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Against All Expectations #1
A Constant Heart
What Is the Cost of Love and Beauty?
Marget Barnardsen has always been fortunate. She was born with the face of an angel. Her father is a knight, and a small fortune has been lavished upon her. And now she is to be married to an earl. Her security is fixed, her destiny guaranteed. At least, she hopes.
The Earl of Lytham has already been married once. But the beautiful woman only left him with a broken heart and the bitter taste of betrayal. Now, his only demand of Marget is that she help him win favor with the Queen.
But when Marget's introduction to court is met with the jealous queen's wrath, the young bride fears she's lost her husband forever. Desperate to honor him, she'll risk everything by doing whatever it takes to recapture the heart of a man bound to the Queen in a world where love is the only forbidden luxury.
Marget Barnardsen has always been fortunate. She was born with the face of an angel. Her father is a knight, and a small fortune has been lavished upon her. And now she is to be married to an earl. Her security is fixed, her destiny guaranteed. At least, she hopes.
The Earl of Lytham has already been married once. But the beautiful woman only left him with a broken heart and the bitter taste of betrayal. Now, his only demand of Marget is that she help him win favor with the Queen.
But when Marget's introduction to court is met with the jealous queen's wrath, the young bride fears she's lost her husband forever. Desperate to honor him, she'll risk everything by doing whatever it takes to recapture the heart of a man bound to the Queen in a world where love is the only forbidden luxury.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2008
77 people are currently reading
2981 people want to read
About the author
Siri Mitchell
17 books751 followersalso published under the name Siri L. Mitchell & Iris Anthony
Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.
But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a speaker and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.
Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.
Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.
But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a speaker and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.
Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
October 7, 2015
For once I wish I'd paid more heed to the reviewers who clearly pointed out that this book is great if you're looking for a historical account of court life in the Elizabethan era, but pretty much sucks if you're looking for a good romance full of court intrigue and mysteries. Because here's the thing; I am one of those crazy historical freaks who enjoys reading textbooks for fun, and who isn't bothered by lavish period details and endless descriptions of the ways and manners of the time. But, when I'm expecting a romance, I'm hoping for all that historicalness to be woven through the story and complement the plot, not the other way around. Hence why I wish I'd taken some of the reviews I read prior to starting more seriously, and not expect much of a plot, let alone a good romance.
But the marriage of convenience plot is one of my favourite tropes in historical romance, so I was excited to see how it would all turn out nonetheless, and I must give credit where it's due and say honestly that the first half of this book was simply excellent. It was engrossing, detailed, fascinating, and kept me turning the pages until late into the night. The romance was actually very good at first, and I was really enjoying following its progress. And it could have gone on being amazing had the author not chosen to solve the romance half-way through only to leave the rest to repetitive descriptions of court life and court duties.
I got sick and tired of hearing about the Queen, the Queen, the Queen. The characters' every thought was centered on the Queen. The husband must please the Queen in any way he can in order to gain favour, and the wife must also please the Queen in order to help her husband being noticed. In short, all their actions and thoughts should have the Queen as their unique center. Now, I recognize that A Constant Heart is a good portrait of court life, and although I haven't read that much about that era, it is evident that is was well-researched and probably entirely accurate. My problem was not exactly about how the characters acted and chose to live their lives (although mind you, it is certainly not the kind of lifestyle I'd wish to live myself), as I actually found it fascinating to read all about that aspect of Queen Elizabeth I's court, but it was the insane amount of court life repetitions and redundant routine, which constituted all the plot, that became tiring.
It would have been better had this book actually been a textbook and not a novel. We would have learned the same things, but in a more concise much less repetitive manner, without having to look for a non-existent plot. And if it had been a textbook, we'd have had tons of gorgeous photos.
Thank goodness ruffs are out of style. Could you imagine going about your daily life with that thing?! "What did I just hit? Was that a pole or a human? Can't see, my ruff is blocking the view!"
Ah, anyways! A very good book if you're looking to read about the life of courtiers in the 16th century, but mind, the beginning may be very good and exciting, but don't get your hopes up, A Constant Heart is definitely a "history" book, not a romance novel. And don't be alarmed by the Christian label, it barely classifies as Inspirational fiction at all, for all the two or three mentions of God there were.
Buddy read with Maria :)
But the marriage of convenience plot is one of my favourite tropes in historical romance, so I was excited to see how it would all turn out nonetheless, and I must give credit where it's due and say honestly that the first half of this book was simply excellent. It was engrossing, detailed, fascinating, and kept me turning the pages until late into the night. The romance was actually very good at first, and I was really enjoying following its progress. And it could have gone on being amazing had the author not chosen to solve the romance half-way through only to leave the rest to repetitive descriptions of court life and court duties.
I got sick and tired of hearing about the Queen, the Queen, the Queen. The characters' every thought was centered on the Queen. The husband must please the Queen in any way he can in order to gain favour, and the wife must also please the Queen in order to help her husband being noticed. In short, all their actions and thoughts should have the Queen as their unique center. Now, I recognize that A Constant Heart is a good portrait of court life, and although I haven't read that much about that era, it is evident that is was well-researched and probably entirely accurate. My problem was not exactly about how the characters acted and chose to live their lives (although mind you, it is certainly not the kind of lifestyle I'd wish to live myself), as I actually found it fascinating to read all about that aspect of Queen Elizabeth I's court, but it was the insane amount of court life repetitions and redundant routine, which constituted all the plot, that became tiring.
It would have been better had this book actually been a textbook and not a novel. We would have learned the same things, but in a more concise much less repetitive manner, without having to look for a non-existent plot. And if it had been a textbook, we'd have had tons of gorgeous photos.
Thank goodness ruffs are out of style. Could you imagine going about your daily life with that thing?! "What did I just hit? Was that a pole or a human? Can't see, my ruff is blocking the view!"
Ah, anyways! A very good book if you're looking to read about the life of courtiers in the 16th century, but mind, the beginning may be very good and exciting, but don't get your hopes up, A Constant Heart is definitely a "history" book, not a romance novel. And don't be alarmed by the Christian label, it barely classifies as Inspirational fiction at all, for all the two or three mentions of God there were.
Buddy read with Maria :)
September 8, 2020
Blog Post Review Updated in honor of one day freebie: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
I give this book three out of five stars, but in a split manner. If I were to rate the book solely upon my enjoyment and escape into it's historical aspects, it would be two stars; yet if I were to rate this book on the detail and descriptions of this historical journey at hand it would four stars. Thus, I settle at three. Starting out reading this book, I was quite distraught and not at all drawn in. The cover is gorgeous and the summary sounds interesting, but in the reading I was just not there. I searched the internet for some reviews to find what others might have thought and was shocked to find all but poor reviews, minus one that only praised the author and said nothing about the book.
It is my understanding that this is the first historical from this author and although I hear her chick-lit is to die for her historical is lacking. That is not all together necessarily a full fact. The entire novel is full to the brim of historical details and facts that are painted in an array of images that could show any reader what the years of the mid-sixteenth century would appear to be. The descriptions of the clothes, the places, the people all are fascinating and plenty enough true to fact. I would highly suggest this book as a supplemental reading to be added to someone studying the Elizabethan age and wanting to find a further glance in the era.
Where I do not find my joy is in the personalities and partially the writing. The story is two from two different characters' POV and switches back and forth quite drastically without any warning and sometimes it is difficult to interpret who speaks. Other than that it is the personalities of the characters that are quite drab. I kept thinking to myself of the grey skies of London, and that is quite how I felt about this story. The idea is good and could be a fabulous book if made longer with more depth to the persons involved. But reading this story was quite painful. There was no joy only sadness and I felt it with every turn of the page. I could not interpret or assume how things would turn out and in that way they were quite a mystery. Yet in the context of day by day happens I felt quite like screaming at the insolence and blindness by how these characters lived.
Some have said that this was a very thinly veiled attempt at criticizing and lecturing people of today's society with beauty attempts, and although I can see that opinion in a manner, I would not call this a poor attempt. The story can relate and does bring to light some great value on the harsh truths that are known of women living in such a stage devoted to such a cause that is beyond their owns well-being. Yet it does it in an elegant and educational manner.
