Free courtesy of Netgalley

I really liked this book and it is the first book I have read from Wendy Holden. This book comes under the Historical Fiction genre but because it is recent history of felt more like the story was real because I have lived through the period the book is set.

The book is based on Lady Diana Spencer and her Friend Sandy. It starts when she attends boarding school and becomes friends with Sandy, so you get a feel of how school and home was for Diana when she was younger. The book then moves to her introduction to Prince Charles and how their relationship progresses and ends at the wedding.

The story is told from many of the players in the story and shows how this marriage and Diana was manipulated by the people around her.

I really enjoyed the book and wasn't sure if it was based on fact or a made up version of the story, this fact was cleared up in the Authors notes. The book has taken true facts, as written in other books and partly the Authors imagination. If this is anywhere close to how it was for Diana, it reinforced how I feel about Charles and Camilla, and why they would knowingly put a teenage girl through all the heartbreak that they did. If he didn't Love Diana, he should have stood up to his parents and said no, he is a weak man in my opinion.

I love the royal family and this book gave a peek into their lives. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves this genre or the royal family.

A very interesting fictional account of when Diana met King Charles, leading to their engagement. The story is told in 1992 when Diana has lunch with an old, fictional, friend. I certainly couldn't read this fast enough.

A poignant imagining of the life of the young Diana with enough factual context to make the story feel so true to real life.. A sad and endearing story in its own right as a fictional tale, it lends a depth to or understanding of the real Diana with its relatable and compelling account through the lens of a very young and vulnerable woman.

This book is an exceptional read, offering a captivating glimpse into the life of Diana, Princess of Wales. The author masterfully recounts how Diana confided in a childhood friend about the intricate manoeuvring and serendipitous events that led to her engagement to Prince Charles.

It raises an intriguing question: could the numerous Barbara Cartland novels adorning Diana’s bookshelves have influenced her aspirations, shaping her into a hopeful romantic yearning for her fairytale ending? This narrative brilliantly intertwines Diana’s real-life experiences with the romantic ideals she may have cherished, painting a poignant picture of a young woman seeking her "happily ever after."

Reading this new release evoked a sense of nostalgia, transporting me back to my teenage years and the excitement of witnessing the wedding of the century. For those who closely follow the British royal family or hold a special place in their hearts for Princess Diana, this book is an absolute must-read. Its compelling storytelling and intimate insights make it a valuable addition to any royal enthusiast's collection.

3.5/5.

The first book I've read by this author. The story of a young Princess Diana and how she was set up to meet and marry Prince Charles. From her young life in boarding school until her wedding day.

I’ve read many of Wendy Holden’s previous novels but this seems a change of subject and tone. However, as usual it is well written. It covers Princess Diana’s childhood up to the time of her marriage and although it is based on her real life it is fiction and covers her time at school and young friends etc.

Although I’ve read several previous books about Diana and watched many tv programmes about her, this was a refreshing change which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

A good read, but as much as I wanted to love this book as I’ve always admired Diana this just didn’t keep me hooked. I thought there would be more to it, but it felt like reading a magazine article. Sadly not for me.

To be honest we all know this story and how it ended and this book gives no real new insight into the situation. I appreciate it’s a work of fiction but felt like a rehash of tabloid fodder.

I always admired Diana when I was a child so I was excited to see a elements of the young Diana that I never knew.

So so soooo excited for this one! Wendy Holdens books are the BEST! I can’t wait to revisit young Diana. Her books are such a great combination of fact vs fiction but the way she writes them you can’t help but believe this is the way the events unfolded. A delightful read for fans of Diana and The Royal Family