Read any good Tudor books lately? I have!
I happily write book reviews on any and all Late Medieval/Early Modern books I read (and some historical books that have nothing whatsoever to do with these periods - who knows!) I love when authors and publishers reach out to me for reviews, and love even more the chance to discuss those books with my readers. For review inquiries, please email me at [email protected]!
Disclaimer: This is by no means a comprehensive list of the books I've read! The simple truth is, it's very difficult to keep up with updating this page to reflect all of my Tudor reads! So, if you have a question about a specific book and you'd like to know my thoughts, but you don't see it here, just reach out!
Disclaimer: This is by no means a comprehensive list of the books I've read! The simple truth is, it's very difficult to keep up with updating this page to reflect all of my Tudor reads! So, if you have a question about a specific book and you'd like to know my thoughts, but you don't see it here, just reach out!
"The Raven's Widow" by Adrienne Dillard
This was a great novel following the major moments of Jane Boleyn's (nee Parker's) life as the wife of George Boleyn between 1520-1536, and later, attendant and ultimate traitor alongside Henry VIII's fifth wife, Catherine Howard. While Jane has too often been maligned by popular Tudor fiction as a vicious shrew of a woman, held in an unhappy marriage, Dillard turns this narrative on its head by creating a much more human and sympathetic Jane - one we as Tudor enthusiasts can understand, empathize with, and root for. This is a much-needed novel about a Tudor figure who has been cruelly handled by authors and directors, and a novel well worth a place on any Tudor bookshelf. Read my full review here and my author interview with Adrienne Dillard here!
This was a great novel following the major moments of Jane Boleyn's (nee Parker's) life as the wife of George Boleyn between 1520-1536, and later, attendant and ultimate traitor alongside Henry VIII's fifth wife, Catherine Howard. While Jane has too often been maligned by popular Tudor fiction as a vicious shrew of a woman, held in an unhappy marriage, Dillard turns this narrative on its head by creating a much more human and sympathetic Jane - one we as Tudor enthusiasts can understand, empathize with, and root for. This is a much-needed novel about a Tudor figure who has been cruelly handled by authors and directors, and a novel well worth a place on any Tudor bookshelf. Read my full review here and my author interview with Adrienne Dillard here!
"The Boy King" by Janet Wertman
I was so excited to read a novel that actually places Edward VI at the center of his own story. This novel - the only one to center Edward VI as the main character, aside from Mark Twain's "The Prince and the Pauper" - is a must-read for any Tudor enthusiast. I really appreciated Wertman's characterization of Edward, and how she made him a child with feelings and human emotions - and consequently someone we can sympathize with. Her portrayal of Somerset as "the good duke" was also a fun and thought-provoking twist. What if the Lord Protector wasn't actually the cutthroat man of ambition and greed that most historians have made him out to be? What if he actually did serve Edward to the best of his ability, and make his decisions from a place of genuine care and concern for the delicate young king? This novel is a fascinating "what-if" scenario, and one that paints several of its characters (most notably King Edward) in a raw, human light that I really appreciated. Find my full review here, and pick this book up for yourself! It deserves a place on your Tudor shelf.
I was so excited to read a novel that actually places Edward VI at the center of his own story. This novel - the only one to center Edward VI as the main character, aside from Mark Twain's "The Prince and the Pauper" - is a must-read for any Tudor enthusiast. I really appreciated Wertman's characterization of Edward, and how she made him a child with feelings and human emotions - and consequently someone we can sympathize with. Her portrayal of Somerset as "the good duke" was also a fun and thought-provoking twist. What if the Lord Protector wasn't actually the cutthroat man of ambition and greed that most historians have made him out to be? What if he actually did serve Edward to the best of his ability, and make his decisions from a place of genuine care and concern for the delicate young king? This novel is a fascinating "what-if" scenario, and one that paints several of its characters (most notably King Edward) in a raw, human light that I really appreciated. Find my full review here, and pick this book up for yourself! It deserves a place on your Tudor shelf.
"The King's Witch" by Tracy Borman
A novel centered around the court of James I and the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 is new territory for me, but I was sucked right into the fascinating story of fictional healer, Lady Frances Gorges. Written by one of my favorite Tudor historians, this book was filled with danger, treachery, deceit, love, and heartache - all the makings of a truly wild and entertaining historical novel. I couldn't help but cheer for Frances's endearing character, while fearing and hating characters like Sir William Cecil and King James. Without an Author's Note (at least in the audio version), I'm left wondering about the 'truth' behind some of Tracy's characterizations and plot points, but that's all the more reason for research (something I always recommend after finishing a good historical fiction book!). Read my full review here, and if you haven't already read this first in her "Frances Gorges Trilogy", treat yourself! It's well worth the read.
A novel centered around the court of James I and the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 is new territory for me, but I was sucked right into the fascinating story of fictional healer, Lady Frances Gorges. Written by one of my favorite Tudor historians, this book was filled with danger, treachery, deceit, love, and heartache - all the makings of a truly wild and entertaining historical novel. I couldn't help but cheer for Frances's endearing character, while fearing and hating characters like Sir William Cecil and King James. Without an Author's Note (at least in the audio version), I'm left wondering about the 'truth' behind some of Tracy's characterizations and plot points, but that's all the more reason for research (something I always recommend after finishing a good historical fiction book!). Read my full review here, and if you haven't already read this first in her "Frances Gorges Trilogy", treat yourself! It's well worth the read.
"A Tip for the Hangman" by Allison Epstein
This was such a fun, gritty, wild ride through Elizabethan London, following the controversial and much-theorized-upon life of popular playwright, Christopher "Kit" Marlowe. Suspected to have been an undercover spy within Sir Francis Walsingham's intelligence network, Kit's life in this novel is forever changed when the spymaster himself seeks him out at Cambridge and recruits him to spy within the household of Mary, Queen of Scots. From there, Kit's life becomes a tangled web of intelligence intrigue, and he struggles to compartmentalize his spy work from his personal relationships, as well as his budding career as a Bankside playwright. The descriptions are tangible, the dialogue is witty and incredibly entertaining, and Kit is a hero you can't help but root enthusiastically for. I highly recommend this novel, and you can read my full review here! As a fun bonus, you can also read my author interview with Allison Epstein here!
This was such a fun, gritty, wild ride through Elizabethan London, following the controversial and much-theorized-upon life of popular playwright, Christopher "Kit" Marlowe. Suspected to have been an undercover spy within Sir Francis Walsingham's intelligence network, Kit's life in this novel is forever changed when the spymaster himself seeks him out at Cambridge and recruits him to spy within the household of Mary, Queen of Scots. From there, Kit's life becomes a tangled web of intelligence intrigue, and he struggles to compartmentalize his spy work from his personal relationships, as well as his budding career as a Bankside playwright. The descriptions are tangible, the dialogue is witty and incredibly entertaining, and Kit is a hero you can't help but root enthusiastically for. I highly recommend this novel, and you can read my full review here! As a fun bonus, you can also read my author interview with Allison Epstein here!
"Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen" by Alison Weir
This was a fantastic novel about little-talked-about Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's third queen. Alison Weir's novels always feature rich historical detail, backed up with impressive research, and I personally really appreciate that she strives to tell the truest stories possible, using creative license only where gaps remain in the historical record. In this novel, she introduces a few tantalizing and thought-provoking theories (based in primary source material), such as the possibility of Jane suffering two miscarriages before the birth of Prince Edward, and a rather interesting take on her cause of death. The Author's Notes, particularly, are not to be missed upon finishing this novel. You can read my full review of this book (which I highly, highly recommend), in which I dive further into my thoughts on the story and the elements that set this book apart from other Jane novels.
This was a fantastic novel about little-talked-about Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's third queen. Alison Weir's novels always feature rich historical detail, backed up with impressive research, and I personally really appreciate that she strives to tell the truest stories possible, using creative license only where gaps remain in the historical record. In this novel, she introduces a few tantalizing and thought-provoking theories (based in primary source material), such as the possibility of Jane suffering two miscarriages before the birth of Prince Edward, and a rather interesting take on her cause of death. The Author's Notes, particularly, are not to be missed upon finishing this novel. You can read my full review of this book (which I highly, highly recommend), in which I dive further into my thoughts on the story and the elements that set this book apart from other Jane novels.
"The King is Dead: The Last Will and Testament of Henry VIII" by Suzannah Lipscomb
Talk about a fascinating look into one of the Tudor period's most questioned and contested documents! Suzannah Lipscomb presents the questions that historians have pondered for centuries - namely, that the will of Henry VIII was not (entirely) his own work, and that it was edited and manipulated by his Privy Council at the time of his death, so they could wrest control of the government and the child heir, Edward VI - as well as grant themselves whatever titles, lands, riches they desired. The evidence Lipscomb puts forward to the contrary is not only convincing, but extremely interesting. Who would have thought that an entire book centered around one sixteenth-century document could be such an engaging read? I feel I know more now about Henry's visions for the future of England, his mindset at his death, and the roles of his councilors than I did before reading, and I highly recommend this to any Tudor enthusiast!
Talk about a fascinating look into one of the Tudor period's most questioned and contested documents! Suzannah Lipscomb presents the questions that historians have pondered for centuries - namely, that the will of Henry VIII was not (entirely) his own work, and that it was edited and manipulated by his Privy Council at the time of his death, so they could wrest control of the government and the child heir, Edward VI - as well as grant themselves whatever titles, lands, riches they desired. The evidence Lipscomb puts forward to the contrary is not only convincing, but extremely interesting. Who would have thought that an entire book centered around one sixteenth-century document could be such an engaging read? I feel I know more now about Henry's visions for the future of England, his mindset at his death, and the roles of his councilors than I did before reading, and I highly recommend this to any Tudor enthusiast!
"The Phantom Tree" by Nicola Cornick
This novel combined two of my favorite things in fiction - the Tudor period and time travel. When done well, time travel can be a really fun element in any novel (in my opinion), so of course I jumped into this book, since a Tudor figure would be time traveling to the present day! This novel also explores the possibility of Mary Seymour (daughter of Catherine Parr and Thomas Seymour) living beyond infancy, and what her life might have entailed. When she meets another Seymour family relation, Alison Bannister, her life takes on an interesting path - leading to Alison's disappearance (time travel!) and a friendship (of sorts) that spans centuries. From the present day, Alison is consumed with finding out what happened to her long-lost son back in the 1550s, and how she might possibly get back to him. It was a fun read, and one that I'd recommend if you're willing to throw logic and fact out the window for just a little Tudor-inspired fun.
This novel combined two of my favorite things in fiction - the Tudor period and time travel. When done well, time travel can be a really fun element in any novel (in my opinion), so of course I jumped into this book, since a Tudor figure would be time traveling to the present day! This novel also explores the possibility of Mary Seymour (daughter of Catherine Parr and Thomas Seymour) living beyond infancy, and what her life might have entailed. When she meets another Seymour family relation, Alison Bannister, her life takes on an interesting path - leading to Alison's disappearance (time travel!) and a friendship (of sorts) that spans centuries. From the present day, Alison is consumed with finding out what happened to her long-lost son back in the 1550s, and how she might possibly get back to him. It was a fun read, and one that I'd recommend if you're willing to throw logic and fact out the window for just a little Tudor-inspired fun.
"A Phoenix Rising" by Vivienne Brereton
This novel follows the central role(s) that the Howard family (led by Thomas Howard) played in a number of European courts during the 16th century. With the obvious focus being on England and the Tudor rule, Vivienne Brereton also takes the reader to Scotland and France, where we see a number of Howard relations caught up in court scandal, politics, war, and intrigue. There is a clever mixture of real-life historical figures as well as fictional characters, and there's a wonderful amount of research and historical detail thrown in, to truly immerse us in the world of the 16th century, and the life that the Howards led. As a fun bonus, Vivienne tosses in some delicious-looking Tudor recipes, which feature in the pages of the story (I love that!). This is a cleverly, nicely-written novel about a family that features (in part, at least) in almost every Tudor story... but rarely takes center stage. I recommend to any lover of Tudor fiction!
This novel follows the central role(s) that the Howard family (led by Thomas Howard) played in a number of European courts during the 16th century. With the obvious focus being on England and the Tudor rule, Vivienne Brereton also takes the reader to Scotland and France, where we see a number of Howard relations caught up in court scandal, politics, war, and intrigue. There is a clever mixture of real-life historical figures as well as fictional characters, and there's a wonderful amount of research and historical detail thrown in, to truly immerse us in the world of the 16th century, and the life that the Howards led. As a fun bonus, Vivienne tosses in some delicious-looking Tudor recipes, which feature in the pages of the story (I love that!). This is a cleverly, nicely-written novel about a family that features (in part, at least) in almost every Tudor story... but rarely takes center stage. I recommend to any lover of Tudor fiction!
"The Atwelle Confession" by Joel Gordonson
This book offered a very interesting premise - mysterious gargoyle statues found in 2017 in an old English church, that seem to correlate to a series of murders both in the 16th century, as well as present-day. Margeoux is studying a church in Norfolk, England, and teams up with a man named Don, who is responsible for the church's restoration. Together, they uncover a number of gargoyles statues inside the church. Their presence is unnerving anyway, but even more so when death appears to follow their discovery. A series of murders and disappearances begin, and even more strangely, those events also appear to be reflected in the gargoyle statues themselves (you'll have to read to see what I mean). This novel is fairly well written and executed by Mr. Gordonson, and at the mystery is well done in both time periods. This was a quick read - less than 300 pages, and moved at a nice pace. There was also a nice twist in the end, regarding the villain reveal, and that's always fun! All in all, I'd recommend this somewhat unconventional Tudor novel.
"The Most Happy: An Alternate History of Anne Boleyn" by Helen R. Davis
What if Anne Boleyn, the doomed second wife of Henry VIII, had provided a son and lived after all? In this novel. Anne Boleyn did indeed give birth to a daughter (the future Elizabeth I), but also a twin prince, Edward. Anne outlives her royal husband, becoming Queen Regent and guardian of her young son, the future King of England, until he's of age to rule. What follows is a series of relationships between Anne and other English figures we know very well from the time period. Of course, we meet Jane Seymour, Mary Tudor, Catherine Howard, Catherine Parr, and many others. The ways in which they interact with Anne are not exactly what you'd expect, and further, the ways in which she treats them also seem rather out of character from the Anne Boleyn we know from history books. BUT, this ISN'T a history book, of course, so flexibility in characters and personalities is allowed - even if a little strange to read about. I'll say that I liked the way this author wove the story. She did some clever things with marriages, friendships, and even executions. This isn't necessarily a "changing the course of history" kind of story - just an altering of the events between 1533 and 1555, and I think it's quite clever. I'd recommend!
What if Anne Boleyn, the doomed second wife of Henry VIII, had provided a son and lived after all? In this novel. Anne Boleyn did indeed give birth to a daughter (the future Elizabeth I), but also a twin prince, Edward. Anne outlives her royal husband, becoming Queen Regent and guardian of her young son, the future King of England, until he's of age to rule. What follows is a series of relationships between Anne and other English figures we know very well from the time period. Of course, we meet Jane Seymour, Mary Tudor, Catherine Howard, Catherine Parr, and many others. The ways in which they interact with Anne are not exactly what you'd expect, and further, the ways in which she treats them also seem rather out of character from the Anne Boleyn we know from history books. BUT, this ISN'T a history book, of course, so flexibility in characters and personalities is allowed - even if a little strange to read about. I'll say that I liked the way this author wove the story. She did some clever things with marriages, friendships, and even executions. This isn't necessarily a "changing the course of history" kind of story - just an altering of the events between 1533 and 1555, and I think it's quite clever. I'd recommend!