With all that said. I would not suggest this book as a light heart-ed Christian Historical Fiction to escape into the lives of those in a courtier of Elizabeth I. It is just not quite in that category. By most standards it is not a Christian Fiction as God is not mentioned in much reverence or detail nor is his role at all hinted to more than any secular novel. However, as a book for historical and educational value, I could easily suggest and see this being read and used for vast discussions and open minds and curiosity to know more about British history. So as confusing as this must sound, it solely depends upon why you wish to read this story as to whether or not you would enjoy it. That is up to you.
I give this book three out of five stars, but in a split manner. If I were to rate the book solely upon my enjoyment and escape into it's historical aspects, it would be two stars; yet if I were to rate this book on the detail and descriptions of this historical journey at hand it would four stars. Thus, I settle at three. Starting out reading this book, I was quite distraught and not at all drawn in. The cover is gorgeous and the summary sounds interesting, but in the reading I was just not there. I searched the internet for some reviews to find what others might have thought and was shocked to find all but poor reviews, minus one that only praised the author and said nothing about the book.
It is my understanding that this is the first historical from this author and although I hear her chick-lit is to die for her historical is lacking. That is not all together necessarily a full fact. The entire novel is full to the brim of historical details and facts that are painted in an array of images that could show any reader what the years of the mid-sixteenth century would appear to be. The descriptions of the clothes, the places, the people all are fascinating and plenty enough true to fact. I would highly suggest this book as a supplemental reading to be added to someone studying the Elizabethan age and wanting to find a further glance in the era.
Where I do not find my joy is in the personalities and partially the writing. The story is two from two different characters' POV and switches back and forth quite drastically without any warning and sometimes it is difficult to interpret who speaks. Other than that it is the personalities of the characters that are quite drab. I kept thinking to myself of the grey skies of London, and that is quite how I felt about this story. The idea is good and could be a fabulous book if made longer with more depth to the persons involved. But reading this story was quite painful. There was no joy only sadness and I felt it with every turn of the page. I could not interpret or assume how things would turn out and in that way they were quite a mystery. Yet in the context of day by day happens I felt quite like screaming at the insolence and blindness by how these characters lived.
Some have said that this was a very thinly veiled attempt at criticizing and lecturing people of today's society with beauty attempts, and although I can see that opinion in a manner, I would not call this a poor attempt. The story can relate and does bring to light some great value on the harsh truths that are known of women living in such a stage devoted to such a cause that is beyond their owns well-being. Yet it does it in an elegant and educational manner.
With all that said. I would not suggest this book as a light heart-ed Christian Historical Fiction to escape into the lives of those in a courtier of Elizabeth I. It is just not quite in that category. By most standards it is not a Christian Fiction as God is not mentioned in much reverence or detail nor is his role at all hinted to more than any secular novel. However, as a book for historical and educational value, I could easily suggest and see this being read and used for vast discussions and open minds and curiosity to know more about British history. So as confusing as this must sound, it solely depends upon why you wish to read this story as to whether or not you would enjoy it. That is up to you.
February 23, 2010
I love a pure and endearing love story. And call me strange, but I love a love story where two people are thrust into a marriage they don’t want and falling in love despite that fact.
I was skeptical about A Constant Heart when I started it. I wasn’t sure if the premise could hold up a 380 page book. Love and beauty being a curse? Would it drag? I am so thrilled to say, I was blown away! This novel evoked so many different emotions in me. Fear, love, anger, sympathy. I learned so much about 16th century English royalty and the dynamics that played so strongly in those people’s lives-none of them good! Love was a forbidden emotion, one that could mean the difference between keeping and losing one’s head. About half way through the book I wasn’t sure what the ending was going to bring and it took all my strength not to peek! What was going to happen to the characters and would the ending be satisfactory? It made for a past paced, high emotional impact story.
While certainly not a story filled with action and mystery, it is a sweet love story that must conquer impossible odds. I think that is why I loved this novel so much. Two people that must decide between pleasing everyone around them or finding the love they long for in each other. A beautiful story that intrigued me from beginning to end. Siri Mitchell has found a new fan!
I was skeptical about A Constant Heart when I started it. I wasn’t sure if the premise could hold up a 380 page book. Love and beauty being a curse? Would it drag? I am so thrilled to say, I was blown away! This novel evoked so many different emotions in me. Fear, love, anger, sympathy. I learned so much about 16th century English royalty and the dynamics that played so strongly in those people’s lives-none of them good! Love was a forbidden emotion, one that could mean the difference between keeping and losing one’s head. About half way through the book I wasn’t sure what the ending was going to bring and it took all my strength not to peek! What was going to happen to the characters and would the ending be satisfactory? It made for a past paced, high emotional impact story.
While certainly not a story filled with action and mystery, it is a sweet love story that must conquer impossible odds. I think that is why I loved this novel so much. Two people that must decide between pleasing everyone around them or finding the love they long for in each other. A beautiful story that intrigued me from beginning to end. Siri Mitchell has found a new fan!
April 1, 2017
This book went around in circles. Lytham and Marget blamed each other for their own issues, then reassured each other of their love, then acted out in jealous anger, then reassured each other of their love, then didn't listen to each other's opinions about the Queen, then reassured each other of their love...and on and on. I was very frustrated with the two main characters throughout the majority of the book. It was only made worse by the constant switching between point of view (after every paragraph or two), and this also made it fairly confusing.
However, I loved the historical detail and it was interesting to read about life as a courtier in the Elizabethan era. In addition, I found that the theme of not conforming to society's standards was emphasized on in a pretty powerful way, through the painting of noblewomen's faces. In order to be accepted in court they had to paint their faces to be as pale as possible, like the Queen, but their beauty methods only led to severe health problems and (ironically) aging and greying of the skin.
This is not a light read (I actually felt pretty sad after reading this because it was just one heartbreak after the other for Marget and Lytham), and I had to push through to finish this. The historical detail was the best part for me.
However, I loved the historical detail and it was interesting to read about life as a courtier in the Elizabethan era. In addition, I found that the theme of not conforming to society's standards was emphasized on in a pretty powerful way, through the painting of noblewomen's faces. In order to be accepted in court they had to paint their faces to be as pale as possible, like the Queen, but their beauty methods only led to severe health problems and (ironically) aging and greying of the skin.
This is not a light read (I actually felt pretty sad after reading this because it was just one heartbreak after the other for Marget and Lytham), and I had to push through to finish this. The historical detail was the best part for me.
February 9, 2021
What an eye-opening, beautiful, Elizabethan age story. I was swept into this book, feeling the depth of the words from the beginning and the progress of Margot and Lytham's life was something to behold. It is sweet and bitter and the ending is greatly satisfying. Definitely a book that "wowed" me many times, and it's yet another story by this author I can put on my favorite list.
October 12, 2015
Lord Lytham has no wish to marry again. Because of his first wife’s behaviour, he does not trust women anymore. But he needs a wife. Or better, he needs a wife’s dowry to regain his family’s home, and a wife’s help to win the Queen’s favour. So when a merchant offers him his daughter, Marget, the Earl thinks he can easily achieve his purposes by marrying the girl. But he has not considered Marget’s beauty...
How would you describe a book that you loved in the beginning and almost hated in the end? I was not able to find a specific word or definition to describe this book. I only know that I liked a lot the first half (I found that it was extremely engaging and could not put it down), and that I disliked the second half (it was boring, uneventful and I thought more than once that probably it was not worth finishing).
At first I was sure I had found a great book, one of those that you keep in your heart forever. It had all the elements I love about books. Suspense, mystery, a marriage of convenience that slowly turns into a marriage of love, interesting characters and a stunning setting (Queen Elizabeth I era in this case). I did not like the hero in the first chapters because he acted like a silly man, despising the heroine because she reminded him of his first wife. But I was starting to understand his behaviour and actually I was about to really like him, when all of a sudden the story changed for the worse! Meaning that it started to be repetitive and quite boring (Lytham was literally obsessed with the Queen and he basically mentioned her every single page! I cannot believe how Marget put up with him!).
I appreciated all the details that the author added to the story, because it gave me the chance to learn many things I did not know about the life at court in the late 1500s. And I liked to see what was like to be a courtier during that time period (though there were some things I really could not stand. Like the fact that a courtier could not show his love for his wife at court because he had to love Her Majesty only). But even that part became quite annoying and tedious in the second part of the book. It was always the Queen, the Queen, and the Queen! How to please her, how to gain her favour. And I hated that Lytham often forgot that he had a wife. Sometimes he left her alone for months! Even when she most needed him.
