naïve and innocent. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for MoodyJess.
431 reviews33 followers
March 13, 2017
Silk Queen by G.J. Walker-Smith
5 Stars

Sitting in bed on a Sunday morning with a cup of joe while my husband watches the kids so I can finish this brilliant little novella is the BEST way to spend a Sunday.

I'm never surprised when Walker-Smith comes out with another hit but I'm thrilled all the same. I've missed her beautiful writing style, her knack for witty banter and her absolute love of her characters in the Decarie world.

Silk Queen just blew me away. Its like I just watched this whole book go down while perched on a ledge. I feel like I know the bright characters quite well and it all made for a wonderful story and beautiful flow. Gill, Charlene, Becky-such rich, colourful sub characters were such a perk! Fiona, your hopeless romantic side was so endearing and Jean-Luc...where have you been my whole life, Monsieur? Suave, smart, handsome and sexy-I need more! NOW!

Walker-Smith could write a children's book and I'd be on board. I'll never miss an opportunity to read anything she writes. She's a master at her craft and is so in tune with making us swoon. She provides me with all the feels and I cannot wait to see what journey Fi and JL go on. I know how their story ends, but I want to know where it begins.

Is it April, yet?
Profile Image for Bookphenomena (Micky) .
2,933 reviews544 followers
March 10, 2017
This novella is for the fans and this fan girl is swooning over SILK QUEEN. I have a love affair with Jean-Luc Decarie that started in earnest in Star Promise. I've previously had an affection for Fiona but all that changed as I was taken back to the young adulthood of Fiona.

The era and setting of SILK QUEEN was a blast to read. I laughed so much at Fiona's crew of Gill and Charlene. Her friends were loyal but somewhat stupid and Fiona was surprisingly mousy. The fashions, the relationships, Manchester in the UK made for a wonderful read; I devoured it not once, but twice.

When Jean-Luc enters Fiona's life, I double swooned. This man wasn't unreal, but I could feel Fiona's inner and outer reaction to him.....a French student in London, charming Fiona most naturally without any false pretence. I cannot wait to see where their story goes, I'm in suspense and dying for more.

This was the ultimate fun read, unusual and uplifting. I'm so glad GJ Walker-Smith chose to return to the youth of these two characters, I would never have thought about it otherwise but now I can't imagine not having this.
Profile Image for Melinda.
866 reviews10 followers
March 10, 2017
Silk Queen by GJ Walker-Smith

Aaaah! A new release from one of my favorite authors is always a good reason to stop whatever I'm doing and start reading! The fact that this story is about Fiona Decarie née Black and her journey to happiness (and my love, Jean-Luc) only fueled my desire to read it even more!

In this first installment of Silk Queen, we meet the young Fiona Black who is engaged to marry Andrew. She's always dreaming big and aiming high but those dreams won't be realized in her mothers haberdashery OR with her affianced.

I loved the friendships in this book and I loved getting to know Fiona beyond her snooty ways - she wasn't always the cow we knew and later loved in previous books! I freaking loved meeting a young Jean-Luc and can't wait to see how their love story unfolds in book two.

Another fabulous read that I just adored.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.
Profile Image for Gill Melling.
37 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2017
Wonderful

I have always wondered how Adam and Ryan's mum met Jean-Luc. On the surface, Fiona is every bit the stuck up cow and no one would ever be good enough for her boys! Little hints had been dropped with regards to her roots, but how a girl from Manchester was going to meet a sexy French man was always the question. Well, now in book 1 we have the beginnings of an answer. Fiona, Charlene and Gill (she's a hoot!!) show us what growing up in Manchester in the 80's was like and how the unlikely pair meet.
Another great read from one of my very favourite authors.
Profile Image for Pamela Lilley.
2,204 reviews39 followers
May 18, 2017
A must for all Wishes fans.
What a wonderful novella taking us back to 1983 and a teenage Fiona, before she met Jean-Luc, when she lived in Manchester, England and only dreamed of meeting her Prince Charming and moving to the big city. Life was simple, she had her fiancée Andrew and her best friends, Gill and Charlene, she was living the dream, wasn't she? The novella follows Fiona before she leaves Manchester and gets the opportunity of a lifetime in London with the mysterious Jean-Luc. As usual, perfectly written, with some laugh out loud moments, I loved it. I can't wait for book 2 and what I'm imagining will be one hell of a love story.....
Profile Image for Monique.
1,282 reviews56 followers
August 21, 2017
If you are a fan of the Wishes Series, then you are in for a treat. Here we have Book One of Fiona and Jean-Luc's story. It's such a treasure. I love everything about this series and to see how Adam and Ry's parents meet is extraordinary.

