The Other Windsor Girl: A Novel of Princess Margaret, Royal Rebel

by Georgie Blalock

In a historical debut evoking the style of The Crown, the daughter of an impoverished noble is swept into the fame and notoriety of the royal family and Princess Margaret's fast-living friends when she is appointed as Margaret's second Lady-in-Waiting.

Diana, Catherine, Meghan…glamorous Princess Margaret outdid them all. Springing into post-World War II society, and quite naughty and haughty, she lived in a whirlwind of fame and notoriety. Georgie Blalock captures the fascinating, fast-living princess and her “set” as seen through the eyes of one of her ladies-in-waiting.

In dreary, post-war Britain, Princess Margaret captivates everyone with her cutting edge fashion sense and biting quips. The royal socialite, cigarette holder in one hand, cocktail in the other, sparkles in the company of her glittering entourage of wealthy young aristocrats known as the Margaret Set, but her outrageous lifestyle conflicts with her place as Queen Elizabeth’s younger sister. Can she be a dutiful princess while still dazzling the world on her own terms?

Post-war Britain isn’t glamorous for The Honorable Vera Strathmore. While writing scandalous novels, she dreams of living and working in New York, and regaining the happiness she enjoyed before her fiancé was killed in the war. A chance meeting with the Princess changes her life forever. Vera amuses the princess, and what—or who—Margaret wants, Margaret gets. Soon, Vera gains Margaret’s confidence and the privileged position of second lady-in-waiting to the Princess. Thrust into the center of Margaret’s social and royal life, Vera watches the princess’s love affair with dashing Captain Peter Townsend unfurl.

But while Margaret, as a member of the Royal Family, is not free to act on her desires, Vera soon wants the freedom to pursue her own dreams. As time and Princess Margaret’s scandalous behavior progress, both women will be forced to choose between status, duty, and love…

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Royalty, Romance, British Literature

377 pages, Paperback

First published November 5, 2019

About the author

Georgie Blalock is a history and movie buff who loves combining her different passions through historical fiction, and a healthy dose of period piece films. When not writing, she can be found prowling the non-fiction history section of the library or the British film listings on Netflix or in the dojo training for her next karate black belt rank. Georgie also writes historical romance under the name Georgie Lee.

Reviews

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Most of my royal knowledge comes from binge watching The Crown and reading a few biographies. I'd been wanting to learn more about Princess Margaret for awhile now but wasn't really in the mood for a nonfiction book. So when I saw this historical fiction book about the princess it immediately piqued my interest. I did enjoy what the author came up with for the story but I wouldn't necessarily say it was a meaty story.

It's 1949 and even though the war is over, times are still tough for many people in England. Vera Strathmore comes from a family with a little bit of status but not a lot of money anymore. She supports her parents as a writer of romance novels but does so under a pen name. It's a secret she has kept from everyone as that type of writing is looked down upon and she doesn't want to bring shame to herself or her family. After a chance meeting with Princess Margaret, Vera learns she is a fan of her books and soon the princess is inviting her to hobnob with her wealthy and privileged group of friends. This young entourage of aristocrats is nicknamed the Margaret Set. Vera loves being a part of the glamorous life of the princess and is thrilled when she is asked to be Princess Margaret's second lady in waiting. But this lifestyle can come at a cost. And both women might be forced to make a choice as to which is more important, love or status?

I think it is important to note this historical fiction book is a combination of facts we know are true about Princess Margaret as well as some things that are a product of the author's imagination. I'll admit I was slightly bummed to learn in the Author's Notes Vera was a made up character and didn't actually exist in real life. However, I do think it was a smart choice by the author to create that character as it felt like as the reader you were getting an insider look to royal life along with Vera. It was clever to have both Vera and Margaret face tough decisions in regards to their respective love lives.

I guess my criticism is this is not the most exciting historical fiction book I have ever read. I liked it but it was not exactly a page turner. I believe some of the problem is much of what was covered in terms of Princess Margaret in this book was featured in seasons 1 and 2 of The Crown. In a way it was just a retread of her love life but in book form.

A decent pick if you are interested in the royal family and are in the mood for something light and easy to read.

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a fan of The Crown? I have not watched the show, and I know I should because I’m certain I would love it.

Just after World War II, Princess Margaret is in need of a second Lady-in-Waiting, and she becomes our narrator. Princess Margaret is a handful. She lives fast for her day.

Princess Margaret meets The Honorable Vera Strathmore, a writer of lurid novels, who becomes her second lady-in-waiting. Margaret falls in love with a handsome Captain, only to be reined in by her title and rank in society. Both Margaret and Vera tire of their tethers, and choices will have to be made.

