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?
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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.