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The Winchester Goose: at the Court of Henry VIII
Tudor London: 1540. Each night, after dark, men flock to Bankside seeking girls of easy virtue; prostitutes known as The Winchester Geese. Joanie Toogood has worked the streets of Southwark since childhood but her path is changed forever by an encounter with Francis Wareham, a spy for the King’s secretary, Thomas Cromwell.
Meanwhile, across the River, at the glittering court of Henry VIII, Wareham also sets his cap at Evelyn and Isabella Bourne, members of the Queen’s household and the girls, along with Joanie, are drawn into intrigue and the shadow of the executioner’s blade.
Set against the turmoil of Henry VIII’s middle years, The Winchester Goose provides a brand new perspective of the happenings at the royal court, offering a frank and often uncomfortable observation of life at both ends of the social spectrum.
Meanwhile, across the River, at the glittering court of Henry VIII, Wareham also sets his cap at Evelyn and Isabella Bourne, members of the Queen’s household and the girls, along with Joanie, are drawn into intrigue and the shadow of the executioner’s blade.
Set against the turmoil of Henry VIII’s middle years, The Winchester Goose provides a brand new perspective of the happenings at the royal court, offering a frank and often uncomfortable observation of life at both ends of the social spectrum.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2012
142 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Judith Arnopp
49 books227 followers.A lifelong history enthusiast and avid reader, Judith holds a BA in English/Creative writing and an MA in Medieval Studies.
She lives on the coast of West Wales where she writes both fiction and non-fiction based in the Medieval and Tudor period. Her main focus is on the perspective of historical women but she is currently writing a novel from a male perspective, that of Henry VIII himself.
Her novels include:
A Matter of Conscience: Henry VIII, the Aragon Years
A Matter of Faith: Henry VIII, the Days of the Phoenix
The Heretic Wind: the life of Mary Tudor, Queen of England
Sisters of Arden: on the Pilgrimage of Grace
The Beaufort Bride: Book one of The Beaufort Chronicle
The Beaufort Woman: Book two of The Beaufort Chronicle
The King’s Mother: Book three of The Beaufort Chronicle
The Winchester Goose: at the Court of Henry VIII
A Song of Sixpence: the story of Elizabeth of York
Intractable Heart: the story of Katheryn Parr
The Kiss of the Concubine: a story of Anne Boleyn
The Song of Heledd
The Forest Dwellers
Peaceweaver
Judith is also a founder member of a re-enactment group called The Fyne Companye of Cambria, and makes historical garments both for the group and others. She is not professionally trained but through trial, error and determination has learned how to make authentic looking, if not strictly HA, clothing.
Her non-fiction book, How to Dress Like a Tudor will be published by Pen and Sword in 2023,
You can find her group Tudor Handmaid on Facebook. You can also find her on Twitter and Instagram.
Webpage: www.judithmarnopp.com
Author page: author.to/juditharnoppbooks
Blog: http://juditharnoppnovelist.blogspot....
For more information please visit my website: www.judithmarnopp.com
author.to/juditharnoppbooks
She lives on the coast of West Wales where she writes both fiction and non-fiction based in the Medieval and Tudor period. Her main focus is on the perspective of historical women but she is currently writing a novel from a male perspective, that of Henry VIII himself.
Her novels include:
A Matter of Conscience: Henry VIII, the Aragon Years
A Matter of Faith: Henry VIII, the Days of the Phoenix
The Heretic Wind: the life of Mary Tudor, Queen of England
Sisters of Arden: on the Pilgrimage of Grace
The Beaufort Bride: Book one of The Beaufort Chronicle
The Beaufort Woman: Book two of The Beaufort Chronicle
The King’s Mother: Book three of The Beaufort Chronicle
The Winchester Goose: at the Court of Henry VIII
A Song of Sixpence: the story of Elizabeth of York
Intractable Heart: the story of Katheryn Parr
The Kiss of the Concubine: a story of Anne Boleyn
The Song of Heledd
The Forest Dwellers
Peaceweaver
Judith is also a founder member of a re-enactment group called The Fyne Companye of Cambria, and makes historical garments both for the group and others. She is not professionally trained but through trial, error and determination has learned how to make authentic looking, if not strictly HA, clothing.