Who knew Princes Margaret was such a ball of fire? The Other Windsor Girl is such a captivating and entertaining jaunt of a story. You can’t help but want more for Margaret and admire Vera’s tenacity.

Overall, The Other Windsor Girl is a captivating and engaging story. The second half flies much faster than the first. The presentation of class and social order kept me invested, and as I mentioned above, I couldn’t help but root for Margaret.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgie Blalock has written a fascinating tale about Princess Margaret the royal rebel. I have to admit prior to reading this book I really had very little knowledge about Princess Margaret’s life. I have not watched The Crown, but I’m definitely planning on watching it now. I really love books that take place in the 40s and 50s Post WWII, add in all the glitz and glam and pomp and circumstance of the Royals, and I’m all in! Throughout this book I found myself constantly googling to get even more information about this time period. That’s the thing about an engaging historical fiction book it always makes you want to learn even more about that piece of history.

The story is entirely told through the eyes of the honorable Vera Strathmore. Vera is a romance author who catches the attention of Princess Margaret and soon finds herself to be her second lady in waiting. Vera gets swept up in the princesses glamorous lifestyle as did I. The dynamics between Margaret and all of her “people“ was interesting. Can you imagine always referring to your BFF by their title? I felt as though there was always a little distance between the princess and her supposed friends. It was so interesting how unhappy she was, some of it was self imposed and some of it was trying to follow all the royal protocol. I’d imagine it wasn’t easy being little sister to the queen. Vera also had her own challenges, does she want to serve the queen forever or follow her own dreams. A well-crafted historical fiction book with the perfect amount of romance.

This book in emojis 👑 🥂 🚬 💃🏼

*** Big thanks to William Morro for my copy of this book ***

[Renée Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. A fascinating look at Princess Margaret. Review coming soon!

[Stephanie Anze · Rating 4 out of 5]

“They've never been able to ignore you, Ma'am."

Vera Strathmore comes from a family of status but not a lot of money. Unknown to her family and to suplement her income, Vera is an author of a sensational novel series, under the pen name of Rose Lavish. When her cousin Rupert introduces her to Princess Margaret, she learns that her Royal Highness is a fan of her novels. Princess Margaret invites Vera to an outing. More outings follow until she is officially part of the Margaret set. In time, Vera becomes the princess' second lady-in-waiting. Vera becomes privy to the princess' most intimate secrets and leads a life that she could have never dreamed of but it comes at the cost. Vera can not follow her own ambitions or her heart while serving the princess and both women have to make difficult choices.

I have to start by saying that until I read this book, I did not know that Queen Elizabeth II had a sister. It is also sheer concidence that I recently started watching The Crown, which made the experience of reading this book even better (I am loving the show, by the way). Margaret Windsor is the youngest daughter of King George VI and sister to Elizabeth Windsor, who eventually became the Queen. Margaret is unlike her sister in almost every way. Known socially among the party scene, Margaret has a set of people that she goes out dancing and drinking with regularly. Vera Strathmore has status but not much more. She secretly writes sensational novels under her pen name. When introduced to Princess Margaret, she learns that she has read her books. This is Vera's in into Margaret's exclusive set. She has the princess' attention and soon also a job as her second lady-in-waiting. Its glamorous at first but with time challenges arise that cause Vera to reconsider her position. Though hesistant initially, I have to say that I came to quite like this book. There is certainly a dramatic flair to it and I liked the pace at which the plot moved along. Blalock successfully drew parallels between these women and constructed an intriguing narrative. As I knew nothing about her, the ending was surprising. Though, doubful at first, this book won me over and I am glad to have read it.

Vera Strathmore is a fictional character, a creation of the author to tell Princess Mragaret's story. Elizabeth and Margaret Windsor were not originally expected to be Queen, either of them. Their uncle, King Edward VIII abdicated the throne when he choose to marry Wallis Simpson, a woman not approved by the Crown or British parliament. Their father baecame the King instead and Elizabeth, heir apparent. Margaret became the "second best". What Elizabeth was, Margaret was not. She smoked, drank, partied and drew attenton to herself in ways the Royal family wished she did not. She was a rebel. It is likely, though, that this behaviour stemmed from a place of pain as she was always being compared to her sister. And despite her title and means, she was not truly free, especially when it came to matters of the heart. This insight into the Royal family was fascinating, to say the least.

