Generalissima: A Novel of Henrietta Maria: The Henrietta of France Trilogy, Book Two

by Elena Maria Vidal, Mark Turnbull (Foreword)

As the Three Kingdoms totter on the brink of anarchy, Henriette-Marie, queen of Charles I, strives to bring up their lively, growing family. In addition to her own health problems, she worries about the welfare of her mother the Dowager Queen of France, who sought refuge in London only to find herself under attack. As Henriette faces choices which may separate herself from her beloved husband and children, she seeks help from the Pope and the Irish Catholics. Meanwhile, Henriette's spy, Wat Montagu, informs her that there is a traitor within the royal household. Determined to save the throne, Henriette eventually decides to sell her jewels in order to raise an army. In spite of storms and near shipwreck as well as the attempts of her enemies to kill her, Henriette is able to return to her husband's side with an army, earning for herself the moniker of "Generalissima."

"With commendably strong accuracy of historical detail, Elena overlays a fictional interpretation of the most momentous events of Henrietta Maria’s life; the lead up to – and outbreak of - the civil wars (also known as Britain’s Wars of the Three Kingdoms). With evident passion for this much overlooked period, she tracks the queen and her family, taking readers behind palace doors to imagine how they might have reacted to the seismic events they faced." —from the Foreword by Mark Turnbull, author of The Private Life of Charles I

"In her latest novel on Queen Henrietta Maria as in her previous historical works, Elena Maria Vidal shows her great appreciation for the layers of whatever world she inhabits as an author. She immerses us in the material, intellectual, and spiritual culture that shapes the characters as they face the catastrophe of civil war and the tumult of religious division. King Charles and Queen Henrietta Maria, complex and often misunderstood monarchs, are intimately revealed here through their warm family life, which the author paints with vivid linguistic color. We also meet various other historical figures who make their mark upon the Isles, from Mary Ward to Oliver Cromwell, bound together by an aura of destiny already prophesied by Britain's Arthurian myths." —Avellina Balestri, author of All Ye That Pass By

“Generalissima is another beautiful historical novel (the second in The Henrietta of France Trilogy) by Elena Maria Vidal, which drew me into the story from the very beginning, continuing the narrative from Book One. The author’s superb research and solid, polished story-telling allow these historical characters to become living, breathing people. With the popularity of the ‘pulp fiction’ genre, I, for one, enjoy the rich settings, well-developed characters, and exquisite prose of this talented author. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crisp writing and fascinating history.” —Ellen Gable, award-winning author of Where Angels Pass

“Elena Vidal does true justice to Queen Henrietta Maria, a beguiling Stuart heroine whose deep faith and love underpinned her bravery in a turbulent era. Alive with intrigue and studded with gems of detail, Generalissima captures the reader from the very outset.” —Justine Brown, author of The Private Life of James II

“From the first words of the Prologue, you're there with the Royal Family in the picture Gallery. Limned by a great historical novelist, each episode in this second volume of Vidal's ‘Henrietta of France Trilogy’ develops the characters and explores the challenges they face with vivid description and riveting action.

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

Elena Maria Vidal grew up in the countryside outside of Frederick, Maryland, "fair as the garden of the Lord" as the poet Whittier said of it. As a child she read so many books that her mother had to put restrictions on her hours of reading. During her teenage years, she spent a great deal of her free time writing stories and short novels.

Elena graduated in 1984 from Hood College in Frederick with a BA in Psychology, and in 1985 from the State University of New York at Albany with an MA in Modern European History. In 1986, she joined the Secular Order of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Elena taught at the Frederick Visitation Academy and worked as a private tutor as well as teaching children's etiquette classes. During a trip to Austria in 1995 she visited the tomb of Empress Maria Theresa in the Capuchin crypt in Vienna. Afterwords she decided to finish a novel about Marie-Antoinette she had started writing ten years before but had put aside. In 1997 her first historical novel TRIANON was published by St. Michaels Press. In 2000, the sequel MADAME ROYALE was published, as well as the second edition of TRIANON, by The Neumann Press. Both books quickly found an international following which continues to this day. In 2010, the third edition of TRIANON and the second edition of MADAME ROYALE were released.

In November 2009, THE NIGHT'S DARK SHADE: A NOVEL OF THE CATHARS was published by Mayapple Books. The new historical novel deals with the controversial Albigensian Crusade in thirteenth century France. Elena has been a contributor to Canticle Magazine, Touchstone Magazine, The National Observer, and The American Conservative. In April 2009 she was a speaker at the Eucharistic Convention in Auckland, New Zealand. In August 2010 Elena spoke at The Catholc Writers Conference in Valley Forge, PA. She is a member of the Catholic Writers Guild and the Eastern Shore Writers Association. She currently lives in Maryland with her family and is working on a historical novel about her Irish ancestors. Elena blogs at http://teaattrianon.blogspot.com/.

