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The Tudor Prophecy
England, 1541. Henry VIII’s throne is unstable, and those caught in his shadow risk everything. The Tudor Prophecy follows two cousins, Lady Alice Grantmire and Hester Vaughan, as they struggle against the king’s ruthless decrees. Stripped of her estate, Alice and her mother scrape by with their herbal remedies—until they are accused of witchcraft. Hester, reeling from a harrowing encounter with the king, is drawn into the politics of Wales, where she is betrothed to a bard whose mentor foretells a shocking destiny: the rise of Henry’s daughter Elizabeth. When Hester meets the young princess, she finds herself in a position to influence the future queen—and perhaps the fate of England itself. Blending history, prophecy, and courtly intrigue, The Tudor Prophecy is perfect for readers of Hilary Mantel, Philippa Gregory, and anyone who craves a tale of resilience, betrayal, and the fight for justice in Tudor England.
453 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 26, 2024
Intriguing tale re-imagining Tudor England 1541.
Henry VIII has become the ailing, brutal monarch we have come to know through history for his unjust decrees that always dishonour and disrespect the women of that period.
The story follows two young women, cousins. Lady Alice Grantmire and Hester Vaughn.
Lady Alice and her mother are evicted from their estate when they refuse to follow King Henry’s new religion. When they attempt to earn a merger subsistence selling herbal remedies they are accused of witchcraft.
Hester Vaughn is molested by the King and in disgrace is summoned to her estranged father’s home in Wales.
Through a serious of marvellously told events and vividly portrayed circumstances Hester encounters the eight-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, second daughter of Henry VIII. The two forge a relationship that allows Hester to persuade the future queen to temper her own rule with mercy.
The author has made the characters in this story memorable and believable, I was totally immersed in the period drama. Descriptions of sights and sounds were almost palpable as I read.
A must read book for fans of re-imagining tales of known history of Tudor time period. It is evident that a lot of research went in to the making of this book. The author has carefully constructed a tale that will leave you wanting to read anything she writes.
Henry VIII has become the ailing, brutal monarch we have come to know through history for his unjust decrees that always dishonour and disrespect the women of that period.
The story follows two young women, cousins. Lady Alice Grantmire and Hester Vaughn.
Lady Alice and her mother are evicted from their estate when they refuse to follow King Henry’s new religion. When they attempt to earn a merger subsistence selling herbal remedies they are accused of witchcraft.
Hester Vaughn is molested by the King and in disgrace is summoned to her estranged father’s home in Wales.
Through a serious of marvellously told events and vividly portrayed circumstances Hester encounters the eight-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, second daughter of Henry VIII. The two forge a relationship that allows Hester to persuade the future queen to temper her own rule with mercy.
The author has made the characters in this story memorable and believable, I was totally immersed in the period drama. Descriptions of sights and sounds were almost palpable as I read.
A must read book for fans of re-imagining tales of known history of Tudor time period. It is evident that a lot of research went in to the making of this book. The author has carefully constructed a tale that will leave you wanting to read anything she writes.
March 24, 2025
This is the story of two cousins, Lady Alice Grantmire and Hester Vaughn. Growing up under King Henry's reign, both girls watch their families adjust to the ever-changing whims of an aging king. As young noblewomen, Hester and Alice train by Alice's mother's side as she creates tonics and salves to help the family and local farmers. Hester believes that by using this knowledge, she can heal King Henry of the leg ulcers he suffers from. She obtains an appointment with the king and naively sets out to provide Henry assistance. This particular visit to London will change her life and the lives of those around her forever.
Alice and Hester will find themselves adrift in the world, having to mature quickly. In a time where women are viewed as belongings, can these two cousins survive? Will Hester's meeting with Lady Elizabeth lead to a better outcome than the meeting with King Henry?
Alice's and Hester's lives go from relative ease to harsh reality and scrambling for existence. Julie Strong captures the impact that King Henry VIII's ever-changing policies have on his realm. The author describes life in Tudor England with an authenticity that keeps your attention. There is tragedy throughout the story but the plucky perseverance of the cousins makes this a truly enjoyable story.
Fans of Tudor stories will be thoroughly entertained. While this isn't a thriller, the thrilling elements evoke "Wolf Hall" or "Anne of a Thousand Days" excitement. Would you want to live during this time?
Thank you Micki Benedetti, Julie Strong, and OC Publishing for the review copy.
Alice and Hester will find themselves adrift in the world, having to mature quickly. In a time where women are viewed as belongings, can these two cousins survive? Will Hester's meeting with Lady Elizabeth lead to a better outcome than the meeting with King Henry?
Alice's and Hester's lives go from relative ease to harsh reality and scrambling for existence. Julie Strong captures the impact that King Henry VIII's ever-changing policies have on his realm. The author describes life in Tudor England with an authenticity that keeps your attention. There is tragedy throughout the story but the plucky perseverance of the cousins makes this a truly enjoyable story.