[Lisa of Hopewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Interest

I’m a royal fan! Princess Margaret was both the Diana and the Harry of her day, so this re-telling of her story piqued my interest. That I happened to listen to the book on the birthday of David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowden and son of Princess Margaret was just extra fun.
The Story

When her cousin brings her to an event Princess Margaret is attending, the Hon. Vera Strathmore [interesting choice of name–Margaret’s maternal grandfather was the Earl of Strathmore] hits it off with the 19-year-old second daughter of King George VI. When Margaret is advised that Vera is the real name of novelist Rose Lavish the Princess takes her into her so-called “Margaret set” [think Harry’s Glossy Posse] as one of Her Royal Highness’s Ladies in Waiting–a role that combines nanny, friend, confidant, social secretary, and protocol chief all in one.

As the years go on and Margaret rejects any thought of marriage to the eligible future Dukes, Marquesses or Earl in her set, Vera, too, has to push aside ideas of marriage. Her future and her status as Lady in Waiting are too intertwined. Her life mirrors that of the Princess who cannot give up everything, as she had thought she could, to marry Group Captain Peter Townsend.

When photographer Anthony Armstrong-Jones hits the scene Vera sees the future all too clearly.
My Thoughts

The story is well-told. Happily, the author did not try to create personalities for the entire royal family. She kept her narrative tightly focused on the small ensemble of Margaret, Vera, Charmaine Douglas (daughter of the American Ambassador) and a few others. Her characterization of Princess Margaret was very believable. At times, I had to remind myself I was reading about “Margot” and not her errant great-nephew Prince Harry and his wife. The Windsors have had many rebels. All seem to want what they can never be: to be “ordinary” in that they are ignored by the press. None ever wants to do without the deference, money, lavish lifestyle or the rest of it. Just the press “be gone”!
My Verdict on the Story
Four Stars


The Problems

If you are going to write about the Aristocracy and Royals GET THE TITLES RIGHT. Yes, it is fiction, so you can have your characters say whatever you want them to say, but….

Ms. Blalock’s inability to master titles, forms of address and even, in one scene, the basic assignments of servants, detracts from a story that was very well told. Of course, many readers won’t know or care–but many others will. Fact-checking seems to have vanished from all forms of publishing today. This is the sort of thing an intern could have fact-checked by grabbing a copy or online free trial to Debrett’s!

And do your homework on slang! Buckingham Palace is known as BUCK HOUSE! Not “Buck Place.” Since this was the single most overused phrase in the entire book, I have to point it out. It is fine to refer to it as “the Palace” and leave it at that.
Titles and Forms of Address Mistakes

The King and Queen are “Their Majesties,” not “Their Royal Highnesses”

The Queen and her consort, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh are “Her Majesty and His Royal Highness” as a male consort does not become a “King Consort” [though Denmark’s Prince Henrik died trying for it].

Prince Philip was always a royal and a royal Duke in the time of the story’s setting. No ROYAL Duke is ever “His Grace”. [Philip is a descendant of Queen Victoria and of Christian IX of Denmark just like the Queen and Margaret. He became “Philip Mountbatten” for political reasons].

The Earl of Somewhere is “Lord Somewhere,” not “Lord First-Name Last-Name” which is a designation only for the younger sons of Dukes and Marquesses.

A Duke would only ever have been “Lord Whoever Posh-Person” if he was born a second or lower son. He would never be referred to in that manner after becoming a Duke.

“Lady Imogene Spencer-Churchill” [in the book] cannot be referred to as “Lady Spencer Churchill” only as “Lady Imogene.” Geesh, watch Downton Abbey! Lady Rosilind explains it to Sir Richard way back in Season 1. “Lady Spencer Churchill” would be the wife of an Earl Spencer Churchill or a Viscount Spencer Churchill or a Baron Spencer Churchill or a Sir Chinless Spencer Churchill (but he would be Sir Chinless, never Lord/Sir Spencer Churchill).

“Sir Lascelles”???? NO!! Sir Alan! (i.e., Sir Alan “Tommy” Lascelles). Even “Sir Tommy”–that was his nickname, but never, ever, Sir Lascelles unless Lascelles was his first name and he was “Sir Lascelles Anstruther-Chinless-Scott” or someone. His wife would be Lady Lascelles.

Patrick Plunkett though WAS correctly called Lord Plunkett because he was Baron Plunkett.

“Group Captain” and “Captain” are not interchangeable. Peter Townsend would have been addressed as “Group Captain” (like “Sergent Major”) and never as “Captain”.

Other Mistakes

The Duke of Marlborough was Winston Churchill’s cousin, not brother, so the title “Uncle Winston” was simply a family custom. He was not the uncle of the Duke’s children. This only caught my notice due to all the other title mangling.

Ruby MacDonald would have DIED before she’d have said “the Queen Mum”!! She’d have said “Queen Elizabeth” for Margaret’s mother. Princess Margaret’s sister would be called “Her Majesty” or “The Queen” in conversation. Ruby was with Margaret until she [Ruby] died–was with her from childhood as her “dresser,” i.e. her ladies maid and had a very fraught relationship with Lord Snowdon (as Tony became).

Anthony Charles Robert Armstrong-Jones was educated at Sandroyd and Eton and then went to Cambridge where he coxed a winning boat race crew. He was the step-son (and later the half-brother ) of an Earl and would never call Margaret “Your Highness” for he would KNOW that was a different, LESSER rank! [It last used in the British Royal family by two granddaughters of Edward VII (daughters of his daughter).]

A footman would NEVER be sent to pack a lady’s clothing! Maids looked after female guests–they did not just scrub floors.

Reader Mistakes: I listened to the audio version

It is “Ma’am as in ham, not ‘marm’ as in farm”

Lady Anne Coke’s name is pronounced “Cook” in spite of the spelling. Thank God “Cholmondeley” wasn’t used anywhere.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you don't like historical fiction with a dash of romance (seriously, it's barely a skoach of romantical notions), then you're gonna want to give this a hard pass. Same warning for those that don't give a rat's ass about royalty, namely British Royals. So, this barely got a 3* rating from me as the story starts out strong, gets tedious & annoying in the middle then redeems itself with a satisfying end. MC Vera feels lost after her fiancée dies during WW2. As the daughter of a Baron, her prospects were to marry well (fiancée) and live up to her parents (and society's) standards and rules. Her cousin Rupert takes her away from the engagement party of the new heir to her fiancée's fam. They hit up a party that hosts Princess Margaret & her entourage (Set). Vera & Margo hit it off & Vera finds herself sucked into the glam & privilege by proxy of royalty. This helps get her parents off her back about her spinster status & eventually Vera becomes a Lady in Waiting to the Princess. In her dedication to Margo, Vera will give up her dream of going to New York and also turn down an offer of marriage. Getting through the shenanigans & tantrums of Princess Margaret while also being a supportive friend for her is a difficult balancing act. Eventually after a decade of dedicated service, Vera's sense of friendship vs. employee is overridden and she speaks truthfully without sugarcoating, her belief that if the Princess marries the man she's fallen in lust with, she will be miserable. Needless to say, Vera is fired and forced to go back to her parents. All in all the saving grace of this story is Vera's journey in reinventing herself after the loss of her fiancée and then shedding what becomes the heavy burden of essentially babysitting the Princess and denying her own wants and needs. The atmosphere is very well written and transports you to the superficial glam & grace of the late 40s, the illusory beauty of the 50s and the progressive "freedom" of the 60s.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a British Royal junkie, and after watching The Crown, I became especially interested in Princess Margaret. Georgie Blalock’s marvelous THE OTHER WINDSOR GIRL, told me all I wanted to know and more. This is an engrossing tale as told by Margaret’s fictitious lady in waiting. Seems Queen Elizabeth’s sister was a rebel from the first, and really wanted to be queen while Elizabeth never did. Unlucky in love, too fond of alcohol and the limelight, Margaret never found lasting happiness. An engrossing, heartbreaking tale that proves that having it all may not be enough. Out now.

5 of 5 Stars
#TheOtherWindsorGirl #NetGalley

Thanks to the author, William Morrow and Custom House, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

[Cher 'N Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars = Good and worthwhile but something held it back from being great.

Watching The Crown on Netflix, peaked my interest in Princess Margaret Windsor, the Queen’s sister. In many ways, she is the queen’s opposite, impulsive, rebellious, and devilishly witty. I chose this novel to indirectly learn more about her.

The main focus of the story, however, is on the heroine, Vera Strathmore, who ends up befriending and working for the princess. Vera is also interesting, primarily due to her writing racy novels under a nom de plume. Unfortunately, she is not nearly as fascinating as the princess, who took a backseat in the novel.

Margaret’s life is most intriguing to me, after her divorce. This book focuses on her earlier life as an older teen through her mid 20’s. Still interesting, but not captivating.
-------------------------------------------
First Sentence: The Honorable Vera Strathmore touched her naked ring finger, tracing a circle where her engagement ring had once been.

Favorite Quote: “They've never been able to ignore you, Ma'am."
"I made damn sure they couldn't.”

[Jackie Latham · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt the author was trying to write a historical fictional biography of Princess Margaret but it was really just a fancy harlequin romance. Her constant wrong usage in "Buck Place" was beyond irritating. Her description of the relationship between Margaret & the Queen Mother & the Queen herself was insulting. Princess Margaret may not have been the busiest royal but she did work hard to represent the Queen. She was close to her family. Also i felt she couldn't capture the true Princess instead created a caricature of what a spoiled princess is in a bad made for tv movie. Margaret was far from perfect & she supposedly was quite demanding but being a spoiled child I highly doubt.

[Davida Chazan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you call me an Anglophile, I'll say "guilty as charged"! So if you're like me, you might be interested in this recently released novel about Princess Margaret, the troubled younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II. You can read my full book review here. http://tcl-bookreviews.com/2019/11/08...

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 3 out of 5]

First thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for a free e-ARC of the book in exchange for an honest opinion of the book.

I really wanted to like this book because its everything I love to read - royals and historical fiction. However, I just had a very tough time getting into it. I almost stopped reading it which is something I rarely do but decided to keep going out of respect for the author and I am glad that I did. The first half of the book was slow and I just couldn't connect to the main character Vera. I knew enough about Princess Margaret so it didn't matter to me so much.

The second half of the book was terrific - it just took off with story, emotions, action and lots of dialogue which I love.

I just wish the author could have done that with the first half of the book and it would be a true 5 star book.

If you do stick with it you will be able to see yourself in both Vera and Princess Margaret.

I would rate it 3.5 stars.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent narration. A fantastic story about friendship, love, the struggles of forging your own path.

[Gabrielė|Kartu su knyga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Patraukė mane ši knyga savo viršeliu bei anotacija. Istorinių romanų daug skaičiusi nesu, tačiau kartais mėgstu ir tokias knygas įtraukti į savo skaitinius.

Princesė Margareta - neeilinė asmenybė. Ši jauna dama niekada nepraleidžia audringų vakarėlių.. Nors toks patrakęs gyvenimo būdas nėra priimtinas jos pareigybėmis tačiau princesei, tiesą sakant, tai nelabai rūpi..
Vienos gana kilmingos, tačiau šiuo metu skurdokai gyvenančios šeimos narė Vera Strazmor atsitiktinai susipažįsta su princese. Žinoma, jog ši pažintis visam gyvenimui pakeičia Veros likimą. Laikui bėgant moterys susidraugauja gana artimai ir Verai yra pasiūloma tapti antrąja Margaretos freilina. Vera nusprendžia, jog tokią progą paleisti vėjais būtų tiesiog mažų mažiausiai kvaila.
Šios dvi moterys tokios skirtingos, bet kartu ir labai panašios.. Abi trokšta būti mylimomis bei laimingomis. Taip pat jos supranta ir tai, jog turės priimti lemiamus sprendimus, kurie nulems jų tolimesnį likimą.

Istorija tikrai įdomi ir jaučiasi, jog autorė įdėjo daug pastangų, jog ši knyga taptų patrauklia. Tačiau nežinau kodėl, bet man šią istoriją buvo skaityti gana nuobodoka.. Tokioje knygoje nesitikėjau daug veiksmo, ar kažkokių įvykių, tačiau mano skoniui joje pritrūko išsamesnių veikėjų paveikslų bei trupučio intrigos. Knygos veikėjai man pasirodė "sausoki" gal todėl, man buvo gana sunkoka įsijausti į šią skaitomą istoriją. Nepaisant to, perskaičiau tikrai gana neblogą knygą, kuri tikiu, jog patiks istorinių romanų gerbėjams dar labiau. Šioje knygoje viskas teka ramia, lėta vaga.. Jei mėgstate tokias knygas, ši bus kaip tik. Galbūt aš ją pasiėmiau tiesiog netinkamu metu. Tačiau tai tikrai nereiškia, jog knyga buvo bloga ✨

[Kristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was super predictable...the story of Princess Margeret is told with more subtlety and nuance in the television show, The Crown. The narrator, the surprisingly prudish romance novelist turned lady in waiting of Margret, was very bland and one note to me. At one moment, she’s talking about her own premarital relations with her deceased fiancé and condoms with Margaret, the next she seems shocked that her royal highness is sleeping around?

If you’ve already watched The Crown, you can skip this one; I didn’t learn anything new or interesting about Margaret.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this on audiobook and I enjoyed it. I will definitely read more books by Georgie Blalock.

