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Ursula Blanchard #13
A Perilous Alliance
Widow Ursula Blanchard is urged to remarry for the sake of Queen and Country in this latest enthralling historical adventure
January, 1576. After three husbands, widow Ursula Blanchard has no desire to marry again. However, she is not in a position to refuse when Sir Francis Walsingham decides she must wed Count Gilbert Renard, the illegitimate son of King Henri II, in order to build a strategic alliance with the French.
When the Count arrives at her country home to pay court, Ursula’s misgivings grow stronger. Then one of her household staff is found dead at the bottom of the stairs. An accident – or something more sinister?
The disturbing chain of events that follows sees Ursula heading on a perilous journey in a race against time to prevent a national catastrophe. En route she will encounter danger, hardship, conspiracy – and murder.
January, 1576. After three husbands, widow Ursula Blanchard has no desire to marry again. However, she is not in a position to refuse when Sir Francis Walsingham decides she must wed Count Gilbert Renard, the illegitimate son of King Henri II, in order to build a strategic alliance with the French.
When the Count arrives at her country home to pay court, Ursula’s misgivings grow stronger. Then one of her household staff is found dead at the bottom of the stairs. An accident – or something more sinister?
The disturbing chain of events that follows sees Ursula heading on a perilous journey in a race against time to prevent a national catastrophe. En route she will encounter danger, hardship, conspiracy – and murder.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2015
14 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Buckley
48 books188 followersValerie Anand is a British author of historical fiction. Under the pen name Fiona Buckley she writes the series of historical mysteries, set in the reign of Elizabeth I of England, featuring "Ursula Blanchard" (whose full name is Ursula Faldene Blanchard de la Roche Stannard). Under her own name she writes historical fiction based on the royalty of England and the Bridges over Time series which follows a family from the eleventh century through the nineteenth century.
Series:
* Ursula Blanchard
Series:
* Ursula Blanchard
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 2, 2015
Ursula Blanchard has been told that her third husband has died and she is quite content as an independent widow traveling between her two homes with her servants and friends in 1576. Elizabeth is Queen and actually Ursula is her half-sister, not in line for the throne but able to serve the Queen in many helpful ways. Now she’s very irritated as she has a bevy of Court visitors, who are telling her that the Queen and Lord Cecil agree that she must marry a French Count, Gilbert Renard, in order to unite the kingdom against Spain and other countries surrounding France. That will guarantee France’s protection should these other countries dare to individually or collectively attack England. Ursula is extremely reluctant to marry Count Renard or anyone else for that matter!
After visiting the Queen, Ursula surrenders and agrees to marry after a scene where Elizabeth talks to Ursula in the most persuasive, albeit rather condescendingly in part, manner and convinces her that this is an act of pivotal importance to the security of England. After the Count arrives, Ursula realizes the manner of man she is to wed after learning of the brutal treatment of his horse on a regular basis.
Then several days follow in which a bunch of servants on both sides are suspected of listening at closed doors, a violation of privacy Ursula considers deplorable. Shockingly, the Count disappears overnight with a friend of Ursula, and the chase is on after a traitorous message is found. The remainder of the story will reveal what is really behind the Count’s visit to England and Ursula proves her indefatigable determination to truly save England from harm.
A Perilous Alliance… is a superb Tudor mystery with well-placed conflict and some secondary problems that only add to the precisely placed tension. Ursula is a fair woman who cannot abide disobedience or treachery. That, rather than faithfulness to the Queen, is what propels her every difficult step of the way until she completes her mission. Highly recommended read for readers of historical mysteries, as well as lovers of thrillers and adventure fiction.
After visiting the Queen, Ursula surrenders and agrees to marry after a scene where Elizabeth talks to Ursula in the most persuasive, albeit rather condescendingly in part, manner and convinces her that this is an act of pivotal importance to the security of England. After the Count arrives, Ursula realizes the manner of man she is to wed after learning of the brutal treatment of his horse on a regular basis.
Then several days follow in which a bunch of servants on both sides are suspected of listening at closed doors, a violation of privacy Ursula considers deplorable. Shockingly, the Count disappears overnight with a friend of Ursula, and the chase is on after a traitorous message is found. The remainder of the story will reveal what is really behind the Count’s visit to England and Ursula proves her indefatigable determination to truly save England from harm.