The love between Lytham and Marget had all the traits of a great one, if one does not think about all the misunderstandings and bad decisions they both makes throughout the whole book. But there were some parts that made me wonder if that was the right term to define their relationship. Is it true love when your husband prefers to spend his nights at court while you are all alone in a cold house somewhere in England? Is it true love when a wife has to sacrifice herself for her husband’s success? I know that things worked differently in the sixteenth century, but there were too many aspects of that kind of life that bothered me. Especially because the protagonists did not do anything to change some things, or at least to prove each other their love. They only did it after a hundred of misunderstandings, and after a while I was tired of reading about that.
Despite my negative comments, I do not think it would be fair to give this book a very low rating because as I said, the first half was great and there were some moments I truly liked. But at the same time, I cannot give it a high rating because I was very disappointed with the rest of the story. And the ending did not add anything special to make me change my mind, sadly.
I would recommend it to Historical Fiction readers, especially those who like reading about Queen Elizabeth I’s reign.
Buddy read with Anne :)
How would you describe a book that you loved in the beginning and almost hated in the end? I was not able to find a specific word or definition to describe this book. I only know that I liked a lot the first half (I found that it was extremely engaging and could not put it down), and that I disliked the second half (it was boring, uneventful and I thought more than once that probably it was not worth finishing).
At first I was sure I had found a great book, one of those that you keep in your heart forever. It had all the elements I love about books. Suspense, mystery, a marriage of convenience that slowly turns into a marriage of love, interesting characters and a stunning setting (Queen Elizabeth I era in this case). I did not like the hero in the first chapters because he acted like a silly man, despising the heroine because she reminded him of his first wife. But I was starting to understand his behaviour and actually I was about to really like him, when all of a sudden the story changed for the worse! Meaning that it started to be repetitive and quite boring (Lytham was literally obsessed with the Queen and he basically mentioned her every single page! I cannot believe how Marget put up with him!).
I appreciated all the details that the author added to the story, because it gave me the chance to learn many things I did not know about the life at court in the late 1500s. And I liked to see what was like to be a courtier during that time period (though there were some things I really could not stand. Like the fact that a courtier could not show his love for his wife at court because he had to love Her Majesty only). But even that part became quite annoying and tedious in the second part of the book. It was always the Queen, the Queen, and the Queen! How to please her, how to gain her favour. And I hated that Lytham often forgot that he had a wife. Sometimes he left her alone for months! Even when she most needed him.
The love between Lytham and Marget had all the traits of a great one, if one does not think about all the misunderstandings and bad decisions they both makes throughout the whole book. But there were some parts that made me wonder if that was the right term to define their relationship. Is it true love when your husband prefers to spend his nights at court while you are all alone in a cold house somewhere in England? Is it true love when a wife has to sacrifice herself for her husband’s success? I know that things worked differently in the sixteenth century, but there were too many aspects of that kind of life that bothered me. Especially because the protagonists did not do anything to change some things, or at least to prove each other their love. They only did it after a hundred of misunderstandings, and after a while I was tired of reading about that.
Despite my negative comments, I do not think it would be fair to give this book a very low rating because as I said, the first half was great and there were some moments I truly liked. But at the same time, I cannot give it a high rating because I was very disappointed with the rest of the story. And the ending did not add anything special to make me change my mind, sadly.
I would recommend it to Historical Fiction readers, especially those who like reading about Queen Elizabeth I’s reign.
Buddy read with Anne :)
May 19, 2018
Marget is pretty.
Lytham wasn't prepared for that. He married her for her dowry--to save the estate in which he was born. But she wasn't supposed to be pretty. For Lytham, pretty means inconstant and untrustworthy. Like his previous wife who forced him into an annulment.
Marget enters marriage with an open heart, prepared to be a good courtier's wife. But the demands of a courtier turn out to be . . . everything that Marget is not. Beauty, constancy, love--they are all shunned at court.
For success, she learns that she must cover her face in ceruse paint and dye her hair until it begins to fall out. And if she truly wants to help her husband succeed, she must give the impression she will betray him.
But deep down, Marget knows she is a failure. She suffers from a constant heart.
A Constant Heart is an intriguing look at the life of a courtier. I have read a lot of books about the reign of Queen Elizabeth; but this one and Marget--I think--will stick with me. Rich in historical detail, well-written, and a very different slant on court life. The greater message is reminiscent of the very first Siri Mitchell book I ever read, She Walks in Beauty, yet in a completely different era. A Constant Heart allows you to see the world from a rare cultural viewpoint through Marget's eyes. Well done.
Lytham wasn't prepared for that. He married her for her dowry--to save the estate in which he was born. But she wasn't supposed to be pretty. For Lytham, pretty means inconstant and untrustworthy. Like his previous wife who forced him into an annulment.
Marget enters marriage with an open heart, prepared to be a good courtier's wife. But the demands of a courtier turn out to be . . . everything that Marget is not. Beauty, constancy, love--they are all shunned at court.
For success, she learns that she must cover her face in ceruse paint and dye her hair until it begins to fall out. And if she truly wants to help her husband succeed, she must give the impression she will betray him.
But deep down, Marget knows she is a failure. She suffers from a constant heart.
A Constant Heart is an intriguing look at the life of a courtier. I have read a lot of books about the reign of Queen Elizabeth; but this one and Marget--I think--will stick with me. Rich in historical detail, well-written, and a very different slant on court life. The greater message is reminiscent of the very first Siri Mitchell book I ever read, She Walks in Beauty, yet in a completely different era. A Constant Heart allows you to see the world from a rare cultural viewpoint through Marget's eyes. Well done.
September 13, 2016
AAAAAAH MY FEELINGS ARE SO MIXED UP HOW CAN I EVER DECIDE ON THE RATING OR WHAT TO WRITE IN THIS REVIEW OR ANYTHING?!?!?!
I guess I'll just go with 4 stars. I mean, in some ways it's a five star book, but in others it's a three, so ... there you go.
Okay, let's see ... rushed ending. No epilogue (what the what? How do I know if? ... and if? ... etc.) The rest of the story was pretty good.
The content is probably not best for younger teens. In fact, I'd maybe say "PG-13" would be a good rating for this book because of sexual content. However, it wasn't the kind of sexual content that bugs me a lot. I know that sounds weird ... but what I mean is, they didn't describe kisses or anything else in detail. In fact, they didn't really describe it at all. But ... guys, it's the Elizabethan era. If you've studied it, it's just so immoral! So yeah. I was prepared for that, though, and wasn't too surprised. I think it was handle relatively tastefully while still staying true to the era.
Anyway, the historical research seemed pretty impeccable to me. I really got immersed in the era. I just finished studying it for school, actually. :)
So. Loved the characters. Although they were so stubborn. Usually their back-and-forth-ness didn't last too long, though.
I'll probably write a review that makes more sense sooner or later, but not now. I'm still too emotionally involved ... should have listened to Lady d'Winter. XD
Read my full review here.
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews
I guess I'll just go with 4 stars. I mean, in some ways it's a five star book, but in others it's a three, so ... there you go.
Okay, let's see ... rushed ending. No epilogue (what the what? How do I know if? ... and if? ... etc.) The rest of the story was pretty good.
The content is probably not best for younger teens. In fact, I'd maybe say "PG-13" would be a good rating for this book because of sexual content. However, it wasn't the kind of sexual content that bugs me a lot. I know that sounds weird ... but what I mean is, they didn't describe kisses or anything else in detail. In fact, they didn't really describe it at all. But ... guys, it's the Elizabethan era. If you've studied it, it's just so immoral! So yeah. I was prepared for that, though, and wasn't too surprised. I think it was handle relatively tastefully while still staying true to the era.
Anyway, the historical research seemed pretty impeccable to me. I really got immersed in the era. I just finished studying it for school, actually. :)
So. Loved the characters. Although they were so stubborn. Usually their back-and-forth-ness didn't last too long, though.
I'll probably write a review that makes more sense sooner or later, but not now. I'm still too emotionally involved ... should have listened to Lady d'Winter. XD
Read my full review here.
