A fascinating read about a period of English history I wasn't that familiar with which I found myself being drawn into as the story went along. A great read!

This story is politically charged, there is civil war raging between parliament and the crown. Oliver Cromwell has been tasked with being Lord Protector of the Commonwealth and despite his reservations he knows what needs to be done for the country that he loves.

Frances, Oliver’s youngest daughter has found herself attending to a new life after she and the rest of her family are taken to the grand palaces of Hampton Court and Whitehall, there she dreams of finding herself a suitor, which surely can be found at court? Frances’ perspective begins to shift when an assassination attempt on her family is thwarted, and her fate assumes diplomatic importance. Will this new status enable Frances to achieve her own ambitions or will she become a political pawn? This is London, 1657 and who knows what lies ahead for the family of Oliver Cromwell?

This novel is written from the perspective of Frances and we get a rounded view of all that is going on. What I love about this novel is that there is a cast list and a family tree at the beginning, which helps tremendously with the vast array of characters within. There is so much to this story and you can see the work and depth of research that has gone into creating this grand novel. The storytelling is fluid, moving from one event to another. The writing is lovely, depicting the scenes vividly. (At one point I felt I was right there in court sitting next to Frances) Miranda Malins is one author to keep an eye on.

I've a vague notion of Oliver Cromwell as a stern and rather bluff figure who accepted his role as Protectorate with a rather grumpy sort of grace and who, with Puritanical zeal, cancelled Christmas, closed down theatres and forced everyone to wear monochrome.

Reading The Puritan Princess, fiction based on fact, brought the Cromwells into sharp focus and showed a family who were taken out of their rural comfort zone and transplanted into the opulent trappings of, to all intents and purposes, undeniable monarchy, even to being addressed by their Whitehall courtiers as 'your highness'. I discovered such a lot about life at the Cromwellian Court and not just that Cromwell wasn't really grumpy but rather that he was a considered and pragmatic statesman, who, regardless of his grisly fate, left England in a better state than when he found it.

However, whilst Cromwell as a ruler is fascinating, this interesting historical account focuses on eighteen-year old Frances Cromwell, the youngest of Cromwell's brood of children. Frances, the eponymous puritan princess, is an interesting character and watching how she progresses, from ingénue to accomplished young woman, is made all the more interesting by the author's skill in bringing both Frances and court life alive in the imagination. Throughout the story there is both danger and intrigue, in fact, everything you would expect from living life at court and yet, there is also an aching vulnerability, as Frances and the family learn to cope with complicated politics and the ever present threat of danger.

It's been such a treat to read this story about the Cromwells and whilst there's an inevitability about what happens, as we know the outcome for the country after Cromwell's death, it has been really lovely to find out more about the family, and in particular Frances and Mary, two siblings who had such a strong bond. The author writes well and using her extensive knowledge of this period brings together a novel which is both authentic and beautifully researched. A little bit slow at the beginning but once the place, people and history start to become settled in the imagination so the whole story starts to comes alive.

The Puritan Princess is a fascinating fictional account of court and family life during one of the more turbulent periods in our history. I look forward to seeing what this talented author does next.

This book truly captured my heart for so many reasons. At the centre of those is the character of Frances Cromwell. Malins excels at the challenge to craft a personality from letters, dates and names. Frances’ progression throughout this turbulent national narrative is filled with so much heart and her joy, grief, ambition and despondence exquisitely jump from the page and you truly feel with her. The consistently careful balance of her emotions across the competing demands of her family, relationship and political placement which made this narrative journey so compelling, engaging and enjoyable is a testament to Malins’ research and skill to go beyond encapsulating emotion on a page and ensure her reader feels the emotions of her characters.

As important as the politics and schemes are, the beating heart of this novel is family. Specifically, the Cromwell family form a heartwarming, moving and surprisingly relatable heart. The differing perspectives of two sets of sisters, Bridget and Elizabeth as an elder pair seeing their father fight in wars and rise through the bloodshed and Mary and Frances as a younger pair who have largely only known the luxurious panic of Oliver’s political battles attempting to hold his newfound power, formed a subtle but intriguing reflection of the multiple political perspectives surrounding them. In Mary Cromwell, Frances’ closest sister, their mother Elizabeth and even Oliver Cromwell himself Malins has created several characters whose love for Frances, love of their wider family, their beliefs (both religious and political) jump off the page to equal Frances’ emotions. All of her characters are equally engaging and, whereas their scenes within the novel are judged to perfection, I wanted to immediately re-start this book to read more from them, their conversations and debates.