"Anne Boleyn: A King's Obsession" by Alison Weir
I'm sorry to say that this novel disappointed me. Maybe it's because I've read so many Anne Boleyn books at this point that it's hard to throw anything new or interesting at me when it comes to her story. In any case, I found Alison Weir's writing to be forced and unnatural, and her portrayals of both Anne and Henry to be very unbelievable. This is also a very long book - about 530 pages. In my opinion, it could have been cut in half and probably earned itself a better review from me. I felt bored throughout most of it, though I liked the beginning - where we followed Anne to the Continent for her education. Too often this part of her life is glossed over, or skipped entirely, so I appreciated the chance to view that vital time of her growth. Too bad, however, that it slid into fairly mind-numbing repetition of every other Anne Boleyn novel on the market, once she returned to England. The details were long and drawn out, and in the end, Alison didn't give us any new theories or ideas to challenge our already-present views of this queen. There was nothing special about it to make it stand out, and I expected more. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this to someone who's already knowledgeable about Anne. |
"Three Sisters, Three Queens" by Philippa Gregory
I really enjoyed this novel (primarily about Margaret Tudor, despite the title suggesting that it might be from 3 different perspectives). I knew very little about Margaret, and was surprised by how difficult her life as a Scots queen really was. Gregory does a fabulous job as usual of making the reader connect with the character and understand her thoughts (whether for better or worse). While I began by hating Margaret, I grew to like her and sympathize with her by the end. As always, the writing style was fluid and easy enough for it to be a light read, and the action was always front and center. While a bit long (537 pages), I'd say it was probably about 200 pages too lengthy, but that's only because of the sheer amount of detail - and enormous number of relevant circumstances Margaret encountered. Three marriages, multiple children (only a few of whom lived), constant feuding with her royal brother, and incessant fighting for control of Scotland and her English inheritance... Margaret's life was full of hardship and reminiscent of that of her granddaughter, Mary Queen of Scots. I liked reading this book and found it hard to put down, as I typically find Gregory's novels. I definitely recommend to any fan of this author!
I really enjoyed this novel (primarily about Margaret Tudor, despite the title suggesting that it might be from 3 different perspectives). I knew very little about Margaret, and was surprised by how difficult her life as a Scots queen really was. Gregory does a fabulous job as usual of making the reader connect with the character and understand her thoughts (whether for better or worse). While I began by hating Margaret, I grew to like her and sympathize with her by the end. As always, the writing style was fluid and easy enough for it to be a light read, and the action was always front and center. While a bit long (537 pages), I'd say it was probably about 200 pages too lengthy, but that's only because of the sheer amount of detail - and enormous number of relevant circumstances Margaret encountered. Three marriages, multiple children (only a few of whom lived), constant feuding with her royal brother, and incessant fighting for control of Scotland and her English inheritance... Margaret's life was full of hardship and reminiscent of that of her granddaughter, Mary Queen of Scots. I liked reading this book and found it hard to put down, as I typically find Gregory's novels. I definitely recommend to any fan of this author!
"Dark Lady: A Novel of Emilia Bassano Lanyer" by Charlene Ball
I'd never heard of Emilia Bassano before, but I'm always intrigued by a story having anything to do with William Shakespeare (and any of his alleged lovers), so I was excited to dive in to this one. Overall, I liked this. The writing was good, and I liked the author's style. Very early on we get a disturbing view of what will prove to be one of the sadder themes in Emilia's life - unluckiness and ill-treatment when it comes to men. There is not much plot to this story (a commonality in historical fiction, since the author is telling the OVERALL story of a historic figure's entire life, as opposed to focusing on a narrower, more dramatic aspect - i.e. conflict and resolution). The story spans decades, and the conflict/resolution comes in waves. Similar themes are found throughout Emilia's life - sexual assault, strained relationships, internal religious turmoil (she comes from a Jewish background, but finds herself pulled towards the Christian faith). As Emilia is considered to be a likely candidate for Shakespeare's muse as the 'dark lady' mentioned in his romantic sonnets, her story is certainly one to get to know, if you're a Shakespeare fan. For anyone who doesn't know anything about this interesting woman (as I didn't), and who wants an interesting and very different view of the late 16th/early 17th centuries, it's definitely worth the read.
I'd never heard of Emilia Bassano before, but I'm always intrigued by a story having anything to do with William Shakespeare (and any of his alleged lovers), so I was excited to dive in to this one. Overall, I liked this. The writing was good, and I liked the author's style. Very early on we get a disturbing view of what will prove to be one of the sadder themes in Emilia's life - unluckiness and ill-treatment when it comes to men. There is not much plot to this story (a commonality in historical fiction, since the author is telling the OVERALL story of a historic figure's entire life, as opposed to focusing on a narrower, more dramatic aspect - i.e. conflict and resolution). The story spans decades, and the conflict/resolution comes in waves. Similar themes are found throughout Emilia's life - sexual assault, strained relationships, internal religious turmoil (she comes from a Jewish background, but finds herself pulled towards the Christian faith). As Emilia is considered to be a likely candidate for Shakespeare's muse as the 'dark lady' mentioned in his romantic sonnets, her story is certainly one to get to know, if you're a Shakespeare fan. For anyone who doesn't know anything about this interesting woman (as I didn't), and who wants an interesting and very different view of the late 16th/early 17th centuries, it's definitely worth the read.
"Bosworth 1485" by Michael Jones
This is a fascinating dive into the late reign of Richard III and its explosive, decisive end with the Battle of Bosworth. Michael Jones strives to present a clear, objective (more or less) view of Richard, comparing eyewitness and contemporary accounts with Shakespeare's grisly portrayal. This book is really less about Bosworth than it is about both Richard and Henry Tudor separately - a comparison of their characters, their families, and the support they had going into battle. About one chapter is spent on the battle itself, where Jones considers the actual location where the fighting might have taken place, how and where the slain were buried, pre-battle ceremonies on both sides, and tactics used in the heat of the battle. I learned new facts about medieval battle, which was fascinating to me, as I don't think I'd ever read a book so focused on a single battle from the time period. I'd definitely recommend this book - both for Tudor and Plantagenet enthusiasts alike. The view you'll get of Richard III is a more positive view than that of Shakespeare's, but by no means meant to sanctify him. I think it's a very well-rounded and nicely put-together reference of the battle and its immediate time period.
This is a fascinating dive into the late reign of Richard III and its explosive, decisive end with the Battle of Bosworth. Michael Jones strives to present a clear, objective (more or less) view of Richard, comparing eyewitness and contemporary accounts with Shakespeare's grisly portrayal. This book is really less about Bosworth than it is about both Richard and Henry Tudor separately - a comparison of their characters, their families, and the support they had going into battle. About one chapter is spent on the battle itself, where Jones considers the actual location where the fighting might have taken place, how and where the slain were buried, pre-battle ceremonies on both sides, and tactics used in the heat of the battle. I learned new facts about medieval battle, which was fascinating to me, as I don't think I'd ever read a book so focused on a single battle from the time period. I'd definitely recommend this book - both for Tudor and Plantagenet enthusiasts alike. The view you'll get of Richard III is a more positive view than that of Shakespeare's, but by no means meant to sanctify him. I think it's a very well-rounded and nicely put-together reference of the battle and its immediate time period.
"The King's Sisters" by Sara Kennedy
Sadly, I was not as impressed with this novel as I was with the first in the series, "The Altarpiece". This might be because I did not read the book in between the two (I only read the first and third, as the publisher sent me). While I like the character of Catherine Havens, I'd clearly missed too much from the second novel for me to fully follow and comprehend what was going on. Deaths had taken place, children had been born, and new dangers now lurked, as Henry VIII had just put his fifth wife to death and was actively seeking a sixth. Much of this novel takes place in the household of the displaced queen, Anne of Cleves. That was an interesting viewpoint, in my opinion, since I haven't read many Tudor novels that focus on her at all. The novel's speed did pick up a little in the second half, though for the most part I felt like the story trudged along -- which, again, I might have felt differently about if I had kept up with the entire series. Still, if you've read "The Altarpiece" and enjoyed it, I'd encourage you to continue with the series - just don't skip the second!
Sadly, I was not as impressed with this novel as I was with the first in the series, "The Altarpiece". This might be because I did not read the book in between the two (I only read the first and third, as the publisher sent me). While I like the character of Catherine Havens, I'd clearly missed too much from the second novel for me to fully follow and comprehend what was going on. Deaths had taken place, children had been born, and new dangers now lurked, as Henry VIII had just put his fifth wife to death and was actively seeking a sixth. Much of this novel takes place in the household of the displaced queen, Anne of Cleves. That was an interesting viewpoint, in my opinion, since I haven't read many Tudor novels that focus on her at all. The novel's speed did pick up a little in the second half, though for the most part I felt like the story trudged along -- which, again, I might have felt differently about if I had kept up with the entire series. Still, if you've read "The Altarpiece" and enjoyed it, I'd encourage you to continue with the series - just don't skip the second!
"The May Bride" by Suzannah Dunn
This novel disappointed me, I'm sorry to say. It was much less about Jane Seymour, and more about Katherine Filliol and her marriage to Jane's brother, Edward. Virtually the entire story takes place at Wolf Hall - the Seymour family home - following Jane's friendship with her new sister-in-law, and leading to the discovery that Katherine has been unfaithful to Edward. The last few chapters of the novel focus more on Jane, and her move to Henry VIII's court, but it's such a tiny part of the book that it doesn't make up for the slow-moving, dull plot of the rest of the story. Even her time at court - Katherine of Aragon's dismissal and Anne Boleyn's queenship and execution - takes up less than 20 pages, meaning that we zoom through the (only?) interesting part of Jane Seymour's life, where we end the novel as she becomes queen. A huge annoyance of mine was also the language - dialogue in this novel seemed about 300 years too modern for the time period, which was distracting and comical (in a negative way). A strange story, if I have to sum it up in one sentence. This is the second novel of Suzannah Dunn's that I've read, and I might have to say that it will be my last. Still, if you've read this author before and enjoyed her style, give this one a shot.
This novel disappointed me, I'm sorry to say. It was much less about Jane Seymour, and more about Katherine Filliol and her marriage to Jane's brother, Edward. Virtually the entire story takes place at Wolf Hall - the Seymour family home - following Jane's friendship with her new sister-in-law, and leading to the discovery that Katherine has been unfaithful to Edward. The last few chapters of the novel focus more on Jane, and her move to Henry VIII's court, but it's such a tiny part of the book that it doesn't make up for the slow-moving, dull plot of the rest of the story. Even her time at court - Katherine of Aragon's dismissal and Anne Boleyn's queenship and execution - takes up less than 20 pages, meaning that we zoom through the (only?) interesting part of Jane Seymour's life, where we end the novel as she becomes queen. A huge annoyance of mine was also the language - dialogue in this novel seemed about 300 years too modern for the time period, which was distracting and comical (in a negative way). A strange story, if I have to sum it up in one sentence. This is the second novel of Suzannah Dunn's that I've read, and I might have to say that it will be my last. Still, if you've read this author before and enjoyed her style, give this one a shot.
"Death at St. Vedast" by Mary Lawrence
This novel - the third in the "Bianca Goddard Mystery" series - wound down the trilogy of alchemy, medicinals, and murder mysteries of Tudor England. In this novel, just as the other two, I'm most impressed by the author's knowledge of this lesser-seen world in Tudor fiction, and I love the way she developed stories that provided a darker, more medical side of the history we love. There were no court scenes, no swooning ladies, no booming King Henry VIII. In fact, this book, out of all three, made the most mention of court life, with a character distantly connected to the already-beheaded Anne Boleyn. This is truly a trilogy of the "unseen" in Tudor England, and this book probably contained the most death, the most mystery, and the most fast-paced action. I enjoyed the character development of Bianca Goddard - even despite her stubbornness and almost cruel way she places her devoted husband, John, on the back burner for her medicinals. I love the unique view into the time period that we get through Mary Lawrence's trilogy, and I am very happy that I was approached to read and review this series for her. I'd highly encourage my readers to seek these books out and dive into a truly fascinating and more different world than what we usually see in Tudor fiction.
This novel - the third in the "Bianca Goddard Mystery" series - wound down the trilogy of alchemy, medicinals, and murder mysteries of Tudor England. In this novel, just as the other two, I'm most impressed by the author's knowledge of this lesser-seen world in Tudor fiction, and I love the way she developed stories that provided a darker, more medical side of the history we love. There were no court scenes, no swooning ladies, no booming King Henry VIII. In fact, this book, out of all three, made the most mention of court life, with a character distantly connected to the already-beheaded Anne Boleyn. This is truly a trilogy of the "unseen" in Tudor England, and this book probably contained the most death, the most mystery, and the most fast-paced action. I enjoyed the character development of Bianca Goddard - even despite her stubbornness and almost cruel way she places her devoted husband, John, on the back burner for her medicinals. I love the unique view into the time period that we get through Mary Lawrence's trilogy, and I am very happy that I was approached to read and review this series for her. I'd highly encourage my readers to seek these books out and dive into a truly fascinating and more different world than what we usually see in Tudor fiction.
"Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey" by Nicola Tallis
Without exaggerating, this is one of the absolute best books I have read in a long time. For a nonfiction book (about a Tudor figure that I'm only - admittedly - somewhat interested in) to grab me the way that this one did - it's a serious victory. I couldn't put this book down, and spent six hours straight reading it all the way through. Tallis' portrayal of Lady Jane Grey's sad story is remarkable and full of vivid detail. The reader absolutely walks away from this book with the full story of Jane, along with some speculations and ideas to ponder. Tallis' writing is beautiful, and at times, like that of a novel. She truly makes you feel like you are there in the scene with Jane - again, an impressive feat for a nonfiction work. I can't say enough good things about "Crown of Blood", and am so happy to have been given the opportunity to read and review it here. I would recommend it without hesitation to any and all lovers of history - whether they love the Tudors or not. I guarantee that anyone who reads this book will take away with them a new appreciation for Lady Jane Grey, her family, and the time period in which she lived. It is an emotionally-charged, evocative new history book that should not be overlooked!
Without exaggerating, this is one of the absolute best books I have read in a long time. For a nonfiction book (about a Tudor figure that I'm only - admittedly - somewhat interested in) to grab me the way that this one did - it's a serious victory. I couldn't put this book down, and spent six hours straight reading it all the way through. Tallis' portrayal of Lady Jane Grey's sad story is remarkable and full of vivid detail. The reader absolutely walks away from this book with the full story of Jane, along with some speculations and ideas to ponder. Tallis' writing is beautiful, and at times, like that of a novel. She truly makes you feel like you are there in the scene with Jane - again, an impressive feat for a nonfiction work. I can't say enough good things about "Crown of Blood", and am so happy to have been given the opportunity to read and review it here. I would recommend it without hesitation to any and all lovers of history - whether they love the Tudors or not. I guarantee that anyone who reads this book will take away with them a new appreciation for Lady Jane Grey, her family, and the time period in which she lived. It is an emotionally-charged, evocative new history book that should not be overlooked!