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews
did-not-finish
July 18, 2018 This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
6/8/2015-
“Stopped at page 90. sigh I loved “Like a Flower in Bloom”, but I can’t say I’ve enjoyed all the books by this author. I knew their would be some Sexual content due to the time period, however this was more than I was expecting (due to it being an arranged marriage) and it’s being marked DNF for me,”
6/8/2015-
“Stopped at page 90. sigh I loved “Like a Flower in Bloom”, but I can’t say I’ve enjoyed all the books by this author. I knew their would be some Sexual content due to the time period, however this was more than I was expecting (due to it being an arranged marriage) and it’s being marked DNF for me,”
February 10, 2011
The beginning of this story was intriguing. It had the Other Boleyn Girl mixed with Pride and Prejudice versus Anna Karenina thing going on, then all of the sudden just started really being depressing. Her losing so many babies, the flood, the queen, the effects of the "painting" with mercury & lead, and of course the diseases and epidemic breakouts. I questioned why Marget was doing all of this for Lytham and not even asking him about if what she was doing would help or hinder his career as a courtier. One would have thought that might have been the first thing to do. I like Mitchells writing style, it was the content that I had issues with. She seems to be consistent and knowledgeable about this time period, and that I appreciate to the point that you really felt like you were there. She did her homework. But I have never heard of people only allowed to be in love with the queen and cannot have an actual relationship other than child producing for a marriage. What a sad world to be a part of. None of them had jobs, they sat around knitting, gossiping, eating, drinking, dancing and the like. God was not a part of these peoples worlds, He was mentioned in a passing sort of way. Not having a personal relationship with Him. He was treated as a genie or Santa Clause type. The details about Lytham’s child with Elnior was also not finished. Was this the heir that was to be? Or were Marget and Lytham going to have their own child? As I didn’t feel that we ever really knew if this was a child produced by the affairs that de Winter “made” Elinor have. Like I said, the beginning was so good, I just really wanted this to get better and it just keeps getting worse! I don’t think I would recommend this to anyone, unless you need some more misery in your life. I read to get away from my life, not read about it! The only thing I would like to do is have someone just read it, me not tainting their view and corrupting their feelings. Really glad I got from the library and not wasted my money on purchasing. As I don’t think I would ever read it again, it was just that miserable!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2013
This was my first Siri Mitchell book. I'd seen her name numerous times and wanted to give her a try.
The book was really interesting to me - while the characters were frustrating at times (WHY could that girl not mature a little faster and WHY was her husband so stubborn) ... the setting and historical details were spot-on.
I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in the Elizabethan era, and I'd also recommend it to any teachers out there who teach Shakespeare.
The book was really interesting to me - while the characters were frustrating at times (WHY could that girl not mature a little faster and WHY was her husband so stubborn) ... the setting and historical details were spot-on.
I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in the Elizabethan era, and I'd also recommend it to any teachers out there who teach Shakespeare.
October 11, 2008
About the book:
Born with the face of an angel, Marget Barnardsen is blessed. Her father is a knight and now she is to be married to the Earl of Lytham. Her destiny is guaranteed...at least, it would seem so. But when her introduction to court goes awry and Queen Elizabeth despises her, Marget fears she's lost her husband forever. Desperate to win him back, she'll do whatever it takes to discover how she failed and capture the love of a man bound to the queen.
My review:
First, let me say that the cover is the most beautiful historical fiction cover I have ever seen. Second, I don't recommend reading this book if there are a lot of distractions. To get the full effect of the author's voice and the setting you need to be in a place where your concentration is not easily broken. Do this and you'll get sucked right in. I had to set aside blocks of time read to this book because it's not the kind where you can just read a page here and there. Once I got a chance to really read it, I became distressed that I had to wait to finish it. But life gets busy. At any rate, this book kept calling me to read it and that rarely happens to me with books, which is why I gave it five + stars.
Siri writes real thoughts and real life. The ugliness of that time...black plague, people being quartered and beheaded, etc. was not glossed over, nor was it written for shock value. It was simply told truthfully and that made the setting feel more real to me. Someone mentioned there being less content about God and faith than in secular novels. I disagree. I saw more content with a spiritual thread than is even found in some CBA fiction. However, the content was limited to the era and thus constrained by the culture. To write a viewpoint much different from how Siri wrote it, well, that would not have worked and would have blow the author's credibility. She had to show the way it really was.
I found this story very romantic as well. At first I wanted to smack Lytham around, but Siri redeemed him well. He became quite the hero, but was still flawed. Some of the marital conflict was hilarious and overall quite entertaining. I could feel their emotion and it was fabulously written. The love scenes were realistic, too, but tastefully done.
I despised the older woman who was continually advising Marget. And what happened with Lytham's former wife was simply tragic. Marget was innocent and the advice given nearly ruined her. The grieving she experienced was so real to me that I cried for Marget several times. It wasn't a heavy, lingering feeling from her pain, though, because I had not experienced the same thing. But I could identify with her. And like in the story about the Titanic, where you know the ship will sink, I kept reading with the anxious feeling of knowing that the cosmetics were poisoning her and I couldn't stop her from returning to court. I totally bought into the tension in this story.
Siri always makes me think about our culture and other cultures when she writes. I could see how women over the centuries have done just about anything to look beautiful. I found that concept fascinating and told many people about this story because of it. What a great premise! I'd always wondered why courtiers had such a high rate of infertility. If you wanted to be a mother, chances were better if you stayed far away from the queen and her court.
I also found the portrayal of Queen Elizabeth to be very well done. There was so much richness and depth to this story, I could go on for hours. But in short, the definition of love and faithfulness is explored in detail in A Constant Heart, and the way the author showed the many different perspectives was nothing short of brilliant. If you love realistic historical fiction that is honest and contains some edgy content, you'll want to devour this book!”
Born with the face of an angel, Marget Barnardsen is blessed. Her father is a knight and now she is to be married to the Earl of Lytham. Her destiny is guaranteed...at least, it would seem so. But when her introduction to court goes awry and Queen Elizabeth despises her, Marget fears she's lost her husband forever. Desperate to win him back, she'll do whatever it takes to discover how she failed and capture the love of a man bound to the queen.
My review:
First, let me say that the cover is the most beautiful historical fiction cover I have ever seen. Second, I don't recommend reading this book if there are a lot of distractions. To get the full effect of the author's voice and the setting you need to be in a place where your concentration is not easily broken. Do this and you'll get sucked right in. I had to set aside blocks of time read to this book because it's not the kind where you can just read a page here and there. Once I got a chance to really read it, I became distressed that I had to wait to finish it. But life gets busy. At any rate, this book kept calling me to read it and that rarely happens to me with books, which is why I gave it five + stars.
Siri writes real thoughts and real life. The ugliness of that time...black plague, people being quartered and beheaded, etc. was not glossed over, nor was it written for shock value. It was simply told truthfully and that made the setting feel more real to me. Someone mentioned there being less content about God and faith than in secular novels. I disagree. I saw more content with a spiritual thread than is even found in some CBA fiction. However, the content was limited to the era and thus constrained by the culture. To write a viewpoint much different from how Siri wrote it, well, that would not have worked and would have blow the author's credibility. She had to show the way it really was.
I found this story very romantic as well. At first I wanted to smack Lytham around, but Siri redeemed him well. He became quite the hero, but was still flawed. Some of the marital conflict was hilarious and overall quite entertaining. I could feel their emotion and it was fabulously written. The love scenes were realistic, too, but tastefully done.
I despised the older woman who was continually advising Marget. And what happened with Lytham's former wife was simply tragic. Marget was innocent and the advice given nearly ruined her. The grieving she experienced was so real to me that I cried for Marget several times. It wasn't a heavy, lingering feeling from her pain, though, because I had not experienced the same thing. But I could identify with her. And like in the story about the Titanic, where you know the ship will sink, I kept reading with the anxious feeling of knowing that the cosmetics were poisoning her and I couldn't stop her from returning to court. I totally bought into the tension in this story.
Siri always makes me think about our culture and other cultures when she writes. I could see how women over the centuries have done just about anything to look beautiful. I found that concept fascinating and told many people about this story because of it. What a great premise! I'd always wondered why courtiers had such a high rate of infertility. If you wanted to be a mother, chances were better if you stayed far away from the queen and her court.