Her non-fiction book, How to Dress Like a Tudor will be published by Pen and Sword in 2023,
You can find her group Tudor Handmaid on Facebook. You can also find her on Twitter and Instagram.
Webpage: www.judithmarnopp.com
Author page: author.to/juditharnoppbooks
Blog: http://juditharnoppnovelist.blogspot....
For more information please visit my website: www.judithmarnopp.com
author.to/juditharnoppbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 31, 2014
This book took me completely by surprise. I’m still not sure what I expected when I first started reading, but it certainly wasn’t a tale that gripped me by the scruff of the neck with one hand, and clenched my heart with the other and refused to let go.
“Winchester Geese” was the collective name given to the prostitutes who worked in Southwark and Bankside in Medieval times, in an area or the liberty owned by the Bishop of Winchester. From these women and the places in which they lived, the bishop collected rents and hence a tidy earning. That a man of God made a living – or part of it – off women’s backs, turning a blind eye to their shocking conditions, illness, poverty, cruelty, and the enforced sexual slavery that some endured, and the brutality of their often brief lives and the lack of choice that led them to such a profession, while preaching against sin etc. was not lost on contemporaries or history. So, immediately, the title of this book intrigued me.
Set in Tudor times, during the latter years of the reign of Henry VIII, 1540, the book uses first person and, to commence, four different voices to tell a tale of love, lust, hope, marriage, desperation, loss and tragedy. The main protagonist is Winchester Goose, Joanie Toogood (great name) who, due to the death of her parents when young, gained responsibility for her two younger siblings turning to the oldest and only profession available to her as a single woman of a certain class. Big of heart, popular among locals and with oodles of common sense, Joanie is a delight. When she falls for the rather shady but young and dashing Francis Wareham, a gentleman who seems to stumble from bad choice to poorer ones, her life changes. But so does that of two other women from a completely different class who also encounter the dashing courtier: Evelyn Bourne and her sister Isabella.
Lovely young gentlewomen, they are brought to the Tudor court to join the maids serving Henry VIII’s new queen, Anna of Cleaves. Hoping their prospects for marriage will improve through exposure to the royal court and eligible bachelors and widowers, the young sisters could never have foreseen the way their lives were to be changed.
All four of the main characters, Joanie, Francis, Evelyn and Isabella are given voice in this novel and such different and compelling voices they have. The common denominator in their stories is Francis. As a reader, you think you see where these women’s relationships with handsome, swaggering Francis will lead, but nothing prepares us for the brutal and heart-wrenching reality.
Told in an uncompromising fashion, one that allows us to experience the lack of choice, the utter despair and injustice of women in certain positions during this time, the novel can make for bleak reading – only, despite the shocking events that unfold, it never falls into that dark trap, but allows hope and possibility to hover at the edges. Without sentimentality, it explores the heights and depths to which choices – good and bad – can lead, and how all it takes is one chance, one generous act of faith in fellow humans to bring about transformation.
Evocative and moving, the period is also brutally and wonderfully drawn. I really enjoyed the fact that the court and the large figures that people in it such as King Henry, Anna, Katherine and the courtiers, were mere backdrops to a passionate and searing tale of ordinary folk.
Readers of historical fiction, romance and just a damn fine book will love this. Looking forward to reading more of Judith Arnopp.
“Winchester Geese” was the collective name given to the prostitutes who worked in Southwark and Bankside in Medieval times, in an area or the liberty owned by the Bishop of Winchester. From these women and the places in which they lived, the bishop collected rents and hence a tidy earning. That a man of God made a living – or part of it – off women’s backs, turning a blind eye to their shocking conditions, illness, poverty, cruelty, and the enforced sexual slavery that some endured, and the brutality of their often brief lives and the lack of choice that led them to such a profession, while preaching against sin etc. was not lost on contemporaries or history. So, immediately, the title of this book intrigued me.
Set in Tudor times, during the latter years of the reign of Henry VIII, 1540, the book uses first person and, to commence, four different voices to tell a tale of love, lust, hope, marriage, desperation, loss and tragedy. The main protagonist is Winchester Goose, Joanie Toogood (great name) who, due to the death of her parents when young, gained responsibility for her two younger siblings turning to the oldest and only profession available to her as a single woman of a certain class. Big of heart, popular among locals and with oodles of common sense, Joanie is a delight. When she falls for the rather shady but young and dashing Francis Wareham, a gentleman who seems to stumble from bad choice to poorer ones, her life changes. But so does that of two other women from a completely different class who also encounter the dashing courtier: Evelyn Bourne and her sister Isabella.
