As a long time fan of Philippa Gregory I was immediately intrigued by this book. The story follows Oliver Cromwell's daughter Frances, whose story was not well know to me previously. I have always been interested in the part that women played behind the scenes of powerful men during this time and this story was captivating.

As the youngest daughter of Cromwell Frances finds herself at the epicentre of a new movement after Civil War. Suddenly thrown into a new life she has to find her place in world that is completely alien to her - the luxury and excess of royal palaces and a new power that she could only have dreamed of before. This comes with a new danger though as her family find themselves under threat and she quickly has to understand her place and the power she now holds.

I loved this story and was immediately drawn into Frances’ life. If you love this era of history, like me, you will fall in love with the rich and detailed world. Frances is a force to be reckoned with and I found her inspiring and immediately wanted to find out more upon finishing this book.

I loved this book full of history.
This book is extremely well researched and so informative. It taught me elements of history that I didn’t know

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

I want to begin by saying that I was received this book for free via Netgalley, but all thoughts and feelings are my own. This book is historical fiction based around the youngest daughter of Oliver Cromwell, Frances. For those who don’t know, Oliver Cromwell was lord protector between the eras of Charles I and II, as he was a contributor to the execution of the monarch & lack of monarchy. I usually don’t read books from this perspective as I don’t know much about it as I am strongly into the history of the British monarchy, but this was a refreshing change! This book was written in such a lovely way, it really did feel like I was reading straight from Frances’ brain herself, I think her personality was captured so well. I can tell love for the Cromwells was apparent within this book, as it seems well researched and it seems like a realistic interpretation of the family dynamic. This gave me very conflicting feelings as I do love the monarchy, but it gave me a lot more sympathy for the Cromwell side of this era. Overall I really enjoyed the book, I think it captured a good family dynamic, was somewhat educational (keep in mind the fictional aspects of the book) and was a fresh perspective.

A wonderful read and a great piece of historical fiction. I loved this kind of read and It didn't disappoint. Can't wait to read more from the author.

As someone who reads a lot of historical fiction, it’s always nice to come across books featuring historical figures I’ve never read about before. The Puritan Princess, Miranda Malins’ debut novel, tells the story of Frances Cromwell, youngest daughter of Oliver Cromwell. Despite the title, Frances never actually became a princess, but the book covers the period from 1657 to 1658 when this looked as though it could be a possibility.

Following years of civil war and the execution of King Charles I, Oliver Cromwell has been named Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland…but for some of his supporters, this is not enough. In 1657, Parliament offers him the crown, leaving Cromwell facing a dilemma. On the one hand, accepting might bring about stability, which is what Parliament hopes, but on the other, having recently been involved in abolishing the monarchy, he is reluctant to become monarch himself. History tells us that he will eventually turn the offer down, but while it is under consideration Frances wonders what his decision will mean for her and what implications it could have for her marriage. Frances is in love with the young courtier Robert Rich, whose father supported the opposite side in the recent civil war; they already face difficulties in persuading Cromwell to allow them to marry and any change in Frances’ status could make it even less likely.

As well as her relationship with Robert, the relationships Frances has with her sisters also form an important part of the story. Her eldest sisters, Bridget and Elizabeth are much older; they reached adulthood before their father rose to power and can remember a different way of life; Mary, though, is only a year older than Frances and the two are very close, to the extent that Mary is prepared to sacrifice her own happiness for her sister’s sake. Less attention is given to Cromwell’s sons, but they do appear in the novel now and then – Richard, who will succeed his father as Lord Protector, and Henry, who is Lord Deputy of Ireland.

Oliver Cromwell himself is shown in a much more positive light than usual. Seen through his daughter’s eyes, he is depicted as a loving father and husband, fond of art, music and hunting – very different from the image most people have of the strict Puritan opposed to all forms of enjoyment. However, although it’s good to see a different side of Cromwell, because the story is narrated by Frances and she is clearly biased in favour of her father, I don’t think it’s a very balanced portrayal.

I found the first half of the book slightly slow and repetitive as it is mainly concerned with whether or not Frances will marry Robert Rich and whether or not Cromwell will accept the crown, but I’m glad I kept going as the plot does become more gripping later on. I previously knew very little about the final years of Cromwell’s Protectorate and, as I’ve said, I had never read about Frances until now, so I do feel that I’ve learned something new from The Puritan Princess and I’m already looking forward to Miranda Malins’ next book.

DNF

It simply wasn't for me. I am personally not a fan of the first person narrative structure and the I didn't like reading the story the narrator/protagonist was telling.