I also found the portrayal of Queen Elizabeth to be very well done. There was so much richness and depth to this story, I could go on for hours. But in short, the definition of love and faithfulness is explored in detail in A Constant Heart, and the way the author showed the many different perspectives was nothing short of brilliant. If you love realistic historical fiction that is honest and contains some edgy content, you'll want to devour this book!”
September 21, 2013
This authentic story set in the court of Queen Elizabeth I shows up this era as one of the most undesirable times to be alive, not just for destitute peasants but for the gentry too. Marget, the daughter of a knight, finds herself in an arranged marriage with the Earl of Lytham. I found it heartbreaking to see her coerced into doing things as fashionable society dictated, to her detriment and harm. She was just a good-intentioned, kind-hearted girl compelled to ruin her spirits and health in the name of fashion, beauty and being accepted. The worst part was, it didn't take much reading between the lines to deduce that the lead based, pale face paint was responsible for the death of her three babies. I would have loved to have seen her carry a healthy one to full term at the end of the story, when they'd left the courtiers' lifestyle behind, but we're left to imagine that this might have been the case.
As for Lytham, I couldn't stand him for the first third of the book, but then he began to grow on me. I reminded myself that he was a product of his times. We can't judge people from past times with our 21st century mindsets. All that kowtowing to the queen was intended to keep him from being taken to the Tower, among other things. I did admire the way he knew that he finally had to turn his back on all that he'd been taught to hold important. And he must have been a hot guy, by Elizabethan standards, as it turned out three women were madly in love with him.
Queen Elizabeth was not portrayed in a very flattering light, but she still seemed like a reasonable person compared to Lady de Winter, who was a real piece of work. In fact, she'd have to be up there among the most evil literary villainesses for me. I did like Joan, and was glad Marget had her to lean on.
I had a few issues with the story. After the rocky start of their marriage, the main couple suddenly fell deeply in love without any apparent reason. Like other reviewers, I honestly couldn't see anything either of them had done to explain the sudden change. And also, the frequent first person point of view changes stopped the flow. It meant that we often had to read a few paragraphs to figure out whether we were in Marget's head or Lytham's.
But on the whole, if you're looking for a romance set in the times of Shakespeare, this may very well fit the bill.
As for Lytham, I couldn't stand him for the first third of the book, but then he began to grow on me. I reminded myself that he was a product of his times. We can't judge people from past times with our 21st century mindsets. All that kowtowing to the queen was intended to keep him from being taken to the Tower, among other things. I did admire the way he knew that he finally had to turn his back on all that he'd been taught to hold important. And he must have been a hot guy, by Elizabethan standards, as it turned out three women were madly in love with him.
Queen Elizabeth was not portrayed in a very flattering light, but she still seemed like a reasonable person compared to Lady de Winter, who was a real piece of work. In fact, she'd have to be up there among the most evil literary villainesses for me. I did like Joan, and was glad Marget had her to lean on.
I had a few issues with the story. After the rocky start of their marriage, the main couple suddenly fell deeply in love without any apparent reason. Like other reviewers, I honestly couldn't see anything either of them had done to explain the sudden change. And also, the frequent first person point of view changes stopped the flow. It meant that we often had to read a few paragraphs to figure out whether we were in Marget's head or Lytham's.
But on the whole, if you're looking for a romance set in the times of Shakespeare, this may very well fit the bill.
September 12, 2010
This book started out really good! It caught my attention quickly, but I lost it just as quickly about half way through it. I kept wondering if Lytham & Margret would ever truly trust & love eachother. I understand that they didn't meet till their wedding day, but it felt like it went from the guarded, not really liking eachother to a passionate love that they had to hide overnight. I didn't like reading that they had to hide the fact that they were in love for fear that the queen would lock them up. I understand that all the painting of the face & hair dying that ladies did to themselves caused serious health problems, but I got tired of hearing that she lost yet another baby. There was so much focus on her trying to produce an heir for her husband and then it never said if she ever did have a baby that lived. That annoyed me too. Then, you find out about all the horrible stuff that happened to her friend when they were younger. It felt like the number of words required for the book hadn't been met yet, so let's throw in that her friend's dad would sell her as a prostitute to men that came around. Didn't need to know that one... Basically, I finished the book to see how it ended, but I had to force myself to keep reading. By the time I was done, I was bored & very annoyed with the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2011
I almost think one needs a constant heart to finish "A Constant Heart" - not because it's poorly written but because it's so well written and there is so much angst that it was hard for me to read it straight through. The characters were so believable that you could feel their pain, their struggle, their demise, there frustrations... I wish the end had been extended a bit so we could see a bit more happiness without the constant struggles of the court they escaped. Just one more short little chapter showing how their lives ended up happy would have been nice after suffering through all the anxiety. Of course, maybe Siri plans a sequel and didn't feel she could give us more info. After all, there was a war going on, so maybe there wasn't much happiness or freedom of anxiety to be had.
Would I read a sequel? I don't know if I could endure another angst ridden book, but I might out of curiousity. But, like I said, GREAT job on the characters! Great job on making it seem so real! It was a truly well written book!!!
I would definately read another of Siri's books in a different time period!
Would I read a sequel? I don't know if I could endure another angst ridden book, but I might out of curiousity. But, like I said, GREAT job on the characters! Great job on making it seem so real! It was a truly well written book!!!
I would definately read another of Siri's books in a different time period!
November 24, 2015
Siri Mitchell is one of those spectacular authors with well-written, well-researched stories. For the historical information, I love her books... She captures what it was like to live in whatever period of time she is writing about. As in A Constant Heart, I learned what it was like in Queen Elizabeth's court... and was completely appalled. I can't believe women would paint their faces white and friz their hair (in other words, destroy their beauty) to fit in with the court!
This story was very heart-rending for me... I kept saying in my head, "No... no! Don't do that!"
In the end, you know things are going to change for the good for the characters, but it doesn't elaborate on it. -It isn't quite a happy air, so that is a disappointment in A Constant Heart.
But, it was a very interesting book, and stirred up my "righteous" anger. ;) :)
This story was very heart-rending for me... I kept saying in my head, "No... no! Don't do that!"
In the end, you know things are going to change for the good for the characters, but it doesn't elaborate on it. -It isn't quite a happy air, so that is a disappointment in A Constant Heart.
But, it was a very interesting book, and stirred up my "righteous" anger. ;) :)
September 9, 2020
absolutely splendid..do read..as usual she writes a heartwarming page turner..
May 28, 2013
I'm still muddling my way through this book, trying to make sense of it and trying my hardest to understand and enjoy it. I am a major fan of historical fiction, and an even bigger fan of arranged marriage/romance budding from hate, so this book seemed at first glance to be ideal. And while we do have these aspects very thoroughly examined in this novel, I have just found it to be an overall drag to read. The characters lack any real depth; the viewpoint changes entirely too much and without enough indication for the fact that we have two first person perspectives taking place; and some of the details simply rub me the wrong way.
Firstly, some of the history is beautifully accurate. Descriptions of clothing and decor and architecture were spot on and the stylistic language often brought a smile to my lips. I could really believe that I was seated in the late sixteenth century during my journey through this book. However, the characterization of Queen Elizabeth I as nothing more than a vain and vengeful woman who demanded all of the love and adoration of her entire court wholly directed upon her own person on threat of death made me absolutely livid. Yes, I will agree that during the later years of her reign, there was a movement amongst her courtiers to emulate her style of painted face and red hairs so as to keep up the appearance from her younger days of having been a strikingly beautiful woman, but I have never found any indication in my own studies that this was something she had decreed herself. I was upset on every occasion of the characters being in her presence or making mention of her because the portrayal of her in this story really belittled her entire tenure as a great queen.
Secondly, the characters themselves were so flat and dull, and it really did not improve as I had hoped throughout the reading of the story. (Spoilers)The Earl of Lytham agreed to marry a knight's daughter, sight unseen, because he was in need of the money to reclaim his family estate. But then upon meeting her for the first time and realizing what a beauty she was, he immediately hated her and determined to distance himself from her completely. Simply for the fact that his first wife, also a beautiful woman, had cheated on him; betrayed him and embarrassed him. And while I can understand him holding a resentment about that fact, and even being wary of beautiful women, the extent to which he carried his hatred towards Marget undeservedly was just ridiculous. And for Marget's part, her first impression of this man is to see him glaring angrily at her and getting himself away from her at every opportunity that he can and her only thought is "What have I done wrong and how can I fix it?". She desperately thinks only to please him and only to be acceptable in his eyes with little thought to her own desires and making herself happy with her own self. Also understandable in part, both for the time period and for Marget's characterization as a timid woman, and yet it was expounded upon to such a degree that it just came across as unbelievable and contrived.