Fans of Tudor stories will be thoroughly entertained. While this isn't a thriller, the thrilling elements evoke "Wolf Hall" or "Anne of a Thousand Days" excitement. Would you want to live during this time?
Thank you Micki Benedetti, Julie Strong, and OC Publishing for the review copy.
December 9, 2025
The Tudor Prophecy is a gripping blend of court intrigue, danger, and quiet resilience. Julie Strong brings 1541 England to life with an atmosphere that feels heavy with uncertainty exactly what you want from a Tudor novel. What impressed me most was the dual perspective: Alice’s grounded struggle for survival after losing her estate, and Hester’s uneasy rise into the political currents of Wales and the royal court. Their stories balance each other beautifully.
Alice’s arc, especially the accusations of witchcraft, captures how quickly ordinary people could be destroyed under Henry VIII’s unstable rule. Hester’s storyline, on the other hand, has a slow, simmering tension her connection with Elizabeth feels believable without being over-dramatic, and the hints of prophecy never overshadow the more human elements of fear, loyalty, and ambition.
The pacing is steady, the historical detail rich but never overwhelming, and the emotional stakes remain high throughout. Fans of Tudor fiction will appreciate how Strong merges real history with just enough mysticism to raise the hairs on your arms. If you enjoy novels like Hilary Mantel’s or Philippa Gregory’s stories where women push back against the forces trying to crush them this is definitely one to add to your list.
Alice’s arc, especially the accusations of witchcraft, captures how quickly ordinary people could be destroyed under Henry VIII’s unstable rule. Hester’s storyline, on the other hand, has a slow, simmering tension her connection with Elizabeth feels believable without being over-dramatic, and the hints of prophecy never overshadow the more human elements of fear, loyalty, and ambition.
The pacing is steady, the historical detail rich but never overwhelming, and the emotional stakes remain high throughout. Fans of Tudor fiction will appreciate how Strong merges real history with just enough mysticism to raise the hairs on your arms. If you enjoy novels like Hilary Mantel’s or Philippa Gregory’s stories where women push back against the forces trying to crush them this is definitely one to add to your list.
June 22, 2025
“The Tudor Prophecy” is set in 1541 England with Henry VIII on the throne. Hester Vaughn and her cousin, Lady Alice Grantmire are living on their estate with Alice’s parents and Hester’s brother, Dickie.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. Told through two POVs, Hester and Alice have two different and unique voices. Each has significant trauma, motivations to find belonging, and desire to love. But their experiences are very different and bouncing between each POV pushes the story forward. Both Alice and Hester are likable and relatable. Find the full blog review at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. Told through two POVs, Hester and Alice have two different and unique voices. Each has significant trauma, motivations to find belonging, and desire to love. But their experiences are very different and bouncing between each POV pushes the story forward. Both Alice and Hester are likable and relatable. Find the full blog review at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
February 23, 2026
I absolutely loved The Tudor Prophecy by Julie Strong. This story completely captured my heart. The courage and resilience of Alice and Hester moved me deeply, and I felt so connected to their struggles and strength.
Julie Strong’s writing is powerful and beautifully immersive, I didn’t just read this book, I experienced it. It truly meant a lot to me, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. A definite five-star read!
Julie Strong’s writing is powerful and beautifully immersive, I didn’t just read this book, I experienced it. It truly meant a lot to me, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. A definite five-star read!
May 25, 2025
The Tudor Prophecy is a superb narrative following the adventures of two young girls (Hester and Alice) set during the later years of Henry Vlll reign. From London to North Wales, Julie Strong has created a novel full of chilling encounters tempered with great feminine fortitude.
Excellent read and well researched.
Excellent read and well researched.
August 11, 2025
The Tudor Prophecy is a gripping, atmospheric journey into Tudor England’s peril and intrigue. Lady Alice’s fight for survival against false witchcraft charges and Hester’s fateful bond with young Elizabeth weave together a tale of resilience, courage, and destiny. With betrayal, vision, and hope at its core, it’s a sweeping historical drama that lingers in the mind long after the final chapter.
January 5, 2026
The lives of cousins experiencing hardship and personal struggles evolves during 1541. A nice mix of adventure, tragedy,romance and history.
February 19, 2025
Absolutely Delicious story of fierce women and wicked men during the reign of King Henry VIII.
The author, Julie Strong created a world so palpable I could smell the streets, taste the food and hear the sounds of Tudor Court and countryside.
Just read it!
Brava author, well played
The author, Julie Strong created a world so palpable I could smell the streets, taste the food and hear the sounds of Tudor Court and countryside.
Just read it!
Brava author, well played
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews