This deserves better than 3 stars, but I'm wondering if a book should be a 'keeper' to rate 4. I expected this book to be hoky, but was pleasantly surprised. The back story provided a logical flow as to why Charity Beaufort was a suitable bride for the Prince Augustus of the Princedom of Jura (put me in mind of Monaco). The internal politics seem reasonable, as do the internal tensions between Charity & Augustus. The villan of the piece was believable--with lots of historical precedents. This story is unusual and has redeeming features worth the time to read it, but I don't consider it a keeper. ( )

about a young woman who marries the royal bride of a country beset by intrigue, betrayel, and greed, and their eventual happiness and love for each other ( )