A Foreign Crown by Jen Geigle Johnson

A Foreign Crown by Jen Geigle Johnson ISBN-13: 9781524413668 Paperback: 256 pages Publisher: Covenant Communications Released: August 3rd 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Following a devastating series of misfortunes, Lady Aribella Bardsley has bravely shouldered the responsibilities of her household. A summons arrives from the Queen with a providential offer: Aribella’s presence is requested as a lady-in-waiting at the palace.

Prince Layton Wilhelm’s family has clung to their neutrality in the war for far too long. As the youngest of the King of Oldenburg’s eight sons, Layton is determined to prove his worth and is unwilling to turn a blind eye to Napoleon’s encroaching privateers. When Layton embarks on a journey to England, it is for one purpose: to petition the British navy for aid. But when he becomes acquainted with the lovely Lady Aribella, he cannot deny their powerful connection. Amid the intrigues and schemes within the walls of the palace, Layton and Aribella know a future together is impossible—but torn between loyalty and love, will they risk everything to follow their hearts?


My Review:
A Foreign Crown is a romance set in 1810 in England. While historical details like King George's madness and war with Napoleon were woven into the story, the story still had a fairytale feel. This was partly because Layton and Arabella often spent time alone together, kissed intensely several times (even though they felt that their duty lay in marrying elsewhere), and Layton's belief that three British warships were sufficient to protect his country. (The author clearly envisioned naval warfare at this time as being one ship against another when it was usually fleets against each other.)

This book was primarily a romance, complete with love at first sight and an irresistible physical attraction between Layton and Arabella. Layton is so handsome and Arabella so beautiful. Arabella went to court to be a lady in waiting to the Queen, but the details about her meeting the Queen and getting settled in were skipped in preference to showing scenes where Layton and Arabella spent time together. However, the time that they spent together was not really in situations where they could get to know each other due to the nature of balls and court life. I didn't feel that Layton and Arabella were bad for each other, just that they didn't actually know each other.

Arabella had an open offer of marriage from a man she knows is kind, considerate, values her opinion, will probably be a good friend, etc. She knows of no bad thing about him except that he's not Layton. Honestly, I felt like the story sent the message of valuing heady romantic feelings of lust over valuing someone more certain to be a good marriage partner and probably provide a more lasting love. There was no sex or bad language.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.