A Royal Likeness

Title ~ A Royal Likeness
Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Christine Trent
Release Date ~ December 28, 2010
Age Group ~ Young Adult
Publisher ~ Kensington
Source ~ Kindle Store

Goodreads Summary

As heiress to the famous Laurent Fashion Dolls business, Marguerite Ashby's future seems secure. But France still seethes with violence in the wake of the Revolution. And when Marguerite's husband Nicholas is killed during a riot at their shop, she leaves home vowing never to return. Instead, the young widow travels to Edinburgh and joins her old friend, Marie Tussaud, who has established a touring wax exhibition.
Under the great Tussaud's patient instruction, Marguerite learns to mold wax into stunningly lifelike creations. When Prime Minister William Pitt commissions a wax figure of military hero Admiral Nelson, Marguerite becomes immersed in a dangerous adventure--and earns the admiration of two very different men. And as Britain battles to overthrow Napoleon and flush out spies against the Crown, Marguerite will find her own loyalties, and her heart, under fire from all sides.

With wit, flair, and a masterful eye for telling details, Christine Trent brings one of history's most fascinating eras to vibrant life in an unforgettable story of desire, ambition, treachery, and courage.

Review

A Royal Likeness takes place some years after The Queen’s Dollmaker. In this spin-of book, the doll shop that Claudette has made famous in France is now run by Marguerite. Both characters are very much alike – smart, feisty, talented, attracts trouble – your typical Girl Power material. I live for this type of character!

Let me tell you a little about Marie Tussaud, who made life-like wax figures of famous Europeans. Not only was she incredibly talented with wax, but she also had the business sense of a corporate CEO. Marie would probably win if she were on The Apprentice with Donald Trump.

Christine Trent knows her stuff when it comes to European history and wax figures. She explained how these wax figures come to life and how the detailed sets are created. Really cool stuff.

It’s not all business for Marguerite. She has some unexpected adventures on a military ship including two military men who have major crushes on her. It all leads up to the Battle of Trafalgar. The battle scenes are intense and grizzly – just like they should be.

So there you have it; wax figures, apprentice material, romance, action, and a battle. It sounds like a crazy combination, but it works and I enjoyed A Royal Likeness.

Rating

4 Liked

Cover Comments

Marguerite’s dress is a beautiful and regal color. The gold font looks rich and perfect for this book. Love!