THE ACCIDENTAL PRINCE is by the author of Warriors in Winter which I read and greatly enjoyed, so I was keen to see how the author handled a different setting. The Germanic land and culture is ably portrayed, with disregard for rights of women at the time coming across strongly in the first pages.

Karl, now exposed as a bastard, leaves his home before the news can travel and appoints himself escort as Princess Serena of Badenstein steps into her coach for a secret trip. They've been betrothed for six years but barely know each other. Karl certainly is unaware that Serena gets beaten by her father, with the courtiers powerless to defy the king. All Karl wants is to compromise his lady's reputation before she can retract her promise of marriage. Serena, while strong-willed, has no control over her life; she can't even undress herself from her many layers of clothing. Both of them have survived assassination attempts. The island in the North Sea where they hide is becoming desolate after crop failures, with workers leaving for Prussia and Germany. Seems the royal pair are not the only ones in trouble.

Michelle Willingham has a deft touch with historical romances, showing us the cold, hunger and deprivations of the ordinary people in contrast with fineries and rich food. Not all privileged lives are happy and while wealthy people are the only ones who can afford to travel, the affairs of state are expected to take precedence over the affairs of the heart.

I enjoyed THE ACCIDENTAL PRINCE and will be looking out for more from this author. Lovers of romantic historicals with a strong dash of realism can pick this book up for a good read.

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