Royal escape

From Publishers Weekly
Elena, princess of Wales, the Diana-like heroine of this enjoyable mystery thriller from Froetschel (Interruptions), yearns for respect, to be free of her claustrophobic marriage and to lead a fulfilling life. Adding to her woes is an antiroyal faction intent on destroying the British monarchy, whose members include the widowed queen, Catherine II; Elena's estranged husband, Edward, prince of Wales; and their sons, 13-year-old Richard and 10-year-old Lawrence. When several of Elena's protectors are murdered, starting with her divorce solicitor, Elena fears she may be next and begins to plot an escape aided by a daring American freelance journalist, Michael McLarrity. Froetschel offers a nuanced view of Elena's relations with the royal family that closely follows the obvious historical model. Readers looking for a less tragic fate for the late Diana, princess of Wales, will find much to like in this beguiling what-if. (Dec.)
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Product Description
Beauty, witty, sharp on fashion and charity, Elena was supposed to live the fairy-tale life. Instead, her marriage is in ruins and her in-laws resent her glowing popularity. All Elena really wants is to spend time with her two sons and be a good mother.

The death of her divorce attorney complicates her plans. The Queen, her mother-in-law, withholds settlement on a trust fund and expects Elena to give her marriage one more chance. That means keeping a low profile and following all orders from the royal family and their staff.

A terrorist attack on Elena puts her back into the spotlight. The family’s security detail whisks her two sons into hiding, insisting that protection requires separation from their mother. But she wonders how anyone can be safe, if the security experts can’t protect a princess?

For Princess Elena and others, being a member of the royal family has become a royal trap—imposing lifelong limits on careers, daily activities, and what one can say or do in any public setting. Elena longs to escape, but only if she can convince her two sons to join her.