The Queen's Sister: A vivid and imaginative historical novel of a life among the wives of King Henry VIII

by Carol McGrath

A mother, a wife, a woman of substance...

At nineteen, Elizabeth Seymour is already a mother, has been recently widowed, and seen her Queen, Anne Boleyn, lose her life. Against the wishes of her father, she heads North, away from Wulf Hall and the court in London to Yorkshire, determined to establish a new beginning as a landowner and business woman. As her family in Wiltshire curry favour with King Henry, aided by Thomas Cromwell, Elizabeth makes Kexby Manor her home, finding loyalty among her people there.

Soon, news comes to Elizabeth of the King's desires for her sister, Jane and while her brother, Edward, encourages her own betrothal to Gregory Cromwell, son of Thomas. It is a happy second marriage for Elizabeth, but it brings unwanted involvement in the dark plots and secrecy of the court, while in the wider country, changes in religious practice threaten to alter the traditions and values of all she has known...

THE QUEEN'S SISTER vividly imagines the story of the woman possibly portrayed in Hans Holbein's beautiful painting 'Portrait of a Lady,' and is a colourful, meticulously researched novel of Tudor life behind the scenes.

What readers say about Carol McGrath's

'Another beautifully crafted, well-researched work of historical fiction from Carol McGrath'

'Brimming with intrigue, tension and adventure, The Lost Queen is a powerful Medieval tale full of atmosphere, danger and emotion and transports the reader to another world'

'The story of Matilda is strikingly brought to life with this beautiful written novel'

Genres: Historical Fiction

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2026

About the author

My first degree is in History and English from Queens University Belfast. I have a postgraduate MA in writing from Queens University and an Mphil in writing from The Royal Holloway ,University of London. My debut novel The Handfasted Wife is the first in a Trilogy The Daughters of Hastings. The first is the story of 1066 and its aftermath from the perspective of the noble women. The Swan-Daughter and The Betrothed Sister have followed. All have been best sellers. My new novel The Woman in the Shadows tells the tale of Thomas and Elizabeth Cromwell and is the story of an early Tudor marriage. I am now working on a medieval trilogy about 'she wolf' queens.

Reviews

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Queen's Sister follows Elizabeth Seymour, sister to Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's third wife, as she navigates the intrigue, secrets, and shifting loyalties of the Tudor court through her marriage to Gregory Cromwell, son to the kings trusted advisor. Throughout the years she witnesses the political and religious upheaval shaping England during one of its most turbulent periods.

Carol McGrath's strong research and rich historical detail bring Tudor England to life, offering an engaging perspective on a lesser-known historical figure. While the pacing is slower and more character-driven than action-packed, it allows the relationships and court politics to develop naturally.

I found this book to be well-written and an immersive read for fans of Tudor historical fiction! Thank you to NetGalley, Carol McGrath and Headline Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Martyn Beeny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen's Sister is a richly detailed and captivating Tudor novel that shines a light on a fascinating woman often overlooked by history. Carol McGrath masterfully brings Elizabeth Seymour to life, presenting her as an intelligent, resilient, and ambitious woman navigating the complexities of family loyalty, political intrigue, and personal independence during one of England's most turbulent eras.

What makes this novel particularly compelling is its focus on life beyond the immediate spotlight of King Henry VIII's court. Elizabeth's journey from widowhood to becoming a landowner and businesswoman offers a refreshing perspective on Tudor society, while her connections to Jane Seymour, Thomas Cromwell, and the shifting religious landscape add layers of tension and historical depth.

McGrath's meticulous research is evident on every page, yet the story never feels weighed down by historical detail. Instead, the period comes alive through vivid descriptions, authentic characters, and emotionally engaging storytelling. Elizabeth is a heroine readers will admire for her strength, determination, and humanity.

Filled with political maneuvering, family dynamics, romance, and the ever present dangers of Tudor England, The Queen's Sister is an immersive and rewarding read for fans of historical fiction. Carol McGrath once again demonstrates her exceptional ability to transform forgotten figures from history into unforgettable protagonists.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again an impressive novel by Carol McGrath with meticulously researched historical details. Elizabeth's character is believable and convincing. The novel is written in the first person allowing the reader to have an insight into Elizabeth's thoughts. That's not all. It also enables the reader to make her/his own mind about this lady. Her life is an interesting one, particularly when one considers that at nineteen, Elizabeth was a widow and a mother. She had to look after herself and her family. No easy task, particularly when one is so very close to the throne and the terrible Henry VIII. But she was a pragmatic woman.... Highly recommended!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

[Heather Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book.

I wasn’t aware that Jane Seymour’s sister had married Gregory Cromwell, son of Thomas Cromwell.

The court around King Henry VIII was precarious and reading this novel demonstrates just how dangerous it was. However this also succeeds in really bringing the characters to life as well as describing the world surrounding them.