If you are interested in the royal family I think you will love In The Shadow Of A Queen by Heather B. Moore. This is the first book I have ever read about the royal family. While I enjoyed the writing style and it fulfilled my curiosity I don’t think I would need to read about queens, kings, princesses and princes again, unless it was a book about Princess Diana.

This story was extremely well researched. It is about the life of Princess Louise who was born in 1949. She was the fourth daughter born to Queen Victoria and King Albert. Princess Louise and her five sisters became the voice of the crown. She was the most beautiful of her siblings and the most talented and free spirited. Princess Louise has been compared to the modern day Princess Diana.

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is an extremely detailed account Of Princess Louise during her teenage years. I loved it!
I loved the interaction with all of her sibling, especially Bertie. My favorite part of the book was when they began to look for a suitable husband for Louise. Loved the anticipation of all the suitors and how she ended up with one that she did. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and didn't think it was slow paced as some other reviews have suggested. I highly recommend reading it if you enjoy historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Another great historical novelization by Moore. I know very little about the royals, past or present, so it was interesting to learn not only about Princess Louise but also some about Queen Victoria, who, I should have realized but obviously didn't, the Victorian era is named after. There are many instances of conflict between the Queen and Princess Louise, mother and daughter, about newly emerging/changing societal beliefs and views and progression, several of which I would never have associated with the Victorian era/late 1800s.

The book focuses strongly on finding a husband for Princess Louise and the difficulties that posed for a royal, as Queen Victoria didn't want another of her daughters moving to a foreign country and there were (are?) rules for who was acceptable for a royal to marry. I would have loved for more information and focus on the Princess's art and sculpting, which seemed like it kind of disappeared behind the courtship/husband search part of the story and, to me, that felt like her love of and talent for art, along with her newly feminist/progressive views, were what really put her in the shadow of her mother, and older sisters, being the 4th daughter and 6th child (of 9 total children) of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

There are obviously literary liberties taken with the story, although once again Moore's research and attention to detail are strong, with chapter notes at the back of the book to clarify and document facts, although only a "selected" bibliography included for sources. Personally, I would not want an exact bibliography, but it does state "selected," so maybe that would bother some who would be more interested in extensive documentation of the exact facts and historical information? This book also just touches on a lot of protocols and other information about royal life, which I enjoyed as it gave enough information to present some knowledge I didn't know before, but it also didn't go into way too much detail that then overpowered the story itself.

Overall, it was a very interesting read to learn about the time period, an English princess, how hard it would be to want to and successfully marry for love and not just for the crown and duty (which I'm sure is still something royals struggle with, especially as evidenced by Prince Harry and Meghan's recent choices). The timing of my finishing this book coincided with Queen Elizabeth's passing, but it was interesting to know a little about Balmoral and the line of succession, etc., that I would never have known before to be able to relate and understand these current events as they unfolded. There were details about the Princess's life that were sad to learn about after the timeline of this book finished, as with the love story I would definitely hope for more happiness in her life and marriage, although she did have that, just to learn about the difficulties and some experiences that she and her husband had that were hardships were unexpected and a reminder that everyone is just a normal person, regardless of their position/status. Again, this was a very informative book that presented a small portion of Princess Louise's life in an entertaining but still educational manner. It was very interesting to learn more about this time period that fiction I read is often set in but had never before read about a real person's life from that time. Although it was sad that the timing coincided with the Queen's passing, it was very interesting to be reading this around that time and to see what things, customs, places, etc. are still in place today for the British royal family. If current events in England have intrigued you, then this book is a great one to pick up to continue piquing your interest and educating you about a small part of the history of England's monarchy.

Princess Louise is the fifth daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Growing up she is doted upon for her beauty and artistic ability. When her father dies an untimely death, the household retreats into prolonged mourning period and Louise is pulled in closer to her mother and her ideals. Throughout their mourning, Louise practices her art and yearns to be a sculptor. As wars plague Europe, Louise dives into the politics of the disagreements and forms opinions and a world view that often is the opposite of her mother's. With the passing years, Louise watches her older siblings marry into different families from different places. Soon, Louise becomes her mother's personal secretary and must make a choice on who to marry, which might be the most difficult decision yet.

