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The Queen's Fortune
- A Novel of Desiree, Napoleon, and the Dynasty That Outlasted the Empire
- Narrated by: Justine Eyre
- Length: 15 hrs and 49 mins
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Publisher's summary
A sweeping novel about the extraordinary woman who captured Napoleon’s heart, created a dynasty, and changed the course of history - from the New York Times best-selling author of The Traitor's Wife, The Accidental Empress, and Sisi.
“I absolutely loved The Queen’s Fortune, the fascinating, little-known story of Desiree Clary - the woman Napoleon left for Josephine - who ultimately triumphed and became queen of Sweden.” (Martha Hall Kelly, New York Times best-selling author of Lilac Girls)
As the French revolution ravages the country, Desiree Clary is faced with the life-altering truth that the world she has known and loved is gone, and it’s fallen on her to save her family from the guillotine.
A chance encounter with Napoleon Bonaparte, the ambitious and charismatic young military prodigy, provides her answer. When her beloved sister, Julie, marries his brother, Joseph, Desiree and Napoleon’s futures become irrevocably linked. Quickly entering into their own passionate, dizzying courtship that leads to a secret engagement, they vow to meet in the capital once his career has been secured. But her newly laid plans with Napoleon turn to sudden heartbreak, thanks to the rising star of Parisian society, Josephine de Beauharnais. Once again, Desiree’s life is turned on its head.
Swept to the glittering halls of the French capital, Desiree is plunged into the inner circle of the new ruling class, becoming further entangled with Napoleon, his family, and the new Empress. But her fortunes shift once again when she meets Napoleon's confidant and star general, the indomitable Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte. As the two men in Desiree’s life become political rivals and military foes, the question that arises is: Must she choose between the love of her new husband and the love of her nation and its emperor?
From the lavish estates of the French Riviera to the raucous streets of Paris and Stockholm, Desiree finds herself at the epicenter of the rise and fall of an empire, navigating a constellation of political giants and dangerous, shifting alliances. Emerging from an impressionable girl into a fierce young woman, she discovers that to survive in this world she must learn to rely upon her instincts and her heart.
Allison Pataki’s meticulously researched and brilliantly imagined novel sweeps listeners into the unbelievable life of a woman almost lost to history - a woman who, despite the swells of a stunning life and a tumultuous time, not only adapts and survives but, ultimately, reigns at the helm of a dynasty that outlasts an empire.
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Critic reviews
“In The Queen’s Fortune, Allison Pataki chronicles Desiree, the secret lover of Napoleon Bonaparte. When Napoleon chooses Josephine over her, the heartbroken Desiree finds herself entangled with Napoleon, Josephine and the new ruling class. Pataki deftly weaves a tangled web of passion, deception and intrigue, set against one of the most tumultuous periods in history, making for a heady cocktail which readers will devour.” (Pam Jenoff, New York Times best-selling author of The Lost Girls of Paris)
“I absolutely loved The Queen’s Fortune, the fascinating, little-known story of Desiree Clary - the woman Napoleon left for Josephine - who ultimately triumphed and became queen of Sweden.” (Martha Hall Kelly, New York Times best-selling author of Lost Roses and Lilac Girls)
“Allison Pataki is a masterful historical author at the top of her game. From the very first lyrical lines of The Queen’s Fortune, I was wholly swept into the entrancing world of Desiree Clary Bernadotte. Painstaking research and page-turning prose placed me directly at the side of this remarkable yet lesser-known figure, journeying from innocent girlhood to seasoned royalty, a survivor of guillotine threats, palace politics, and strains of the heart. I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end.” (Kristina McMorris, New York Times best-selling author of Sold on a Monday and The Edge of Lost)
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In March of 1603, as she helps to nurse the dying Queen Elizabeth of England, Frances Gorges dreams of her parents’ country estate, where she has learned to use flowers and herbs to become a much-loved healer. She is happy to stay at home when King James of Scotland succeeds to the throne. His court may be shockingly decadent, but his intolerant Puritanism sees witchcraft in many of the old customs - punishable by death.
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I’ve read hundreds of historical fiction books....
- By K&T on 08-03-18
By: Tracy Borman
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Love Practically
- The Penn-Leiths of Thistle Muir, Book 1
- By: Nichole Van
- Narrated by: Mhairi Morrison
- Length: 11 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
As a young woman, Leah Penn-Leith fell hopelessly in love with Captain Fox Carnegie—the only irrational mark on her decidedly sensible life. Fox, unfortunately, did not return her regard. Their story should have ended there—Fox left for India and Leah returned home to Scotland to rear her much younger brothers. Twenty years later, Fox appears on Leah's doorstep—older, scarred, and world-weary—proposing a marriage of convenience between them.
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Great book!
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By: Nichole Van
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The Second Empress
- A Novel of Napoleon's Court
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Story
After the bloody French Revolution, Emperor Napoleon’s power is absolute. When Marie-Louise, the 18-year-old daughter of the King of Austria, is told that the Emperor has demanded her hand in marriage, her father presents her with a terrible choice: marry the cruel, capricious Napoleon, leaving the man she loves and her home forever, or say no, and plunge her country into war. Marie-Louise knows what she must do, and she travels to France, determined to be a good wife despite Napoleon’s reputation. But lavish parties greet her in Paris, and at the extravagant French court, she finds many rivals for her husband’s affection....
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A brilliant novel!
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My Last Duchess
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Story
Hugo Wilde, the duke of Lindow, has a drafty castle, eight naughty children - and no wife. Ophelia, Lady Astley, has a fine house, one well-behaved daughter - and no husband. Hugo takes one look at Ophelia and loses his heart, but she doesn’t want more children or a castle. She takes one look at him and heads for her carriage. Desperate to find a duchess, Hugo identifies an appropriate lady to woo. Yet when he meets Ophelia again, the duke realizes that he will marry her, or no one.
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Delightful!
- By Beckymmoe on 11-02-20
By: Eloisa James
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The Age of Innocence
- By: Edith Wharton
- Narrated by: David Horovitch
- Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Countess Ellen Olenska, separated from her European husband, returns to old New York society. She bears with her an independence and an awareness of life which stirs the educated sensitivity of the charming Newland Archer, engaged to be married to her cousin, May Welland. Though he accepts the society's standards and rules he is acutely aware of their limitations. He knows May will assure him a conventional future but Ellen, scandalously separated from her husband, forces Archer to question his values and beliefs.
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Narrated to Perfection
- By Ilana on 09-18-12
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The Heiress
- The Revelations of Anne de Bourgh
- By: Molly Greeley
- Narrated by: Ell Potter
- Length: 11 hrs and 44 mins
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
As a fussy baby, Anne de Bourgh was prescribed laudanum to quiet her, and now the young woman must take the opium-heavy tincture every day. Growing up sheltered and confined, removed from sunshine and fresh air, the pale and overly slender Anne grew up with few companions except her cousins, including Fitzwilliam Darcy. Throughout their childhoods, it was understood that Darcy and Anne would marry and combine their vast estates of Pemberley and Rosings. But Darcy does not love Anne or want her.
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A beautiful work of historical fiction
- By Alex M on 02-21-21
By: Molly Greeley
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The Dead Travel Fast
- By: Deanna Raybourn
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With a modest inheritance and the three gowns that comprise her entire wardrobe, Theodora leaves Edinburgh—and a disappointed suitor—far behind. She is bound for Romania, where tales of vampires are still whispered, to visit an old friend and write the book that will bring her true independence. She arrives at a magnificent, decaying castle in the Carpathians, replete with eccentric inhabitants, including the castle’s master, Count Andrei Dragulescu.
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Process vs getting their
- By Aryn on 04-29-11
By: Deanna Raybourn
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Silent in the Grave
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Let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave. These ominous words, slashed from the pages of a book of Psalms, are the last threat that the darling of London society, Sir Edward Grey, receives from his killer. Before he can show them to Nicholas Brisbane, the private inquiry agent he has retained for his protection, Sir Edward collapses and dies at his London home, in the presence of his wife, Julia, and a roomful of dinner guests.
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Happily surprised
- By 9S on 07-04-09
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The Ladies Most...
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From Julia Quinn, author of the Bridgerton series, now streaming on Netflix - writing along with close friends and popular authors Eloisa James and Connie Brockway - comes The Ladies Most...: a duo of cleverly crafted novels, The Lady Most Likely and The Lady Most Willing, together for the first time.
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Most disappointing!
- By Jeanne on 08-09-21
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Mistletoe Christmas
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Overall
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Story
The Duke of Greystoke’s Christmas Revelry is famous throughout the British Isles for its plays, dancing, magical grotto...not to mention scandals leading to the marriage licenses he hands out like confetti. But not everyone welcomes a visit from Cupid.
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Too much relationship drama
- By 🔥 Phx17 🔥 on 12-18-22
By: Eloisa James, and others
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The Sisters of Versailles
- Mistresses of Versailles Series # 1
- By: Sally Christie
- Narrated by: Elizabeth Wiley
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Set against the lavish backdrop of the French Court in the early years of the 18th century, The Sisters of Versailles is the extraordinary tale of the five Nesle sisters - Louise, Pauline, Diane, Hortense, and Marie-Anne - four of whom became mistresses to King Louis XV. Their scandalous story is stranger than fiction but true in every shocking, amusing, and heartbreaking detail.Court intriguers are beginning to sense that young King Louis XV, after seven years of marriage, is tiring of his Polish wife.
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Best book I've listened to in ages
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The Mistletoe Countess
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Mistletoe is beautiful and dangerous, much like the woman from Lord Frederick’s Percy’s past, so when he turns over a new leaf and arranges to marry for his estate, instead of his heart, he never expects the wrong bride to be the right choice. Gracelynn Ferguson never expected to take her elder sister’s place as a Christmas bride, but when she’s thrust into the choice, she will trust in her faithful novels and overactive imagination to help her not only win Frederick’s heart but also to solve the murder mystery of Havensbrook Hall.
