The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki

Allison Pataki's fascinating novel set in the great Hapsburg court during its decline is filled with interesting characters and heartbreaking moments that illuminate history for the reader. Sisi, a Bavarian duchess, travels with her mother and older sister Helene to the Hapsburg court where her older sister is to be married to her cousin Franz. Elisabeth, Sis, is young and boisterous and charismatic, and Franz falls in love with her. His mother, her aunt, is furious when he says he will marry Sisi instead of Helene.

The couple tries to have a good marriage and keep the romance alive, but royal duty, a vindictive, cruel mother in law, and infidelity stand between them and their happiness. Can Sisi find love and construct a life for herself? This novel is part 1, and I can't wait to read the follow up novel. If I were not hundreds of miles from home right now I'd order it.

Allison Pataki brings everything to life - from the pomposity of the decaying court, to the decadence of the royal lives, the hardness of the empress, and the likely mental problems that Sisi seemed to have. She was obsessed with elements of her appearance and feared weight gain. Though it was never stated directly, she may have had an eating disorder before there was really a term for such a thing. Despite her royal status she had a hard life.

The writing is good and fast paced. The characters are interesting and the plot heart breaking and heart warming at once.