Lovely young gentlewomen, they are brought to the Tudor court to join the maids serving Henry VIII’s new queen, Anna of Cleaves. Hoping their prospects for marriage will improve through exposure to the royal court and eligible bachelors and widowers, the young sisters could never have foreseen the way their lives were to be changed.
All four of the main characters, Joanie, Francis, Evelyn and Isabella are given voice in this novel and such different and compelling voices they have. The common denominator in their stories is Francis. As a reader, you think you see where these women’s relationships with handsome, swaggering Francis will lead, but nothing prepares us for the brutal and heart-wrenching reality.
Told in an uncompromising fashion, one that allows us to experience the lack of choice, the utter despair and injustice of women in certain positions during this time, the novel can make for bleak reading – only, despite the shocking events that unfold, it never falls into that dark trap, but allows hope and possibility to hover at the edges. Without sentimentality, it explores the heights and depths to which choices – good and bad – can lead, and how all it takes is one chance, one generous act of faith in fellow humans to bring about transformation.
Evocative and moving, the period is also brutally and wonderfully drawn. I really enjoyed the fact that the court and the large figures that people in it such as King Henry, Anna, Katherine and the courtiers, were mere backdrops to a passionate and searing tale of ordinary folk.
Readers of historical fiction, romance and just a damn fine book will love this. Looking forward to reading more of Judith Arnopp.
February 11, 2016
Isabella and Eve are going to Court to serve Anne of Cleves who Isabella becomes close to, while attractive Eve makes a stir at Court and only the King falling for Katherine Howard keeps her safe from Royal lust. Eve then falls in love with Francis Wareham, the handsome young man who is a secret spy for Cromwell. Francis is also a regular visitor the local prostitute Joanie, so when Francis gets into trouble, all of his women are drawn into danger.
There are several POV in this book and the most interesting in the first half of the book is certainly Joanie. She is the tart with a heart who has two sisters to look after and has only ever loved Francis. She is unhappy to discover that Francis rashly agrees to marry Eve when he cannot bed her otherwise. Eve discovers that her husband is a liar and a cheat, bedding countless women behind her back though she knows nothing of Joanie. Isabella who tried to warn Eve to avoid Francis, is caught up in the Court lives of Anne and Katherine.
The first half features the King's divorce from Anne and her fear for her life as seen through Isabella's eyes but most of the story features on Francis and his women. Eve for me was a dumb airhead who was determined to marry a rogue because she was in love, despite an honourable match with a decent man being offered to her. While I understand the wish to avoid an arranged husband and marrying for love, she was really blind to who her love was. Isabella is the strong but plain sister who would have loved the match that her sister spurned but soon forgets romance when she is moved to serve Katherine Howard. I liked the relationship between Isabella and Katherine, the way they had little time for each other until Isabella was there for her during her fall from grace.
It is the second half of the book where things really hot up. Eve discovers a lot of her husbands secrets and is about to meet Joanie, Isabella is torn between serving the Queen and her new husband who wishes his wife to abandon Katherine. The dark deeds of Francis put Eve and Joanie in danger and Joanie is forced into a horrific situation which brings her closer to Eve. Katherine confesses all her sins to a horrified Isabella who tries to advise her and help her avoid death. It is a rollercoaster with lots of action and intrigue involving all of our main characters and I was interested to see where it was going to lead.
This book was well written, not over descriptive and the characters are nicely developed through the various events that they endure. For those interested, The Winchester Geese was the collective name for the prostitutes who worked this part of London, hence the title refers to Joanie. I liked the way the author shows the gritty side of Tudor London and the hard life that these women endured, along with the risks that they took on the job. We also see that the rich Court that everyone wanted to attend was just as deadly for hooking you up with the wrong men and losing your head at the whim of the King.
It was a totally different Tudor tale and I look forward to reading other books by this author.
