Betsy & Lilibet

A novel of two Elizabeths, born hours apart into very different lives in London: “Clever and charming.”—Katie Fforde

London, 1926. Two baby girls are born just hours and miles apart. One you know as the Queen of England, but what of the other girl—the daughter of an undertaker named in her honor?

Betsy Sunshine grows up surrounded by death in war-torn London, watching her community grieve for their loved ones while dealing with her own teenage troubles—namely her promiscuous sister Margie. As Betsy grows older we see the how the country changes through her eyes, and along the way we discover the birth of a secret that threatens to tear her family apart.

Sophie Duffy dazzles in her latest work of family/historical fiction. A tale which spans generations to explore the life and times of a family at the heart of their community, it is the story of a stoic young woman who shares a connection with her queenly counterpart in more ways than one.

“Both Betsy and Lilibet develop into strong and faithful women when the world plunges into World War II. As Betsy grows older, we see through her eyes the country changing through the decades. This makes for fascinating social history, full of both humor and tragedy…Highly recommended.”—Historical Novel Society

“Told with wit and warmth, this is a gritty, truly British, drama.”—Paul McVeigh