Girl on the Golden Coin

Starred review from January 13, 2014
Jefferson's intoxicating first novel superbly draws readers into the mischief and maneuverings, loyalties and treacheries, and lust and hostility of powerful 17th century kings and scheming court sycophants. Frances Stuart, a young distant cousin of King Charles II, and other historical figures reveal the essence of Restoration England in this captivating story. After the execution of Charles I and a controversial stint with Oliver Cromwell, the Stuart dynasty is restored to power in England 1660 with Charles II on the throne. Jefferson's story begins as Frances rejects French King Louis XIV's offer to make her his mistress. A vengeful Louis threatens to expose Stuart family secrets unless Frances returns to England to seduce King Charles, a political tactic intended to help establish a French-Anglo alliance. Jefferson aptly recounts the passionate affair and resulting potential "political calamity," the queen's infertility, the mistresses and illegitimate children, and the turmoil of London's devastating plague, the great fire and the Dutch war. Although the passage of years are somewhat rushed at the end, this is an exciting, solid debut.

February 15, 2014
Famously beautiful, Frances Stuart has been remembered throughout history as the woman who twice refused to be the mistress of a king. But what if she did submit to King Charles II? Using the historical framework of the restoration of the Stuart monarchy in England, Jefferson's debut novel imagines the romantic intrigues of the beautiful Frances Stuart. With her family recently returned to favor, Frances is eager to escape her mother's suffocating attention. Walking a fine line herself, Sophia Stuart lives cautiously, knowing her secret connection to the Villiers family and her position in the queen mother's court are precariously balanced on Frances' behavior. Yet Frances seizes upon a chance meeting with the rakish Duke of Buckingham to arrange an escape. Through Buckingham's influence, she gains a position as maid of honor to her friend, Henriette Anne, the new bride of Philippe, Duc d'Orleans. Philippe spends most of his time arranging trysts with the Chevalier de Lorraine, and Henriette Anne spends most of her time arranging trysts with Philippe's brother, King Louis XIV, a powerful man who soon finds his attentions wandering to Frances. But rejecting his advances lands Frances in even hotter waters, as the queen mother and Louis send her to England to seduce King Charles II. Louis wants to secure a political alliance through Frances; the queen mother wants to advance Catholic interests; but Frances wants to honorably serve the new queen of England, the rather sad Catherine of Braganca. Once she meets Charles, however, it's only a matter of time before she surrenders to him, sending the lovers on a course that leads to political and emotional disaster. Jealous women, competitive men, power struggles--the treacherous world of the court is familiar, predictable and disappointing.

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November 15, 2013

Frances Stuart knows she is related to English royalty, and so does the French crown. When she refuses to become King Louis XIV's mistress, he orders her back to England. Frances's return is not welcomed by her family, who must follow in her wake. Almost as soon as she steps off the boat, she is besieged by courtiers who want to ruin her reputation. The only man she cares about, however, is King Charles II, who holds the key to a fortuitous future for her and her family. VERDICT Jefferson's first novel focuses on a woman and time that recent historical novelists have overlooked: Restoration England. Unfortunately, aside from that novelty, the book fails to create any sense of urgency, turmoil, or tumult that courtiers of the time faced--and that historical fiction fans demand in their novels. Jefferson's work is good, but don't be surprised if readers lose interest after a while; one copy should do the trick for libraries with large historical fiction fan bases.--Audrey Jones, Washington, DC

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2013
Jefferson fictionalizes the life of a little-knownyet exceedingly familiarhistorical figure in her authentically detailed debut. Young Frances Stuart is caught in the crosshairs of history as a notable dynastic struggle determines her early fate. Exiled in France, she utilizes her beauty and her intelligence to great effect, catching the roving eye of Louis XIV. Sent to London on a secret mission after the restoration of the monarchy, she not only captivates Charles II but falls in love with him as well. Faced with some difficult choices regarding love, loyalty, family, and duty, Frances staunchly follows her own path into the annals of history as she poses as a model for the visage of Britannia, destined to grace coins, medals, and statues for centuries. This small leap from the Tudors is a must-read for Alison WeirPhilippa Gregory fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)