Maggie Ballinger  – James The Third|@RandomTTours|@BBPSBook|#RandomTTours #JamesTheThird #BookReview #BlogTour #AlternativeHistory

What would have happened if our present Queen Elizabeth had a younger brother? Today, I am on the tour of a book that presents us with an alternative history. Thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours and Maggie Ballinger for my chance to share my thoughts and for my copy of the book.

In 1936, the Duke of York unexpectedly became King George VI, and his ten-year-old daughter, Princess Elizabeth, became heir presumptive. However, she was never heir apparent, because a male sibling would automatically assume her place in the line of succession. So what would have happened upon the late arrival of a baby brother for the grown-up Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret? After King George VI’s death in 1952, the United Kingdom’s next sovereign would have been a very young boy, and one in need of a regent.

James the Third tells that boy’s story. How does his reign unfold? He is clever, resourceful and unconventional − but can he alter the course of history, given the limited role of a constitutional monarch? Does he find true love, or must he accept second best? And, with the births of his heirs, what does the House of Windsor look like now?

Set against rapidly changing times, there is a parallel tale of two working class sisters from the East End of London. As fans of the royal family, they are closer to the crown than they could ever imagine. Seamlessly blending the twists and turns of fiction with historical fact, this book is sure to please anyone who enjoys a glimpse of life behind palace walls.

I am a reader who revels in historical fiction, and I adore learning about past kings and queens. This book really made me think about the monarchy and how any event has the possibility of changing the course of history.

This is a fascinating story that blends facts with fiction. 1948, and Princess Elizabeth is the heir presumptive to the throne of England, as she is the eldest daughter of King George VI. The fiction has real events from history inserted throughout and shows an alternative history that could easily have happened.

The Queen ends up pregnant with an unexpected baby. This baby is a boy who changes the line of the monarchy immediately. Given the name James, he becomes heir apparent due to the antiquated laws around the monarchy.  As King George VI dies in 1952 and James ascends to the throne as King. The royals we know today all have their roles altered from what we know.

As the royal story is played out, we see a parallel story of two sisters, Lil and Peggy. Living in South London on a world that is light years away from the Royal family and their lives. James The Third follows both families through the years and we see some weird similarities as we travel forward.

I thought the author’s notes were a brilliant addition to the story. They give the reader more facts to delve into and handy for someone who may not know everything about our Royal family. 

This was right up my street. I love The Crown, and this story captured my imagination very easily. The research was clear to see; the laws around the monarchy all laid out to make this an interesting and lovely read.

A really enjoyable read that is not only a twist on history but a surprising mystery, too. All in all, an entertaining and very interesting story from Maggie Ballinger.

About the Author

Maggie Ballinger was born in Crewe, brought up in South London and now lives in Sheffield. She studied European History at the University of East Anglia and later obtained an MA in International History from Birkbeck College, London. Since retiring as a hospital manager, much of her time has been spent writing an eclectic range of material. She is the author of Britannia’s Glory – A Maritime Story (Uniform, 2019) and the illustrated children’s book Baa Baa Pink Sheep.