This novel certainly introduced me to new seemingly contradictory aspects of Oliver Cromwell’s nature. As Malins’ summarises in her historical note he did love many of the pursuits and activities he is, sometimes incorrectly, credited with abolishing or banning. However, vitally, the novel presents a father and husband first. His character lives up to his reputation for excellent matchmaking across his daughters and you feel the familial love between this varied family who, when to strip the narrative to political views alone as many biographies may do, should not get on as well as they do here. Vitally, familial obligation and love are allowed a place at the table in Malins’ work alongside politics. However, striking the correct measure of the two ensures a novel of romance, intrigue and reliance on political fortunes.

I have saved my two favourite parts of this novel for last. Firstly, Frances’ relationship with Robert Rich. I don’t typically highlight romances as my favourite aspects of novels, particularly not historical fiction, however, this novel just kept surprising me. Initially, Robert is not a character to be thought on as much as other major players in the political game surrounding Frances, however, due to the intricate pacing of their relationship, I adored their quick-witted argumentative flirting style and its evolution throughout into a well-matched ability to discuss the key topics of their time.

Secondly, Malins’ plotting and structuring of this novel, along with her exquisite writing style. It is not hyperbolic but clear and concise. I’m lucky to have read this in e-book form as I highlighted so many sentences or passages from conversations which elegantly summarised each character’s perspective and argument. Favourites of mine are conversations between Frances and her father Oliver Cromwell as they simultaneously call on elegant metaphor to vouch for political arguments but also speak plainly to each other as only relatives, especially in this era, could. The novel is intricately plotted to rely on an ingeniously written prologue and epilogue which perfectly encompasses the highs and lows of Frances’ journey. Similarly, I found an excellent balance between historical fact, engaging fictional narrative and inclusion of certain myths which brings them to life. However, I can’t deny that certain moments broke my heart to read.

I think we can all tell that I loved this book. I was so happy to finally branch out and find not only a fascinating historical period, filled with both facts and myths but also a writer I admire greatly. I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking to learn more about Oliver Cromwell and his court, to both seasoned and new readers of historical fiction and to those looking to read enthralling families and impassioned witty romances. I will certainly be reading any of Malins’ future releases following the success of The Puritan Princess.

I found The Puritan Princess a bit of a slow starter but I did find it more engaging as the story progressed. I know very little about Oliver Cromwell and found the historical setting and events the most interesting part. At times, the main character, Francis, was irritating and unlikable and that prevented me giving this book a 5/5.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was such a fascinating book perfect for lovers of history as well as those who just like historical fiction. You don’t often see books that look at the female perspective of the reign of the Puritans so this was such a fun and joyous experience.

The Puritan Princess by MIranda Malins

It is 1657 and Frances Cromwell’s life is transformed. At eighteen years old, Frances is the youngest child of Oliver Cromwell and his wife Elizabeth. Cromwell has reached the height of his powers and the kingless Commonwealth has never been stronger. Cromwell is the head of the government and now it wants Cromwell to rule the land as Lord Protector or even King. All of the family now lives in royal palaces and castles, they are bowed to, addressed as ‘Highness’ and Cromwell’s daughters have become valuable commodities in the business of state.

The Cromwell children are divided by age. Some are much older. They remember the times before their father’s rise to power and they made marriages of a different kind. The older daughters Bridget and Elizabeth were given leeway in their choice of grooms, their husbands becoming part of the family. But for Frances and her slightly elder sister Mary, there will be none of that. Which makes it all the more difficult when Frances meets the young aristocrat and courtier, Robert Rich. But, as the months pass, Oliver Cromwell faces his own challenges, not least those posed by his own family.

The 1650s is such a fascinating period of history and one of my favourites when it comes to historical fiction. I was really excited to read The Puritan Princess as soon as I heard of it. We all have our conceptions of what Cromwell was like, possibly dictated to us by a certain Richard Harris film or from history retold by the ultimately victorious and vengeful royalists, but this novel turns this upside down. Here is Oliver Cromwell the family man as well as the soldier and, particularly here, statesman. I’ve always been interested in how Cromwell became almost royal, was treated as royalty, and yet he played such a large role in the end of kingship. And here we’re shown a man who loved his family, who liked pleasant and unPuritan things, such as horse riding, plays and music. Above all, he wants what’s best for his children and that does bring him into conflict with them on more than one occasion.

There is some intriguing insight into the political and religious circumstances of the day, such as the resurgence of the Levellers, who divided the country and Cromwell’s family, and put Cromwell in real danger, leading to some exciting moments here. We’re also brought into the world of political intrigue, as important men quibbled over minor points, turning them into impassable mountains. The heart of the novel, though, belongs to Frances and it is more than anything a love story played out against a colourful, fascinating historical backdrop.

