Prisoners in the Palace

Description

London, 1838. Sixteen-year-old Liza's dreams of her society debut are dashed when her parents are killed in an accident. Penniless, she accepts the position of lady's maid to young Princess Victoria and steps unwittingly into the gossipy intrigue of the servants' world below-stairs and the rampant trickery above. Is it possible that her changing circumstances may offer Liza the chance to determine her own fate, find true love, and secure the throne for her future queen? Meticulously based on newly discovered information, this engrossing novel is as rich in historical detail as Catherine, Called Birdy, and as sizzling with intrigue as The Luxe.

Michaela MacColl studied multi-disciplinary history at Vassar College and Yale University, which turns out to be the perfect degree for writing historical fiction.

"a whip-smart, spunky protagonist and a worthy heroine to root for. delightful"-Publishers Weekly "Liza's riches-to-rags-to-almost-riches story and her development into a young woman of high moral purpose, and Victoria's growth from a docile teen into a queen who would define an era, make this a great read."--School Library Journal, Starred Review Starred Review: "Through the eyes of her maid, readers get to know Princess Victoria during the year before she becomes queen. Down on her luck when the deaths of her parents leave her penniless and debt ridden, Liza finds employment at Kensington Palace. She quickly learns that Victoria is a virtual prisoner of her scheming mother and her mother s lover, who seek to control the future queen through a regency. Liza initially thinks only of ways to gain favor and influence, and, ultimately, money, from Victoria, but she gradually comes to feel compassion for the lonely and ill-treated 17-year-old. The emotional growth of both young women is the heart of the story, and it unfolds naturally because of a riveting plot full of conspiracy, sexual abuse of servants, treachery, and a great love story. There are references to prostitution, abortion, apparent suicide, and murder, but they are not gratuitous. Liza s riches-to-rags-to-almost-riches story and her development into a young woman of h PUBLISHERS WEEKLY a whip-smart, spunky protagonist and a worthy heroine to root for delightful\" SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, STARRED REVIEW \"Liza s riches-to-rags-to-almost-riches story and her development into a young woman of high moral purpose, and Victoria s growth from a docile teen into a queen who would define an era, make this a great read.\"--School Library Journal, Starred Review