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APASIONADA: CAMPAÑA SAN VALENTIN
Apasionada es la historia de Elizabeth Hardwick, una bella y ambiciosa plebeya que llega a ser dama de honor de la reina Isabel I de Inglaterra. La joven Elizabeth había jurado dejar atrás la pobreza. Consigue un trabajo en la casa de una acaudalada noble londinense, que le permite sumergirse en un mundo nuevo y excitante de ricos y privilegiados. Pronto conocerá a personajes atractivos y poderosos, y se hará amigos y también enemigos en una sociedad deslumbrante y despiadada: el seductor William Cavendish, ambicioso consultor financiero de la corte; el adorable y bondadoso Robert Barlow; el respetuoso aristócrata William St. Loe y George Talbot, un apuesto heredero cuya audacia despierta en Elizabeth una pasión irresistible. Virginia Henley nos transporta a la relumbrante corte isabelina, para acompañar las aventuras y amores de una singular heroína que permanecerá durante mucho tiempo en el corazón de sus lectoras.
592 pages, Hardcover
First published January 2, 1985
42 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Henley
73 books639 followersVirginia Syddall was born on December 5, 1935 in England, where her father, Thomas Syddall, taught her to love history. She obtained a degree in History in the University. In 1956, Virginia married Arthur Henley. They moved to America, and now they live most of the year in St. Petersburg, Florida, and they spend the hot summers in Ontario, Canada, where they have their two adult children and three grandsons.
Virginia Henley is a New York Times bestselling writer of historical novels. Her work has been translated into fourteen languages. She is the recipient of more than a dozen writing awards, including a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award, a Waldenbooks' Bestselling Award, and a Maggie Award for Excellence from the Georgia Romance Writers.
Virginia Henley is a New York Times bestselling writer of historical novels. Her work has been translated into fourteen languages. She is the recipient of more than a dozen writing awards, including a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award, a Waldenbooks' Bestselling Award, and a Maggie Award for Excellence from the Georgia Romance Writers.
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August 30, 2017
O carte care m-a dus la Curtea Tudorilor unde am asistat la diferite jocuri politice, totul împletit cu povesti de dragoste si viața unei femei hotărâte!
Recenzia completa a primului volum o găsiți aici:
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Recenzia completa a primului volum o găsiți aici:
https://www.delicateseliterare.ro/pas...
Recenzia completa a celui de-al doilea volum o găsiți aici:
https://www.delicateseliterare.ro/pas...
February 7, 2022
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit, yes
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Basic plot
This book is based on the real person Bess Hardwick. It follows her throughout her 4 marriages and life that lead her to Queen Elizabeth I’s court. Not a traditional romance, though it does read like one and has a HEA (As long as you don’t know the real history :P )
Give this a try if you want:
- Plenty of open door sex scenes – I’d count about 8 as flames and there’s some additional scenes I didn’t count (fade to black, shorter, not resulting in satisfaction, etc)
- You want a rags to riches story – our heroine Bess starts as basically a farmers daughter and ends up in the Elizabethan court, a countess, and wealthy
- You are okay with a few content warnings including some dubcon kisses (all sex is consensual), underage marriage (she marries her first husband very young), death of multiple husbands on page, imprisonment, levels of infidelity, and jealous husbands
- Story begins in 1533 and goes through 1570
Tropes:
- Masquerade, house party, older hero, children in the story, class differences, rags to riches
My thoughts:
I don’t know if I would have gotten this book from the library if I would have known what it was about. It’s one of the reasons I have put of Bertrice Small is knowing that some of the books follow the heroines arc with multiple men and HEAs instead of being a traditional romance of one main couple. But I got it blindly and just dove in. And there was something about this book that I enjoyed and I found myself eager to read it and didn’t want to put it down. This was a long book at around 500 pages of large hardback writing and I think it only took me 2 days to read it.
