What do readers think of Girl on the Golden Coin by Marci Jefferson? Write your own review.

I love historical fiction and that is my choice to read most of the time. I had such hopes for this book and while it did provide some historical information, mostly it read as a romance novel. It could have used less characters and have more detail on the few that were most relevant. When I saw the list of characters at the front of the book I was concerned that this would be the case. I wish I had liked this book more than I did.

This was a a very good first effort for this author. I thoroughly enjoyed the Stuart setting, it seems that so many of the historical fiction novels focus on the history of the Tudors. A bit more fleshing out of the characters would have been appreciated, but she set out to write about the history of Frances Stuart and she did that well.

I found this book to be very predictable and slow moving. I love historical fiction but this was too much like a soap opera. Disclaimer: In fairness to this author, romance novels are not my favorite.

There are so many books written about royalty. If you are a lover of books by Philippa Gregory, you are sure to like this one as well. This one is about Frances Stuart and her life at court. They lie, they cheat, they go from one bed to another, they have illegitimate children etc. I will admit to learning about history, even if it is doctored a bit and thus becomes historical fiction. Be sure to read the Author's Note at the end. It gives you a reality check and a look into the future of the Stuart family which involves Prince William and Prince Harry.

I knew nothing about Frances Stuart before reading Girl on the Golden Coin by Marci Jefferson. For me the best I can say is that it is historically accurate. Historical fiction is my favorite genre and a very good way to be introduced to different time periods and personalities. I found that Girl on the Golden Coin trivializes history. Jefferson has sex, not strategy, determining historical outcomes.

I am not a fan of Phillpa Gregory either and would rather read a historical novel written more in the style of The Paris Wife by Paula Mc Lain or Nancy Horan's, Loving Frank. I think either author would have better portrayed Frances Stuart. For me, Jefferson painted Frances as a manipulative young woman with not much character. My own research on Frances Stuart indicates she was a dynamic, intelligent woman. Certainly, I did not see her like that in Jefferson's portrayal.

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend Girl on the Golden Coin to serious historical fiction readers. If you enjoy Harlequin novels with a bit of history, this one is for you.

Occassionally I'll read a book that leaves me feeling that it should not have been published or wasted the paper it was written on. This, unfortunately, is one of those books. I enjoy historical novels but this offered only surface history and does little to qualify as a novel. Maybe a 'romance story' couched in a little history would be a better discription.

There have been many fine historical novels published in the past few years that are enjoyable reads. I would not recommend this book. Perhaps the author's next try will be more satisfying.