I think she's like a lot of us, can't believe good luck when it happens to you. She does come across as very genuine and who of us hasn't messed up whilst trying too hard to impress.

Sarah accidentally kissing Andrew is hilarious. Ooopsy! Sarah spilling a drink and kicking the dog is the best part of this segment. Markle is like a thieving magpie. Taking over peoples shiny bit stories, because she’s too boring and unimportant to have her own.

When Shauna read the part about the paps being camped out on Fergie’s doorstep after the engagement, I said Meghan wishes that happened to her and then Shauna follows up with Meghan tried to claim … happened to her .. but no. 😅

Sarah kicking the the Queen’s corgi while trying to curtsy to “her boyfriend’s mother” had me rolling!!!! 😂😂😂

i truly believe that sarah and andrew are truly best friends, she really has stuck by him

Fergie was the 'fresh air' through windows thrown open that M tried later to claim she was. Only difference being Fergie was really a breath of fresh air, M never was, never could be.

I laughed at her tripping over and her drink going flying. She hasnt changed much.

Diana was known for liking someone and then cutting them off entirely until such time as she would again talk to them as if nothing had happened.

I think there's quite a few of us who are seeing a different side to Sarah. Thank you for choosing her book, Shauna, I never would have looked at it.

I’m amazed at how brief the courtship was…….just as I was with Charles and Diana. They barely knew each other! No wonder the marriages didn’t last.

It seems to be quite indicative that Fergie and Diana used the same approach when it came to securing their prince: playing the role of the wife they wanted them to be instead of being themselfs. That way they almost setted themselfs up for failure right from the beginning. I'm not so sure about Andrew and Fergie but I definitely think that Charles wouldn't have married Diana if she hadn't played the innocent country girl, who loves nature and the outside etc.

Fergie seems charming to me, bungling and authentic. Too bad Harebrain didn't marry a girl like her.

It’s strange Sarah wasn’t invited to the wedding breakfast when she’d been lunching w Diana once a week. Once a week is a sign of pretty good friends imo. Maybe Diana was limited on her guest list but still.

I never knew alot about Fergie ....so I am thoroughly enjoy your review of this book. Thank you!

Thank you so much for reviewing this book - such a delight! - I must admit I’ve never been a Fergie fan, however like you I’m now in two minds - I think she just needed (& still does) the firm guiding hand of an experienced older woman to (try) to keep her on the straight and narrow.

Fergie seems very appealing. I would have quite enjoyed a friend like that. I had a friend who was always pushing the limits and then she would get into a bit of a mess and ask me what to do, knowing I would show disapproval at first but immediately start problem-solving with her. It was as though it took a while for her to braced for my groans, but she knew I would be all in with her efforts to fix her problems. We had many adventures. But she was far more adventurous than I. She went into the Peace Corps, grew alpha sprouts for restaurants in Austin, TX, became a midwife, and went on to become an obstetrician specializing in at-risk pregnancies. You just never know what a free spirit will do. I was the boring half of the friendship and ended up teaching history.

I am so sorry if I offended anyone here, but Fergie is hilarious!!! 😂❤😅

I read this when it came out but you add a new dimension. I remember being shocked that Fergie would discuss the extra gift that came with Diana's shoes.

Love your reviews of these books, especially housekeepers diary, when Sarah would visit Highgrove. Did Princess Anne ever visit Highgrove that would have been interesting!

I think everyone BUT Megsy would’ve felt like Sarah in that last line. I think Megsy’s the one that thought she was finally where she belonged. Not that she ever intended to stay there.

No one’s perfect, and I’ve always have liked her. I agree that if the marriage had worked, it would have been good for them both. To stay friends after the divorce is amazing and says an awful lot about them. Their daughters obviously love and support them both . That’s not easy!

Fergie reminds me quite a bit of one of my daughters - wild, loud, loves crude jokes, an infectious laugh, can't keep a secret to save her soul...and a bit irritating in well-bred company.

I guess one thing I’ll say about Fergie, she’s loyal. Okay she probably lives at Royal Lodge for free, but how many ex wife’s would stick by someone like Andrew at his lowest point? For that matter, he stuck by her, oddly. They are such a bizarre couple. I can’t figure them out.

Hi Shauna. In this chapter, Fergie is talking about clothes and appropriate outfits etc, it reminded me of the chapter in the Housekeeper’s Diary, when Fergie showed up at one of the castles with her suitcase full of not so nice clothes, whites were a little gray etc. Remember? Oh well gave me a chuckle.