There are several POV in this book and the most interesting in the first half of the book is certainly Joanie. She is the tart with a heart who has two sisters to look after and has only ever loved Francis. She is unhappy to discover that Francis rashly agrees to marry Eve when he cannot bed her otherwise. Eve discovers that her husband is a liar and a cheat, bedding countless women behind her back though she knows nothing of Joanie. Isabella who tried to warn Eve to avoid Francis, is caught up in the Court lives of Anne and Katherine.
The first half features the King's divorce from Anne and her fear for her life as seen through Isabella's eyes but most of the story features on Francis and his women. Eve for me was a dumb airhead who was determined to marry a rogue because she was in love, despite an honourable match with a decent man being offered to her. While I understand the wish to avoid an arranged husband and marrying for love, she was really blind to who her love was. Isabella is the strong but plain sister who would have loved the match that her sister spurned but soon forgets romance when she is moved to serve Katherine Howard. I liked the relationship between Isabella and Katherine, the way they had little time for each other until Isabella was there for her during her fall from grace.
It is the second half of the book where things really hot up. Eve discovers a lot of her husbands secrets and is about to meet Joanie, Isabella is torn between serving the Queen and her new husband who wishes his wife to abandon Katherine. The dark deeds of Francis put Eve and Joanie in danger and Joanie is forced into a horrific situation which brings her closer to Eve. Katherine confesses all her sins to a horrified Isabella who tries to advise her and help her avoid death. It is a rollercoaster with lots of action and intrigue involving all of our main characters and I was interested to see where it was going to lead.
This book was well written, not over descriptive and the characters are nicely developed through the various events that they endure. For those interested, The Winchester Geese was the collective name for the prostitutes who worked this part of London, hence the title refers to Joanie. I liked the way the author shows the gritty side of Tudor London and the hard life that these women endured, along with the risks that they took on the job. We also see that the rich Court that everyone wanted to attend was just as deadly for hooking you up with the wrong men and losing your head at the whim of the King.
It was a totally different Tudor tale and I look forward to reading other books by this author.
May 29, 2013
Through the actions of an unfaithful husband, the worlds of the Tudor court and the Southwark stews become inextricably linked.
But things are not what they seem - The Tudor court is rife with politics and intrigue, whilst a Southwark whore with a generous spirit personifies compassion. Joanie (the prostitute) takes responsibility for her actions in a way that puts her betters to shame - the only thing is they have the money and power, whilst she slowly starves.
All manner of life is here, from sisterly love, to motherly compassion, from lecherous men to dull husbands - a story of people making do in difficult circumstances and nobility in unusual places.
This is an uplifting novel about the richness of the human spirit, set in a Tudor world evocatively summoned by Ms Arnopp's words. I was drawn to this book after reading a summary and my expectations were exceeded to the point that I was disappointed (but thoroughly satisfied) when the book ended. Highly recommended.
But things are not what they seem - The Tudor court is rife with politics and intrigue, whilst a Southwark whore with a generous spirit personifies compassion. Joanie (the prostitute) takes responsibility for her actions in a way that puts her betters to shame - the only thing is they have the money and power, whilst she slowly starves.
All manner of life is here, from sisterly love, to motherly compassion, from lecherous men to dull husbands - a story of people making do in difficult circumstances and nobility in unusual places.
This is an uplifting novel about the richness of the human spirit, set in a Tudor world evocatively summoned by Ms Arnopp's words. I was drawn to this book after reading a summary and my expectations were exceeded to the point that I was disappointed (but thoroughly satisfied) when the book ended. Highly recommended.
October 24, 2017
A really excellent read, delving into the lives of the highest and the lowest in Henry VIII's England. As I got to the end I knew exactly how I wanted the story threads to tie up, and Judith Arnopp delivered 100% on my expectations. Highly recommended!
June 28, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's set in the era during which Henry VIII was married to Anne of Cleves, then to Katherine Howard, finishing at the time of his marriage to Catherine Parr, though royal events are but a backdrop for Judith Arnopp's main story, which is told mainly in the first person points of view of two women leading very different lives.
Isabella Bourne was born into nobility, and, when young and unmarried, takes up a place at court, along with her sister, the vivacious Eve. She attends both queens. The other main character is Joanie Toogood, the 'Winchester Goose' of the title. This was how the prostitutes living in Southwark were known; her mother was a prostitute too, and led Joanie into the life when she was too young to protest. What the two women have in common is their association with young rogue Francis Wareham; through certain events, their lives become inextricably linked.