And then it seemed that the relationship between them developed out of the blue. Marget brings to Lytham a couple of pieces of information that she has picked up around court and all of a sudden he realizes that she has worth as a person on her own, aside from her resemblance to the other woman who has wronged him (which, by the way, is mentioned entirely too often, even after the two of them come to a resolution about their own feelings). He makes his apology to her by way of a love salad, something I have not encountered in my years of reading, and then they steal away and for the first time have a conversation about their own thoughts and desires about each other. He takes her to bed that night and all seems roses and butterflies until Lady de Winter, who has been advising Marget very meddlingly all this time, tells her that she must not fall in love with the earl or she will surely be sending him to his death as no one must possess love for anyone other than the queen. And we know my feelings on that subject. But of course, Marget takes this to heart and closes herself off from the earl once more, throwing a hitch into their growing relationship that just does not need to be there.
I have yet to read beyond this point (still struggling), but from all of the reviews that I have read, the relationship continues in this up-and-down manner from this point on, with the smallest thing rising up to tear them apart. So for all of the enjoyment I get from reading a period piece like this one, I am forever plagued by mediocre characters and contrived plot points that do absolutely nothing to keep the story flowing in a desirable manner.
*Update*
I have at long last finished this story. I am sad to say that it met my every expectation of not improving. Normally when I finish a story I am compelled to sit quietly with the closed book still in my hands to mull over what I have read, thinking back on what I liked about the reading and absorbing it all. I did not get that with this book. I was relieved to be finished with it. It was exhausting. Throughout the whole of it I still struggled to know when the perspective had switched between Marget and Lytham. I still lamented that their characters had not developed from the single basic motivation that had driven them from the very start of the story. Their relationship went through so many ups and downs that did not feel at all natural, even given the environment into which they were placed that would make a relationship difficult to nurture. It just seemed that they were always looking for reasons to not be in love with each other, even though they both knew and had discussed that it is what they wanted. And Queen Elizabeth still through it all remained petty and vain, much to my distaste. It is one thing for her to disapprove of the marriages of her favourites at court, but Lytham did not even number among those, and yet she still made disparaging remarks about Marget, even once refusing to allow her to dance because she stumbled at the end of a turn with Lytham. And then Lytham sends her away after Lady de Winter's advice takes a particular turn to put Marget especially in disfavour. Because heaven forbid a courtier buy a new dress that is "too pretty". Because somehow, even in disfavour, Marget is still some sort of competition to the Queen. And even after all of that, the ending was so anti-climactic. Lytham just suddenly realizes that he's never going to get back into favour that he never really had in the first place, so he requests to be sent abroad with his wife. That is granted after some hem-hawing by the Queen, because she's so disappointed with his inability to love only her (gag). But then Lady de Winter swoops in again. And even though Marget by now understands that her meddling was never meant kindly and she had always been trying to get Marget out of the picture, she follows her advice yet again and decides to run back home to her father. There's a change of minds on the road, a missing of each other by the hairs of their chinny-chin-chins, and then by happy luck of forgetfulness they at last cross paths and both have revelations about how stupid they have been and how much happier they will be away from court and we move to Polonia to be happily ever after. It's just one contrived plot point after another. Nothing felt natural and I'm not even really sure how much time passed within the story. Enough time for a few children who did not live and at least one miscarriage, but that is the strongest measure by which I have to gauge. Five years? Six? And still they dance around each other like a pair of middle-schoolers who don't quite understand love. Marget came across as rather foolish by the way she let her feelings and the advice of Lady de Winter sway her even away from her own better judgement, and Lytham came across as very thoroughly self-centered as he tried harder to keep his place in the Queen's circle than in his own marriage. And I didn't even see a real resolution to either one of those things. They just both gave up, declaring that they were never going to have things exactly as they wanted them so, oh well, we might as well be happy just living a simple life with each other. Which is what we both wanted all along, but somehow isn't..... I don't even know. So vague and so contrived. At least the atmosphere was admirable.
Firstly, some of the history is beautifully accurate. Descriptions of clothing and decor and architecture were spot on and the stylistic language often brought a smile to my lips. I could really believe that I was seated in the late sixteenth century during my journey through this book. However, the characterization of Queen Elizabeth I as nothing more than a vain and vengeful woman who demanded all of the love and adoration of her entire court wholly directed upon her own person on threat of death made me absolutely livid. Yes, I will agree that during the later years of her reign, there was a movement amongst her courtiers to emulate her style of painted face and red hairs so as to keep up the appearance from her younger days of having been a strikingly beautiful woman, but I have never found any indication in my own studies that this was something she had decreed herself. I was upset on every occasion of the characters being in her presence or making mention of her because the portrayal of her in this story really belittled her entire tenure as a great queen.
Secondly, the characters themselves were so flat and dull, and it really did not improve as I had hoped throughout the reading of the story. (Spoilers)The Earl of Lytham agreed to marry a knight's daughter, sight unseen, because he was in need of the money to reclaim his family estate. But then upon meeting her for the first time and realizing what a beauty she was, he immediately hated her and determined to distance himself from her completely. Simply for the fact that his first wife, also a beautiful woman, had cheated on him; betrayed him and embarrassed him. And while I can understand him holding a resentment about that fact, and even being wary of beautiful women, the extent to which he carried his hatred towards Marget undeservedly was just ridiculous. And for Marget's part, her first impression of this man is to see him glaring angrily at her and getting himself away from her at every opportunity that he can and her only thought is "What have I done wrong and how can I fix it?". She desperately thinks only to please him and only to be acceptable in his eyes with little thought to her own desires and making herself happy with her own self. Also understandable in part, both for the time period and for Marget's characterization as a timid woman, and yet it was expounded upon to such a degree that it just came across as unbelievable and contrived.
And then it seemed that the relationship between them developed out of the blue. Marget brings to Lytham a couple of pieces of information that she has picked up around court and all of a sudden he realizes that she has worth as a person on her own, aside from her resemblance to the other woman who has wronged him (which, by the way, is mentioned entirely too often, even after the two of them come to a resolution about their own feelings). He makes his apology to her by way of a love salad, something I have not encountered in my years of reading, and then they steal away and for the first time have a conversation about their own thoughts and desires about each other. He takes her to bed that night and all seems roses and butterflies until Lady de Winter, who has been advising Marget very meddlingly all this time, tells her that she must not fall in love with the earl or she will surely be sending him to his death as no one must possess love for anyone other than the queen. And we know my feelings on that subject. But of course, Marget takes this to heart and closes herself off from the earl once more, throwing a hitch into their growing relationship that just does not need to be there.
I have yet to read beyond this point (still struggling), but from all of the reviews that I have read, the relationship continues in this up-and-down manner from this point on, with the smallest thing rising up to tear them apart. So for all of the enjoyment I get from reading a period piece like this one, I am forever plagued by mediocre characters and contrived plot points that do absolutely nothing to keep the story flowing in a desirable manner.