Yay! 🎉I’m a Happy Camper because my favorite book buddy is back!🎉

That was fun, thank you! Way to start the morning ☕️ and book reading ; you have painted Sarah in a new light, yes annoying and inappropriate but vulnerable and a touch of the girl-next-door. Adore your storytelling style 🌟 Shauna! Penelope.

Gosh, I am a terrible cynic but I take her numerous "hopeless klutz" stories with a big grain of salt. I'm also not sure she was that chummy with Diana. Her romantic bliss, I do find real and moving. Feeling the vertigo of adventure yet safe is marvelous and rings true to her character and history. Oh well, I'm the worst! 🙈

Great to be back here. Thanks for your work

That was a very endearing chapter, the gauche girl who didn't "fit in" finally finding her place with Andrew ! The parts where she kissed him in error, the spilled drink and dog kick in front of the Queen sums her up really 😂

Delightful! Thank you for the lighthearted break.

First impression of Fergie was 'gauche' and I still feel that way

I must say, I have always thought her vulgar, and, well, she is! However, I had a problem while watching this. I have been ill for some time, and this evening I couldn't sleep because of pain. My husband being fast asleep, I couldn't laugh out loud at some of the his I is in this chapter! Thank you, I am quite enjoying this. I know a woman very like Ms. Ferguson, and one must be careful not to let her know anything one doesn't mind the world knowing. I don't think it is done out of malice, but it seems there is no filter between thought and corresponding action.

I think Sarah was a bit of an actress she was out to get what she wanted lol

All through this chapter, all I could think, Andrew has 100’s of teddy bears… It’s all so weird and not normal. Am I the only one? 🤔

❤ from NYC! Really fun show thank you very much for that👍😃

I have Bridget Jones stuck in my head....the royal Bridget Jones. So like so many of us overweight, clumsy English gals

Cheers, and again thank you ❤

I think it's interesting that both Sarah's mother and step mother were named Susan.

I think it is more than a bit weird that Sarah would mention that she may have contracted plantar warts from wearing Diana's shoes. Is this yet another example of her believing that her actions would have no consequences?

The Fergie that Fergie writes about is appealing. There is a long record of her entitled behavior, overspending, accepting money from a convicted child trafficker and trying to sell influence to Andrew that would conflict with that version. And taking her little children on a romantic romp holiday with another man while she was married because her husband was at sea and she was “lonely”???? As a “Navy wife” myself, I find that was especially gross. Probably because I’m old and futsy, but I take my measure of people by their actions not their yapping.

I see Fergie's growing on you, Shauna. Good for her. To me, I've never liked not disliked any of the lot of them. They were just there - even the much hyped Diana I didn't follow. I did watch the wedding and I was made sad with the news of her passing - for a moment. I was vaguely aware William had married then through magazine covers at the checkout that he and his wife had kids. Much the same way, and with as much notice but little interest as I'd been made aware years earlier of William's own entrance on the stage. Life goes on. I guess it comes with being an American, aware but not invested in that family or their goings on. All that was up until the Markle hitched her wagon to the wild pony. As it turned out, it was a circus wagon and slowly the antics of the duo brought my attention to the family much like a slowly unfolding Soap Opera with new drama each day. Through the attention demanded by the spare and his spouse, I got to know a little bit about other players in the drama. Without the two celebrities, I'd never know how wonderful Anne is nor what a fine upstanding man Wills has apparently become nor what an absolute gem he had found in Catherine, etc. so thanks to the wayward son finding his equally wayward wife, I have come to appreciate and admire the rest of the family and their role in GB and the rest of the Commonwealth. Thanks, Shauna, for all the lovely books and your asides and explains. Really enjoy your channel. *sip*

What l love about Sarah is at that time an open book, she give us all, the good and the bad, she does not hold back. But with time it get tiresome because you want to tell her" Come on grow up! Learn ! If only she had look up to the Queen and learn to be quiet... but for a person like Sarah it was nearly impossible. But l think that she found in Andrew the most amazing frienship, he like her as she is. And in her children she has the most amazing love. Not many people get this. Even with all the mistakes she made, she end up with a rich rewarding life. If your Ex still care for you and your children think you are wonderful , what more do you need. Love her or not she is a genuine persone and this is what l love about her. But like you l pity the poor step mother . Thankyou , enjoye this so much!

