Description
From USA Today bestselling author Eliza Knight comes an endearing and vivid novel told from the unique multi-narrative viewpoints of a young Queen Elizabeth; Hanna Penwyck, the fictionalized Keeper of the Queen’s dogs; and Susan, the Queen’s Corgi, whose love and loyalty were boundless.
A reigning queen…
Elizabeth wasn’t born to be queen. But when her uncle abdicates and her father steps in as king, everything in her life changes. There is one thing that never wavers, however: her endearing love of her Corgis—especially the new puppy Susan, a gift for her eighteenth birthday. Susan is by her side during Elizabeth’s WWII service, falling in love with Philip and getting married, the death of her father King George VI, her accession to the throne, the birth of her first child, and the early struggles with running a country—an ever-present reminder to find the balance between self and crown.
A loyal servant…
Hanna Penwyck has grown up with her family in service to the crown. Awkward and shy, she has a connection with nature, animals—and the young princesses at Windsor. When she becomes the Keeper of the Queen’s Corgis, her job is to maintain the health and wellness of those most prized companions. With their shared love of the dogs, the Queen can open up to Hanna and feel free to be herself, so that is a service she happily provides as well.
A faithful companion…
From the moment Susan became a royal dog, her duty was clear: To remind Elizabeth that she is more than just a queen, she is a human, and what matters is not just duty and honor, but connection, family, and unconditional and enduring love. Susan is the keeper of memories, of secrets. Through Susan we gain a dog’s eye view of royal life, human relationships, and the heartwarming bond between a queen and her beloved companion.
About the Author
Eliza Knight is an award-winning and USA Today and international bestselling author of historical women’s fiction. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles. As an avid history buff, she’s written dozens of novels including The Mayfair Bookshop, Starring Adele Astaire, Ribbons of Scarlet, A Day of Fire, and Can’t We Be Friends, which have been translated into multiple languages. She is the creator of the popular historical blog, History Undressed, and host of the History, Books and Wine podcast. Knight lives in Maryland and Florida with her husband, three daughters, two dogs, and a turtle.
Praise For…
"This irresistible novel--anchored by the real-life dog who went on to be the matriarch of 14 generations of royal corgis--is a must-read. Utterly charming and packed with history, joy, duty, and destiny, The Queen's Faithful Companion shows us the heart of the royal family like we've never seen it before. An absolute delight!" — Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter
"A queen bows to no one, but in this marvelous book Eliza Knight shows us that a certain queen will always bend a knee to her beloved Corgi. The transcendent bond between people and dogs comes alive on the page, and thanks to a vivid and well-researched origin story, readers will quickly understand why Corgis became a fixture in Queen Elizabeth's life. This heartwarming book proves that from keeper to queen, the devotion of a good dog makes every day a little sweeter." — Victoria Schade
"Heartwarming and endearing, The Queen’s Faithful Companion highlights Queen Elizabeth’s life in a way never explored before – through the relationship with her beloved corgi, Susan. Told in part through Susan’s perspective, this story is funny, adorable, and charming even as it pulls at your heartstrings. Eliza Knight has a gift for bringing historical figures to life in a way that is real and relatable, and her talents absolutely shine with this delightful read. "
— Madeline Martin, New York Times and International Bestselling Author
“The Mayfair Bookshop is a moving, touching tale of a Bright Young Thing turned bookseller/author and her quest to find fulfillment, inspiration, and love in the chaos of the WWII home front. Eliza Knight brings Nancy Mitford to life as an appealing and uncertain young heroine in the days before she is burnished by fame and success—you cannot help but cheer her toward her destiny!” — Kate Quinn on The Mayfair Bookshop
“A fascinating view of a pivotal moment in history told from the perspective of an extraordinary woman at the heart of it all. Filled with intrigue, heartbreak, passion, and daring, Eliza Knight beautifully celebrates the life and influence of Nancy Mitford. Vivid and unforgettable!” — Chanel Cleeton, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author, on The Mayfair Bookshop
“Knight brings to life the fascinating story of Nancy Mitford...Interspersed with stories from Nancy’s point of view is a charming, contemporary, literary mystery...Readers will love the appearance of literary notables like Evelyn Waugh and enjoy the glimpse into the life of one of England’s most fascinating (and scandal-ridden) families.” — Booklist on The Mayfair Bookshop
“Just as Adele Astaire received standing ovations for her performances, so too does Eliza Knight deserve to be similarly acclaimed for this book. I can’t believe I’d never heard of this incredible woman and I loved how the novel shone a well-deserved spotlight on this less famous but exceptionally talented Astaire sibling. Bravo Eliza Knight—and please take a bow. You’ve written a showstopper of a story.” — Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author, on Starring Adele Astaire