In the Shadow of a Queen is an immensely detailed, historically accurate and intimate look into the life of Princess Louise from her adolescence to her marriage. From a young age I could feel the weight of responsibility on Louise's shoulders. She knew her position and obligations, but was pulled between her sense of duty to her mother and her own sense of justice and independence. The writing made Louise and her vivacious character come alive as she tested boundaries and pursued her own unconventional dreams. I loved that Louise was able to sculpt and even go to a public school, though it seemed short lived. I was also amazed that Queen Victoria was against women's suffrage and that Louise was able to help in her own ways despite being forbidden by her mother. Of course, even with all of Louise's accomplishments on her own, the most interesting part of her story was her decision on who to marry. Louise was able to break the mold once more as her mother allowed her to marry outside of royalty. An amazing story of just one of Queen Victoria's children and the life of compromise between two extraordinarily willful women.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

Wow! I learned so much about Queen Victoria, her family, and especially her daughter, Princess Louise. By chance, Queen Elizabeth II passed while I was reading this book. There was so much media coverage that helped me appreciate this story and this story helped me understand more about the monarchy. On top of that, I enjoy following the author, Heather B Moore, on social media. She happened to be in England when Queen Elizabeth II passed. She not only shared a photo of the precious statue that Princess Louise created of her Queen Mother, but she also shared what it was like to be in London with those in mourning of the Queen's passing. The whole experience was fascinating to me. Moore brought Princess Louise to life for me and helped me begin to understand what sacrifices royal families make.

Although I’ve read or watched quite a lot about Queen Victoria, I know very little about the lives of her children (except Albert of course who was to become King Edward VII) so was fascinated to read this novel based on the life of Princess Louise. She was the sixth of Queen Victoria’s nine children and the fourth of her five daughters.

Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, born in 1848 was only thirteen when her father Albert died and Victoria was plunged into deep mourning and depression for many years. This had a profound effect on her children who had to wear mourning clothes for many years and forgo the children’s balls and joyful Christmases that their father so enjoyed. There would be no coming out party for Louise and she was later restricted to attending only a handful of family balls. However, Louise is portrayed as a strong-willed woman and a talented sculptress, who usually got what she wanted, including lessons in art and sculpture and her own studio to work in.

All Victoria’s daughters were required to act as her personal secretary until they married, when the next in age would move up to serve the Queen. When it came time for Louise to marry the lack of suitable matches amongst the royal families of Europe, Victoria agreed to allow her to look for a suitor amongst the nobility instead.

Although fictional, the novel is well grounded in historical fact with the important historical events of the time seen through Louise’s eyes including the marriages and lives of her siblings. Through their marriages into various royal houses of Europe, her siblings would find themselves on opposite sides of future European wars and conflicts. The novel is a fascinating insight to the lives of Victoria’s children and builds up a portrait of Louise, as a strong minded woman ahead of her time and is definitely recommended if you’re interested in this aspect of history.

It was a quick read but still felt like it was awfully slow more often than not. It was nice to learn more about Queen Victoria's daughter, but I think I ended up finishing it because I felt like I needed to, not because I was at all invested in what was going on. I think perhaps a reread may be in order at some point when I am not quite so mentally and emotionally burnt. If I do and it improves I will update.

This story was just a fantastic way for me to learn more about Princess Louise and her family. I'll admit that I didn't know much at all starting out. But I just fell in love with this story. 

Princess Louise wasn't a "normal" royal--she was rebellious in her own way; doing things that most royals wouldn't dream of. She married a man for love, even though he didn't fit the traditional mold for whom a royal would marry. She also held much more progressive view when it came to women, in general. 

The writing captivated me. I was so entirely immersed in this story and devoted to these characters until the very end. This story will stick with me--and it's already led me to want to dig more in the history of these fascinating people.

4.5 stars

I believe if you enjoy historical fiction this book could be a good fit for you. I was fascinated reading it because, one, I knew nothing about this royal family so it was interesting to get a picture of their life. And two, because I was reading this while England is mourning the loss and had the burial of their Queen Elizabeth. While this is a fictionalize account, it is based on the true story of Princess Louise and reading it simultaneously with world events made me think more about Queen Elizabeth as well as Victoria. I saw some similarities and some not so much similar as well.

When I opened the book, I was expecting more of a romance story rather than a history lesson of sorts. The romance is in there but that isn't really what the book is about. It is about Princess Louise finding a place in life where she could live happily despite the strictures place upon being a Royal. And it is about a daughter trying to navigate a relationship with what was a difficult mother at best. And it is about the Princess' search for love and acceptance.

I found myself feeling angry with the Queen who fell into such a deep depression that she was non-functioning as both a Queen and a mother for far too long. Those poor children had to have been scarred from it after losing their father. They lost a childhood as well as beloved parents.

I was motivated to read a little history summation about these Royals that I would likely not have done without this book. So I appreciated learning some history along the way.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

"Based on the True Story of the Free-Spirited Daughter of Queen Victoria.

Princess Louise's life is upended after her father's untimely death. Captive to the queen's overwhelming mourning, Louise is forbidden to leave her mother's tight circle of control and is eventually relegated to the position of personal secretary to her mother - the same position each of her sisters held until they were married.

Already an accomplished painter, Louise risks the queen's wrath by exploring the art of sculpting, an activity viewed as unbefitting a woman. When Louise involves herself in the day's political matters, including championing the career of a female doctor and communicating with suffragettes, the queen lays down the law to stop her and devotes her full energy to finding an acceptable match for her defiant daughter.

Louise is considered the most beautiful and talented daughter of Queen Victoria, but finding a match for the princess is no easy feat. Protocols are broken, and Louise exerts her own will as she tries to find an open-minded husband who will support her free spirit.

In the Shadow of a Queen is the story of a battle of wills between two women: a daughter determined to forge her own life beyond the shadow of her mother, and a queen resolved to keep the Crown's reputation unsullied no matter the cost."

I seriously love Princess Louise and am always intrigued by the hypocrisy of Queen Victoria who on the one hand ruled the realm and on the other raised her daughters to be dutiful wives and mothers.

I liked this novel about Princess Louise, one of Queen Victoria's many children. In the shadow of a Queen indeed. Queen Victoria was definitely more strict than other monarchs I have read about and it was interesting to read how that impacted Louise's daily life and her future. Moore did a great job of shining a light on one of Queen Victoria's lesser-known children and I enjoyed this novel very much.

3.5 stars, rounding up. This book details the life of Princess Louise, fourth daughter of Queen Victoria of England. It opens with Louise at age 13, and follows her story into her twenties. Louise is a headstrong young woman, different from her sisters in her pursuit of artistic acclaim and desire to champion women's rights in 19th century England. She is among my favorite European royals, as she doesn't fit the usual "mold" that a princess is expected to occupy.

I really enjoyed reading about Louise and Prince Albert before his death, as well as her relationship with General Grey. I find any fiction portraying Queen Victoria in her role as a mother fascinating, as she was such an interesting figure with so many demands on her personal life. Was she a great mother? Not all the time, perhaps, but it's evident she truly cared for her children. Louise and Victoria's relationship in this book isn't portrayed as contentiously as I've read it written in other works, which is sort of refreshing. The romance between Louise and her future husband is sweet as well.

I do wish that the characters had a bit more depth, though. I'm sure that it's difficult to write biographical fiction over a decade's span of time with characters who are profound and intense, and these all rang a bit flat for me. I did, however, really enjoy all the historical detail and the inclusion of actual writings at the beginning of each chapter, plus the extensive author notes at the end of the book.

Thank you to Heather B. Moore, Shadow Mountain, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

Based on a true story, In the Shadow of A Queen is a superb book about life in Queen Victoria's family, namely extraordinary Princess Louise who was bright, curious and an advocate of women's rights whereas her mother preferred things the way they were. Not only does the reader learn about royalty and the class system but also about the characters and values of the family members.

The story is a wonderful slow burn, refreshingly clean, witty and beguiling. Very trite but it was difficult to put down. Social mores, politics and strategic (arranged) marriages are at the forefront. Queen Victoria was crushed when her beloved Prince Albert died which naturally affected the entire household. Like her siblings Louise lived in luxury yet had strict rules to follow in her influential and important role as a princess, a representative of the Queen. Her mother was adamant she marry royalty/title for political gain but realized that Louise was equally adamant she marry a man of her own choosing so finally relented. Much of the story is about the search for a suitable husband.

My favourite aspects about the book were learning more about the relationships within the household of Queen Victoria and the gripping historical details. The story is told with enthusiastic straight forwardness and humour yet with empathy and a beautiful understanding of the era. The writing is gorgeous!

Historical Fiction fans, especially those who adore the Victorian era, ought to prioritize reading In the Shadow of A Queen. Even if you are not a fan of the era, do pick it up anyway...you will learn a great deal. Very much worth your time.

My sincere thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this endlessly fascinating book! Pure joy.

Not your usual royal family story, this is a novel of one of the least known (at least to me) children of Queen Victoria, Louise. The story begins just before Prince Albert dies. In the early pages it focuses heavily on the interactions among the children of Victoria and Albert.

Louise is indeed unusual, even for a non-royal, as she is sculpting by age 15. Her mother, Queen Victoria, doesn’t actually approve, but she doesn’t completely disapprove either. She engages a well know female sculptor to tutor Louise. But the strings that Victoria holds, not only on Louise but on all her children, are very tight. The author portrays her as something of a tyrant, but softens her a bit as she comes to appreciate Louise’s unique talent as an artist.

One of the things I like about this book is that it made want to keep reading. I attribute that to the skill with which Ms. Moore writes.

The central question is ‘who shall Louise marry?’ as the queen is quite adamant she does not want to lose yet another child to a foreign royal court. The solution is to comb the peerage list. When the answer is found (you must read it to discover who Louise will marry and how he is chosen), the story turns from historical novel to historical romance.

Heather Moore is indeed an able writer and I am happy to recommend this story. I will look forward to reading more by her.

Steeped in historical detail and broad in scope, Moore's Victorian family drama will entrance readers who love deep dives into history from female perspectives. Drawing on Princess Louise's rich, gently-unconventional life, Moore animates the historical figure and her indomitable mother, using the controlled tension of their relationship as the touchstone to track Louise's choices from adolescence through marriage and adulthood. The plot simmers gradually, making this book ideal for readers who relish immersion in a historical time period over a focused, quick-paced story arc.

In the Shadow of a Queen by Heather B. Moore

Heather B. Moore is one of my all time favorite historical fiction authors. Her research is impeccable and I always learn so much reading her stories.

On top of the knowledge gained, her novels are always full of life and captivating. In the Shadow of a Queen is no different.

This book is about Princess Louise, Queen Victoria’s fourth, semi-rebellious daughter. I loved learning more about the royal family and the clashing views of this mother/daughter duo.

Moore conveyed the life of Princess Louise in a way that was engaging and fun. It was chalk full of real life events, each chapter beginning with a paragraph or two of a letter from or written to Louise in her lifetime. I also love how Moore brought in events happening else where in the world to give us a better view of the thoughts and opinions of those represented in this book.

The dialog was fun and witty and seemed to match the voices of the letter writers. It felt authentic to the people themselves.

A beautiful and well documented fairytale. A journey through Princes Louise’s, Queen Victoria’s daughter, dreams, hopes and the constant clashing with her mother and all the strict duties as a member of the Royal Family. A great story.

This historical Fiction Novel about Queen Victoria's daughter, Louise was fantastic. I felt like I was a fly on the wall during one of the more famous British reigns. I learned things that I had previously been unaware of and as amazed with how she was able to find her voice in the advancements in women's rights.

The story was emotional and illuminating. The story was enlightening. It was a story that I didn't know I needed. I was enthralled in the history and the relationships. The processes of Queen Victoria's family before and after the death of Prince Albert were two different experiences. I couldn't' imagine the strictures of her household, especially once they were in mourning.

This book was obviously fictionalized, but was researched well and felt real. The inclusion of excerpts of letters and journals from various members of the royal family were a delightful inclusion. Heather B. Moore is excellent with research and did a wonderful job with this story. If you are interested in the royal family and even if you are not, this story brings some wonderful information and is a good read. I would recommend it highly.

I received an early copy from the publisher through netgalley and this is my honest review.

This novel offers an illuminating glimpse into life as a child of Queen Victoria that is brimming with heart, love, and the complexities of family relationships. Moore's meticulous research is impressive! I appreciated her candor about the research process as well as the notes at the end of the book. I was captivated by Princess Louise and her story from start to finish.