One thing for sure, she is a good writer when she manages to move you.

I feel exactly like you right now!! Use to love her, then want to shake her for her actions, but hearing such raw honesty and almost nightmares comic moments, I too feel confused. I use to just wish she would tone down the eye rolling in public as it was way too common, but again could feel her awkwardness. I shall just keep listening and see how the chapters go. Great read as usual.

I find it hard to believe that she was having lunch with Diana every week then never got invited to the wedding breakfast/reception. It doesn't add up. Maybe she had lunch with Diana a couple of times.

I have 4 older brothers … may I add they are very much boys / men / gentlemen….. they never had belching contest ….. at least not in front of myself and our mother …. Guess my father did influence them on being gentlemen…..

That is some big ego there. Having to call a boyfriend 'Sir' until he has decided to tell you he loves you, is a bit much! To be honest, Fergie does seem like the sort of person who is fun to have around and is most likely a great friend. She has probably had to learn a bit of tact over the years though! Megalot used the same tactic ( trying to be what he wanted) on Harry, so I think she read the book, lol.

Fergie writes a good yarn! So far she is appearing as an emotionally neglected lovable klutz. Sounds like Andrew and Fergs were a good match. Now to find out what happened to such a promising union!

Hi Shauna poor old Fergie is a real clutz. She is an interesting personality.❤

Blessings to Sarah ❤

Hi Shauna, It's so nice to see you.😊❤

I’m starting to like her and I find Fergie extremely amusing 😃👍😂

Hi, Shauna 🌞 I still feel the same about Fergie as far as trust goes but I can see how and why she became that “puppy” always wanting to please and be loved which makes me like her a bit more….but still not trust her. A fun friend you have to keep one eye on 😄

Enjoying this book reading very much. But it is a book, and how much is real? Some of today's episode is so full of slapstick, it reminds me of a romantic comedy movie (eg Doris Day)

I agree that she spins a good yarn but whether it is a tually true is another story. As Prince Andrew is reputedly a teetotaller yet is portayed as drinking champagne, what led hom to make this change? It's sad that she seems to need people's approval but she does seem to exhibit less control or unusual behaviour than might be expected. Think of her carryon for the crows at Princess Eugenie's wedding or at Sandringham at Christmas. I hope that she can accept herself some day a d realise that things don't always need to revolve around her!

It’s curious (and a pity) that for someone so insecure, she wasn’t more introspective. If she had been, she could have matured into a more sensible less brash person, while retaining her warmth and fun.

My word !!! THAT was fabulous 💕 ~ I to was “moved”

I think Shauna you are secretly starting to like Fergie😂 I have always liked her, but not always liked some of the things she has done. She would be the loyal friend in sunshine and in rain. I believe this book allows us the reader to have a deeper insight into a women who was the outsider since childhood never quite fitting in. As for her friendship and falling out with Diana, it’s a known fact that Diana would fall out with friends, when things did not go her way. MM thinks she had it hard, Fergie had it worse imagine knowing you were not the slim beauty like Diana and instead being called “The Duchess of pork” by the press, yes she caused a great deal of her own misery, but there was a great deal she did not deserve 🇬🇧

It's so hard to believe that Diana's clothes and shoes would even fit Sarah. 😏🤔🤷🏽‍♀️

Suddenly Sarah sounds like Chummy in “ Call the Midwife”

Did I understand that correctly? Fergie was deliberately setting her cap at Andrew at Balmoral despite having to tell him that she was actually seeing someone else at that time, and Andrew's response was 'that's ok, I don't mind'....??? If so, then it's not entirely surprising that the marriage unfolded as it did...

That was good!!!

So excited for another part of Sarah, My Story ❤

Hello!!!!

Okay, Shauna - you’ve got me! I have really enjoyed a number of your videos, disliked your tone in Snarky Snippets (and you told me not to watch), and found the “sips” a little too sweet for my taste. I am now, however, totally hooked on listening to you review Fergie’s book and will probably go back and listen to the housekeeper’s story as well. This seems like the perfect element for your humor and insights.

I'm still not in love with Fergie based on how she treated servants in yhe Housekeepers Diary. But, I've always felt she still continues to stand by Andrew, and though they are divorced, i feel like they still have a better relationship then Charles and Di, Harry and the Meg, etc. Though we may not see it as a moral relationship given their pasts, they seem to make it work regardless.