This led me down a research rabbit hole as I didn’t know anything about Bess Hardwick. Of course the real history ending to her romances is sad, but the book leaves off on a HEA.
So overall I found this book fun, the time change to Elizabethan times was needed because I’ve been living in Regency London for quite awhile. I really enjoyed Bess’s character and she had fabulous depth as the story is told from her perspective (there might be a few scenes from other people but it’s minimal). It had the heat in the bedroom Henley knows how to bring. Overall I’m really happy to have read it! It was my favorite by Henley so far.
Content Warnings
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit, yes
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Basic plot
This book is based on the real person Bess Hardwick. It follows her throughout her 4 marriages and life that lead her to Queen Elizabeth I’s court. Not a traditional romance, though it does read like one and has a HEA (As long as you don’t know the real history :P )
Give this a try if you want:
- Plenty of open door sex scenes – I’d count about 8 as flames and there’s some additional scenes I didn’t count (fade to black, shorter, not resulting in satisfaction, etc)
- You want a rags to riches story – our heroine Bess starts as basically a farmers daughter and ends up in the Elizabethan court, a countess, and wealthy
- You are okay with a few content warnings including some dubcon kisses (all sex is consensual), underage marriage (she marries her first husband very young), death of multiple husbands on page, imprisonment, levels of infidelity, and jealous husbands
- Story begins in 1533 and goes through 1570
Tropes:
- Masquerade, house party, older hero, children in the story, class differences, rags to riches
My thoughts:
I don’t know if I would have gotten this book from the library if I would have known what it was about. It’s one of the reasons I have put of Bertrice Small is knowing that some of the books follow the heroines arc with multiple men and HEAs instead of being a traditional romance of one main couple. But I got it blindly and just dove in. And there was something about this book that I enjoyed and I found myself eager to read it and didn’t want to put it down. This was a long book at around 500 pages of large hardback writing and I think it only took me 2 days to read it.
This led me down a research rabbit hole as I didn’t know anything about Bess Hardwick. Of course the real history ending to her romances is sad, but the book leaves off on a HEA.
So overall I found this book fun, the time change to Elizabethan times was needed because I’ve been living in Regency London for quite awhile. I really enjoyed Bess’s character and she had fabulous depth as the story is told from her perspective (there might be a few scenes from other people but it’s minimal). It had the heat in the bedroom Henley knows how to bring. Overall I’m really happy to have read it! It was my favorite by Henley so far.
Content Warnings
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
September 25, 2022
Read: 9/20/22
Going into the book, I knew very little about Bess Hardwick, except that she was from Elizabethan era. She was such a bad ass! She started out as a nobody to become the wealthiest woman in England. I'm so glad I didn't Google her or I would've ruined the story.
The beginning starts off with her being 5 years old and being kicked out of her home. In her teens she went to work as a companion to Lady Grey. Bess was very smart and proud. She falls in love with a courtier for King Henry VIII but is forced to marry elsewhere. To save her family's farm she has to marry a dying boy. The marriage was never consummated. She cleverly had the house deed put in both their names. Smart move, cause her MIL tried to kick her out.
*******spoiler alert*****************
When she's back at court, she is pursued by the king's financial adviser, William Cavendish who is now free to marry. The best part of the book is their romance. He understood her and therefore taught her everything about business. I was disappointed how quickly their marriage was glossed over. I guess with 2 more husbands to go the author couldn't linger.
Cruel Queen Mary tells Cavendish he owes the crown 5,000. 😲 He dies from the stress. He does leave the property to his wife Bess smartly delays payment to the court.
She marries her next husband by order of Queen Elizabeth. He spends most of his time at court while she continues to finish her home. When he dies, she becomes the richest woman in England.
Husband #4 is the richest man in England. The author tried to make this a love match but it didn't feel like one. Turns out her HEA was not to be. IRL, the couple were forced to house Mary Queen of Scots. Mary was able to turn them against each other.