[Dar vieną puslapį · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kas seka mane ilgesnį laiką, tai tikrai žino mano didelį susidomėjimą britų aristokratija, karališka šeima ir viskuo, kas tipiška britiška. Turbūt nieko keisto, kad serialas “The Crown” taip pat yra vienas tų man patinkančių dalykų. Kadangi Georgie Blalock knygos nugarėlė tiesiog rėkia, kad ši knyga skirta serialo gerbėjams, niekaip negalėjau jos praleisti neperskaičius. Kibau skaityti. Toliau aprašomi mano įspūdžiai.

Knygos pasakotoja - išgalvotas personažas Vera. Realybėje jos tokios nebuvo, o ir visas kūrinys yra tikrovės ir autorės vaizduotės mišinys. Taigi Vera yra jauna mergina iš nusigyvenusios britų aukštuomenės šeimos. Šeima dideliais turtais pasigirti nebegali, nes tėvo kasdienė veikla - sėdėjimas jaukiam foteliuke ir laikraščių skaitymas. Kaip žinia, ši veikla nėra gerai apmokama. Nors turtų nebėra, bet ambicijos ir savivertė aukščiau debesų, tad ir lūkesčiai Verai nemaži. Mergina savarankiška, paėmusi gyvenimą į savo rankas ir nelaukia princo ant balto žirgo. Ji po slapyvardžiu kuria meilės romanus ir svajoja apie Niujorką. Viskas pasikeičia po pažinties su princese Margareta. Vera tampa princesės freilina.

Knygos tema - laisvė. Laisvė būti savimi, rinktis tai, ko trokšta širdis, o ne tikisi kiti. Tai Veros laisvė gyventi savarankišką gyvenimą nors šeima be galo didžiuojasi jos aukšta padėtimi rūmuose ir princesės Margaretos laisvės klausyti savo širdies.

Visiškai nesutinku, kad ši knyga skirta “The Crown” gerbėjams. Būtent jiems bus nuobodu - naratyvas identiškas serialui, o autorė nėra puiki pasakotoja, tad antrą kartą eiti per tą pačią istoriją nemanau, kad verta. Kaip tik knygą į rankas verčiau imtų tie, kuriems karališkos šeimos gyvenimo užkulisiai įdomūs, bet labai gerai nėra su jais susipažinę.

Pasakojimas nuspėjamas, o didžioji ambicija - atskleisti princesės Margaretos gyvenimo dramą, nepavyko įgyvendinti. Princesė vaizduojama labai primityviai. Tai gana aikštinga moteris, savanaudė, lėbautoja ir savo aistrų vergė. Tiesa toli gražu netokia - ši moteris turi daug daugiau spalvų ir proto nei autorė nori pripažinti.

Kitas dalykas - Veros personažas. Labai sunkiai besiskverbusi į aukštuomenę ir ne kartą snobų išjuokta, tapusi freilina kartu virsta snobe. Tam tikri žmonės jai per prasti, ji kritikuoja jų nekokybiškus drabužius, elgesį ir poziciją gyvenime. Tas neatrodo patraukliai. Juo labiau, kad autorė nori, jog mergina patiktų skaitytojui ir jis ją palaikytų.

Dar vienas dalykas, kurio negaliu nepaminėti- autorė pristatoma kaip savamokslė istorikė ir tas labai jaučiasi. Knygoje nemažai faktinių neatitikimų, nesutampa titulai ir pan. Tai nėra faktiškai nuglūdintas kūrinys ir tikslumo iš jo tikėtis nevertėtų.

Kam skaityti? Kviečiau pabandyti skaityti tuos, kuriems prie širdies lengvo turinio romanai, kurie nors šiek tiek nori sužinoti apie karališką šeimą, bet nėra šiuo metu gerai susipažinę su jos istorija.

[Saturday's Child · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel would certainly appeal to anyone who has been watching The Crown series, or those who enjoy reading about the British Royal family. With all of the recent drama among the Royal family this is a reminder that the past was not all smooth sailing for them either.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite entertaining with characters, especially Vera, who I was routing for the whole way through.

I couldn’t help it—about halfway through or so, I had done a single internet search on Princess Margaret, and thus knew how things would end up with her beaus, but even still, The Other Windsor Girl gave me some surprises along the way that made me smile much as I’m sure Mrs. Lavish’s readers would’ve been smiling had her Victorian books about the aristocracy and their commoner beaus really existed.

