Frances Stuart has little money, but she has beauty that can attract kings. When she goes to the French court with her newly wed friend, King Louis XIV is enraptured and asks her to be his mistress. Guided by her morals and her desire to protect her family from scandal, she refuses, and he sends her back to England, charging her to capture King Charles II's eye. While she attempts to win Charles over with kindness instead of seduction, she starts falling for the monarch she can't have. Her loyalty is tested, and Frances must decide how long she can say no.

As a lover of court drama, historical figures, and excellent writing, GIRL ON THE GOLDEN COIN by Marci Jefferson gave me no choice but to absolutely adore it. Usually I read more Tudor focused books, so much of the history around King Charles II was new to me but just as intriguing. Frances is a girl you can't help but want her to succeed. Though she isn't naïve, she has such an innocent and kind heart, though many of the people around her do not. What I love most about her story is that though she certainly has tragic moments in her life, she seems to always fight for hope.

Alongside Frances are several incredibly complex secondary characters, such as Barbara, Queen Catherine, and Charles. I love how none of them are fully saints or sinners, but each have their own realistic personality mixed with good and bad traits. Though the romance with Charles is passionate and loving, Frances is most concerned with being a loyal friend. The story has a wonderful focus on that friendship as well as many others, which is refreshing and beautiful.

GIRL ON THE GOLDEN COIN is a gorgeous historical novel, perfect for anyone who wants to take a step back in time and learn about a woman whose character shines off the page. Marci Jefferson's book will reside happily on my shelf alongside Philippa Gregory's works. I hope to see many more stories from this incredible author!