The First Princess of Wales

A Novel

By: Karen Harper

Narrated by: Bianca Amato

Length: 22 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Joan of Kent may have been the daughter of a disgraced earl, but there's more than meets the eye about this high-spirited and savvy woman...who soon changes the course of history.

At the height of the Middle Ages in the 14th century, King Edward III of England is determined to use any means necessary to expand his power and gain control of England's bitter rival, France. His own son, Edward, prince of Wales, is far from immune from his political plans. And when Joan of Kent, now free from exile, sees her chance for revenge, she takes it. A calculated plot to scandalize the royal family for revenge for her father's downfall and execution soon turns into the most surprising thing: love. When Joan learns that the prince of Wales actually returns her feelings, she has to make a decision: follow through her with plan or give it all up for true love? Will love cost her everything she's ever wanted?

The First Princess of Wales by New York Times best seller Karen Harper reveals a story full of scandal, royal intrigue, and the biggest figures of the Middle Ages - and a true love story that impacted the rest of British history.

©2006 Karen Harper (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

a story to take you away

love ...it ...a great story to keep you company...while driving or at home .The book was long but needed that time to mature caricatures.

Ms. Amato does it again!

I enjoyed this listen very much. The book came out when I was in high school and I treasured it. Their is no other narrator who could have done it justice. I suppose Ms. Harper believed that as well. Excellent!

like a beloved fairy tale

This story is magnificent. There is romance without gratuitous sex scenes, action, adventure, & history. I loved it. The narrator does a fantastic job with the different voices as well. Overall, I highly recommend.

One of the great love stories of history.

A tall, handsome warrior prince, star crossed lovers, a beautiful duchess and one of the great love stories of history. For every woman who secretly longs for a little romance—this one is for you.

Delightful diversion

Wonderful performance and light storyline with enough historical infusion to give a perspective of time and place.
Carsten development I though was quite good. I agree it is a romance novel but that’s ok .
Effortless listen

Title is Inaccurate

The narration is excellent. This book required the narrator to be many different characters with different accents including French words and phrases. The story is not about the first Princess of Wales but Joan of Kent's life before she became the princess. It is historically inaccurate, but it is historical fiction so grace is given to the author. Harper writes with beautiful lyrical language and has a flare for creating drama in mundane historical events. This is the 2nd book by Harper that I've read or listened to. This book leans heavily toward historical romance. It is more explicit than The Irish Princess. I will read or listen to more by her. I definitely want to listen to more books narrated by this narrator.

wonderful story, marvelously written and performed!

At first I had a little difficulty with the accents, but soon had grown accustomed to it. I believe it actually added to the overall experience.

Factually incorrect

Author took a lot of poetic license, history indicates that Joan chose to marry Thomas Holland a much older man without permission of the crown which was forbidden due to her rank and they did it in secret, they fought to be together even after she was promised to another man and married to Salisbury for 9 years before it was annulled so she could be with Holland, author also did not include Thomas Holland and Joan of Kent’s fourth child their daughter Maud or their 3rd son Edmund who died young and was named after her brother. The author also called their 3rd child Isabella named after the old Queen and the Princess, Bella for short, when her name instead was Joan, named after her own mother. And many more made up facts about Prince Edward and the battles. Also titles are off “Fair Maid of Kent” was used to describe Joan long after her death the same as “Black Prince” was used later in history to describe Edward and it’s debated as to whether it is was in relation to his armor or his dark moods. Princess Royale was not a title used until 1600’s which the author ascribes to Isabella. Purely fictional, enjoy historic fiction books much more. The author also infuses the characters with modern ideas and constructs. a fantasy romance book, very very loosely based on historical characters. On a high point the narration is very well done even though the storyline is not historically accurate and one dimensional. Good for a long flight or a cold night.

Overall fine… too long for what was offered

I was very interested at first to read about this character, and I’m a lover of historical fiction, so by no means was I expecting a completely factual account. However I found myself sleeping while listening to this more times than I can count. So many details about the fashion, architecture, food, scenery, etc. It truly felt like the book could have been much shorter and therefore more engaging. I only finished it to make it worth starting.

Love her voice

It's okay same basic line story as her other books I just wish it was a little bit more intriguing. And I don't know how much of it is true to fiction or fact.
Nonetheless, I just like listening to the voice because it calms me