I liked how Ms Arnopp placed Isabella as one of the women attending Katherine during her imprisonment, a clever idea and completely feasible; I assume those women were not named, in accounts of the time. This enabled us to see how Anne and Katherine were perceived by those around them. The descriptions of Joanie's meagre life on the other side of the river (literally and metaphorically) sat in stark comparison, though Joanie did not seem any less happy than Isabella; they're both gutsy, likable characters, and their situations give a clear illustration of the lot of women in those days.
The story itself is inventive and unusual, and did not progress as I expected it to, at all - always a plus. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a cracking good tale set Tudor times.
Isabella Bourne was born into nobility, and, when young and unmarried, takes up a place at court, along with her sister, the vivacious Eve. She attends both queens. The other main character is Joanie Toogood, the 'Winchester Goose' of the title. This was how the prostitutes living in Southwark were known; her mother was a prostitute too, and led Joanie into the life when she was too young to protest. What the two women have in common is their association with young rogue Francis Wareham; through certain events, their lives become inextricably linked.
I liked how Ms Arnopp placed Isabella as one of the women attending Katherine during her imprisonment, a clever idea and completely feasible; I assume those women were not named, in accounts of the time. This enabled us to see how Anne and Katherine were perceived by those around them. The descriptions of Joanie's meagre life on the other side of the river (literally and metaphorically) sat in stark comparison, though Joanie did not seem any less happy than Isabella; they're both gutsy, likable characters, and their situations give a clear illustration of the lot of women in those days.
The story itself is inventive and unusual, and did not progress as I expected it to, at all - always a plus. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a cracking good tale set Tudor times.
January 23, 2023
This was an interesting story that wove around people who most writers don't bother writing about. I thought it was a good read, and quickly gotten through. I enjoyed the story, but did find some parts not to my liking.
October 20, 2021
This plot driven novel is a very quick read. While it is based on history, the historical facets of this book are very superficial. If that is what you are looking for, this is not the book for you. However, if you are in search of a page turner with some reference to historical fact that you can read without much thought this book will certainly do the trick! Above all, It is a story, told well enough, that you could even read on the beach.
May 14, 2020
When a reader first approaches the Winchester Goose, you can well imagine they're thinking... "What a title! What is this about? Is this just another bawdy novel about the seedy side of Tudor England?"
Nope, nope, NOPE! This book has teeth. It has meat, and Arnopp pulls off pulls off a redemption that is jaw-dropping. Now... the plot...
The Winchester Goose is a slang term used for prostitutes in Southwark, London, during the days of Henry VIII. Amid the historical drama of Henry's marriages, is the fictional story of Joanie Toogood, a typical, run-of-the-mill prostitute, plying her trade. One of three sisters, Joanie does what she must to survive, but discovers a tragic love with one of her clients, who's a dubious character, himself. When a bizarre tragedy strikes, Joanie's sense of humanity is tested like never before, and she adopts a mysterious young woman, who has fallen prey to a tremendously awful situation. In caring for Eve, Arnopp crafts a striking character transformation, and Joanie becomes a motherly, loveable woman who will do anything to provide for her family--ANYTHING. Within the heart of this novel is a song of sisterhood and the redemption and acceptance of a person, regardless of societal status.
Judith Arnopp's expertise in Tudor history and worldbuilding of that day and age is magical. She is an historian who has the art of creating a plot and story down to a science. This book is memorable not just because of the characters, but because of the way it's carefully crafted, down to the very last chapter. I personally LOVE multiple point of view characters and Arnopp delivers with memorable faces that made me want to either rejoice or gnash my teeth in anger or disgust.
A well-deserved FIVE STARS!
Nope, nope, NOPE! This book has teeth. It has meat, and Arnopp pulls off pulls off a redemption that is jaw-dropping. Now... the plot...
The Winchester Goose is a slang term used for prostitutes in Southwark, London, during the days of Henry VIII. Amid the historical drama of Henry's marriages, is the fictional story of Joanie Toogood, a typical, run-of-the-mill prostitute, plying her trade. One of three sisters, Joanie does what she must to survive, but discovers a tragic love with one of her clients, who's a dubious character, himself. When a bizarre tragedy strikes, Joanie's sense of humanity is tested like never before, and she adopts a mysterious young woman, who has fallen prey to a tremendously awful situation. In caring for Eve, Arnopp crafts a striking character transformation, and Joanie becomes a motherly, loveable woman who will do anything to provide for her family--ANYTHING. Within the heart of this novel is a song of sisterhood and the redemption and acceptance of a person, regardless of societal status.