"Game of Queens" by Sarah Gristwood
This book dives into the world of sixteenth-century queens, and Sarah Gristwood tackles the hardships faced by these women who were born into (or thrust into) power. To be a powerful, influential woman during the 1500s was, as Gristwood describes, perhaps both a blessing and a curse. She emphasizes the ways women were useful and necessary to their countries (money, political alliances, the making of heirs, etc.), but how many of these features of women also had dangerous side affects. Women from all over Europe are featured, with an emphasis on those in England, France, and Italy. Gristwood does a good job of helping the reader follow the stories of each women - a difficult feat, considering so many women of the sixteenth century were named so similarly! This is a very informative book, but the author's writing style is friendly and casual enough to make it an anjoyable read for any Tudor Enthusiast, whether they are already overly-familiar with these queens or not. I recommend this book to be added to any history lover's nonfiction bookshelf!
"Death of an Alchemist" by Mary Lawrence
This novel, the second in Mary Lawrence's "Bianca Goddard Mystery" series, continues to follow the young medicinal-maker, Bianca, and her now husband, John. After the horrific death of her best friend, Jolyn, a few months prior, Bianca finds herself in yet another murder mystery, when she seeks the guidance and wisdom of another alchemist, Ferris Stannum, who dies shortly after meeting with her. Stannum claims to have created the Elixir of Life - proven to work on his frail and aging cat, whom Bianca takes as her companion after Stannum's death. The elixir, however, holds secrets and possibilities that Bianca wants to explore, all while trying to figure out who murdered the alchemist, and a slew of other people along the way as the story unfolds. It seems as if someone is trying to get the elixir from her, as well as Ferris Stannum's alchemy journal. And when Bianca's husband, the ever-faithful and patient John, becomes gravely ill, her mission turns even more dire and desperate, as she searches for a cure to the dreaded "sweating sickness" among her other pressing mysteries. This novel was as fast-paced as the one before it, and leaves the reader on a hopeful - and suspenseful - note in its closing sentence, keeping me excited to continue on with the third installment!
This novel, the second in Mary Lawrence's "Bianca Goddard Mystery" series, continues to follow the young medicinal-maker, Bianca, and her now husband, John. After the horrific death of her best friend, Jolyn, a few months prior, Bianca finds herself in yet another murder mystery, when she seeks the guidance and wisdom of another alchemist, Ferris Stannum, who dies shortly after meeting with her. Stannum claims to have created the Elixir of Life - proven to work on his frail and aging cat, whom Bianca takes as her companion after Stannum's death. The elixir, however, holds secrets and possibilities that Bianca wants to explore, all while trying to figure out who murdered the alchemist, and a slew of other people along the way as the story unfolds. It seems as if someone is trying to get the elixir from her, as well as Ferris Stannum's alchemy journal. And when Bianca's husband, the ever-faithful and patient John, becomes gravely ill, her mission turns even more dire and desperate, as she searches for a cure to the dreaded "sweating sickness" among her other pressing mysteries. This novel was as fast-paced as the one before it, and leaves the reader on a hopeful - and suspenseful - note in its closing sentence, keeping me excited to continue on with the third installment!
"The Semper Sonnet" by Seth Margolis
This novel is first and foremost a crime thriller (and how often do we get to tie our love of the Tudors into that genre?). Taking place both in the present day of doctoral student, Lee Nicholson, as well as the Shakespearean and Elizabethan world of the 16th-century, The Semper Sonnet focuses on the mystery surrounding a sonnet, uncovered by Lee. Focusing her academic study on proving that this is, in fact, an unknown work of Shakespeare, she soon finds out that the secret sonnet appears to be the target of a malevolent ambition - and thus, the story turns into one of murder, crime, and one of the most complex mysteries I've ever read. Spanning five centuries and three continents, The Semper Sonnet leads Lee from clue to clue, all through the art of 16th-century wordplay (a feature of this author's creativity that I'm extremely impressed by). The puzzling sonnet becomes more than just an academic desire; it is a life-or-death urgency, as people who are clues on her path are continually found murdered... and especially as it becomes clearer that the wordplay is leading Lee straight to a substance that could decimate the entire world. I really can't say enough about this novel, or its gasp-out-loud plot and conclusion. It had me hooked, and I can't wait to share it with you. Tudor enthusiasts (and non-Tudor enthusiast alike) will absolutely love this novel.
This novel is first and foremost a crime thriller (and how often do we get to tie our love of the Tudors into that genre?). Taking place both in the present day of doctoral student, Lee Nicholson, as well as the Shakespearean and Elizabethan world of the 16th-century, The Semper Sonnet focuses on the mystery surrounding a sonnet, uncovered by Lee. Focusing her academic study on proving that this is, in fact, an unknown work of Shakespeare, she soon finds out that the secret sonnet appears to be the target of a malevolent ambition - and thus, the story turns into one of murder, crime, and one of the most complex mysteries I've ever read. Spanning five centuries and three continents, The Semper Sonnet leads Lee from clue to clue, all through the art of 16th-century wordplay (a feature of this author's creativity that I'm extremely impressed by). The puzzling sonnet becomes more than just an academic desire; it is a life-or-death urgency, as people who are clues on her path are continually found murdered... and especially as it becomes clearer that the wordplay is leading Lee straight to a substance that could decimate the entire world. I really can't say enough about this novel, or its gasp-out-loud plot and conclusion. It had me hooked, and I can't wait to share it with you. Tudor enthusiasts (and non-Tudor enthusiast alike) will absolutely love this novel.
"The Alchemist's Daughter" by Mary Lawrence
I enjoyed this first novel in Mary Larence's "Bianca Goddard Mystery" series. Book #1 follows Bianca, a young woman with a talent for concocting medicinal remedies from herbs and plants. The daughter of a notorious alchemist, who has been accused of attempting to poison King Henry VIII in the past, Bianca already has her work cut out for her as she tries to make an honest living doing what she loves. This is made even more difficult when her best friend, Jolyn, happens to die suddenly while in Bianca's presence. This throws Bianca's life into disarray as she realizes she must find out what truly killed her best friend - or who - before she is forced to hang for her 'crime'. She has suspects - including the man with whom Jolyn claimed to be in love, the house of questionable morals that Jolyn resided before her death, and a number of acquaintances that Bianca meets shortly after the tragedy. Combine this mystery with the strained romantic relationship between Bianca and her suitor, John, and we have one exciting novel! I enjoyed the author's style and dialogue, and I was fully satisfied with the way the story wrapped up. I'm anxious to get on to #2 as soon as I can. In the meantime, I recommend any of my readers to pick up this novel!
I enjoyed this first novel in Mary Larence's "Bianca Goddard Mystery" series. Book #1 follows Bianca, a young woman with a talent for concocting medicinal remedies from herbs and plants. The daughter of a notorious alchemist, who has been accused of attempting to poison King Henry VIII in the past, Bianca already has her work cut out for her as she tries to make an honest living doing what she loves. This is made even more difficult when her best friend, Jolyn, happens to die suddenly while in Bianca's presence. This throws Bianca's life into disarray as she realizes she must find out what truly killed her best friend - or who - before she is forced to hang for her 'crime'. She has suspects - including the man with whom Jolyn claimed to be in love, the house of questionable morals that Jolyn resided before her death, and a number of acquaintances that Bianca meets shortly after the tragedy. Combine this mystery with the strained romantic relationship between Bianca and her suitor, John, and we have one exciting novel! I enjoyed the author's style and dialogue, and I was fully satisfied with the way the story wrapped up. I'm anxious to get on to #2 as soon as I can. In the meantime, I recommend any of my readers to pick up this novel!
"The Altarpiece" by Sarah Kennedy
Book one of The Cross & the Crown Series, this novel follows Sister Catherine Havens, a nun at Mount Grace Priory, during Reformation England. Her convent is in the process of destruction and overtaking by Robert Overton. Involving a mystery surrounding the missing altarpiece (a painting of the Madonna and Child), Catherine and some of her sisters are forced on a journey to discover the truth about the religious upheaval in the country, and her unlikely companion is Robert's brother, the kinder (and handsome) William Overton. The story was well laid out, and I liked the characters. At times, this somewhat dark story was even made a bit humorous, thanks to some witty dialogue. I enjoyed the fact that the novel stayed away from court, too. We never met Henry VIII or Anne Boleyn, though they were referred to several times, as is expected. We did, however, get to see Katherine of Aragon in her prison of Kimbolton Castle - an angle of her story that I haven't read much about in novels, so I appreciated that. Overall, I found the story interesting. It came with a punch of surprise at the end, and a twist that I didn't see coming. Some romance, some danger, a lot of blood, and a bit of humor - I think this novel is a great addition to any Tudor Enthusiast's library.
Book one of The Cross & the Crown Series, this novel follows Sister Catherine Havens, a nun at Mount Grace Priory, during Reformation England. Her convent is in the process of destruction and overtaking by Robert Overton. Involving a mystery surrounding the missing altarpiece (a painting of the Madonna and Child), Catherine and some of her sisters are forced on a journey to discover the truth about the religious upheaval in the country, and her unlikely companion is Robert's brother, the kinder (and handsome) William Overton. The story was well laid out, and I liked the characters. At times, this somewhat dark story was even made a bit humorous, thanks to some witty dialogue. I enjoyed the fact that the novel stayed away from court, too. We never met Henry VIII or Anne Boleyn, though they were referred to several times, as is expected. We did, however, get to see Katherine of Aragon in her prison of Kimbolton Castle - an angle of her story that I haven't read much about in novels, so I appreciated that. Overall, I found the story interesting. It came with a punch of surprise at the end, and a twist that I didn't see coming. Some romance, some danger, a lot of blood, and a bit of humor - I think this novel is a great addition to any Tudor Enthusiast's library.
"Mayflowers for November" by Malyn Bromfield
This was a cleverly-written novel about the reign and downfall of Anne Boleyn, told through the eyes of a fictional character, Avis Grinnel. I always like when authors incorporate an unknown (or made up) character into their work, because it gives an often too-well-known story a different flavor. That was certainly the case with this book. Avis, a kitchen maid with the special gift to predict the gender of an unborn baby, is obviously quite useful to Henry VIII's new queen, whose value lies almost entirely in her ability to provide a male heir for England. Avis remains close to the queen, serving her cousin, Lady Madge Shelton, and watching the turbulence, danger, and intrigue of the Henrican court through innocent, somewhat naive eyes. We meet many characters that we know of already - courtiers close to the queen, other ladies -in-waiting, and many others. Malyn Bromfield is clever in her characterization and surprised me a few times with the ways she developed these well-known figures. All in all, I enjoyed this book and her unique take on one of England's most tragic queens. I like the character of Avis Grinnel, and I'll look forward to future novels from this author. I'd recommend this to any of my readers!
"Je Anne Boleyn: Struck with the Dart of Love" by Sandra Vasoli
It's ambitious to write a trilogy about Anne Boleyn, since her story is so well known among Tudor enthusiasts. To do so means dragging her story along for a much longer time than is usually done, while being aware that your reader probably already knows the details of Anne's life. But this first installment of the trilogy is a good one, with impressive detail, and only a few instances where I found myself longing for a quicker pace of storytelling. My only concern with this book is that Anne is portrayed "too" nicely.... and perhaps unrealistically at points. She seems very innocent, which has been my criticism of some other Anne-centered novels that try to paint her in a light that we don't normally see her in. Again, it's ambitious and well-written, but might come across as unrealistic to some readers. Overall an entertaining and engaging first novel in the series, and I'm looking forward to the rest. As Anne's story progresses as Queen of England (and later tragic victim), the story can only get more and more interesting and enjoyable. I recommend starting this series!
"Tudors: The Illustrated History" by Richard Rex
This is a beautifully written and illustrated guide to the Tudor dynasty, with careful attention being paid to each monarch of the sixteenth century. Loved the photos and paintings - many of which I'd never seen in such beautiful detail. The book is cleverly and creatively written, so as not to be a typical 'dry history book'. Instead, it is an engaging account (if brief) of the Tudors and their reigns, which I think would be perfect for both the seasoned Tudor enthusiast as well as a newcomer to the time period. Definitely one of the most enjoyable accounts of the dynasty that I've read, and I'd certainly recommend it. As usual, I also enjoyed Dr. Suzannah Lipscomb's introduction, which made me excited to dive into this book. Certainly worthy of any Tudor bookshelf!
"Sovereign" by C.J. Sansom
This third installment in Sansom's Shardlake series was arguably better even than the first two! In this one, we are faced with the tumultuous fifth marriage of Henry VIII, the shockwaves of Thomas Cromwell's recent beheading, and the king's progress to his rambunctious and rebellious northern subjects in Yorkshire. Matthew Shardlake is commissioned by Archbishop Cranmer to safely guard a dangerous northern criminal until he can be brought to London, while serving the king in York - but what Matthew finds there puts him and his sidekick Barak in some of the gravest danger they've ever experienced! This book draws from a parliamentary document from the time of King Richard III: Titulus Regius, concerning the true royal family and King Edward IV's supposed bastardy. The truth about the current king's lineage - and the danger relating to it - has the potential to throw the whole country in a roar. Add to that the scandal of the queen's romantic liaisons, and Matthew Shardlake is in for the most intense adventure of his career. I dearly loved this return to grungy Tudor England - loved everything about this read, and can't wait to dive into the fourth installment.
This third installment in Sansom's Shardlake series was arguably better even than the first two! In this one, we are faced with the tumultuous fifth marriage of Henry VIII, the shockwaves of Thomas Cromwell's recent beheading, and the king's progress to his rambunctious and rebellious northern subjects in Yorkshire. Matthew Shardlake is commissioned by Archbishop Cranmer to safely guard a dangerous northern criminal until he can be brought to London, while serving the king in York - but what Matthew finds there puts him and his sidekick Barak in some of the gravest danger they've ever experienced! This book draws from a parliamentary document from the time of King Richard III: Titulus Regius, concerning the true royal family and King Edward IV's supposed bastardy. The truth about the current king's lineage - and the danger relating to it - has the potential to throw the whole country in a roar. Add to that the scandal of the queen's romantic liaisons, and Matthew Shardlake is in for the most intense adventure of his career. I dearly loved this return to grungy Tudor England - loved everything about this read, and can't wait to dive into the fourth installment.
"Anne Neville: Queen to Richard III" by Michael Hicks
This was a great attempt at a biography of a queen that we know almost nothing about. Despite the solid facts of her two marriages (to Edward of Lancaster and Richard III), it is impossible to put together a well-formed story of her life from birth to death. Because of that, this book sometimes feels redundant, repeating explanations about her bloodlines and forbidden degrees of affinity within her marriages (of which there are many!) and the rather frustrating comments of "We cannot know…" and "Perhaps she…". This must be understood as a necessary evil of writing a novel about Anne Neville, who left no household accounts from her time as queen, no personal letters, and no will. But Michael Hicks puts Anne Neville into the context of a noblewoman and queen of the fifteenth century, situating her in positions that we can at least speculate on and consider the 'what ifs' of her life. By the end, we are left with a somewhat dreary image of a woman born to a great noble family, whose entire life was overshadowed by civil war, who lost every member of her family while she lived, and who ultimately failed to provide her husband Richard III with the security of an heir to take the throne upon his death. Despite all of this, she remains a very interesting figure to me, shadowed in mystery. I recommend this book!
