The First Princess of Wales

A Novel

De: Karen Harper

Narrado por: Bianca Amato

Joan of Kent may have been the daughter of a disgraced earl, but there's more than meets the eye about this high-spirited and savvy woman...who soon changes the course of history.

At the height of the Middle Ages in the 14th century, King Edward III of England is determined to use any means necessary to expand his power and gain control of England's bitter rival, France. His own son, Edward, prince of Wales, is far from immune from his political plans. And when Joan of Kent, now free from exile, sees her chance for revenge, she takes it. A calculated plot to scandalize the royal family for revenge for her father's downfall and execution soon turns into the most surprising thing: love. When Joan learns that the prince of Wales actually returns her feelings, she has to make a decision: follow through her with plan or give it all up for true love? Will love cost her everything she's ever wanted?

The First Princess of Wales by New York Times best seller Karen Harper reveals a story full of scandal, royal intrigue, and the biggest figures of the Middle Ages - and a true love story that impacted the rest of British history.

©2006 Karen Harper (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

Ms. Amato does it again!

I enjoyed this listen very much. The book came out when I was in high school and I treasured it. Their is no other narrator who could have done it justice. I suppose Ms. Harper believed that as well. Excellent!

a story to take you away

love ...it ...a great story to keep you company...while driving or at home .The book was long but needed that time to mature caricatures.

like a beloved fairy tale

This story is magnificent. There is romance without gratuitous sex scenes, action, adventure, & history. I loved it. The narrator does a fantastic job with the different voices as well. Overall, I highly recommend.

One of the great love stories of history.

A tall, handsome warrior prince, star crossed lovers, a beautiful duchess and one of the great love stories of history. For every woman who secretly longs for a little romance—this one is for you.

Title is Inaccurate

The narration is excellent. This book required the narrator to be many different characters with different accents including French words and phrases. The story is not about the first Princess of Wales but Joan of Kent's life before she became the princess. It is historically inaccurate, but it is historical fiction so grace is given to the author. Harper writes with beautiful lyrical language and has a flare for creating drama in mundane historical events. This is the 2nd book by Harper that I've read or listened to. This book leans heavily toward historical romance. It is more explicit than The Irish Princess. I will read or listen to more by her. I definitely want to listen to more books narrated by this narrator.

Delightful diversion

Wonderful performance and light storyline with enough historical infusion to give a perspective of time and place.
Carsten development I though was quite good. I agree it is a romance novel but that’s ok .
Effortless listen

wonderful story, marvelously written and performed!

At first I had a little difficulty with the accents, but soon had grown accustomed to it. I believe it actually added to the overall experience.

Predictable at times but well written

I have to start by saying I love this time period and the narration of the story. Some parts are predictable but overall it kept me wanting to listen more and more.

Great Historical Fiction—Lots of Sex

I learned a great deal about the era of Edward III, the Black Prince, and Joan of Kent—along with the tragic story of her family members. Karen Harper is masterful with both characterization and plot, especially with suspense and cliffhangers!

I realize some readers crave the inclusion of as much sex as possible. Many popular series are famous for this. My husband joked that I listen to “historical porno,” which was certainly true with this novel. It’s certainly one you wouldn’t want to play through your car speakers during a family trip. It would be great for a driving trip with girlfriends or anyone craving physical romance, especially with its satisfying conclusion.

Entertainment and Informative

I enjoyed this book very much but it's a bit tedious towards the beginning. And quite a few of the encounters between Prince Edward and the main character are a little 'rape-y' and very uncomfortable.