The Reluctant Queen

by Molly Costain Haycraft

Doomed by her royal blood to be Henry VIII's pawn, his sister, Mary Tudor, was England's beloved princess. Mary rebelled against being used in Henry's international game of power, but was pledged first to the dreary, young prince of Flanders and then to the feeble, old king of France. Mary risked death and dishonor as she braved Henry's wrath in order to be with the dashing Charles Brandon, a man far beneath her station, but greatly loved by Mary.

A novel for teens about Henry VIII's sister Mary Rose, forced to marry the King of France although she loves the handsome Duke of Suffolk.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, 16th Century

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

Daughter of novelist Thomas Costain.

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it when I was in fifth grade and loved it. It is the book that gave me my love for British history and I still love it. The story or Henry VIII's youngest sister Mary.

Just treated myself to this wonderful book again. So fun!!!

[CLM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is historical fiction aimed at a YA audience about Henry VIII's sister Mary Rose, whom he forced to marry the French king for dynastic reasons. According to legend, she agreed only if she could pick her own husband the next time! Eventually, she became the grandmother of Lady Jane Grey.

Haycraft was the daughter of Thomas B. Costain, also a writer of historical fiction.

[Trisha Wojcik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a young teen and loved it!

It’s the story of Henry VIII’s younger sister, Mary. She married an old king of France after Henry promised her that she could choose her next husband. She fell in love with Henry’s best friend, Charles Brandon. When the French king died, she insisted on marrying for love against Henry’s wishes.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rereading this as an adult didn’t have the same effect as when I read it in my teens. Makes me wonder why I even liked this book back then. So boooring! I didn’t connection with anyone, not even Mary.

Ugh! What a disappointment!

[Barb in Maryland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of Henry VIII's younger sister Mary and her romance with Charles Brandon. Great historical fiction.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was probably my first adult book to read. I had read When Knighthood Was in Flower, also about Mary Tuder (Henry VIII's sister, not Bloody Mary), and wanted to read more about her.