This was a great attempt at a biography of a queen that we know almost nothing about. Despite the solid facts of her two marriages (to Edward of Lancaster and Richard III), it is impossible to put together a well-formed story of her life from birth to death. Because of that, this book sometimes feels redundant, repeating explanations about her bloodlines and forbidden degrees of affinity within her marriages (of which there are many!) and the rather frustrating comments of "We cannot know…" and "Perhaps she…". This must be understood as a necessary evil of writing a novel about Anne Neville, who left no household accounts from her time as queen, no personal letters, and no will. But Michael Hicks puts Anne Neville into the context of a noblewoman and queen of the fifteenth century, situating her in positions that we can at least speculate on and consider the 'what ifs' of her life. By the end, we are left with a somewhat dreary image of a woman born to a great noble family, whose entire life was overshadowed by civil war, who lost every member of her family while she lived, and who ultimately failed to provide her husband Richard III with the security of an heir to take the throne upon his death. Despite all of this, she remains a very interesting figure to me, shadowed in mystery. I recommend this book!
"Richard III: The Maligned King" by Annette Carson
This was a fantastic and daring book that sets out to debunk every 'myth' about Richard's villainous characterization through the last 500 years of history. The author is passionate about Richard and redeeming him, which makes for an entertaining read that I couldn't help but enjoy. She makes some great cases for Richard's innocence on more than one occasion, and I felt fairly convinced by the end that he is not quite the monster he is painted to be. Of course, I think some Ricardians take his 'innocence' a bit too far (often portraying him as a saint). While I don't want to go that route, I do want to encourage those interested in Plantagenet history, and Richard specifically, to pick up this book and see if it influences your opinion. It can be read as a decent biography of Richard, and it gives enough information to feel like you've truly immersed yourself in this period of history. Highly recommended!
"The Light in the Labyrinth" by Wendy J. Dunn
I was sent this book for a review and I can't say I liked it as much as I'd hoped. Although not necessarily boring, it wasn't very fast-paced to me. Characters were very one-dimensional and there wasn't very much feeling coming through the pages. I'm always a little wary when authors try to paint Anne Boleyn as a saint - as this one does - because it doesn't feel genuine. The main character, Anne's niece Kate, did not add very much to the story, and aside from her crush on Francis Knollys, never really did anything that wasn't expected of her. Anne Boleyn's death was drawn out for about four chapters, using much of the same language and description we read in every other Anne novel. Overall, it was a fine read for someone who has not read many Tudor novels, but for me it was just okay.
"Dark Fire" by C.J. Sansom
The second novel in the Matthew Shardlake series was another fast-paced page turner, and I was very happy to return to the gritty Tudor England that Sansom expertly brings to life. I found this story more confusing than "Dissolution," though, and somehow less realistic. This story spanned two mysteries - one, the trial of the accused murderess Elizabeth Wentworth and the truth behind her cousin's murder, and two, a strange, deadly, and potentially useful war weapon known as Greek Fire (also, Dark Fire). Once again, Shardlake is sent on commission by Thomas Cromwell, but luckily for us his investigations keep him in London (unlike the last book). I enjoyed this, as it allows the reader to see more of the day-to-day goings on of the mid-sixteenth century. I have to say I was not nearly as blown away by the ending as I was in the last book - unfortunately, the bad guys were really quite predictable, and a foreknowledge of Tudor events led me not to be surprised by the final pages. But still, I enjoyed this book immensely and cannot wait to pick up the next book. I definitely recommend this series!
"The Tudor Vendetta" by C.W. Gortner
Although I hadn't read the novel directly prior to this one, I thought this was a great story of court intrigue, dangerous betrayals, and poisonous treason - as well as some well-kept royal secrets. Taking place just as Elizabeth Tudor has taken the English throne, Brendan Prescott is sent on a mission to discover the truth behind one of her favorite ladies-in-waiting's disappearance. This mission sends him to a family home far from court, where secrets begin to reveal themselves… and no secret is more surprising than his finally discovery - one that directly involves Elizabeth and sends him on a chase with the new queen fighting for his success and safety. In this novel, we great great glimpses of Robert Dudley (my personal favorite), and just a touch of romance that always adds to my enjoyment of a book. Overall, an enjoyable read and one that I would recommend.
"Dissolution" by C.J. Sansom
This novel, the first in Sansom's Matthew Shardlake series, absolutely defines the term "page turner." Set in 1537 England - the height of Henry VIII's obsession with the dissolution of the monasteries, we meet Matthew Shardlake, commissioner for Lord Thomas Cromwell and a well-known lawyer. He is given the task of looking into a murder case at one of the larger monasteries - and once he arrives, he realizes that it has many more secrets than he ever could have expected. This is not your average Tudor novel. There are no lavish court scenes or simpering ladies. This is grungy Tudor England at its best, and I can't imagine it being more well laid-out for us readers. The lives of sixteenth century monks are beautifully - and I can believe factually - portrayed here. All of the characters are engaging, interesting, and multi-dimensional. The setting truly transports you nearly five hundred years in the past - the sights, smells, and sounds all breathtakingly tangible. And the final pages actually caused me to gasp out loud! It goes without saying that I highly recommend this book, and I cannot wait to start the second in the series.
"The Secret Bride" by Diane Haeger
I love any and all books written by Diane Haeger, and this was no exception. It was the first novel I've read about Mary Tudor, sister of King Henry VIII, and her great love with Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk. I have to say, the romance between them did not disappoint me in this novel, but what I found most heartwarming about the story was Mary's relationship with Henry. It's not often that we see Henry Tudor in a sympathetic, gentle light, but we certainly do in The Secret Bride. Henry has a soft spot for his little sister, and the way he treats her throughout the novel is touching in a way I'm not used to reading about. I loved their sibling relationship, and I loved Charles Brandon's portrayal. Some of my other favorite historical figures also had their place in this story - including Anne Boleyn, Bessie Blount, and Diane de Poitiers. All in all, an excellent and romantic read. As I always say about Diane's books, I heartily recommend it!
"Prisoner of the Queen" by Eliza Knight
This was a great retelling of the tragic life of Lady Katherine Grey, sister to the ill-fated Lady Jane Grey. Hers is a story of true love and heartbreaking separation. Mistrusted by her cousin Queen Elizabeth, her adult years are hard and riddled with imprisonment and pain. But through it all she retains the love of her one and only, Ned Seymour. Secretly wedded and bedded, Katherine gives birth to two boys and remains utterly in love with the husband who is kept away from her. Unfortunately, her legitimate royal pedigree always haunts her and keeps her from living the quiet, peaceful life she craves. Eliza Knight does a beautiful job with this story and her writing is flawless. I blew through this novel in just a few days and loved every bit of it. I won't lie - it's not a happy story, but if you're interested in one of English history's forgotten royal women, I encourage you to pick this one up. It's a beautiful tale of realistic love, betrayal, fear, and court intrigue, and I don't think you'll be disappointed!
"At the King's Command" by Susan Wiggs
As a lover of both romance and historical fiction, I feel no shame whatsoever in reading books that combine the two - especially when they involve the Tudors! I was excited to pick this one up, and even more excited to discover that it is the first in a Tudor trilogy! However, the delivery of this story just didn't do it for me. It was a clever concept - a romance story between a Tudor courtier at King Henry VIII's court (Stephen de Lacey) and a surviving Romanov princess (Juliana). However, the story was, in my opinion, very poorly laid out, and Stephen de Lacey was an utterly dislikable character. Too hard-hearted and cruel to be anything remotely close to a historical romance hero, I felt no connection with the characters whatsoever, and as much of the novel is driven by Juliana's determination to avenge her family's brutal death, I lost interest very quickly. There was too little true "Tudor" details - much more frustrating dialogue between characters I had nothing in common with. I'd still suggest picking it up if you're at all interested in the Tudor romance genre… You might like it more than I did! And if you do, there are two more to pick up afterwards.
As a lover of both romance and historical fiction, I feel no shame whatsoever in reading books that combine the two - especially when they involve the Tudors! I was excited to pick this one up, and even more excited to discover that it is the first in a Tudor trilogy! However, the delivery of this story just didn't do it for me. It was a clever concept - a romance story between a Tudor courtier at King Henry VIII's court (Stephen de Lacey) and a surviving Romanov princess (Juliana). However, the story was, in my opinion, very poorly laid out, and Stephen de Lacey was an utterly dislikable character. Too hard-hearted and cruel to be anything remotely close to a historical romance hero, I felt no connection with the characters whatsoever, and as much of the novel is driven by Juliana's determination to avenge her family's brutal death, I lost interest very quickly. There was too little true "Tudor" details - much more frustrating dialogue between characters I had nothing in common with. I'd still suggest picking it up if you're at all interested in the Tudor romance genre… You might like it more than I did! And if you do, there are two more to pick up afterwards.
"The White Princess" by Philippa Gregory
I started out really enjoying this book - I'm fascinated by Elizabeth of York and had never read a fictional portrayal of Henry VII, but over the course of the novel it got to be too much about Henry's paranoia and Elizabeth's constant forgiveness for his bad attitude and harsh treatment of her. Philippa can write some fantastic Tudor romances, I'll give her that, but this was not exactly what I was expecting. Henry was not a man I could support and I found myself longing for Richard III to rise from the dead and be the romantic, chivalrous gentleman Philippa wrote him to be. Still, I enjoyed Elizabeth in this book, and especially her scenes with her mother, Elizabeth Woodville. The storyline, in my opinion, was just a tad dry and the book was far too long for what was written. I would still recommend it to fans of Philippa Gregory and her entire Tudor series, but it's not my absolute favorite of her otherwise exceptional stories.
"The Kingmaker's Daughter" by Philippa Gregory
This was a great look into the life of Anne Neville, daughter of the Earl of Warwick and wife of Richard III. Right now is a hot time to be talking about Richard, so to read a novel about him seemed very appropriate. I personally loved his character in this book, and while Anne was also fun to read about, she became a bit too hard-hearted for my liking by the end. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anybody who is interested in an entertaining and immersive view of the courts of Edward IV and Richard III, as well as an in-depth look at the fascinating War of the Roses. I always enjoy Gregory's style of writing and brilliant creativity as a novelist. I'm looking forward to moving onto The White Princess, where Elizabeth of York's story will be continued!
"The Queen's Exiles" by Barbara Kyle
This was another unique twist on the typical Elizabethan story we usually read as Tudor Enthusiasts! This time, Kyle takes us to Spain, Brussels, and the open see with heroine Fenella Doon and hero Adam Thornleigh. I hadn't read Kyle's other novels, so I wasn't well acquainted with the Thornleigh family, but I found myself really loving the action, romance, and general creativity of this plot. As I said, it's definitely not your average Tudor novel - this one involves a whole lot of danger and plotting (namely by Catholics who are set on destroying Queen Elizabeth I), but for the most part we're not hearing so much about the politics of the times… we're too busy following these brave characters on their many missions to save England, as well as their friends and family. There's quire a lot of bloodshed and pirate-y ship action, too, which I always enjoy. Pick this one up if you're in the mood for something different and exciting!
"The Lost Duchess" by Jenny Barden
This novel was a very unique look into the "new world" and the era of discovery by Sir Walter Raleigh by the order of Queen Elizabeth I. I was a bit put off by the opening scene (I won't give anything away, but it was a shocking start…), but the novel picked up the pace as I got to know the main character, Emme Fifield and her search for a new start in Virginia. She packs her things and sets sail with some of Raleigh's men, including the attractive Kit Doonan. Things get a little shaky once they reach the beautiful Virginia, though. The native indians are not happy with the Englishmen, and by the end of the novel, a full out battle has taken place between the two very different groups of people. This novel is definitely an interesting change from the typical Tudor court - as very little of it actually takes place at court. If you're interested in a new view of Elizabeth's reign, check this one out!
"My Lady Viper" by E. Knight
This is a beautiful look at the Henrican court, seen through the eyes of one of its most maligned (and perhaps misunderstood) women, Lady Anne Seymour (Stanhope). The wife of Edward Seymour, she is a conniving, clever woman when it comes to maneuvering through the scandals and conflicts at court. Known by many as a "viper" or a "vicious" woman, she certainly isn't revered for her charms or compassion, but maybe that's what makes her such an interesting figure. Knight does a great job of portraying a woman who knows her own mind and plays her cards right. It's refreshing to read a novel that celebrates a woman's internal struggles with her romantic feelings (instead of blindly jumping into bed with handsome men!), and who prizes true relationships and friendships within such a tumultuous court. I really loved reading about Anne's life, and I hope those who pick up this novel will see more to her character than the often written-off, hateful reputation she seems to have among Tudor enthusiasts. I highly encourage you to give this great novel a try!
"The Queen's Rivals" by Brandy Purdy
This was another great Brandy Purdy novel about the Grey sisters - beginning in childhood with Jane, Kate, and Mary (narrated by Mary). As with all Grey novels, Jane Grey's execution was the center of the story, and emotional as one would expect it to be. However, I found Purdy's portrayal of Jane to be very interesting, compared to other novels about her that I've read. She is a very passionate, and somewhat harsh, character - much different than Alison Weir's portrayal in An Innocent Traitor. Overall, I loved the characterizations of Kate and Mary - and found myself sympathizing with Mary quite a lot. I think this is a great, and pretty basic, retelling of the three Grey sisters' stories. Simple, easy to follow, and filled with enough emotional appeal to satisfy the average Tudor reader - I think you'll enjoy this one if you pick it up!
"The Boleyn Bride" by Brandy Purdy
I was so happy to read and review this novel for Kensington Publishing Company, and I was very pleasantly surprised by how quickly and completely it sucked me in! This novel followed the story of Elizabeth Boleyn (previously Howard), as created by Brandy Purdy out of almost no written record of the real woman's life. Although quite a dislikable figure, Elizabeth's story is a tear-jerker. She is one who makes decisions based on insane vanity, a promiscuous nature, and hateful bitterness towards her husband and children. One of the most interesting parts of this story was definitely the portrayal of her daughter Anne, the "ugly duckling," as Elizabeth calls her. However, we all know that Anne grows into her own and becomes quite an extraordinary woman of her time - surprising Elizabeth and leading her to the most misery a mother can imagine - the horrible loss of two of her children, no matter how much trouble she may have had in loving them truly. This story tugged at my heartstrings and provided a great backstory for Anne Boleyn, a figure we all know about. Elizabeth's story is definitely one that is worth reading. I highly recommend this great new novel, available February 25th, 2014!
"The Virgin's Daughters" by Jeane Westin
This was a unique look at the court of Queen Elizabeth I, through the eyes of two of her closest companions and ladies - Katherine Grey and Mary Rogers. Interestingly (and a bit weirdly), the novel tells the stories of both of these women, but at different times. Katherine's story of love and loss is first, taking up about 50% of the book. Then, we fast forward several years (Katherine is now dead), and Mary is the star. Queen Elizabeth is now old and difficult to be around, and Mary must walk in the same shoes that the traitorous and tragic Katherine once walked in, all the while trying to please the queen and keep her courtly romance with one of the queen's men a secret. This novel very accurately shows Elizabeth's hatred for her ladies' love lives. It's no secret that the queen wanted company in her loneliness (rather ironic, isn't it?), and the story is cleverly told - though the layout of the book was a bit confusing. Both of the main characters deserve an entire novel devoted to them. I found myself a little disappointed by how abruptly Katherine's story ended and Mary's began. Not a bad read at all, just interesting. Pick it up and try it for yourself!
