The Head That Wears the Crown

By: Mariah Stewart

Narrated by: Marni Penning

Length: 13 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

A fortysomething woman’s ordinary life takes a royal detour in an engaging novel about embracing a family legacy and stepping up when it matters most by New York Times bestselling author Mariah Stewart.

Annaliese—Annie—Gilberti is a divorced South Philadelphia mother of two with a nine-to-five job when a shocking discovery turns another average day upside down: her late grandmother was the exiled ruler of a small European country, and Annie is next in line to wear the crown and restore the monarchy. The would-be grand duchess of the Grand Duchy of Saint Gilbert has vacation time coming, enough to take a quick trip to check it out.

It’s easy to fall in love with Saint Gilbert’s villagers; its mysteries (why does everyone look decades younger than they claim to be?); her family’s ancestral home, Castle Blanc (so many hidden rooms and passages!); and maybe—just a little—with the dashing Maximilien Belleme, the captain of the castle guard. Never one to walk away from a challenge, Annie steps up, determined to be worthy of the crown that’s been offered. As she, her sisters, and her children work to bring Saint Gilbert into the modern age, Annie discovers a legacy of courageous women and that no threat is too great to deny the grand duchess’s right to the throne.

©2024 Marti Robb (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Stewart has penned a brilliant grown-up fairy tale filled with unforgettable characters and a magical setting. I loved every word!”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr

Grand tale

I loved this story started reading it and was pleased that I could listen to it- I had a looong drive from Georgia to New York and back which was when I switched to the audio book. This was the first book I ever read or listened too by this author will probably read another. I so hope there is a sequel so we find out more about the characters from Saint Gilbrain

I was transported; tasteful and beautifully written.

I had a smile on my face throughout the whole book. At first glance one would think it was the cliche royal storyline - but ever so cleverly written with scrupulous detail and wit. I felt I was there! Such a fun, enjoyable relaxing book. The narrator was wonderful.

Some Writers are Extraordinaire

Great story that didn’t require fluff to make it entertaining. I hope there’s a sequel regarding the stolen paintings and Max. Well I’d like an update on all the family. I hated to see it end. I guess it’s the hope we all have a fairytale future.

A great story

I really enjoyed this book. It was a true fairy tale. The main character was a hoot. I felt like I was back with Cinderella.

Loved Mariah Stewart’s New Book!

This story is wonderful! A fantasy come true told from different perspectives. I didn’t want the book to end. A great story from one of my favorite authors!

Modern day fairy tale

Such a fun book. I
Love the way Annie never takes herself too seriously. I also appreciate how well the narrator handles the dialects.

Brilliant writing, Brilliant performance

Mariah Stewart is a master at dialog. The story evolved as if the main character was actually telling it to us. And the dialog was so authentic. Spontaneous. Having spent some years living in Philadelphia I can say she is spot on with our South Philly Girls. I enjoyed the book thoroughly and am pleased to say I enjoyed the audio book as much. Marni Penning hit it out of the park. She breathed life into all the characters and she is brilliant with the accents. She literally acted out all the parts. But the best was when all the characters were together, having multi person conversations. I was totally immersed in the story. I felt like was there! I was transported…And that’s the highest praise I can give. Mariah Stewart and Marni Penning, you have my thanks. Of course all this means that I highly recommend you listen to this audio book. (I’ve already listened to it three times!)

Funny and lighthearted!

A great listen, I so sorry it ended. I would love for a second book to be written

Loved it!

I really enjoyed this book. The story is fun and just the listen I needed.

Amazing!

I enjoyed The Head that Wears the Crown and how an ordinary woman inherited a country from her grandmother. She now is Queen and has her children, best friend and sisters living with her.