Palace Circle
by Rebecca Dean

Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Broadway (March 24, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 076793055X
ISBN-13: 978-0767930550

Description ( Publishers Website)Palace intrigue, romance, and illicit affairs—Rebecca Dean has written a glorious novel that will sweep Philippa Gregory fans off their feet.

Delia Chandler, an eighteen-year-old Southern girl, marries Viscount Ivor Conisborough just before World War II, becoming part of the Windsor court. It’s every girl’s dream come true. But Delia is jolted from her pleasant life when she realizes, after the birth of her two daughters, that Ivor chose her only to bear an heir to his estate. Shortly thereafter, she begins an affair with her husband’s handsome, titled, and frequently scandalous best friend.

When Conisborough is appointed as an adviser to King Fuad of Egypt, Delia exchanges one palace circle for another, far different one. While she sees Egypt as a place of exile, her two daughters regard Egypt as their home. Only when war comes to Cairo—and Delia finally reveals the secret she has kept for so long—can she begin to heal the divisions separating her from those she loves.
Rebecca Dean’s irresistible combination of real events and masterful storytelling will keep readers fascinated until the very last page.

Review: I thought this was a nice story, but I don't think it can be compared to Philippa Gregory book. This is a nice light read, and the story is very enjoyable. Unfortunately, for myself I kept waiting for more. The storyline seemed rather superficial like we were just getting a glimpse of this family, versus being in the middle of it. I was looking for more information about those historical details because it's not something that's been written a lot about in these kinds of romances. I think it's just a little ligbt and the characters aren't horrible developed, which just left me feeling empty at the end of the book because I never really got involved with the characters.

I'd definitely recommend this to someone for a light interesting read. But if they are looking for a really in-depth piece of historical fiction this isn't the right book.All in all, I liked the story, but I'm not raving about it.

Thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.