"Queen's Gambit" by Elizabeth Fremantle
This was a fantastic novel about Catherine Parr, which Simon & Schuster asked me to review and give away in a competition a few months ago. I'm so glad I had the chance to read this, and I loved Fremantle's writing style. Though I'm not usually a huge Catherine Parr fan, I found this story to really succeed in telling a story that was both interesting and different! Catherine does NOT come off as a saint in this book, and her emotions and decisions are very human and relatable - especially when we consider just how hard her life was, being married to the elderly and somewhat cruel Henry VIII. The supporting characters, especially Catherine's maid, Dot, were especially fun to read about. There was tragedy, romance, scandal, and danger - all the ingredients for a great Tudor novel! I was really pleased with how Catherine was portrayed, and even how Henry was portrayed, even though we don't tend to like him towards the end of his life. This was a well-crafted novel with great attention to small details. Though it took me a while to read because of my schedule, I could have easily finished it within a week because of how enjoyable it was and how well the story flowed. I definitely recommend it!
"His Last Mistress" by Andrea Zuvich
I've had the pleasure of Andrea's Twitter friendship for quite a while, and I was absolutely over-the-moon excited when I found out she'd published a novel about one of my favorite 17th-century men, James Scott! I know this isn't a Tudor book, but bear with me because I'd love to spread the word about Andrea's debut novel, and if I can get more people to pay attention to James, the Duke of Monmouth, then I'll be happy! This book follows his relationship with Lady Henrietta Wentworth - a beautiful and demure lady at his father, King Charles II's court. Of course, the character of Monmouth is an undeniably tragic one. I won't give anything away here, but much of this novel deals with his struggle for acknowledgment as his father's true heir - which is constantly denied him. Through it all, he finds love with the only woman who has ever truly touched his heart, and she willingly follows him into whatever danger lies before him. While this is, of course, a dramticized version of their real relationship, it is a beautiful love story and a delicious peek into the 1600's - a place I don't visit often enough! I hope you'll pick this book up (or download it to your e-reader like I did). You won't regret giving this one a shot!
I've had the pleasure of Andrea's Twitter friendship for quite a while, and I was absolutely over-the-moon excited when I found out she'd published a novel about one of my favorite 17th-century men, James Scott! I know this isn't a Tudor book, but bear with me because I'd love to spread the word about Andrea's debut novel, and if I can get more people to pay attention to James, the Duke of Monmouth, then I'll be happy! This book follows his relationship with Lady Henrietta Wentworth - a beautiful and demure lady at his father, King Charles II's court. Of course, the character of Monmouth is an undeniably tragic one. I won't give anything away here, but much of this novel deals with his struggle for acknowledgment as his father's true heir - which is constantly denied him. Through it all, he finds love with the only woman who has ever truly touched his heart, and she willingly follows him into whatever danger lies before him. While this is, of course, a dramticized version of their real relationship, it is a beautiful love story and a delicious peek into the 1600's - a place I don't visit often enough! I hope you'll pick this book up (or download it to your e-reader like I did). You won't regret giving this one a shot!
"The White Queen" by Philippa Gregory
I really enjoyed Philippa Gregory's spin on the tale of Elizabeth Woodville, one of the most controversial queens in English history. Having fallen in love with the young and handsome King Edward IV, Elizabeth throws herself into the middle of war-torn England and puts herself in one of the most dangerous positions of all. Besides her wifely duties of supporting her husband in his fight to keep his throne, as well as providing him many children, Elizabeth is a feisty and fierce warrior herself, and when the tides turn in 1483 with the death of her beloved husband, she finds herself fighting a very different battle - one of ultimate survival and protection of her children. As the mother of the infamous "princes in the tower," Elizabeth is a striking and intriguing figure in Plantagenet history, as well as a tragic one. I loved Philippa's use of fiction in this story, which only made her story more interesting. Without giving anything away, I especially loved the ending (very clever!) and the character of Elizabeth's eldest and most famous daughter, Elizabeth of York. Great novel, in my opinion!
"Roses Have Thorns" by Sandra Byrd
Sandra Byrd kindly sent me this novel to review, and I'm pleased to say that I really enjoyed this part romance/part Christian take on Elizabeth I's court. This novel follows Helena von Snakenberg, a Swedish transplant to England who becomes, not only romantically entangled in the court, but also quite attached to her new friend, the Queen. By the end of the book, Helena (also known by her Swedish name Elin) has overcome many trials, including the ever-constant risk of angering a Queen who has a very hot and cold personality. Helena faces challenges, love, heartache, and betrayal, but at the core of the story her faith in God sustains her. I love the Christian emphasis Sandra put on this book, and I think it's a really clever way to write a Tudor novel (considering the Tudor era is a time period of such religious fervor and confusion). Beautifully written and thought provoking! I definitely recommend this one.
Sandra Byrd kindly sent me this novel to review, and I'm pleased to say that I really enjoyed this part romance/part Christian take on Elizabeth I's court. This novel follows Helena von Snakenberg, a Swedish transplant to England who becomes, not only romantically entangled in the court, but also quite attached to her new friend, the Queen. By the end of the book, Helena (also known by her Swedish name Elin) has overcome many trials, including the ever-constant risk of angering a Queen who has a very hot and cold personality. Helena faces challenges, love, heartache, and betrayal, but at the core of the story her faith in God sustains her. I love the Christian emphasis Sandra put on this book, and I think it's a really clever way to write a Tudor novel (considering the Tudor era is a time period of such religious fervor and confusion). Beautifully written and thought provoking! I definitely recommend this one.
"A Knight in Shining Armor" by Jude Deveraux
I wasn't planning on including this novel in my Tudor books section, because I wasn't sure how truly Tudor it would be, but now that I've finished it, there's no question: My readers absolutely MUST know about this gem. This novel follows an American woman, Dougless Montgomery, on her vacation to England, where she comes across the strangest man - Lord Nicholas Stafford, an Elizabethan lord who has time travelled across four hundred years. This is so much more than a romance novel, though that is how the book is advertised. This book involves intense drama, beautiful romance, and genuine danger. It involves hilarious humor (as you can imagine - a sixteenth-century man trying to learn about the modern world!), tearjerking scenes of forbidden love, and wild plots to change the course of history. I don't know how Deveraux pulled it off, but this may be the best romance novel I have ever read! Absolutely rich with Elizabethan historical detail, this is a true treat for historical romance enthusiasts. It is just perfect. In a word, I would call it brilliant. Seriously, if you have any interest in reading one of the most beautiful, thought-provoking, and heartwarming stories (which just happens to be dripping in interesting Elizabethan facts), then you should rush to the bookstore NOW and pick up "A Knight in Shining Armor."
I wasn't planning on including this novel in my Tudor books section, because I wasn't sure how truly Tudor it would be, but now that I've finished it, there's no question: My readers absolutely MUST know about this gem. This novel follows an American woman, Dougless Montgomery, on her vacation to England, where she comes across the strangest man - Lord Nicholas Stafford, an Elizabethan lord who has time travelled across four hundred years. This is so much more than a romance novel, though that is how the book is advertised. This book involves intense drama, beautiful romance, and genuine danger. It involves hilarious humor (as you can imagine - a sixteenth-century man trying to learn about the modern world!), tearjerking scenes of forbidden love, and wild plots to change the course of history. I don't know how Deveraux pulled it off, but this may be the best romance novel I have ever read! Absolutely rich with Elizabethan historical detail, this is a true treat for historical romance enthusiasts. It is just perfect. In a word, I would call it brilliant. Seriously, if you have any interest in reading one of the most beautiful, thought-provoking, and heartwarming stories (which just happens to be dripping in interesting Elizabethan facts), then you should rush to the bookstore NOW and pick up "A Knight in Shining Armor."
"The Chalice" by Nancy Bilyeau
I could not possibly imagine a better sequel to "The Crown," which I read a little over a year ago and absolutely fell in love with. This novel picks up with Joanna Stafford, the young novice at Dartford Priory and heroine of the last novel, and it follows her on an even more suspenseful, thrilling, and exciting adventure as a plot against King Henry VIII unfolds. I absolutely love the theme of prophecy in this book, and Nancy Bilyeau did an incredible job tying certain characters together (though I won't give anything away)! There were so many twists and turns in this novel, taking Joanna far from home with many new characters in addition to the ones we already loved. I have to say, I have a new literary crush on the gentlemanly friar, Edmund Sommerville, and I was loving every page of (subtle) romance during this story. There is SO much more to this novel than troubled nuns and monks - there were real, human feelings, intense danger, and some terrific action. I could not be happier that I read this book. It has served to reignite the spark that "The Crown" created, and it makes me very hopeful for another follow-up novel. Go. Buy. Now.
"Dear Henry: Confessions of the Queens" by Judith Arnopp
This was a very simple, short book with short stories for each of Henry VIII's six wives. Going in order, each wife has a few pages to explain her story and her downfall, give her own thoughts about her situation, and bid her husband farewell. Certainly an easy read, there is nothing in this book that we haven't heard before. In fact, sometimes it seems like the author took these stories directly from The Tudors. It's not a bad book, but it does read like something any fan of Tudor history could have written. It literally took me twenty minutes to read because of its length.
"Thomas Wyatt: The Heart's Forest" by Susan Brigden
This is an impressive book about a man who left so little evidence about his life. For this, I think Susan Brigden should be praised, because she does so much research about the world in which Thomas Wyatt lived - explaining his different jobs: poet, courtier, spy, assassin, ambassador... His roles in the Henrican court were endless, yet so little remains of his life. Through analyzing his poetry and the little pieces of information we have from his life, Brigden creates a comprehensive look at the world Thomas Wyatt lived in. It delves into the details of the court, the relationships he had, and the many things he did in his very busy life. I don't necessarily feel like I've come away from this book knowing more about Thomas, but I do know more about the court and the job posts he held. I do recommend this book to people who are interested in a bit of heavy, well-researched writing, but I think a reader would get the most out of it if they already knew a great deal about Thomas Wyatt. I think a biography about him must be hard to write, as there is so little from his life that he left us with.
"The Virgin Widow" by Anne O'Brien
This is absolutely one of the best novels I've read in SO long. Although I knew nothing about Anne Neville or Richard III when I received this in a blog giveaway, I was excited to dive in and learn more about the Plantagenets. (Also, how cool is it that I got to read this while all the Richard III hype was going on?!) What I found was utterly fascinating. Anne Neville has quickly become one of my new favorite historical women, and Richard III has gained a great amount of respect from me as well! At its core, this is a beautiful love story between two very strong-willed and powerful people. I love the way Anne O'Brien wrote the story, however, because it certainly read more like a historical novel than a romance novel. At times it was heartbreaking, and at times it actually made me smile while reading. I literally could not put it down and I'm very excited to say that it's opened up a new door in history for me. I can't wait to spend more time researching these people and getting to know the Plantagenets better. I encourage ALL of my readers to check this book out!
"Innocent Traitor" by Alison Weir
I cannot say enough wonderful things about this novel! I'm a big fan of Lady Jane Grey, and I sympathize so much with her story, so it was amazing to read such an incredible novel, where she (and every other character) is brought to life so flawlessly. From the first page, I found my heart breaking for Jane, and that certainly only got worse by the last page. This novel takes us through Jane's entire life - looking through the lens of different people's perspectives. Of course there's Jane, her parents, her nurse Mrs. Ellen, the Duke of Northumberland, Lady Mady Tudor, and others. Everyone offers something wonderful and heartfelt to this story, and by the end, I thought I really understood how every character felt. This is one of those books that leaves you knowing that the author absolutely captured the emotions of the time. It was so believable, so raw, and so perfectly enjoyable to read. Despite the few tears that escaped while reading the last few words, I would gladly read this novel again. I highly, highly, highly recommend it to any Tudor Enthusiast!
"A Brief History of the Tudor Age" by Jasper Ridley
This was a very enjoyable read, though it took me a while to get through because of the many details the author has thrown in. Overall, it paints a lovely and realistic picture of what life during the Tudor dynasty was like. It tells not only the stories of the royal lives we're so familiar with already, but the lives of vagabonds, thieves, sailors, merchants, and religious men and women. It discusses the family life, houses, fashion, travel, and customs - and it's detailed enough to give us a great idea of what we're reading about, but not enough to completely overwhelm us. I really feel like I've gotten a better look at the most intimate details of the Tudor man and woman's life. It's not really a 'brief' history, as the title implies, but it is very well-written and worth the read. I would recommend it to anyone who wants more detail about life in general from 1485-1603, rather than the same stories we hear all the time about the major figures of the time period.
"The House of Allerbrook" by Valerie Anand
This book was a bit slow, in my opinion. Although at times I felt like I connected with some of the characters, the author seemed a little too ambitious by telling a story that spans 50 years. By the end, any connection with the main character, Jane Sweetwater, is virtually lost. The story follows her life - at the court of Henry VIII, where she narrowly avoids becoming his mistress -, through her unhappy marriage to a much older man, her various friendships and family relationships, and on through the lives of her children and grandchildren. Most of the time, the book feels like you're just watching a Tudor family go about their day-to-day activities - which might be fine for a hundred pages, but not 530! I'll admit that the author writes some interesting twists - including lead characters being convicted of treason, unexpected romantic pairings, etc. It's an ambitious novel, and I think overall Anand pulled it off - just a little slow compared to others.
"Anne Boleyn: Fatal Attractions" by G.W. Bernard
I'm a fan of any Anne Boleyn biography I pick up, because I really love her story, but this book absolutely baffled me because of Bernard's controversial and argumentative way of writing. I think for basically every topic regarding Anne, he chose the path less travelled and argued against what most people believe. For example, he actually argues that Anne was guilty of adultery and therefore deserved her fate, but backs up the argument with no credible evidence. He also argues that she was a traditional Catholic woman, despite her famous involvement in leading the early Protestant reformation movement. His arguments confused me, and I found myself actually dreading picking up this book for my research - however, his arguments post an interesting alternative to the popular way of thinking. While I'm a much bigger supporter of Eric Ives' biographies of Anne, I can't support this book, but it is interesting if you want to look at Anne in a much different light.
I'm a fan of any Anne Boleyn biography I pick up, because I really love her story, but this book absolutely baffled me because of Bernard's controversial and argumentative way of writing. I think for basically every topic regarding Anne, he chose the path less travelled and argued against what most people believe. For example, he actually argues that Anne was guilty of adultery and therefore deserved her fate, but backs up the argument with no credible evidence. He also argues that she was a traditional Catholic woman, despite her famous involvement in leading the early Protestant reformation movement. His arguments confused me, and I found myself actually dreading picking up this book for my research - however, his arguments post an interesting alternative to the popular way of thinking. While I'm a much bigger supporter of Eric Ives' biographies of Anne, I can't support this book, but it is interesting if you want to look at Anne in a much different light.
"Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel
I was anxious to read this book because of all the hype surrounding it and its sequel "Bring up the Bodies." However, after only reading a couple chapters, I knew it was going to be tough to get through. I stuck it out and finished it, but I can't say it was a very enjoyable read. Mantel's narrative voice is actually incredibly dull, and I think it's one of the only Tudor novels I've read that didn't transport me to the 16th century. I felt like there was virtually no description of court life, and the characters were very one-dimensional. Although the idea of hearing the story of Anne Boleyn and the early reformation through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell sounded really fascinating, I feel like I still hardly know him, and I didn't actually get a good view of any of the characters. This is simply a story that has been told many times, and in many styles - but this style didn't appeal to me. I probably won't read the sequel, though I'm still looking forward to seeing it portrayed on BBC. It's really a shame that I didn't like this book more, considering the awards it's won! Pick it up for yourself, and maybe you'll have a different opinion!