Princess Louise is a vibrant, engaging heroine that you can't help but love. Her passion for art and women's rights was contagious. She loves to learn and to read about everything from medical remedies to sculpting. I like to think that we would be friends. The novel begins with the tragic death of her father, Prince Albert, and all the poignant hardships that stem from that singular event. I felt emotional reading about their sorrowful mourning, the changes to their household, how tightly Queen Victoria held onto her grief, and the deep hole left by Albert's death. Yet they carry on and continue to try to improve themselves and their country. Throughout the difficult task of living without their father, it seemed to be Louise who helped the family stay together. Working with her mother, the Queen, letter writing with her siblings in far off lands, talking with Bertie and Leo, Louise was at the center of their family. She navigates a complex family rather well as she tries to balance feeling like her own person and honoring her mother, the Queen. I loved her friendships with Sybil, her brother Leo, and her future husband. And I enjoyed following Louise's journey to find what truly mattered to her.

Louise's gifts for art and sculpture were fascinating to read about and her determination to learn was inspiring. I did not know that she created the sculpture of Queen Victoria outside Kensington Palace. It is an amazing work out art! Having little knowledge of sculpture myself, I was fascinated by the details of her work. Of her sketches from multiple angles, the ways she learns to work with clay and marble, even the different styles of her teachers. Louise impressed me with how she works for her dreams and for the causes she supports from her experiences learning at the National Art Training School to rolling bandages to send to Florence Nightingale to visiting Elizabeth Garrett and writing to suffragettes. At a time when views on women, medicine, government and more were shifting, Louise formed her own opinions and wasn't afraid to be her own woman. I respect her vision and determination.

The most compelling relationship in the book is that of Louise's with her mother, Queen Victoria. Perhaps it is this relationship that makes the book so engaging. They are similar in many ways -- stubborn, fiercely loyal, passionate, and protective of their family. Yet they also differ. Louise's views on women's suffrage, medicine, education (including her own), and marriage are quite distinct from her mother. Their relationship is complex and certainly not perfect. But they grow together, they work together, and they love each other. The years Louise spends as her mother's secretary like her sisters before her were years of understanding and also conflict between the women. But I love that they ultimately work together to find Louise a suitable man to marry. And they seem to find a balance between Victoria's role as queen and her role as mother. I admire Louise's strength and poise as she stands up for herself and her future husband.

I really enjoyed the journey Louise takes to find her husband, John Campbell and appreciated the historical details Moore includes. The complexities of marrying a royal, not just the heir apparent, were fascinating. First the look for foreign princes with certain qualifications but Victoria wants Louise closer so they begin looking into a member of the British peerage. The matchmaker games were at times almost laughable as they seemed to always pick someone with a prior attachment. Louise's relationship with John unfolds in a beautiful way. I felt their love for each other grow and deepen as they get to know each other and share their true views with each other. How wonderful to find someone who understands you and supports you in your causes. Although the Queen arriving unexpectedly two days into the honeymoon was laughable! The strength and commitment that Louise and John share at the start of their marriage is beautiful!

Overall, a fascinating look into the life behind the royal roles of Queen Victoria and her family. I loved seeing the interactions between all the siblings with Louise and how she brings her family together. This is a story of hope and healing, sorrow and love, strength and determination. A beautiful tribute to a daughter of a queen.

A royal like no other!

Author Heather B. Moore’s meticulous research reveals, and brings to life for us, a fascinating woman, modern before her time, whose story has been previously hidden and overlooked.

Princess Louise, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, was independently minded, a free spirit, a feminist, and a supporter of woman’s rights who championed many causes. She was also a talented sculptor who fought for the right to receive an education and marry for love. Moore shows us the the Duchess of Argyll carved her own path through life, even until the very end.

I appreciated Moore’s insight into the lady in black who refused to smile - Queen Victoria. Although Princess Louise was irritated by her mother’s continuous morning and the restrictions it placed on Louise herself, it was good for me to see the reasons behind the queen’s behaviour and understand a little of the loneliness that accompanied a royal title. I was secretly cheering for Princess Louise as she perused the list of eligible bachelors, set out her own parameters, and chose intelligence and love over position and politics. I breathed a sigh of relief as she emerged from 'the shadow of a queen' in mourning and blossomed into a strong, independent woman.

Moore has sparked my interest in this formidable woman and I’m curious to know more about the wife of my country’s fourth Governor General.

If you are a royal watcher or fan, or if you simply want to know more about this forgotten princess, this spectacular book by a trusted author is one you'll want to add to your reading list.