Damn this woman was impressive! I would guess most in England would know her name. She created great dynasties of Dukes and Earls and even more impressive homes. I admire a woman who learns how to run a business instead of hoping a husband will take care of you. Though, I do have a feeling the author gives her a heart so you don't hate such an ambitious woman. I also liked that she never allowed any man up her skirts without a wedding ring.
Problems: I didn't feel connected to Bess. The author moves so quickly through history (4 husbands) that I never get to savor her relationships. I prefer VH's other books.
Sidenote: the story is written in first person
Going into the book, I knew very little about Bess Hardwick, except that she was from Elizabethan era. She was such a bad ass! She started out as a nobody to become the wealthiest woman in England. I'm so glad I didn't Google her or I would've ruined the story.
The beginning starts off with her being 5 years old and being kicked out of her home. In her teens she went to work as a companion to Lady Grey. Bess was very smart and proud. She falls in love with a courtier for King Henry VIII but is forced to marry elsewhere. To save her family's farm she has to marry a dying boy. The marriage was never consummated. She cleverly had the house deed put in both their names. Smart move, cause her MIL tried to kick her out.
*******spoiler alert*****************
When she's back at court, she is pursued by the king's financial adviser, William Cavendish who is now free to marry. The best part of the book is their romance. He understood her and therefore taught her everything about business. I was disappointed how quickly their marriage was glossed over. I guess with 2 more husbands to go the author couldn't linger.
Cruel Queen Mary tells Cavendish he owes the crown 5,000. 😲 He dies from the stress. He does leave the property to his wife Bess smartly delays payment to the court.
She marries her next husband by order of Queen Elizabeth. He spends most of his time at court while she continues to finish her home. When he dies, she becomes the richest woman in England.
Husband #4 is the richest man in England. The author tried to make this a love match but it didn't feel like one. Turns out her HEA was not to be. IRL, the couple were forced to house Mary Queen of Scots. Mary was able to turn them against each other.
Damn this woman was impressive! I would guess most in England would know her name. She created great dynasties of Dukes and Earls and even more impressive homes. I admire a woman who learns how to run a business instead of hoping a husband will take care of you. Though, I do have a feeling the author gives her a heart so you don't hate such an ambitious woman. I also liked that she never allowed any man up her skirts without a wedding ring.
Problems: I didn't feel connected to Bess. The author moves so quickly through history (4 husbands) that I never get to savor her relationships. I prefer VH's other books.
Sidenote: the story is written in first person
September 15, 2013
While this book has many of the elements of a romance novel (including several steamy sex scenes), it does not have a conventional romance plot because it is the more-or-less true story of Bess of Hardwick. Bess was a contemporary and sometimes-friend of Elizabeth I. The story follows Bess through her four marriages.
If you were thinking the picture was of Elizabeth I, you’d be wrong, but you're probably not alone. It’s noted in the book that Bess and Queen Liz resembled each other, and I have little doubt Bess encouraged the painter to enlarge upon the similarities.
Bess was a prolific letter-writer and a great many of her letters have been preserved, so I imagine Henley had lots of good historical info to work with here. I’m not sure where she takes liberties (though I think husband #3 had daughters, while Henley portrays him as never-married and more or less a virgin). As always, she does a great job bringing the reader into the period. It’s also the story of a remarkable woman who went from being barely landed gentry to being the Countess of Shrewsbury, and one of the progenitors of the Cavendish line (as in the Dukes of Devonshire).
The book ends with her tumultuous marriage to George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, and reconciliation after their first (and definitely not last) big fight. It will probably ruin the romance to note that the two were bitterly estranged when Talbot died 22 years later. The two of them also served for 15 years as jailers to Mary Queen of Scots—indeed this was among the issues that strained their finances and their marriage.
I’m fascinated with the Tudor era, and Henley does a great job of bringing the era to life. As with other books, though, there were some writing-style issues that distanced me emotionally from the heroine. I’ll give this a hearty 4 stars, even so.