*Update*
I have at long last finished this story. I am sad to say that it met my every expectation of not improving. Normally when I finish a story I am compelled to sit quietly with the closed book still in my hands to mull over what I have read, thinking back on what I liked about the reading and absorbing it all. I did not get that with this book. I was relieved to be finished with it. It was exhausting. Throughout the whole of it I still struggled to know when the perspective had switched between Marget and Lytham. I still lamented that their characters had not developed from the single basic motivation that had driven them from the very start of the story. Their relationship went through so many ups and downs that did not feel at all natural, even given the environment into which they were placed that would make a relationship difficult to nurture. It just seemed that they were always looking for reasons to not be in love with each other, even though they both knew and had discussed that it is what they wanted. And Queen Elizabeth still through it all remained petty and vain, much to my distaste. It is one thing for her to disapprove of the marriages of her favourites at court, but Lytham did not even number among those, and yet she still made disparaging remarks about Marget, even once refusing to allow her to dance because she stumbled at the end of a turn with Lytham. And then Lytham sends her away after Lady de Winter's advice takes a particular turn to put Marget especially in disfavour. Because heaven forbid a courtier buy a new dress that is "too pretty". Because somehow, even in disfavour, Marget is still some sort of competition to the Queen. And even after all of that, the ending was so anti-climactic. Lytham just suddenly realizes that he's never going to get back into favour that he never really had in the first place, so he requests to be sent abroad with his wife. That is granted after some hem-hawing by the Queen, because she's so disappointed with his inability to love only her (gag). But then Lady de Winter swoops in again. And even though Marget by now understands that her meddling was never meant kindly and she had always been trying to get Marget out of the picture, she follows her advice yet again and decides to run back home to her father. There's a change of minds on the road, a missing of each other by the hairs of their chinny-chin-chins, and then by happy luck of forgetfulness they at last cross paths and both have revelations about how stupid they have been and how much happier they will be away from court and we move to Polonia to be happily ever after. It's just one contrived plot point after another. Nothing felt natural and I'm not even really sure how much time passed within the story. Enough time for a few children who did not live and at least one miscarriage, but that is the strongest measure by which I have to gauge. Five years? Six? And still they dance around each other like a pair of middle-schoolers who don't quite understand love. Marget came across as rather foolish by the way she let her feelings and the advice of Lady de Winter sway her even away from her own better judgement, and Lytham came across as very thoroughly self-centered as he tried harder to keep his place in the Queen's circle than in his own marriage. And I didn't even see a real resolution to either one of those things. They just both gave up, declaring that they were never going to have things exactly as they wanted them so, oh well, we might as well be happy just living a simple life with each other. Which is what we both wanted all along, but somehow isn't..... I don't even know. So vague and so contrived. At least the atmosphere was admirable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2013
Marget Barnardsen is blessed, she is beautiful, and her father is a knight. At 17, she to be married to the Earl of Lytham, and she will be a countess. She seems destined to live a happy life. But her introduction to court and to Queen Elizabeth goes awry, the Queen clearly despises her. Now Marget fears losing her husband forever. Desperate to win him back, she does what she feels she has to do in order to keep in, and to fit in at court in order to help him gain the Queen's favor, even if that means she has to pretend to be somebody she is not.
This was a very enjoyable read, and the author went into great detail about what it was like to be a part of Queen Elizabeth's court. Hiding beneath what seemed to be a glamorous life, there was a dark side. Courtiers were expected to marry for wealth, position, and for heirs, not for love; they were expected to put their love for the Queen above all else, even their own spouses.
One of the themes throughout the whole story was about beauty, and what was considered to be beautiful if you moved among the circles of the royalty and nobility. It was interesting, and horrifying, to read about what women did to their faces and hair, all to please the Queen so that they could help their husbands succeed. They made their faces pale with a white makeup called ceruse, which was made out of lead; even when they knew the health risks associated with it - which included graying and tightening of the skin, loss of teeth, tremors and miscarriages, they did it because they felt they had no other choice. (Not surprisingly, many of the women in her court where childless). They also used caustic chemicals to dye their hair red; eventually, the hair would fall out, and then they would wear wigs.
Sadly, there are still many women today willing to put their health in jeopardy for what they believe is beautiful, things such as using tanning beds, wearing too high of heels too often and ruining their feet, and overdoing it on plastic surgeries.
This was a very enjoyable read, and the author went into great detail about what it was like to be a part of Queen Elizabeth's court. Hiding beneath what seemed to be a glamorous life, there was a dark side. Courtiers were expected to marry for wealth, position, and for heirs, not for love; they were expected to put their love for the Queen above all else, even their own spouses.
One of the themes throughout the whole story was about beauty, and what was considered to be beautiful if you moved among the circles of the royalty and nobility. It was interesting, and horrifying, to read about what women did to their faces and hair, all to please the Queen so that they could help their husbands succeed. They made their faces pale with a white makeup called ceruse, which was made out of lead; even when they knew the health risks associated with it - which included graying and tightening of the skin, loss of teeth, tremors and miscarriages, they did it because they felt they had no other choice. (Not surprisingly, many of the women in her court where childless). They also used caustic chemicals to dye their hair red; eventually, the hair would fall out, and then they would wear wigs.
Sadly, there are still many women today willing to put their health in jeopardy for what they believe is beautiful, things such as using tanning beds, wearing too high of heels too often and ruining their feet, and overdoing it on plastic surgeries.
June 6, 2010
Marget has trained to be a countess for twelve years, and her chance has come to put into practice all she has learned. She is to be married to the Earl of Lytham, who is a courtier to Queen Elizabeth. Marget saves her best friend, Joan, from an unwanted marriage and brings her to be a maid.
Lytham’s first marriage was annulled due to infidelity, so he automatically distrusts Marget, and acts as if he hates her. When Lytham brings her to meet the Queen, she is so jealous of her beauty that she calls Marget a gypsy. The story tells of how Marget tries to win the favor of her husband, the Queen, and the other ladies of the court.
Positives: I never liked history in school, but I love learning it through books. I was constantly looking up things and words I hadn’t heard before, so I learned a great deal from this book! That is always a positive for me. It was a very interesting read. I’m so glad not to have lived in this time period, and have been a wife that couldn’t be loved. It would have been horrible to watch my husband show so much affection and attention to another woman, and work so hard for exactly that to happen.
Negatives: I was expecting more of a story with Joan. I thought as the story went along, more of her life would be revealed. She’s there through the whole story, but through the middle, she’s just more of a side note. I was also hoping for more at the end. It left me wanting to know more, but I guess a lot is implied.
I definitely recommend this book.
Lytham’s first marriage was annulled due to infidelity, so he automatically distrusts Marget, and acts as if he hates her. When Lytham brings her to meet the Queen, she is so jealous of her beauty that she calls Marget a gypsy. The story tells of how Marget tries to win the favor of her husband, the Queen, and the other ladies of the court.
Positives: I never liked history in school, but I love learning it through books. I was constantly looking up things and words I hadn’t heard before, so I learned a great deal from this book! That is always a positive for me. It was a very interesting read. I’m so glad not to have lived in this time period, and have been a wife that couldn’t be loved. It would have been horrible to watch my husband show so much affection and attention to another woman, and work so hard for exactly that to happen.
Negatives: I was expecting more of a story with Joan. I thought as the story went along, more of her life would be revealed. She’s there through the whole story, but through the middle, she’s just more of a side note. I was also hoping for more at the end. It left me wanting to know more, but I guess a lot is implied.
I definitely recommend this book.
January 6, 2014
I really enjoy well written and researched historical novels. This is the first Elizabethan era novel I've read and it was a real introduction to that time period.
The back and forth relationship between the main characters was quite frustrating at times but the trials Marget and Lytham had to go through was a vivid portrait of courtier life during the English Renaissance.
The imitation of and devotion to the Queen was fantastic in its reverence. The painting of the face, the dyeing of the hair, the plucking of the eyebrows, the marring of true beauty so as not to be more beautiful than the Queen, the fact that the courtiers must worship the Queen over their wives, etc.
I suppose that's what they get for choosing to be courtiers, it was their job to please the Queen. Seems exhausting, dangerous and exorbitantly expensive. I'm afraid I used to romanticize Elizabeth I and her solo reign but I understand that she was actually a crazy B and it's totally expected being who she was when she was.
This was a decent free Nook book that historical romance buffs would enjoy. There were a few typos and structural weirdness.. I focused on the background more so than the relationship so I consider it more historical than romance for what it's worth.
The back and forth relationship between the main characters was quite frustrating at times but the trials Marget and Lytham had to go through was a vivid portrait of courtier life during the English Renaissance.
The imitation of and devotion to the Queen was fantastic in its reverence. The painting of the face, the dyeing of the hair, the plucking of the eyebrows, the marring of true beauty so as not to be more beautiful than the Queen, the fact that the courtiers must worship the Queen over their wives, etc.
I suppose that's what they get for choosing to be courtiers, it was their job to please the Queen. Seems exhausting, dangerous and exorbitantly expensive. I'm afraid I used to romanticize Elizabeth I and her solo reign but I understand that she was actually a crazy B and it's totally expected being who she was when she was.
This was a decent free Nook book that historical romance buffs would enjoy. There were a few typos and structural weirdness.. I focused on the background more so than the relationship so I consider it more historical than romance for what it's worth.