We had snippets in the other books of Fiona's heritage, and now we get to see where she came from. And a trip to the city changes it all for her, all for the better. Who isn't intrigued by a man with a French accent!

And to know that the Decarie charm starts with Jean-Luc! I have always had a thing for him with his wit and allure. He may be a strong willed silver fox in the earlier books, but as a young man, he is turning on all his charm. And we love it!

Can't wait to read more of this remarkable couple. Merci GJ.
Profile Image for Melissa Travis.
184 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2017
I want more. This was the smallest tease ever!! I love the Wishes Series and was so excited for this one. Right when it gets good, it ends!!! Arrrrgggghhhh, I still love it.

If you've read this series you won't be disappointed. If you haven't read this series, download book 1 and get swept away to La La Land!!!
Profile Image for Ruth.
307 reviews
January 4, 2019
I flipping love this series...I heart, heart, heart whole heart love it!!!
So if I go to an adventure I will find a Decarie...is this what i learned from Silk Queen...Yes!!
Thanks Gemma for showing me the way *smile & wink** Can't wait for part deux :)
Profile Image for Tamika.
78 reviews6 followers
March 9, 2017
I am so glad we get to learn a little about Fiona's past! It was such a great read. I always wanted to know more about the Décarie Queen! Can't wait until the next one!!!
Profile Image for Rachel Raithby.
Author 18 books341 followers
March 9, 2017
Another magical story ♡

Can't wait for the next one. Read it in a few hours. Needed the escape and GJ Walker-Smith didn't disappoint!
Profile Image for Suba Wijesinghe.
109 reviews45 followers
September 17, 2017
“beignet de fleur de courgette – Fried Zucchini Flowers…. LOL!”
“Romance novels didn’t ruin me. They were my escape, and the biggest lesson I was ever likely to get on how it felt to fall fiercely and blindly in love.”

Image result for how romantic gif
Fascinating story. I always felt in love with books by G.J.Walker.

Fiona was a girl who always want a ROYAL LIFE, like Princess Di’. She was going to marry “Andrew”, who wasn’t a PRINCE but a Bricklayer. Can he ever give the life what Fiona wants? No… He can’t. Fiona’s life had come to a turning point [better one] after her so called wedding blown-off. I admire the sweetness of this story and It felt so great. It was a Quick-Reading around 3 hrs. And when it ends, I was impatient. I want some more. Because the story tastes good and it wasn’t enough. And I believe the story is actually begin in the end, when the Fiona Black met Jean-Luc Decarie…. I have no idea how this is connected to the wishes series until I saw the name of “Jean-Luc Decarie”. And then, I knew whose love story was this. This is the LOVE STORY of ADAM DECARIE’s parents. Over all, Story was perfect, interesting and enjoyable one. As well as so fun to read. Never get bored while reading. Looking forward to read sequel ‘cuz I want to know every single detail about this sweet love story.
Profile Image for Anna.
22 reviews8 followers
March 14, 2017
“Do you think the grass is greener on this side of the fence, Fiona?”
“Yes,” I replied simply. My life was a slippery slope of disappointment and uncertainty, but I still believed in the fairy-tale ending. “One day I’m going to have the greenest grass of all.”


G.J. Walker-Smith is back! Meet Fiona Black, a "hopeful romantic." She dreams of a fairy tale life, to meet a prince like her idol Princess Diana. She's in the middle of planning her wedding but her fiancée Andrew isn't the perfect prince she wanted.

