Stephanie

"That is past. A crown is only a weight. You have several and you are not a happy man. Aunt Josephine is not a happy woman. King Louis is morbid. Queen Hor¬tense is miserable. The queen of Naples is feverish and dissatisfied. Queen Catherine is wretched. King Jerome is wretched, too. No, keep your crowns. To love, to be loved, this is the most precious thing in the world." "Love!" he answered sharply. "It alone would never satisfy me. To live in splendor, to win battles, that is my...
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"That is past. A crown is only a weight. You have several and you are not a happy man. Aunt Josephine is not a happy woman. King Louis is morbid. Queen Hor¬tense is miserable. The queen of Naples is feverish and dissatisfied. Queen Catherine is wretched. King Jerome is wretched, too. No, keep your crowns. To love, to be loved, this is the most precious thing in the world." "Love!" he answered sharply. "It alone would never satisfy me. To live in splendor, to win battles, that is my destiny." It is early 19th century France and Stephanie de Beauharnais, the beloved adopted daughter of Napoleon Bonaparte, ruler of Europe, is crowned Princess Imperial. She relishes her title and basks in the glory of the court who see her as the most adorable thing they have ever laid eyes upon. But she is soon to marry Charles of Baden, yet another one of Napoleon's tactic to dominate Europe. She abhors him and does not love him -is she blinded by the glitter of France's court? Will she ever accept the humble and kind ways of her husband? Stephanie, by Gladys Malvern is yet another masterpiece. Colorfully written gloriously described, readers will find themselves immersed in the world of the Bonapartes and feeling for his "little pickle" -Stephanie is a must read! For young adult readers from ages 12 and above.