Judith Arnopp's expertise in Tudor history and worldbuilding of that day and age is magical. She is an historian who has the art of creating a plot and story down to a science. This book is memorable not just because of the characters, but because of the way it's carefully crafted, down to the very last chapter. I personally LOVE multiple point of view characters and Arnopp delivers with memorable faces that made me want to either rejoice or gnash my teeth in anger or disgust.
A well-deserved FIVE STARS!
January 16, 2021
WHO IS THIS WOMAN WHO WRITES?
All I know for sure is that you must not miss her! What a story weaver she is!
I do not know the life Ms. Arnopp has lived but it is a gift of grace she possesses. One who's pen can instill empathy for those who have a position as royal as a Queens and for the one as forsaken as a prostitutes, sharing how in many ways they possess the same fate.
She weaves their story, how they are both bought and sold at the folly of men, with such beauty of prose, such richness of rhetoric that you have to wonder if she writes what the Lord, a Saint or only the Ghost of one who lived in the past has whispered in her ear? Perhaps, as I said, it is only that she has been blessed with the gifts of a rich imagination and a heart that needs to share the gift of grace she so richly possesses. Whatever the case, she is tops at her craft!
I enjoy each of her novels immensely and look forward to beginning the next!
All I know for sure is that you must not miss her! What a story weaver she is!
I do not know the life Ms. Arnopp has lived but it is a gift of grace she possesses. One who's pen can instill empathy for those who have a position as royal as a Queens and for the one as forsaken as a prostitutes, sharing how in many ways they possess the same fate.
She weaves their story, how they are both bought and sold at the folly of men, with such beauty of prose, such richness of rhetoric that you have to wonder if she writes what the Lord, a Saint or only the Ghost of one who lived in the past has whispered in her ear? Perhaps, as I said, it is only that she has been blessed with the gifts of a rich imagination and a heart that needs to share the gift of grace she so richly possesses. Whatever the case, she is tops at her craft!
I enjoy each of her novels immensely and look forward to beginning the next!
September 5, 2019
The Winchester Goose is set in Tudor London. The Winchester Geese are prostitutes and the story is told from three perspectives, Isabella Bourne a lady of the court, Francis Wareham a courtier employed as a spy for Cromwell and Joanie Toogood a well known Winchester Goose.
The lives of these three find themselves intertwined through the actions of Wareham who finds himself torn between Joanie and the sister of Isabella, Eve.
The story was well written and provides insight in to the Tudor court and those living in London at the time. I read this within a couple of hours but found I really liked the characters in this book.
The lives of these three find themselves intertwined through the actions of Wareham who finds himself torn between Joanie and the sister of Isabella, Eve.
The story was well written and provides insight in to the Tudor court and those living in London at the time. I read this within a couple of hours but found I really liked the characters in this book.
November 13, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of this story, that women in Tudor times, whether they were Queens or Winchester Geese, were the chattels of men.
Deftly weaving historical fact and fiction, Judith Arnopp tells the story of three very different women in Tudor London, from the royal court to the stews of Southwark. Tightly plotted and with wonderful historical detail, this was an intriguing and engrossing read.
Deftly weaving historical fact and fiction, Judith Arnopp tells the story of three very different women in Tudor London, from the royal court to the stews of Southwark. Tightly plotted and with wonderful historical detail, this was an intriguing and engrossing read.
November 17, 2024
Exceptional!
I enjoyed this story so much, as it gives a totally different perspective of everyday life during the Tudor era. The characters are well developed, and the relationships between them are interesting, if somewhat implausible at times. And besides, who doesn't love a happy ending?
I enjoyed this story so much, as it gives a totally different perspective of everyday life during the Tudor era. The characters are well developed, and the relationships between them are interesting, if somewhat implausible at times. And besides, who doesn't love a happy ending?
May 7, 2017
Really great read about not just the king and court but also how it could have affected the lesser nobles and the low of society. The story is fiction but has historical facts mixed in... one of my favorite stories I have read.