Beyond the romance tropes and format that I typically enjoy, my favourite part of this novel was the humour. I laughed out loud more than once whether I was alone at home listening to the audiobook or out for a walk with headphones in. The Honourable Vera Strathmore has a knack of seeing the world for what it is, especially when Princess Margaret was unable or unwilling to see it for herself, and this led to some funny asides kept to Vera’s internal monologue. That said, there were times where I thought Vera couldn’t see the forest for the trees, and even in those times, I found it funny...though more in a shaking my head kind of way.

Moreover, Vera’s position, while privileged in many ways, is also much below her contemporaries...at least in terms of her finances at first and later, due to her precarious position among royalty. While she’s a trusted friend of Princess Margaret, she’s also not her equal, which leads to some very bad moments and the constant threat of what would happen if she strays too far from the “yes, ma’am” response that is expected.

I probably wouldn’t have picked up this novel had it not been for the fact that it was a book club pick as when it comes to royalty stories, the ones I do pick up are few and far between, and those that I do are more frequently contemporary stories. That said, now I’m quite intrigued with watching The Crown, and may actually get around to doing so sometime soonish.

On another note, this is the first and only audiobook that I have ever listened to the whole way through so far. Ages ago I attempted to listen to one book that I’d gotten in a contest or some such, but I kept rewinding when I missed some key detail while I was doing something simultaneously. I’m not going to say that I didn’t need to rewind this one either. Sometimes because I was doing something else; sometimes because I missed a word or two when the accent made it less familiar to what I’m used to; and yes, sometimes because I fell asleep while listening to it. But I don’t have the same hesitancy as I used to have about these types of books anymore. I really enjoyed the differing voices that the Ann Marie Gideon gave you each of the characters. In particular I liked her voicing of Vera and Sass, though the voice for Dominic was one that I could take or leave. I was also impressed with the way that she could move from a British accent in the Queen’s English, a cockney accent, a Scottish accent, an Australian accent, and an American one quite easily. This won’t be my last foray into the audiobook world, but I still fully intend to enjoy print and eBooks going forward.

If you’re looking for a book that takes place, primarily from 1949 to 1960 with a single flash forward to 2002, in the world of rebellious royalty and the people surrounding them, then you’ll definitely want to pick up The Other Windsor Girl.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, light read. A fictionalized account of life of Princess Margaret as told through the eyes of her friend and lady-in-waiting The Honorable Vera Strathmore. Vera’s fiancé was killed during WWII, and she finds herself with no focus in her life, living with her difficult parents and trying to support herself by writing novels. When a relative introduces her to Princess Margaret, her life changes. She is now “someone”, and she becomes a lady-in-waiting to the temperamental and spoiled Princess. Her job with the Princess subjugates her own life, and she gives up a lot to stay a part of life at Clarence House.

The two main characters are well portrayed but not always sympathetic, especially Princess Margaret. Vera becomes a doormat to the Princess, although in reality she is a true friend to her boss. Although Margaret’s life is spent playing second fiddle to her sister’s family, she breaks protocol and tries to assert herself, usually with sad consequences. She never gets over her inability to be able to marry the man she loves, and settles for an entirely inappropriate man in the end. (If you know anything about her life, these are not spoilers.)

This is a quick and entertaining read and recommended for what it is.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review coming soon! Thanks to the author, William Morrow and Custom House, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 05 Nov 2019
#TheOtherWindsorGirl #NetGalley

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m pleased to find this was satisfying, a-little-more-than-light reading.

The Margaret here, and in my parallel online reading about her life, is an unhappy woman starved for real love, purpose, and lasting friendship, and making up for it with attention wherever she can get it. It’s not hard for her to find as the beautiful younger sister of Queen Elizabeth.

As the resentful, caustic rebel princess she’s a hard-living woman steeped in just about every vice and making life choices that objectively are doomed before they start. To the British public she’s apparently more adored than her nephew’s first wife, Lady Di, would become, and a love-tragic figure whose star-crossed romantic fate became a matter of intense interest and national debate.

The author makes a wise choice to give us a primary character who provides some distance, perspective, and a somewhat parallel journey to the princess.

On the face of this description it’s not a book I would be tempted to pick up, but I found it engaging and a nice transport to time-and-place.

[Vilma · Rating 4 out of 5]

skaiciau ir galvojau, na, istorija megsta kartotis...
kiekvienoj kartoj po "balta varna", neatitinkancia protokolo...
taip sakant lauksim tesinio...
ir...man si knyga labiau apie freilina, nei apie princese...ir norus...ir pasirinkimus

[Crystal FloridaGrams Of3 · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a drag....literally.
I just couldn't connect with this book What so ever. So oh well.

