A review by kateofmind
Mistress of the Court by Laura Purcell

emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is lightweight like a Jean Plaidy novel, though I found that Plaidy's book about Caroline of Ansbach to be a bit more substantial in its dealing with the politics of the day, in which Caroline enthusiastically and intelligently participated. Here Caroline shares equal time with her servant Henrietta Howard, who became the mistress of King George II and diverted his attention while Caroline effectively ruled the country. Howard's is a bit of a sad story, married to an abusive drunk and coping with considerable physical and emotional trauma as a result. She never gets a chance to develop trust in anyone until late on the story, but the fact that she eventually does will inspire or at least comfort many. I just wish there'd been a bit more depth. 
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