Nell Hampton

I was so looking forward to a brand new series set in one of my favorite London spots, Kensington Palace. However, from the very first page, I knew I was going to be extremely let down. This author's father might "love all things British", but she definitely needs to spend some time there---or hire a British editor---or both.

The many, many inaccurate English stereotypes were painful. "Cream tea" is not cream in the tea---they take milk. They wear "jeans and athletic shoes" just like we do---that's not a dead giveaway to being American. Everyone I've ever met from way up north to way down south dresses just like we Americans do. In fact, the complete idiocy of the main character is painful. ("How could you tell I was American---are my clothes that odd?" "No, it's your accent...") Um, duh? I've never had anyone in England ask me if I was American---they're smart enough to figure that out when I speak---but especially not in London. Does the author realize how many foreign-born people work and reside in London?

She would not have shown up to the palace completely clueless on royal protocol. There are lots of chefs in England that could have filled in at the last minute---she would have been briefed and given the "proper badge" before ever being ushered into the private apartments. Who doesn't know the toddler prince is older than his sister? The frustrating and unnecessary blithering goes on ad nauseam, to the expense of what could be a good story. A few minor missteps here and there would have given her some character---ignorances of basic terms and phrases seem overly contrived and completely unbelievable.

The writing is very, very juvenile. The constant descriptions of clothing is irritating and the repetitious writing style makes me feel like I'm reading my nine year old self's attempts at fiction. Way too much unnecessary back and forth dialogue.

In my opinion, the problems with this book are not necessarily the fault of the author. They're the fault of the editor who didn't push her to do her research and make the experiences as authentic as possible. I think this is especially important when one is writing about something she's not familiar with.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.… (más)