If you were thinking the picture was of Elizabeth I, you’d be wrong, but you're probably not alone. It’s noted in the book that Bess and Queen Liz resembled each other, and I have little doubt Bess encouraged the painter to enlarge upon the similarities.
Bess was a prolific letter-writer and a great many of her letters have been preserved, so I imagine Henley had lots of good historical info to work with here. I’m not sure where she takes liberties (though I think husband #3 had daughters, while Henley portrays him as never-married and more or less a virgin). As always, she does a great job bringing the reader into the period. It’s also the story of a remarkable woman who went from being barely landed gentry to being the Countess of Shrewsbury, and one of the progenitors of the Cavendish line (as in the Dukes of Devonshire).
The book ends with her tumultuous marriage to George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, and reconciliation after their first (and definitely not last) big fight. It will probably ruin the romance to note that the two were bitterly estranged when Talbot died 22 years later. The two of them also served for 15 years as jailers to Mary Queen of Scots—indeed this was among the issues that strained their finances and their marriage.
I’m fascinated with the Tudor era, and Henley does a great job of bringing the era to life. As with other books, though, there were some writing-style issues that distanced me emotionally from the heroine. I’ll give this a hearty 4 stars, even so.
December 31, 2025
A real Elizabethan Era rags to riches story based on the life of Bess Hardwick, I was glued to the pages to see what would happen next! Bess was married four times so while there’s a happy ending but it takes a minute to get there. She was a firecracker like so many of VH’s heroines and IRL was a lady to Queen Victoria (she spent time in the tower on her orders at one point!) as well as having many of her own interests including architecture and estate planning. Lots of little details like dresses and jewels, entertaining if that’s up your alley.
Fun fact-you may recognize one of her homes she built level by level as she had the funds, Chatsworth, if you’ve ever seen Pride and Prejudice (the Keira knightley version) as it’s Mr. Darcy’s estate and is said to have inspired Jane Austen as well. Her children started a dynasty of earls and dukes and even included a Kennedy. I had lots of fun with this romancey historical fiction mashup.
“You haven’t forgiven her!”
“Of course I’ve forgiven her; forgiving comes easily to me. Forgetting, however, is something I shall never do.”
Fun fact-you may recognize one of her homes she built level by level as she had the funds, Chatsworth, if you’ve ever seen Pride and Prejudice (the Keira knightley version) as it’s Mr. Darcy’s estate and is said to have inspired Jane Austen as well. Her children started a dynasty of earls and dukes and even included a Kennedy. I had lots of fun with this romancey historical fiction mashup.
“You haven’t forgiven her!”
“Of course I’ve forgiven her; forgiving comes easily to me. Forgetting, however, is something I shall never do.”
December 29, 2018
sorry Galya but this book didn't do it for me!
I appreciated the historical setting but not the characters. I mean they used to be real people but they don't feel real at all here. It's like most of them don't have emotions - only very primitive instincts. I certainly wanted more from them.
I appreciated the historical setting but not the characters. I mean they used to be real people but they don't feel real at all here. It's like most of them don't have emotions - only very primitive instincts. I certainly wanted more from them.
August 23, 2016
This is not a full review but an observation about Virgina Henley's version of events. Although this book is historically incorrect I still get the same feeling as when I watched 'Gone with the Wind' for the first time, Overwhelmed and lost in time. I've read a Woman of Passion too many times to count for almost 20 years. Despite my past obsession with English history I still enjoyed this revision of Lady Bess Hardwick's life. Her tough and independent nature comes across with full force, often romanticizing her ruthlessness and obsession for wealth and power. It amazes me that as the reader Bess is so captivating in this story that I found myself feeling empathy, rather than seeing her for what history tells us she was "an indestructible force who married herself into power, burying husband after husband- while building herself a legacy that would stand through ages".
