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The Rebel Princess: A novel of Sophia Dorothea of Celle
A compelling historical novel set in the Hanoverian court! Perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory, Alison Weir, Jean Plaidy and Elizabeth Chadwick.
A beautiful young princess is torn between head and heart…
Germany, 1682
When Sophia Dorothea, daughter of the Duke of Celle, is thrust into a loveless arranged marriage at the age of just sixteen, she feels as if her world has come to an end.
Forced by her father to marry George Louis, Prince of Hanover – the future King George I of Great Britain – the spirited young woman dreams of her childhood sweetheart, Count Philip von Königsmarck, whom she still loves passionately.
Against her will the unhappy princess is drawn into the excesses of the wildly hedonistic Hanoverian court. She soon makes an enemy in the shape of the treacherous Countess Clara von Platen, who is insanely jealous of Sophia Dorothea and determined to bring ruin upon her.
When Count Philip re-enters Sophia Dorothea’s life, both are desperate to resume their romance, but pride and stubbornness conspire to keep them apart – until Sophia Dorothea takes a reckless gamble. A gamble that could cost both the young lovers dearly…
Will fear and convention keep her bound to the side of a man she despises? Can the star-crossed lovers find happiness together?
Or is their forbidden love fated to end in tragedy?
THE REBEL PRINCESS is a romantic historical biographical novel set in the 17th century Hanoverian court and based on true events.
‘Doris Leslie has always been famed for the vivid way she paints her biographical novels and this is no exception. She plunges the reader right into the intrigue and debaucheries of a court dedicated to anything rather than ruling a country.’ – BOOKS & BOOKMEN
A beautiful young princess is torn between head and heart…
Germany, 1682
When Sophia Dorothea, daughter of the Duke of Celle, is thrust into a loveless arranged marriage at the age of just sixteen, she feels as if her world has come to an end.
Forced by her father to marry George Louis, Prince of Hanover – the future King George I of Great Britain – the spirited young woman dreams of her childhood sweetheart, Count Philip von Königsmarck, whom she still loves passionately.
Against her will the unhappy princess is drawn into the excesses of the wildly hedonistic Hanoverian court. She soon makes an enemy in the shape of the treacherous Countess Clara von Platen, who is insanely jealous of Sophia Dorothea and determined to bring ruin upon her.
When Count Philip re-enters Sophia Dorothea’s life, both are desperate to resume their romance, but pride and stubbornness conspire to keep them apart – until Sophia Dorothea takes a reckless gamble. A gamble that could cost both the young lovers dearly…
Will fear and convention keep her bound to the side of a man she despises? Can the star-crossed lovers find happiness together?
Or is their forbidden love fated to end in tragedy?
THE REBEL PRINCESS is a romantic historical biographical novel set in the 17th century Hanoverian court and based on true events.
‘Doris Leslie has always been famed for the vivid way she paints her biographical novels and this is no exception. She plunges the reader right into the intrigue and debaucheries of a court dedicated to anything rather than ruling a country.’ – BOOKS & BOOKMEN
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2023
About the author
Doris Leslie
56 books2 followersDoris Leslie, the English novelist and historical biographer.
Her first novel, ''The Starling,'' published in 1927, was a success and she produced 13 more. But her reputation rests with her historical biographies, beginning with ''Royal William,'' a study of King William IV that appeared in 1940.
''Polonaise,'' a life of Chopin, was a best seller, as were ''This For Caroline,'' a biography of Lady Caroline Lamb, and ''The Scepter and the Rose,'' the story of Charles II and Catherine of Braganza.
She was married and widowed twice, and had no children. Her second husband was Sir Walter Hannay, who died in 1961.
Her first novel, ''The Starling,'' published in 1927, was a success and she produced 13 more. But her reputation rests with her historical biographies, beginning with ''Royal William,'' a study of King William IV that appeared in 1940.
''Polonaise,'' a life of Chopin, was a best seller, as were ''This For Caroline,'' a biography of Lady Caroline Lamb, and ''The Scepter and the Rose,'' the story of Charles II and Catherine of Braganza.
She was married and widowed twice, and had no children. Her second husband was Sir Walter Hannay, who died in 1961.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
June 1, 2024
Not for me
I really wanted to enjoy this book. The synopsis stated that this was for fans of Philippa Gregory (which I am a huge fan) but I don't see the similarities. It was much too dry for my taste. I like a balance between dialogue and narrative and this book was heavy on the latter. I found myself skipping through much of it. Too bad as Sophia Dorothea is not someone who much is written about. I have a few other of this authors books in my queue and will give another chance but if the same, I will move on.
I really wanted to enjoy this book. The synopsis stated that this was for fans of Philippa Gregory (which I am a huge fan) but I don't see the similarities. It was much too dry for my taste. I like a balance between dialogue and narrative and this book was heavy on the latter. I found myself skipping through much of it. Too bad as Sophia Dorothea is not someone who much is written about. I have a few other of this authors books in my queue and will give another chance but if the same, I will move on.
Displaying 1 of 1 review