A Perilous Alliance… is a superb Tudor mystery with well-placed conflict and some secondary problems that only add to the precisely placed tension. Ursula is a fair woman who cannot abide disobedience or treachery. That, rather than faithfulness to the Queen, is what propels her every difficult step of the way until she completes her mission. Highly recommended read for readers of historical mysteries, as well as lovers of thrillers and adventure fiction.
October 2, 2015
Elizabethan intrigue!
Ursula Blanchard, illegitimate half sister to Queen Elizabeth, is once again called upon to serve Queen and country. This time the requirement is to marry for political reasons. Ursula has already buried three husbands and remarriage is not on her horizon--although it seems to be taken for granted by those arounds her, Sir Francis Walsingham being the main proponent. Ursula is already fighting off neighbours with an eye to her lands and possessions, and now the court takes a hand.
The proposed alliance is with Count Gilbert Renard, the illegitimate son of King Henri II.
A big question for Ursula is just how much does she have to keep giving, how many times is her life to be disrupted due to her relationship with the Queen. The dangers of childbirth for women, including Ursula and the Queen are referenced. Other issues include the problem of succession, the place of Catholics under Elizabeth's regime and the reality of courtly marriage being just one more move on the chessboard of national or international relations.
Ursula's reasons for acquiescence are as complex as she is. Her complex relationship with the Queen is the leading one.
It seems that there is a French spy at court and that particular worry invades Ursula's haven, along with all the other matters. One of her servants is murdered, another disappears, and the life of an English spy in France is being threatened.
Intrigue and fast action thread the pages and Ursula's pleasing life is sorely disrupted and threatened from all sides.
As the plot unravels we are treated to insights into at a strong woman, wary of her position, with no illusions about her value to the court, who somehow maintains her understanding, insights and compassion.
A fast paced, very human, historical mystery.
A NetGalley ARC
Ursula Blanchard, illegitimate half sister to Queen Elizabeth, is once again called upon to serve Queen and country. This time the requirement is to marry for political reasons. Ursula has already buried three husbands and remarriage is not on her horizon--although it seems to be taken for granted by those arounds her, Sir Francis Walsingham being the main proponent. Ursula is already fighting off neighbours with an eye to her lands and possessions, and now the court takes a hand.
The proposed alliance is with Count Gilbert Renard, the illegitimate son of King Henri II.
A big question for Ursula is just how much does she have to keep giving, how many times is her life to be disrupted due to her relationship with the Queen. The dangers of childbirth for women, including Ursula and the Queen are referenced. Other issues include the problem of succession, the place of Catholics under Elizabeth's regime and the reality of courtly marriage being just one more move on the chessboard of national or international relations.
Ursula's reasons for acquiescence are as complex as she is. Her complex relationship with the Queen is the leading one.
It seems that there is a French spy at court and that particular worry invades Ursula's haven, along with all the other matters. One of her servants is murdered, another disappears, and the life of an English spy in France is being threatened.
Intrigue and fast action thread the pages and Ursula's pleasing life is sorely disrupted and threatened from all sides.
As the plot unravels we are treated to insights into at a strong woman, wary of her position, with no illusions about her value to the court, who somehow maintains her understanding, insights and compassion.
A fast paced, very human, historical mystery.
A NetGalley ARC
December 26, 2015
2.5 stars. I really just need to call it quits if this series should continue. The plot of this book was one of the more ridiculous things I have ever read.
May 6, 2024
väldigt söt, väldigt lagom för en serie tunnelbaneresor.
July 22, 2015
Excellent read. This book was thoroughly enjoyable. Great mystery with political intrigue. In fact, I enjoyed this book so much that I find it difficult to review because there wasn’t much about it that I didn’t like.
Even though this was the first Ursula Blanchard novel that I have read it was very easy to follow along and figure out who was who. It could easily be read as a stand alone novel. The appearances from real-life historical figures mixed with the created characters made it interesting. There was even a scene with Queen Elizabeth I which I loved.
The execution of the plot was well done and the characters are very well developed. If you like reading historical mysteries as well as the Elizabethan era then I highly recommend you pick this one up. It was a fun and exciting read. I will definitely read the other books in this series.
Please check Word Gurgle for the complete review at www.wordgurgle.blogspot.com
Even though this was the first Ursula Blanchard novel that I have read it was very easy to follow along and figure out who was who. It could easily be read as a stand alone novel. The appearances from real-life historical figures mixed with the created characters made it interesting. There was even a scene with Queen Elizabeth I which I loved.
The execution of the plot was well done and the characters are very well developed. If you like reading historical mysteries as well as the Elizabethan era then I highly recommend you pick this one up. It was a fun and exciting read. I will definitely read the other books in this series.
Please check Word Gurgle for the complete review at www.wordgurgle.blogspot.com
Read
August 1, 2015DNF @ 25%
March 2, 2017
This was a very satisfying read. It's tightly plotted, and Ursula's perceptive as usual--except for one critical mistake. Nice ending.
April 4, 2019
How about Minus ★?
What a terribly insipid story line with the most unlikely & improbable situations.
I abhorred Ursula in this book she showed a complete lack of good judgment throughout the story and all the problems, perils & travails she brought on to herself & unfortunately her staff....
There was very little if any interaction w/ Walsingham, Lord Burghley or Queen Elizabeth, which is what usually makes the series credible.
Queen Elizabeth has asked (commanded) Ursula to marry a Frenchman w/ close ties to the French Court....
While staying w/ Ursula someone in the Count's retinue eavesdrops on Ursula's conversation w/ one of the Queen's men, but she opens the door to catch the person much too late.
When her maid Joan sees one of the Count's men enter Ursula's rooms she becomes suspicious of them and then eavesdrops on the Count, hearing a part of a sinister plan to do away with the Queen's man. When Joan tells Ursula, all hell breaks loose & Ursula flies into an uncharacteristic rage... which everyone in the household hears and causes Joan to be murdered by one of the Count's men....
Even more uncharacteristic to Ursula is the fact that she chooses to believe that Joan fell down the stairs, even though it is pointed out that there are finger bruises on her neck.
Even more unbelievably out of balance for the series, is the Count running away w/ one of the other household women's daughters & Ursula et. al. giving chase, which leads to the Count's death in a duel and everyone in Ursula's retinue being kidnapped by a white slaver & pirate....
So let me just say the book was fantastically unbelievable and inane. I Hated this book!
What a terribly insipid story line with the most unlikely & improbable situations.
I abhorred Ursula in this book she showed a complete lack of good judgment throughout the story and all the problems, perils & travails she brought on to herself & unfortunately her staff....
There was very little if any interaction w/ Walsingham, Lord Burghley or Queen Elizabeth, which is what usually makes the series credible.
Queen Elizabeth has asked (commanded) Ursula to marry a Frenchman w/ close ties to the French Court....
While staying w/ Ursula someone in the Count's retinue eavesdrops on Ursula's conversation w/ one of the Queen's men, but she opens the door to catch the person much too late.
When her maid Joan sees one of the Count's men enter Ursula's rooms she becomes suspicious of them and then eavesdrops on the Count, hearing a part of a sinister plan to do away with the Queen's man. When Joan tells Ursula, all hell breaks loose & Ursula flies into an uncharacteristic rage... which everyone in the household hears and causes Joan to be murdered by one of the Count's men....
Even more uncharacteristic to Ursula is the fact that she chooses to believe that Joan fell down the stairs, even though it is pointed out that there are finger bruises on her neck.
Even more unbelievably out of balance for the series, is the Count running away w/ one of the other household women's daughters & Ursula et. al. giving chase, which leads to the Count's death in a duel and everyone in Ursula's retinue being kidnapped by a white slaver & pirate....
So let me just say the book was fantastically unbelievable and inane. I Hated this book!
November 11, 2020
Ursula hosts another secret agent of the crown Master Spellton in her home. While they are discussing state secrets Ursula is sure someone has been listening at the door. Later her chefs wife is found dead at the bottom of the stairs.
Ursula is then asked by her sister Queen Elizabeth to consent to marry an illegitimate brother of the King of France. Before she can take the plunge her betrothed Count Renard runs off in the night with the daughter of one of her lady companions. Ursula realizes that her chef's wife was killed because she possibly overheard Count Renard who is now known as a spy for France and who is planning to do harm to Master Spellton. Ursula and her crew give chase to get to the count and Ambrosia (her lady companion's daughter). When they catch up to where the count is they find he is dead and Ambrosia has been sent to Scotland. They are given passage on a ship headed to France to try to save Master Spellton only to find they have been taken prisoner. The rest of story is the miraculous escape of Ursula and her team and the wrap up of all of the loose ends!
Ursula is then asked by her sister Queen Elizabeth to consent to marry an illegitimate brother of the King of France. Before she can take the plunge her betrothed Count Renard runs off in the night with the daughter of one of her lady companions. Ursula realizes that her chef's wife was killed because she possibly overheard Count Renard who is now known as a spy for France and who is planning to do harm to Master Spellton. Ursula and her crew give chase to get to the count and Ambrosia (her lady companion's daughter). When they catch up to where the count is they find he is dead and Ambrosia has been sent to Scotland. They are given passage on a ship headed to France to try to save Master Spellton only to find they have been taken prisoner. The rest of story is the miraculous escape of Ursula and her team and the wrap up of all of the loose ends!
October 3, 2017
I don't know how Buckley continues to come up with these plots. This one involves kidnapping and almost being sold into slavery! Brockleys are left home for one adventure, and a new character Christopher ??? is introduced.
April 14, 2020
Meh. Trite derring-do by an alleged half-sister to Queen Elizabeth I. Includes spying for Cecil (not Walsingham), murder, kidnapping, threat of being sold into white slavery by pirates. Not going to dive into this series. (Notes for self.)
June 30, 2017
A bit different from the formula. Good entry in this long series.
June 30, 2017
I wish Fiona Buckley would write a couple of pages of "Historical Perspective" at the end of each book so readers could get a feel for the historical aspects if each book.
June 30, 2020
The characters in this book have depth and complexity, this plot not so much. Did have to wonder at Ursula's wisdom at least twice in the book.
February 1, 2021
Another great read in this series!!
September 20, 2022
The plot in this book was not so great.
Hopefully, the next book will be better.
Hopefully, the next book will be better.
February 27, 2025
PLEASE see my deluise book series you tube channel for the review of this book end of march
March 9, 2025
Loved this! Rarely do female protagonists in historical mysteries go through the high adventures that Ursula Blanchard does. The more I read this series, the more I enjoy it.
November 7, 2015
A Perilous Alliance Fiona Buckley 4 stars
Mistress Ursula Stannard has buried three husbands and now enjoys a peaceful rural life with her young son Harry and her devoted household. However Ursula is not the simple widow she may appear; the illegitimate half-sister of Queen Elizabeth I, she has another role as secret agent to the Queen.
Suddenly her whole comfortable life is threatened; England needs to build an alliance with France against the rising power of Spain, and Elizabeth needs Ursula to marry the French Count Renard and ideally produce a child with royal blood. Ursula most definitely doesn’t want to remarry, and she certainly doesn’t want to move to France, but she has been backed into a corner and is forced to entertain the Count, and expected to accept his proposal.
On the morning of the wedding there is a startling hiatus to the planning and life becomes extremely complicated.
So begins a desperate quest to save the life of an English spy, Christopher Spelton, who Ursula discovers has been betrayed. She must advise the Queen’s spymaster, Francis Walsingham, of the peril to Shelton, and must also set off herself, with her closest retainers to try to avert disaster.
Their journey leads them into a series of adventures, and meetings with diverse families and characters, including the chillingly evil Captain Garnett. Instead of taking Ursula and her party to Calais as agreed, he has altogether different plans for them.
This is an enjoyable book with lots of suspense and a number of denouements coming thick and fast. I must admit I found Ursula an unlikely spy and special agent, but somehow the author does make it work. There are convincing ‘goodies’ and ‘baddies’, romance, adventure, pirates and white-slavers and mutiny which makes for an intriguing and page-turning tale.
After a daring escape, Ursula and her party must report to the Queen and to Walsingham before undertaking a final task and a four hundred mile Journey to Edinburgh.
The ending is, as it must be, predictable with all living happily, if not for ever after, but all in all an enjoyable romp through Elizabethan England.
Pashtpaws
Breakaway Reviewers received an advanced copy of this book
Mistress Ursula Stannard has buried three husbands and now enjoys a peaceful rural life with her young son Harry and her devoted household. However Ursula is not the simple widow she may appear; the illegitimate half-sister of Queen Elizabeth I, she has another role as secret agent to the Queen.
Suddenly her whole comfortable life is threatened; England needs to build an alliance with France against the rising power of Spain, and Elizabeth needs Ursula to marry the French Count Renard and ideally produce a child with royal blood. Ursula most definitely doesn’t want to remarry, and she certainly doesn’t want to move to France, but she has been backed into a corner and is forced to entertain the Count, and expected to accept his proposal.
On the morning of the wedding there is a startling hiatus to the planning and life becomes extremely complicated.
So begins a desperate quest to save the life of an English spy, Christopher Spelton, who Ursula discovers has been betrayed. She must advise the Queen’s spymaster, Francis Walsingham, of the peril to Shelton, and must also set off herself, with her closest retainers to try to avert disaster.
Their journey leads them into a series of adventures, and meetings with diverse families and characters, including the chillingly evil Captain Garnett. Instead of taking Ursula and her party to Calais as agreed, he has altogether different plans for them.
This is an enjoyable book with lots of suspense and a number of denouements coming thick and fast. I must admit I found Ursula an unlikely spy and special agent, but somehow the author does make it work. There are convincing ‘goodies’ and ‘baddies’, romance, adventure, pirates and white-slavers and mutiny which makes for an intriguing and page-turning tale.
After a daring escape, Ursula and her party must report to the Queen and to Walsingham before undertaking a final task and a four hundred mile Journey to Edinburgh.
The ending is, as it must be, predictable with all living happily, if not for ever after, but all in all an enjoyable romp through Elizabethan England.
Pashtpaws
Breakaway Reviewers received an advanced copy of this book
February 18, 2017
When Queen Elizabeth suggests that the widowed Ursula Stannard marry again, Ursula wishes she could refuse. But she is Elizabeth's illegitimate half-sister, and the proposed groom is the illegitimate half-brother of the French king, making the marriage part of a treaty between the two countries. So, against her will, Ursula accepts, never guessing where it will lead. An elopement, a duel, a journey across the seas all occur before Ursula is finally free to return home to her young son. To say more would be to give away portions of the plot. Like many in this series, this book is hard to put down. Recommended.
July 13, 2015
Since I love reading historical mysteries and since I have noticed the name of Fiona Buckley listed so often in reference to this genre, I was interested in sitting down with this book for an enjoyable reading adventure. Set in Tudor England in the year 1576 this should have fit my reading likes as if it were tailored especially for me. Instead my believe-o-meter was twanging away in the background so prominently that I just couldn't truly enjoy the story. The make-up of the character group who went adventuring was too much for me to believe given the date the novel presents. So three stars from me (2 stars on Goodreads) for this book number 13 in the Ursula Blanchard series.
Ursula has been "requested" to marry again (for the fourth time!) for the good of the reign of Elizabeth and England to solidify a secret treaty between England and France against Spain. When the prospective bridegroom arrives on her doorstep she conscientiously tries to get to know this Frenchman with close ties to the French throne but it just isn't happening for her. Regardless, the plans go ahead for the wedding in spite of the death of one of the house servants. An inquest rules accidental death but some at Hawkswood feel differently. When the person they feel might have information regarding the death suddenly leaves in the middle of the night, Ursula and her very unlikely group tear off after them. Let the unlikely adventure begin.
I do understand this novel is fiction, but it isn't supposed to be fantasy. A novel set in a specific time period should present its characters in activities consistent with the times. I didn't feel this novel did that. If you are already a fan of this series, you will probably enjoy this one as much as you have the others.
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley.
Ursula has been "requested" to marry again (for the fourth time!) for the good of the reign of Elizabeth and England to solidify a secret treaty between England and France against Spain. When the prospective bridegroom arrives on her doorstep she conscientiously tries to get to know this Frenchman with close ties to the French throne but it just isn't happening for her. Regardless, the plans go ahead for the wedding in spite of the death of one of the house servants. An inquest rules accidental death but some at Hawkswood feel differently. When the person they feel might have information regarding the death suddenly leaves in the middle of the night, Ursula and her very unlikely group tear off after them. Let the unlikely adventure begin.
I do understand this novel is fiction, but it isn't supposed to be fantasy. A novel set in a specific time period should present its characters in activities consistent with the times. I didn't feel this novel did that. If you are already a fan of this series, you will probably enjoy this one as much as you have the others.
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley.
November 4, 2016
Three times previously married and once a forced lover for the sake of alliances, recently widowed Ursula Blanchard takes a fourth husband in yet another politically arranged marriage. Spain is the enemy of Elizabethian England, and the ill-suited Count Gilbert Renard is brought forth by Sir Francis Walsingham as part of a treaty with France. Without a choice in the matter, Ursula attempts to make the best of a less than favorable situation…until a murder, ruled as accidental, occurs in her own home. From there, she sets out on a perilous journey to find answers, all while the stability of both her position and that of England hangs in the balance.
Fiona Buckley's A Perilous Alliance is a quality mystery, made even more compelling by an eloquently detailed armchair tour of Tudor England, chock-full of beautiful imagery and vivid descriptions. I received an advance review copy, and am rating this on the assumption that its issues with regard to awkward and loquacious sentences will be ironed out for the final product. A great deal of attention has been paid to the painting of her characters and they, along with the landscape, really do come to life. With that being said, this absorbing tale is occasionally let down by farfetched scenarios and inauthentic character interaction that do detract from the story's believability—but not enough to make you want to set the book aside. Buckley is an amazing storyteller, and A Perilous Alliance is a wonderful read with fantastic Tudor detailing, a riveting plot, and a strong, descriptive story line.
I'd like to thank Net Galley and the publisher Severn House, who furnished an ARC of this book for my honest opinion, which this certainly is.
Fiona Buckley's A Perilous Alliance is a quality mystery, made even more compelling by an eloquently detailed armchair tour of Tudor England, chock-full of beautiful imagery and vivid descriptions. I received an advance review copy, and am rating this on the assumption that its issues with regard to awkward and loquacious sentences will be ironed out for the final product. A great deal of attention has been paid to the painting of her characters and they, along with the landscape, really do come to life. With that being said, this absorbing tale is occasionally let down by farfetched scenarios and inauthentic character interaction that do detract from the story's believability—but not enough to make you want to set the book aside. Buckley is an amazing storyteller, and A Perilous Alliance is a wonderful read with fantastic Tudor detailing, a riveting plot, and a strong, descriptive story line.
I'd like to thank Net Galley and the publisher Severn House, who furnished an ARC of this book for my honest opinion, which this certainly is.
March 27, 2016
This is the 13th novel in the Ursula Blanchard series. I would recommend starting with book 1 in order to get a good sense of the characters and their back stories.
I very much enjoy the a typical lifestyle, for the times, that Ursula lives. Ms. Buckley does a wonderful job of keeping within the confines of what the times allowed for a widowed woman. This book deals with Ursula being strongly urged to take another husband for the good of the country. She is offered as an alternative to Queen Elizabeth herself in a political marriage in order to seal a treaty.
This book also has a touch of the absurd in it. The strange situations that Ursula and her companions find themselves in reminds me of a well written Shakespeare play. When you are reading the book it all seems to make sense but as soon as you try to tell someone else or think through everything that happened the the character it starts to sound slightly absurd. I was a bit put off by the repetition of some information in the book; for example Ursula's explanation of her relationship with Brockley.
This is a wonderful book for those readers who enjoy a good historical mystery. You will learn much of what Elizabethan England looked like and issues that people of the time had to deal with. This is also a wonderful series about a strong woman who still is true to the times in which she lived. Very well written and enjoyable.
I very much enjoy the a typical lifestyle, for the times, that Ursula lives. Ms. Buckley does a wonderful job of keeping within the confines of what the times allowed for a widowed woman. This book deals with Ursula being strongly urged to take another husband for the good of the country. She is offered as an alternative to Queen Elizabeth herself in a political marriage in order to seal a treaty.
This book also has a touch of the absurd in it. The strange situations that Ursula and her companions find themselves in reminds me of a well written Shakespeare play. When you are reading the book it all seems to make sense but as soon as you try to tell someone else or think through everything that happened the the character it starts to sound slightly absurd. I was a bit put off by the repetition of some information in the book; for example Ursula's explanation of her relationship with Brockley.
This is a wonderful book for those readers who enjoy a good historical mystery. You will learn much of what Elizabethan England looked like and issues that people of the time had to deal with. This is also a wonderful series about a strong woman who still is true to the times in which she lived. Very well written and enjoyable.
August 11, 2015
Very different from what I'm used to reading. I wanted to try out something new in Women's Fiction because I always read YA (I can never be too old for YA) and decided to try out a Women's Fiction, with Literature and Adult content in it, and it was not my cup of tea.
A Perilous Aliance starts off with a Widow named Ursula who is urged to remarry for the sake of being Queen and her country.
Date: It is January of 1576. After three husbands, widow Ursula has no desire to marry again, she cannot afford to feel no love in her relationships. However, she is not in a position to refuse when Sir Francis Walsingham decides she must wed Count Gilbert Renard, the illegitimate son of King Henri II, in order to build a strategic alliance with the French.
When the Count arrives at her country home to pay court, Ursula’s misgivings grow stronger. Then one of her household staff is found dead at the bottom of the stairs. An accident – or something more sinister?
The disturbing chain of events that follows sees Ursula heading on a perilous journey in a race against time to prevent a national catastrophe. En route she will encounter danger, hardship, conspiracy and a possible murder.
So while she is dealing with wedding plans, she has to solve a murder case before she is next...
A Perilous Aliance starts off with a Widow named Ursula who is urged to remarry for the sake of being Queen and her country.
Date: It is January of 1576. After three husbands, widow Ursula has no desire to marry again, she cannot afford to feel no love in her relationships. However, she is not in a position to refuse when Sir Francis Walsingham decides she must wed Count Gilbert Renard, the illegitimate son of King Henri II, in order to build a strategic alliance with the French.
When the Count arrives at her country home to pay court, Ursula’s misgivings grow stronger. Then one of her household staff is found dead at the bottom of the stairs. An accident – or something more sinister?
The disturbing chain of events that follows sees Ursula heading on a perilous journey in a race against time to prevent a national catastrophe. En route she will encounter danger, hardship, conspiracy and a possible murder.
So while she is dealing with wedding plans, she has to solve a murder case before she is next...
November 17, 2019
This 13th installment of Fiona Buckley’s Ursula Blanchard Tudor mystery series has a plot that should be interesting.
Ursula is asked by her half-sister Queen Elizabeth I to marry a French count to cement diplomatic relations between France and England, although widowed Ursula has no wish to marry again after three husbands. She reluctantly agrees, but then the suspicious death of one of her servants and the disappearance of the count with one of her houseguests leads her and her loyal cohorts into another adventure. There’s even an abduction and escape from a band of Algerian pirates.
So the plot should be action-packed enough to be likeable, right? And I guess I did like it – just not as much as the earlier books of this series. The writing seems wooden, as if Buckley is just dialing it in until she gets to a more interesting point of Tudor history.
I guess I’ll keep reading this series because I’ve come this far already. I’m also curious to see how Buckley handles upcoming crises such as the Babington Plot (which finally leads to Mary Queen of Scots’ execution) and the Spanish Armada.
I just hope that these exciting events are enough to make Buckley regain the spark in her writing that made me fall in love with this series in the beginning.
Ursula is asked by her half-sister Queen Elizabeth I to marry a French count to cement diplomatic relations between France and England, although widowed Ursula has no wish to marry again after three husbands. She reluctantly agrees, but then the suspicious death of one of her servants and the disappearance of the count with one of her houseguests leads her and her loyal cohorts into another adventure. There’s even an abduction and escape from a band of Algerian pirates.
So the plot should be action-packed enough to be likeable, right? And I guess I did like it – just not as much as the earlier books of this series. The writing seems wooden, as if Buckley is just dialing it in until she gets to a more interesting point of Tudor history.
I guess I’ll keep reading this series because I’ve come this far already. I’m also curious to see how Buckley handles upcoming crises such as the Babington Plot (which finally leads to Mary Queen of Scots’ execution) and the Spanish Armada.
I just hope that these exciting events are enough to make Buckley regain the spark in her writing that made me fall in love with this series in the beginning.
February 12, 2017
I'm not a big fan of this series but have committed to finishing it. The story line in this book was hard to believe, especially the "kidnapping story line".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2016
OK, but not my favorite from this series. Ursula has a lot more pep and determination at the beginning of the series that I feel has been missing from the last two or three entries. Also, she somehow seems to be getting more naive and needy as the series goes on - which is irritating given that she's the main character in an Elizabethan murder/spy series. I understand if the author wants to show nuance to her character, but I think it's misplaced and overdone in this installment (and the last two prior books as well.) I also think it's time for Mr. Brockley to hit the road - that sub-plot is my least favorite thing about the series as a whole!
I still like the idea of the books and I'll read #14 when it comes out, but I think my expectations are going to be a bit lower.
If you like the sound of the blurb, and you haven't already read the series, go back and start at the beginning (honestly, I'd recommend that anyways, just to help you keep track of all the characters!)
I still like the idea of the books and I'll read #14 when it comes out, but I think my expectations are going to be a bit lower.
If you like the sound of the blurb, and you haven't already read the series, go back and start at the beginning (honestly, I'd recommend that anyways, just to help you keep track of all the characters!)
August 22, 2015
Ursula (Blanchard) Stannard has often conducted espionage for Queen Elizabeth and discovered that she, too, was a daughter of Henry VIII. Thus, being a sister to the Queen, she also becomes a pawn. Now her sister wants her to wed yet again, this time to a French Count who is under similar familial circumstances. But, once again, Ursula finds herself in a mystery and perilous happenings. Her betrothed runs off with another woman and she sets out in pursuit along with her companions. Will they find those they search for?
Murder, espionage and pirates! All the makings of another excellent mystery in this series. I have loved each and every installment in this series. I cannot recommend this series highly enough and I can't wait for the next one!
Murder, espionage and pirates! All the makings of another excellent mystery in this series. I have loved each and every installment in this series. I cannot recommend this series highly enough and I can't wait for the next one!
November 2, 2015
A wonderful addition to this captivating mystery series
Although I haven't listed all books in this series, I have read and enjoyed them all. This is one of the best in my opinion. In the ranks of brave female characters, undaunted by societal expectations of what's proper behavior for ladies, and prone to follow her own ideas and common sense in a world where most people are scandalized by women doing anything other than play the lute or embroider a new cap, Ursula Stannard could run with the best of them. I'd like to imagine her having a tea party with Miss Marple, Nancy Drew and Anne of Green Gables, for starters. I truly hope there will be future Ursula Stannard adventures to read, but if not I might just start at the beginning and read them all over again!
Although I haven't listed all books in this series, I have read and enjoyed them all. This is one of the best in my opinion. In the ranks of brave female characters, undaunted by societal expectations of what's proper behavior for ladies, and prone to follow her own ideas and common sense in a world where most people are scandalized by women doing anything other than play the lute or embroider a new cap, Ursula Stannard could run with the best of them. I'd like to imagine her having a tea party with Miss Marple, Nancy Drew and Anne of Green Gables, for starters. I truly hope there will be future Ursula Stannard adventures to read, but if not I might just start at the beginning and read them all over again!
September 5, 2015
I enjoyed this historical mystery about a Tudor widow Ursula Blanchard who is determined not to marry again but is put in the position of being unable to refuse an alliance with a French nobleman.
Queen Elizabeth is well portrayed and we meet many other convincing characters. I like the horse detail, with high-stepping fashionable trotters starting to replace traditional amblers. There is international intrigue, murder, piracy on the high seas and a chase cross the countryside. Great fun and steeped in period atmosphere, while easier to read than some historical fictions.
Queen Elizabeth is well portrayed and we meet many other convincing characters. I like the horse detail, with high-stepping fashionable trotters starting to replace traditional amblers. There is international intrigue, murder, piracy on the high seas and a chase cross the countryside. Great fun and steeped in period atmosphere, while easier to read than some historical fictions.
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