Virginia Henley may be a little outdated and extremely cliche, but she is still the queen of historical romance and the fact that A Woman of Passion is based on the life of such an influential woman makes this novel even more enthralling.
Virginia Henley may be a little outdated and extremely cliche, but she is still the queen of historical romance and the fact that A Woman of Passion is based on the life of such an influential woman makes this novel even more enthralling.
March 18, 2008
My favorite historical romance. Well researched, based on a woman's real life. Detailed and a good and ingrosing read.
October 2, 2018
Zzzzzzzzz. Sorry, but I don't give a crap.
I'm starting to suspect VH's writing style just isn't for me. While this is better than my first attempt (a disastrously dull mess, aka Desired) it's still totally uninteresting. The wooden writing, the endless discussion of court gossip, Bess & her unearthly Mary Sue boobs -- it just put me to sleep. Not even my 70s playlist could inject any zip. And if bouncy Canned Heat & perky Jefferson Starship can't get those brain-juices flowing, it's time to quit.**
Standard 2-star DNF (pg 70-something).
**Hey, it made me dance with this book! ...All the way to the Goodwill donation bag. Bye-bye.
I'm starting to suspect VH's writing style just isn't for me. While this is better than my first attempt (a disastrously dull mess, aka Desired) it's still totally uninteresting. The wooden writing, the endless discussion of court gossip, Bess & her unearthly Mary Sue boobs -- it just put me to sleep. Not even my 70s playlist could inject any zip. And if bouncy Canned Heat & perky Jefferson Starship can't get those brain-juices flowing, it's time to quit.**
Standard 2-star DNF (pg 70-something).
**Hey, it made me dance with this book! ...All the way to the Goodwill donation bag. Bye-bye.
June 4, 2007
i enjoyed this story because of how strong the female protagonist is. i appreciate her love and passion for life. honestly, this is one of the few books i remember to this day as stricking a cord in me with certain chapters (or what i think of as scenes in my head) because they would make me feel a certain way, and i would put the book down and just feel. most books do not make me feel that way. im a romance novel lover, so this one is a winner to me.
July 2, 2010
Without a doubt, my favorite Henley novel! he captures the turmoil of the Tudor reign beautifully.
January 30, 2018
Me ha gustado mucho, tanto como escribe la autora como la historia en sí. Virginia Henley escribe basándose en personajes reales y no conocía la historia de Bess de Harwick (que ha sido muy interesante, por cierto, conocía las casas que construyó, pero a ella no, mira tu por donde). Este libro se centra en ella y en sus cuatro matrimonios. No había leído este tipo de ficción romántica histórica y seguro que leo alguno más de Henley. De las historias de sus cuatro matrimonios, me han gustado más Cavendish y Talbot (la parte última de este libro ha sido mi favorita del libro). El primer matrimonio (que coincide con la primera parte) ha sido el que menos y el tercero es interesante por todo lo que pasa en la corte. Le he bajado nota porque al principio me ha costado arrancar y porque en esa (y en muchas partes del libro) no paraban de mencionar que Bess tenía una estupendísima delantera (y eso me ha parecido molesto). Destaco también el personaje de Bess, no solo se centra en que es muy guapa y ya (que la histórica peca de ello), sino que se ve que es una mujer resuelta, decidida y ambiciosa que en esa época se supo ganar la vida usando todos sus recursos. Si os gustan las novelas ambientadas en la época de los Tudor, este libro os puede gustar.
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May 26, 2017Mi-a plăcut mult de autoarea acestei cărţi. A creat personaje puternice, multe picanterii de la curtea Tudorilor, luptele neîntrerupte pentru putere, mezalianţele făcute între familiile nobile pentru copii încă mici, dar şi pasiunea şi iubirea dintre eroina noastră şi bărbaţii din viaţa ei, au dus la o lectură spumoasă a cărţii.
http://literaturapetocuri.ro/pasiunea...
http://literaturapetocuri.ro/pasiunea...
June 28, 2018
Spoiler ahead. Was recommended another book by Virginia Henley but decided on this one instead because it was inspired by a real woman. I was not expecting much based on the title and cover art but boy, did I devour it! Fictional Bess was my kind of heroine: poor, ambitious and a fellow big bosom sufferer. I like that she was a girl of action and always had a practical plan to get herself ahead. I appreciate when a book makes me look up a bit of history along the way and every time a new name was mentioned, I'd look the person up. So, I knew beforehand what would happen to people, especially to Bess' many husbands but that didn't make the passing of William Cavendish any easier. I was completely hurt about a man's passing centuries ago even though his reallife counterpart wasn't so devastating. But in the book Henley writes him prefectly, the epitome of man and for the entire first half of the book, you're just dying everytime he's on the page with Bess. After that you really can't care about Bess third husband, St. Loe ( you didn't even care about her first, the sickly boy next door). What was wise of Henley was to allow Bess to meet her fourth and final husband early in the book and develop a love/hate relationship between the characters for years. I felt that after Cavendish died, the character of Talbot was his natural successor because he was there all along. This book isn't completely historically accurate but that's not what you're looking for in a romance. What you're looking for is a great heroine (check), steamy scenes (there were lots, even some that were cringe-worthy thanks to hubbys 1 and 3) and a fun read. I think I'll read another of Virginia Henley's books!
December 30, 2014
I love this book. Descriptive with rich content. This is easily one of my favorite books because it features one of my; arguably my most favorite even, woman in history; Bess of Hardwick.
I admire this woman because she never allowed her humble beginnings to deter her from achieving the impossible. Regardless of the fact that this book is fictional it stays true to the facts of how Bess rose to power. In time where it was difficult for a woman to attain her own property, Bess found a way through love to achieve the riches she always dreamed of. Virginia Henley did a marvelous job in portraying Bess's fiery personality and will to succeed only being eclipsed by her need for love and passion.
Five stars.
I admire this woman because she never allowed her humble beginnings to deter her from achieving the impossible. Regardless of the fact that this book is fictional it stays true to the facts of how Bess rose to power. In time where it was difficult for a woman to attain her own property, Bess found a way through love to achieve the riches she always dreamed of. Virginia Henley did a marvelous job in portraying Bess's fiery personality and will to succeed only being eclipsed by her need for love and passion.
Five stars.
August 13, 2010
This is a highly fictionalized (and sexualized) retelling of the life of Bess of Hardwick, as seen by author Virginia Henley. Most of it focuses on her snagging the Earl of Shrewsbury, but also covers a lot of her life and three earlier marriages. While it is entertaining, it's certainly not history, and for that I recommend Mary S. Lovell's nonfiction work. Still, as a romance novel, it's alright if you can handle the occansional use of very crude language.
For the complete review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/review/A_Woma...
For the complete review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/review/A_Woma...
March 13, 2013
This is definitely my number one favorite guilty pleasure reads, but the story is great too. I have read this book so many times the cover is ripped and tattered but I find myself returning to it during summer/Christmas vacations where I need a page turner. I know Bess's character has been fictionalized from the real Bess, and awhile ago I read a story with Bess in it also and she was depicted as this very prudish tattletale (Can't remember what it was) so I have no idea who Bess really was or what she was like. But in the end does it really matter? The picture that Henley paints of this Bess is one of a very fearless independent woman that one can only admire.
July 29, 2011
20 years ago, a friend of mine recommended me to read one of Henley's books. So, I came across this book from the library and thought what the heck.. try it.
It turned out I liked it.
It's fun to Google names on the web to find the actural historical events, buildings, locations and names that occured back mid 1500's in England.
It turned out I liked it.
It's fun to Google names on the web to find the actural historical events, buildings, locations and names that occured back mid 1500's in England.
February 26, 2015
It's been over a decade since I read this book. So I'm sure details are long forgotten. But I think what liked most about this book is that it didn't fall into the neat package other romance books constantly shove at you. But I only just found out it's not really a romance but a book with historical facts. Well that's even better cause it made history fun.
August 27, 2010
Henley masterfully brings the emotion to life that is missing from history books. She makes it possible to understand why Kings and Queens did such ridiculous things because she makes them human and thus we are able to relate to them.
June 16, 2023
Self note
Never re-read this although I remember nothing.
This book is more historical fiction with love story than romance.
Spoilers
The h’s true love died (first hub), and she ultimate had 4 husbands during her life. The book is about her life from a baby to an old lady.
Never re-read this although I remember nothing.
This book is more historical fiction with love story than romance.
Spoilers
The h’s true love died (first hub), and she ultimate had 4 husbands during her life. The book is about her life from a baby to an old lady.
January 8, 2013
I read this a while ago (at least 10 years, probably longer?) so I don't remember specific details, BUT I do remember I enjoyed it quite a bit. I haven't forgotten about this book, which I think says something for it, and it got me interested in Bess of Hardwick and Chatsworth Manor.
June 3, 2013
This one was great, but i wish it was longer based on the characters. I would have like to have more time with them it seemed like it was just a few chapters and I would have like an additional 20 chapters of their battle of wills!
October 26, 2022
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Editia romaneasca este in 2 volume
O continuare perfecta a primului volum. La fel de tensionata si plina de actiune. Daca in primul volum Bess si-a indeplinit un vis si un scop casatariondu-se in final cu iubirea vietii ei in al doilea volum vom avea mai multe intrigi si mai multa actiune din partea mai multor personaje. Cand printesa Mary ajunge regina familia lui Bess va avea asa de multe probleme incat se vor solda in final cu moartea sotului. Ramasa vaduva ea devine un soi de premiu pentru o noua casatorie. Vaduvele erau la mare cautare printre cei burlaci. Situatia lui Bess va deveni la fel de incerta si dificila si cand pe tron va urca Elizabeth care ii fusese in oarecare masura o prietena. Datoria sotului, pe care ramasese sa o achite ea, este redusa de noua regina la intervenitia unuia din cei care o doreau foarte mult in speranta ca o va determina sa ii fie amanta. Bess s-a ghidat dupa niste principii si un cod al onoare la care nu va renunta indiferent de consecinte asa ca nu va ceda la insistentele lordului Talbot, chiar daca acesta isi va dovedi iubirea imensa pe care i-o purta de mult timp. Bess este atrasa de lordul Talbot dar nu va ceda si se va casatori in final la cererea reginei cu St.Loe. Nu il va iubi niciodata asa cum l-a iubit pe Cavadih dar il va respecta si ii va fi credincioasa. Chiar daca pare o femeie puternica ce stie sa isi urmareasca interesele nu face niciodata rabat de la iubirea si fericirea ei si a copiilor, carora le va pregati o viata buna.💖💖💖💖
Editia romaneasca este in 2 volume
O continuare perfecta a primului volum. La fel de tensionata si plina de actiune. Daca in primul volum Bess si-a indeplinit un vis si un scop casatariondu-se in final cu iubirea vietii ei in al doilea volum vom avea mai multe intrigi si mai multa actiune din partea mai multor personaje. Cand printesa Mary ajunge regina familia lui Bess va avea asa de multe probleme incat se vor solda in final cu moartea sotului. Ramasa vaduva ea devine un soi de premiu pentru o noua casatorie. Vaduvele erau la mare cautare printre cei burlaci. Situatia lui Bess va deveni la fel de incerta si dificila si cand pe tron va urca Elizabeth care ii fusese in oarecare masura o prietena. Datoria sotului, pe care ramasese sa o achite ea, este redusa de noua regina la intervenitia unuia din cei care o doreau foarte mult in speranta ca o va determina sa ii fie amanta. Bess s-a ghidat dupa niste principii si un cod al onoare la care nu va renunta indiferent de consecinte asa ca nu va ceda la insistentele lordului Talbot, chiar daca acesta isi va dovedi iubirea imensa pe care i-o purta de mult timp. Bess este atrasa de lordul Talbot dar nu va ceda si se va casatori in final la cererea reginei cu St.Loe. Nu il va iubi niciodata asa cum l-a iubit pe Cavadih dar il va respecta si ii va fi credincioasa. Chiar daca pare o femeie puternica ce stie sa isi urmareasca interesele nu face niciodata rabat de la iubirea si fericirea ei si a copiilor, carora le va pregati o viata buna.💖💖💖💖
June 12, 2020
I think I had read this book when I was in my 20’s. So why did I reread the book? I watched a documentary about Bess Hardwick on Youtube and it reminded me of this book. In the early 2000’s we didn’t have goodreads, so of course it’s not on my read shelf.