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Normally I shy away from religious fiction...
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The Holly and the Ivy
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As nursemaid to the eight-year-old Duke of Kielder, Robbie will spend her holidays with her young charge as a guest of Lord and Lady Jonquil. While the couple makes the child’s holiday magical, the handsome gardener works his own magic on Nurse Robbie’s heart. A Christmas house party offers two members of the ton an irresistible weekend of anonymity. But their charade comes with unexpected romantic consequences. Alice Hunt is searching for a Christmas miracle: a husband of her choosing. With the threat of an arranged marriage looming, she looks to an unlikely matchmaker for help.
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Great stories!
- By k.vano on 03-05-23
By: Sarah M. Eden, and others
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After the bloody French Revolution, Emperor Napoleon’s power is absolute. When Marie-Louise, the 18-year-old daughter of the King of Austria, is told that the Emperor has demanded her hand in marriage, her father presents her with a terrible choice: marry the cruel, capricious Napoleon, leaving the man she loves and her home forever, or say no, and plunge her country into war. Marie-Louise knows what she must do, and she travels to France, determined to be a good wife despite Napoleon’s reputation. But lavish parties greet her in Paris, and at the extravagant French court, she finds many rivals for her husband’s affection....
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Lucy Duff Gordon knows she is talented. She sees color, light, and texture in ways few people can begin to imagine. But is the male dominated world of haute couture, who would use her art for their own gain, ready for her? When she is deserted by her wealthy husband, Lucy is left penniless with an aging mother and her five-year-old daughter to support. Desperate to survive, Lucy turns to her one true talent to make a living. A
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What listeners say about The Queen's Fortune
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Sara Nix
- 06-05-21
Unnatural Narration
I cannot tell you how many books I have had to send back to audible because I can hardly bear the unnatural and strange intonation of the narrators. If I were the author I would be simply furious at some of the narrators chosen to read their works. This is a fantastic story! I am enjoying the information and the history so much. However the unnatural rising of the voice at the end of nearly every phrase and sentence is simply not the way that people talk!!! I wish the narrators would just speak in a much more natural voice. Many of them do this theatrical business where they try to change internation and inflection I guess to create interest. But it is very irritating to listen to and you fall Into only listening to the sing- songy and in natural movement of the speech rather than the story.
If I could say anything to the professional narrators out there many of whom are wonderful I would say just speak in a normal inflection and tone of normal speech.
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- Jamie Finch
- 04-20-24
Great Story about France
I learned a lot about France after the revolution. My favorite kind of historical fiction!
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- Volley
- 05-23-20
Magnifique!
A truly captivating story performed by an exceptional actress! I was enthralled by Désirée‘s story from the beginning to the end. It is amazing how one woman’s life was entwined with so many famous historical figures - and I’d never heard of her until reading this book. I admire Desiree for her long life and for surviving everything that had been happening in her world at the time. An incredible story of an incredible woman and of France!
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- jdd
- 05-18-23
Really fabulous!
Couldn’t put it down! I thought the writing was so good I felt as if I were there. Of course Justine Eyre is flawless! This book just zipped by so fast I intend to listen to it again!
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- Charlene Mickie Constantino
- 09-13-23
Excellent account of history
These historical accounts should be used in classes to capture young students instead of the history typically taught.
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- Mary Smiroldo
- 03-30-22
The Queen’s Fortune
Captivating story about the life of Napoleon Bonaparte and his loves. I thought the title was completely misleading. I enjoyed the story very much, but didn’t understand until the end just how the title fit. My only complaint was, as so many other reviewers have stated, the narrator. I have listened to her narrate other novels, so I knew what I was in for. I just really wanted to listen to this story, so I gritted my teeth, and bought this book. Unfortunately, she hasn’t changed. It was exactly as I remembered. Some of her pronunciations are laughable, and I had to take a few breaks while listening. That being said, I was very engrossed in the story from beginning to end. I don’t know how Justine Eyre became a narrator, but, in my opinion, she should find a new line of work.
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- Susan B
- 03-29-23
Great storytelling!!!
This is how I like my novels…engrossing and informative about historical events. One of the best I’ve listened to. Excellent narration!!!
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- Julie Swaab
- 01-16-24
Fantastic History And Story
Wonderful story about the lives of historic people you may not have heard about but are important to the bigger picture. Interesting connections to Napoleon and Josephine and the Swedish crown, to this day. I enjoyed the narrator’s different voices and intonations used for the different characters.
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- Noha Khalifeh
- 07-13-24
Captivating
Great story about women’s challenges and strengths throughout history. The narrator’s pronunciation and voice is captivating and warm that makes you connect with the character immediately.
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- Kelly
- 04-12-22
Very Enjoyable!
I found this book very interesting from start to finish. Great Read! I always looked forward to having time to spend spend listening.
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