Reviews

[Avellina Balestri · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her latest novel on Queen Henrietta Maria as in her previous historical works, Elena Maria Vidal shows her great appreciation for the layers of whatever world she inhabits as an author. She immerses us in the material, intellectual, and spiritual culture that shapes the characters as they face the catastrophe of civil war and the tumult of religious division. King Charles and Queen Henrietta Maria, complex and often misunderstood monarchs, are intimately revealed here through their warm family life, which the author paints with vivid linguistic color. We also meet various other historical figures who make their mark upon the Isles, from Mary Ward to Oliver Cromwell, bound together by an aura of destiny already prophesied by Britain's Arthurian myths. I greatly look forward to book 3 in the trilogy, when the stakes will only be raised higher and these character's the author has taken us on a journey which will complete their own.

[Chris Maddix · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting is London and its environs, in 1640. The backdrop is the 30 Years War, which has raged on the European continent since 1618 and will eventually result in the deaths of approximately 8 million. The cause of the war is religion - Catholics v Calvinists v Puritans, etc, each sect firmly clinging to the sense that his faith is the truest and best. Charles, the king of England, has dissolved parliament principally over this religious dispute, and Henrietta, Charles's queen and the main character of this historical novel, must see her family through to safety. Adding to the religious confusion, 9-year-old daughter Mary is wedded to a Protestant of the French House of Orange, which is not royal.

This book is a remarkable work of history. Simply capturing and employing all of the significant names of the time in England is a monumental task, but also properly incorporating their roles in history and imparting to the reader a true sense of the difficulties that faith unfortunately presented is quite an accomplishment. This is achieved largely through private conversations between principals. The result is a largely personalized glimpse of history during terribly turbulent times.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading this, I felt something about it seemed a little familiar. This is, in fact, the author's second novel in the Henrietta of France trilogy, and I remembered that I had read the first one previously and enjoyed it.

Henrietta Maria was the wife of Charles I, and while I'm not an expert on the history of the British monarchy or the time period, I did find the book very interesting in a historical context. Something I thought about was how the style of writing reminded me of Philippa Gregory, and looking back at my review of the previous book, I said the same thing there too. The writing was elegant and flowed easily, and I enjoyed following the characters on their journey.

Thinking about it now, it would have been nice to revisit the first book before coming to this one. I still connected with the story though. I felt this instalment focused on Henrietta as a wife and mother, and the ins and outs of family life. Either way, it was lovely to read.

[Arshiya Sultana · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 17th-century England, Queen Henriette-Marie navigates royal politics and family life amidst the turmoil of the Three Kingdoms' brink of anarchy. As she strives to save the throne, she earns the title "Generalissima" by raising an army and rejoining her husband, Charles I, while uncovering a traitor within their household.

I liked it! As a person who loves historical fiction and a mix of drama and politics, this book was a feast! Had a delightful time reading it.

Recommended to people who are into historical fiction and royal drama.

Thanks to @booktasters for the e-copy of the book in exchange of an honest review

[Swati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generalissima the Novel of Henrietta Maria by Elena Maria Vidal is honestly such a wild and thrilling read for me. Every chapter drags you straight into the royal drama, full of suspense, politics, and feels. I was actually loving how Vidal described Mary’s wedding, the family’s struggles, and the crazy tension between faiths. The world feels so real . It’s a story of courage, loyalty, and surviving against all odds that sticks with you way after you finish. kinda lenghty but loved it ~

[Nike · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is quite a long read and captivating till the very end. Who stood our for me is Queen Henriette. Her resilience nature and how she was brave even till the very end. She didn't for once think too low of herself and how she looked after her family even from a far distance. If you love history and family, you will definitely enjoy reading this book It's worth reading. I'm kind off surprised about the ending though, I hope it's not really the end.😅

[Haripriya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generalissima: A Novel of Henrietta Maria by Elena Maria Vidal was honestly such an interesting and gripping read. Although this book is way out of my comfort zone I couldn't put it down. Each chapter pulls you right into the intensity of royal life, full of political drama and emotional depth. It’s a long read, but the story stays captivating throughout.


Thanks to Booktasters and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!!

[Blessed Omorodion · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an amazing book. I like the book. I like Charles (I'm referring to the Prince not the king) for his desire to learn and the way he protected his brother during the battle he went with his father. I can tell you that from this book alone I have learnt over 30 new words. It's a book for the inquisitive mind and those who want to develop their vocabulary. Everyone should read this book.