Intended AudienceTrade
Reviews"The Mayfair Bookshop is a moving, touching tale of a Bright Young Thing turned bookseller/author and her quest to find fulfillment, inspiration, and love in the chaos of the WWII home front. Eliza Knight brings Nancy Mitford to life as an appealing and uncertain young heroine in the days before she is burnished by fame and success--you cannot help but cheer her toward her destiny!" -- Kate Quinn "A fascinating view of a pivotal moment in history told from the perspective of an extraordinary woman at the heart of it all. Filled with intrigue, heartbreak, passion, and daring, Eliza Knight beautifully celebrates the life and influence of Nancy Mitford. Vivid and unforgettable!" -- Chanel Cleeton, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author, on The Mayfair Bookshop "Knight brings to life the fascinating story of Nancy Mitford...Interspersed with stories from Nancy's point of view is a charming, contemporary, literary mystery...Readers will love the appearance of literary notables like Evelyn Waugh and enjoy the glimpse into the life of one of England's most fascinating (and scandal-ridden) families." -- Booklist on The Mayfair Bookshop "Just as Adele Astaire received standing ovations for her performances, so too does Eliza Knight deserve to be similarly acclaimed for this book. I can't believe I'd never heard of this incredible woman and I loved how the novel shone a well-deserved spotlight on this less famous but exceptionally talented Astaire sibling. Bravo Eliza Knight--and please take a bow. You've written a showstopper of a story." -- Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author, on Starring Adele Astaire "Starring Adele Astaire peels back the layers on Adele Astaire's life beyond the stage while highlighting how ferociously an intrepid dreamer must fight for an edge into the spotlight. Eliza Knight's in-depth research brings these stories to life in exquisite, vibrant detail that will captivate readers everywhere." -- Madeline Martin, New York Times and international bestselling author
Dewey Decimal813.6
SynopsisFrom USA Today bestselling author Eliza Knight comes an endearing and vivid novel told from the unique multi-narrative viewpoints of a young Queen Elizabeth; Hanna Penwyck, the fictionalized Keeper of the Queen's dogs; and Susan, the Queen's Corgi, whose love and loyalty were boundless. A reigning queen... Elizabeth wasn't born to be queen. But when her uncle abdicates and her father steps in as king, everything in her life changes. There is one thing that never wavers, however: her endearing love of her Corgis--especially the new puppy Susan, a gift for her eighteenth birthday. Susan is by her side during Elizabeth's WWII service, falling in love with Philip and getting married, the death of her father King George VI, her accession to the throne, the birth of her first child, and the early struggles with running a country--an ever-present reminder to find the balance between self and crown. A loyal servant... Hanna Penwyck has grown up with her family in service to the crown. Awkward and shy, she has a connection with nature, animals--and the young princesses at Windsor. When she becomes the Keeper of the Queen's Corgis, her job is to maintain the health and wellness of those most prized companions. With their shared love of the dogs, the Queen can open up to Hanna and feel free to be herself, so that is a service she happily provides as well. A faithful companion... From the moment Susan became a royal dog, her duty was clear: To remind Elizabeth that she is more than just a queen, she is a human, and what matters is not just duty and honor, but connection, family, and unconditional and enduring love. Susan is the keeper of memories, of secrets. Through Susan we gain a dog's eye view of royal life, human relationships, and the heartwarming bond between a queen and her beloved companion.