Three Times a Countess: The Extraordinary Life and Times of Raine Spencer

Three Times a Countess is a biography of Raine Spencer, the stepmother of Diana, Princess of Wales. It reveals her life as a powerful, accomplished woman who reconciled with Diana and became her closest confidante. The book explores her career, from local politics to dealing with the Spencer family estate, and her final role as a board member at Harrods.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2022
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Three Times a Countess is a captivating biography of the enigmatic and fascinating Raine Spencer, the Countess, socialite, and stepmother to Diana, Princess of Wales. Written by acclaimed author Lucinda Riley, the book delves into the life of Raine, exploring her journey from her childhood as the daughter of renowned novelist Barbara Cartland to her roles as a Westminster councillor and wife of Earl Spencer.

Through vivid storytelling, Three Times a Countess sheds light on the complex and multifaceted personality of Raine. While she was known to her friends for her shrewdness, intelligence, wit, and loyalty, her enemies painted her as pushy, overly flamboyant, and ruthless. Raine's life was a testament to her success, encompassing a career in local politics, managing the Spencer family estate, and serving as a board member at Harrods.

However, despite her accomplishments, Raine could not escape the media narrative that portrayed her as the evil stepmother. This portrayal was fueled by a societal whirl of London Seasons, family feuds, politics, pomp, and big hair. In Three Times a Countess, author Lucinda Riley seeks to set the record straight, drawing insight from those who knew Raine best.

The book provides a detailed account of Raine's life, including her relationships with her family, friends, and lovers. It explores her struggles and triumphs, her political ambitions, and her role as a confidante to Diana, Princess of Wales. Raine's loyalty knew no bounds, and her unwavering support for her family and friends was a defining characteristic of her character.

Three Times a Countess is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of British society, royal families, and the complexities of human relationships. It offers a fresh perspective on a woman who was often misunderstood and misrepresented, revealing her as a sophisticated, determined woman whose legacy continues to be felt today.

Weight: 608g
Dimension: 164 x 240 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780349134826