I love your work Shauna...have to admit that I've held off listening to this as I'm afraid Sarah and her story is becoming a little fingernails on blackboard for me...I'm liking her less and less as needy clowns aren't my scene 🤔😱🤡 I have listened though...you haven't disappointed and Sarah didn't either in her dreadfulness!!!😂😂😂

I think Sarah is perfect for Prince Andrew and I wish they'd remarry!!

Loved this chapter so much 😊❤

I think she changed for the worse in the later years --- her avarice led her down the wrong garden path. She would have caught that bug off her husband, as she didn't appear to be that way when she was younger.

Interesting how Sarah understood she would fare better remaining friendly with the royal family. Other than the American Riviera Spider. Maybe Sarah would have become a successful politician had she not entered the RF.

Sounds like she is out of the same mould as Bridget Jones

❤

Greetings from Florida USA!

I wonder if Fergie would have married prince Andrew if she had known he about his picadillo for young girl's prince Andrew .

My brother in law met Fergie years ago. He said that she was incredibly attractive 'in the flesh'.

Sarah is truly authentic in every way. Who of us have not made mistakes, sometimes repeatedly. I can understand why she is a people pleaser, with her background. I love the fact that what you see really is what you get. No pretence at all. Ms Markel, she ain't. 😂

You are such a lovely romantic !👋👌👍

Fergie is definitely a good writer.

Considering she kicked one of the Corgi's, by accident, on the first meeting. She's made up for it now. 😂

Of course it wouldn't phase him that she had a boyfriend and he had a girlfriend. He was already setting the scene for their open marriage. Which is also why Andrew was the only one not upset when the toe sucking pictures came out in my opinion. They are free and easy! I do believe they've always made that work for them and I think they would still be married if the press hadn't got hold of things.

People can do really awful things for really sad reasons; it doesn't make the things they do any less awful, nor their reasons any less sad. People are complicated and messy.

She is such an interesting mix of a girl, you can see that she is a disaster waiting to happen which makes her endearing but you can also see how that might not help as a working member of the royal family.

I was curious if you know of the utube program “Celt views”. Her opinion on past events makes sence to me.Just curious of your opinion.

Thanks! 😃💙

She didn’t write about how she broke up with the boyfriend …

I think Fergie is one of those persons who can feel socially awkward. An introvert would become reserved in such occasion but an extrovert would make stupid mistakes without thinking twice. Deep down I don't think she has an evil bone and I know I'm in the minority but I prefer her to Diana because she seems to present herself honestly instead of trying to play PR games. Not that she doesn't have her bad moments, mind you.

Goodness, calling your bf sir for 6 months.

Is it too wicked to wonder whether Fergie had to address Prince Andrew as 'sir' during their intimate moments in the first six months of their relationship? Was/is that true of other girlfriends?

Fergie and Andrew, though divorced have always lived together, since they were married. I'm not sure whether it was for the sake of their children, or it was just convieient for them both...

This is so nice. I di think Diana made something out of nothing about the shoe/ clothes and may ,just maybe is was a bit jealous of Fergie !!??

I think its rude of that Fergie mention about Diana given her planter warts. Seeing Diana was nice enough to lent fergie her shoes.

I’ve always been conflicted about Sarah. She seems like a nice enough and fun girl that you could hang out with, but I wouldn’t trust her enough to be a confidante or in my inner circle.

👋 everyone 👋

The engagement happened for fast? Fergie just seems nice, a little child like but genuine in her way.

Poor old Fergie I feel like although she knew the royal family and aristocracy she was always seen as a bit of a fool and the poor relation. She doesn’t help herself in this book though she sounds like one half of a comedy double act 😂 I do feel like she was given such a hard time by the media though especially in the early days of her engagement and wedding, constantly being compared to Diana, nobody is going to stand up well when compared with her are they 😂

She's got beautiful ankles

I like Fergie but she did some STUPID things. We all do at some point. I go up and down about feeling happy and sorry for Fergie and then well you brought that on yourself.

We all have to remember what being in your 20's was like. When you read these books in hindsight, it's easy to judge. I don't like/dislike Fergie, but I think she self sabotages to an appalling degree.

Strange that Sarah could go Skiing on many occasions but couldn’t afford to buy nice clothes 🤔