Queen Charlotte

Before the Bridgertons Came the Love Story That Changed the Ton...

By: Julia Quinn, Shonda Rhimes

Narrated by: Natalie Simpson

Length: 12 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Go beyond the original Shondaland series on Netflix, Queen Charlotte, with this lushly romantic Bridgerton prequel novel written by New York Times bestselling authors Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes as the marriage of Queen Charlotte and King George of England leads to an unexpected love story and a union that transforms society.

In 1761, on a sunny day in September, a King and Queen met for the very first time. They were married within hours.

Born a German Princess, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz was beautiful, headstrong, and fiercely intelligent… not precisely the attributes the British Court had been seeking in a spouse for the young King George III. But her fire and independence were exactly what she, and her King, needed.

Because George has secrets… secrets with the potential to shake the very foundations of the monarchy.

Thrust into her new role, Charlotte must navigate the intricate politics of the court—with the newly-titled Lady Danbury at her side—all the while guarding her heart, because she is falling in love with the King…even as he pushes her away. Now, Charlotte must learn to rule, and to understand that she has been given the power to remake society, fulfilling her destiny as Queen. But she also has to fight for the love growing between her and George as people first, royals second. As she says to him: “Fight with me! Fight for me!”

©2022 Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

BRB.. sobbing!

I listened to this audible right after binge watching the 6 episodes of Queen Charlotte on Netflix. I was pleased to find that it VERY closely followed the show which makes sense since it was written concurrently. It was still nice to hear of some scenes that may have been omitted or to learn a little bit more about the background. I hope there is a season 2 or a second book because I think this story is better than the other two Bridgerton seasons. I have read some of the Bridgerton books and this story had a different tone. I’d love to know more about Queen Charlotte’s story.

Time to watch QC

This back story was amazing. I am so glad I listened to the book first. I love the small details and how they were described. And connecting the wall scene at the beginning and at the end, seems perfect and romantic.

I loved it

I watched the show on Netflix and now have read the book! I love both the show had stuff the book didn’t and vis versa but each made both the show and book great!! Thank you

Queen Charlotte is a real person

Queen Charlotte is real and this book & show did it every bit of justice it deserved.
This book is better than the show & the show was my favorite bridgerton yet!

A 👀 at the many turns ↖️⬇️➡️⬆️↘️ in relationships

Although this is a romance novel, this book 📕 touches on several types of relationships: sibling, spousal, friendships, loverships, parent/child, doctor/patient, forbidden love, political, pet/owner, frienemies and more.

I very much enjoyed the details about the complexities of mental health and touching on how things used to be done to assist mental illness, and how a person who is having challenges with mentally wellness may think 💭 and behave.

I appreciated the various interpretations of loyalty to others vs. self; How we can easily misinterpret the what is best for another and create pain for ourselves and others.

I found myself curious about whether I would rush or shortcut because of watching the Netflix series. I did not. Actually I’m going to watch the series again because the book 📕 has made me want to see if I missed it or has the book changed things. Either way, I’m 👀 forward to it.

I give the book and performance 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ because I very much enjoyed it and have sent it to friends. The performance put me in the setting and I got lost with the actors and that’s a win. Well done all!

Must Read

I very much enjoyed this selfless love story! This story has so may layers of firsts. The woes and wonders of love to the woes of being a women and even a man. The expectation of others can be a crippling feat to handle but as long as you have love anything is durable. To “not go over the wall” takes courage!

MY HEART CALLS YOUR NAME! 💞💞

The book and the series are one in the same. I enjoyed listening to this very much! I had to slow myself down and savor it. A love that brought about a new day in the world, against the ropes they fought; George and Charlotte are and were a true love match

Beautiful story!

This was a beautiful story of love, loyalty and endurance. It explained a little more than the show. I love both equally.

Continuation to television show

This continuation to TV is fabulous! I enjoyed every bit of it. Job well done!!

Wonderful addition!

I absolutely adored this book! I also adored the Netflix series! There is something so special about this love story.