[Melissa Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommend this book if you’re looking for some light escapism! It was interesting to see into Princess Margaret’s friendships, which is a perspective missing from The Crown. However I was looking for more glamour and drama from this book given that the title character is Princess Margaret. Instead the narrator is a lady in waiting who is a bit of a stick in the mud and annoying because she frequently says that she doesn’t have as much money as the rest of her friends, her clothes are old, her father’s title isn’t prestigious, she needs to make money through writing, etc. That was understood from the beginning, and didn’t need to be restated because the readers can infer. This book didn’t require much thinking because everything was spelled out, which got a little boring. That could be on the character, or just not great writing on the author’s part. But you don’t read a book like this expecting it to be literary, so taking it for what it is it’s a fun read!

[Carol lowkey.bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction; throw in royalty and I am all in. I wanted to read this book so much, I joined the Edelweiss Review site for it!

The book is told through the eyes of the (fictional) Honorable Vera Strathmore. Vera is a romance writer when the Princess meets her. She is interesting and different so the Princess befriends her and makes her a second-lady-in-waiting. The position comes with prestige and a much needed paycheck. But, it also comes with having to put up with Margaret’s scathing comments and bad behavior. Vera is witness to Margaret’s partying, questionable behavior, and secret love affair with Captain Peter Townsend.

Wow, Princess Margaret was quite the naughty teenager! It is difficult to feel sympathetic to Margaret’s plight, but it must have been difficult for her to lose her father and then lose her sister to the demands of the monarchy.

This book reminded me of The Devil Wears Prada in that Vera is trapped in a glamorous life that is difficult to leave. I recommend this to Anglophiles and historical fiction fans. 4/5

This e-ARC was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. THE OTHER WINDSOR GIRL comes out November 5, 2019, from William Morrow

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Other Windsor Girl was disappointing. Despite the title referring to Princess Margaret, the book is actually about a completely fictional woman named Vera who serves at the Princess' pleasure. What we actually see of Margaret makes her look like a horrible shrew whose attitude and behavior warrants not one ounce of sympathy or tenderness on the behalf of the reader. I wanted to like this book as a bit of easy reading, but instead it was chock full of stereotypical and undeveloped characters. Although Vera was largely boring throughout, by the end I actively disliked her. In fact, the only character I enjoyed for the duration was Sass and she was hardly in it. I love a good novel about royals, but unfortunately this wasn't what I would consider one.

[Caitrin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Title is misleading, most of this book is about a fictional lady in waiting, not Princess Margaret.

[Joelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, if you enjoyed watching The Crown on Netflix, this book will probably be perfect for you.

Secondly, if you are a royal watcher, this book is definitely for you.

Finally, it's just interesting historical fiction that has the ability to capture the imagination.

I enjoy all of the above for various reasons, but mostly I just love an interesting story, especially when I know it has its root in reality. Princess Margaret has always been compelling. She was the natural extrovert of King George VI's two daughters who was relegated to second place in her position in the Royal Family. She was often viewed as a party girl by the press, but still took certain duties seriously and craved the importance her sister Elisabeth possessed.

This story highlights the highs and lows of Royal life and Margaret's journey through the decades. It was told from the perspective of one of her ladies-in-waiting, which took me a while to adjust to because I was expecting it to be written as a first person account for some reason. Both Margaret and her lady-in-waiting's stories were told in comparison to each other which showed how they each grew during personal tragedy and life inside Buck Place.

I rated it 4 stars overall, just because of some minor personal preferences over how the story was told. Again, I was really hoping for more of Princess Margaret's first person perspective.

[Christina (Confessions of a Book Addict) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vera Strathmore thought she had it all. She was engaged to a great guy and even had a career as a novelist writing romance novels under a pseudonym, Mrs. Rose Lavish. However, her world came crumbling down around her when her fiancé was killed in World War II. She now lives at home with her parents and her sister, who will soon be moving out once she's married. Vera has become a bit of a homebody and spends most of her free time writing her romance novels. Princess Margaret is a fan of these novels and Vera's cousin, Rupert, is friends with Princess Margaret and part of her social set, so he decides to introduce the two women. Vera and Princess Margaret surprisingly hit it off and in turn, Vera is now catapulted into the Princess's fast moving and hard drinking world. In fact, Vera finds herself as second lady in waiting to Princess Margaret and now she is exposed to not only the vibrant social life of the Princess, but also the demands of the Royal family. Georgie Blalock's historical debut, The Other Windsor Girl, is a fascinating glimpse into Princess Margaret's life and is perfect for fans of The Crown.
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...