"A Visitor's Companion to Tudor England" by Suzannah Lipscomb
I was lucky enough to find this book in Blackwell's bookshop shortly after I arrived in Oxford. After wanting to read it for months, but not being able to find it, I snatched it up immediately and dove in. I was really impressed with this book and the amount of information Suzannah Lipscomb put into it! One thing I really enjoyed was that it is a fairly easy read. She doesn't bog down the book with tedious details - it's a book that anyone can read and enjoy. Broken up by regions and areas of England, she explains many different Tudor locations and their significance in history. Among these are famous places like Hampton Court Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London... but there are smaller, lesser-known locations such as The Walker Art Gallery, Burghley House, and a variety of churches. This book is perfect for both the visitor to England and the person who only wishes to travel in their mind. A fantastic Tudor read!
I was lucky enough to find this book in Blackwell's bookshop shortly after I arrived in Oxford. After wanting to read it for months, but not being able to find it, I snatched it up immediately and dove in. I was really impressed with this book and the amount of information Suzannah Lipscomb put into it! One thing I really enjoyed was that it is a fairly easy read. She doesn't bog down the book with tedious details - it's a book that anyone can read and enjoy. Broken up by regions and areas of England, she explains many different Tudor locations and their significance in history. Among these are famous places like Hampton Court Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London... but there are smaller, lesser-known locations such as The Walker Art Gallery, Burghley House, and a variety of churches. This book is perfect for both the visitor to England and the person who only wishes to travel in their mind. A fantastic Tudor read!
"Children of England: The Heirs of Henry VIII" by Alison Weir
I was really impressed with this book - not only because the stories of Edward VI, Jane Grey, Mary I, and Elizabeth I are fascinating in and of themselves, but because Alison Weir told their stories in a unique way. Instead of poring over the details of each other their reigns (no matter how short), she focused more on the relationship between the four of them. How were Mary and Elizabeth handling the harsh Protestant reformation of Edward's reign? What were Mary's reactions to Jane Grey's ascension to her throne? How were Elizabeth and Mary's relationship strained when Elizabeth refused to succumb to the Catholic faith? All of these questions and many more were answered in this book, which was simple and very fun to read. Small details, quotes, and descriptions of these characters made it feel as if I actually got to know them each personally. I definitely recommend this book to Tudor Enthusiasts!
"I, Jane" by Diane Haeger
I absolutely loved Diane's portrayal of Jane Seymour in her newest novel, "I, Jane." This is definitely the best book about Jane that I have ever read, and it gave her so much more substance and character than what I usually read. I loved how sweet, pure and genuine she was - and how opposite she was from the other ladies at court, especially Anne Boleyn. Don't get me wrong, I do love Anne, but for the purpose of this novel and Jane's story, it was necessary (and well done) to portray Anne as the villain, and I think Diane did a very tasteful job of it. The politics of the Tudor court during this time are complex and, as I can imagine, difficult to write about. That is why this novel impressed me so much. Jane is also not a figure who is frequently written about, so to read a new, refreshing account of her life was exciting and definitely did not disappoint me. As with all of Diane's books, I highly recommend it to every Tudor enthusiast - whether you find Jane Seymour to be an intriguing Tudor figure or not. I guarantee you will love this book!
"The Queen's Mistake" by Diane Haeger
I'm a big fan of Diane Haeger's Tudor novels - this is the second one I've read, other than her 16th-century French novel about Diane de Poitiers and Henri II, "Courtesan." However, I'm really not a big fan of Catherine Howard, so I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book. I was pleasantly surprised by the way Diane characterized Catherine and Henry VIII, as well as Thomas Culpeper, Catherine's lover. She tweaks the story line a bit, which I wasn't prepared for, but I think it turned out to be an enjoyable and heart-wrenching story. By the last page, I was near tears, even though I typically do not get emotional while thinking about Catherine Howard. Diane did a great job bringing out sympathy in her reader and showing a truly beautiful love story between Catherine and Thomas, and I was also happy hat she showed the aging, fat King Henry VIII in a softer light than he is usually portrayed. There were certain scenes where I couldn't help but love Henry, even though he was not a particularly lovable character during those years. Overall, a very good Tudor novel!
"Anne of Hollywood" by Carol Wolper
This was a really fun, witty twist on the classic and tragic tale of Anne Boleyn. The author did a great job setting up a believable and easy-to-understand modern setting... Hollywood, of course, led by "the King," a billionaire businessman, Henry Tudor. Anne Boleyn is, of course, a beautiful, stylish and clever girl who catches his heart during his long divorce with his first wife Catherine Aragon. Right from the first page I was sucked into the story which immediately struck me as wildly clever. The author makes some funny changes, such as "Theresa Cromwell," "Maren Tudor," and a musician simply named Wyatt. Of course, these characters are all QUITE similar to their respective historical figures, but it's so much fun to read about them in a modern light. While this story involves all the manipulation and deception of the Tudor court, it also includes drinking, sex, marijuana, and texting. Definitely a different take on the story, but just as satisfying and fun to read about. I highly recommend it for the Tudor enthusiast who is interested in a light-hearted Tudor read. Know your history before you pick this book up and it will be even funnier!
This was a really fun, witty twist on the classic and tragic tale of Anne Boleyn. The author did a great job setting up a believable and easy-to-understand modern setting... Hollywood, of course, led by "the King," a billionaire businessman, Henry Tudor. Anne Boleyn is, of course, a beautiful, stylish and clever girl who catches his heart during his long divorce with his first wife Catherine Aragon. Right from the first page I was sucked into the story which immediately struck me as wildly clever. The author makes some funny changes, such as "Theresa Cromwell," "Maren Tudor," and a musician simply named Wyatt. Of course, these characters are all QUITE similar to their respective historical figures, but it's so much fun to read about them in a modern light. While this story involves all the manipulation and deception of the Tudor court, it also includes drinking, sex, marijuana, and texting. Definitely a different take on the story, but just as satisfying and fun to read about. I highly recommend it for the Tudor enthusiast who is interested in a light-hearted Tudor read. Know your history before you pick this book up and it will be even funnier!
"Six of One" by JoAnn Spears
I got an email from JoAnn Spears, asking me if I would review her book on my Tudor website, and I was ecstatic! She sent me the book and I dove right in. It was such a fun ride! How cool would it be for a Tudor-lover to really get a chance to meet and talk to some of the Tudor era's most infamous characters? That's exactly what the main character, Dolly, gets to do in this fun time-travelling adventure. After a food mishap at her bachelorette party, Dolly travels back in time and is confronted by the six wives of Henry VIII, as well as some other very familiar Tudor faces. Here, she gets the inside scoop on what REALLY happened to those women, and she learns secrets about the wives that only the most clever Tudor author could come up with! The book will have you laughing and satisfying your fun Tudor craving. Of course, make sure you're familiar with the history before you pick this book up - Although the history is explained a bit, it could get confusing if you're not already acquainted with the characters. Definitely a Tudor book I recommend!
I got an email from JoAnn Spears, asking me if I would review her book on my Tudor website, and I was ecstatic! She sent me the book and I dove right in. It was such a fun ride! How cool would it be for a Tudor-lover to really get a chance to meet and talk to some of the Tudor era's most infamous characters? That's exactly what the main character, Dolly, gets to do in this fun time-travelling adventure. After a food mishap at her bachelorette party, Dolly travels back in time and is confronted by the six wives of Henry VIII, as well as some other very familiar Tudor faces. Here, she gets the inside scoop on what REALLY happened to those women, and she learns secrets about the wives that only the most clever Tudor author could come up with! The book will have you laughing and satisfying your fun Tudor craving. Of course, make sure you're familiar with the history before you pick this book up - Although the history is explained a bit, it could get confusing if you're not already acquainted with the characters. Definitely a Tudor book I recommend!
"The Constant Princess" by Philippa Gregory
This may be one of my new favorite Philippa Gregory novels! I'd had this book for several years and only recently realized I'd never read it, so I dove in and loved it. I've never read a fictional portrayal of Arthur Tudor before this book, but I have to say I absolutely adore the relationship that Philippa created between Katherine of Aragon and her first husband Arthur! This is the story of Katherine (Catalina) of Spain, taking on her new adventure and arranged marriage to the Tudor prince - only to encounter a huge amount of struggle and hardship in England. Since so little is known of her relationship with her first husband, Philippa weaves a beautiful and creative story of love, which at times throughout the book, brought me close to tears. Katherine is represented as a fierce, strong, and ambitious woman, who never loses her sense of self and family duty. She is a princess and queen to be remembered, and I highly recommend that any fan of Tudor queens should read this book!
"The Lady Elizabeth" by Alison Weir
I was really pleasantly surprised with this novel! Sometimes I find the story of Elizabeth Tudor's life (pre-Queen) to be a bit dull, but I thought Alison Weir did a fantastic job portraying every aspect of her early life and her relationships with all those who were important to her - especially her siblings, her governess Kat Astley, and her counselors. I personally loved reading a novel by Weir, because I really respect her as a historian, and I was glad to see that this novel was not a stuffy read, as I might have expected, since it is written from a well-known historian. In fact, she took some great literary and creative license and made the story perhaps a bit more interesting than it truly was in real life. I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it!
"The Wild Queen" by Carolyn Meyer
I had never read a novel about Mary, Queen of Scots before, but this one was surprisingly informative and interesting. Although I do not know very much about her, the image I've always had of her is the older Mary, plotting to kill her cousin Queen Elizabeth I. However, there is a lot that she went through during her relatively short life. Her marriages were unhappy, she lost virtually everyone who was close to her, and she learned to trust no one, although she had been the rightful Queen of Scotland since she was only an infant. Hers is not the regular story we hear about royalty, who live lavishly and enjoy every luxury. Mary Stuart had a hard life, and it was very interesting to read about her. This novel comes out June 2012, so I recommend it!
"Plain Jane" by Laurien Gardner
This was a fantastic novel about Jane Seymour's life - from her time before she went to court, to the point of her death as King Henry VIII's most beloved Queen. This book offers a really good look at Jane's character, her opinions, and her kind heart - in contrast to Anne Boleyn, who is portrayed in this novel to be a nasty, harsh woman. I find Jane Seymour to be one of the most interesting of Henry's wives, but also one of the ones I know the least about, so I was glad to find this book and see her life fictionalized and brought to life in this easy-to-read and entertaining novel. I was very pleased with it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Tudor fiction, even if you find Jane dull. I guarantee you will have a higher opinion of her after reading this novel!
"Behind the Palace Doors" by Michael Farquhar
This was a good nonfiction account of some of England's most interesting dynasties - starting with the Tudors and leading up to the current Windsors. Although certainly some monarchs are more fascinating than others, this book gave me a bit more perspective when thinking about England's history - and I was able to place historical figures in their respective dynasties, which helps greatly if you want to look at a country and its history with regard to a timeline. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, though I still find myself drawn to the Tudors more than any other dynasty. The Stuarts, Hanoverians, and Saxe-Coburg-Gotha/Windsors are just not as scandalous! Long live the Tudors!
"Mademoiselle Boleyn" by Robin Maxwell
This was an absolutely fantastic novel about Anne Boleyn's younger years and her time at the French court of King Francois I and Queen Claude. At the beginning of the story, Anne is nine years old, and she and her sister travel to France to serve the Queen. Throughout the book, Anne gets swept up in the court intrigue, the passion, and her sister's heartbreaking involvement with the King of France (as well as many other men). The French court is a very interesting contrast to the English court, and filled with scandal. I loved how the story was told through the eyes of a young, innocent Anne, as she is learning the ways of the world and the politics of court. Intertwined is also a sweet love story, as Anne meets Henry Percy and finds herself wondering what a marriage of love would be like. Without giving any games away, I'd like to say that the end of the novel left me with goosebumps! Such an exciting and wonderful read - it comes highly recommended by me!
"The Queen's Governess" by Karen Harper
This was an excellent book about Elizabeth Tudor's governess, Katherine Ashley, who stayed with Elizabeth for over thirty years as her faithful caretaker and honorary mother. This novel illustrates the time Kat spent serving Elizabeth's mother, Queen Anne Boleyn, and how her relationship with Anne made Kat feel especially close to Elizabeth, who dealt with so many hardships in her life. It is also a beautiful love story - showing the courtship and marriage between Katherine and John Ashley, a horse master at court. Overall, I really loved how Karen Harper formed all of her characters, though some of them were extremely unlikable - such as Thomas Seymour (no surprise), and at times, Robert Dudley (which is my only complaint!). It was a very heartfelt story, which actually brought me close to tears a few times, especially when Kat would think back to her time with Anne Boleyn. This was a novel of love, devotion and kindness in Tudor times - which was a bit of a breath of fresh air. A lovely story that I highly recommend!
"Keeper of the King's Secrets" by Michelle Diener
This was the second installment in Diener's Tudor series, which started with "In A Treacherous Court" - (scroll down for that review). I actually liked the first book more than this one. My main complaint with this book is that the details seemed to just drag on a bit. There is a lot of action in her books, but sometimes the action doesn't seem to make the most sense, or new characters are introduced that seem random and disorganized. This novel is about a missing jewel from King Henry VIII's private chambers, and Susanna and her betrothed, Parker are sent on a dangerous journey to uncover the plot and thief who threatens the crown. This really didn't seem like a very imaginative plot to me, but it will be entertaining enough for fans of Diener. I think I'm just finding that I'm not a huge fan of her writing style.
"The Queen's Lady" by Eve Edwards
Unfortunately, this book was not as good as I expected it to be. The characters were dull and the plot lacked the normal Tudor intrigue that usually hooks me from the start. With that being said, however, I am not ruling this author out entirely, because there were points during the book that I was impressed with her writing. I will probably give another one of her books a shot, but overall I don't recommend this one to my readers. There are many other Tudor novels that are filled with much more romance - this one was a little lacking in the romantic chemistry between the two main characters, even though that was the main plot. Although this book did seem well-researched, it just did not capture the excitement of the times.
"Seduced by Grace" by Jennifer Blake
Now I really can't decide if I liked this one or the first one the best in this trilogy. This was a great Tudor romance! Once again, taking place at the court of Henry VII, this is a tale of Tudor chivalry and courtly love at its finest. David, the "Golden Knight" has vowed to keep Lady Marguerite Milton safe and protected until the end of his days - in a chaste way. While King Henry plans a scheme involving David, in an effort to break up those fighting for the Tudor throne, Marguerite and David are thrown together in a battle for survival - and they are naturally brought closer together in their feelings as well. This was a very cute and romantic love story, and seemed very highly researched and detailed. I really enjoyed this one, and now I can say for sure that I highly recommend Tudor romance lovers to read Jennifer Blake's "Three Graces of Graydon" trilogy!
"Courtesan" by Diane Haeger
This book is an absolute MUST-READ for anyone who enjoys the 16th century. While this is not a Tudor story, it does take place during the Tudor dynasty, although in France. It begins during King Francis I's reign, and the story covers the relationship between the King's son, Henri, and Diane de Poitiers, a widow who is significantly older than him. This relationship defies everyone's expectations, and it's amazing to see the steps Henri took to protect his love and assure her of his feelings for her no matter what. Though he had to marry Catherine de Medici for political reasons, his heart stayed with his friend and mistress, Diane, for the rest of his life. This book has every element that makes a good read - intense romance, betrayal, scandal, plotting, tender moments of sweetness and bitter, heartbreaking sadness. This is the first book that has made me cry in a long time. I completely fell in love with Henri while reading, and I guarantee you will too. This is definitely a book you should buy and read NOW. Diane Haeger is an absolute genius.
"At the King's Pleasure" by Kate Emerson
I've had mixed opinions about Kate Emerson in the past - sometimes I find her books to get a bit dull, but this book was a very pleasant surprise. I love Will Compton, first of all, and he is one of the main characters in this. Anne Stafford (later Hastings) is the main female figure, and she is a very likable person, although she is in the middle of an, at times frustrating love triangle with her husband, George Hastings, and Will. George is a character I didn't care for very much - he was very possessive and jealous and took away from the romance that this book contained. Her relationship with Will was definitely my favorite part, and it was fun to see how her story unfolded in the midst of her brother, the Duke of Buckingham's treason, trial and execution. Overall, it was a very good read that kept me interested, and I recommend it!
"The Crown" by Nancy Bilyeau
I absolutely loved this Tudor thriller - certainly one of the best books I've read in a long time, and the best novel I've read so far in 2012. After all the praise it has received, I had high hopes for it, and I was not disappointed at all. Nancy Bilyeau did a great job of creating a truly fascinating (and at times spine-tingling) fictional mystery, woven into a factual and rarely-seen setting. This is the story of Joanna Stafford, a Dartford Priory novice, and the dangerous journey she embarks on to find a mysterious crown, thought to be hidden at her priory. This crown could have the power to stop the devastating destruction of religious houses across England, brought around by the religious upheaval and reformation. Here, we get a close look at Bishop Stephen Gardiner and the Duke of Norfolk, as well as a few glimpses into the past to see Anne Boleyn and her notorious brother, George. This is a truly unique look at a devastating Tudor event, told from a perspective that we haven't seen before. If this book doesn't hook you, I don't know what will. I highly encourage you to buy and read this one!
"The Lady of the Rivers" by Philippa Gregory
This was a really great story about a woman and time that I knew very little about. It's the third book in Philippa Gregory's "Cousin's War" series, and it follows Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford and descendant of the river goddess Melusina. She was the mother of Elizabeth Woodville, and the great-grandmother of King Henry VIII. This is a story about love, and how she risked everything she had to marry the man who truly had her heart, Richard Woodville. But it is also a story about loyalty and alliances, as we reach the beginning stages of the battles between the red and white roses - the Yorks and the Lancastrians. These are the beginnings of the Wars of the Roses - which are really quite interesting, the more I read about them! This is a really fun story, filled with all of Philippa Gregory's usual attention-grabbing (and keeping) techniques. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I highly recommend it!
"Bessie Blount: Mistress to Henry VIII" by Elizabeth Norton
Being the huge Bessie Blount fan that I am, I was beyond excited when I found out that Elizabeth Norton was writing this book. I still don't know how I did it, but somehow I managed to buy this book about 2 months before it has been officially released - (it doesn't actually come out until March 19th, I believe). Although I don't know how that happened, I dove into this book with so much excitement, and it definitely did not disappoint me. I'm very pleasantly surprised that Norton had so much to say about Bessie, as she is a bit of an "out of the radar" Tudor figure, and the majority of details from her life are unknown. However, Norton did a wonderful job of piecing together the things she did know, to form a beautiful and extremely well-researched biography of such a fascinating woman in history. I love Bessie even more now than I did before, now that I know so much more about her family, husbands, and children. There is so much more to this woman than her dalliance with King Henry VIII - I encourage everyone to buy this book!
Being the huge Bessie Blount fan that I am, I was beyond excited when I found out that Elizabeth Norton was writing this book. I still don't know how I did it, but somehow I managed to buy this book about 2 months before it has been officially released - (it doesn't actually come out until March 19th, I believe). Although I don't know how that happened, I dove into this book with so much excitement, and it definitely did not disappoint me. I'm very pleasantly surprised that Norton had so much to say about Bessie, as she is a bit of an "out of the radar" Tudor figure, and the majority of details from her life are unknown. However, Norton did a wonderful job of piecing together the things she did know, to form a beautiful and extremely well-researched biography of such a fascinating woman in history. I love Bessie even more now than I did before, now that I know so much more about her family, husbands, and children. There is so much more to this woman than her dalliance with King Henry VIII - I encourage everyone to buy this book!
"At the Mercy of the Queen" by Anne Clinard Barnhill
I really enjoyed this book - it's one of the only novels about Anne Boleyn that I've read so far and I thought it was wonderful. Her story is told through the eyes of her cousin, Margaret Shelton, who comes to court as the Queen's lady in waiting. Not only do we get a good look into Queen Anne's life, but we learn a bit about her fascinating cousin too, whom I have only just recently started to research and take an interest in. Anne is shown in a very good light in this story, which I loved, and I found myself sympathizing with her, as the author clearly intended. This book was wonderfully written, and was definitely one of those novels that 'transports' you back in time, bringing the Tudor court to life. I highly recommend it to every lover of the Tudors - you will not be disappointed!
"A Favorite of the Queen" by Jean Plaidy
This was an excellent story of Queen Elizabeth's friendship (and possibly more) with Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester. The book spans from the time that Robert is born, all the way to his death upon the English defeat of the Spanish Armada. It is a touching story of the Queen's love, and the difficult decisions she had to make regarding marriage versus ruling her country as a single monarch. Jean Plaidy gives us a glimpse into her innermost thoughts and pains, and it's a very clear-cut version of one of the most controversial 'friendships' of those times. One thing I wasn't crazy about was that, at times, Robert was portrayed as a sort of villain - being made responsible for the death of his first wife Amy Robsart, in addition to a few other murders in the story. Although we do not know for sure if he was innocent of these deaths, being a Robert Dudley fan myself, I like to think he was! I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in Robert or Queen Elizabeth!
"The Confession of Katherine Howard" by Suzannah Dunn
This book was a little slow at times, but overall it was a pretty enjoyable read. One thing that I have to nit-pick about is the fact that the language and vocabulary used by the characters was way too modern for the Tudor time period. It was almost laughable at times with some of the modern phrases they used, and I couldn't imagine Katherine Howard (and others) talking like that. Definitely a slow-paced look at Katherine's life before she became the Queen of England, and brief looks at her time with Thomas Culpeper, and her ultimate downfall. Not a particularly stirring novel, but worth reading if you're interested in Katherine Howard.
"In the Shadow of Lions" by Ginger Garrett
This was an absolutely amazing story about two Tudor women - one, the very famous Anne Boleyn, and the other a fictional servant to Thomas More named Rose. Both women are on very different paths, with very different purposes, but their lives center around one book - the newly influential book by William Hutchins, a heretic. This is a story not only about the famous love between Henry VIII and his second wife, but also about an attachment and willingness to seek God, when powerful people at court were discouraging them, and even putting them to death. It's a completely different look at one of England's most notorious women - not just another retelling of the same story. It is through completely different eyes. If you like Anne Boleyn, or are fascinated by her effect on England, Henry VIII, and religion in general, go buy this book now!
"Kate: The Making of a Princess" by Claudia Joseph
Not a "Tudor" book, but still about English royalty, of course. This book was actually a bit disappointing, considering my great love for the royal family and Duchess Catherine in particular. I found the first half of the book to be dreadfully boring - describing (in unnecessary detail) the lives of Kate's ancestors in comparison to William's. The second half read very much like a Kate Middleton magazine article - I was hoping to learn something new about the Duchess, but I didn't. This book was actually pretty dull, and there was nothing to really draw you in. Overall, I wouldn't recommend it, but I still love Kate Middleton dearly!
Not a "Tudor" book, but still about English royalty, of course. This book was actually a bit disappointing, considering my great love for the royal family and Duchess Catherine in particular. I found the first half of the book to be dreadfully boring - describing (in unnecessary detail) the lives of Kate's ancestors in comparison to William's. The second half read very much like a Kate Middleton magazine article - I was hoping to learn something new about the Duchess, but I didn't. This book was actually pretty dull, and there was nothing to really draw you in. Overall, I wouldn't recommend it, but I still love Kate Middleton dearly!
"The Queene's Christmas" by Karen Harper
This is the only Tudor Christmas story I have ever seen, and I really loved it! Not only did it offer a good picture of what Christmas at Queen Elizabeth's court was really like, it also showed an exciting, and at times spine-tingling murder mystery taking place at Whitehall Palace. All of our favorite Elizabethan characters are in this book - including Good Queen Bess herself, her Earl of Leicester Robert Dudley, and her confidante and secretary William Cecil. There's danger, excitement, drama, and romance - all taking place during the most fesitve and exciting time of the year. Tudor Christmas 'recipes' are also given at the start of each chapter, and if you're brave and creative enough, I suppose you can try to make them! Enjoy this book - it's unlike any other Tudor book I've read!
"The King's Confidante" by Jean Plaidy
I didn't know very much about Sir Thomas More before reading this book, but after reading I have come to have a great respect for him and his family. This was a great novel, allowing readers to see a very different side of Tudor life - the quiet family life in the country. The More family may have been one of the happiest and most loving families during this time, and it was great to read about them and the quality family life they shared. Of course, Thomas More's fate is a sad one - even more so now that I understand him better - but the story was still very sweet and inspiring. This is definitely a Tudor novel that I recommend!
"Sex With Kings" by Eleanor Herman
This was actually a really great book! Although not Tudor-specific, it focuses on royal mistresses throughout the ages - spanning the lives of Louis XV's mistress Madame de Pompadour, to modern-day Camilla Parker-Bowles, who took Princess Diana of Wales' place next to Prince Charles. Of course, Henry VIII is mentioned (and so is Anne Boleyn, several times), but surprisingly, Henry did not have nearly as many mistresses as was normal for monarchs at the time, so he doesn't take up a lot of the book. A very fascinating look at the scandalous, but surprisingly regal (and sometimes even respected) lives of royal mistresses and maitresse-en-titres ("official mistress") during several reigns all over the world. We get to visit the Louises of Versaille, France, Charles II, King Ludwig of Bavaria, Napoleon Bonaparte, and so many more. I guarantee you'll learn something new about "courtly love" - and you'll enjoy yourself while reading, because the author ties a lot of humor into her descriptions. Highly recommended by me!
"In a Treacherous Court" by Michelle Diener
This was an entertaining Tudor story, although I wish there had been more details of the court, King Henry VIII, and Tudor life in general. There was a sweet love story involving a foreign painter called to Henry's court, Susanna, and King Henry's most trusted protector, John Parker. The author mixes fact and fiction well in this imaginative story, however I found myself getting a bit lost in the many details of fighting, hunting and killing - as the main plot in the story involved a murderous plot to overthrow the king, throwing Susanna and Parker in a dangerous trap. Very action-packed, those details wore on me a little, but at the base of the novel is a very nice love story and some loveable characters.
"By Grace Possessed" by Jennifer Blake
This was the second book in the Three Graces trilogy, and it was every bit as good as the first one - which I posted about a few months ago. The lead male character was Ross Dunbar, a handsome and roguish Scotsman, who falls for the beautiful middle Milton sister, Catherine. This book has all the same elements as the last one - romance, danger, and court intrigue.Although King Henry VII doesn't interest me as much as King Henry VIII, the main characters in these books are just as exciting as in any other Tudor book I've read. This is certainly a fun trilogy to read, and I'm looking forward to reading the last one, "Seduced by Grace." I recommend this book as I did the last one - If you're interested in a fun and lighthearted Tudor romance, you'll enjoy this one!
"Rival to the Queen" by Carolly Erickson
This was another great book, starring my favorite Tudor man, Robert Dudley! This book is narrated by Lettice Knollys (who I had a negative impression of before this book) - but I decided she actually seemed like a pretty normal and respectable woman. Although I love the romance between Robert and Queen Elizabeth, I now understand the romance and marriage between Robert and Lettice much better. Robert was just as charming as usual in this story, but the focus on Elizabeth was much more negative than I usually read about - of course that is probably because it was narrated by Lettice, who was hated by Elizabeth. Definitely a great read, although slow at some parts in the middle. I recommend it!
This was another great book, starring my favorite Tudor man, Robert Dudley! This book is narrated by Lettice Knollys (who I had a negative impression of before this book) - but I decided she actually seemed like a pretty normal and respectable woman. Although I love the romance between Robert and Queen Elizabeth, I now understand the romance and marriage between Robert and Lettice much better. Robert was just as charming as usual in this story, but the focus on Elizabeth was much more negative than I usually read about - of course that is probably because it was narrated by Lettice, who was hated by Elizabeth. Definitely a great read, although slow at some parts in the middle. I recommend it!
"The Lady in the Tower" by Alison Weir
This was a very eye-opening account of Anne Boleyn's final months, and especially her final days before her tragic execution in 1536. Weir clearly sympathizes with Anne and doesn't accuse her of the charges she was accused of. Neither do I, for that matter, but there is a lot of research shown in this book that makes her trial seem very ambiguous - Was she truly innocent of everything? I don't think anyone could be sure, but it's very interesting to read different accounts from people who were there to see and hear everything that was going on. This fabulous book also includes some great poems - some of which may have been written by Anne herself just before her execution! The details of her beheading were sad, to say the least, but it is so fascinating to read true accounts of that terrible day. I highly recommend this book to any fan of the Tudors, but especially fans of Anne!
"The Favored Queen" by Carolly Erickson
This was a great book about a queen who is not written about very much in the world of literary fiction. This is the only novel about Jane Seymour that I have read, and I really like it! Very little of it was focused on her actual marriage to King Henry VIII, but it focused a lot on her relationships at court during Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn's reigns. I liked her much better in this book than I did in her biography - but maybe that's because fiction is almost always more fun to read than non-fiction. This was definitely a good book and I recommend it to anyone who has a negative (or weak) view of Jane, as well as to anyone who simply wants a good Tudor tale about one of our lesser-known queens!
"Jane Seymour: Henry VIII's True Love" by Elizabeth Norton
I picked up this book after writing the blog post about Jane Seymour and how I feel like she is under-appreciated. Elizabeth Norton's deep-dive into Jane Seymour's world brings about a new view of a much-overlooked queen, and challenges the all-too-common general opinion that she did nothing extraordinary in her life, save for giving the king a son in heir who lived beyond infancy. On the contrary, given the context of the time period, this accomplishment made her extraordinary in and of itself (accomplishing something that none of Henry's other wives did). In addition, Jane had the courage to stand up to her husband on a number of issues (such as the Pilgrimage of Grace and the dissolution of the monasteries), and seems to have been a much more complex figure than we give her credit for. I have to say, the family dynamic of the Seymours is something worth reading about all on its own - they were a fascinating bunch. Highly recommend this biography of Jane - Henry's 'true' and most beloved wife.
"His Last Letter" by Jeane Westin
This book is coming HIGHLY recommended by me! Could anyone have guessed that I'd love a book about the romantic relationship between Queen Elizabeth and Robert Dudley? The book opens up with the triumph of Elizabeth's army after the defeat of the Spanish Armada, which is quickly overshadowed by her realization that her Earl of Leicester has died. She receieves his "last letter" to her - and the rest of the book travels to different parts of their relationship - their younger and older years, and everwhere in between. The book travels through their times of intense, passionate love, and to their trials and terrible fights, causing them both sadness and heartache. As I'd imagined, I fell even more in love with Leicester, and the book held my full attention and excitement the entire time I read. This is truly a book that I had trouble putting down. I urge you, if you are a fan of Elizabeth and Robert's tumultuous and romantic relationship, to read this book as soon as you can! Robert's loving words would make anyone love him - and as he said, "No woman and man were more wife and husband to each other than we, dearest lady."
This book is coming HIGHLY recommended by me! Could anyone have guessed that I'd love a book about the romantic relationship between Queen Elizabeth and Robert Dudley? The book opens up with the triumph of Elizabeth's army after the defeat of the Spanish Armada, which is quickly overshadowed by her realization that her Earl of Leicester has died. She receieves his "last letter" to her - and the rest of the book travels to different parts of their relationship - their younger and older years, and everwhere in between. The book travels through their times of intense, passionate love, and to their trials and terrible fights, causing them both sadness and heartache. As I'd imagined, I fell even more in love with Leicester, and the book held my full attention and excitement the entire time I read. This is truly a book that I had trouble putting down. I urge you, if you are a fan of Elizabeth and Robert's tumultuous and romantic relationship, to read this book as soon as you can! Robert's loving words would make anyone love him - and as he said, "No woman and man were more wife and husband to each other than we, dearest lady."
"Between Two Queens" by Kate Emerson
This book started out slow for me, but by the end I can say I enjoyed it. Maybe not my top recommendation on this website, but it's worth reading if you're interested in a little Tudor romance. Based on some real characters from history (Anne Bassett - although I'd never heard of her), Kate Emerson intertwines fact and fiction to form a believable, and at times dry, romantic story. This is one of the few novels I've read where the author paints a rather unattractive picture of King Henry VIII - when he is aging, fat, smelly, and mean. Maybe this is part of the reason I wasn't as taken with this book. Most of the stories I read show Henry in his youthful and handsome days, and I find those to be fun. Somehow, love scenes between Anne Bassett and fat Henry didn't appeal much. Still a pretty good read overall!
"Lady in Waiting" by Susan Meissner
This was a very cleverly-written novel. It takes place in both present-day New York City, and 16th-century England! Told from alternating points of view, I found this to be one of the most interesting Tudor novels that I've read! Jane (present-day), gets hold of a betrothal ring that is estimated to be from the 1500's - the coolest part about it is that it has her name engraved on the inside! Little does she know that the ring had belonged to Lady Jane Grey, in a most cleverly thought up (and fictionalized) story of love and heartbreak. The main characters of the story are 21st-century Jane, and Lady Jane Grey's dressmaker, Lucy Day, who has quite an interesting and romantic story tied in as well. This book was great! Another one that comes highly recommended by me!
This was a very cleverly-written novel. It takes place in both present-day New York City, and 16th-century England! Told from alternating points of view, I found this to be one of the most interesting Tudor novels that I've read! Jane (present-day), gets hold of a betrothal ring that is estimated to be from the 1500's - the coolest part about it is that it has her name engraved on the inside! Little does she know that the ring had belonged to Lady Jane Grey, in a most cleverly thought up (and fictionalized) story of love and heartbreak. The main characters of the story are 21st-century Jane, and Lady Jane Grey's dressmaker, Lucy Day, who has quite an interesting and romantic story tied in as well. This book was great! Another one that comes highly recommended by me!
"Pleasures and Pastimes in Tudor England" by Alison Sim
This was an absolutely fascinating book. I read it slowly, only when I had spare time, but I was always looking forward to reading the next chapter. Alison Sim writes about tournaments and pageantry, clothes and fashion, festivals, ceremonies, music, reading, and more! She offers a great look into every day life of a Tudor man or woman - whether they are living at court or in the country. This is definitely a book that I recommend to anyone who is interested in this time period (and since you are reading this website, I'm assuming you are). Buy it now! I got it on amazon.com and it appears to have shipped from the UK, which is exciting in itself. Definitely read this book - it will take you back in time so that you can imagine life as it was then...incredibly interesting!
"The Tudor Secret" by C.W. Gortner
This was an awesome read. From the second I picked it up until the moment I put it down, I loved every second of it. Gortner gave a very interesting and fun view of what could have happened if there were some Tudors who were born under the radar (No spoilers here, you have to read it!) By creating a few characters from his imagination, he developed an intricate story of loyalty, betrayal, love, and friendship, as well as the importance of knowing where you came from. The story takes place as King Edward VI is dying, and Jane Grey is about to be thrust upon the throne. However, the author doesn't bore us with that main story-line, as we all know it so well already. Instead, he concocted an exciting and dangerous plot that encompasses all the factual information, making the reader say, "What if?" The story largely focuses on the Dudley family and their connection to the thone - the only thing I didn't like about that was the fact that Robert Dudley was portrayed as a villain, but who knows if he really was? I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a fun and exciting Tudor mystery!
This was an awesome read. From the second I picked it up until the moment I put it down, I loved every second of it. Gortner gave a very interesting and fun view of what could have happened if there were some Tudors who were born under the radar (No spoilers here, you have to read it!) By creating a few characters from his imagination, he developed an intricate story of loyalty, betrayal, love, and friendship, as well as the importance of knowing where you came from. The story takes place as King Edward VI is dying, and Jane Grey is about to be thrust upon the throne. However, the author doesn't bore us with that main story-line, as we all know it so well already. Instead, he concocted an exciting and dangerous plot that encompasses all the factual information, making the reader say, "What if?" The story largely focuses on the Dudley family and their connection to the thone - the only thing I didn't like about that was the fact that Robert Dudley was portrayed as a villain, but who knows if he really was? I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a fun and exciting Tudor mystery!
"By His Majesty's Grace" by Jennifer Blake
While this wasn't exactly a historical read, I have to say I really enjoyed it. Yes, it's one of those books - scandalous, at times a little graphic - the kind of book you kind of want to hide when you're reading in public because you don't want people to know you're reading a smutty romance novel. However, the story line was actually very interesting! It takes place at the court of King Henry VII, where a young woman named Isabel is betrothed and forced to marry one of the king's friends, Rand. Of course, you can imagine what kinds of scenes take place after their marriage in the beginnning of the book....but then, Rand is accused of murdering the child of the king's mistress - a charge that sends Rand and Isabel into a fast-paced and dangerous twist in the story. As Isabel struggles with her desire for freedom, she can't shake the fact that Rand captivates her in a way she never expected. When she's given the option to break free of her marriage bonds as Rand is thrown in the Tower, she must make the ultimate decision - Does she love Rand enough to help ensure his freedom? If you're interested in a fun, romantic, (and not so stuffy and historical) read, I recommend this one!
While this wasn't exactly a historical read, I have to say I really enjoyed it. Yes, it's one of those books - scandalous, at times a little graphic - the kind of book you kind of want to hide when you're reading in public because you don't want people to know you're reading a smutty romance novel. However, the story line was actually very interesting! It takes place at the court of King Henry VII, where a young woman named Isabel is betrothed and forced to marry one of the king's friends, Rand. Of course, you can imagine what kinds of scenes take place after their marriage in the beginnning of the book....but then, Rand is accused of murdering the child of the king's mistress - a charge that sends Rand and Isabel into a fast-paced and dangerous twist in the story. As Isabel struggles with her desire for freedom, she can't shake the fact that Rand captivates her in a way she never expected. When she's given the option to break free of her marriage bonds as Rand is thrown in the Tower, she must make the ultimate decision - Does she love Rand enough to help ensure his freedom? If you're interested in a fun, romantic, (and not so stuffy and historical) read, I recommend this one!
"The Tudor Throne" by Brandy Purdy
This was a good book, and told the sides of both Mary and Elizabeth Tudor, from the time of King Henry VIII's death, up until Queen Mary's death and Elizabeth's succession. Although I believe the author fabricated a few stories (I think her illustration of Thomas Seymour's inappropriate relationship with young Elizabeth was over-dramatized), she created a fun and interesting story. I found Mary to be a character I felt sorry for, although she is remembered very much like a villain now. Elizabeth was just as loveable as one would expect, and I enjoyed reading the chapters told from her point of view the most. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a fun Tudor read, who might not be so concerned about a purely factual novel.
This was a good book, and told the sides of both Mary and Elizabeth Tudor, from the time of King Henry VIII's death, up until Queen Mary's death and Elizabeth's succession. Although I believe the author fabricated a few stories (I think her illustration of Thomas Seymour's inappropriate relationship with young Elizabeth was over-dramatized), she created a fun and interesting story. I found Mary to be a character I felt sorry for, although she is remembered very much like a villain now. Elizabeth was just as loveable as one would expect, and I enjoyed reading the chapters told from her point of view the most. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a fun Tudor read, who might not be so concerned about a purely factual novel.
"The Red Queen" by Philippa Gregory
This book, while not being totally "Tudor," really surprised me in a good way! Although I've never been very interested in the time period before the Tudor dynasty began, a friend of mine gave me this book and told me it would be fun to read, as I would gain a bit more knowledge about Henry VIII's relatives. (After all, Henry VIII is the "meat and potatoes" of the Tudor world). This book focused on Henry VIII's grandmother, Margaret Beaufort, who became the mother of Henry Tudor (Henry VII). It follows her life from childhood, through three marriages, until the Battle of Bosworth - when Henry Tudor led the Lancastrians to victory over the Yorkists and the Tudor dynasty officially began - (YAY!). It was interesting to learn about the differences in the York and Lancaster families. I had heard of the Wars of Roses before, but never paid much attention to them until this book. Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Henry VIII's background and family. I plan to read a book about Henry VII and Elizabeth of York soon, so that I may understand the parents of the notorious king!
This book, while not being totally "Tudor," really surprised me in a good way! Although I've never been very interested in the time period before the Tudor dynasty began, a friend of mine gave me this book and told me it would be fun to read, as I would gain a bit more knowledge about Henry VIII's relatives. (After all, Henry VIII is the "meat and potatoes" of the Tudor world). This book focused on Henry VIII's grandmother, Margaret Beaufort, who became the mother of Henry Tudor (Henry VII). It follows her life from childhood, through three marriages, until the Battle of Bosworth - when Henry Tudor led the Lancastrians to victory over the Yorkists and the Tudor dynasty officially began - (YAY!). It was interesting to learn about the differences in the York and Lancaster families. I had heard of the Wars of Roses before, but never paid much attention to them until this book. Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Henry VIII's background and family. I plan to read a book about Henry VII and Elizabeth of York soon, so that I may understand the parents of the notorious king!
"All the Queen's Players" by Jane Feather
I read many negative reviews about this book, so I was surprised to like it as much as I did. My advice to you, if you plan on reading it, would be to ignore any bad comments you hear/read about it, because I did not find any of them to be true! Although this was not as much a "romance" novel, as Jane Feather is better-known for, it was very well-researched and historically-accurate. It was much more of a historical fiction novel, than it was romantic, but I found it just as intriguing and difficult to put down. There was a cute element of romance and intrigue at Queen Elizabeth I's court, and there was also a lot of detail about the political and social competitiveness at court. This was, perhaps, a less romanticized depiction of life at court - especially between the Queen's ladies-in-waiting. I thought it was a very realistic, at times fast-paced, story about love, betrayal, and life at Queen Elizabeth's court.
I read many negative reviews about this book, so I was surprised to like it as much as I did. My advice to you, if you plan on reading it, would be to ignore any bad comments you hear/read about it, because I did not find any of them to be true! Although this was not as much a "romance" novel, as Jane Feather is better-known for, it was very well-researched and historically-accurate. It was much more of a historical fiction novel, than it was romantic, but I found it just as intriguing and difficult to put down. There was a cute element of romance and intrigue at Queen Elizabeth I's court, and there was also a lot of detail about the political and social competitiveness at court. This was, perhaps, a less romanticized depiction of life at court - especially between the Queen's ladies-in-waiting. I thought it was a very realistic, at times fast-paced, story about love, betrayal, and life at Queen Elizabeth's court.
"The Queen's Rival" by Diane Haeger
This is, perhaps, my favorite Tudor novel I have read so far. I was just browsing the bookstore shelves when I found it, and I am so glad I did. The story focuses on one of my favorite Tudor characters, Henry VIII's mistress, Elizabeth "Bessie" Blount. It is, most likely, a more fictionalized version of the King's romance with Bessie, but that is what made it such an enjoyable read. I found myself falling in love with Henry a little more with every page turn. I could relate to Bessie's excitement to be at court, and her passionate and romantic feelings for the King who favored her above all others. The story takes you from the moment she discovers she will be joining Katherine of Aragon's ladies-in-waiting, through her relationship with the King, the birth of her son, Henry FitzRoy, and so many other things I did not know about Bessie before reading. This book is the reason I am so fascinated by Bessie now. It is a MUST-READ for any lover of Tudor romance!
This is, perhaps, my favorite Tudor novel I have read so far. I was just browsing the bookstore shelves when I found it, and I am so glad I did. The story focuses on one of my favorite Tudor characters, Henry VIII's mistress, Elizabeth "Bessie" Blount. It is, most likely, a more fictionalized version of the King's romance with Bessie, but that is what made it such an enjoyable read. I found myself falling in love with Henry a little more with every page turn. I could relate to Bessie's excitement to be at court, and her passionate and romantic feelings for the King who favored her above all others. The story takes you from the moment she discovers she will be joining Katherine of Aragon's ladies-in-waiting, through her relationship with the King, the birth of her son, Henry FitzRoy, and so many other things I did not know about Bessie before reading. This book is the reason I am so fascinated by Bessie now. It is a MUST-READ for any lover of Tudor romance!
"The Virgin's Lover" by Philippa Gregory
Who doesn't love Queen Elizabeth I? I was always a huge fan of hers, and this book only made it better! I remember reading this in 10th grade and doing a book report on it - all my classmates giggled a bit when I went on a tangent about who exactly Elizabeth was, truly showing my nerdy love for this stuff. But I digress... the book covers the romance between Elizabeth and the Earl of Leicester, Robert Dudley, during her early years as queen. At the time of my reading, I had no idea who Robert Dudley is, and now I find him a very interesting man! (Clearly, Elizabeth did, too...) I challenge you to find a better story about the romance that is still controversial to this day - "Were they really lovers?" is a common question among history buffs. Whatever your opinion on the subject, Philippa Gregory will satisfy your craving for a good Tudor story. After all, doesn't our Gloriana need some loving, too?!
Who doesn't love Queen Elizabeth I? I was always a huge fan of hers, and this book only made it better! I remember reading this in 10th grade and doing a book report on it - all my classmates giggled a bit when I went on a tangent about who exactly Elizabeth was, truly showing my nerdy love for this stuff. But I digress... the book covers the romance between Elizabeth and the Earl of Leicester, Robert Dudley, during her early years as queen. At the time of my reading, I had no idea who Robert Dudley is, and now I find him a very interesting man! (Clearly, Elizabeth did, too...) I challenge you to find a better story about the romance that is still controversial to this day - "Were they really lovers?" is a common question among history buffs. Whatever your opinion on the subject, Philippa Gregory will satisfy your craving for a good Tudor story. After all, doesn't our Gloriana need some loving, too?!