Honestly, Virginia Henley’s books are always about strong women. Women who knew what they wanted and they worked towards it. No matter through marriage or whatever means available to them. Besides, back in the medieval period or afterwards, before the modern times, women had basically no rights after they were married. All would belong to their husband/ heir. Made me thankful to be alive in this modern age, phew.
I did not read the spicy scenes in this books, and let me tell you there were lots, and that’s why I was able to complete the read in one day. I am too old to read those kind of things. Hahaha. When I was young and curious, I did read them, but now I’m there for the story.
Don’t read this book for those scenes. It’s not good. But you could skip those parts and learn how strong Bess is.
Honestly, Virginia Henley’s books are always about strong women. Women who knew what they wanted and they worked towards it. No matter through marriage or whatever means available to them. Besides, back in the medieval period or afterwards, before the modern times, women had basically no rights after they were married. All would belong to their husband/ heir. Made me thankful to be alive in this modern age, phew.
I did not read the spicy scenes in this books, and let me tell you there were lots, and that’s why I was able to complete the read in one day. I am too old to read those kind of things. Hahaha. When I was young and curious, I did read them, but now I’m there for the story.
Don’t read this book for those scenes. It’s not good. But you could skip those parts and learn how strong Bess is.
February 11, 2022
Virginia Henley has woven a romantic novel around a true life figure in Elizabethan England which is a fascinating glimpse into the life of Bess Hardwick who married four times and lived a very full life, dying in her 80's.
One can never really know just how much of this story is fiction and how much of it truth, but it is very well written and certainly very interesting.
I loved how men were falling at her feet, doing their utmost to either bed or marry her and when she fell in love, the man certainly knew it.
This is a passionate and in-depth story of note and I am happy to recommend it.
One can never really know just how much of this story is fiction and how much of it truth, but it is very well written and certainly very interesting.
I loved how men were falling at her feet, doing their utmost to either bed or marry her and when she fell in love, the man certainly knew it.
This is a passionate and in-depth story of note and I am happy to recommend it.
April 16, 2019
Magnificent
I absolutely love 💘 this story. I read it about 4 - 5 times every year. All has been said about Lady Virginia and I totally agree with all her superlatives. I have read her books for many years and they all, all have been exceptional. She is is in my top 3 authors. Smooches
I absolutely love 💘 this story. I read it about 4 - 5 times every year. All has been said about Lady Virginia and I totally agree with all her superlatives. I have read her books for many years and they all, all have been exceptional. She is is in my top 3 authors. Smooches
April 24, 2023
Es una novela entretenida e innecesariamente larga. La autora utiliza a otros personajes para insultar a su protagonista y llamarla zorra sin que esta lo sea o merezca el insulto y en varias ocasiones es amenazada con ser violada pero lo peor es que la autora romantisa esté hecho, lo cual es de mal gusto.
March 2, 2018
No esperaba que me enganchara tanto este libro y la verdad es que lo recomiendo, sobre todo por los chismes de la corona y la relación de la protagonista con estos, de verdad, deben de leer este libro.
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