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Arbel: Majesty and Sorrow
It is 1575, and these are uncertain times for the English Monarchy.
Queen Elizabeth grows older without an heir, religious division continues to fuel conspiracy and bloodshed, and the question of who will inherit the English throne hangs over the kingdom.
In a great house at Hackney, a child is born whose bloodline will shape her tragic destiny. Lady Arbella Stuart is a direct descendant of Henry VII, placing her among the strongest claimants to the English crown. From her earliest years, she is watched, judged and manipulated by those who see her not as a woman, but as a political prize. Denied the freedom to choose her own future, even the love she longs for becomes a commodity to be bargained in the ruthless game of royal succession. As ambition, fear and intrigue close around her, Arbella finds herself trapped by a claim she never sought.
Her extraordinary story is told through the eyes of her lifelong companion and guardian, Meggie, whose devotion carries her from humble beginnings into the intimate circle of Arbella's mother, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Stuart, Countess of Lennox, and the formidable Bess of Hardwick.
Richly researched and vividly imagined, this is a compelling portrait of one of England's most overlooked royal women, set against the splendour, danger and intrigue of the Tudor and early Stuart courts.
Queen Elizabeth grows older without an heir, religious division continues to fuel conspiracy and bloodshed, and the question of who will inherit the English throne hangs over the kingdom.
In a great house at Hackney, a child is born whose bloodline will shape her tragic destiny. Lady Arbella Stuart is a direct descendant of Henry VII, placing her among the strongest claimants to the English crown. From her earliest years, she is watched, judged and manipulated by those who see her not as a woman, but as a political prize. Denied the freedom to choose her own future, even the love she longs for becomes a commodity to be bargained in the ruthless game of royal succession. As ambition, fear and intrigue close around her, Arbella finds herself trapped by a claim she never sought.
Her extraordinary story is told through the eyes of her lifelong companion and guardian, Meggie, whose devotion carries her from humble beginnings into the intimate circle of Arbella's mother, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Stuart, Countess of Lennox, and the formidable Bess of Hardwick.
Richly researched and vividly imagined, this is a compelling portrait of one of England's most overlooked royal women, set against the splendour, danger and intrigue of the Tudor and early Stuart courts.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2026
About the author
Jan Lloyd
5 books6 followersForty years ago I wrote a novel and put it in a wardrobe. My daughter found it. I published it at seventy-three.
That book became the War Torn trilogy WWII historical fiction following a violinist and the enemy commander whose path crosses hers. My fourth novel, Fragments of Time, is a time-slip love story set between 1914 and 1964.
I am a retired maths and science teacher from Mid Wales. I write about love under impossible circumstances, which is perhaps what all the best stories are about.
That book became the War Torn trilogy WWII historical fiction following a violinist and the enemy commander whose path crosses hers. My fourth novel, Fragments of Time, is a time-slip love story set between 1914 and 1964.
I am a retired maths and science teacher from Mid Wales. I write about love under impossible circumstances, which is perhaps what all the best stories are about.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this. It’s beautifully written, incredibly compelling and you can tell just how much research has gone into bringing this period of history to life. I particularly loved the everyday details of Elizabethan and Jacobean life, as well as the dialogue and the way the changing political landscape was woven into the story.
I really loved Meggie as the narrator. Everything is seen through her eyes, which gives us such an interesting perspective on Arabella and her mother, Elizabeth. Meggie comes from a much more ordinary background, so watching her become part of this world of wealth, privilege and politics was fascinating. I also loved her relationships with Elizabeth, Arabella, her husband and her family. She was such a compelling character, and I thought using her as the person through which we experience Arabella’s life was a brilliant choice.
My only real issue was the title. Arabella isn’t actually born until halfway through the book, and although the second half focuses much more on her, we’re still experiencing everything through Meggie’s eyes. A lot of Arabella’s story is told through correspondence and conversations rather than Meggie being there herself. Because of that, I do think the title and synopsis are slightly misleading. I went into this expecting a book entirely centred around Arabella, when it’s really just as much about Meggie and her life.
Personally, I think Dearest Meggie would have been a brilliant title because of the correspondence between Meggie, Elizabeth and Arabella, and because everything in the story is ultimately seen through Meggie’s eyes. I also think Arabella, the Queen That Never Was would work really well. It keeps Arabella front and centre while giving the reader a better idea of her significance and her position in relation to the crown.
That said, I really enjoyed Arabella’s story and I’m so glad this book introduced me to her. I knew her name, but I hadn’t realised just how close she was to the crown. I also really appreciate historical fiction that brings overlooked women back into the spotlight. And yes, the ending did make me shed a couple of tears.
A really fascinating, beautifully written and well-researched historical novel. My main criticism is simply that I think the original title gives you the wrong idea of what this book actually is.
Thank you NetGalley for this copy.
I really loved Meggie as the narrator. Everything is seen through her eyes, which gives us such an interesting perspective on Arabella and her mother, Elizabeth. Meggie comes from a much more ordinary background, so watching her become part of this world of wealth, privilege and politics was fascinating. I also loved her relationships with Elizabeth, Arabella, her husband and her family. She was such a compelling character, and I thought using her as the person through which we experience Arabella’s life was a brilliant choice.
My only real issue was the title. Arabella isn’t actually born until halfway through the book, and although the second half focuses much more on her, we’re still experiencing everything through Meggie’s eyes. A lot of Arabella’s story is told through correspondence and conversations rather than Meggie being there herself. Because of that, I do think the title and synopsis are slightly misleading. I went into this expecting a book entirely centred around Arabella, when it’s really just as much about Meggie and her life.
Personally, I think Dearest Meggie would have been a brilliant title because of the correspondence between Meggie, Elizabeth and Arabella, and because everything in the story is ultimately seen through Meggie’s eyes. I also think Arabella, the Queen That Never Was would work really well. It keeps Arabella front and centre while giving the reader a better idea of her significance and her position in relation to the crown.
That said, I really enjoyed Arabella’s story and I’m so glad this book introduced me to her. I knew her name, but I hadn’t realised just how close she was to the crown. I also really appreciate historical fiction that brings overlooked women back into the spotlight. And yes, the ending did make me shed a couple of tears.
A really fascinating, beautifully written and well-researched historical novel. My main criticism is simply that I think the original title gives you the wrong idea of what this book actually is.
Thank you NetGalley for this copy.
Review of advance copy
Arbel is an interesting dive into a woman who could have been Queen of England. The story mixes the facts with engaging story telling and holds your attention through out. Its well paced, and really draws you into the story and other characters along the way.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This novel is fascinating on a historical point of view and reflects what is known about Arbel rather well. Arbel definitely did not have a happy life despite her intelligence, beauty and social status. Actually because of her social status, she was doomed to be a pawn within the court. Either with Queen Elizabeth I, nor with King James I, could she achieve whatever she might have wanted.
The novel is very pleasant to read, one gets a good feeling about how Arbel might have been. However, the writing is all about telling rather than showing giving the novel a light touch as opposed to depth in characters. Still, it is well worth reading!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
The novel is very pleasant to read, one gets a good feeling about how Arbel might have been. However, the writing is all about telling rather than showing giving the novel a light touch as opposed to depth in characters. Still, it is well worth reading!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
October 13, 2026
Arbel: Majesty and Sorrow by Jan Lloyd sounds like a fascinating read for anyone who loves historical fiction, especially stories filled with royal intrigue, personal sacrifice, and the struggles of women in history. What I find most compelling is Arbella Stuart’s difficult position as a woman whose royal bloodline makes her valuable to others while limiting her freedom to live life on her own terms. The Tudor and early Stuart setting adds so much depth, with its political tension, religious divisions, and dangerous ambitions. I also love the idea of experiencing Arbella’s journey through the eyes of her devoted companion, Meggie, which promises a more personal and emotional perspective. This looks like the kind of historical novel that stays with you long after you finish reading, reminding you of the human stories hidden behind royal titles and historical events.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews