Romancing the Throne

March 15, 2017
Courtney whips up a frothy, modern fairy tale, dealing with everything from sibling rivalry to protection of privacy.Libby and Charlotte Weston are more than just sisters--they're besties. Even attending separate prep schools, the nouveau riche white girls text daily. So narrator Charlotte's ecstatic when Libby must switch schools, joining her at prestigious Sussex Park, where England's wealthy scions come to be educated. As Charlotte reaches out to smooth the way for her older sister to fit in with her -in- crowd, Libby finds that she too can make friends in this rarified group...especially with her sister's new crush, Prince Edward, heir to the throne. In the same school, in a tight-knit circle of social elite, all seems to be going well until something becomes obvious: there are two sisters but only one prince. Choices need to be made...and someone will be hurt along the way. Starting off slowly, Courtney builds a solid cast of characters, spreading out from the sisters and the prince to their coterie of friends--the jet-setting, jealous heiress, the lesbian society girl still looking for love, the boy who tries too hard to fit in, the responsible dorm proctor...they're all here and very recognizable even if their world appears to be more shallow than glamorous. A light and fluffy read with a solid life lesson lending structure. (Chick lit. 14-18)

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May 1, 2017

Gr 7 Up-Sisters Charlotte and Libby Weston both fall for Edward, the prince of Britain and heir to the throne. Set in modern-day England, this contemporary novel takes place at the sisters' fancy boarding school, where Edward is also a student. The plot takes a long time to build up to the main conflict-the scandal that occurs approximately halfway through the book when Libby "takes" Prince Edward away from Charlotte-but it begins to pick up after that. Courtney's writing style is descriptive, and the premise is romantic, which will win over many teens. The setup and the character development are refreshing and enjoyable. Protagonists have their own personalities, which makes them memorable and distinguishable. In addition to dealing with the main conflict, the sisters and their friends also face typical high school drama. More character focused than plot-driven, this fun, easy read will interest those looking for a sweet romance with nuanced sister relationships. VERDICT For young teens who are fans of YA love stories with a twist of glamor, money, and modern fairy tales.-Danielle Jacobs, Las Vegas Clark County Library District

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