BLOG TOUR: Girl on the Golden Coin by Marci Jefferson

Praise for Marci Jefferson’s GIRL ON THE GOLDEN COIN

“Jefferson’s intoxicating first novel superbly draws readers into the mischief and maneuverings, loyalties and treacheries, and lust and hostility of powerful 17th century kings and scheming court sycophants…this is an exciting, solid debut.”

—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Jefferson fictionalizes the life of a little-known—yet exceedingly familiar—historical figure in her authentically detailed debut. This small leap from the Tudors is a must-read for Alison Weir–Philippa Gregory fans.”

—Booklist

“A novel as rich and golden as the coin she graced. Frances Stuart’s face was truly her fortune and left its mark on history, a rare achievement.”

—Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author of Elizabeth I: A Novel

GIRL ON THE GOLDEN COIN

A Novel of Frances Stuart

Marci Jefferson

In her first work of historical fiction, debut novelist, Marci Jefferson, tackles Frances Stuart, whose influence over England’s Charles II and rejection of three of the seventeenth century’s most illustrious kings became the talk of a nation. Jefferson instills a fierce spirit and spine in the beautiful Frances Stuart, proving she was much more than a royal mistress. What Philippa Gregory did for the Tudors, Jefferson will do for the Stuarts, with the elegant and addictive, GIRL ON THE GOLDEN COIN (Thomas Dunne Books; February 11, 2014; ISBN: 978-1-250-03722-0; $25.99).

In 1660, the Restoration of Stuart Monarchy in England returns Frances Stuart and her family to favor. Frances discards threadbare gowns and goes to gilded Fontainebleau Palace, where she soon catches the Sun King’s eye. But Frances is no ordinary court beauty—she has Stuart secrets to keep and her family to protect. King Louis XIV turns vengeful when she rejects his offer to become his Official Mistress. He sends her to England with orders to seduce King Charles II and help him form an alliance with England. The Queen Mother likewise orders Frances to become her son's mistress, in the interest of luring him away from the Protestant mistress he currently keeps.

Armed in pearls and silk, Frances maneuvers the political turbulence of Whitehall Palace, but still can’t afford to stir a scandal, determined to keep her family from shame. Her tactic to inspire King Charles to greatness captivates him and the two embark on a tenuous relationship. Frances survives the Great Fire, the Great Plague, and the debauchery of the Restoration Court, yet loses her heart to the very king she must control. A startling discovery will leave her with no other choice but to break his heart, while the fate of England hangs in the balance.

MARCI JEFFERSON grew up in an Air Force family and so lived numerous places, including North Carolina, Georgia, and the Philippines. Her passion for history sparked while living in Yorktown, Virginia, where locals still share Revolutionary War tales. She lives in Indiana with her husband and children. This is her first novel. Visit her website at http://marcijefferson.com/. 

GIRL ON THE GOLDEN COIN

By Marci Jefferson

**On Sale February 11, 2014**

Published by Thomas Dunne Books for St. Martin’s Press

ISBN-13: 978-1-250-03722-0 | $25.99

More Praise for Marci Jefferson’s GIRL ON THE GOLDEN COIN

“Girl on the Golden Coin is a sexy, exciting tale featuring vivid characters, rich historical detail, scintillating court intrigue, and a complexly rendered heroine in Frances Stuart, Maid of Honor to the Queen of England, who will capture the reader’s heart—as will the man she loves, that rascal King Charles II.”

—Sherry Jones, internationally bestselling author of Four Sisters, All Queens

“In her wonderfully evocative debut, Marci Jefferson recreates the fascinating story of Frances Stuart, whose influence over England's Charles II became the talk of a nation. As vibrant and delightful as the woman it's based on, Girl on the Golden Coin is a jewel of a novel!”

—Michelle Moran, New York Times bestselling author of The Second Empress

“Beauty is not always a blessing, as young Frances Stuart finds out when her lovely face pits her between the desires and politics of rival kings Louis XIV and Charles II. Frances makes an appealing heroine, by turns wary and passionate, sophisticated and innocent, as she matures from destitute young pawn to the majestic duchess whose figure would grace Britain’s coins for centuries. Her struggles to support her loved ones, uncover her family secrets, and somehow find a life of her own amid the snake-pit courts of the Sun King and the Merry Monarch make for lively, entertaining reading in this lush Restoration novel by debut author Marci Jefferson.”

—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of Mistress of Rome

“Fans of historical fiction featuring interesting but previously overlooked women have reason to celebrate the release of Girl on the Golden Coin. With a deft hand, Marci Jefferson brings to vivid life Frances Stuart, Duchess of Richmond—a woman with the charms of Josephine Bonaparte and style of Marie Antoinette, who captured the hearts of Kings on both sides of the channel. Frances is a thoroughly likeable heroine who puts duty to her King, her country, and her family before the desires of her own heart. But Frances, as written by Jefferson, is no paper-saint. She is a flesh and blood woman who modern readers will recognize and identify with. The balance of the novel’s characters are equally well drawn—full of nuance and complexity. Do not miss this marvelous debut!”

—Sophie Perinot, author of The Sister Queens

“Girl on the Golden Coin is a fantastic novel. I couldn’t put it down. The plot is fast-paced and compelling, with intriguing characters, lush settings and captivating narrative voice. Jefferson’s debut paints an intriguing portrait of Frances Stuart, a novel worthy of the determined, golden spirit of the woman whose face became the model for Brittania herself.”

—Susan Spann, author of Claws of the Cat

My Review:

I can’t say enough positive things about “Girl on the Golden Coin” by Marci Jefferson! I was pulled in from the very first page, and had no problem finishing it in a couple of days. The author really brought Frances Stuart and the people closest to her to life for me. I felt like I was able to get to know Frances as person, and was impressed on how the author was able create a novel that is so interesting, yet stays true to historical facts. I have read novels in the past about King Charles II’s mistresses, but this is by far my favorite.  The author also brings popular historical people like King Charles and his mistress Lady Castlemaine to life for the reader.

The author’s writing style is exceptional, and her descriptions of places and events allow the reader to get completely lost in this novel. There’s nothing better than getting lost in a good novel with characters that you actually care about. The author also did a great job with the portrayal of King Charles II and Frances’ love affair. I’ve read other books where Frances is portrayed negatively, or is barely mentioned because Lady Castelmaine was the main mistress, so it was nice to read about her in a positive light.

I am so happy that I was asked to read and review this novel for my blog, and for the blog tour. “Girl on the Golden Coin” fits along perfectly with the other books I’ve reviewed on my blog. I also really enjoyed learning more about King Charles II, and this time in history in general. This book is definitely worth reading if you are a fan of historical fiction!

I give this novel a five out of five stars (I would give it more if I could!)

Buy Girl on the Golden Coin Here!