December 5, 2022
Painful read. My modern sensibilities balked at why a woman should so debase and disfigure herself in order to win the Queen’s affection and favor for her husband. This seemed a story both of spousal neglect and spousal abuse—all for the sake of vanity (reverse vanity??) and rank or position.
The depravity and immorality that flooded the pages were simply too much for me.
One thing I adored was the coded salad discussion. So creative!
I really wanted to love the aspects of a woman learning to please and help her husband and the husband learning to trust and love his wife, but the above-mentioned abuse prevented my enjoyment of those threads.
The final page was so beautiful but also felt a bit rushed. I would have loved to see that scene stretched out for at least two and half pages, to give me time to savor the beauty of it.
Content: derogatory terms, alchemist, taverns, sexual innuendo and overtones throughout, alcohol, expletives, gambling, mythology (goddesses held in esteem), numerous losses (of babies; includes miscarriages), graphic violence
The depravity and immorality that flooded the pages were simply too much for me.
One thing I adored was the coded salad discussion. So creative!
I really wanted to love the aspects of a woman learning to please and help her husband and the husband learning to trust and love his wife, but the above-mentioned abuse prevented my enjoyment of those threads.
The final page was so beautiful but also felt a bit rushed. I would have loved to see that scene stretched out for at least two and half pages, to give me time to savor the beauty of it.
Content: derogatory terms, alchemist, taverns, sexual innuendo and overtones throughout, alcohol, expletives, gambling, mythology (goddesses held in esteem), numerous losses (of babies; includes miscarriages), graphic violence
August 11, 2009
Started out strong, but then sputtered out. There was not much of a plot or character arc. I didn't see much reason why the characters fell in love. It's very meh all around. Only read this if you are a freak for Elizabethan court historical fiction.
Read Kissing Adrien instead. It's by the same author but you would never guess it. It's not historical fiction but it's a much better romance and a much better read in general.
Read Kissing Adrien instead. It's by the same author but you would never guess it. It's not historical fiction but it's a much better romance and a much better read in general.
December 21, 2010
This book had good qualities definetly a historical fiction on make-up, it just seemed slow. went on and on about the bad side of bing in court with the queen, but not in a light way. The point of the book seemed to be how all the women wore make up that was killing them and their unborn children. I thought it was depressing!
September 2, 2013
Best for ages 18 and up for marital themes.
This book was amazing! The historical details were both fascinating and accurate. There personal struggles of the characters were so heart tugging a real. A very good story.
This book was amazing! The historical details were both fascinating and accurate. There personal struggles of the characters were so heart tugging a real. A very good story.
January 17, 2013
Siri Mitchell continues to be one of my favorite historical fiction authors. This one is no exception to her long line of wonderful books. It's interesting, it's terribly sad and gripping and fascinating for a history fan.
February 9, 2014
Really enjoyed this one. Review to come
May 28, 2022
An enjoyable Regency romance that is a quick, easy read.
March 8, 2009
I think this is supposed to be a Christian historical fiction with a strong romance theme, but all it really shines at is giving a comprehensive historical look at court life under Queen Elizabeth I.
The main characters occasionally make a vague reference to God, but that's about it. God certainly doesn't impact their lives at all.
As for the romance, the 'hero' is self-centered, childish, ambitious, cruel, emotionally abusive of his wife, and a few other unflattering things. I was rooting for him to die, not for him to win the heroine's heart. His wife, the heroine, does act consistent to her age and upbringing, but eventually her gullibility and willingness to destroy herself for her husband was too much for me to stay sympathetic to her.
Also, there wasn't much depth to their relationship. One moment, husband and wife were hating and/or fearing the other. In the next, they were madly "in love" (though the hero was mainly falling in lust with her in the "but I just can't resist her even though reason says I shouldn't" fashion). Despite being madly "in love," they'd have a simple misunderstanding and immediately be back to square one. They fluctuated back and forth like this for years without building any trust or belief in the other.
An additional problem was that both character viewpoints were written in first person. There was very little indication when the viewpoint had switched, so I was often confused by the switch.
The book gives an excellent look at what life was like at the time, but this focus on the historical detail slows the pace of the story. There were many scenes that seemed to have been put in solely to illustrate something the author learned about the time period. These scenes didn't move the story forward and could have been cut without harming our understanding of what was going on in the story.
If you'd like to see what life was like at the time without reading a textbook, this book is a very good way to do that. However, while the writing itself was fine, I felt the book's characters, pacing, and plot could have been much stronger.
There is no explicit sex, and I don't recall any cussing. Overall, this book was "clean reading."
The main characters occasionally make a vague reference to God, but that's about it. God certainly doesn't impact their lives at all.
As for the romance, the 'hero' is self-centered, childish, ambitious, cruel, emotionally abusive of his wife, and a few other unflattering things. I was rooting for him to die, not for him to win the heroine's heart. His wife, the heroine, does act consistent to her age and upbringing, but eventually her gullibility and willingness to destroy herself for her husband was too much for me to stay sympathetic to her.
Also, there wasn't much depth to their relationship. One moment, husband and wife were hating and/or fearing the other. In the next, they were madly "in love" (though the hero was mainly falling in lust with her in the "but I just can't resist her even though reason says I shouldn't" fashion). Despite being madly "in love," they'd have a simple misunderstanding and immediately be back to square one. They fluctuated back and forth like this for years without building any trust or belief in the other.
An additional problem was that both character viewpoints were written in first person. There was very little indication when the viewpoint had switched, so I was often confused by the switch.
The book gives an excellent look at what life was like at the time, but this focus on the historical detail slows the pace of the story. There were many scenes that seemed to have been put in solely to illustrate something the author learned about the time period. These scenes didn't move the story forward and could have been cut without harming our understanding of what was going on in the story.
If you'd like to see what life was like at the time without reading a textbook, this book is a very good way to do that. However, while the writing itself was fine, I felt the book's characters, pacing, and plot could have been much stronger.
There is no explicit sex, and I don't recall any cussing. Overall, this book was "clean reading."
June 20, 2012
The earl of Lytham wants nothing more than to please the Queen and earn a good place in her court. But in 1590, Queen Elizabeth is not a woman whose favor is easily granted. Deciding to marry in order to use the dowry for improvements on his property, Lytham hopes for nothing more than that his new wife is homely and will not divide his attention away from the queen. On his wedding day he meets his bride and is beyond dismayed that she is a beautiful young thing, too much like his treacherous first wife had been.
Marget is a timid young woman who has trained all her life to be married to a courtier. She can't understand why her husband is keeping his distance. After a disastrous introduction at court, Marget has never felt more alone in her life. When Lady de Winter begins coming to her with advice, can Marget trust the older woman, or is she out for her own gain?
This story took off at a gallop but became harder and harder to read as it progressed. The relationship between Marget and Lytham was very inconsistent, and heartache after heartache leaves a reader weary of hoping a good ending is forthcoming. Towards the end of the book there was also a lot of background information given when it seemed least necessary, and the timeline seemed to get fuzzy. This was Mitchell's first historical release and now I understand what people mean in saying she has improved since 2008. Her more recent releases, A Heart Most Worthy and The Messenger, were both fantastic. I'll certainly be continuing to check out Mitchell's other releases, as she has a gift that I appreciate as a fan of historical fiction!
Due to marital faithfulness being one of the main topics of this novel, I would not recommend this for young readers.
This review originated at http://www.reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
Marget is a timid young woman who has trained all her life to be married to a courtier. She can't understand why her husband is keeping his distance. After a disastrous introduction at court, Marget has never felt more alone in her life. When Lady de Winter begins coming to her with advice, can Marget trust the older woman, or is she out for her own gain?
This story took off at a gallop but became harder and harder to read as it progressed. The relationship between Marget and Lytham was very inconsistent, and heartache after heartache leaves a reader weary of hoping a good ending is forthcoming. Towards the end of the book there was also a lot of background information given when it seemed least necessary, and the timeline seemed to get fuzzy. This was Mitchell's first historical release and now I understand what people mean in saying she has improved since 2008. Her more recent releases, A Heart Most Worthy and The Messenger, were both fantastic. I'll certainly be continuing to check out Mitchell's other releases, as she has a gift that I appreciate as a fan of historical fiction!
Due to marital faithfulness being one of the main topics of this novel, I would not recommend this for young readers.
This review originated at http://www.reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
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