I did like Frances, who tries to reconcile herself to this new royal life, wanting to carry out household tasks herself, and not being able to. She and her mother and sisters are a tight group, almost bewildered by what has happened to them. Frances loves deeply but this is not a love that will flow smoothly and so there are upsets along the way and there are moments which are truly upsetting, for Frances and for the reader. I think that my favourite character, though, is Mary, who is prepared to make such a sacrifice so that her younger sister would be happy. Oliver’s admiration for his children, especially Mary, is evident.

Miranda Malins writes very well and there are some wonderful descriptive scenes of life in London during these times. I enjoyed the scenes in which the sisters go hawking, experiencing the privileges of true princesses. History tells us what will happen to Cromwell but it’s so good to see what happened to the other, lesser known members of his family, especially his youngest daughters. This is one of those books which inspired me to do some research afterwards. I love it when historical fiction does that.

First, I struggled so much with how to rate this book! For the first 1/4 of the book it, to be honest, was a bit dull and warranted simply a solid 3 stars. But then, once it warmed up, a 5 star rating all the way! In the end this book had me in floods of tears it was so powerful and emotional, and it had me staying up late into the night to read. Perfect for fans of Tracey Borman and Philippa Gregory this first novel plunges us straight into the heart of the Protectorate with a tale of forbidden love, loss, family and politics. .

Frances Cromwell is the youngest daughter of the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, and as her family rises she rises, when they fall, she falls, utterly without control over her own destiny. However, when she decides to take her future into her own hands determined to choose her own husband rather than play as pawn in a diplomatic marriage a whirlwind forbidden romance plays out in the heart of the ‘Royal’ Cromwell family across the backdrop of the rise, then fall of the only family to rule England without a true ‘King’ at their head.

I think the big issue with the beginning of the book was that even though it does the best to explain, if, like me you know next to nothing about that period. However, I do know enough to know were presented here with a slightly different view of the Cromwell family that is usually presented. Afterwards, however, this is a brilliant read for all historical fiction lovers that you can really get your teeth into (even the historical note at the end is interesting, and I usually end up skipping those!)

‘Everything is history now’
...
Synopsis
London, 1657
The youngest daughter of Oliver Cromwell, eighteen-year-old Frances is finding her place at England's new centre of power.
Following the turmoil of Civil War, a fragile sense of stability has returned to the country. Her father has risen to the unprecedented position of Lord Protector of the Commonwealth, and Frances has found herself transported from her humble childhood home to the sumptuous palaces of Hampton Court and Whitehall, where she dreams of a love match that must surely be found at court.
But after an assassination attempt on the Cromwell family, Frances realises the precarious danger of her position - and when her father is officially offered the crown, Frances's fate suddenly assumes diplomatic and dynastic importance.
Will she become a political pawn, or can Frances use her new status to seize control and further her own ambitions?
...
Review
The Puritan Princess is an incredibly detailed telling of Frances, Oliver Cromwell’s youngest daughter. The novel opens in 1661 as Cromwell’s body is being hanged and beheaded by Charles II, for the treasonous execution of his father Charles I. Readers know straight away that this is will be a dark and dangerous piece of historical fiction. We are then transported to 1657, during the Protectorate (or Interregnum) of Oliver Cromwell. Frances is a good narrator, she’s likeable, kind but with hints of vanity and pride. As Frances grows up her knowledge of politics is highlighted more and more. What I really enjoyed from this novel was how the women are portrayed. They are strong and clever, and can discuss politics as well as any of the men. Reading the Historical Notes at the end of this novel show that this was true for the ladies Cromwell’s court; he would seek out their advice and guidance.

I found this novel incredibly interesting, as this is a period of English and British history that I know little about. Cromwell is not shown here to be the serious figure that history has made him out to be, instead we are shown a humorous gentlemen who loves his family and God immensely, who fights for religious tolerance in a period of divided loyalties. The family relationships were my favourite aspect of this novel, all the Cromwell’s, and their extended family have such different personalities, which are all brought to life brilliantly.

As I didn’t have a lot of knowledge about this period I did struggle to understand some of the politics described and there were sections where I could not really focus. Personally I always find it easier when I know about the time period, and the outside historical events, when reading a novel on the political figures of the time. When the story focussed on the personal relationships of the Cromwell family it was a much easier read then when it was discussing the politics of Europe and Parliament.

The Puritan Princess is a good piece of historical fiction though, especially for fans of fictionalised novels of political figures and events

I really enjoyed this book! A great story line that kept me hooked and excellent main characters. I would highly recommend this book.