I enjoyed the book and it was a bit different from other books that I have read about Minette. Those books implied that she was entranced by Louis at a very early age, whereby, in this book it doesn't present itself that way. I loved the balance between narrative and dialogue (I prefer books heavy on dialogue) and the descriptions of the clothing and castles were wonderful. The book took its time in telling the story and I eagerly await the sequel. ( )

This is the story of Henriette-Anne, youngest child of the doomed Charles I of England, affectionately known in the family as Minette. She was born during the Civil War while both parents were on the run from Cromwell's Parliamentarian Army. The novel begins when Minette is eleven, living in exile in France with her mother and brothers Charles, James, and Harry, and it ends with her marriage to Philippe, younger brother of Louis XIV. (A second installment is forthcoming.)

Clegg presents a sympathetic portrait of the royal family in exile--with the exception of Queen Henrietta-Maria, who seems bound to end her son's chances of ever being returned to the throne by pushing her staunch Catholicism and constantly complaining about her income and status. Minette has been raised as French child for as long as she can remember, but even she realizes that her brother Charles has to make decisions and sacrifices with the goal of regaining the throne always in mind.

Through Minette's eyes, we get an intriguing, colorful portrait of court manners and politics and of the impoverished state in which the royal Stuarts were left. By the end of the novel, Charles has been returned to power, and Minette herself has just joined the upper ranks of French society. The characters are generally well drawn and developed. I'm looking forward to the sequel, as I already know a little about Minette's ultimate fate. ( )