One woman must choose between loyalty to her queen and the man she loves…
Giselle always dreamed of making beautiful dresses, but never thought she would be chosen to attend to the elegant, but troubled, queen of France, Marie Antoinette. Within the glittering, mirrored walls of the palace, Giselle ensures the queen shines brighter than anyone, with not a single feather or ruffle out of place, no matter how she might feel inside.
Being so close to the queen, Giselle is there for her most private and unguarded moments. As whispers spread through the court about the violent protests sweeping across the country and the growing threat to the royal family, Giselle sees the cracks in Marie Antoinette’s perfect image.
On a visit home to her family in Paris, Giselle experiences the troubles first-hand, getting caught up in a dangerous riot. When handsome Léon comes to her aid, she falls in love with this kind, clever young man. But Léon does not share her admiration for the royals, siding with those who believe they should no longer be in power.
Returning to the palace, Giselle is shocked to find the very lives of the royal family now at stake. Marie Antoinette appeals to her to help them escape France and Giselle faces a heart-wrenching choice. Will Giselle risk the guillotine herself to save the life of her beloved queen? And can she do so without betraying the man she loves?
Based on true events, this is an absolutely gripping historical novel of loyalty, betrayal, power and passion. Fans of Les Misérables, Girl with a Pearl Earring and My Dear Hamilton will be totally swept away by this heart-breaking page-turner.
Previously published as The Wardrobe Mistress.
Author Bio:
Meghan Masterson graduated from the University of Calgary with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies, and has worked several unrelated jobs while writing on the side. When not writing, Meghan can often be found reading at all hours (even at breakfast), practicing archery and roaming through the woods with her dog.
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My Review
Set during a fascinating period of French history, this novel explores the time just before the overthrow of the reign of Louis and Marie Antoinette. Both the Monarchist and the Republican viewpoints are explored through Giselle, the Queen's dressmaker and Leon, who thinks there is no place for a Monarchy.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the Court and the clothes of the period. It brought the events very much to life and although the story is that of Giselle, I would have loved to get deeper inside the head of Marie Antoinette. She seems to be a puppet to whom things happen rather than a Queen with any power. To know more of her thoughts and opinions would have enriched the story for me.
It is a heartbreaking account, no matter which side you support and the ending is perfect.
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