A really good historical novel, I didn't know about this time and history and to see it through Frances eyes was great. I enjoyed it

Well, this was a different book to what I expecting. As you know I love historical fiction and this book is jam packed with so much history that I didn’t know about. In fact when I first started reading I was a bit confused, as the Cromwell mentioned in these pages is definitely not the Cromwell I know about. Instead here is a Cromwell who seemed like a perfectly normal man who liked music, theatre, horse racing, good food and wine. Well basically anything good that I’d enjoy these days. He was definitely not the monster I was expecting! I was so shocked that I had to look at the historical note at the back of the book before I continued to make sure I wasn’t reading an alternative history novel.
I liked Fanny and her sisters a lot, especially Mary, who was closest to her. They were intelligent women used to talking politics with men of State and knowing what was going on in the court. They weren’t just there to look pretty and be married off to strengthen political ties, at least that’s what Fanny hoped.
Her story was quite fraught at times, and I really hoped she would be able to marry for love. Of course I can’t say much more as it will spoil the book for you.
If you enjoy historical fiction that is extremely well researched, and that will open your eyes to a different side of history, full of drama, romance and tragedy, then this is the book for you!

I make no secret of the fact that I love historical fiction so I was very excited to read The Puritan Princess as I know very little about the Stuart period of history, although I certainly know a lot more after reading this wonderful book. Miranda Malins' stunning debut effortlessly brings history to life and I was completely hooked by the Cromwell's life from the jaw-droppingly brilliant prologue.

As you find with a lot of historical novels, there is a cast of characters included at the start of the book. Spanning 6 pages, I was a little daunted and thought I would be constantly referring back to the list, however, each and every character is introduced so perfectly that I hardly referred back to it at all. There's also a wonderful addition of the Cromwell family tree from 1657 that I pored over with delight.

The story focuses on Frances Cromwell, particularly her life at court and her relationships with her siblings and parents. Family is at the heart of the story and it certainly shows Oliver Cromwell in a different light to the vague impression I had of a civil war inciting, Christmas cancelling army general who was instrumental in the execution of Charles I. The characters are drawn so vividly that I now understand Cromwell's motivations and ideas through seeing the man beneath the persona of Lord Protector.

Maintaining a perfect balance between politics and passion, I was completely swept away by The Puritan Princess as I devoured every perfect word that Miranda Malins had written. The writing is breathtaking, the plot is outstanding and the novel is exceptional. Historical fiction fans take note: there's a new author in town and Miranda Malins is definitely one to watch. A stunning debut that deserves nothing less than a 5 star rating.

Many thanks to Orion for sending me an ARC to read and review for the blog tour; all opinions are my own.

My thanks to Miranda Malins, Orion Publishing Company, and Net Galley for the ARC of THE PURITAN PRINCESS.
The portrayal of Oliver Cromwell in The Puritan Princess came as a surprise to me, as I had always pictured him as a stern, military man who wore military uniform and frowned against anything entertaining or that could be called frivolous. Miranda Malins version of him in this story, the main protagonist being his daughter, Frances, is a very different man, one who adores his family and softens his decisions in the light of family pressure. Certainly many of his beliefs, if true, were in complete contrast to those we are taught.
The cultural changes this family underwent when Cromwell was catapulted from East Anglian farmer to Lord Protectorate, and hence being addressed as Highness, must have been immense.
I really enjoyed this version, and was sad to read the prologue and what happened to Frances and her remaining family after everything they had been through. How grief-stricken their lives were.

Frances Cromwell is the youngest daughter of the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell. She’s an intelligent and outspoken young woman, who, after one attempted assassination on her family too many, decides to take her own future in her own hands. She’s determined to choose her own husband and not be played as pawn in a diplomatic marriage. Will she manage to determine her own future and luck?

This book came at perfect timing, as short time ago I’ve read a historical fiction about the times of King Charles I and Henrietta Maria and it was a very logical, and very pleasant, continuation. I am truly fascinated with the lives of Kings and Queens, the way they ruled the country, and as well as biographies I love good historical fiction, and here I’ve got it, I truly liked the way the author has portrayed the characters that were real living and breathing people. I have never stopped for longer by Oliver Cromwell, though, and I thoroughly enjoyed theway the author has taken to him and described his period of ruling in the 1650’s but also him being a family father through and through. Thanks to the book being so thoroughly and brilliantly researched, I’ve learnt quite a lot about his times and about events accompanying his life. But, of course, the story is about his daughter Frances and her life changing all the time, depending on her father’s fortune or bad luck and also about the whole family, taken out of their comfort zone in the rural village and brought to the opulent rooms of castles.

Frances is a very interesting character – as, actually, all the others, and there were plenty of them to get to know but thanks to the character list at the beginning of the book it was not so complicated. She was described as being ahead of her times, well educated and intelligent and proud of this fact. She was the youngest of Cromwell’s brood and very close to Mary, her older sister, although I had a feeling that the family bonds in the Cromwell family were very strong. It was a real joy to watch Frances growing and progressing into accomplished young woman who knew her worth.

