The Queen's Fortune

A Novel of Desiree, Napoleon, and the Dynasty That Outlasted the Empire

By: Allison Pataki

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

A sweeping novel about the extraordinary woman who captured Napoleon’s heart, created a dynasty, and changed the course of history—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Traitor's Wife, The Accidental Empress, and Sisi

“I absolutely loved The Queen’s Fortune, the fascinating, little-known story of Desiree Clary—the woman Napoleon left for Josephine—who ultimately triumphed and became queen of Sweden.”—Martha Hall Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls

As the French revolution ravages the country, Desiree Clary is faced with the life-altering truth that the world she has known and loved is gone and it’s fallen on her to save her family from the guillotine.

A chance encounter with Napoleon Bonaparte, the ambitious and charismatic young military prodigy, provides her answer. When her beloved sister Julie marries his brother Joseph, Desiree and Napoleon’s futures become irrevocably linked. Quickly entering into their own passionate, dizzying courtship that leads to a secret engagement, they vow to meet in the capital once his career has been secured. But her newly laid plans with Napoleon turn to sudden heartbreak, thanks to the rising star of Parisian society, Josephine de Beauharnais. Once again, Desiree’s life is turned on its head.

Swept to the glittering halls of the French capital, Desiree is plunged into the inner circle of the new ruling class, becoming further entangled with Napoleon, his family, and the new Empress. But her fortunes shift once again when she meets Napoleon's confidant and star general, the indomitable Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte. As the two men in Desiree’s life become political rivals and military foes, the question that arises is: must she choose between the love of her new husband and the love of her nation and its Emperor?

From the lavish estates of the French Riviera to the raucous streets of Paris and Stockholm, Desiree finds herself at the epicenter of the rise and fall of an empire, navigating a constellation of political giants and dangerous, shifting alliances. Emerging from an impressionable girl into a fierce young woman, she discovers that to survive in this world she must learn to rely upon her instincts and her heart.

Allison Pataki’s meticulously researched and brilliantly imagined novel sweeps readers into the unbelievable life of a woman almost lost to history—a woman who, despite the swells of a stunning life and a tumultuous time, not only adapts and survives but, ultimately, reigns at the helm of a dynasty that outlasts an empire.

Critic reviews

“History, romance, and the dangerous intrigue of revolution combine to make coming of age a high-stakes game in Allison Pataki’s richly reimagined account of a woman seeking not only to manage her circumstances but to triumph over them and rise to the throne of a country that will become her own. This was a piece of history I knew very little about. Pataki’s latest effort brings a fascinating time and place fully to life.”—Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

“In The Queen’s Fortune, Allison Pataki chronicles Desiree, the secret lover of Napoleon Bonaparte. When Napoleon chooses Josephine over her, the heartbroken Desiree finds herself entangled with Napoleon, Josephine and the new ruling class. Pataki deftly weaves a tangled web of passion, deception and intrigue, set against one of the most tumultuous periods in history, making for a heady cocktail which readers will devour.”—Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris

“Allison Pataki is a masterful historical author at the top of her game. From the very first lyrical lines of The Queen’s Fortune, I was wholly swept into the entrancing world of Desiree Clary Bernadotte. Painstaking research and page-turning prose placed me directly at the side of this remarkable yet lesser-known figure, journeying from innocent girlhood to seasoned royalty, a survivor of guillotine threats, palace politics, and strains of the heart. I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end.”—Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday and The Edge of Lost

“It’s not everyone who’s jilted by Napoleon and winds up queen of Sweden. Allison Pataki provides an intimate portrait of a tumultuous time—and of an ordinary woman who captivated two of the great men of her day and became the mother of a dynasty.”—Lauren Willig, New York Times bestselling author of The Summer Country

“This impeccably researched, expertly rendered historical from Pataki gloriously re-creates the personal dramas surrounding Napoleon Bonaparte. . . . Pataki’s skill in chronicling Napoleon’s transformation from an idealistic young soldier to a ruthless, callous leader drives the story, and her sumptuous scenes allow the reader to easily examine the political machinations and extreme luxury of the monarchy. Readers who enjoy Elizabeth Chadwick will want to take a look.”—Publishers Weekly

“Pataki’s ability to flesh out imperial grandeur and foibles with telling detail, on full display in her Habsburg novels, is equally evident here.”—Kirkus Reviews

Magnifique!

A truly captivating story performed by an exceptional actress! I was enthralled by Désirée‘s story from the beginning to the end. It is amazing how one woman’s life was entwined with so many famous historical figures - and I’d never heard of her until reading this book. I admire Desiree for her long life and for surviving everything that had been happening in her world at the time. An incredible story of an incredible woman and of France!

Really fabulous!

Couldn’t put it down! I thought the writing was so good I felt as if I were there. Of course Justine Eyre is flawless! This book just zipped by so fast I intend to listen to it again!

Excellent account of history

These historical accounts should be used in classes to capture young students instead of the history typically taught.

Insightful, Detailed, Romantic Novel

The author creates an attractive depiction of the life of a woman who's risen from innocence to unexpected power, during historical times of great instability in Europe. Following the main events of Napoleon's ascension, the novel casts light onto characters from behind the curtains of officially famous mainstage. Enjoyed both the narative style and the pace of the story.

Amazing historical story

FABULOUS STORY AND A GREAT NARRATOR!! Highly recommend!! One of my favorites! Hope she writes more!