“Over time, I’d come to realise that no matter how hard I wished for it, life wasn’t going to imitate the pages of my romance novels.
Andrew wasn’t perfect, but he made me happy and that was enough. When the need for perfection hit me, I’d always have my books.”


I love how much of a bookworm Fiona was, always carrying a book with her and wishing for a romantic experience just like the characters. She knows it's something Andrew can't give her so she reads about it (like how I read Charli's story :P).

It was nice to see where Fiona came from and her story leading up to when she finds her prince, young Jean-Luc (swoon). Also, her friends are funny and I hope in the future books we can see Charlene and Gill make an appearance! That would be fun and I want to know what they're up to. Did Charlene find her Simon Le Bon? Were they there to support Fiona when she was having a tough time accepting Charli when Adam first brought her home? Now, Jean-Luc Decarie. The charms run in the family, don't they?? Like father, like sons.

Young Fiona and Jean-Luc were adorable. It was too short and I wanted more!! Like always. I can't wait until part 2 of this story comes out to see how their love story unfolds. It's only a month and a half wait. I'll survive... won't I?

“I bet you say that to all the girls,” I teased.
He gifted me a crooked grin. “I don’t believe I’ve ever said that to anyone.”
I put my hand to my heart in an exaggerated show of excitement. “You mean, I’m your first?”
“Yes, my darling,” he replied, hamming it up. “You are my first fried zucchini flower.”


Side note: If we're getting a book for Fiona and Jean-Luc, there must be one for Alex in the making right? Right?!
Profile Image for Becky Cox.
433 reviews9 followers
March 21, 2017
Fiona intrigued me in previous books in this series and I was excited for her to get her own story. To fully appreciate the Silk Queen series you must read the Wishes Series first.

GJ Walker-Smith has a way of telling a story that just makes my heart happy. Her books are YA but I have shared them with people of all ages and everyone loves them. Silk Queen continues with her unique style that makes Walker-Smith stand out.

The story begins when Fiona is 20 years old and engaged. It is a fun recounting of her time planning her wedding, partying a bit with her friends and some general misbehaving. There is daily diary which was a fun new feature in this series.

Fiona is from a lower income area but dreams big! Her love of romance novels make her crave that knight in shining armor, sweep you off your feet kind of relationship.

Her best friends Charlene and Gill are hilarious and entertaining. I am a GJ fan for life and truly enjoyed this novella telling the first part of Fiona's story and can not wait for the next installment which I believe comes out sometime next month.

Thank you for sharing your stories once again GJ!

Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
Profile Image for buzy_reading.
2,664 reviews57 followers
March 19, 2017
Silk Queen was about Fiona. This was the beginning of book 7 in the Wishes series. You might remember Fiona as Adam's mother. This was Fiona before she became a mother and wife. Fiona was a young twenty year old who set her sights on living the fairy-tale dream of those posh women in her romance novels.

Fiona's mother owned a haberdashery shop where she helped out from time to time. Fiona admired and envied the posh women who lived a lavish style that she dreamed to acquire. Judith was a woman who educated Fiona in the lifestyle she desired. Judith sent Fiona to London on business where she met Jean-Luc.

Unfortunately, Fiona's young adult life was not very appealing. The woman she became with Jean-Luc was far more appealing. Had it not been for him Fiona would not have had the lifestyle she dreamed of. Fiona's character had no aspirations in life. She was inexperienced and naive. I found Fiona shallow in her quest to find diamonds, perfume, designer clothes, and drink expensive champagne.

I found Fiona more fascinating as a mother then as a young girl. This story held very little interest for me.
Profile Image for Aimie.
Author 16 books148 followers
August 20, 2017
Getting to know the less prim and proper Fiona has been so enlightening. Being a northern English person myself I've really found myself connecting to her. Much more than I did in previous books. I can't wait to read Silk Queen: book two, to see what Jean-Luc does now the ball is in his court and how this leads them to where we know they are in the future.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
July 4, 2018
💝FREE on Amazon today (7/4/2018)!💝
Profile Image for Karen.
151 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2018
It was okay but i guess i have to read the next one cuz it left me with unfinished business
Profile Image for Kit Meads.
523 reviews
March 9, 2017
4.5 but I love GJ Walker Smith and it was free so... this book is an amazing insight into some popular characters, and is so well done. I loved Fiona and seeing how different she was, and the book was set up so well. I can't wait for Book Two!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rachel Raithby.
Author 18 books341 followers
September 4, 2017
Another awesome read