The author has brilliantly described the court life, bringing it easily to life. Also, she has so greatly captured the atmosphere of those times, the danger, intrigue and tension was so well smuggled onto the pages. There was joy, grief and all kind of emotions in Malins’s writing that was absolutely adequate to the times the story took place in but because of it, because of the language used, it was a bit hard to get into the story, as I had to focus double so hard and especially with the characters talking so much about politics, in a very, very clever way. But it was absolutely okay and it worked really well in this story, even though, as I have mentioned, the first chapters felt a bit slow. Nevertheless, as soon as you warm to the writing, you won’t be able to put the book down and it’s going to surprise you with how emotionally powerful it is.

It was a powerful story about family, loss and forbidden love, set in the world of ruthless politics. Even though we all know how Cromwell and his family are going to end their story, it is a great joy to read about this family, to find out more about them. The author writes with confidence about the times using her extensive knowledge, the research is meticulous and the novel turned out authentic, genuine and compelling. I totally enjoyed it and will be highly recommending it!

Frances was a particularly loveable protagonist, and watching her grow from a self conscious teenager to a strong and independent woman, all while negotiating the trials that she is faced with as life changes and whirls around her. I really did love watching her grow as a person, and as she grew to know herself more as well.

While historical fiction is just fiction, there is still so much that can be taken away from it, and I did find myself learning a lot, both about the era of Cromwell in general, and about Cromwell himself. It's always taught in schools how Cromwell was a dictatorial presence, who banned all things enjoyable. Instead I found myself hearing about a man who doted on his children, respected what his daughters had to offer in conversation, and played practical jokes. With the author being a specialist in Cromwell's history, it's as accurate as fiction can get.

It was a book that grew on me. From an intense starting point, things become quieter for a while, until the action dials up, and more starts to happen, both to Frances herself, and in the story of English history.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. great descriptions and enjoyable plot and characters! I've not read this author before but will do so again in the future!

An excellent historical novel that made me learn something new about Cromwell family.
It's well researched and well written, the characters are fleshed and it kept me hooked till the end.
I liked the fleshed out characters and the vivid historical background.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I was so looking forward to this book, but I can't get into it. The writing leaves me hovering above the character of the Puritan Princess. It never pulls me in to feel everything she is experiencing, like reading a history book with extra description, but little more than that. I couldn't finish, which is unusual for me. Sorry.

I knew nothing about Cromwell's family and nothing much about him except for the obvious: execution of Charles I, Civil War and banning Christmas. This is obviously a novel but assume it to be based on scholarly research. It was really interesting to read a Cromwell story concentrating on his large family and see how they influenced his life. Frances came across as a very intelligent girl and it seemed rather modern the way she was allowed to be present at meetings and give opinions. The clear difference between the two pairs of daughters is fascinating due to completely different childhoods, the elder pair in Ely and Frances and Mary in Whitehall. An excellent debut by the author. Thanks to Netgalley.

The Puritan Princess taught me a lot about a time in British history I didn’t know much about. So I learned quite a lot about Oliver Cromwell and his reign and what was going on at that time. Despite all that The Puritan Princess and I did not really get along very well. Maybe it has been too long since I have read historical fiction or it was the setting in itself but the book never really managed to grip me. It is well written and as I said I learnt a lot while reading but the story never managed to keep me wanting to go back. I liked the love story of Frances and I felt sorry for her losses but somehow I never really grew to really feel for her or any of the other characters.
It is not a bad book and I can understand why people like it, but it just was not my book. I really like the cover of the book though.

A detailed historical novel, which must have involved intensive research into a little known period of history. I was familiar with Restoration novels, but this is written from the point of view of Oliver Cromwells daughter.
She sees the execution of the people who executed the king, Charles I, although it is not an execution as such, since the men are already dead, having been dug up from a Christian burial. Then she remembers events that terminated in this, the memories are sometimes sweet, sometimes sad. An interesting book that illuminates a lesser known period of history.

What a fascinating and insightful book this was! I don't know much about the period after the civil war and the research that went into this book was obvious , with rich detail about people and places that was as enlightening as it was immersive.
I loved Frances character ,the story is told from her perspective as we see the Cromwell's rise from gentry landowners to the opulence of Hampton Court and the halls of the l palace at Whitehall.
We see the differing relationships with each of her siblings , the closeness between herself and Mary was especially sweet. The two being devoted to each other.
This was such an interesting book, I was quickly drawn into the storyline and didn't want to put it down once I'd started. I read it over 24 hours,
This book has managed to somewhat change my view of Oliver Cromwell , He is portrayed here as a much less austere figure , who enjoys playing tricks on his friends and family . With a loving relationship between his wife and children.
I enjoyed this book immensely and thoroughly recommend it