December 4, 2018
Winchester Goose
This was pretty good. I have read better by Ms. Arnopp. I find Tudor interesting especially the regular people. I do feel this story incomplete. That is my opinion only.
This was pretty good. I have read better by Ms. Arnopp. I find Tudor interesting especially the regular people. I do feel this story incomplete. That is my opinion only.
May 25, 2020
Fast and fun read
Very quickly read. Enjoyed the story being told by the four characters points of view. For me , it started off great and then it seemed to rush to a finish. I did love the character Joanie Toogood and would love to know more about her.
Very quickly read. Enjoyed the story being told by the four characters points of view. For me , it started off great and then it seemed to rush to a finish. I did love the character Joanie Toogood and would love to know more about her.
June 8, 2020
Have not read a period book in a long while ,This book is a true reflection of period fiction at its best , the detailed scenes though out the book keeping you intrigued though out ! Great reading!! Thank you !
August 5, 2020
An odd take on the era
I expected just another tale of court intrigue but this was much more, and because general society isn't often discussed, this was quite interesting, especially as it compared the role of women in different social strata.
I expected just another tale of court intrigue but this was much more, and because general society isn't often discussed, this was quite interesting, especially as it compared the role of women in different social strata.
October 28, 2020
The Winchester Goose
Another fabulous read from Judith Arnopp. One can get really involved with these Tudor guarantees, as so beautifully written.
As the nights draw in this book I heartily reccomend if you enjoy Tudor history as much as I do.
Another fabulous read from Judith Arnopp. One can get really involved with these Tudor guarantees, as so beautifully written.
As the nights draw in this book I heartily reccomend if you enjoy Tudor history as much as I do.
March 20, 2021
Surprisingly good
I really enjoyed this novel set it Tudor times that takes us into the lower classes of Henry VIII London. The characters are well portrayed and the storyline a bit of a mystery. A easy, fast read great for an afternoon read.
I really enjoyed this novel set it Tudor times that takes us into the lower classes of Henry VIII London. The characters are well portrayed and the storyline a bit of a mystery. A easy, fast read great for an afternoon read.
December 27, 2022
Wonderful story
It was refreshing to read a story involving characters on the outskirts of King Henry VIII. I enjoyed the beginning as well as the ending and look forward to more stories from this author.
It was refreshing to read a story involving characters on the outskirts of King Henry VIII. I enjoyed the beginning as well as the ending and look forward to more stories from this author.
June 25, 2017
Very entertaining ! Enjoyed it.
Will continue to read more books by this author. ! I love this kind of fiction couldn't put it down !
Will continue to read more books by this author. ! I love this kind of fiction couldn't put it down !
August 25, 2017
Very good read could not put down
Good book could not wait to read next chapter, enjoyed the stories and lives of the people the book was about,rich poor royal and villains,
Good book could not wait to read next chapter, enjoyed the stories and lives of the people the book was about,rich poor royal and villains,
July 21, 2018
It’s nice reading historical fiction that includes characters both inside the life of Henry VIII and outside. Definitely an unpredictable read. Well done!
April 21, 2019
Fantastic read from beginning to end just make sure
You have a box of tissues nearby
You have a box of tissues nearby
March 10, 2020
Great read
I enjoyed this book immensely. Very well written and fast paced. Highly recommend to those that enjoy this time period.
I enjoyed this book immensely. Very well written and fast paced. Highly recommend to those that enjoy this time period.
July 12, 2020
An excellent read which I had to finish in one go. Really enjoyed it.
February 16, 2021
Entertaining read with a little mystery
Great characters all, horrible times to life thru, engaging tale thru the eyes of smaller folk at the Tudor court
Great characters all, horrible times to life thru, engaging tale thru the eyes of smaller folk at the Tudor court
April 20, 2021
Loved the character joanie. Thoughtful and well written characters whom you can't help but empathise with
June 8, 2021
Maybe I should have given this four stars, not five. But I'm so happy I read this. Kind of hard to get into but stick with it. It's worth it.
November 15, 2021
Superb
There is not a bad thing to say. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment while reading 3 book. I just wish it was a bit longer.
There is not a bad thing to say. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment while reading 3 book. I just wish it was a bit longer.
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