Gj Walker-Smith is by far one of my favorite author's. I loved getting an insight into Fiona and Jean-Luc's beginning, my only complaint is that it wasn't long enough lol
Now to wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Simone Mcphail.
247 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2021
Fairy tales can be confusing

If ever there was a book that epitomizes romance, this is it. Every romantic bone in my body is being played by these stories, BUT! It has done nothing to explain both Charli and Adams story and why Fiona and Jean-Luc were so awful to Charli. Surely they recognised a fary tale when they saw one? Maybe I read Silk Queen out of turn? I absolutely loved the story, the romance and everything that comes along with it though, so that will be my focus.

All that is left to do is keep reading and keep getting swept off my feet!
Profile Image for Katherine.
401 reviews
May 23, 2017
I enjoyed getting to know the queen before she became the queen. Having just finished rereading the rest of the Wishes series and seeing how she treated Charli, it makes a lot more sense now. Especially the line where Charli asks her what she brought to the relationship between Fiona and Jean-Luc. I'm really looking forward to reading the follow on book later this year.
Profile Image for Debs.
133 reviews
May 5, 2018
I read this as a reading challenge to find a character who ate a bacon butty. I was gripped. The characters really came alive, even the scum bag fiance. You could just imagine being on the bus with a slob of a girl trying to wind you up and getting the better of her so easily because she is so pathetically stupid. Well done Ms Walker-Smith on a fantastic short story.
Profile Image for Lina.
1,000 reviews17 followers
May 2, 2022
I have been a long-time fan of the author, and it pains me to say that this was boring. The main characters get together in the last 20 percent of the book, and then it is mostly like two scenes. Biggest sigh ever.... I do not know if I care at all about Fiona to continue with her series.

This is a novella that took me more than a month to finish.
Profile Image for Amy.
238 reviews
May 4, 2017
I just enjoy the whole Wishes series. I'm excited to find a bit more out about Fiona when Silk Queen book 2 comes out.
Profile Image for Lauren Egger.
135 reviews
April 5, 2024
I’m really trying to finish this series but these side character books are just not it
Profile Image for Angelia Maharaj.
7 reviews
August 18, 2024
Short but sweet

It was so sweet to read about Fiona and Jean Luc. It was not as entertaining as reading about Charli and Adam but I loved the dive into the past.
Profile Image for Jess (jessreads1985).
676 reviews51 followers
March 17, 2017
I think it's no secret that I absoutely adore G.J. Walker-Smith's books. She can write positively magical stories. And now us readers get to see Fiona Decarie from the beginning in this little charming novella.

I loved the chance getting to know more about Fiona and where she came from. From her passions, excitement as a young woman wanting to experience new things, and finally coming face to face with her destiny. I definitely recommend Silk Queen for fans of the Wishes series.
Profile Image for Kate.
120 reviews
March 23, 2017
4.5 stars.

A short and sweet look into how Adam's patents first met. In previous books I haven't always been a fan of Fiona, but getting a look of who she was as a young woman I can honestly say she's definitely growing on me. Jean-Luc I've always had a thing for, and now I love him even more. If you've read any of these books From the wishes series I would highly recommend you pick this one up, especially as it's currently free on iBooks. Trust me you won't be disappointed.
1,707 reviews14 followers
April 1, 2017
Don't get me wrong, I liked this book, as I have every other book in the series, but I just felt (for a lack of a better way of putting in) ripped off. I expected Fiona's story in one complete book, so I was disappointed when it was continued into a second book. Judging by the description, I thought the book was going to be about Fiona and Jean-Luc's relationship; however, that isn't what I got. Again, I liked the book and the story, I just didn't like that the story is broken up into two parts. That is why I gave it only 3 stars.
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